1. travel
2. tourist facilities
3. hotel

The Digital Magazine for the International MICE Industry
March 2015
IN THIS EDITION
In:Focus
Madrid
In:Focus
The Philippines
In:Venue
Amsterdam RAI enhances its
exhibitions with the InnovationLAB
In:Centive
Festivals, Parades & Events:
Germany’s Living Traditions
In:Case
Meeting Place Berlin 2015 The German Capital Showcases
Itself
In:Country
South Africa
In:Search
Increased Focus On Total Cost
of Meetings and Trips
In:IMEX
inspiring industry education at
Exclusively Corporate
Image Copyright: Robo G. Formacion
Frankfurt
19–21 May 2015
How much do you
know about IMEX?
As the countdown to IMEX
2015 begins, take our quick
ck
1. How many people from
the international meetings
industry attended last
year’s IMEX?
A) Just under 5,000
B) Just under 10,000
C) Just under 15,000
2. Which of the following
subjects will be included
in IMEX 2015’s 10-track
education programme?
A) Marketing
B) Technology
C) Wellbeing
4.
Hosted Buyers
receive at IMEX?
A) Free travel and accommodation
B)
C) A friendly concierge service
5. Which destination held
a screaming contest on
their stand last year?
A) Mexico
B) Norway
C) Japan
3. How big is the company
behind the show?
A) Under 60 people
B) 60 –120 people
C) 120+ people
IMEX. A small, friendly
company hosting a big,
friendly event. Come and
join us 19–21 May 2015
in fabulous Frankfurt.
Register now for IMEX 2015
imex-frankfurt.com/register
imex-frankfurt.com
Call +44 (0)1273 227311
Email [email protected]
@imex_group
The worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.
Answers: 1. C 2. A,B&C 3. A 4. A,B&C 5. B
(They’re not as shy as we thought, obviously.)
MICE:destination
Publisher’s Note
Dear Reader!
It’s my pleasure to present the March edition of MICE:destination to you!
In this edition, our destinations In:Focus are on the city of Madrid and on The Philippines. The German capital Berlin will showcase
itself in June In:Case introduces Meeting Place Berlin 2015 to you, and In:Centive introduces Germans living traditions to you. Take a
look on both – you will be able to run extraordinary meetings and incentive programs in Germany.
In:Country introduces South Africa’s social and business customs and In:IMEX introduces the inspiring education programme of
Exclusively Corporate, taking place on Monday May 18. In:Show features an interview with Charo Trabado, General Manager of
G.S.A.R Marketing, the organizer of MITM Euromed taking place on May 6-8 in Calpe, Spain and an outlook on ITE & MICE, taking
place from 11-14 June in Hong Kong. In:Venue features Amsterdam RAI which enhances its exhibitions with the InnovationLAB –
don’t miss the article.
Your feedback about MICE:destination is very much appreciated - do you like the edition? Do you wish to share an experience with
our readers? Please don’t hesitate to contact us!
We hope you will enjoy MICE:destination. We are looking forward to bring May 2015 edition to you.
Sincerely Yours
Martina Warter
General Manager & Publisher
MICE Media Marketing
Content
In:Sight
Industry News
4
In:IMEX
Inspiring industry education at Exclusively Corporate @IMEX
7
In:Case
Meeting Place Berlin 2015 - The German Capital Showcases Itself
8
In:Focus
Madrid - Modern Facilities Blended with History
9
In:Focus
The Philipp ines - Vibrant Destination With Legendary Hospitality
19
In:Show
ITE & MICE Hong Kong 2015
30
In:Show
MITM Euromed Calpe, Spain - 6-8 May 2015 Trends, Developments and a Glance on the 19th edition of the Show
An Interview with Charo Trabado, General Manager of G.S.A.R Marketing
31
In:Country
South Africa
33
In: Venue
Amsterdam RAI Enhances its Exhibitions with the InnovationLAB
36
In:Centive
Festivals, Parades & Events: Germany’s Living Traditions
37
In:Search
Increased Focus On Total Cost of Meetings and Trips
38
In:VIP
VIP Contact Information
39
3 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
In:Sight
Asia Pacific
Australia: BESydney Welcomes AUS6 Million
Funding Boost
Business Events Sydney (BESydney) is delighted that the New
South Wales (NSW) Government would commit to providing the
company with an additional $6 million funding over the next four
years to help make Sydney the number one destination for major
events in the country.
The announcement comes off the back of last week’s NSW
Government commitment to provide an additional $123.35
million, a 25 per cent boost, to the sector. Of that, $73.25 million
will be allocated to making Sydney number one for major events
in Australia.
In 2014, business events contributed more than $224 million
in economic impact to the NSW economy from 78 previously
secured conferences, conventions and incentive events held in
Sydney. Over the past five years, events secured by BESydney
have delivered an economic impact of almost $1 billion to the
NSW and Australian economies.
“We have our sights firmly on the future and on securing
business for the new ICC Sydney. It’s now less than two years
before these world-class facilities will open their doors to the
world and we are looking forward to welcoming the thinkers,
discovers and leading global minds that will help to shape our
future,” concluded Ms Lewis-Smith.
Already, more than 20 events have chosen to hold their events
at ICC Sydney, including the International Bar Association Annual
Conference and the World Chambers Congress in 2017 and
Sibos and the World Congress of Accountants in 2018.
www.businesseventssydney.com.au
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Austria: 150 Years of Vienna’s Ringstrasse
From military grounds to showpiece boulevard: Vienna’s Ringstrasse
celebrates the 150th anniversary of its opening in 2015. The
largest construction project in Vienna’s history marked the capital’s
transformation from an imperial capital to a truly European
metropolis. Throughout the year the Ringstrasse provides the
backdrop for a diverse range of large-scale events that play out in
the buildings lining the boulevard and its squares and parks.
Cultural highlights include the world-famous New Year’s Concert
by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at the Musikverein,
4 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
the Music Film Festival on Rathausplatz in summer and live
opera broadcasts on the big screen outside the Vienna State
Opera. The focus turns to sport at the Argus Bike Festival cycle
show in April, and the Vienna City Marathon which finishes on
Heldenplatz. In September Vienna hosts the biggest prize in
equestrian sport when the Global Champions Tour comes to
Rathausplatz for the Vienna Masters.
Culinary specialties from local growers and producers are the
order of the day at the Genussfestival in Stadtpark in May,
while Modepalast at the MAK Austrian Museum of Applied Arts/
Contemporary Art showcases the latest fashions and fashionrelated products. At the same location, the Blickfang sales fair
puts the spotlight on design every October. From mid-November
onwards Christmas and Advent markets start to spring up at
locations throughout the city, including Rathausplatz, Karlsplatz
and Maria-Theresien-Platz, the square between the Natural
History Museum and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
The historic buildings lining the ‘Ring’ also host countless balls,
mainly during the season in January and February. Venues
include the Hofburg Palace, Vienna State Opera, Musikverein,
Konzerthaus and City Hall.
www.ringstrasse2015.info | www.b2b.vienna.info
UK: Wembley Stadium Achieves AIM
Accreditation
Wembley Stadium connected by EE, the largest stadium in the
United Kingdom and second largest in Europe, is the latest highprofile venue to become Accredited In Meetings (AIM) and join
the mia as venue members.
The stadium not only is the venue home to the England football
team but also host to a myriad of concerts, live events,
conferences, meetings, events and exhibitions. Wembley Stadium
boasts four main meeting and event spaces, The Bobby Moore
Room, The Great Hall, The Atrium and The Wembley Suite.
By achieving AIM, Wembley Stadium joins over 500 venues
and suppliers all of whom have met a rigorous set of agreed
standards and adhere to a strict code of practice which
demonstrates their excellence in terms of legal compliance,
ethical business operations, capability, quality of the facilities
and overall fitness for purpose.
AIM is the UK’s only nationally recognised quality standard
for the meetings, conferences and events industry. The
accreditation is endorsed by Visit Britain, Visit Wales, Meet
England, ABPCO, MPI and HBAA.
www.wembleystadium.com
In:Sight
Qatar: A Feast of Flavours At The Qatar
International Food Festival - March 24-28
Qatar, the Gulf nation quickly gaining a reputation as an exciting
foodie destination with a varied mix of world-class restaurants
and local eateries, will once again play host to the 2015 edition
of the Qatar International Food Festival on 24 to 28 March 2015.
This year’s event will take place in the spectacular setting of the
Museum of Islamic Art, overlooking Doha Bay.
Jointly hosted by Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways,
the highly popular Qatar International Food Festival brings
together the world’s great culinary traditions and legendary
Qatari hospitality across a long weekend of memorable alfresco
gastronomic experiences, family fun and entertainment.
Qatar has a host of excellent dining experiences waiting to
be explored. The country’s diverse gastronomy offerings, all
represented at the Festival, range from local dining at authentic
eateries in to the most sophisticated international dining. An
estimated 50 to 60 food stalls will provide visitors with a world
of gourmet delicacies and chefs from many of Doha’s top
restaurants will take part. Attractions are set to include live
cooking demonstrations, musical performances and a dedicated
5 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
family zone.
Qatar’s cuisine is a melting pot of influences from around the
world, whilst many locally grown foods, such as dates, sour
apples and fresh almonds are considered delicacies. Hotspots
for sampling traditional fare include Al Tawash Restaurant in
the Souq Waqif, a cultural dining experience in Katara Cultural
Village or delicious Middle Eastern cuisine at Al Mourjan
Restaurant which offers stunning views from the Corniche
across the bay.
For world-class international dining, highlights include IDAM at
the Museum of Islamic Art, Alain Ducasse’s first restaurant in
the Middle East. Nestled within the museum, top class dining
as well as spectacular views across Doha are on offer. Other
options are THREE SIXTY at the Torch Doha for sweeping views,
or fine dining in a relaxed setting at Opal by Gordon Ramsay at
the St Regis. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, it offers simple, fresh
and tasty dishes in a social dining environment.
For a trendy and contemporary vibe, young locals and expats
frequent the design-led W Hotel where restaurant offerings
include Spice Market, Market by Jean-Georges and La Spiga.
These high-end dining experiences are soon to be complimented
In:Sight
by the opening of the world’s biggest Nobu in Doha. The Four
Seasons Hotel Doha has partnered with Nobuyuki Matsuhisa
to open an outpost of the world renowned seafood and sushi
restaurant. Whilst keeping many of the brand’s signature dishes
such as yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, the menu at the
26,000sq foot restaurant will also feature new creations using
local ingredients such as exotic spices and the freshest seafood
from the Arabian Gulf, such as black-streaked monocle bream.
in Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala. The
times of the Lufthansa services are coordinated with Copa’s
connecting flights to allow passengers to transfer comfortably
at Tocumen Airport, Copa’s “Hub of the Americas”.
A Doha dining experience would be incomplete without
partaking in a relaxing Friday Brunch, an ever-increasing dining
experience where visitors can enjoy an opulent choice of
global cuisine, live entertainment and world-class hospitality.
Friday Brunch is now offered by many of the major hotels and
restaurants including The W Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, The St.
Regis and La Varenne Doha.
Mexico City: Centro Banamex confirmed to host
ICOMEX 2015 from 25 to 26 August 2015
www.qatartourism.gov.qa
Airline: Lufthansa To Fly To Panama For The First
Time
Lufthansa is further expanding its route network to South
America. Starting November 16, 2015, the airline will offer
year-round flights to Panama City for the first time, subject to
government approval.
An Airbus A340-300 aircraft will fly five times a week between
Frankfurt and the economic metropolis in Central America.
Flight LH 484 will take off from Frankfurt at 10.15 a.m. and
arrive in Panama by 4.40 p.m. (local time) after a flight time
of 12 hours and 25 minutes. The return flight LH 485 will
depart from Panama City in the early evening as a night flight
and land at Frankfurt Airport the following morning. On board,
passengers can expect to find Lufthansa’s usual high level
of comfort. A total of 298 seats will be available in Business,
Premium Economy and Economy Class, featuring the latest
cabin design in all classes: seats in the new Business Class
can be converted at the touch of a button into a comfortable
horizontal bed measuring 6.5 feet in length. In the new Premium
Economy Class, increased legroom and a greater seat pitch
await passengers. With the individual in-flight entertainment
system, a wide range of entertainment is offered for passengers
in all travel classes, as well as FlyNet, the wireless broadband
internet.
Lufthansa is also expanding its partnership with the Panamanian
airline Copa. In the future, Lufthansa passengers will be able to
easily reach an additional 50 destinations in Central and South
America and the Caribbean with the partner airline. The most
important travel destinations in Copa’s network include airports
6 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
www.lh.com
The Americas & The Caribbean
Reed Exhibitions have confirmed that ICOMEX (www.icomexmexico.com), the leading MICE event in Mexico and Latin
America, specialising in incentives, conferences and conventions
is set to change venues and this year’s event is set to take
place at the Centro Banamex in Mexico City.
The event, recently acquired by Reed Exhibitions, has become
the first trade show in Latin America for the ibtm events
portfolio (www.ibtmevents.com). The show will take on the
trusted values of the ibtm events portfolio; delivering a high
quality Hosted Buyer programme combined with networking and
education opportunities.
The new partnership which will combine both local and
international expertise, is set to deliver a platform where
key regional and international MICE (Meetings, Incentives,
Conventions and Exhibitions) suppliers will meet with a powerful
network of both regional and international buyers - for two
dedicated days of business, education and networking.
Upgrades, which have been made to the event for 2015 include
the addition of a number of new regional and international
destinations exhibiting and a revised education programme that
has been designed specifically to focus on participants’ needs.
www.icomex-mexico.com/front_content.php
Want to get your complimentary copy of
MICE:destination
first?
Click here to subscribe
to our distribution list.
In:IMEX
Internationally renowned experts lead packed programme of inspiring
industry education at E xclusively Corporate @IMEX
Corporate executives from across the world can expand their
knowledge of organising business meetings and events, as well as
meet industry experts and learn from and with their peers in an
exclusive and private setting at Exclusively Corporate@IMEX.
Taking place on Monday 18 May before IMEX in Frankfurt begins
(19 – 21 May), Exclusively Corporate is the dedicated education
and networking event specifically for corporate meeting and
event planners.
Kevin Kelly, internationally acclaimed motivational speaker
and authority on the success principles underpinning
entrepreneurship, leadership, sales and motivation, is set to
deliver the keynote address. In ‘How Xceptional execution
redefines innovation and enhances engagement’, he will explain
how the driving force behind many organisations’ successes is
often the exceptional execution of an ordinary idea.
The programme then is split into tracks focusing on
‘Engagement’ and ‘Technology & Negotiation’. Alongside these
education strands, senior corporate executives with more
than 10 years’ experience who manage meetings and event
programmes or departments have the opportunity to attend the
private Executive Meeting Forum.
What The Business Gurus Are Saying About Innovation and
Engagement is the first session in the Engagement track
delivered by Alan Jordan and Ron Immick from BookBuzz
followed by Innovation And Engagement In Destination Selection
by Gerard Brown, Head of Future Events at UBM Routes.
The Technology & Negotiation track, sponsored by London &
Partners, begins with Mike Dominguez, Senior Vice President
for Sales at MGM Resorts International, talking about
Understanding Your Negotiating Leverage In 2015 And Beyond.
LinkedIn expert and trainer Bert Verdonck then explains how to
Innovate By Using LinkedIn To Engage!
Taking place in the inspiring setting of the newly renovated
Kempinski Gravenbruch, Exclusively Corporate begins in style
with a ‘meet and greet’ dinner on the Sunday evening (17 May)
hosted by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, followed by a short
networking breakfast the following day sponsored by Dubai
Tourism. Following time to catch up on work or relax, the group
programme kicks back into action with Kevin Kelly’s keynote,
followed by a networking lunch and the tailored education
programme. The programme finishes with a networking dinner
7 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
Michelle Mone OBE, Exclusively Corporate @IMEX Keynote Address
hosted by London & Partners.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains:
“As an opportunity to exchange ideas, share expertise and best
practice in a truly private and dedicated setting, Exclusively
Corporate is unique for this audience. We’re set to welcome
some of the industry’s leading experts to share their insight and
experience in harnessing creativity and innovation to create
meetings and events with impact.
“Corporate executives continually tell us that having the
opportunity to learn with their peers from organisations across
the world in such a setting is truly valuable and sets up their
IMEX experience in an unmatched way.”
Only corporate meetings and events buyers, planners and
co-ordinators can attend Exclusively Corporate to ensure that
dialogue remains confidential. However, the chance to meet and
do business with suppliers soon follows when the IMEX show
itself opens on Tuesday 19 May.
One of the world’s foremost business leaders is set to deliver
the keynote speech at the opening ceremony at IMEX. Bill
McDermott, CEO of SAP, the world’s largest business software
company, believes passionately in the value and effectiveness
of meetings as a means to drive business growth and profit,
commenting: “Your industry is at the forefront of driving growth
in the global economy.”
For more details about Exclusively Corporate visit www.imexfrankfurt.com/events/education/exclusively-corporate-@imex
In:Case
Fr
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Hanover
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Dortmund
Essen
Düsseldorf
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Halle
Kassel
Cologne
Aachen
SAXONY
Leipzig
Erfurt
Chemnitz
Bonn
BELGIUM
LUX.
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Duisburg
Magdeburgurg
Har
Dresden
Frankfurt am Main
M ai n
Trier
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REPUBLIC
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Stuttgart
Bla
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FRANCE
D
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be
L. Constance
(Bodensee)
BAVARIA
Munich
AUSTRIA
SWITZERLAND
200km
100mls
major international airport
dynamics and variety of offbeat locations.
In addition to the workshops, site inspections will present the
latest conference hotels and city venues. Varied incentives will
provide unforgettable Berlin experiences: Nostalgic East Berlin
fun awaits the participants, for example, on the Trabi Safari. No
other vehicle in Berlin attracts more attention to itself, and at
the same time suits the city and its history better.
City tours will lead beyond known paths and well-known
attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin TV
tower. The tours will explore the city’s different neighborhoods.
The opening night in the AXICA Convention and Conference
Centre offers the ideal setting for a first get-together in a pleasant
atmosphere. Located directly at the Brandenburg Gate, this
building is impressive with its unusual architecture, offering a first
glimpse of the city’s modern meeting and conference landscape.
On the following days, the decision-makers of the world‘s major
associations, organisations, companies, and convention agencies
will meet 50 Berlin suppliers from the MICE industry in two
workshops at the newly opened Westhafen Event & Convention
Center (WECC). The suppliers include hotels, locations, and
service providers. The WECC is the appropriate place for an
intensive exchange: The former warehouse presents Berlin‘s
8 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
Ode
I
I
Elb
POLAND
GERMANY
Hamburg
Bremen
NETHERLANDS
Greifswald
Lübeck
ine
Trabi Safari and neighbourhood tour:
comprehensive general programme
Rügen
Rostock
Kiel
I
Rh
Heike Mahmoud, Director of Conventions at the visitBerlin Berlin
Convention Office: “Meeting Place Berlin is an excellent way
for our customers to experience our city as a diverse meeting
and convention destination. The personal exchanges during the
event bring people together and provide incentive to further
develop what Berlin has to offer to our customers.”
BALTIC SEA
I
Helgoland
Meeting Place Berlin 2015 - The German
Capital Showcases Itself
At Meeting Place Berlin, from 2 to 6 July 2015, the German
capital is presenting itself to 150 national and international
top event planners. Together with Berlin’s meeting industry
partners, the visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office will be
providing information about trends and new developments
in the city.
DENMARK
NORTH
SEA
In:Case
Along the way, in streets with small restaurants, shops and
parks, Berlin will reveal its truly distinctive character. At the
„farewell party,“ the participants will enjoy a cocktail in BeachMitte – one of the largest beach bars in the capital – in the
typical relaxed Berlin summer atmosphere.
Enthusiastic participants
Meeting Place Berlin is organized every two years by the
visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office along with its city-wide
partners. Since 2005, Meeting Place Berlin has developed into
an internationally known event, generating enthusiasm among
past participants. Feedback has included: „Thanks for fantastic
days in Berlin. I have learned a lot, seen interesting meeting
locations and new parts of Berlin“, the representative of a
medical association from Sweden summed up. And an Italian
incentive organizer added: „I often join fam trip (since 15 years
more or less) but this had been really different and top level in
terms of programmes, menù, venues and excursions proposed.“
And a convention organiser from Israel was thrilled: „The Meet
Berlin Team showed highest professionalism and it was a
pleasure attending the event.“
9 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
Berlin – an internationally sought after
convention destination
The figures speak for themselves: 126,200 events, 10.6 million
participants, and 6.7 million hotel stays in 2013. This makes Berlin
one of the leading convention destinations. Worldwide Berlin
ranks among the top 5 sites for association conventions: The
German capital occupies fifth place in the latest ICCA statistics.
Share the greatest impressions from Meeting Place 2015 – from
2 July on Twitter: #mpberlin.
More information and registration at meeting-place-berlin.com.
Learn more about the Berlin convention metropolis at
convention.visitBerlin.com.
In:Focus
Madrid - Modern Facilities Blended with History
Royal Palace, Madrid - Image Copyright: Martina Warter 2014
The Spanish capital with its beautiful historic buildings
and modern infrastructure attracts major events every
year – we’re taking a closer look at this impressive
– and in fact quite young - city on the European
continent.
Why Madrid?
The reasons to choose Madrid for an event may well take many
pages, but some key arguments are; it is easy to get to, the cities’
great choice of 4- and 5-star hotels to host your delegates, the
excellent meeting facilities and the countless options to create a
highly attractive social program around your event.
We will introduce Madrid to you – read a short outline of the
city’s history, accessibility, conference and exhibition centers,
hotels with MICE facilities, venues and some ideas for your
social program.
A brief glance at the history
The region’s history reaches back to the previous Spanish
capital Toledo conquered by the Roman General M. Fulvius
Nobilior in the year 192 B.C. Toledo developed into an important
settlement and Roman colony with its own coinage and grew
impressively in size and influence under different sovereignties.
10 - MICE Media Marketing - destination:MICE
Madrid’s development only started with its foundation in the 9th
century and was under the Moors influence and development.
This changed when King Philip II moved the capital from Toledo
In:Focus
to Madrid in 1561 even though the city had neither a cathedral,
a university or press at the time. Madrid however had the
advantage of open land allowing it to expand and develop and
grew massively. With money pouring in from the New World
during the Golden Age in the 17th century, the city developed
into a true capital and continued to raise its status during the
eventful Bourbon Expansion in the 18h and early 19th century,
followed by a period of instability of government, the Great
Depression in the 1920s and the civil war in 1936. The following
dictatorship of Francisco Franco lasted almost 40 years (19391975) until his death.
The development of Madrid led to an incredible architectural
inheritance and made it an extraordinary destination for events.
Travelling to and in Madrid
Located just 12 km northeast of Madrid, the capital’s airport
Madrid-Barajas is the country’s main airport facility and the fifth
in Europe. It is also the country’s biggest point of transports
connection with underground, train, bus and taxi – and of
course excellent road connection.
Center
Location
Pabellón de Cristal. Casa de
Campo
The Madrid-Barajas Airport is Europe’s main hub to Latin
America. With more than 70 airlines serving Madrid it is also
very well connected to the European and North American hubs.
In addition Madrid-Barajas Airport serves some African, Middle
East and Asian key destinations and hubs.
The Spanish rail system, Renfe, is the largest in Europe and
second largest in the world offering easy AVE high speed
network connections to key cities throughout the country.
General rail connections cover all major cities in Spain and
international connections to Portugal and France.
Madrid’s public transport network includes the very fast and
efficient subway lines including a 12-minute connection from
the Airport T4 to Nuevos Ministerios (Line 8), an extensive city
bus network and of course taxis.
Conference Centers in Madrid
We’ve prepared a little chart with the basic information to keep
it easier for you to identify which conference centre will suit
best to your needs.
size
sqm
size
sq ft
Spanish Faire sector
20.200
217.431
3 floors
3.160
3.160
3.160
3.160
Centro de Congresos Príncipe
Felipe
close to the Airport and Juan
Carlos I Fairground (IFEMA)
15.500
166.841
59
2.242
1.000
850
1.000
Palacio Municipal de
Congresos de Madrid. Campo
de las Naciones
close to the Airport and Juan
Carlos I Fairground (IFEMA)
n/a
n/a
28
1.812
234
1.400
1.440
Convenciones y Congresos
IFEMA Feria de Madrid
close to the Airport
n/a
n/a
19
1.100
378
400
846
Kinépolis Madrid
8km from the center of the
city
2.615
28.148
24
1.000
-
800
1.500
Centro de Convenciones
Mapfre
AZCA, a strategic business
area of Madrid
n/a
n/a
8
400
50
400
400
Euroforum
San Lorenzo de El Escorial,
45 minutes from Madrid and
the Airport.
3.000
32.292
18
300
200
-
-
Pabellón de Cristal. Casa de Campo
The Crystal Pavilion is an emblematic building in the Spanish
Faire sector. It is a highly singular premise, located in the heart
of the Casa de Campo Park, very well connected with the city
centre. The upper floor affords a privileged view of the Royal
Palace and the Almudena Cathedral.
11 - MICE Media Marketing - destination:MICE
meeting Theater Classr.
rooms
max
max
Banquet Cocktail
max
max
The building has 20.200 sqm / 217,431 sqm ft of exhibition
area, laid out on three floors connected to each other by lifts,
escalators and stairs. A tunnel connects The Glass Pavilion to
Madrid Arena, this feature makes it possible to tailor the space
to the customer´s needs.
In:Focus
Centro de Congresos Príncipe Felipe
The Principe Felipe Convention & Congress Center, located on
the ground floor of the 869-room Auditorium Madrid Hotel,
close to the Airport and the Juan Carlos I fairground (IFEMA)
Centre offers an area of 15,500 sqm / 166,841 sq ft, this Center
suitable for all types of events.
Palacio Municipal de Congresos de Madrid.
Campo de las Naciones
The Madrid Conference Centre is a natural light marble and
glass construction offering great versatility and functionality
through its avant-garde design. Located in the “Campo de
las Naciones”, Madrid’s financial center. the subway station
linking city centre (10 minutes ride) and airport is just 2
walking minutes away. Beside it’s meeting rooms, it offers
a multipurpose hall of 2.200+ sqm/ 23.680+ sq ft.and large
exhibition areas
Felipe II Campus are recently refurbished and offer 3,000 sqm /
32.292 sq ft of modular, fully flexible meeting space for groups
from 10 to 1,200 persons.
A selection of venues
Madrid has literally uncounted venue options, but thanks to the
great organization of the lovely staff of AlliedPRA DMC, we have
visited some of them for you …
Museo Nacional del Prado
Convenciones y Congresos IFEMA Feria de Madrid
The IFEMA Feria de Madrid is conveniently connected by
subway to the Airport (3 minutes) and the city centre (10
minutes) and host’s 2 Convention and Congress Centres on
its premises: The North Centre with an auditorium for 1.100
persons, 18 meeting rooms and a multipurpose entrance hall
and the smaller South Centre – closest to public transportation offering an auditorium for 600 and 10 additional meeting rooms.
Vast car and bus parking space is available at the IFEMA.
Kinépolis Madrid
Multifunctional spaces in an ultramodern environment for all
kinds of events from 150 – 1,500 persons are the signature of
Kinèpolis. Located 8 km from the city centre by highway and
well connected to public transport.
Centro de Convenciones Mapfre
Located in the heart of AZCA, a strategic business area of
Madrid with an underground station directly in front of the
building and to the bus system, the Centro de Convenciones
Mapfre is reached within 20 minutes from the airport. Its
offerings are completed by exhibition halls of the Mapfre
Foundation and surrounding hotels. The Moda Shopping Centre
is nearby.
Euroforum
Euroforum is an option for those looking for a conference venue
outside of Madrid. It is located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, 45
minutes from Madrid and the Airport and consists of two of the
most cutting-edge Business Campuses in Europe, exclusively for
residential business training development. Infantes Campus and
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Available venue in the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid
Image Copyright: Martina Warter 2014
The Museo del Prado is among the
Number of halls
3
world’s most important and
Banquet
100
prestigious museums – and it is
Cocktail
500
available for corporate events,
Theater style
400
receptions or even dinners served
within very unique settings. An
Auditorium is available for private meetings and institutional or
cultural events.
The conference and event space is available after the public
closing hours, and the museum expects that the venue and its
spirit are well respected. Events may start one hour after the
museum closes, but may start with guided tours of the museum
while the event setup is prepared in parallel.
My general impression on anything that is related to event
customization requires very close coordination with the
museum and all requirements related to it should be clearly
communicated upfront. The museum reserves the right to
approve all such items, including the extent to which the
organizers brand or logos may be used. Musicians may be hired,
but very close coordination with the museum is requested
In:Focus
because the museum reserves the right to refuse certain types
of music. If you’re set for a string quartet no discussions may be
expected, however the museum most likely will not accept rock
or punk music. Food and Beverage also needs to be coordinated
closely with and get approved by the museum.
www.museodelprado.es/en or [email protected]
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The museum, located in the Palacio Number of halls
4
de Villahermosa in Madrid’s historic Banquet
300
centre, houses an important,
Cocktail
800
remarkable art collection and opens
Theater style
187
its doors privately for groups when
the museum is closed. Guided tours through the permanent
collections and temporary exhibitions may be followed by events
in the Auditorium or one of the reception rooms: working
sessions can be held in the Lecture Hall, small meetings in the
Press Room, receptions in the Mirador, cocktails in the garden
and large gala dinners in the Central Hall.
The auditorium provides excellent acoustics and perfect
visibility through the alignment of its 187 leather-covered seats.
It is equipped with cutting-edge systems of video and audio
projection as well as translation booths.
The Central Hall at the entrance to the Palacio de Villahermosa
with its 15 metre-high ceiling is presided over by a magnificent
painting by Tintoretto. Combined with the Museum’s vestibule
and the Temporary Exhibitions Hall, it offers an ideal space for
cocktails and gala dinners.
The Temporary Exhibitions Hall is a lobby providing access to
the Temporary Exhibitions Gallery and a beautiful view on the
museums garden. An ideal cocktail location at the end of a visit.
The museum offers a range of additional options for events,
find a pricelist on http://www.museothyssen.org/en/thyssen/
lista_de_precios
www.museothyssen.org/en/thyssen/home or
[email protected]
Circulo des Bellas Artes
The private cultural entity Círculo de Number of halls 7
500
Bellas Artes CASAEUROPA (CBA) is a Banquet
Cocktail
850
renowned reference in European
culture in a prime location in the
Theater style
220
centre of Madrid. The spectacular
Classroom style 500
building is listed as a Property of
Cultural Interest in the Spanish heritage registry and the unique
spaces with audiovisual media equipment and Wi-Fi may be
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used for Circulo des Bellas Artes, afternoon view from the roof-deck
any kind Image Copyright: Martina Warter 2014
of event,
be it dinners, receptions, conferences, training, workshops...
Added value and high visibility through event promotion in the
CBA’s own media - website, newsletter, press team is part of
the CBA’s event services. The building (15.000 sqm / 161.459
sq ft) offers four exhibition halls, one floor of workshops, six
multifunctional halls, two historical halls, a theater, a cinema
and the large, well known café restaurant “La Pecera”.
Ancillary services are available for organizers.
www.circulobellasartes.com or [email protected]
Casa de América (Linares Palace)
The Palacio de Linares, headquarters Number of halls 4
of the Casa de América, is in the
Banquet
300
centre of Madrid, in Plaza de Cibeles Cocktail
800
(between Paseo de Recoletos and
Theater style
187
Calle de Alcalá). Building work on the
palace began in 1877 by express command of the Marquis and
Marchioness of Linares, José María Murga y Reolid and his wife
Raimunda Osorio y Ortega, and was completed in 1900.
The Palacios architects were Carlos Colubí, Adolf Ombrecht and
Manuel Aníbal Álvarez (for the Casa de Muñecas – the dolls’
house, the marble garden staircase and the stables). While
the palace was built with the distinctive, visible limestone, it
is incredibly beautiful decorated with countless paintings of
famous artists like Alejandro Ferrant, Francisco Pradilla and
Manuel Domínguez. Beautiful tapestries, Parisian lamps, bronzes
luxurious fabrics, precious ornaments, glass from Antwerp are
beside marble, bronze, mosaics and incredible woodworks.
The sculptor Jerónimo Suñol designed the facades decorative
features such as angels, ornamental vases and worked the
In:Focus
Palacio de Cibeles
Equally located in close
neighbourhood to the Case de
América on the Plaza de Cibeles is
its most prominent building – and
one of the most recognizable
buildings of Madrid – the Palacio de
Cibeles. Built in a cathedral-like
style in 1909, it was previously
referred to as the Palace of
communications and hosted the
post office, the postal services
headquarters, was the home to the
Postal and Telegraphic Museum and
became the Madrid City Hall in 2007.
Casa de América, available venue
Image Copyright: Martina Warter 2014
coats of arms.
The palace’s stately rooms are available for all kinds of
events and corporate meetings in this gorgeous palace which
headquarters today the Casa de America. The incredibly
beautiful rooms, salons and the modern and functional
Amphitheatre as well as the beautiful garden and terrace are a
framework for unforgettable events.
www.casamerica.es/en - [email protected]
Tel:+34 915954807 or +34 915954841
Venues
4
Restaurant
Cocktail
Banquet
80
60
Terrace
Cocktail
110
Cafeteria
Cocktail
Banquet
100
70
Chappel
Cocktail
Banquet
60
40
Palacio de Cibeles on Plaza de Cibeles. The Terraces are located on
the roof, to the right and left of the middle tower.
Image Copyright: Martina Warter 2014
On the buildings 6th floor you find the Restaurant Palacio de
Cibeles with its marvelous terraces offering an incredible and
unforgettable view of Madrid combined. In addition, Colección
Cibeles offers two rooms on the building’s 2nd floor: the modern
style Cafeteria and the adjoining Capilla (chapel).both may be
rented and privatized for your events… hold . private dinners,
product launches, presentations, press lunches, cocktails…
these venues will suit.
All suggestions are designed by Adolfo Muñoz and his team,
seeking an excellence quality; and are mixture between
traditional and latest culinary trends.
www.adolfo-palaciodecibeles.com/events-and-celebrations-atpalacio-de-cibeles.html
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In:Focus
Palacio de Neptuno
3
Originating from the turn of the 20th Number of halls
century and an architectural
Banquet
570
masterpiece of Madrid de los
Cocktail
750
Austrias, Palacio Neptuno is a part of Theater style
400
the gardens and palace of the Duke of
Medinaceli. Recently restored, preserving the essence of its old
splendor this magnificient venue may accommodate groups from
50 up to 1000 (entire Palacio) guests for cocktails, presentations
or banquets.
Palacio Neptuno is currently regarded as one of Madrid’s most
exclusive and important venue, in direct proximity of the Museo
Nacional del Prado – and is with its modern infrastructure
and design very much avant-garde. Three main lounges, an
auditorium, the entrance hall, a VIP room and the open terrace
are ideal event settings.
www.palacioneptuno.com - or [email protected]
Casino de Madrid
Madrid in 1836, in the romantic era, Number of halls
full of literary, artistic and social
Banquet
anxieties a select group of
Cocktail
intellectuals like Espronceda and
Theater style
Zorrilla, used to meet at the Café del
Classroom style
Príncipe in the Santa Ana Square,
and decided to found the Casino de Madrid.
5
224
350
150
300
They created a friendly atmosphere in which everybody could
talk about and discuss everything, within a spirit of tolerance,
so the Casino of Madrid was never a place of game or gambling
but a place of growth and culture, neutral and free to all ideas,
in which the controversies never turned into bitter disputes. This
spirit moved with the Casino de Madrid into its recent premises,
making it a great venue for all kinds of meetings within a most
extraordinary setting. The building was inaugurated on October
1st, 1910 and declared a Monument of Cultural Interest in 1993.
Casino de Madrid is without a doubt one of the country’s
most important and prestigious venues. There has been a
notable increase in the cultural side, and the catering offered
has flourished greatly. From the very hand of Ferran Adria (3
Michelin Stars), gastronomic assessor of the Casino of Madrid
and his outstanding disciple Paco Roncero, head chef, come the
best gastronomic delights served in the impressive halls and at
our 2 Michelin Star restaurant La Terraza del Casino.
The Casino de Madrid is a high level venue; jacket and tie are
required for gentlemen. When considering an event in this
venue, the event must have quite a long lead-time to ensure the
availability.
www.casinodemadrid.es or [email protected]
Accommodation with MICE facilities
During our visit to Madrid, we were invited to visit the listed
Melia Hotels – and it is a pleasure to recommend them
for their quality, service and facilities to you. In particular
when organizing incentives, the ‘Level’ service is highly
recommended.
Gran Meliá Fénix
Casino de Madrid
Image Copyright: Martina Warter 2014
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Meeting Rooms
3
Following to their invitation, I was
Banquet
100
honored to stay in the Gran Meliá
Cocktail
110
Fenix Hotel in the heart of the city at
Theater style
100
the Plaza do Colón… and it is
Classroom style
80
undoubtedly one of the most
beautiful, historic hotels you may find. It offers extraordinary
service levels to their guests, so you may without hesitation
house the most demanding clients in this wonderful property.
In:Focus
Located in the financial center, and at a short distance of the
most exclusive boutiques and the well-known Prado, Thyssen
for lunch and dinner and the “Café Saigon” serves delicious
Asian cuisine.
With its multiple possibilities to host any kind of events
the Meliá Castilla is a remarkable hotel in Madrid. The vast
conference and event area includes an extraordinary 511 seat
Auditorium offering most modern, interactive conference
technology on every seat. This allows real-time interaction
between the speakers and auditorium as well as simultaneous
translation and connectivity for electronic devices.
www.meliacastilla.com or [email protected]
Melia Madrid Princesa
Gran Meliá Fénix, Lobby
Image Copyright: Gran Meliá Fénix
and Reina Sofia Museums, this hotel is distinguished for being
part of “The Leading Hotels of the World”.
Its 207 guestrooms are exquisitely decorated, combining classic
elegance with avant-garde flairs and the latest technologies.
A furniture with history shares space with plasma televisions,
stereo music equipment and high-speed internet connections.
Among others service, 24h Room Service and Business Center,
Fitness Center, hairdresser’s or valet and porterage service are
offered. An absolute highlight is the hotels DRY Bar by Javier
de las Muelas, a worldwide reference in cocktail bartending.
The excellent Epoque restaurant serves excellent dishes and the
hotels hosts one of the most beautiful spa’s you may imagine.
www.gran-melia-fenix.com or [email protected]
Melia Castilla
Strategically located in the city
Meeting Rooms
32
centre, just a few meters from the
Banquet
504
Paseo de la Castellana, 15min from Cocktail
700
the airport, the IFEMA Trade Fair or Theater style
511
the City Congress Center and close to
Classroom style
511
the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium the
915-room Melia Castilla offers a comfortable environment
surrounded by popular commercial streets and close proximity
to public transportation.
Organizers may choose from a wide variety of cuisines: the
excellent “L´Albufera” invites you savour Spain´s exquisite rice
paellas among its other fine food, ”La Brasserie” opens all day
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The luxury Hotel offers a
Meeting Rooms
21
contemporary and cutting edge flair Banquet
310
and elegant interior design. thanks to Cocktail
400
its excellent location in the heart of Theater style
400
the city it is the perfect option for
Classroom style
230
business and leisure travellers
seeking a fully renovated property with extensive and
comfortable facilities and the superb service quality. 274
Bedrooms & Suites and 21 Meeting Facilities will make of your
stay a guaranteed success.
Being located just a few minutes from Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor,
Puerta del Sol and the main museums and cultural attractions
such as the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía National Art Centre
and the Thyssen - Bornemisza Museum make it ideal to include
some of the most stunning venues in your program.
www.meliamadridprincesa.com or [email protected]
ME Madrid Reina Victoria
Meeting Rooms
9
The ME Madrid Reina Victoria is
strategically located in the heart of Banquet
250
the city, with easy access to the
Cocktail
300
major attractions such as the Prado Theater style
220
Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza
Classroom style
180
Museum and Reina Sofia Museum,
Retiro Park, Congress building, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the
Royal Palace and the city’s shopping and business areas.
the interior of the hotel was transformed by Keith Hobbs and
his United Designers team to conserving the splendid beauty of
the architecture and infusing it with the cutting edge spirit of
ME by Meliá - with custom-made designer furniture, eclectic
accessories and innovative works of art.
The splendid bar ‘The Roof’ is a most extraordinary rooftop
location for cocktails and banquet seating with a most splendid,
extraordinary view over Madrid. The modern and eclectic
In:Focus
furniture and luxurious finishing of the ‘Ana la Santa’ restaurant
is another highlight. The 7 meeting rooms equipped with the
latest technologies and modern audiovisual equipment complete
the Hotel facilities.
Me Madrid Reina Victoria is a Biosphere Hotel running
sustainability policies.
InterContinental Madrid
Parador de Alcalá de Henares
The former Santo Tomás Dominican Meeting Rooms
15
Convent and School and its
Banquet
310
magnificent seventeenth-century
Cocktail
420
building have been transformed into
Theater style
460
Parador de Alcalá de Henares. The
Classroom style
315
hotel represents one of the city’s
landmarks along with Hostería del Estudiante, in the former
Minor School of San Jerónimo, founded by Cardinal Cisneros in
1510 and overlooking the beautiful Patio Trilingüe at the
University of Alcalá de Henares. Together, these monuments
form a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Parador opened in 2008 and won several awards, among
them the second prize in architecture World Heritage Cities,
granted by the Ministry of Culture in 2009. In addition the
property was awarded by the “Grand Hotel” as best Meetings &
Conventiones Hotel in Spain 2011.
The meeting and event space consists of 12 meeting rooms some of which have a separate reception area - covering nearly
1,000 sqm / 10,764 sq ft. In addition it is possible to organize
presentations, press conferences or inauguration/ closing
events in Corral de Comedias Theatre of Alcalá de Henares.
www.parador.es or [email protected]
Hilton Madrid Airport
Meeting Rooms
Banquet
Cocktail
Theater style
Classroom style
15
320
450
400
290
The hotel may adapt to your requirements with 1700 sqm
/ 18,299 sq ft of flexible space and a multifunctional area
for exhibitions or cocktail receptions for up to 600 persons.
The Isabela Ballroom offers 455 sqm / 4,898 sq ft and may
accommodate up to 580 persons.
15 fully-equipped meeting rooms offer the latest technology
and all meeting spaces have been awarded the prestigious
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The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle bus to / from all airport
terminals and to the city center.
www.hilton.com or [email protected]
www.memadrid.com or [email protected]
Hilton Madrid Airport is a first choice
for organizers requiring airport
proximity as it is located just 5
minutes from Madrid Barajas
International Airport and 5 minutes
from IFEMA trade fair venue.
Hilton Meetings Qualified certificate, guaranteeing the highest
standards of service. The dedicated Hilton Team Members are
on hand to help with your details.
One of the city’s most emblematic
hotels is located in the Paseo de la
Castellana, an exclusive upscale area
of Madrid.
Meeting Rooms
Banquet
Cocktail
Theater style
Classroom style
15
550
800
500
230
The property offers 302 guestrooms
and suites, 15 versatile meeting
rooms with natural day light and a team to guarantee the best
service and tailored solutions. InterContinental Club offers a
private lounge and special services to all superior room’s guests.
The terrace garden is a unique venue to host any kind of events
and the “El Jardin” restaurant serves fine gastronomy.
www.intercontinental.com/madrid or [email protected]
Ritz Madrid
Meeting Rooms
4
At Ritz Madrid Castilian tradition
Banquet
250
meets international panache in the
capitals center. Located between the Cocktail
400
Prado and Thyssen museums, in the Theater style
250
fashionable Retiro district the hotel Classroom style
160
with its leafy garden, elegant terrace
and sumptuous Goya Restaurant, is an oasis of tranquility and
architectural splendour.
As a magnificent example of the Belle Époque style, the Hotel
Ritz Madrid has been entertaining royalty and heads of state
since its inauguration by King Alfonso XIII in 1910. Today, with
its individually designed rooms, superb cuisine and impeccable
service, it maintains the standards of excellence that have
placed it among the premier hotels in Europe.
www.ritzmadrid.com or [email protected]
Sheraton Madrid Mirasierra Hotel & Spa
The new Sheraton Madrid Mirasierra
Hotel & Spa offers 182 suites which
places it among the most spacious
in the city and makes it an ideal
property for demanding groups and
high level events.
Meeting Rooms
Banquet
Cocktail
Theater style
Classroom style
The property offers 1,800 sqm / 19375 sq ft of space for
10
560
800
750
460
In:Focus
business, made up of 14 independent, naturally-lit rooms on
two floors. The business center offers professional support and
secretarial services.
www.sheratonmadridmirasierra.com or
[email protected]
The Westin Palace Madrid
The Westin Palace Madrid, built
under King Alfonso XIII in 1912, was
renovated recently to return its
original splendour.
Meeting Rooms
Banquet
Cocktail
Theater style
Classroom style
20
430
700
450
320
Located near the Prado museum
and other notable art centres and
historical monuments, this magnificent building has 467 rooms
and suites. It is furnished and decorated in the sumptuous
classical Belle Epoque style completed with modern facilities.
The establishment stands out for its enormous glass dome,
which has been the centre of Spanish society for a long time.
Among the numerous amenities, there are 20 meeting rooms
with a capacity of up to 800 persons, a fully-equipped business
centre and 2 restaurants.
Madrid Convention Bureau
The Madrid Convention Bureau is ready to assist you in all
matters related to your event – don’t hesitate to visit their
website www.esmadrid.com/mcb_en/portal.do or email
[email protected].
MADRID CONVENTION BUREAU
MADRID DESTINO. CULTURA, TURISMO Y NEGOCIO
Municipal Department for The Artes, Sports and Tourism
Madrid City Council
Plaza Mayor 27, 2nd floor 28012 MADRID
Telephone: (+34) 91 758 55 28
Fax: (+34) 91 541 42 25
[email protected]
www.esmadrid.com
www.westinpalacemadrid.com or [email protected]
Madrid - City Impressions
Image Copyrights: Martina Warter 2014
18 - MICE Media Marketing - destination:MICE
In:Focus
The Philippines - Vibrant Destination
With Legendary Hospitality
Eurasia meets the Pacific in the Philippines – and creates a
magnificent collection of 7,107 islands – a tropical paradise
of sandy tropical beaches with turquoise blue waters and
modern infrastructure. Spanish influence may be felt in ways
from names of towns or neighbourhoods to the paella found in
restaurants and Catholic meet Islamic customs and animalist
rituals – creating an utterly fascinating atmosphere
Whether you’re looking to create an unforgettable incentive
program for a small group or a convention for a very large group,
the Philippine infrastructure will be able to support your needs
offering highly competitive value for money and incredible preor post-meeting programs.
Fort Santiago, Manila, Philippines
Image Copyright TPB Philippines
The country is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage listed
sites, with a coastline twice as long as the USA, offering
tropical jungles, mountains, active volcanos or natural hot
springs. In this edition of MICE:destination, it is our great
pleasure to shed light on this fascinating country and it’s
predisposition for MICE events.
Manila and its region
Metro Manila is an exciting, colourful and complex metropolis
made up of 16 cities and one municipality. It is the political,
economic, social, cultural, and recreational hub of the
Philippines.
Playing host to the world is nothing new to Manila. From 1565,
Manila was instrumental in the galleon trade between the
Philippines and Spain, facilitating trade relations between the
Americas, Europe, Arabia, China and India.
Today, Manila is a premier business event destination in Asia,
thanks to its world-class facilities, a globally oriented business
population, and the friendliest, dedicated teams of support
professionals.
Home to nearly 12 million people, Manila has history, style
and charm. It boasts a wide range of sightseeing possibilities
for groups and offers cosmopolitan cuisine and superb
entertainment. In this city that never sleeps, there’s a good
night out for everyone.
Travelling to Manila
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila is the
premier gateway. It is served by more than 30 airlines which fly
to and from different cities around the world.
19 - MICE Media Marketing - destination:MICE
In:Focus
Conference Centres in Manila
Center
Location
size sqm Size sq ft meeting Theatre Classroom Banquet Cocktail
rooms
Philippine International Convention Center
Pasay City
20,600
221,737
SMX Convention Center
Pasay City
17,292
World Trade Center Metro Manila
Manila Bay Area
13,810
4,500
2,046
4,536
5,000
186,130 17
10,300
7,000
7,000
9,000
148,650 5
15,000
6,000
6,000
17,000
Capacities are maximum capacities in one single hall/space. Combined capacities may exceed the indicated ones.
Philippine International Convention Center
(PICC), Pasay City
The PICC is located in the Cultural Center of the Philippines
Complex in Pasay.
Opened in 1976, the PICC was Asia’s first international
convention centre. Consisting of five modules, it is dedicated
to bring people and nations together, providing a place to meet,
discuss and exchange opinion peacefully. The centre offers
modern conferencing equipment and facilities to its organizers
and visiting delegates.
The Plenary Hall, one of the most awesome modules of the
centre is connected via a bridge through the tropical gardens
and may easily accommodate 4,000 persons in theatre style.
The Reception Hall, dominated by its humongous chandeliers
20 - MICE Media Marketing - destination:MICE
and the red carpet is equipped with a permanent stage and
dressing rooms and may host up to 2,500 guests for a seated
dinner or up to 5,000 persons for a cocktail reception.
The PICC Forum, a 4,000 sqm / 43,056 sq ft multipurpose hall
is available to be customized to the organizers requirements: to
host more than 200 standard exhibition booths or accommodate
up to 3,000 delegates in theatre style. The PICC Forum also
offers a VIP lounge and a secretariat room.
The three story Secretariat Building houses meeting rooms;
a banquet hall; a media centre; exhibition areas; a fine dining
restaurant and a cafeteria. It complements the five story
Delegation Building which offers twelve meeting rooms,
two banquet halls, two corporate boardrooms office spaces,
executive offices lounges and additional facilities.
www.picc.gov.ph
In:Focus
SMX Convention Center, Pasay City
run all events smoothly.
The SMX Convention Center is also located in Pasay City and
consists of four purpose-built halls suitable for a wide range of
events including heavy machinery and equipment exhibitions
and concerts. The halls’ construction allow easy adaptation
to the organizers requirements. The centres’ fully equipped
total floor space of 9,130 sqm / 98,275 sq ft with 9m / 29,5 ft
clearance may be used entirely or partially.
Beside the centers 11.300 sqm / 121,632 sq ft exhibition space,
a multi-use pre-function Lobby of 1,200 sqm / 12,917 sq ft is
available for various settings, for example exhibition registration
counters, banquets or receptions. The vast indoor space is
completed by 8,200 sqm / 88,264 sq ft of outdoor space
available for all kinds of event setups.
www.wtcmanila.com.ph
The available meeting rooms – a total of 1,062 sqm /11,431 sq ft
- accommodate all types of small-scale functions for up to 300
delegates and may be set-up to the specific needs. The
Theater Room with elevated seating completes the offerings.
The Ground Floor Pre-Function Lobby of 900 sqm / 9688 sq ft
hosts the main information counter and is – as the rest of the
centre Wi-Fi equipped. VIP and Press lounges complete the
ground floors premises.
The Second Floor Pre-Function Lobby (300 sqm 7 3,229 sq ft) is
available as a venue for special events for corporate and social
functions and hosts a concierge counter with three plasma
screens for announcements gives access to 7.100 sqm / 76,424
sqft of function space.
www.smxconventioncenter.com
World Trade Center Metro Manila
Located in minor distance from the Fort Bonifacio and Makati
business districts at the Manila Bay area and easy accessible
from international and domestic airport, Manila’s central
seaport, shopping malls and first-class hotels World Trade
Center Metro Manila welcomes event delegates. The facility is
easy customizable and suitable of all types of events including
being the countries only venue with the option to enter large
aircrafts or machineries into the halls with their capacity for 640
standard size booths, customized booths with up to 3 stories or
more than 500 vehicles for car or automotive shows.
The halls may be divided into 3 fully soundproofed halls, allowing
simultaneous functions or multiple conference paths for an event.
Congresses, conferences and events for up to 15,000 delegates
with stage and large size screens may be hosted in the halls
while smaller meetings of up to 500 persons may be hosted
in the fully equipped function rooms offering most modern
conference technology on the mezzanine level.
World Trade Center Metro Manila suits for any other type
of event – be it private or business, leisure or MICE related.
The highly flexible structure and customizing capacities are
supported by the technical infrastructure and qualified staff to
21 - MICE Media Marketing - destination:MICE
Accommodation with MICE facilities
It is our pleasure to introduce some hotels with excellent MICE
facilities to you.
Makati Shangri-La, Manila
The renowned five-star luxury hotel Meeting Rooms
8
is conveniently located in the heart
Banquet
960
of Manila’s most prestigious
1,320
business, commercial and shopping Cocktail
Theater style
1,540
district and a perfect property for
Classroom style
990
MICE events with access to the
city’s top malls and entertainment
venues within easy walking distance. The Ninoy Aquino
International Airport Terminal One is approximately 40 minutes
away (13km from the hotel), while Terminals Two and Three are
approximately 20 minutes away (8km and 7km from the hotel,
respectively).
Makati Shangri-La has the largest ballroom in the area, as well
as a second ballroom suited for more intimate gatherings.
All conference and function rooms feature state-of-the-art
audio-visual equipment including complimentary wired or
wireless broadband Internet access and projector screens. Upon
request, simultaneous translation system and teleconferencing
In:Focus
facilities are available.
Please note, we have indicated the hotel with only 8 meeting
rooms; however please note that 4 of them are highly flexible
and dividable rooms. If rooms are divided, the hotel provides up
to18 meeting rooms and an additional separate dining venue.
Hotel fact sheet at www.shangri-la.com/uploadedFiles/Shangrila_Hotels/Shangri-la_Hotels,_Makati/SLM-HotelFactSheet-EN.pdf
www.shangri-la.com/manila/makatishangrila or
[email protected] - +632 813 8888
Edsa Shangri-La, Manila
The areas only deluxe convention
Meeting Rooms
15
hotel with three ballrooms: two
Banquet
720
ballrooms in the Tower Wing and one Cocktail
800
ballroom in the Garden Wing and
Theater style
910
over 3,000 sqm / 32,292 sq ft of
Classroom style
513
meeting space is embedded in lush
tropical gardens creating a green oasis with constructive spirit
for your events.
All conference and function rooms feature state-of-the-art
audio-visual equipment including complimentary WiFi in
function rooms ( also in the guestrooms); wired, lapel and
wireless microphones; portable and motorized screens; satellite
and teleconferencing facilities, slide, overhead, high resolution
LCD and direct projectors; Television sets (20” 21” 29” 34”),
VHS multi-system and DVD players and upgraded audio mixer,
turbo speakers and FCS equalizers. On request, simultaneous
translation systems are available.
The Ballrooms in the Tower Wing are dividable, so the Edsa
Shantri-La, Manila may offer a total of 19 meeting rooms.
www.shangri-la.com/manila/edsashangrila or
[email protected] or +632 633 8888
New World Makati Hotel
Situated in the heart of Makati – the Meeting Rooms
13
capitals financial and commercial
Banquet
500
hub the world-class deluxe hotel is
Cocktail
800
just a 30-minute drive from Ninoy
420
Aquino International Airport with the Classroom style
fashionable Greenbelt Lifestyle
Complex and Glorietta shopping complexes are just steps away.
The property offers 2,000 sqm / 21,528 sq ft of flexible
function space for conferences and meetings. It’s grand style
equipment and state-of-the-art meeting space with modern
audio-visual aids, presentation facilities and Internet access
include the 675 sqm / 7,266 sq ft pillar-free ballroom, dividable
22 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
into 3 separate sections, a 103 sqm / 1,109 sqft Gallery and an
elegant Glasshouse for meetings and events plus its Business
Center and places the New World Makati Hotel among Manila’s
preferred venues for various kinds of events.
http://manila.newworldhotels.com/en or
[email protected]
The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila ranks among
the most luxurious hotels in Manila
and is also located in the heart of
Makati City. It’s majestic fountain
and falls are considered one of the
city’s landmarks.
Meeting Rooms
Banquet
Cocktail
Theater style
Classroom style
18
170
300
200
170
The property offers 16 board- and meeting rooms as well as 2
ballrooms with personalized service, equipped with the latest in
audio visual technology to impress and enhance any event.
Among its facilities are permanent and dedicated venues such
as the Rizal Boardroom equipped with a high-tech computer and
communication link conference table with built-in data ports for
24 computers and a television monitor. There’s also The Club
Boardroom with the same equipment as Rizal but for a smaller
group of 12.
http://manila.peninsula.com/en or [email protected]
Sofitel Philippine Plaza
Located 30 minutes from Makati
Meeting Rooms
14
City, Manilas central business
Banquet
1,700
district, close to the Philippine
Cocktail
2,000
International Convention Center
Theater style
2,000
(PICC), the ancient Spanish walled
Classroom style
1,600
city Intramuros, the Manila
Cathedral, the renowned Mall of Asia
and only 15 minutes from the international and domestic
airports, the hotel offers spectacular views of the Manila Bay
and lush landscapes and greenery. Minimalist interiors, breathtaking views and traditional touches of local décor make the
muted elegance and luxurious detail of the hotel by the bay
remarkable.
Specialized staff is available to arrange everything required
for events and fully equipped meeting rooms include exquisite
interiors, state-of-the-art lighting and audio-visual capability and
are completed with interactive, modular show kitchens stations,
unrivaled flexibility in staging design and elegant set menus and
buffet setups.
www.sofitelmanila.com/en or [email protected]
In:Focus
Pre- or Post-Activities in Manila
»» Visit Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Casa Manila in
the ancient walled city of Intramuros
»» Stroll along Roxas Boulevard and catch the famous Manila
Bay sunset
»» Visit the National Museum to see Juan Luna’s monumental
painting Spoliarium, a national treasure
»» Get a taste of local bohemian culture at Remedios Circle in Malate
»» Catch a ride in a jeepney to experience flamboyant folk art
on wheels.
»» Bar hopping in Malate, Ayala Center, Rockwell or Fort Bonifacio
»» Take a calesa (horse-drawn carriage) tour of Binondo,
Manila’s Chinatown
»» Pick up handicraft bargains in the market under the Quiapo Bridge
»» Visit Marikina, the country’s shoe capital, which boasts
more than 600 registered shoemakers
»» Take a day trip to scenic Tagaytay or Pagsanjan Falls, or to
historic Corregidor Island or Villa Escudero
CEBU
With its pristine
beaches, crystalline
waters and affordable
luxury resorts, the
island province of
Cebu is the traveler’s
fantasy of a tropical
paradise come true.
A unique blend
of natural beauty,
historic sites and
urban living, Cebu
City is never short
on appeal. It is the
country’s oldest
city and the seat of
Christianity in the
Philippines, and it was
here that Ferdinand
Magellan first set
foot in the Philippines
in 1521. Today, it is
known as the ‘Queen
City of the South’,
and is second only to
Manila when it comes
23 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
to urban buzz.
In contrast to its bustling metropolis and glittering nightlife,
the rest of Cebu’s 167 islets and islands are lined with serene
white sand beaches where one can stare blithely out to sea for
hours. Cebu is famous worldwide for its diving grounds, rich in
spectacular coral beds and sea life.
How to get here
Cebu’s international airport services daily flights from Asia’s key
cities. It is an hour’s flight from Manila and easily accessible
from domestic destinations by land, air and sea.
Cebu International Convention Center (CICC)
The Cebu International Convention Center, CICC has suffered
substantial, irreparable damages during the earthquake that hit
Cebu and Bohol on October 15, 2013. The Center is therefore
non-operational.
Accommodation with MICE facilities
Shangri-La Mactan Cebu
Tucked in lush tropical landscape
with a crystalline coastline, Shangri
La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu is
the premier, award winning deluxe
Meeting Rooms
Banquet
Cocktail
Theater style
Classroom style
8
600
1,000
900
400
In:Focus
resort property in the Philippines. Since its opening, it has won
acclaim from both domestic and international travellers for its
spacious and well appointed guest rooms and suites, the variety
of dining, entertainment, sports and recreational activities
offered in its paradise like setting and as home to CHI, The Spa
at Shangri La, one of the largest spa villages in Asia.
A quintessential modern day paradise, the resort is an exciting
refuge for nature lovers and a favourite among holidaymakers,
as it combines rustic surroundings, modern conveniences and
genuine Asian hospitality that are distinctly Shangri La.
Business definitely meets pleasure at the Shangri La’s Mactan
Resort & Spa, with the perfect blend of state of the art
business facilities and an environment that encourages rest and
relaxation.
Spacious guest rooms feature air
Meeting Rooms
conditioning, luxurious bedding, safe, Banquet
mini-bar, modern bathroom and free Cocktail
WIFI.
Theater style
The newly reinvented Grand
Classroom style
Ballroom, four meeting rooms and
two boardrooms are perfect for social events and corporate
functions accommodating up to 400 guests.
7
300
300
450
220
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cebph-cebu-city-marriott-hotel
Pre- or Post-Activities in Cebu
•
See Magellan’s Cross, planted in 1521 by the famous explorer
•
Explore Fort San Pedro, the nucleus of Spanish settlement
in the Philippines
Visit Casa Gorordo Museum and find out how the genteel
Filipinos lived
Light joss sticks and have your fortune told at the Taoist Temple
Spot amazing bird life at the Olango Wildlife Sanctuary
Scuba dive in the coral islands of Mactan, Moalboal,
Pescador and Badian, or swim with the whale sharks in Oslob
Pack a picnic and trek to the Kawasan Falls in Badian
Shop for exotic finds in the markets of Carbon and Taboan
Browse the shops in Mandaue for fantastic furniture
designs – one of Cebu’s specialties
Pick up a guitar, ukulele or mandolin made by craftsmen in Mactan
Enjoy a drink – and the view – at Blu Bar & Grill, named one
of Asia’s best bars by Travel + Leisure Asia
Two grand ballrooms, a fully air-conditioned tent and a choice of
smaller function rooms are ideal for seminars and conferences.
Whether you are hosting a business conference, conventions,
exhibitions, seminar or a banquet, the resort offers the most
idyllic and relaxed beachfront setting.
All of the conference and function rooms feature modern audiovisual equipment, including complimentary broadband Internet
access, Wi-Fi, slide, overhead, LCD and direct projectors
www.shangri-la.com/cebu/mactanresort or [email protected]
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino
Situated in the heart of the
city’s commercial and business
district, only 30 minutes from the
Mactan International Airport the
hotel belongs to the elected 2015
nominees of the World Luxury Hotel
Awards.
Meeting Rooms
Banquet
Cocktail
Theater style
Classroom style
12
1,800
2,800
3,200
1,000
The properties 10 dining and wining outlets complete the hotels
Convention Center with its flexible floor plan. 10 function rooms
and 2 grand ballrooms offer a total seating capacity of up to
4,000 persons.
www.waterfronthotels.com.ph/waterfront/waterfront-cebu-cityhotel-and-casino - [email protected]
Cebu City Marriott Hotel
Located in an upscale financial district with shopping, recreation
and leisure activities at its doorstep, the hotel sits right next
door to the Ayala Mall, a sprawling shopping and commercial
complex, and just 10 minutes from downtown.
24 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
In:Focus
Marco Polo Davao
DAVAO
Davao’s expansive landscape is one of the most picturesque in
the Philippines. Exotic fruit plantations and orchid farms cover
volcano-fed hills and valleys. Virgin forests nurture rare wildlife.
Coral islands lie on mirror-flat water, and Mt. Apo, the country’s
highest peak, magnificently lords over the hinterland.
Just as enchanting is its community, a harmonious tapestry
woven from the diverse cultural threads of its people. In Davao,
the contemporary fuses with the traditional as migrant settlers
from all over the country co-exist peacefully with numerous
ethnic tribes who continue to live as they did centuries ago.
How to get here
Selected international airlines fly to Davao. Domestic carriers
run regular daily flights from Manila to Davao (one hour and 35
minutes).
Conference Centers in Davao
Center
Location
size sqm
Size sq ft
meeting rooms
Theatre
Classroom
Banquet
Cocktail
SMX Convention Center Davao
Lanang, Davao
4,746
51,086
8
5,320
2,500
3,000
3,900
SMX Convention Center Davao
The Centre’s 3 function rooms are fully carpeted and may be
used individually or combined to seat between 700 and 5320
delegates for social or corporate events. The dedicated kitchen
and storage area for F&B ensure smooth service and the PreFunction Lobby of 1,292 sqm / 13,907 sq ft hosts the facilities
concierge area and may be used for event registration.
Located only 20 minutes from the
airport and in the heart of Davao’s
shopping and business district,
with 245 elegant guest rooms and
suites, Marco Polo Davao offers all
amenities you expect of a 5-Star hotel.
Meeting Rooms
Banquet
Cocktail
Theater style
Classroom style
Business travellers will find a well-equipped business centre in
the hotel to help them stay connected and the hotel also serves
as an ideal venue for meetings and functions. It has six function
rooms and two ballrooms, which provide the ideal balance of
versatility, technology and design. Our event planners are always
at your service to help you organise events.
www.marcopolohotels.com/en/marco_polo/hotels/philippines/davao/
marco_polo_davao or [email protected]
Pre- or Post-Activities in Davao
»» Discover exotic native tribes – the Manobos, B’laan and
Bagobos
»» See the skilled mat weavers of Sinawilan at work
»» Marvel at the intricate creations of the T’boli handloomers
»» At Hondo or Taluksangay, head out to sea in a colorful vinta
– a traditional Filipino sail boat
»» Catch the week-long Kadayawan sa Dabaw festival in
August, celebrating the fruit and flower harvest
»» Climb Mount Apo, the country’s tallest mountain
»» Visit a banana or pineapple plantation or an orchid farm
»» Sample the local delicacy – grilled tuna in native sauce
»» Shop for brassware, ethnic trinkets and shellcraft
»» Visit the Philippine Eagle Center – home of eagle
conservation
»» Play golf in an exotic new setting such as a lush fruit estate
or coconut plantation
The Centre’s Meeting Rooms are available for smaller scale
corporate and social function and may also be used individually
or combined to accommodate up to 230 delegates. The meeting
rooms may also be used as break-out rooms combined with one
or more of the function rooms.
www.smxdavao.com - [email protected]
Boracay
25 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
8
500
300
600
200
BORACAY
The tiny island of Boracay is one of those places where you
can stay happily marooned for a very long time. Known as one
of the best beach destinations in the world, Boracay is the
quintessential island paradise – dazzling beaches lined with
palm trees, splendid sunshine, warm crystalline waters and no
shortage of activities on offer.
The ambience is undeniably laid-back and the island dress code
is barefoot and informal. During the day, seaside massages
under the shade of a coconut tree are a common sight.
Luxurious spa treatments are also available in the high end
resorts. From dusk to dawn, island life turns into one big party
with everyone welcome to join in the fun.
But there is plenty to do other than soaking up the sun on
the beach or attending sunset parties. Diversions include
windsurfing, sail boating and kayaking. There are 20 dive sites
at last count. Horseback riding, trekking and mountain biking are
great ways to enjoy scenic rocky cliffs, discover hidden beaches
and stumble upon quaint villages.
How to get here
Kalibo or Caticlan is less than an hour’s flight from Manila. From
Kalibo, Boracay is 90 minutes away by bus and a short boat trip;
from Caticlan it is 20 minutes by boat.
Accommodation with MICE facilities
Crown Regency Resort &
Convention Center
Meeting Rooms
Theater style
1,600
Well located at the heart of one of
the most beautiful island-destination, the Crown Regency Resort
& Convention Center turns the beach hub into the best possible
place for conference delegates to enjoy.
With a convention center that can house up to 1,600 persons,
he resort has become a prime venue for conferences and
26 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
large-scale gatherings. Boracay Crown Regency’s desired
location in Station 2, within a 5-minute walking distance from
White Beach.
The Convention facilities may be split into 2 sections to
accommodate 1,200 to 1,600 guests. The properties Ballroom
can be divided into 3 sections that can hold up to 400 guests.
www.boracay-crownregencyresort.com or
[email protected]
Pre- or Post-Activities in Boracay
»» Find out why the four kilometer White Beach is one of the
most photographed beaches in the world
»» Start the day with a famous fruit shake at Jonah’s
»» Take a sunset cruise in a paraw, Boracay’s signature
sailboat
»» Enjoy a hilot, the traditional Filipino massage, under the
shade of a coconut tree on the beach
»» Rent an outrigger or yacht and indulge in a little island
hopping
»» Take diving, sailing or windsurfing lessons
»» Ask for ‘Mambo Number 5’ – a little bit of boating, diving,
trekking, biking and golf
»» Trek or mountain bike to the quaint interior villages
»» Sample local favorites such as baby back ribs, chori burger,
charbroiled chicken and halo-halo sandwich -- best enjoyed
on the sand at sunset
»» Witness the annual Paraw Regatta, an international sailboat
race featuring native outriggers
»» Take a golf break at the Fairways & Blue Water Country Club
»» Catch the Mardi Gras-style Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo in
January
In:Focus
Destinations to combine in your
Conference program
PALAWAN
Voted as the world’s #1 island by Travel + Leisure Magazine,
Palawan is a narrow archipelago of more than 1,780 islands and
islets, Palawan is the undisputed final frontier of the Philippines.
There’s plenty to do in this extraordinary group of islands, but
the main activity is simply admiring nature’s handiwork.
Palawan’s bewitching landscapes include storied lagoons and
bays hiding ancient shipwrecks, uncharted mountains, mangrove
swamps, hidden pockets of lush forest and deserted islets
ringed by kaleidoscopic sea gardens as well as white sand
beaches. Palawan is a wildlife haven, where giraffes, zebras
and gazelles co-exist with exotic fauna such as the mouse deer,
civet and scaly anteater.
tropical marine life. With more than a hundred caves in its
mountainous interior, Bohol is ideal for spelunkers and trekkers.
For higher pursuits, there’s ziplining and an open-air cable ride
at the Loboc Ecotourism Adventure Park.
Bohol is also a historical and cultural destination. Its 16th
century watchtowers and ancient coral-stone churches with
gilded altars and priceless icons are amazing attractions. One
hidden gem is the centuries-old Spanish for at Pamilacan Island,
an eco-tourism destination that’s gaining a reputation for its
dolphin and whale-watching tours and superb diving sites.
How to get here
Flights to and from Tagbilaran to Manila take around one hour
and 15 minutes. Domestic and budget carriers have daily
flights. Fast ferries operate between Bohol and Cebu regularly.
Pre- or Post-Activities in Bohol
»» Marvel at the unique panorama of over 1,200 ‘Chocolate
Hills’, lush green in wet season, chocolate brown in dry
How to get here
Puerto Princesa airport is served by all domestic airlines, and
is just a few minutes from the city. There are daily flights from
Manila.
Pre- or Post-Activities in Palawan
»» See the astonishing seascapes of El Nido, one of the
country’s premier tourist destinations. Take a dawn kayak
ride around the limestone
formations at sea, swim
with the giant jackfish or get dropped off on a private island
for a seafood picnic on the sand
»» Watch the birds’ nest gatherers at work, scaling cliffs for
prized finds
»» Take an unforgettable subterranean river tour at the Puerto
Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site
and named as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
»» Swim, snorkel or dive in one of the islets of Honda Bay
»» Fall under the spell of the seven enchanting lakes of Coron
Reefs
BOHOL
Bohol is one of the most beautiful island provinces in the
Philippines, yet it is relatively undiscovered by the tourist crowd.
Nature has blessed the island with a lush landscape of verdant
hills, waterfalls, serene rivers, mangrove forests, undisturbed
wildlife, luminous white sand beaches and picturesque islets.
This enigmatic island is one of Asia’s finest diving destinations,
boasting an undersea panorama of coral gardens vivid with
27 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
»» Enjoy a fascinating boat ride in the serene waters of Loboc River
»» Visit the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary and get
up close to the rare and tiny tarsier—the smallest primate in
the world
»» Bask in the sun on the white sand beaches of Bungan,
Mantatao or Panglao
»» Book a whale watching expedition from beautiful Balicasag Island
»» Swim with a passing school of dolphins in Cabilao
»» Catch a performance of the world famous Loboc Children’s Choir
»» Check out the bamboo bridge in Candijay Mangrove Forest
In:Focus
World Heritage-Listed Banaue Rice Terraces
BAGUIO & BANAWE
For centuries, the northern mountain provinces of the
Philippines have lured those escaping the heat of the lowlands—
the cool climes, pine-clad hills and verdant valleys of Baguio and
Banaue present a magical change of scenery.
Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines, is nestled on
a plateau 1,400 meters above sea level. It is the gateway to all
the prime attractions in the cordillera mountains: the fruit and
flower farms of La Trinidad, the Asin Hot Springs, the Mummies
of Kabayan and the Malabisin underground river to name a few.
»» Gaze at the spectacular World Heritage-Listed Banaue Rice
Terraces, layered rice paddies that form a giant stairway to
the sky.
»» Discover the picturesque town of Sagada, popular with
Manila’s bohemian crowd.
»» Be mystified by the centuries-old mummies of Bontoc,
some still in their ancient log caskets.
»» In Batad, watch the jaw-dropping sunrise over the rice
terraces, then enjoy a picnic lunch and bracing dip at the
Tappiya Falls.
Further north is Banaue, tucked in rugged terrain brimming with
spectacular scenery—breathtaking mountain ranges, ancient pine
forests, tumbling waterfalls and ferny glades.
Carved out of the mountainsides by the Ifugao tribe folk more
than 2,000 years ago is the World Heritage-listed Banaue Rice
Terraces. Banaue is a popular base for adventurous forays into
Ifugao country, idyllic Sagada and mountaineous Bontoc.
How to get here
Baguio is a 4-5 hour drive from Manila by car and 6 hours by
bus. Banaue can be reached by air with a 45-minute chartered
flight from Manila. Tourist coaches go to Banaue directly from
Manila and Baguio City.
Pre- or Post-Activities in Baguio & Banaue
»» Tee off at Camp John Hay Golf Club in Baguio City, designed
by Jack Nicklaus.
»» Visit the Easter Weaving School and watch tribal women
transform rainbow-colored threads into exquisite cloths.
»» Jostle with the locals at the lively Baguio market, where the
best indigenous crafts and souvenirs can be found.
28 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
Penabenga Festival, Baguio
VIGAN & LAOAG
The historic town of Vigan, 408 kilometres northwest of Manila,
has a 16th century townscape so well preserved and unique that
it has been listed as a World Heritage site.
In:Focus
Aplace where time stands still, Vigan is famous for its historic
houses, cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, and its unique
architecture and culture and fuses Philippine, Chinese and
European Influences.
Also in Northern Luzon, 488 kilometres from Manila, is the
bustling city of Laoag. Strewn with ancient landmarks, its
old-world charm is renowned. Laoag is also the gateway to the
region’s famous sand dunes and beaches.
How to get here
It’s a 45-minute flight from Manila to Laoag International Airport.
Vigan is a 1 1/2 hour drive from Laoag.
Pre- or Post-Activities in Vigan & Laoag
»» Visit Vigan’s Calle Crisologo and its well-preserved ancestral homes.
»» Watch local artisans keep the ancient craft of abel weaving,
damili (terracotta), and burnay (earthenware) alive.
»» Sample mouth-watering rice cakes and other delicacies of
San Jose in Vigan.
»» Marvel at Kapurpurawan rock formation and the Bojeador
lighthouse, both in Burgos.
»» Go off-roading on the sand dunes of La Paz.
»» Learn about Saint William the Hermit while exploring the
cathedral built in his honor in 1612.
»» Check out the Bangui Windmills, said to be the biggest in
Southeast Asia.
»» In Laoag, make sure you sample Longganisa (local
sausage), empanada (savory pies) and pinakbet (mixed
vegetables in anchovy sauce).
»» Tee off at the Fort Ilocandia Country Club.
»» Visit the Museo Ilocos Norte, a unique heritage museum
housed in a restored tobacco factory.
The Philippines – Airport & Entry
Information
Airports
The Philippines has twelve international airports, one in each
of the key cities of Manila, Angeles, Davao, Cebu, Aklan, Iloilo,
Ilocos Norte, South Cotabato, Negros Occidental, Palawan,
Zambales and Zamboanga Del Sur.
Airport Fees
International airport terminal fee is Php 550.00 or its dollar
equivalent.
For local departure, domestic terminals around the country
charge their own fee, preparing Php100-200 should cover it.
Children under two (2) years of age, transit passengers are
29 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
exempt from airport fees. Please note that fees may change
without prior notice.
Entry Regulations
Starting August 1, 2013, nationals from 151 countries may enter
the Philippines without a visa and stay for a maximum of thirty
(30) days, provided they are holders of a passport valid at least
six (6) months beyond the period of stay in the Philippines, and
present a return or outward bound ticket to their country of
origin or to a next country of destination.
For the list of 151 countries, please click here (link to http://
itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/download/151_countries_
covered_in_30_days_visa_free_entry.pdf). Chinese Nationals,
including citizens for Hong Kong and Taiwan, will need a special
permit.
TOURISM PROMOTIONS BOARD
Find additional information on www.dotpcvc.gov.ph or contact
the very competent MICE Department at +63 2 5251153 or email
[email protected].
In:Show
ITE & MICE Hong Kong 2015
Travel Fair facilitates exhibitors Meeting MICE/Trade Buyers & Affluent FIT
IITE & MICE, Hong Kong’s only international travel fair, is
attended in the two trade days by 2,588 visitors from MICE &
Corporate Travel and 6,522 from travel agents. In all, it draws
some 12,000 buyers and trade visitors, with 74% from Hong
Kong and 19% from China mainly its southern provinces like
Guangdong!
Its next edition, ITE & MICE 2015, co-locates the 29th ITE
(leisure) and the 10th ITE MICE for synergy, as MICE trips often
include leisure components and a significant number of travel
agents engage in both types of travel.
In trade days of ITE & MICE are Business Matching and around
20 seminars, some of which by exhibitors while others by the
organizer in co-operation with trade associations such as the
Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) on Corporate
Travel, and the Wedding Management Association on Overseas
Wedding. Also, the organizer helps promoting exhibitor seminars
by sending invitations for online pre-registration.
Honeymoon & Overseas Wedding (HOW) is one of the trendy
travel themes highlight, and survey held at ITE & MICE 2014 found
their popularity with both trade and public visitors. (Table 1)
Online survey held last year by the organizer found 83% of
Themes popularity among Trade & Public Visitors
the MICE and corporate travel trade visitors seek destination
THEMES
HOW Wellness Sport Cruise
Travel
information in ITE & MICE. Also, these buyers / visitors seek info
& Medical
Photography
and suppliers of hotel and accommodations (52%), travel agents Trade Visitors
24%
14%
22%
29%
21%
/ DMC (44%), and Tourism Boards / Convention & Meeting
Public Visitors
14%
12%
30%
34%
54%
Bureau (38%). And they travel frequently for business, with 31%
made two to four business trips and another 17% five times or
Organized by TKS Exhibition Services Ltd, ITE & MICE 2015
more in past year.
is supported by China National Tourism Administration, Hong
The combined ITE & MICE features nearly 700 international
Kong Tourism Board, Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong,
exhibitors (85% from abroad) from around 50 countries and
Macau Government Tourist Office etc. In addition, ITE MICE
regions all over the world, and therefore offers more destinations, 2015 is supported by MICE industry associations in the region,
products and suppliers thus more attractive to visitors!
and several chambers of commerce / professional bodies help
distributing invitations to members etc.
The annual ITE & MICE will next be held from June 11 to 14,
2015 at Halls 1A to 1E of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition
Centre. Its first two days open only to trade, and the second
trade day designated MICE / Corporate Travel Day.
For more details of the Expo or trade visitor registration, please
visit trade website of www.itehk.com. For exhibiting or general
enquiry, please email to [email protected] or contact the
Organizer, TKS by phone: +852 31550600.
In:Show
MITM Euromed Calpe, Spain - 6-8 May 2015
Trends, Developments and a Glance on the 19th edition of the Show
An Interview with Charo Trabado, General Manager of G.S.A.R Marketing
GSAR Marketing, part of the Convenco Group founded in
1973 with Convenco-Incentive Solutions, founded in 1981,
is now in full organization of its 19th edition of MITM
euromed, taking place from May 6-8 in Calpe, Spain.
MITM Euromed is one of the oldest established closed door
formats exclusively for the MICE market – a concept recently
picked up by Reed exhibitions for some of its regional IBTM
events. We talked to Charo Trabado, General Manager of G.S.A.R
Marketing about past developments and – most important - the
future trends about MITM Euromed.
MICE:destination: Charo, MITM Euromed and MITM Americas
are known as pioneers of B2B fairs in the MICE industry in their
respective regions. From your perspective - what are the most
important changes during the last years – and – most important
– what are the challenges for the future?
Charo Trabado, General Manager G.S.A.R Marketing: The
first criteria of buyers that we realize, in the process of
appointment selection that we execute in every fair we organize,
is that they request principally CVBs/Destinations, followed up
by hotels and thirdly DMCs.
From my experience, I can clarify that the minor presence of
DMCs is based, with the exception of the large DMCs that host
large numbers of destinations and that have their own stands
in large fairs, on the fact that smaller DMCs usually are placed
inside a destination (either by an invitation, the extension of a
small sum of money or as visitors). In MITM this procedure is
not available, therefore their minor presence.
Charo Trabado, General Manager G.S.A.R Marketing: When
we first began with the introduction of this new concept,
nobody fully trusted the initiative. Time has proven us right and
now more and more we are seeing fairs utilizing this model.
As for MITM Euromed and MITM Americas, there hasn’t been
any kind of changes in their basic structure. We maintain
our unique format of small fairs, quality oriented, where the
difference in marketing and promotion opportunities between
large companies and established destinations and the smaller
and less well-known destinations is non-existent. And, where
the exhibitors have the guarantee of direct contact with all the
buyers, carefully selected based on their high business-making
potential, and realize the value of their investment by avoiding
¨ the aisle sellers¨.
Our objective for the future is the maintenance of the quality
of our fairs based on excellent and clean organisation and a
magnificent international promotion of the destination venue.
MICE:destination: During the last MITM Euromed, many buyers
told me about their need to meet more DMCs located in the
destinations to support their events. How do DMCs react to
this? Can buyers expect a stronger presence of DMCs at the
upcoming MITM Euromed in Calpe? And may we already get
some hints about attending exhibitors?
31 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
MITM Euromed 2014, Cadiz Conference Centre
Image Copyright: Martina Warter 2014
In:Show
MICE:destination: Last year, MITM Euromed buyers were
hosted in the beautiful Hotel Monasterio San Miguel in Puerto
de Santa Maria and the fair took place in the Cadiz Conference
Centre. This year the award winning AR Diamante Beach Hotel,
Spa & Convention Centre **** will be both hosting hotel and
venue. For the attending buyers, this is a most convenient
situation as no transfers are needed. What can you tell our
readers – beside this?
Charo Trabado, General Manager G.S.A.R Marketing:
Correct! In this process of decision-making for MITM destination
hosts, this allows them to display the sites that they consider
most important, not only in the choosing of the official hotel or
the exhibition hall, but also for the venue for the social functions
of networking.
ideas for their clients.
For MITM Euromed 2015, we selected the Hotel AR Diamante
Beach, with its magnificent installations as the Exhibition
Center, spa and hotel, which clearly facilitates the transfers’
management. Nevertheless the rest of the programme is
focused on dazzling and distinctive sites situated in the city of
Calpe.
MICE:destination: MITM Euromed is not only known to
be a pioneer in the B2B trade fair, but also for the beautiful
networking events. Can we lure you in giving us a preview on
these events?
Charo Trabado, General Manager G.S.A.R Marketing: The
purpose of an excellent networking programme is the facilitation
for the potential client to discover and take notes of the unique
features and wonders that the destination has to offer to their
own clients. That is, and will always be, the best way to market
any destination!
The welcome reception will be hosted the Hotel Solymar (www.
granhotelsolymar.com/index-eng.php) in their exclusive “Le
Champ”, that will enchant us with a typical show of Moors and
Christians. The Closing ceremony will be in the beach of the
Hotel SH Ifach (www.sh-hoteles.com/en/ifach-hotel.html) with a
themed dinner.
Charo – as always, it’s a pleasure to talk to you – and I’m
looking forward to meeting you in Calpe. Thank you for your
time.
My pleasure, Calpe is waiting for you! Thank you very much
Martina.
MITM Euromed 2014, Closing Event,
Image Copyright: Martina Warter 2014
Last year we had an outstanding fair divided in two cities
located in the province of Cádiz: the Port of Santa Maria as
hotel venue in the Monastery of San Miguel, and the city of
Cádiz as the fair venue in the monumental avant-garde Congress
Palace. The participants had the opportunity to experience
32 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
In:Country
South Africa
The Rainbow Nation is one of the most
multicultural countries and home to a multitude
of ethnic groups hailing from all over the world.
Some of them are Europeans arriving during or
after colonialism, but Indians, Chinese, Malays
and many others are among immigrated groups.
And while everybody
had the chance to
see the countries
variety and hospitality
during Soccer World
Championship in
2010, but how much
do you know about
the country and its etiquette? What to do or to avoid to make
your business event successful? We’re shedding light on this
magnificent destination.
Official languages in South Africa are manifold – the country
has 11 official languages. English however is the Language of
administration and spoken throughout the country. The other
official languages in alphabetical order are Afrikaans, Ndebele,
Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsongo, Tswana, Venda,
Xhosa and Zulu.
South African Society & Culture
Looking at the diversity of the South African society, it is difficult
to outline The Etiquette – simply because the different ethnic
groups have their individual focus. We are trying to indicate
some guidance, but please pay attention to customs of individual ethnic groups if you are dealing with a specific group. Their
traditions may shift the focus significantly.
In rural regions with traditional African society the tribes are very
important and provide security on both, financial and emotional
level. The extended Family is in these regions almost as important as the direct kin.
In the larger cities, life is fast and – as everywhere – people
tend to be proud of their hometown. In South Africa this is a very
particular view in Cape Town. People are said to have a focus on
family and long term friendship as well as social standing. Some
say People from Capetown even think their city to be better than
any other…
Johannesburg people are sometimes confronted with the prejudice
of being highly materialistic and to value persons for their property
only – and to look at people of rural regions as less civilized.
33 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
International Convention Centre,Cape Town, Western Cape
Many rural communities are rooted in their heritage and traditions while urban black communities tend to combine their
heritage with the urban living and influences around them.
General Etiquette & Customs
General Dress Code
Wear your normal, urban
style, neat clothes. In South
Africa, people wear typical
Western attire in urban
regions.
Sneakers or Shorts are
exclusively for casual affairs,
such as walks, beach or
barbecue.
Interior Cocktail Lounge,
The One and Only Hotel, Cape Town
Meet and Greet and Body Language
Styles vary among the ethnic groups, but in general with foreigners a handshake with a smile and eye contact is the norm. In
general, greetings include time for exchange of pleasantries and
social conversation.
When a man greets a South African woman, it is best to see if
the woman extends her hand as handshaking with the opposite
sex is not the norm in all ethnic groups.
Greetings with a kiss to the cheek are common between women
- it is best to follow the lead - or from men to a woman they
know well.
Keep your hands and arms loosely at your sides or folded on
your lap when sitting. Don’t put your hands in your pockets, on
your hips or cross your arms in front of you
Respect distance and don’t stand too close to someone or touch
someone’s arm.
And – the very basic rules of western habits - do cover your
mouth when yawning, don’t bite your nails, spit or chew with
open mouth. Don’t sniffle audibly or pick your nose.
Be aware of South Africa’s racial terminology. Preferred terms
are Black for people with African ancestry and White for people
with European ancestry. Never call Afrikaners “Dutchmen” they
don’t consider themselves Dutch!
In:Country
Giving and Receiving Gifts
with your table manners as they may vary from the above depending on your host’s ethnic group.
of your home country or town, flowers, good quality chocolates,
or a bottle of good South African wine to the hostess.
For dinner invitations always be on time.
Ask the hostess ahead of the time if you should bring something
particular (such as a desert for example) and check the dress
code with her.
Unless you’re invited to a Muslim home, don’t take off your shoes.
Follow the indicated dress code. If nothing is indicated, casual
clothes are recommended and may include jeans or pressed
shorts. Please note, that casual in Johannesburg is a little higher
leveled as in other parts of South Africa – casual in Johannesburg does not include jeans or shorts unless you’re told so by
the hosts.
Offer a hand to the hostess with preparations or after the meal.
At the Beach
A gift should be limited to a value of maximum 50 USD, wrapping
it nicely shows your respect.
Tipping
Always use both hands or your right hand to give or receive a gift,
In restaurants check the bill to see if the tip has been already
never use the left hand. Gifts are opened immediately when received.
included. If not, tip 10-20%.
Send a thank you note when receiveing a gift. It may be a handHotel porters do receive 3 South African Rands / bag
written note or an email.
Tour guides and Bus drivers are tipped at the end of the day. A
common tip is 10 Rands per person for a day tour. Driver and
If you are invited to a South African’s house
If you are invited to a South African’s home, bring a nice present Guide will share the tip.
Dinning and Table Manners
Don’t sunbath nude except at designated nude beaches.
Women wear a bikini, men a pair of swim trunks. Men might
wear speedos but they might cause laughing reactions.
Photo Etiquette
Don’t take photos of government or military buildings or police
stations. Beside this, ask for permission if you want to take a
photo of people.
Taking a Safari
Do listen to the guide and respect their judgment and follow
their recommendations – they are experts.
Don’t smoke on a safari.
Don’t feed the animals – it may be dangerous!
Don’t imitate animal sounds, corner wild animals or throw objects
on them. Reactions are unpredictable and dangerous!
Don’t take anything you find on a safari.
Don’t litter. It is disgusting and may be dangerous to animals.
Whatever you bring, take it with you and find a waste bin.
Rangers tips are 10 USD per guest and day, in private vehicles
20 USD per guest and day. Gifts are well received and in addition
to the tip.
All other safari staff members are tipped 5 USD per guest and
day.
Business Etiquette and Protocol
High Tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town
Don’t cut bread rolls, but break them in small pieces on the side plate.
Put your napkin on your lap after being seated.
When pausing during the meal put your fork and knife crossed
on the plate to indicate you’re still eating.
When you are finished do not leave food on your plate and place
your for and knife parallel closely together.
In general, keep in mind that you’re visiting the Rainbow nation
which consists of a multitude of ethnic groups, so be flexible
34 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
Relationships & Communication
South Africans are business oriented, personal relationships are
not a required part of conducting business, but networking and
relationship building are important for long-term success and
most business representatives are looking for long-term relationships. Business relationships are built in the office.
While the countries values include egalitarianism, people in
business respect senior executives and those who have attained
their position through hard work and perseverance. If you represent an unknown company, a more formal introduction is helpful
In:Country
to reach out to decision makers.
For the most part, South Africans want to maintain harmonious
working relationships, so they avoid confrontations.
South Africans like using metaphors and sports analogies to
describe or clarify a subject.
There are major differences in communication styles depending
upon the individual’s cultural heritage, but most South Africans
prefer face-to-face meetings to more impersonal communication
mediums such as email, letter, or telephone.
Business Meeting Etiquette
Conference Room, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in
advance as possible.
It may be difficult to arrange meetings with senior level managers on short notice, although you may be able to do so with
lower-level managers.
It is often difficult to schedule meetings from mid December to
mid January or the two weeks surrounding Easter, as these are
prime vacation times.
Personal relationships are important. The initial meeting is often
used to establish a personal rapport and to determine if you are
trustworthy.
After a meeting, send a letter summarizing what was decided
and the next steps.
Business Negotiations
Schedule meetings about 2 weeks in advance, bring a gift to
your business associates and use titles and last names when
talking to them.
Be rather five minutes early than late, South Africans are punctual and it is considered impolite and rude to be late.
35 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
Exterior of the Johannesburg International Convention Centre
It is imperative to develop mutual trust and understanding before
negotiating. Don’t rush negotiations.
Never use slang or bad language, don’t interrupt someone while
he or she is speaking and respect that South Africans aim for
consensus and win-win situations.
In South Africa, women have yet to attain senior level positions.
Women are likely to encounter some condescending behaviour
and to be tested in ways that a male colleague would not.
Start your negotiations with realistic figures as people in South
Africa do not like bargaining. In contracts, include delivery dates.
Deadlines are frequently regarded as fluid indications, not as firm
commitments. Depending on company structures, decisions are
made on top management levels and after consultations with
subordinates. The process may be slower than you expect.
Dress Etiquette
For first meetings it is
recommended to dress
conservatively, even so
business dress codes
are tending to be more
informal in many companies. The Hotel industry
is not among those to
be less formal on the
supplier level. Dark
colored, conserviative
style business suites are
recommended for men.
At less formal meetings
a sports coat without tie
is possible. Women are Business people inside the
Johannesburg Stock Exchange
recommended to wear
elegant business suits or
dresses or smart casual clothes for less formal meetings.
In:Venue
Amsterdam RAI Enhances its
Exhibitions with the InnovationLAB
and profiled based on this crucial topic. The InnovationLAB is a
generic concept that can be customised to suit any trade show.”
SCooperation amenwerking
AAmsterdam RAI has now officially confirmed its cooperation
with TNO, 3TU Federatie and Accenture Innovation Awards.
“The InnovationLAB will make innovations visible and tangible
to a broad audience,” explains Esther van Zeggeren, Director
of Marketing & Communications at TNO. “It will also serve as a
bridge between people and knowledge, a vital precondition for
more innovations. We call this ‘Innovation for life’.”
Wednesday 11 March 2015 saw the official
launch of the InnovationLAB platform by
Amsterdam RAI and its external partners TNO,
3TU Federatie and Accenture Innovation Awards.
The InnovationLAB is an inspiring environment
designed to enable exhibitors and visitors to
share their knowledge and experiences in the
field of innovation. From now on, innovations
will have their own clear and central place in the
exhibitions organised by Amsterdam RAI.
IJsbrand Haagsma, Secretary General of 3TU Generatie,
comments: “ We see the cooperation with Amsterdam RAI as
an excellent way to bring scientific technological developments
closer to the public. The government expects us to work on
valorisation as well as teaching and research; that is, we should
create practical applications for the knowledge we develop. This
is what we showcase in the InnovationLAB.”
“Improving brand familiarity is one of the main goals of
Innovation Awards participants,” adds Pieter-Paul van Oerle,
initiative taker and organiser of Accenture Innovation Awards.
“Our cooperation with Amsterdam RAI lets us meet this need
even better in the framework of various appropriate concepts.”
The next exhibition where the InnovationLAB will be deployed
will be the AutoRAI in April 2015. Next, it will be the turn
of Rematec, SSA and the BedrijfsAutoRAI, followed by the
international exhibitions Aquatech Amsterdam and METS in
November.
Innovation is often given as one of the top three reasons to
visit an exhibition. In response, Amsterdam RAI has created the
InnovationLAB concept, creating places where ideas, innovations
and news are given material form on both the exhibition floor
and online.
The advantages
The InnovationLAB is a rich and inspiring platform that
allows Amsterdam RAI to stimulate exhibitors to enhance the
spotlight on their innovations. In addition, it gives knowledge
centres, research institutes, innovation partners and the
like a platform to market their innovations, further enriching
Amsterdam RAI’s exhibitions. This, in turn, will help inspire
visitors, as Ids Boersma, Director of RAI Exhibitions, explains:
“The InnovationLAB is a platform where visitors can see and
experience the innovations in their market, both online and in
real life. In addition, the medium of exhibitions is distinguished
36 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
www.rai.nl
In:Centive
Festivals, Parades & Events:
Germany’s Living Traditions
Looking for an extraordinary incentive
destination? Have you thought about Germany’s
Living Traditions? From Carnival through
Christmas Markets to the Munich Beer Festival
- the world’s largest fair - there are myriad
traditional fairs to choose from.
One of Germany’s best loved traditions is to celebrate its
ancient customs and have a good time. Customs and traditions
shape the authenticity of Germany’s rural regions and are still
alive and relevant today. These “Living Traditions” are one of the
three aspects of the campaign theme “Traditions and Customs”
of Destination Germany which the German National Tourist
Board (GNTB) will present in 2015.
According to the GNTB Quality Monitor, the aspect “History and
tradition” is a decision criterion for one in every five foreign
travellers visiting Germany. Visitors particularly from high-volume
source markets such as Spain, the USA, the Netherlands and
Great Britain consider historic traditions important when choosing
their travel destination. For overseas visitors, events which involve
customs and traditional folk music showed the highest interest:
more than 10% of visitors from China, India, Brazil and the USA
visit events with traditional German celebrations and music.
Around three million events per year offer a rich variety of
entertainment for visitors. In 2014 alone there were 1,447 music
festivals in all regions of Germany. Sports and cultural events,
local festivities and exhibitions are also great opportunities
to celebrate in a traditional way with visitors from around the
world. A large part of these annual events take place in rural
areas and offer great possibilities for visitors to experience the
special features and traditions of individual regions.
The top 10 source markets for travels to events in Germany in
2013 were from Europe, closely followed by the USA, ranking
11th. According to the GNTB Quality Monitor, events were one of
the main reasons for around 25% of visitors in their decision on
Germany as a destination.
Visitors can experience Germans traditions throughout the year
and in all regions: At the North Frisian Biike bonfires, winter
spirits are dispelled with huge fires at the beginning of the year.
Walpurgis Night, a large witch festival on Mount Brocken in the Harz
mountains according to folklore, is nowadays celebrated in the cities
37 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
as “Tanz in den Mai” (Dance into May). Numerous festivals, wine
festivals and other festivities fill the events calendar in the summer
months. Many of these are events of distinction. The world’s largest
marksmen’s festival, for example, is celebrated in Hannover every
year. The Munich Beer Festival may have innumerable copycats in
the world, but the original “Wies’n” belongs to Bavaria and attracts
more than six million visitors from around the world. The Alp to
Valley Cattle Drove
(Almabtrieb) in Upper
Bavaria and Allgäu at
the end of the summer
and the atmospheric,
regional Christmas
markets are further
popular attractions
until New Year’s Eve.
Then around one million
visitors celebrate at the
Brandenburg Gate in
Cattle Drove in Königstein, Bavaria
Berlin by seeing off the
old year and welcoming the new one.
Traditional customs are experienced differently in German regions:
The traveller can experience the pagan tradition of ‘driving out
the winter’ during the Swabian-Alemannic “Fasnet”, for example,
in a completely different fashion than the Rhenish street carnival,
which in turn is celebrated differently in Düsseldorf than in Mainz
or Cologne, or at the historic parade in Wasungen, Thuringia.
Many of these practised traditions are so original that the
German states want them recognised as intangible cultural
Cologne Carnival
heritage by UNESCO. Examples include shanty music on the
North Sea coast, the famous game of Skat from Altenburg and
the widely spread marksmen’s festivals.
Events and dates for “Traditions and Customs” can be found at
www.germany.travel/tradition
In:Search
Increased Focus On Total Cost of
Meetings and Trips
Capita Travel and Events has revealed key trends
in its UK meetings data with the publication of
a benchmark report, Meetings at the Heart of
Travel. With strategic meetings management
growing in strength in the UK there is an increasing appetite for organisations to be able
to compare their own meetings policy, delegate
rates and other meetings trends with the wider
market.
Meetings at the Heart of Travel is the result of analysis of all of
Capita Travel and Events’ meetings bookings from the last four
years. Key findings of the report include:
»» External venue bookings have increased by 61 per cent
but for every one external venue booked, Capita Travel
and Events has booked 10 meetings into customer
office meeting rooms. This demonstrates the continued
importance of better use of office space to control travel
and meetings costs.
»» 36 per cent of meetings are held not in venues or hotels but
in purpose-built conference centres or unusual alternative
venues.
»» Meetings are getting bigger with more delegates per
event, although the average meeting duration remains
low compared with before the recession. 82 per cent of
meetings currently take place within one day due to a
continued bias towards non-residential meetings brought
about by the economic downturn. This is a trend Capita
Travel and Events expects to change in the next 18 months
to two years as the market bounces back.
»» Booking lead times have continued to shrink, with 42 per
cent of meetings for up to 10 delegates booked a week or
less in advance.
»» 39 per cent of external meetings are held on a Monday or
Thursday, with organisations benefitting from typically lower
rates on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, whereas internal
meetings are more popular on a Friday.
Sam Welch, Capita Travel Events’ director of consulting services
for accommodation and meetings, will be speaking on strategic
meetings management at the Institute of Travel and Meetings’
workshop on 23 March.
She says: “Our findings show that within mature strategic
meetings programmes, there is continued emphasis on the total
38 - MICE Media Marketing - MICE:destination
cost, including items such as equipment and refreshments.
But for companies that haven’t yet developed a meetings
programme, savings opportunities are being missed.”
“A good programme and policy encourages people to re-think
how, where and when they schedule meetings, and whether
they really need to travel, which reduces costs. Supported by
online booking technology that reduces the resources and costs
involved in booking company owned office space and external
venues for small meetings, a good programme will far outweigh
the investment required to get your programme up and running.”
To read the full results you can download the full two-page
report from the Capita Travel and Events website. Additional
trends are illustrated in an accompanying infographic, also
available via the website.
To find out more about Institute of Travel and Meetings’
workshop on 23 March, visit the ITM website.
MICE:destination
Martina Warter
Publisher & Editorial Director
[email protected]
Advertising Sales
Barbara Shapiro, The Americas, UAE
[email protected],
+ 1 304 599 0511
Dina Chan, Asia-Pacific
[email protected]
+852 6083 3511
Ashley Smith, EMEA
[email protected]
+33 977 215 355
MICE Media Marketing
24 rue du dragon, 57450 Farébersviller, France
+33 970 444 556
In:VIP
Philippines
Madrid, Spain
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & Spa, Cebu
Punta Engano Road, Lapu-Lapu City City 6015
Cebu, The Philippines
Phone: +6332 231 0288
sales&[email protected] | www.shangri-la.com
Melia Hotels & Resorts
Gran Meliá Fénix
www.gran-melia-fenix.com | [email protected]
World Trade Center Metro Manila
WTCMM Bldg. Gil Puyat Ave. cor. Macapagal Blvd.
1300 Pasay City, The Philippines
Phone: +632 902 0000 | Fax: +632 902 0000 ext. 513
[email protected] | www.wtcmanila.com.ph
Melia Madrid Princesa
www.meliamadridprincesa.com | [email protected]
IMEX Frankfurt
19-21 May 2015, Messe Frankfurt, Halle 8
+44 1273 227 311
[email protected] | www.imex-frankfurt.com
AlliedPRA Spain DMC
www.alliedpra.com | [email protected]
Melia Castilla
www.meliacastilla.com | [email protected]
ME Madrid Reina Victoria
www.memadrid.com | [email protected]
ITE & MICE Hong Kong
trade days 11-12 June 2015 | public days 13-14 June 2015
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
Phone +852 3155 0600
[email protected] | www.itehk.com
MICE Media Marketing recognizes your professional need to be continually up-to-date
with the news and events impacting your business. A constantly changing segment for
MICE professionals is destinations, hotels and DMCs.
The new In:e-magazine for MICE professionals!
Published bi-monthly, MICE:destination will deliver exclusive focus on destinations,
venues and developments including all components of a successful MICE program.
Optimized for tablets, notebooks and pcs.
A standard PDF edition will be available for download.
spotlight on the hot spots
introducing attractive venues for MICE events
the news section
about MICE industry trade shows
VIP contact details for advertisers and providers of editorial content.
the incentive section
insights about culture and customs for conducting business in a new destination.
interesting case studies of successful programs
shedding light on green projects
market research and hot statistics useful to your business.
interviews with industry leaders
micemm.com/index.php/mice-destination
In:Focus
In:Venue
In:Sight
In:Show
In:VIP
In:Centive
In:Country
In:Case
In:Green
In:Search
In:Vision
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easy to keep, relevant and valuable to MICE buyers.
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