INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF MEETINGS, CONGRESSES, CONVENTIONS AND INCENTIVES ORGANISERS

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1 INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF MEETINGS, CONGRESSES, CONVENTIONS AND INCENTIVES ORGANISERS European Travel Commission (ETC) & World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Kindly hosted by Visit Flanders 11 th -12 th June 2015, Antwerp, Belgium Venue: Elzenveld Hotel & Seminarie Local contact:

2 The ETC-UNWTO International Seminar has been organized to support the official launch of the brand new ETC-UNWTO Study on the Decision-Making Process of Meetings, Congresses, Conventions and Incentives Organisers. Being one of the fastest growing segments in the tourism industry and generating millions of revenues, the MCCI sector has received increased attention from countries and cities alike. This is particularly true in emerging destinations, where there has been a significant development in hotels, convention centers, fully-integrated facilities, transportation systems and the like, in order to attract business events. With new destinations entering the MCCI market, competition for market shares in Europe and worldwide has become fierce. Consequently, an in-depth understanding of the key factors that influence the decisions about where to hold meetings, conventions and incentives has become crucial. Aimed at Destination Management Organisations, the study provides a wide-ranging overview of the meetings, conferences, congresses and incentives segments. A thorough analysis of planners needs and expectations with respect to destination choice and venues provides DMOs, NTOs and NTAs with an optimum understanding to excel in the sector. The ETC-UNWTO International Seminar, aimed at tourism professionals, is intended to help them to take full advantage of the opportunities in the meetings, congresses, conferences and incentives industry. This enriching seminar will pay special attention to providing insights on the typologies and influencers in planners decision-making process and a platform for exchange of best-practice examples on the elements for a successful MCCI destination. We eagerly await your participation in the seminar!

3 PROGRAMME: THURSDAY 11 TH JUNE Seminar Registration Welcome address & opening speeches by Peter Nash, Chairman ETC Market Intelligence Group (MIG), Eduardo Santander, Executive Director European Travel Commission (ETC), Michel Julian, Technical Coordinator Market Trends World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and Peter de Wilde, ETC President and CEO of Visit Flanders SESSION 1: Overview of the Meetings, Congresses, Conventions and Incentives Sector PART I: INTRODUCTION TO THE ETC-UNWTO STUDY ON THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS, CONGRESSES AND INCENTIVES ORGANISERS Bruce Redor, Gaining Edge Gaining Edge will provide a detailed but comprehensive overview of the study findings. A strategic overview of the MCCI sector will be provided, through an exhaustive taxonomy and segment overview. Q&As (15 minutes) KEYNOTE: Coffee / Tea ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF MEETINGS & EVENTS Tom Hulton, Director of International Relations IMEX Group TRENDS AND THE FUTURE OF THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY Louise Derre, Marketing Office Visit Flanders Trends in the meetings industry and their implications for destinations and suppliers. Lynsey Sweales, CEO, Social Media & SEO strategist, Socialb The four key S s to social media success for meetings and incentive travel Q&As (10 minutes) Lunch

4 SESSION 2: Planners Needs and Expectations in the Decision-Making Process PART II: KEY FINDINGS OF THE ETC-UNWTO STUDY ON THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS, CONGRESSES AND INCENTIVES ORGANISERS Bruce Redor, Gaining Edge Gaining Edge will provide a detailed but comprehensive overview of the study findings. A clear overview of the typologies of the decision-making process for meetings, congresses, conventions and incentives including an inventory of planner s needs and expectations with respect to destination choice and venues. Q&As (15 minutes) KEYNOTE: HOW INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS MAKE THEIR MEETING DECISIONS Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA Coffee / Tea PANEL DISCUSSION: THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS OF MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS, CONGRESSES AND INCENTIVES ORGANISERS Moderator: Peter Nash, Chairman ETC Market Intelligence Group Panel discussion preceded by short presentation (5-10 minutes of panelists) Jan Samyn, Seauton Dr Rob Davidson, MICE Knowledge Philippe Fournier, Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) Nancy Carfrae, Union of International Associations (UIA) Gala Dinner

5 PROGRAMME: FRIDAY 12 TH JUNE 2015 SESSION 3: Innovation in Developing Successful MCCI Destinations Introduction to the session CASE STUDIES: Steen Møller, Visit Denmark Ms Kari Alloo, Visit Flanders Coffee / Tea Mónica García, Barcelona Convention Bureau Aneta Książek, Poland Convention Bureau Closing remarks ETC/UNWTO Lunch End of international seminar SOCIAL PROGRAMME DISCOVERING ANTWERP Seminar Venue: Elzenveld Hotel & Seminarie The seminar will take place in the beautiful and comfortably equipped auditorium.

6 Social Programme: Discovering The ETC Meeting Industry Seminar VISIT FLANDERS and Visit Antwerp are happy to welcome you to Antwerp and give you the opportunity to discover the famous world capital of diamonds. Join the ETC social programme on Friday and explore the city of Antwerp! Date: Friday 12 th June 2015 Programme: Elzenveld Convention Centre: Start of the savoury exploration of Antwerp An English speaking guide will take you on a tour of Antwerp, allowing you to discover the historic heart of this magnificent city. Along the way you will not only learn more about the city s history and art, you will also enjoy some of Antwerp s most delicious local specialties, such as the biscuits Antwerpse handjes and the beer Bolleke Koninck. 16h00: Discovery of the Cathedral of Our Lady Enjoy a visit of the cathedral and accept the challenge to climb the 65,30 meters high southern tower. You will be rewarded with an amazing view of the city! 17h00: Closing drinks City Hall The city of Antwerp proudly invites you for a drink at the monumental city hall. The Antwerp city hall is one of the oldest renaissance buildings in the low countries is an important anniversary year. Antwerp City Hall celebrates its 450th birthday! A refreshing drink in a magnificent venue: what better way to end a successful seminar! 17h45 18h00: end of programme