|
IMEX Politicians Forum advises how to attract
more meetings |
Release: IMEX |
‘How do I attract more meetings and events to my
destination?’ That was the pragmatic theme of the 2015 IMEX Politicians
Forum as the successful annual gathering once again brought a
distinguished group of politicians and meetings industry leaders from
all over the world to share insights into the valuable contribution of
the meetings industry to the development of knowledge economies.
A revealing summary of the fascinating discussion is now available,
along with interviews from leading participants.
www.imex-frankfurt.com/events/forums/politicians-forum-2015-review/
This year’s Forum gave politicians an essential insight and appreciation
of how the benefits from meetings and events go well beyond valuable
tourism revenue. It showed that by reaching into the fields of science,
technology, education and regional commerce, the benefits are wide
ranging and broadly integral to the economic development of a country,
region or city.
Moderator Michael Hirst OBE summed up what destinations want to gain
from investment in the meetings industry: “All of you,” he concluded,
“are seeking sustainable solutions to strong economic development.”
That the keynote address was delivered by Professor Mary O’Kane, chief
scientist and engineer of New South Wales, reflected the integration of
research and academia with the meetings sector and business tourism in
developing a knowledge economy.
“National, regional and local economies are increasingly knowledge
intensive,” she said in opening her presentation. “Knowledge is a fast
moving ephemeral global commodity. If your knowledge economy is going to
be successful you need to be able to access leading edge developments in
knowledge and translate them into local things.”
During the open discussion, there were many valuable interventions from
both politicians and industry leaders. For example, Jon Mamela of the
Canadian Tourism Commission explained that Business Events Canada has
aligned the organisation’s sales and marketing activity around the
Federal Tourism Strategy, but also with Canada’s Global Markets Action
Plan in 7 key verticals.
South Africa’s business events strategy
The Deputy Minister of the South African National Department of Tourism,
Tokosile Xasa, explained that South Africa`s business events strategy is
aligned to 6 sectors: – manufacturing, mining and metals, business
process outsourcing, creative industries, life sciences, and ICT.
“Hosting major events in these sectors contributes to growing our
knowledge economy and delivers micro-economic benefits in tourism,” she
said.
Following a video intervention from SAP chief executive and IMEX Opening
Ceremony keynote Bill McDermott to attendees of the Forum, Paul Van
Deventer, chief executive of MPI (Meeting Professionals International)
commented; “Bill said it all. Planners want to improve delegate numbers,
realise a great experience, and feel that they are getting great value
for money. But, importantly for destinations, they need to invest in
building and maintaining relationships and trust. They also need to
develop a unique offer and this can be a cultural experience or a
specialty in a sector or industry vertical.”
Iceland – location is significant
Mrs Ragnheidure Elin Arnadottir, Minister of Industry & Commerce for
Iceland, explaining that location and accessibility have a significant
bearing upon business (or governmental) events destination selection,
emphasized that by being just 3 hours from anywhere in Europe and only 5
hours from the east coast US, location can be a major draw.
The emphasis on alignment to government sector development strategy and
local expertise was consolidated by Matthias Schultze, managing director
of the German Convention Bureau, which has recently conducted research
into what it is that conference organisers want from destinations. The
answer, he said, “is knowledge.”
Ray Bloom, Chairman of the IMEX Group commented: “These excerpts from
our review of the Politicians Forum provide a taste of the many valuable
contributions that were made by politicians and industry leaders in the
discussion. The level of debate and engagement were very impressive and
indicate that our efforts to raise awareness at the highest level of the
benefits of the meetings industry and the evolving role of meetings in
economies are achieving a positive impact.
“I wholeheartedly recommend reading this review.”
The next IMEX Politicians Forum takes place on Tuesday 19 April 2016 at
IMEX in Frankfurt. Politicians who would like to express an interest in
participating in 2016 should contact Debbie.Woodbridge@imexexhibitions.com
Editors Notes
The Politicians Forum is organised by IMEX in collaboration with
European Cities Marketing (ECM) and the International Association of
Convention Centres (AIPC) under the auspices of the Joint Meetings
Council (JMIC). Advocacy Programme Sponsors are Business Events Sydney,
Enjoy Jakarta, Vienna Convention Bureau, West Sweden Meetings Industry
Council, Amsterdam RAI, the German Convention Bureau (GCB), Messe
Frankfurt, Villa Kennedy, Visit Mexico and Saudi Exhibition & Convention
Bureau.
Please note that for 2016 only, IMEX in Frankfurt will be held in April
from 19 -21 April 2016
The IMEX Group also runs IMEX America, America’s worldwide exhibition
for incentive travel, meetings & events, which will take place at Sands®
Expo and Convention Center, at The Venetian®| The Palazzo® in Las Vegas
on 13 to 15 October 2015.
|