The Business of Events has confirmed VisitBritain as its latest official partner for its 2023 programme. It marks a fifth year of consecutive support to the Policy Unit and Think Tank.

VisitBritain is Britain’s national tourism agency, and its Business Events team has developed and maintained a strong international reputation in the global events sector. The team places a great deal of emphasis on the fact that business events are more than just tools for economic growth, they are vital drivers for culture, education, and opportunity.

VisitBritain is also home to The Business Events Growth Programme, a dedicated funding stream which to date has supported over 150 events in 19 cities across Britain, supporting key business sectors such as technology, creative services and medical and life sciences. Another key focus for the team has been to work closely with our nations to further support CVB’s as they continue to attract international business. This has been achieved through areas such as enhancing government advocacy for the Industry, investing in critical research, focusing on the legacy and impact of the sector and offering educational workshops and toolkits to boost knowledge on transformative trends.

Paul Black, Head of Business Events at VisitBritain, said: “VisitBritain’s partnership with The Business of Events Is a vital opportunity to further shine a spotlight on the dynamic and evolving business events sector, raising awareness of its enormous economic and societal contribution as well as its desire to drive change. The Business of Events has provided invaluable research which has had huge significance on our sector, working alongside key senior leaders and our nations to impact the future of the Business Events industry.”

Martin Fullard, Director, News & Content, said: “To have the support of VisitBritain Business Events is vitally important to the work carried out by The Business of Events. While Great Britain is a global powerhouse when it comes to tourism, we should never short-change the value of business events. Not only are they a vital inbound revenue stream, but we export billions of pounds of event services annually also.

“Paul Black and his team have done incredible work in educating and supporting their partner network across the country, and the toolkits and guidance they offer reaffirm how passionately they feel about having a strong events sector.

“It is these qualities which makes this a very strong partnership, and we look forward to supporting them on their projects.”

Download the 2023 Prospectus here.

On Monday, May 1^st, Alaska Airlines presented a Bombardier Q400 regional turboprop to ZeroAvia that will be retrofitted with a hydrogen-electric propulsion system in an effort to expand the reach and applicability of zero emissions flight technology.

When Alaska Airlines’ regional carrier Horizon Air retired its Q400 fleet, it reserved one of the 76 seat aircraft for research and development purposes to further advance zero emissions technology for the aviation industry. Green aviation company ZeroAvia, which has an R&D center in Everett, is outfitting the retired Dash 8 Q400 regional turboprop with its hydrogen-powered electric propulsion system.

The technology is “revolutionizing the way propulsion evolves,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “This is pretty cool. I’m extremely excited about the future.” In 2021, Alaska Airlines launched a partnership and invested in ZeroAvia to support the development of zero emissions propulsion technology for regional aircraft. As the fifth largest U.S. airline with a large regional network, Alaska has a unique opportunity to support the development of zero-emissions propulsion technology for regional aircraft. By establishing the viability of regional-sized aircraft, both companies will help advance zero-emissions technology across the industry.

Alaska Airlines is a major airline in the United States, headquartered in Seattle, Washington.  

Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 46 million guests a year to more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. They strive to be the most caring airline with award-winning customer service and an industry-leading loyalty program.

The airline offers more nonstop flights from the West Coast than any other carrier. Though Alaska calls Seattle home, the company has hubs in Anchorage, Alaska, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. Other focus cities include San Diego and San Jose, California.  

Popular East Coast flights originate from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale. 

Meeting and convention travel

Alaska Airlines meeting and convention discounts provide convenience, flexibility, and savings for your event attendees. Discounts and a range of benefits are available for travel from a variety of origin cities to your event or convention destination.

KILLYLEAGH, NORTHERN IRELAND, 06 February 2023 — PCMA today opened registration for Convening EMEA, taking place in one of most sustainable cities in the world, Copenhagen, from 20 – 22, September 2023. PCMA also announced the opening keynote speakers Nathan Furr and Susannah Harmon Furr, authors of The Upside of Uncertainty: A Guide to Finding Possibility in the Unknown, which was named #2 in Forbes Best Business Books of 2022. Convening EMEA is an omnichannel event offering digital and in-person participation for business event professionals and creatives to share learnings and collaborate to build a stronger future for the global business events community. In-person registration offers delegates an allaccess pass to the educational conference held at the Bella Center Copenhagen, as well as social activities and an opportunity to explore Copenhagen with a plethora of exploration tours on offer. Convening EMEA, expected to be a sell-out meeting, aims to bring over 500+ global industry leaders together for the flagship event in aim of building a stronger future for the global business events community. With this mission at the heart of the programme Nathan and Susannah aim to demonstrate how the global business events industry can turn uncertainty into a force of good. “We have co-authored a book called the Upside of Uncertainty. It’s a guidebook for finding possibility in the unknown. We live in uncertain times, but the good news is there are tools for having courage and resilience in finding possibility even when it feels frightening. We are so excited to workshop these tools in Copenhagen” said Nathan and Susannah Furr. “The planning for this year’s Convening EMEA is fully underway, and we are very excited about how the programme looks thus far. In addition, we cannot wait to unfold our beautiful Copenhagen and share with the PCMA participants all our favourite parts of the city. Whether a boat trip, our sustainability walk through Tivoli Gardens, a visit to the multifunctional BLOX building, or any of the other tours and social evenings, we have planned, participants will experience first-hand what a sustainable, liveable and welcoming city Copenhagen is,” said Kit Lykketoft, Director of Convention, Wonderful Copenhagen 2/2 Registration and further details and registration are available at www.conveningemea.org.

During IMEX America’s recent 2022 Exhibition held in Las Vegas, the Bloomington CVB held a press conference announcing enhancements to their Under One Roof meeting solution allowing groups to create customized team-building experiences during events at Mall of America.

The following newly created experiences with Mall of America partners can be added to take events above and beyond the ordinary:

• Lululemon Yoga Experience
• M Health Fairview Mall of America One-Mile Walk Experience
• Yankee Candle Experience
• Tumi Luggage Packing Experience

Under One Roof bundles together unique luxury meeting space at JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, Radisson Blu Mall of America and the Mall of America, with built-in entertainment and dining in one convenient package.

“The hospitality marketplace continues to evolve, and planners are looking for tailored experiences that are truly memorable, “stated Dan O’Neil, vice president of strategy and sales for the Bloomington CVB. “We’ve had success offering this large, unique space at Mall of America with its built-in entertainment. Adding custom experiences really takes it to the next level.”

For more information about Under One Roof, contact Dan O’Neill at doneill@bloomingtonmn.org.

Booking events outside the US or have US meetings of 1,000+ attendees annually?

Come to IMEX America in Las Vegas

Susan Sarfati and Liz Jackson invite you to join our hosted buyer group October 10-12, 2022.

The IMEX America is complimentary and so much more: 

• Complimentary single accommodations for you with our group
• Once confirmed, book your preferred air travel, and claim a refund
• Add to your CMP and CAE credits with the many free education programs. 
• Enjoy our group’s sponsored breakfasts and dinner
• Join a community of professional planners to engage with during the show and make connections that last after the event.
• Receive ongoing updates and news about IMEX happenings so you don’t miss a thing.
• Get guidance from experienced group leaders so your experience will be productive and enjoyable.

Come to IMEX. Connect with the world. Continue your industry growth!  RSVP today to ljackson262@msn.com

Professionals from all corners of the global business events industry were honoured at the IMEX in Frankfurt Gala Dinner Awards at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel last night.

As part of IMEX in Frankfurt currently taking place, the awards brought together meeting and event professionals in a glittering gathering to celebrate the achievements, innovation and resilience of individuals within the industry.

The evening started with a huge round of applause, as Destinations International President and CEO Don Welsh handed over the Global Ambassador Award to Adam Burke, president and CEO of Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board. Burke was recognised for his commitment to developing equity, diversity and inclusion best practices as well as for strong leadership within his community. Attendees heard how Burke drives initiatives that support workforce development within the destination and introduced the concept of the city’s convention centre serving as a space to support future leaders.

The roll of honour continued with the IAEE International Excellence Award, presented by IAEE President and CEO David DuBois to Simon Wang, executive vice president, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA). Wang has been at the forefront of various government projects promoting the meetings and events industry and is project director of Taiwan’s MICE Promotion Program – MEET. An experienced and devoted promoter, he’s one of the opinion leaders in Taiwan’s MICE industry.

With sustainability continuing to be high priority, especially as the 2050 Net Zero target edges closer, this year’s IAPCO Innovation Award was particularly fitting.  Ms Ok Hyojung, director of Ezpmp Korea, was honoured for her use of innovative digital technology to deliver a flawless carbon neutral event to a virtual audience. The P4G Summit in Korea in 2021 was the first multilateral environmental event to be hosted by the South Korean government and brought together government representatives and international organisations to focus on ‘Inclusive Green Recovery Towards Carbon Neutrality.’

New for this year, The ICCA Global Influencer Award acknowledges an outstanding contribution to the association meetings industry and was won by Thomas Reiser, executive director of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) and chair – ICCA Association Advisory Committee. ICCA President James Rees presented the award in recognition of Reiser’s leadership role and the impact of his personality, knowledge and expertise throughout the association community.

As JMIC President, Rees also presided over the JMIC Unity Award, given to Rod Cameron, president of Criterion Communications Ltd. The award recognised Cameron’s significant contribution to the development of the industry and consistently high level of professionalism.

Next, the awards looked ahead to the event professionals of the future:Panashe Mahakwa, a student at Vistula University in Warsaw, won the MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award, which celebrates and supports the next generation of meeting planners as part of the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum International University Challenge.

The PCMA Global Business Events Executive of the Year Award is always hotly anticipated. PCMA President and CEO Sherrif Karamat recognised Patrizia Buongiorno, vice president, AIM GROUP International. She truly exemplifies the sentiment with which this award was created by holding herself and her team to the highest standards, mentoring, training and creating opportunities for her team to be recognised for their achievements. In addition to her role at AIM Group International, Buongiorno also dedicates her time to teaching the next generation of industry professionals at several universities.

One of our industry’s most valued skills is the ability to motivate, and it was the duty of Rebecca Wright, SITE executive director, to hand over the Jane E. Schuldt SITE Master Motivator Award to the brilliant Paul Miller, CIS, CITP, managing director of Spectra DMC.  Before his current role with Spectra, an award-winning DMC based in the UK, Miller has had four years of service in the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace. This award honours a SITE member who upholds the highest standard of excellence in creating and delivering successful incentive travel events and exudes enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit in support of the global incentive travel community.

The global pandemic has elevated legacy from optional add-on to fundamental requirement. The Copenhagen Convention Bureau won the hotly-contestedIMEX EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award for its Copenhagen Legacy Lab (CLL). Amy Calvert, CEO of EIC, presented the award to Bettina Reventlow-Mourier, Copenhagen CVB’s deputy convention director. The CLL connects international congresses held in Copenhagen with local business and science communities, thereby integrating legacy before, during and after events.

The Paul Flackett IMEX Academy Awards, named in tribute to the former IMEX managing director, were a fitting climax to the dinner. Three outstanding women were recognised for their long-term commitment to the industry and for pushing boundaries around innovation.   

The 2022 roll call: 

• Carlotta Ferrari, Convention Bureau Italia
• Barbara Jamison-Woods, London & Partners
• Karen Bolinger, Bolinger Consulting

Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO, said: “A huge congratulations to all our Academy Award winners. These awards are a timely reminder of the sheer innovation, professionalism, skill and resilience that our industry is renowned for and should, rightfully, celebrate.”

Frankfurt, Germany – Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) will be staging its presence at the 20th IMEX Frankfurt worldwide exhibition happening from 31 May – 2 June 2022 held in Messe, Frankfurt. The national bureau acts as Malaysia’s leading representative partaking a tradeshow to showcase its timely business events’ offerings projecting significant breakthrough in restarting the business events industry amidst endemic times. 

Paving the way, MyCEB will be introducing Malaysia’s campaigns and initiatives responsible to revitalise business event activities in 2022 such as the 3R Initiative – Reset, Restart, Responsible, Meet in Malaysia Campaign, and MySafe Business Events Planner. The 3R initiative includes supporting Malaysian companies to maintain membership with international associations, comprehensive upskilling programmes and certification, and provide incentive to international delegates. MyCEB is glorified to share that a list of private sector’s participation from the business events industry is covered under the 3R initiative for this particular trade show.

The pinnacle of MyCEB’s participation lays the essence of the business events economy aimed at knowledge sharing, networking, future research capacity, and showcasing the destination’s reputation all of which leads to boost business opportunities at a global scale. Malaysia will be showcasing a strong showing of 9 exhibitors namely World Trade Centre (WTC) Kuala Lumpur, Business Events Sarawak, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), Setia SPICE Convention Centre and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

IMEX Frankfurt is designed as a powerful platform for business event industry players to come together; display and demonstrate the latest updates and services for over 1500 exhibitors from more than 90 countries. 

On 2 April Germany lifted ALL Covid-19 restrictions (known as 3G) on live meetings, events and trade shows. This milestone marks a turning point for the economic regeneration of the global meetings and events industry and, importantly, for the German market. 

The IMEX team knows you want to feel productive at IMEX in Frankfurt this May, and you also want to feel physically and psychologically safe. So, we’re KEEPING our health and safety plan in place. (Read about it here). 

• Generously-sized aisles 
• Use of multiple outdoor spaces 
• 2 entrances to Hall 8 (our exhibit hall) to minimise queueing or over-crowding 
• Home badge printing 
• Widely-spaced, plentiful seating areas 
• 2 Messe Frankfurt halls – 8 and 9 

You can also choose to wear a mask and keep your distance all day long and, rest assured, Messe Frankfurt’s own hygiene standards include fresh air ventilation, disinfection stations and enhanced cleaning. 

So, whether you’re an exhibitor, buyer, supplier, partner, student, journalist or speaker, remember the thrill of a shared experience and know that you’re in safe hands with IMEX.

Is Paris a prospect for your future meeting?  It’s waiting for you to book at the top of the ICCA list of most popular European meeting cities.  Join Susan Sarfati and Liz Jackson on their IMEX hosted buyer 3-night post-IMEX trip June 2-5 to Paris sponsored by the Paris CVB.  (No need to be part of their IMEX hosted buyer group but are invited to join if you have not yet confirmed for IMEX.)

Criteria:

1. Association or AMC buyer with a European meeting prospect for Paris                                                                                  
2. Not held a recent meeting in Paris
3. Not been on a recent site visit to Paris
4. Meeting prospect of 100-400+ attendees

The plans include a Thursday evening transfer from Frankfurt to Paris after the IMEX show.  Two full days of visiting Paris landmarks which make this great city a wonderful choice for meeting attendance plus stops at several hotels and conference centers large enough to accommodate meetings.  Transportation, hotel, meals and sightseeing are covered by the Paris CVB.  Fly home from Paris on Sunday or stay in Europe longer on your own. 

Join us and contact Liz Jackson to RSVP 703.964.6030 or ljackson262@msn.com