All Entries Tagged With: "association"

British Association for Psychopharmacology signs two year deal with HIC

The British Association for Psychopharmacology (BAP) has signed a two year deal to host its annual summer meeting at Harrogate International Centre (HIC) – a deal worth £120,000.

The event will bring 500 visitors to the town during the four day meeting, contributing more than £500,000 to the local economy. The summer meeting is the largest the BAP organises, and it has been held at HIC most years since 2001.

BAP brings together people from the clinical and experimental disciplines as well as members of the pharmaceutical industry involved in the study of psychopharmacology. It is one of many high profile medical organisations which choose to host large conferences and meetings at HIC.

Angus Houston, director of HIC, says: “The decision by The British Association for Psychopharmacology to extend its contract and hold its summer meeting at HIC for the next two years is fantastic news, not only for the venue itself but the town and surrounding area too. With such a high volume of visitors coming to the region over four days, events like this greatly benefit the local economy. The economic impact of this event alone will be much more than £500,000. It again highlights that HIC is one of Harrogate’s biggest economic drivers, impacting on everything from tourism and event providers to local shops and infrastructure.”

“HIC hosts a number of medical sector events. It has become popular with organisers because it provides the flexibility and space needed, and our dedicated staff are trained to co-ordinate these types of events. As the venue continues to grow following the opening of the new halls we are already seeing interest from additional medical sector events and associations.  For many Harrogate is the ideal location, a perfect blend of convenience, easy access and the highest service levels.”

UniSpace Sunderland secures Swedish association conference for first time in UK

UniSpace Sunderland has secured a contract with Swedish-based Operation, Maintenance and Acoustics International Association to host its two-day annual Maintenance Performance Measurement and Management (MPMM) conference in September 2012, bringing the event to the UK for the first time ever.

The win marks the first international event secured by UniSpace, which launched to the national and international conference market at Confex in March.  The MPMM opportunity was created as a result of links between the University’s Institute for Automotive & Manufacturing Advanced Practice (AMAP) department and is the first win generated by UniSpace’s new ambassador programme.

The conference will see around 200 Delegates from across the world head to Sunderland to discuss engineering concepts, optimisation of equipment and energy efficiency to the impact of the global recession on the maintenance industry.  Plenary and workshop sessions will take place on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus on the banks of the river Wear, with an industry exhibition in the Prospect Building. The delegates will also have an interactive reception at The National Glass Centre, including glass blowing demonstrations.

Dr David Baglee, MPMM committee representative and senior lecturer in the University’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, will chair the conference. He said: “We are delighted to be hosting this highly specialised conference for the first time in the UK.

“As a committee, it is important that we select venues with both great facilities and a reputation for excellence in our field: UniSpace offers both of these features in abundance.  Hosting the conference on campus will help to showcase the excellent research carried out within the university, and in particular AMAP.”

Sharon Olver, University Commercial Services Manager responsible for UniSpace, said: “We are delighted to have secured an international event so soon after making our big push to the wider market.  The MPMM conference gives us an excellent opportunity to showcase the diversity of our venue on an international scale.  Moreover, Conferences like the MPMM not only raise the university’s profile as a venue for large association and academic conferences, but also strengthen the region’s proposition.  This event in particular has a tangible positive economic benefit to Sunderland and the region as a whole.”

ABTS Global Expansion Continues with the newly formed Meetings & Conventions Department in Belgrade Serbia

MIAMI, Florida, April, 2012 – ABTS Convention Services, (ABTS) a global company headquartered in Miami with offices in Rome, San Francisco and Belgrade which exclusively represents over 15 major U.S. medical associations, announces the expansion of a newly formed Meetings & Conventions department in its Belgrade location.

“We are very proud to extend our company’s established meetings and conventions services to Serbia, which represents one of the largest and fastest growing markets in South East Europe,” said President, Davide Veglia. “Our services now offer another dimension of reach, language and culture in this reformed and booming region to continue development of support for our global clientele.”

The Belgrade office has been the center of IT operations and as the company has continued to evolve, ABTS has now added an international meetings & conventions team. The newly created department will enable the company to position itself more strategically in the global market to service its growing roster of medical industry clients and continue to grow their attendance at U.S. based medical meetings.

Skydivers Jump into Leap Year! U.S. Parachute Association Reports Strong and Safe 2011

The U.S. Parachute Association reports that the breathtaking sport of skydiving continued to grow in 2011 and is poised to thrill even more jumpers throughout Leap Year 2012.

Last year, more than a half million people took the leap for the first time at some 200 USPA-affiliated skydiving centers across the country. Whether to cross an item off their bucket lists or discover a new hobby and passion, first-timers took the life-changing leap and experienced the thrill of a lifetime.

In addition to first-jumpers, USPA also reports an upsurge in experienced skydivers of all ages. First-timers and licensed skydivers together made more than 3.1 million jumps in 2011. At year’s end, USPA boasted membership of 33,515 – its highest since January 2002, shortly after the 9-11 attacks wreaked havoc on the aviation industry.

Even with skydiving clearly on the rise, accident numbers continue to remain low. In 2011, 25 people died skydiving in the U.S. – one out of every 125,000 jumps. Additionally, the five-year average of skydiving fatalities shows a steady decline, with an average of 22 per year over the last five years compared to 25 per year from 2002 to 2006 and 35 per year from 1997 to 2001.

Skydiving continues to improve its safety record due largely to safer equipment and better training. Student accidents are a small percentage of the total; most injuries and fatalities involve experienced skydivers attempting advanced maneuvers. USPA continues to make the sport safer by developing additional training programs and conducting its annual Safety Day - scheduled for March 10 this year – where drop zones across the country hold safety seminars and refresher training.

“We’re constantly striving to reduce the risk and increase the level of safety, especially for students,” said USPA Executive Director Ed Scott. “The sport’s continued growth attests to this improved safety and the indescribable life-altering experience of jumping out of a plane. With Leap Year upon us, what better time to take that leap?”

EIBTM ASSOCIATION PROGRAMME STRATEGICALLY ALIGNED TO ADDRESS KEY INDUSTRY ISSUES

This year’s EIBTM Association Programme is focused on issues and objectives highlighted by executives from the industry as key to their learning and development. Celebrating its 10^th anniversary, the EIBTM Association Programme (www.eibtm.com) organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions, in conjunction with Gallus Events, will, as a result of this research, address member growth and retention, raising income, communicating with members and the threats and opportunities of the social media revolution.

For the first time, attendees will be shown short video clips from EIBTM YouTube channel where Association Executives explain the challenges they face. The day will then focus on an agenda that addresses their issues whilst providing time for interaction, debate, breakout sessions and peer-to-peer networking.

Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA commented: “The international association meetings Market has been consistently resilient over the last few years of economic turbulence, so ICCA is delighted to see another strong association programme at this year’s EIBTM. For ICCA members around the world these association professionals are EIBTM’s most valued clients and we look forward to another excellent opportunity to bring these two communities together.”

The 2-day programme will equip attendees with relevant tools, knowledge and insight, enabling individuals to create more effective and profitable events for their associations. Interwoven throughout the sessions, key themes will be addressed, including membership growth and retention, revenue generation and communications, specifically the use of social media.

Thomas Morano, Vice President, Meetings & Conferences, American Financial Services Association, Washington, DC commented: “EIBTM has proven to be the industry event of the year. After attending the Association Programme for several years, I have found the timing, location and convergence of industry leaders from all corners of the world at one place to be the best use of my time. The Hosted Buyer program makes it an easy financial decision as well. My plan is to attend again in 2011 to expand my knowledge in products and services while learning the latest trends”.

Highlights from the sessions include; Jeff Hurt, Director of Education and Engagement, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting (US) presenting his views on Objective Led Events and helping his audience discover the power of objectives, what good and bad congress objectives look like and setting guidelines on being bold but realistic when setting objectives and benchmarking.

Michael Coogan, Ex Director General, Council of Mortgage Lenders (UK) will offer insight on the importance of understanding roles when planning and delivering events. His session, aimed at the senior Association professional, will consider how various roles impact on the event process, from Event Organiser to Association Head. The session will also cover aspects such as cost management and budgeting, benchmarking and best practice.

Day two will tackle the fundamental components of the largest association run event; The Annual Congress. The day will commence with an opening discussion before moving on to various case studies, breakout and Q&A sessions which have been integrated into the structure to ensure that association peers form across the globe are given the opportunity to network with one another.

Break out sessions will focus on learning and content development for the Annual Congress and organisational approaches to addressing key conference themes including retaining and recruiting members; raising income and communicating successfully with all members.

Networking is a fundamental component of the programme, which strives not only to support business objectives but also to connect Association planners from across the globe. At the end of each day there will be a Personal Connections Networking Event – in conjunction with ICCA.

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions Event Director EIBTM comments: “Ten years of Association excellence is a great achievement but we are always looking to evolve and develop the programme to meet the specific needs of the Association event planning community. Each year we review the content, format and objectives, taking advice from leading Associations who support the event such as ASAE, PCMA, ICCA and Association Resource. We want to make sure that EIBTM’s Association Programme remains the leading annual event for Association Meetings Planners and Association Management Companies.”

For further information about becoming a Hosted Buyer or to register to attend please visit www.eibtm.com/hosted. When applying for the Hosted Buyer place please select the Association option. Alternatively, you can contact the EIBTM Hosted Buyer team directly on +44 (0) 20 8271 2127 or at eibtm-hosted@reedexpo.co.uk.

EIBTM 2011 takes place 29^th November – 1^st December 2011, Barcelona.

IMEX America Association Day kicks off debut show with strong energy and powerful business focus

Oct. 11, 2011 – Las Vegas, NV– 200 association meeting planners from across the US and 20 countries around the world came together yesterday for a power-packed afternoon and evening program of learning and networking as part of the first ever IMEX America Association Day.

An alternative three-hour deep dive session was also a draw for IMEX America Association Day participants. “Associations at the Crossroads – The Shifting Landscape of Business Models and Membership in an Uncertain Future” offered a compelling conversation guided by speakers: Susan Robertson, CAE, EVP, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership; Jay Younger, Managing Partner and Chief Consultant at McKinley Marketing Inc. and Scott Steen, CAE, CEO of American Forests Association.

Association Forum of Chicagoland partners with IMEX America

Helping Spread Word of Value of IMEX Hosted Buyer Program with Members Representing 47,000 Industry Professionals

Continuing to add to the business and educational impact that IMEX America will bring attendees, show organizers today announced the addition of a partnership with The Association Forum of Chicagoland. The new exhibition for the worldwide meetings, events and incentive travel industry – the inaugural IMEX America – will take place October 11-13, 2011 in Las Vegas.

The Association Forum of Chicagoland (www.associationforum.org) is an organization dedicated to the professional practice of association management and has approximately 3,000 members representing more than 47,000 association professionals in the Chicago area. With their membership generating over $22 billion in global annual expenditures, The Association Forum of Chicagoland will exhibit at the show and encourage members to attend the trade show and the Association Day & Evening taking place on “Smart Monday” (October 10) – the day prior to the opening of the show.

Watch Jule Uddfolk, Meeting Management Solutions talk about the value of making appointments

Additionally the organization will invite members to take part in the IMEX America hosted buyer program which offers complimentary flights, accommodation and ground transfers. The program will assure exhibitors of meeting and making business appointments on their booths with in excess of 2,000 of the world’s top-spending meetings, incentives and association buyers. All of the buyers will place business both in the domestic US and international markets. 80% will be from the US. The remaining 20% will come from the rest of the world, but will have a special interest in buying from the US market.

Says Christie A. Tarantino, CAE, President and CEO of Association Forum: “We’re pleased to partner with IMEX America and provide a new, members-only benefit so our members can participate in the IMEX America hosted buyer program. Our partnership means our members producing international events have a new opportunity to stay abreast of industry changes and become connected with up to 1,500 global exhibitors of their choice.”

“Having the Association Forum of Chicagoland at IMEX America is a terrific way to continue to deliver the power and reach of the US meetings industry to our US and global show attendees,” said Ray Bloom, Chairman of IMEX Group. “It also brings into the fold the energy, expertise and business drive of their strong membership that impacts industry business around the globe.”

By partnering with the Association Forum of Chicagoland, IMEX America is now allied to organizations and associations with a total reach upwards of 100,000 meetings industry professionals around the world.

The show’s strategic partner and premier educational provider is Meeting Professionals International (MPI) with more than 23,000 global members. It also has key partnerships with all the leading meetings industry trade associations including the USTA (US Travel Association), CIC (Convention Industry Council), IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events), DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International), PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association), ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, ACTE Global (Association of Corporate Travel Executives) plus ADME (Association of Destination Management Executives), AIPC (International Association of Congress Centres), ECM (European Cities Marketing), JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council) and ICCA (International Congress & Convention Association).

For more information visit www.imexamerica.com and view IMEX America TV at www.imexamerica.com/tv.html.
Plan for IMEX America using this new Schedule at a Glance page

U.S. Travel Analysis on May 2011 Jobless Rate

Washington, D.C. – David Huether, senior vice president of economics and research at the U.S. Travel Association, provides analysis on today’s Labor Department employment report:

Huether is available for further analysis and comment.

Congrex Belgium achieves AMC Institute re-accreditation

Congrex announced that it has been AMC Institute re-accredited by AMC Institute, the global trade association representing the Association Management Industry.

Among 500-plus Association Management Companies (AMC) worldwide, fewer than 60 have achieved AMC Institute Accreditation, demonstrating the commitment and the ability to deliver the highest level of professional management services to association and not-for-profit clients. These AMCs are the recognised choice of association and not-for-profit organisations.

“We congratulate Congrex for achieving AMC Institute Accreditation,” stated AMC Institute Board President, John Dee. “The accreditation evaluation is the most demanding and comprehensive in our industry. Clients of accredited AMCs should feel assured that this exclusive group operates with the highest level of professionalism and responsibility, and consistently meets or exceeds all industry requirements.”

Congrex Belgium will be honored at the 2011 Summer Meeting in St. Louis, MO, USA, where it will be awarded the updated Accreditation Certificate. Colm Clarke, Congrex Belgium Managing Director reacts: “We believe that the accreditation says to the world that Congrex Association Management is delivered with a high level of professionalism and responsibility. It communicates what Congrex strive for in its Association Management functions – and that means meeting the standard requirements is a seal of the highest quality. We are proud of our continued AMC accreditation, and pleased to communicate this throughout the industry.”

Administered by AMC Institute, AMC Institute Accreditation is recognised and supported by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership and is based on the ANSI Standard of Good Practices for the AMC Industry. ANSI requires that the standard be reviewed and updated regularly to remain an approved standard. Measurable performance practices include contracts and service delivery; employee recruitment, training and professional development; and financial management and internal controls, among others. AMCs must earn re-accreditation every four years, demonstrating to an independent outside auditor that they continue to meet the standard.

Surgeons sign for ACC Liverpool until 2020

The Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) has committed to holding its annual International Surgical Congress at ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, on a 3-year rotating contract until 2020. Following ASGBI’s successful 90th anniversary Congress in 2010 at the venue, the Association has confirmed it will return to Liverpool in 2012, 2016 and 2020, the Association’s 100th anniversary.

The flexibility of ACC Liverpool inspired ASGBI to commit to a three-year deal and the venues capacity to host large delegate numbers was an important factor for ASGBI when shortlisting potential venues. With delegate numbers growing consistently each year, the venue had to be within a city that could also accommodate and entertain the Association’s membership.

The ASGBI International Congress currently attracts around 2000 delegates of which 25% attend from over seas, all keen to share best practice and engage in discussions of new developments within their field.

ACC Liverpool has worked closely with Liverpool Convention Bureau to bring the ASGBI Congress, which has an estimated £1.7m economic impact on the local economy, to Liverpool.

Professor Nicholas Gair, Chief Executive of ASGBI said, “ACC Liverpool was one of the few venues to be considered which could, from the outset, accommodate the projected increase of delegate numbers for each year up to 2020. I am confident that each of the Association’s International Surgical Congresses in Liverpool will be individually memorable due to the variety and flexibility both the venue and City can offer. The strong links the venue has with Liverpool Convention Bureau and the tourist board have made it easy to manage our events via one contact. We wanted to be in a venue that breathes with us and, with the recent news of the exhibition and events complex, it shows just how adaptable and accommodating ACC Liverpool will be by 2020.”

Bob Prattey, Chief Executive ACC Liverpool said, “The collective factors that have resulted in ASGBI’s decision to commit to three years at ACC Liverpool proves our partnership with the Bureau is a winning formula. ACC Liverpool has an exacting record of hosting medical conferences, with facilities suited for large conference groups, as well as destination support in terms of tailored social programmes, further confirming the city’s appeal to this sector.”

The Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials Selects SmithBucklin for Full-Service Association Management

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 22, 2011 – The Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) announced it has selected SmithBucklin, the world’s largest association management and professional services company, as its full-service association management partner. COMTO is the nation’s only multi-modal advocacy organization for minority professionals and businesses in the transportation industry. COMTO’s headquarters will remain in Washington, D.C.

“I am confident that SmithBucklin’s expertise and breadth of resources will help us expand our organization’s reach and allow us to strengthen the position of minorities in the transportation industry through training, education and professional development,” said Julie A. Cunningham, COMTO’s president and CEO. “COMTO has just completed an aggressive 2011-2015 strategic plan, and we strongly believe that in order to reach our goals, this partnership with SmithBucklin was the right answer for us at the right time.”

COMTO’s mission is to ensure a level playing field and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, businesses and communities of color through advocacy, information sharing, training, education and professional development.

“We welcome the opportunity to partner with COMTO as it works to ensure diversity within the transportation industry,” said John Stoiber, SmithBucklin senior vice president and chief executive, Business Trade Industry Practice. “Our team is excited about the opportunity to work with COMTO’s CEO and its board of directors to help the organization enhance its service to members and achieve its strategic goals.”

NEW ROTTERDAM ASSOCIATION SYMPOSIUM A FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

The first Rotterdam Association Symposium, held this Thursday in culture and conference centre Podium O 950, was a resounding success. In total, 45 organisers from the scientific and medical sector and the association world met to exchange knowledge in an open setting on all the aspects involved in organising and recruiting national and international congresses in Rotterdam. The attendees appreciated the symposium’s programme, consisting of a rollicking session parodying popular Dutch talk show ‘De Wereld Draait Door’, an inspiring ‘tablecloth workshop’ and an informal networking lunch. Rotterdam Marketing/Rotterdam Convention Bureau plan to turn the symposium into a recurring annual event.

New platform to promote knowledge-sharing
The Rotterdam Association Symposium is a new addition in a series of activities that Rotterdam Marketing organises several times a year. These occasions give business event organisers an opportunity to find out more about Rotterdam as a conference and event city. “However, the scientific sector and the association world lacked a good platform for exchanging and compiling knowledge, experience and information,” says Vivi de Regt, account manager at Rotterdam Marketing for the association market. “We saw a need in that market for more cooperation and coordination between the various parties. The Rotterdam Association Symposium turned out to be an ideal tool for discussing specific issues and meeting that need.”

Effective interactive approach
Organising a conference involves arranging many different aspects. On the one hand, the symposium emphasises practical matters. What can you do yourself, and what should you outsource? How should you sort out schedules and budgets, location choices and social programmes, promotions and logistics? On the other hand, the symposium looked at the added value of bringing a conference to Rotterdam and offers tips on putting together a bid book. In collaboration with Aaaaha! the Actor Factory, which has years of experience in running interactive sessions and workshops, all these issues were incorporated into a session parodying “De Wereld Draait Door”, a provocative Dutch talk show.
“The main goal is to create a common bond between people who all have experience in this market. Experiences generally contain lessons that people can benefit from and be inspired by,” explains Erik Peekel, who chaired the symposium. “Tips and real-life examples kick off the thinking process and get the discussion going.” The attendees had time to discuss the relevant issues at length in 3 table sessions of 25 minutes each, which were also attended by various representatives from Rotterdam hotels and conference locations. The symposium closed with a lunch where everyone had time to network.

Participants praised the event
The first Rotterdam Association Symposium was positively received by the people who took part; it was an inspiring, surprising and educational event for many. “The day went so quickly,” remarked Ms Meeuwisse van het Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication. “It was an intensive session that constantly provided fun triggers to keep us on track. It was a useful source of information that gave me a number of good ideas.” Ms Smits from VU University Amsterdam concurs. “We recently worked with Rotterdam Marketing to win the bid for ICPC 2010 [International Conference on Phosphorus Chemistry). We are currently busy organising that event, which makes even more interesting to hear experiences from other people now, but also to see how a bit of creativity makes it possible to achieve a great deal, even on a limited budget.” Ms Nooijen, who works at the Daniel Den Hoed Clinic at Erasmus MC, primarily describes the symposium as a surprisingly educational morning. “I already know that I will have a fresh new perspective when I look at new locations.”

The first Rotterdam Association Symposium was made possible in part by:
*    Ahoy Rotterdam
*    Arjan van Dijk Groep
*    Beurs-WTC Congress & Event Center
*    Concert Hall and Conference Centre De Doelen
*    Het Congresbureau, the conference bureau of Erasmus MC
*    Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre
*    Kuiters idee & organisatie

Global Business Travel Conference Coming to New York City April 10 – 12 2011

Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) Unites the World’s Top Travel Authorities

For the first time in New York City, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) Global Education Conference will host the world’s leading business travel education and networking event on April 10-12, 2011, at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

ACTE has united travel professionals around the world for more than 20 years as a member-driven “global village,” providing research and education to the travel industry’s leading buyers and sellers.  ACTE is recognized globally as an agent of positive change, development, and a driver of education across all segments of business travel.

According to Ron DiLeo, Executive Director of ACTE, “We are pleased to bring this year’s ACTE Global Conference to New York City, a world leader in culture, business and travel.  ACTE and its partners will use the Global Conference to debut new innovations and technologies in the business travel sector.  Additionally, our keynote speakers and breakout sessions will address and offer solutions to the issues affecting travel professionals today.”

ACTE Global Conference keynote speakers include:

• Stephen J. Dubner, Author, Freakonomics, Superfreakonomics - Business & Management Lessons from SUPERFREAKONOMICS
• David Pogue, Personal Technology Columnist, The New York Times – What’s New, What’s Coming, and How It Will Change Everything
• Jesse Schell, Chief Executive Officer / Creative Director, Schell Games – The Games We Play: Using Games to Influence Consumer Behavior

Additionally, the ACTE Global Conference will be debuting new features in 2011, including:

• INTERACTE, which allows Conference buyers and sellers to arrange advance appointments with each other, to make the most out of networking opportunities
• “3 Under 33,” an award honoring three up-and-coming travel professionals who work to improve the advancement of the business travel industry
• “Angel Investors Lounge,” which matches innovators with potential financial backing
• “Consultants Corner,” an ACTE program to both certify and assist individuals wanting to launch careers in consulting
• “Around the World in 80 Hours,” launching in Fall 2011, this will offer travel professionals and university students a certified, hands-on, global immersion learning program focused exclusively on global corporate travel management in select cities across the globe

To register for the ACTE Global Conference or for developing information on the event, please visit:  http://www.acte.org/content/SG_11/Conference_Registration.

Future Convention Cities Initiative (FCCI) to Play a Key Role in IMEX Politician’s Forum and FCCI Members Advise National and Local Political Leaders during First FCCI Action Forum – Seoul

FCCI’s seven members launch strategic research agenda, present to Meetings Industry Global Leadership Forum and advise Korean Tourism Minister and Mayor of Seoul

The Future Convention Cities Initiative (FCCI) announced today that it is to play a key role in the IMEX Politician’s Forum in Frankfurt and reported the successful completion of its First Action Forum in Seoul from March 20th – 22nd. FCCI also welcomed four new members – Toronto Convention Bureau, San Francisco Travel Association, Abu Dhabi Travel Authority and Durban KwaZulu Natal Convention Bureau. They have joined founding FCCI members Seoul Tourism Organization, Visit London and Business Events Sydney in this strategic research and development partnership which is co-ordinated and facilitated by Fast Future Research – authors of the Convention 2020 study on the future of the meeting industry.

The FCCI has been asked to deliver a seminar as the opening session of the IMEX Politician’s Forum in Frankfurt on Tuesday May 24th 2011. Rohit Talwar – CEO – Fast Future and Executive Director of FCCI said “We were honoured when IMEX approached us to share some of the details on the research and practical actions FCCI and its members are undertaking to maximise the long economic impact of meetings ‘beyond visitor spend. We need to work together as an industry to demonstrate that the meetings sector is a critical contributor to the knowledge transfer process in the industries that will drive long-term economic development. We are delighted that IMEX is putting such commitment behind the process of engaging with politicians.”

At its First Action Forum in Seoul, FCCI members took part in an intense programme of partner working sessions, meetings with national and local politicians and delivered seminars on destination development and the future of meetings for over 200 leaders of the meetings industry at the Korean MICE Association’s Annual Global Leadership Forum. This was the third working meeting of FCCI and the first time all seven members had been together.

Samuel Koo, President and CEO of Seoul Tourism Organization and host of the First FCCI Action Forum – Seoul, said “From the formation of FCCI last summer, we could see we had something of real strategic value to all our members. We at Seoul Tourism Organization offered to host the First Action Forum to dedicate two and half days together to accelerate our agenda. The Forum exceeded even our most ambitious expectations in terms of practical sharing of experience and expertise. We reached rapid agreement on priorities and launched our first two collaborative research projects. The first project is designed to give us competitive advantage as destinations and the second involves pioneering research that will benefit the entire industry.”

Koo went on to say “Korea’s national and local government and our industry association have big ambitions for the meetings sector. As a result, the FCCI members spent two hours with Mr. Choung Byoung-gug, Korea’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, advising him on very practical aspects of driving forward Korea’s meetings industry and addressing inevitable roadblocks. We also spent considerable time with Mr. Oh Se-Hoon, Mayor of Seoul, Dr. Kyung-won Chung, Vice-Mayor of Seoul and Mr Charm Lee, Head of Korea Tourism Organization discussing how to address issues as diverse as brand development, growing accommodation capacity, integration with the design community and building industry capability.”

Tara Gordon – Vice President, Meeting & Convention Sales – Tourism Toronto said “It is not easy to address the needs of a diverse group of cities at different stages of their international development. However the design and facilitation of our partner sessions and the organization of the political and industry meetings ensured that we were able to work fast, share practical insights, learn a massive amount, reach critical agreements and experience the very best of Korean hospitality. In particular, I took away a lot of great ideas on issues such as how to get citywide brand alignment and convention bureau funding models.”

Tracy Halliwell – Director of Business Tourism – Visit London said “The Forum surpassed my expectations for how much we’d achieve in such a short space of time. It doesn’t matter how you describe things on paper, it’s only when you actually get round the table and start working together that you work out what you really want to do and see how much you can achieve. I took away a lot of ideas that will help address immediate priorities such as establishing an ambassador programme and maximising opportunities for economic development through business events at the London 2012 Olympics.”

Tom Kiely – Vice President, Tourism Development – San Francisco Travel Association said “The Seoul Forum has really helped accelerate the process of collaboration and idea sharing between FCCI members. I’m delighted with the insights I took away on topics such as developing our international strategy, targeting key geographic markets and industry sectors, and creating a strategic intelligence and research function.”

Lyn Lewis-Smith – Chief Operating Officer – Business Events Sydney said “I was impressed at how quickly we reached agreement on our first competitive advantage research project which we are starting immediately. Indeed, most of the conversation about it focused on how we would implement the findings once we had them. FCCI really moved to the next level of performance in Seoul. Our first meeting before the ICCA Congress in Hyderabad focused mainly on governance and introducing our strategies. Our next session before PCMA in Las Vegas enabled us to start sharing priorities and exchanging practical expertise. The First Action Forum in Seoul saw us step to agree our initial research agenda – this is very exciting.”

James Seymour – CEO – Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau said “This was a tremendous learning experience for us as a very new and ambitious destination. Seoul’s city welcome, venues, hotels, hospitality, service levels, world class cuisine and the attention to detail we experienced during the Forum helped us see why it has risen to 11th place in the ICCA rankings so quickly.”

Gillian M. Taylor – Business Tourism Manager – Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority said “This was like a 2 day MBA programme for convention industry leaders. I took away some very powerful examples of how good strategic research can help focus your business planning and marketing. It was also refreshing to see that there really were no egos on display – everyone was honest about their challenges and humble about their achievements – I wish all industry meetings were of this standard.”

Maureen O’Crowley – Vice President, International Marketing & Conventions – Seoul Tourism Organization – said “What’s particularly appealing about the way FCCI operates is that we are all keen for minimal process and administration. Also, the light touch approach to facilitating discussion let’s conversation flow when appropriate while making sure that we address all that we need to. As a result, at all of our meetings to date we’ve covered off the agenda fully with time to spare.”

Rohit Talwar – facilitator of the FCCI partner meeting said “We are pleased with the speed at which FCCI is evolving. For FCCI, strategic research isn’t about producing blue skies reports that sit on the shelf. The focus is on tackling practical issues which members already have on their agenda and looking at those opportunities and challenges which will rise in importance over the next few years. We have STO to thank for showing the initiative to propose and host this meeting which was an inspiring experience that has really helped the process of relationship building and intense collaboration.

Marriott Opens Doors for Women Leaders

AACVB Takes JMIC Membership to Thirteen International Associations

Leigh Harry, President of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC)  announced that AACVB

(the Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus) has now joined the Council, taking its membership of major international industry organizations to thirteen.

“The addition of AACVB to our Council further enhances JMIC’s ability to fully represent the global meetings industry at a time when there is a greater need than ever for action on key industry issues”, said Harry. “In particular, it will help us further raise the profile of the industry on an international basis, and to demonstrate that this sector has a truly global impact. As we have said previously, it is important that we present a strong and united front when the need arises, and that need has never been greater than at the current time”.

AACVB was formed in 1983 to create regional cooperation in developing Asia’s convention potential and to promote the region as an ideal convention destination. The founding CVB members included Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, with China and Macau joining in later years. Its mission is to raise the platform, level of sophistication and capabilities of the industry in Asia, to increase Asia’s competitiveness and to drive business to its member destinations. Amongst its objectives are to strive for regional cooperation in developing Asia’s convention potential, to stimulate intra-regional conventions, to encourage the formation of national, state/province or city convention organizations to enhance members’ convention-hosting capabilities and to be instrumental in professionalizing the convention industry by developing and promoting sound professional practices and training programs.

JMIC supports industry networking, awards and advocacy programs, and is currently expanding its activities in the areas of information exchange, industry messaging and the development of a collective voice to advance key issues and values. Its programs are supported by partners IMEX and Reed Travel Exhibitions, who are working actively with the Council to help it achieve its goals.

In addition to AACVB, other JMIC members now include

AIPC (the International Association of Congress Centres);
COCAL (the Latin American Confederation of PCO and Related Companies);
DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International);
ECM (European Cities Marketing);
EFAPCO (the European Federation of Associations of Professional Congress Organizers);
EVVC (the European Association of Event Centres);
IAPCO (the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers);
ICCA (the International Congress and Convention Association);
MPI (Meeting Professionals International);
PCMA (the Professional Convention Association Management Association);
SITE (the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives) and
UFI (the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry).
It is also supported by the CIC (Convention Industry Council).

Participate in the Industry’s Top-rated Educational Experience

The 2011 Global Education Conference in New York City, 10-12 April will feature top-level education on each day, including keynote presentations addressing macro-level issues impacting business and society, and education sessions offering seek and find opportunities that put you in the driver’s seat, engaging directly with thought leaders and subject matter experts.

	The Games We Play: Using Games to Influence Consumer Behavior Jesse Schell Chief Executive Officer / Creative Director Schell Games
	Business & Management Lessons from SUPERFREAKONOMICS Stephen J. Dubner Author Freakonomics, Superfreakonomics
	What’s New, What’s Coming, and How It Will Change Everything David Pogue Personal Technology Columnist The New York Times

THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION MARKET VISITS FIBES AND ITS NEW CONFERENCE CENTRE ON A FAMILIARISATION TRIP

Seville Conference and Exhibition Centre, FIBES, in a joint action with Seville Congress & Convention Bureau, SCCB, on March 23^rd – 25^th 2011, organised a Familiarisation Trip aimed at a group of PCOs and a number of international scope European Societies in charge of managing large congresses and meetings. It is in fact one of the many commercial actions carried out in order to attract big events – this time of the congress sector – to be held at the new Conference Centre. One of the key elements of the trip was the visit to FIBES facilities and their new expansion.

FIBES facilities, as they look like nowadays, were visited on March 24^th, i.e. all the rooms, exhibition pavilions and restaurants. Furthermore, the group enjoyed a word-spreading video full of information about how operational and versatile FIBES expansion will be.

After that, guests could visit the three new buildings included in the expansion, whose works have just finished, and they could get to know one of the outstanding elements, the new auditorium, which will hold up to 3,557 persons. The new building also has large, well-lit areas and it features multiuse rooms and zones, the originality of the project being a highlight with the ramp, indoor and outdoor exhibition areas, which make of it one of the best buildings to host all kind of great events in the country.

The group of the International Association Market agents showed their admiration when they knew about the facility and premise expansion and they praised the high number of new possibilities that the new building has brought about to host conferences and congresses of their sector. Nevertheless, they also pointed out the excellent, versatile facilities offered by FIBES at present as they also provide a wide range of possibilities for future meetings and conferences.

ICCA Activities at GIBTM (Stand J113)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 28-39 March 2011

French Association of Travel Managers Broadens Its Horizons

Via Partnership with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives;

Organizations will use their combined resources to better serve international markets

(PARIS – March 15, 2011) The French Association of Travel Managers (AFTM), the largest travel management organization in France, has renewed its relationship with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE), the leading non-profit business travel organization serving 102 countries worldwide.  The two organizations have established a one-year, renewable strategic alliance, it was announced today.

“For more than two decades, ACTE has united travel professionals around the world as a member-driven ‘global village,’ providing benchmark research, best practices and training to the travel industry’s leading buyers and sellers,” noted Ron DiLeo, Executive Director of ACTE, adding, “ACTE is recognized globally as an agent of positive change and a driver of education across all segments of business travel.”

AFTM is a France-based, non-profit organization created by a group of leading French corporate travel agents to enhance the professional status and promote the role of Travel Managers.  The organization strives to help acclimate newcomers and obtain professional recognition for the corporate travel industry.  AFTM also seeks to train those who will be responsible for coordinating corporate travel for major French, European and international companies.

According to Mr. DiLeo, under the terms of the new alliance, ACTE will contribute its global knowledge and resources.  In turn, AFTM will provide insight into local markets and help design relevant, market-specific programs.

The President of The French Association of Travel Managers, Michel Dieleman, said, “We are enthusiastic and excited about our new partnership with ACTE.  We believe this agreement will allow AFTM to expand our reach to an international market, while simultaneously affording ACTE greater local resources in Europe, and particularly, in France.  Our industry is constantly evolving and we look forward to enjoying the benefits of this new strategic alliance.”

Extending and reinforcing the benefits of the new alliance, this Fall, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) will  host a Global Conference in Paris, from October 2 – 4, 2011.  Included in the conference will be a French track of education sessions, open to anyone who wishes to participate, but designed specifically for AFTM members.  ACTE and AFTM will also continue collaborating on other French-specific forums throughout the year.

ABPCO hosts inaugural Scottish event at the Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre

Following a successful ABPCO annual conference in Manchester earlier this year, the Association will be holding its spring event at the Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre in Glasgow this week.

The forum, which will take place on Friday 11^th March 2011 from 9.30am – 3.30pm and is open to ABPCO members and non members, will look at the following topics:

• The Glasgow model – a major new collaboration between the SECC and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau
• The use of technology within events – in particular EventEye by Futurelab
• A panel discussion around university event courses and the skills requirements of the industry
• Taxation – the recent VAT changes and the impact these have on the sector
• An introduction to the Beardmore for Health Sciences – a new world-class centre to cultivate clinical excellence, research and learning.

ABPCO committee member and organiser of the event Martin Jack sad: ‘We are very much looking forward to our forthcoming event in Glasgow.  We have a broad range of delegates from PCOs, freelancers, venues, academics and students already attending.  This event forum is a chance for our Scottish members and non-members to come together and benefit from networking and engagement with other professional conference and event organisers, industry colleagues and other professional bodies.

We are very grateful to the Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre for sponsoring this event which allows ABPCO to offer it free to all Professional Conference Organisers attending.’

For more information on ABPCO’s spring event, please visit www.ABPCO.org.

One Red Paperclip

Speaking at the 42^nd IAPCO Annual Meeting in Quebec, British Columbian, Kyle MacDonald traded one red paperclip for one house. “Everything is achievable if you put your mind to it” he insisted. Inspired by “Bigger and Better,” a game he played as a child, Kyle told IAPCO members how he came up with the idea of trading objects over the Internet. He posted a red paper clip on Craig’s List and waited for offers. The buzz was almost instant, showing how a unique story can capture the minds and imaginations of people all over the world, and create a movement unto itself. In one year and after 14 trades, MacDonald was offered a house in exchange for his most recent trade, a movie role.

Kyle pledged that he would visit with whomever he would trade, wherever they were, swapping each time for something bigger and better.   There would be no formal contracts, no lawyers, no bureaucracy, the swaps were based on trust and a shared desire to complete a genuine transaction.     And the message for IAPCO members:  “all is achievable if you put your mind to it, and mutual trust is everything”.

And as for the value of a paperclip, “due to the reduction in printing paper in order to save the trees, there is perhaps less requirement for the use of paperclips, hence they could become a very valuable and prized commodity!” quipped Sarah Storie-Pugh, IAPCO Administrator, a big fan of Kyle MacDonald.

Kyle MacDonald’s book “One Red Paperclip” is available from www.rbooks.co.uk

ABPCO supports BVEP challenge to Tourism Minister on Visit Britain cuts

ABPCO, the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers, has come out in staunch support of Business Visits & Events Partnership (BVEP) in challenging the recent government decision to cut Visit Britain’s activity in the global business tourism market.

The planned cuts will see Visit Britain significantly reduce its overseas presence and hand over the majority of support for business tourism initiatives to national tourist boards across the UK.  ABPCO Chair Rebecca Cadman-Jones commented: ‘The decision by Visit Britain to move away from business tourism is a huge blow to the conference industry and ABPCO members.  Support from our national tourism body is essential in ensuring that major conferences and events choose the UK, generating huge economic impact for the country.  ABPCO fully supports the BVEP in its challenge to the Tourism Minister John Penrose on this matter.’

In a letter to BVEP Chairman Michael Hirst, Visit Britain CEO Sandie Dawe MBE stated: ‘We will still continue to offer a bid support service to attract international conferences, conventions and major sporting events,’ yet how this will be realised is yet unclear, according to comments from Mr. Hirst following a meeting with Ms. Dawe.

Rebecca Cadman-Jones continued: ‘Other countries enjoy significant support and representation from their respective tourism authorities in the international meetings sector; these new cuts could significantly impact opportunities for international events coming to the UK and consequently affect business for ABPCO members.  We must do all we can to ensure that the industry has the support to compete on a global scale.’

Hotel Booking Agents Association warns of licensing system for large events in 2012

Concerns over traffic congestion, crowd control and security in 2012 has prompted the Mayor of London’s office to launch a licensing system for every event or meeting taking place in London that attracts over 500 people, the HBAA has reminded its members.

Corporates, agents and venues organising or hosting annually occurring events or one-off initiatives in 2012 that involve 500 delegates will need to be logged with the respective local London borough.  Details of such events must be supplied to the borough by 31 March 2011 to help London’s public services to plan for the busy period.

Peter Ducker, executive director, HBAA said: “We are keen to ensure that our membership are fully conversant with 2012’s licensing system and the imminent deadlines.  It is also key that the industry is aware of the measures and the impacts these will have in agencies and venues with facilities that can host more than 500 guests.

“By providing as much information as early as possible, agents and venues will ensure that they fulfill the legal obligations and that public services; fire, police, ambulances, transport and health are staffed to reflect the influx of visitors into the capital.”

The HBAA is an association of the UK’s leading venue finding agencies whose buying power exceeds £2.3billion per annum. The premise of the association is to drive best practice in the procurement of accommodation and venues for conferences, training, meetings and events.

ASTA Webinar Helps Agents Capitalize on Medical Tourism Trend

Alexandria, Va., Feb. 7, 2011- According to the Medical Tourism Association and Deloitte, an international accounting and consulting firm, as many as 1.6 million Americans could be traveling in 2012 for medical tourism and spending billions of dollars in the process. To help its members capitalize on the growing trend of medical tourism, ASTA is offering a Webinar “Should You Be in the Medical Travel Business?” on Feb. 17, from 2 p.m. to 3p.m. EST.

“Medical travel, where patients leave home and often the country for care, is a growing industry and anticipated to be an industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars by 2012,” said ASTA President and Chair Chris Russo. “Unlike other specialty travel products, however, there are significant issues with providing medical travel services to patients. Learning about these issues-such as through our upcoming Webinar-and understanding the issues and how to deal with them, will allow travel agents to explore a new and highly profitable niche.”

This Webinar will discuss the issues concerning this growing segment of the travel business, whether it’s the right move for an agent or agency to make and how to make the niche a profitable one. The Webinar will be presented by Arlen D Meyers, MD, MBA, a professor of Otolaryngology, Dentistry and Engineering at the University of Colorado-Denver and Health Sciences Center. Meyers is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer for MedVoy Inc., a global healthcare medical tourism company, and president and Chief Medical Officer of CareConnectrix, a global healthcare social network.

To register, click here.

ITTFA Launches Incubator Programme

ITTFA, the International Tourism Trade Fairs Association, has launched an innovative programme to support and develop new travel trade shows around the globe.

ITTFA is dedicated to the continual development of the travel trade show industry, increasing participation and setting high standards across Europe and worldwide. Changes to entry requirements and the annual fee structure over the past few years have meant that membership is more accessible to smaller and developing shows, as well as established ones. However, the Association has now gone one step futher and introduced ITTFA Incubator which offers new shows an opportunity to benefit from the backing of the association and the experience and expertise of its members for minimum outlay.

This underlines one of the primary goals of the Association as it strives to reinforce the travel trade environment as the best place to do business, where suppliers can meet buyers from all over the world, face to face, under one roof. To encourage the growth of new shows, particularly in emerging markets will strengthen the industry at grass roots level and provide new opportunities for all. ITTFA hopes to help set good standards from the outset, offering advice and support with models of good practice from its own members.

Tom Nutley has been chairman of ITTFA since he helped to establish the original association in 1992. “Growth markets are an integral part of the future development and success of travel exhibitions and I am delighted that we now have an opportunity to assist new shows by providing them with a voice and an arena to promote their event, supported by tried and trusted organizational methods. As many travel enterprises struggle to maintain their markets, it is even more important to have the support and backing of other industry colleagues.

Even long standing shows in traditional markets are re-thinking there operational methods and one key benefit of ITTFA is that members can swop advice and ideas, discuss methods that are already up and running in other markets. Encouraging new and improved relationships in the international tourism trade fair industry is a key objective for the association which will further enable all of our members to obtain maximum benefit from opportunities worldwide”.

Akwaaba; African Travel Market, currently a member of ITTFA, and now in its 6th year and is the only international Travel Fair in West Africa, an area with a population of 270 million people and 15 countries. Over the last few years Aftm has become the most important travel marketing platform in the region drawing attendance from over 20 countries and is now a major fixture in the events calendar for Africa, listed by UNWTO as the only travel event in West Africa.

Mr Ikechi Uko, CEO of the organising company had this to say about the benefits of ITTFA. “Membership offers us an opportunity to network, learn and operate amongst shows of the highest standards. It offers us the opportunity to provide our audience with the combined experience of our peers in the association thus bringing to the shores of West Africa global best practices in the exhibition business. Membership of this well respected group will further position AfTM as an international event that takes place in Africa, integrating the African Travel practitioners into the global community.”

For more information on ITTFA Incubator and all our members, please visit www.ittfa.org or email us on secretariat@ittfa.org

Michel Prokop is now member of the IACC Executive Advisory Board

Michel Prokop (51), General Manager Dolce Bad Nauheim and Vice President Development Germany, Austria, Switzerland of the international hotel group Dolce has been elected non executive board member for IACC Europe (International Association of Conference Centers). He represents Germany at this committee. This was the decision of the last IACC advisory board meeting, which took place near Barcelona.

Nearly 30 years ago, the global association of IACC was founded with the aim of building a global network for meeting planners. It supplies its more than 300 members with information on industry trends, serves as a platform for exchange of experiences and increases the efficiency of conference centers through special programs and services. Andy Dolce is one of the founders of this board and launched his own hotel group, named after him, in the same year. Dolce Hotels and Resorts owns currently 27 hotels in the Unites States, Canada and Europe. All are specialized in meetings and conferences.

Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau joins ABPCO

Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau is the latest organisation to join ABPCO’s corporate member scheme, launched in 2010.  The convention bureau joins Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau who joined earlier this year and a growing range of venues, destinations and suppliers, such as The Barbican, Nottingham Conferences and Visit London.  ABPCO’s corporate member scheme aims to develop closer ties with suppliers and the Association’s UK-wide network of PCO members.

Claire Bradshaw, Head of Conference Bureau, of Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau commented: ‘We are delighted to join ABPCO at such an exciting time when the Association’s membership is expanding and its remit developing.  ABPCO’s corporate member scheme is a great initiative to ensure improved communications between destinations, suppliers and PCOs to the benefit of the industry as a whole.’

ABPCO Chair Rebecca Cadman-Jones added: ‘Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau is a most welcome addition to our corporate member scheme.  The initiative is already making significant progress and we were thrilled to see our corporate members represented for the first time at our annual conference in Manchester recently.  We look forward to working closely with the team at Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau.’

etouches, ACTE enter agreement for event registration services

Will serve association’s needs for close to 40 events in 2011

etouches has expanded its relationship with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) to become the official provider of web-based event registration and event management services to ACTE for over 40 global education events in 2011.

ACTE will now use etouches’ eHome sofware module for its Global Education Conference this April in New York, and etouches’ eHome and eReg software its Asia-Pacific Education Conference in Singapore in August, its Global Education Conference in Paris in October, its Canada Education Conference in Montreal in November, and a host of other Executive Forums, PowerTalks and regional events around the world.

etouches also will be an active participant in helping ACTE shape the educational content of some of its events by, among other things, being a member of the Conference Planning Committee to develop the program for the New York Education Conference.

While etouches will continue to provide ACTE with use of its scanners to track attendee traffic during ACTE’s InterACTE exhibitions at its global events, the latest deal further cements the two organizations’ relationship into a true partnership.

“ The ACTE relationship means a lot – they not only are an association which is one our core client categories, but they represent a global village of corporate travel professionals, which in its own right are primary users of our solution,” said etouches Founder and CEO Leonora Valvo. “Our heritage as an event planning company and a business travel consultancy allows us to take a relevant participatory stake in the association with the hope of adding some input and insights of value.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with etouches in this way” said Ron DiLeo, ACTE Executive Director. “They offer integrated event management solutions that are key to not only meeting professionals but to all the players in the travel sector. “

ITM Launches Meetings ‘How to…’ Tool-kit in Collaboration With CIPS

The Institute of Travel & Meetings (ITM) UK & Ireland launched the first part of a new, comprehensive Meetings & Events ‘How to…’ Tool-kit on 2^nd February at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall.

The ‘How to…’ Tool-kit was created by the association’s Meetings Working Party and will be launched in two stages.  It was produced in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) and supported by event industry associations HBAA & Eventia.

The tool-kit, which is part of a series the association is producing also including travel fundamentals and creating global programmes, covers everything from mapping the market, setting objectives, stakeholder engagement through to creating policy, outsourcing, technology and cost models. Also included are useful, sample Health & Safety documentation, Request For Proposal (RFP) guidance and case studies including Tesco’s work on internal space management.

The Meetings ‘How to…’ Tool-kit aims to provide best practice in this previously uncharted category just as more procurement professionals are taking on both business travel and meetings.

Fay Sharpe, Chair of the ITM Meetings Working Party, said, “I’m delighted that the ITM MEET Working Party have produced this ‘How to…’ guide for ITM and CIPs members, this area remains at the top of many procurement professionals agendas, not only from the aspect of cost, but also data, technology, health and safety, process and best practice. The guide covers all these aspects and more. With contributions from the industry’s best it should be a essential read!

The association plans to issue the second part of this Meetings ‘How to…’ tool-kit later this year. In the meantime, ITM members will be able to access Part 1 without charge through the member zone of the association’s website.

EFAPCO ENJOYS A DOUBLE CELEBRATION!

The European Federation of the Association of PCOs has welcomed a newly-formed association as its 12th member. And it is a further indication of the Brussels-based organisation’s reach into Eastern Europe.

The EFAPCO network already embraces Europe’s 11 established associations of PCOs which makes the approval of membership of the newly-formed Slovak Association of Professional Conference and Congress Organisers a double celebration.

“It is a great pleasure to welcome SAPCO as the 12th member of our Federation,” said EFAPCO President Nicolas Le Brun. “It is one of EFAPCO’s main goals to encourage the development of PCO associations in as many European countries as possible, to help raise the awareness of our profession globally and to enhance our drive for recognition of the value of congress business along EU corridors of power.

SAPCO President, Peter Kürti, said: “Our vision is to help our members to deliver the highest business and ethical standards in the management of national and international association and corporate conferences, seminars, meetings, exhibitions and special events and thereby ensure memorable meeting experiences among hosts, sponsors and participants.

“Our membership of EFAPCO will bring us closer to our common vision and we shall do our best to become a strong part of the foundations of the European PCO house. Our particular thanks go to Nicolas Le Brun and his EFAPCO colleagues for encouraging us to make this step forward. Now we are ready to learn and reshape the Slovak meeting industry for the best.”

Full members of SAPCO provide full service management for conferences including but not limited to conference design, registration, site and venue selection and booking, audiovisuals, IT support, logistics, leisure management, marketing, printing and web services, sourcing speakers, funding and sponsorship, financial management and budget control.

Slovakia is destined to attract global media coverage as host for this year’s Ice Hockey World Cup and with the country’s second largest city Kosice becoming a European Capital of Culture in 2013.

Nicolas Le Brun added: “We look forward to welcoming Slovakia to our next Board meeting, which will take place during IMEX in Frankfurt in May.”

New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau Elects 2011 Board of Directors

Bill McCreary of Starwood Hotels & Resorts to serve as Chairman of the Board

NEW ORLEANS (Jan. , 2011)— The New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) inducted its 2011 Board of Directors . This esteemed group of business leaders provides the strategic direction for New Orleans’ $5 billion tourism industry and advances the interests of the CVB’s 1,000 members. Bill McCreary, Area Managing Director of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, will serve as Chairman of the Board.

Mr. McCreary graduated from Linfield College, Oregon, and holds a BA in Biology and a diploma with honors from the Educational Institute of American Hotel and Lodging Association. He is a Certified Hotel Administrator and holds a Doctorate of Business Administration, Honoris Causa from Webber International University of Florida. A veteran of more than 35 years in the hotel business, he began his career at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco and has served as President of Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, Chairman of the Florida Hotel and Motel Association, Director of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Commissioner for the State of Florida Commission on Tourism and President of the Greater New Orleans Hotel and Lodging Association.

The 2011 Board of Directors Executive Committee:

• Bill McCreary, Area Managing Director, Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Chairman)
• Steve Pettus, Managing Partner, Dickie Brennan & Company (Past Chair)
• Fred Sawyers, Area General Manager, Hilton New Orleans Hotels (Chair Elect)
• Terry Epton, President, USA Hosts (Secretary)
• Al Groos, General Manager, Royal Sonesta Hotel (Treasurer)

At Large

• Iftikhar Ahmad, Director of Aviation, New Orleans Armstrong International Airport
• Darryl Berger, Owner, The Berger Company
• Katy Casbarian, Owner, Arnaud’s Restaurant
• Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich, Owner/Physician, Urgent Care Medical Facilities
• Ronald Markham, President & CEO, New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
• Russell Miller, General Manager, Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
• John Payne, Central Division President, Caesars Entertainment Corporation
• Bob Brown, Managing Director, New Orleans Business Council
• Aaron Dirks, COO, Limousine Livery
• Ron Forman, President & CEO, Audubon Nature Institute
• Bonnie Helmker, General Manager, Freeman Company
• Michael Smith, General Manager, Hyatt Regency New Orleans
• Gil Zanchi, Area General Manager, New Orleans Marriott Hotels
• Martin Driskell, General Manager, InterContinental New Orleans
• Amy Reimer, General Manager, International House Hotel
• Melvin Rodrigue, Chairman, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
• Gregory Rusovich, Past President, New Orleans Police & Justice Foundation
• Doug Thornton, Regional Vice President, SMG
• Steve Woodruff, Operations Manager, Commander’s Palace

Honorary Positions
Stacy Head, Councilmember, City of New Orleans – District “B” (Jan. 1-June 30)
Kristin Palmer, Councilmember, City of New Orleans – District “C” (July 1-Dec 31)

A nominating committee identified and selected board candidates based on their industry knowledge, experience and diversity. The slate was elected by the CVB’s membership at the Annual Business Meeting held on January 24, 2011. In addition to hotels, restaurants, attractions, transportation and cultural economy-related businesses, the board includes leaders from the New Orleans Business Council, the Convention Center and the Superdome.

MASTERCLASS PRODUCES ITS OWN CHALLENGES

The 1^st Meetings Masterclass, an educational initiative from IAPCO (International Association of Professional Congress Organisers) in collaboration with IPCAA (International Pharmaceutical Congress Advisory Association), took place in Wolfsberg, educational home of IAPCO, in January, in parallel with IAPCO’s traditional annual seminar.    Attracting an even split of participants from the Pharma industry (33%), PCOs (33%) and other sectors (International Organisations, Convention Bureaux and Centres 33%), the Masterclass achieved its desired range of attendees allowing a level playing field for cross sector discussion and debate.    25% of the attendees were Alumni from IAPCO’s Annual Seminar, stretching over 18 years, taking the opportunity to return to Wolfsberg.

Top level speakers included Sylvia Fondanèche and Anna Frick (President and Immediate Past President, IPCAA, respectively);  Jurriaen Sleijster, Danny Rivlin, Jan Tonkin and Susanne Kostka (IAPCO);  and invited speakers Ruud Janssen (TNOC), Luc Volatier (IMD International), Pierce Riemer (World Petroleum Congress), Cherie Davis (InterCall Streaming) and Carole Poilerat (AstraZeneca) creating an impressive line-up.

Whilst the participants applauded the level of presentation and case study interaction, they had plenty of suggestions for next year.   Extending the course by an additional day, video-streaming all sessions, pre-event interaction via social media, increased breaks, more hands on – these challenges were immediately absorbed by the IAPCO Training Academy to be considered for the future.   “Very inspiring”, wrote one enthusiastic participant following the event, “with great networking and exchange opportunities”.  “A must for all decision-makers in the meetings industry”.

The 2^nd Meetings Masterclass will take place at Wolfsberg, Switzerland, 23-26 January 2012.

JMIC Web Site Delivers Industry Activity Overview

“We have established this resource both as a convenience to members of the industry and a way of demonstrating the breadth of programming now underway in our sector”, said JMIC President Leigh Harry. “At the same time, it will provide an efficient means for anyone in the industry to determine what kinds of activities are underway which will help reduce unnecessary duplication of effort at a time when we all need to make our limited resources work as hard as possible. Finally, we think it illustrates effectively how the industry is able to work in an integrated manner by pooling and sharing information that collectively addresses virtually every aspect of these two key areas”.

The information collected in the new Resources section is available to any member of the industry who wishes to review current and planned activities, although some specific programs are available only to members of the respective associations. Further details on the listed programs are available by communicating directly with the associations themselves.

“The challenge, as with all such resources, will be a need to maintain the information it contains on a current basis, but we are confident that as the value of such a comprehensive source of information becomes more apparent, our members will be prepared to invest the time required to make sure it remains entirely up to date”.

Direct link to JMIC INDUSTRY RESOURCES

The Joint Meetings Industry Council was established in 1978 as a vehicle for creating a forum for the exchange of information and perspectives amongst international associations engaged in various aspects of the Meetings Industry. It is now engaged in the process of building better communications and linkages amongst member organizations and advancing industry profile along with a greater appreciation of thye value the industry brings to the global economy.

JMIC members include:
AIPC (the International Association of Congress Centres);
COCAL (the Latin American Confederation of PCO and Related Companies);
DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International);
ECM (European Cities Marketing);
EFAPCO (the European Federation of Associations of Professional Congress Organizers);
EVVC (the European Association of Event Centres);
IAPCO (the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers);
ICCA (the International Congress and Convention Association);
MPI (Meeting Professionals International);
PCMA (the Professional Convention Association Management Association);
SITE (the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives) and
UFI (the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry).
It is also supported by the CIC (Convention Industry Council).

For all information : jmic@themeetingsindustry.org

HBAA Chairman cheques out the year with donation to Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance

Stephen Usher, Managing Director House of Usher and past Chair of the HBAA, handed over a cheque today for £2,425 to Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA).

Stephen nominated Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance as the ‘Chairman’s Charity’ for the duration of his tenure as HBAA Chairman in 2010. Donations were raised through Stephen’s tireless work in promoting the charity throughout the association’s calendar of events from the annual dinner to the HBAA golf day.

Since launching in 2003, WNAA has become the UK’s busiest air ambulance and has attended over 8500 calls. At an operating cost of £1.5 million a year, the service is reliant on voluntary donations with no government or Lottery Funding available. People can be treated immediately at the scene and transferred to the appropriate hospital. The service covers the UK’s key arterial routes; M1, M6, M40, M42 and A14.

The HBAA is an association of the UK’s leading venue finding agencies whose buying power exceeds £2.3billion per annum. The premise of the association is to drive best practice in the procurement of accommodation and venues for conferences, training, meetings and events.

Stephen Usher said: “I am honoured to be able to hand over a cheque to WNAA – their work without doubt saves lives. I’d like to thank everyone within the association for their generous donations during my time as the chairman of the HBAA in 2010 and most importantly thank the WNAA for their work and tireless commitment”.

Tracy Grunwell, Fundraising Manager for the WNAA said, “It’s fantastic to see the HBAA getting involved and helping to raise such a lot of money for this incredibly worthy cause. The air ambulance is a vital service in this area and the HBAA are doing a fantastic job to help us keep the air ambulance flying. The support that we receive makes a huge difference, not just to us but to the lives of the people we save.”

Picture from left to right: Captain Dan Martin, Stephen Usher and Dr Fiona Lowe

ACTE AND WTFL TO TACKLE TRAVEL INDUSTRY WAR ON TALENT IN JOINT INITIATIVE

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) is to team up with the World Tourism Forum Lucerne in an initiative to tackle the war for talents in the travel industry.

The World Tourism Forum is to embark on two major research studies amongst university level students analyzing expectations and beliefs around how the travel industry will attract, recruit and retain the travel professionals of tomorrow. The two pieces of research will dovetail into the two ACTE initiatives announced last autumn in Berlin – “Around The World in 80 Hours» and the «3 under 33» campaigns.

The results of the research will be used by both organisations, through a joint initiative, to create a practical programme to address the issues and challenges raised.

The first piece of research will be undertaken by the World Tourism Forum in conjunction with Korn/Ferry International, the world’s largest recruiting firm, and will focus on talent management in tourism, travel and hospitality companies. The findings will be presented at the World Tourism Forum Lucerne (13-15th April 2011). Simultaneously, the World Tourism Forum is working with PricewaterhouseCoopers to analyze retention strategies and student expectations on reward and commitment from tourism, travel and hospitality companies. The results will also be unveiled at the World Tourism Forum Lucerne in April.

Professor Martin Barth, General Manager World Tourism Forum Lucerne commented the joint initiative as follows: “As world economies emerge from the current recessions we know that industry will face a different landscape and perhaps the most dramatic changes will be seen in the world of recruitment and retention of human resource. A new war for talent will commence and expectations of employees may well be different from the past. The purpose of the research is to highlight the challenges, find solutions and then, with our partners, ACTE, help the travel industry meet those challenges head on”.

Ron DiLeo, Executive Director, ACTE added: “ACTE has identified that the area of recruitment and staff retention into the business travel sector is perhaps the single biggest challenge our sector faces. Our «3 under 33» initiative is specifically designed to recognise the talent emerging and to harness it for the good of the sector. While the «Around The World in 80 Hours» project is our strategy to work in unison with the top educational establishments around the globe to enhance the recruitment process in the business travel sector. We are delighted to be working with the World Tourism Forum and I look forward to seeing the results of the research in the spring”.

ACTE Chairman, Chris Crowley added: “ACTE is keen to work with like minded organisations in meeting the very real challenges facing the business travel field. In cooperation with World Tourism Forum Lucerne we believe we can add real value and provide practical solutions to the challenges facing the sector”.

Mr. Education granted Honorary Membership of IAPCO

On Friday 14 January, Christer Carlsson was granted Honorary Life Membership of IAPCO for his services to education and training over the past 30 years. At a dinner held in the exclusive Chateau at Wolfsberg, home of IAPCO’s educational programme, Christer expressed his heartfelt appreciation of the honour.

Being one of the earliest members of IAPCO, he was instrumental in selecting the Wolfsberg UBS Platform for Excellence Centre as the home for IAPCO’s seminars, and now Masterclass, as far back as 1977.
The Centre has been the location of the seminars for the past 34 years, thus creating the popular name for IAPCO’s training programme – the Wolfsberg Seminars. Christer represented first RESO Congress Services, and then Stockholm Convention Bureau on IAPCO for 22 years, followed by an intergovernmental membership when he joined the EBRD in 2001. He has recently retired from frontline PCO activity.
“On behalf of the so many former students of IAPCO who have witnessed your passion and enthusiasm and for all your experience which you successfully passed on to others,” said IAPCO Vice-President, Gonzalo Perez Constanzó, “we wished to honour you and acknowledge your immense contribution to educating the future generations of the meetings industry.”

HBAA annual dinner sees inauguration of new chairman Juliet Price, launches new charter and raises £15,230 for charity

The HBAA staged its annual headline social event on Friday 14th January. Bringing together over 400 booking agents, hoteliers and venues, the dinner saw incoming chairman for the association Juliet Price set her vision and goals for 2011.

Taking place at the Hilton London Metropole, Juliet outlined her key objectives for the year ahead to further drive membership of the association and encourage future talent in the industry.

Juliet was welcomed to the stage by 2010 chairman Stephen Usher who said: “The HBAA is in the most robust position in its history; membership is at an all time high and we have consistently broken attendee numbers at business and our social events. Additionally the association is being recognised for its thought leadership in creating best practices around topics such as TOMS.”

Juliet Price, 2011’s chairman continued: “With membership at an all time high in 2010 it is key that we continue to attract the talent of tomorrow. Just look around and see the professionalism that we have in this room, collectively we must continue to encourage the next generation to our sector of the business travel arena and thereby drive the industry forward.”

Juliet also laid out her plans for the ‘Chairman’s Charity’, whereby HBAA fundraising profits are made directly to a charity of the chairman’s choice. Throughout Juliet’s tenure, the Chairman’s charity will be WheelPower which provides disabled people with sports wheelchairs along with training and coaching that will subsequently enable them to participate in both competitive and recreational sport.

Juliet commented: “Next year not only marks the London 2012 Olympic Games but also the Paralympic Games. We can all be part of this by helping to raise funds not just for our Olympiads next year but for the future generations.”

In addition to the chairman’s charity, the HBAA has been a long term supporter of Lynn’s Bowel Cancer Charity and funds raised on the evening exceeded £15K for the charity.

The HBAA represents the interests of parties involved in the procurement and management of conference, meetings and accommodation in the UK and internationally. It has an annual buying power in excess of £2.3bn per annum and is recognised by corporates as the benchmark of quality and integrity.

Juliet Price is head of UK marketing and business intelligence for Hotelzon, one of the world’s leading corporate and leisure online hotel booking companies and providers of software technology.

EUROPEAN AIRLINES LOOK BACK ON A TURBULENT 2010

Ash, snow and strikes combine to hold back market recovery

The Association of European Airlines, which represents Europe’s most important network carriers, has revealed a preliminary traffic estimate for 2010 of 335 million passengers boarded by its members, ten million more than in 2009.  Using the industry standard measure of passenger-kilometres, this represented a 2.5% increase over the previous year.

The figures are based on monthly returns of AEA’s members’ traffic up to November, and weekly reports for the last month of the year.  The data is available from the Research & Statistics section of the AEA website (click on individual months in the Monthly Monitor table).

The figures were of course severely distorted by the effects of external shocks, most notably the airspace closures associated with the Icelandic volcanic eruptions in April and May, but also the unprecedented disruptions at airports caused by the snowfalls of late November and December.  The year was also notable for the frequency and intensity of industrial action which affected flight operations, very often as a response to national austerity measures linked with the recession and its aftershocks, particularly in the Eurozone.

Figures produced by Eurocontrol estimate that 160,000 flights within Europe were cancelled during 2010.  100,000 of these were attributed to the volcanic eruption, but the remaining 60,000 represented an 150% increase over the previous year’s level of cancellations.

With so many disturbances affecting traffic trends, it is difficult to obtain a clear picture of the state of the market, but there was sufficient evidence from individual monthly figures to suggest an underlying growth trend, as the year progressed, in the range 5%-6% above the previous year’s depressed level.

It is clear that during the first part of the year – regardless of the ash cloud – the traffic losses of 2009 were not being recovered, and while genuine growth was re-established in the second half, the recovery remained extremely weak.  The resilience shown by the market in bouncing back after 9/11 and again after Gulf War 2 and SARS has so far not been in evidence.

Said AEA Secretary General Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus:  “While the recession of 2008/9 affected airlines and their markets around the world, the recovery process is very different between one region and another, and particularly in Europe we are lagging behind the rest of the world.  This alone places European airlines at a competitive disadvantage vis-à-vis their global rivals, and it is vitally important that the political and operating environment within which we do business does not burden us further”.

AEA anticipates that it will be able to announce a very small operating profit for the totally of its members, for 2010. But it acknowledges that the figure reflects an average spread ranging from impressive turnarounds for individual carriers to significant losses for others. “Further consolidation appears inevitable under the prevailing circumstances“, said the AEA Secretary General. “But all airlines, whether ailing or recovering, are united in their view that the European aviation value chain must become more efficient, if the European aviation sector is to become competitive internationally“.

It was necessary, he said, to address both systematic weaknesses – such as the slow progress towards an effective Air Traffic Control system – and the vulnerabilities exposed by the events which disrupted business in 2010.  Referring to the recent snow chaos, he said that the world is amazed and customers rightly upset that airlines cannot fly as scheduled in Europe because it snows in winter. “The regulators should take a strong grip on infrastructure, and ensure that weak links among service providers are liable for the damage incurred to airlines and their customers”, said Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus.

Data tables showing monthly and year-to date figures by region, and by AEA member airline, can be viewed here.

ABPCO welcomes Nottingham Conferences as Corporate Members

ABPCO’s corporate member scheme has started 2011 with a bang, recruiting Nottingham Conferences as their latest member.  Nottingham Conferences, located at The University of Nottingham, represents a flexible event solution, with a total of four unique locations to draw inspiration from.  Nottingham Conferences joins the likes of The Barbican, Visit London, SECC, Confex Group, amongst others as corporate members of the Association.

Shelley Garden, Sales Manager of Nottingham Conferences commented:  “We are very proud to become the latest members to join ABPCO’s corporate scheme.  We fully recognise the importance of such memberships and look forward to strengthening relationships with ABPCO’s PCO members.”

ABPCO Chair Rebecca Cadman-Jones added: ‘ABPCO’s corporate membership scheme is essential to create long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with key players in the meetings and events sector.  We have already welcomed a number of high-profile organisations to our membership and are delighted to welcome Nottingham Conferences on board.’

ABPCO’s corporate membership scheme is open to venues, destinations and other suppliers from across the meetings and events sector.  For more information, visit ABPCO’s website.

Who Foots The Bill For Recent Actions In the Business Travel Marketplace? The Business Travel Buyer

National Business Travel Association Policy Statement Addresses Recent Actions in the Business Travel Marketplace

The Issue: Recent market activities threaten competition in the business travel marketplace.

NBTA believes that policymakers should pay close attention to unreasonable and anticompetitive market activity that threatens to unfairly increase costs on the business travel buyer.

Viewed separately, these issues may seem unrelated. But when viewed wholly, they have consequences that could greatly curtail travel buyers’ ability to manage travel effectively, severely impact the future cost of business travel, and inhibit healthy competition and innovation in the marketplace.

NBTA has four primary concerns:

1. “Direct Connects” – Airline mandated “direct connects” to bypass the existing global distribution systems will result in a significant increase in capital expenditure that purchasers of business travel will ultimately bear. Companies that rely on information to negotiate for and maintain airline discount programs will have a difficult time continuing to track activity and enforce travel policy.

Bottom Line: The current system for business travel procurement isn’t perfect – but it is marked by transparency, access and competition. Any changes to this system must continue to provide business travel purchasers with the information they need to make informed travel investment decisions. NBTA calls on all airlines with an interest in the business travel market to ensure their fares are widely available to buyers through all commonly-used online purchasing channels.

2. Interchange Fees and Supplier Payments – Travel buyers understand the need to pay a reasonable and proportional cost for use of payment cards. However, some suppliers are attempting to reallocate credit card costs they should be responsible for paying themselves to intermediaries – specifically, travel management firms and travel agencies. This harms all market participants and creates an additional financial burden for business travel buyers.

Bottom Line: Suppliers that are passing through credit card fees weigh down business travel buyers with higher costs in exchange for no added value – putting unnecessary stress on the recovery of the business travel industry.

3. Access to Real-Time Airfare Information –The proposed Google-ITA transaction should create cause for government regulator concern. This transaction could endanger travel buyer access to consistent, real-time airfare information wherever airline inventory is sold.

Bottom Line: Federal regulators must safeguard consumer welfare by ensuring markets remain competitive if this transaction is to be allowed. Otherwise, business buyers could experience an artificial increase in costs.

4. Customer Privacy – Data privacy is of the utmost concern of business travelers and employers that have worked diligently to protect employees’ online identities. However the proposed Google-ITA transaction may lead to unforeseen uses of traveler data.

Bottom Line: When considering any future mergers or business practices in travel, government regulators must seriously weigh the potential of search companies’ access to customer data and the possible use of that information, without customer and employer permission, in the pursuit of profit.

Commenting on these concerns, NBTA Executive Director and COO Michael W. McCormick said, “As the global voice of the business travel buyer, NBTA strongly supports market forces that drive innovation and increase competition. We are focused on ensuring that business travel buyers and the organizations they represent do not ultimately foot the bill for proposals that block transparent pricing, limit competition and unfairly raise costs.”

VALUE FOR MONEY KEY TO TRAVEL IN 2011

ABTA’s Travel Trends 2011 Report says that against a harsh economic backdrop, British travellers will continue to seek value for money in 2011. Seventy-four per cent of travellers believe that the greatest value for money – but not necessarily the lowest prices, is an essential or important booking element.

With the pound falling against the euro over recent years, British travellers have discovered non-eurozone destinations in their droves. Turkey and Egypt will again experience a successful year as the high standard of holidays on offer at good prices has consistently provided good value for money. Next year will also see competitors, such as Tunisia, Syria and Abu Dhabi climb the ranks of popularity as investment in tourist infrastructure comes to fruition.

Enthusiasm for our favourite short haul destinations in Europe is also set to be reignited, as it is likely that the pound will finally rally against the euro in 2011.

The UK cruise market prides itself on value for money, with an all-inclusive price structure which includes accommodation, entertainment and meals. This combination together with attentive service, innovative products and great headline prices will see cruising grow to 1.77 million UK passengers next year. Seven new ships are launching to the UK market in 2011 further increasing UK cruise options.

Despite cutbacks, travel is still seen by the majority in the UK as an essential, and all-inclusives again will be popular in 2011.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: “While cost will be high in customers’ consciousness in 2011, so is their desire to get the best experience for their money. Travel companies who pride themselves on good service and provide excellent holidays will win custom. ABTA and its Members will continue to strive for high professional standards in 2011 and offer value, quality and a fantastic range of choices.”

FCO spokesperson Lynda St Cooke said:  “It’s interesting to note the trends highlighted in this report.  People are clearly seeking to watch their budgets, which will lead some to stay with friends and family rather than in hotels.  It’s easy to assume that, if you are visiting friends or relatives, they’ll look after you so you don’t need to take any health precautions or take out travel insurance.  But our consular staff regularly have to help people who have run into problems because they haven’t made these basic preparations, so it’s important to remember to consult your GP’s surgery before you go, and take out travel insurance to avoid the risk of you or your family being billed for thousands of pounds.

There’s clearly an increase in holidays in “mid haul” destinations.  It’s vital to understand a bit about your destination: not knowing about local law won’t stop you being imprisoned for breaking it. It’s worth researching the laws and customs of the country you are visiting, so as not to get caught out.  There is plenty of general and country-specific advice on the Foreign Office website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.”

Read more about how smartphones are revolutionising travel information, how responsible holidays have gone mainstream, that air passenger duty will be one of the biggest issues taxing the travel industry  and how ABTA will be working to make sure holidaymakers will be better protected in ABTA’s Travel Trends 2011 Report.

ABTA CLARIFIES THAT VAT RISE DOES NOT APPLY ON TOTAL COST OF PACKAGE HOLIDAYS

ABTA is reminding the public at the busiest time of year for booking summer holidays that the recent VAT rise to 20% does not apply to the total cost of an overseas package holiday. Tour operators’ profit margins are subject to VAT but the rise will represent a tiny, if any, increase in cost to consumers. Packages are especially popular with budget conscious families and this is great news as they take advantage of the excellent deals and choice available to early bookers.

Victoria Bacon ABTA Head of Communications said: “VAT is now at a historically high level but I can reassure customers that the tax does not apply to the total cost of an overseas package holiday. This time of year is also traditionally when ABTA Members put out their best prices and have the widest availability and choice. There couldn’t be a better time to book”

Association to Introduce New Membership Tier to Engage Industry

The Chairman of the Institute of Travel & Meetings today announced to members that it was planning to introduce a new tier of membership to allow the vast number of industry stakeholders based in the UK & Ireland to connect to the association and its activities.

The move to create ITM Connect was announced in a statement made this morning to members by Chairman, Jamie Hindhaugh, on behalf of the ITM Board. Additional changes include increased services to full members, soon to be called ITM Business members, and changes to its sponsor programme – to recognise them fully as industry supporters. In addition, it is proposed that ITM regions will be able to be chaired by Suppliers and Industry Practitioners for the first time and a membership charter will be introduced across all members.

Speaking about the announcement, Mr Hindhaugh said, “After a long period of assessment it is great to be announcing these plans to our members. We estimate there to be in excess of four thousand potential buyer members in the UK alone and our plans intend to engage them in this great association. But the changes go beyond that goal and also intend to create a more equal organisation where mutual trust, professionalism and practical information, tools and services are key.”

The association has also announced that all ITM Business members will receive complimentary membership of NBTA Europe for the next year. It also plans to provide members with intelligence reports and more regional events to increase the value of membership.

Talking about the changes, ITM’s CEO, Paul Tilstone added, “The last twenty years have seen the internet, media, exhibition and commercial event companies taking on some of the historical roles of an association and providing a level of competition, sometimes without cost to the users. We understand, from our members, that our strengths are that we are truly independent & buyer-led and that, as a not-for-profit organisation, people know we focus on doing the right thing. These changes will potentially attract huge numbers of professionals to engage with ITM so that everything we do has more impact on this great industry of ours.”

The association plans to announce full details during its 2011 Intelligence conference at Heythrop Park in Oxfordshire in April – www.itmconference.org.

Register Today for ADA 58th Annual Advanced Postgraduate Course in New York!

Time is running out to register for the 58th Annual Advanced Postgraduate Course, which will take place February 25-27, in New York City!

In addition to providing up to 14.25 continuing education hours, you can join your colleagues and fellow diabetes experts for sessions that offer cutting-edge clinical research in diabetes treatment and management; and get the latest advances in interactive Meet the Expert sessions.

To register, please visit us at  http://professional.diabetes.org/PG11

Strong Malaysian Collaboration Ensured Bid Success for 7th International AIDS Society (IAS) HIV Conference in Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention 2013

Kuala Lumpur, 5 January 2011 – Malaysia’s latest win of the prestigious 7th International AIDS Society (IAS) HIV Conference on Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention (IAS 2013) marks the first time the conference will be held in Asia.

Started in 2001, the biennial conference rotates around the world and alternates around developing and developed countries. The IAS aims to examine the latest developments in HIV-related research and to explore how scientific advances can be translated quickly into effective interventions to prevent and treat HIV, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Announcing Malaysia’s latest bid success, Minister of Tourism Malaysia, YB Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen said, “Between 5,000 to 6,000 delegates from 125 countries are expected to converge at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre for the four-day conference in July 2013. With almost an estimated 90 percent of the delegates coming from overseas, the conference is estimated to generate over

RM78 million (EUR19 million, USD25 million) in economic value to the Malaysian economy.

“The strong collaboration between the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Ministry of Health, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Malaysia Airlines and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to secure the conference is highly commendable,” YB Dato’ Sri Dr Ng said.

IAS 2013 is the first large scale event that has been secured under the recently launched Economic Transformation Programme. As one of the Entry Point Projects in the Programme, the business tourism segment is expected to contribute RM3.9 billion in incremental Gross National Income (GNI) and 16,700 additional jobs to the nation by year 2020.

“The government’s commitment and support towards business tourism is now at a level where Malaysia can compete more effectively in the international marketplace and thereby attracting more international and regional business events to the country,” said Mr Zulkefli Hj Sharif, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

Commenting on Malaysia’s bid, Ms Anouk Rey, Conference Director, International AIDS Society said, “Hosting the event in Malaysia will not only be attractive to our delegates in terms of destination (touristic aspects, value for money) but it is also centrally located in Asia to attract HIV professionals from neighbouring countries. As the conference would only come to Asia once in a decade, we believe that hosting the conference in Kuala Lumpur will benefit both the delegates and the country. The impact of the conference on HIV knowledge in the area will be very valuable.”

In addition, “We are very impressed by the Malaysian government’s commitment to provide free HIV treatment to all Malaysians in need of antiretroviral therapy. Malaysia’s leadership could help serve as a model not only for countries in Asia Pacific but also for Islamic countries, especially in the area of harm reduction. We also learned that Malaysian doctors have been acting in accordance with global best practice. It underscores our interest in bringing the conference to Malaysia so that our colleagues from around the world can learn from such best practice.”

Delighted with the decision, Datuk Peter Brokenshire, General Manager of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre said, “We are honoured that yet another international medical gathering has chosen the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre as its venue of choice and we look forward to welcoming the delegates in 2013. As with the 135 other international conferences the Centre has hosted in its five years of operation, a distinguished event such as IAS 2013 will not only boost the Centre’s reputation as the country’s premier convention facility but also serve to seal Malaysia’s growing popularity as a business tourism destination of choice in the region.

Hosted by the Switzerland-based International AIDS Society, IAS 2013 is expected to attract world leading scientists, clinicians, public health experts and community practitioners on the frontlines of the epidemic as well as policy planners. The conference was previously held in Sydney (2007), Cape Town (2009), with the next edition to be held in Rome, Italy in July 2011.