Using major sporting and cultural events to boost conference business

Transcription

1 International Congress & Convention Association Using major sporting and cultural events to boost conference business Thursday, 7 July 2011 International Congress and Convention Association

2 ICCA Using major sporting and cultural events to boost conference business Gdansk Leena Sipilä

3 The Finns.. and the events..

4 Leena Convention Director Tampere Hall, Marina Congress Center PCO - Congrex Head of EU meetings, FIN Presidency 14 sport events Meeting Planner Teacher, coach

5 Type of Events Congresses, Conventions Sporting events Carnivals Culture Festivals Anniversary celebrations Political Events Business Shows Leena s 80% rule...

6 Events HAVE extensive links to: Leisure Civic activities Business Regional economy Other sectors of society Event expansion an overall experince

7 Why do we all want them? Getting more visitors Drawing attention External euros,,... Build community spirit Transform the city Social legacy

8 Attract more tourists, a delusion? Important part of destination branding NOT just for tourists, also for investors and students Events are primarily to build up and celebrate community spirit Events will improve Helsinki`s chances of succesfully bidding for an ongoing stream of events to host Fear of the crowding out of normal tourists by the events (surveys made)

9 Surveys made in Helsinki World Championships in Athletics 2005 World Skills Event 2005 Eurovision Song Contest 2007 Direct financial impact marginal A strong belief, in the long run positive impact to the hospitality industry and to the entire Metropolitan area Local people are proud of their city, inspired and satisfied

10 The Role of the CVB? Different types of CVB s Seperate Event Offices (eg.helsinki) Event evaluation and bidding strategy for the event Case Helsinki

11 Helsinki Events

12 Brand essence Skillful Fascinating Knowledgeable, inspiring professionals. Solid experience and a trusted partner network ensure a prompt and reliable performance. Helsinki is an experience. It offers a stunning backdrop for any event. Any celebration in the city spreads good feelings everywhere. Festive and Fascinating Compact Helsinki combines the wide choices of a metropolis with the community of a small town. Getting around is easy, safe and practical. 12 Responsible Helsinkians care about each other, their guests and their environment. Everyone is welcome to and we respond to the needs of different groups.

13 Annual Events in Helsinki Helsinki Week in June including for example Samba Carnaval, Les Lumières Festival Festival in the Spirit of Enlightment Helsinki Day Helsinki Cup for the young footballers,july Baltic Herring Fair, October Helsinki International Horse Show, October Lord Mayor s Independence Day Party for schools in December Seurasaari Christmas Path in December New Year s Eve Party Season of Light - Festival of Light in January

14 Helsinki - big events 2011 YourMove - Sport Event for Youth 2011 Open Europeans, Olympic Sailing Classes 2012 Helsinki Design Capital 2012 Helsinki 200 Years as Capital of Finland 2012 European Championship: Athletism 2012 World Championship: Ice Hockey 2013 Tall Ships Races 2015 Gymnaestrada

15 Helsinki CVB Co-operation from the very beginning with the event organises takes time and understanding! Defining and structuring the work with all stakeholders involved: Mayor, community leaders, sponsors... Encouraging collaboration: A common spirit through a common goal Appropriate competence Trust Creativity

16 Practical actions by Helsinki CVB Guidelines for Event organisers Events -calendar coordination Attending and partly conducting PR campaigns abroad Helsinki presentations in previous events Partly organising site inspections Assisting; sponsors, broadcasting companies Actively taking part in PR activities of the event Photo Shoot Guide, Marathon route planning, Stand up points...

17 Voluteers training programme Suppliers training Hospitality tours for delegates / Press / VIP Materials Using events for our own PR actions

18 International Congress & Convention Association Leena Sipilä

19 Challenges for CVB To find the events? Evaluate them? Responsibility of the long lasting event strategy? Size of investment for just one known event? Lead time To be realistic

20 Challenge - possibility

21 HELSINKI We are all proud of our city. It s full of fantastic events. And we know how to organise them! For us: Excellence is not a skill, it s an attitude Ralph Morston

22 Thank you! PS. We are all the champions

23 International Congress & Convention Association Thank you! International Congress and Convention Association