Last week, finalists of the ICCA Best Marketing Award were announced. Among the finalists of this year’s competition is Gdansk Convention Bureau / Gdansk Tourist Organization.
Gdansk Convention Bureau/Gdansk Tourist Organizasation was nominated  for its CSR project – Gdansk Christmas Baubles held during EIBTM 2012 in Barcelona. The other finalists are :
– Melbourne Convention Bureau
– Palais des Congres de Montreal
– VisitDenmark.
The ICCA Best Marketing Award, established in 1997, recognises the excellence and outstanding achievements of organizations in their effort to market their destination or product. Entries can range from full scale campaigns and branding exercises to individual promotions and events. The ICCA Best Marketing Award is open to all ICCA members, regardless of their sector. Submission components consist of: innovation and creativity, research and rationale, return on investment, success in meeting the objectives and communication.
The goal of the project Gdansk Christmas Baubles was to help to promote the city of Gdansk during EIBTM through the involvement of all exhibitors, hosted buyers and visitors in Christmas CSR project. Different kind of gifts were collected and given to children from the Spanish organization which supports education and development of young people growing up in difficult environment. Gdansk Convention Bureau / GTO purchased for that purpose educational materials and encouraged co-exhibitors to donate gifts. In addition, guests were invited to Gdansk stand where they could prepare the Christmas spirit and decorate their own Christmas Baubles for children. Interest in the entire campaign was huge! Exhibition participants were eager to grant supplies for the children and paint baubles. The whole action created a lot of positive energy and creativity !
“The effect of the campaign is phenomenal. Together with EIBTM we checked it’s range. According to our data the information potentially reached 625 000 people, including representatives of associations and corporations present at the exhibition. Moreover Gdansk was present in international press. Equivalent is valued for more than 8000 EUR. In my opinion the idea of Gdansk Christmas Baubles was brilliant in its simplicity “ – says Marta Wisniewska, Coordinator of Gdansk Convention Bureau / GTO .
Anna Gorska, CEO of Gdansk Convention Bureau / GTO adds that “The effect of Christmas baubles project, on the one hand surprised us all, but on the other Gdansk has always put the emphasis on interpersonal relationships that I believe are the foundation for building business relationships.”
Gdansk Convention Bureau representatives will present the project during ICCA Congress in Shaghai.  Results will be announced on November 6. The winner will receive complimentary promotion at Bedouk and six portals dedicated to meeting organizers from France, America, Britain, Spain, Italy and Germany, advertisement in the ICCA Membership Directory and possibility to use BMA Winner logo for 1 year. The whole marketing campaign is estimated at around 20 000 EUR. In addition, Gdansk will be promoted to the presentation during the ICCA Congress among the top-notch professionals meetings, congress organizers, associations.
More about ICCA BMA at:Â http://www.bma.iccaworld.com/
