Overseas Convention Bureaus: October 2015

Friday, 30 October 2015

Switzerland

Company:	Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau
Website:	www.MySwitzerland.com/meetings
Person attending:	Livio Goetz
Job title:	Manager United Kingdom and Ireland
Telephone:	020 7845 7686
Email:	livio.goetz@switzerland.com

Switzerland. meeting excellence.

The Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau (SCIB) is a national non-profit-making organization, representing the leading conference destinations, national event organizers as well as transport companies. As a central inquiry contact, SCIB offers free of charge independent assistance in planning your event in Switzerland.

SCIB is offering the following services - free of charge:

* Researching appropriate destinations & venues
* Unbiased advice & personal service
* Submitting contacts & information
* Assisting with site inspections

For a virtual fam trip visit: http://www.meetpie.com/vftswitzerland
Switzerland is, unreservedly, a top tier destination. For incentive qualifiers it offers an incredible variety of experiences. Its topography even has in-built marketing and promotional attributes: think ‘Peaks of Excellence’. Thanks to the short distances, your clients can play in the morning in the sun-kissed snow (all year round on one of our glaciers), have lunch on a scenic rail journey in an historic train, enjoy Swiss wine and specialties in stunning surroundings in a vineyard before sailing across an azure blue lake for dinner in a medieval castle.
Five unique and different experiences all in one day, that’s what makes Switzerland one of the most desirable incentive destinations in the world.
Switzerland is also a conference destination with a long tradition and a fine reputation. Conference organisers and participants not only benefit from this positive image and top infrastructure but also from the spectacular setting and the high quality of life. That is why Switzerland is often host to international congresses and world-famous events. The World Economic Forum in Davos, for instance, is attended by, amongst others, 35 head of states; the International Motor Show in Geneva and the Watch and Jewellery Show BASELWORLD are just a few of the many leading events which use Swiss Cities to host their events and have for many years.
Exceptionally easy access is another big selling point of this little, landlocked island in the heart of Europe. Switzerland is easy to reach from anywhere in the world thanks to extensive flight connections from its five international airports. In addition you can benefit from the lowest VAT in Europe, which is easily claimed back by companies registered outside of Switzerland.

3 things you need to know about Switzerland

80 daily flights between UK and Switzerland making it easy to get to.
Worldclass public transport system making your transfers carbon-neutral.
4 languages & 4 cultures on 16'000 sq mi making this an amazingly diverse country.

To get more important info follow the links: Las Vegas Convention Bureau, Malta Tourism Authority, Greater Miami CVB, Convention bureau New York City, Innovation Norway, Portuguese National Tourism Authority, Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau & Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau.

Singapore

Company:	Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau
Website:	www.mice.yoursingapore.com
Person attending:	Maria Pangoli
Job title:	Manager
Telephone:	+44 (0) 207 484 2710
Email:	maria_pangoli@stb.gov.sg

With its strategic location in Asia, Singapore serves as a hub to Asia, attracting a good cross representation of delegates across Southeast Asia, China and India. Event organisers can take advantage of the increasing interest in Asia from the international business community, and attract delegates looking to access and harness the growing opportunities in this region. Singapore also constantly strives to differentiate itself with a strong base of quality business events and programmes that complement key economic sectors which underpin Singapore’s economy. Singapore’s ongoing transformation further enhances the city’s appeal as an award-winning business destination.
The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB), a group of the Singapore Tourism Board, has a mission to champion business travel and business events as key drivers of the tourism sector and enablers for industry growth in Singapore. It aims to establish Singapore as a dynamic business events destination where people, technology and ideas converge to create great value for customers. As the leading government agency for the business events sector in Singapore, the Bureau works with stakeholders to create, attract, and grow events.
Singapore is one of Asia’s main air, sea and telecommunications hubs with market access to some 3.3 billion people within a 7-hour flight radius. Positioned in the middle of the fast-growing and emerging Asia-Pacific markets of China, India and ASEAN, business travellers can easily convene in Singapore, with more than 100 international airlines flying to more than 240 cities in 60 countries and territories worldwide. Changi Airport was also named, for the fourth time, the World’s Best Airport at the 2013 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

3 things you need to know about Singapore

Singapore is a City-State - currently of an area of 710 km² and still expanding through land reclamation
Singapore is the leading meeting city and country in the world according to the Union of International Associations (UIA) Global Rankings
Singapore is also Asia's Top Convention City according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking

Portugal

Company:	Portuguese National Tourism Authority
Website:	www.visitportugal.com
Person attending:	António Soveral Padeira
Job title:	Director for the UK
Telephone:	020 7201 6655
Email:	antonio.padeira@turismodeportugal.pt

Portugal is a country with a rich history, traditions and heritage. With one of the oldest frontiers in Europe with a perfect blend between the ancient and the modern.

Positioned in the most western part of continental Europe it has a mild climate all year round, friendly people and great internal and international accessibilities.

MICE is one of our main Tourism Industry Products. Lisbon, Porto, and Funchal and the region of the Algarve play an important role on a diverse offer with options to suit most requirements of this demanding sector.

Easy access, fabulous venues, first class accommodation, skilled and trained professionals, and excellent value for money, Portugal will offer the perfect place for your event.

The Portuguese find great satisfaction in welcoming visitors. We take pleasure in sharing our culture, the flavors of our cuisine and wines and your clients will be able to enjoy the Portuguese culture in an ancient monument or modern slick venue, near the beach or in a top quality golf course.

Inland or in coastal areas, Portugal offer a variety of products, surroundings and activities, from our already famous greens to the still undiscovered world class surfing spots.

The Portuguese National Tourist Office in the UK will assist you in finding the best solutions for Events, being an Incentive, Product Launch or Presentation, Corporate Meeting, smaller or larger Conference.

We can assist you with:

1. Information and independent advice

2. Liaise contacts with local MICE services suppliers

3. Sales and marketing activities that are the perfect opportunity to meet with Portuguese suppliers

4. Trips to Portugal to learn more about the product or site inspections

For any queries regarding MICE market in Portugal or our promotional activities do not hesitate to contact us.

3 things you need to know about Portugal

Flying time: 2h20 from any London airport
GMT: Same as in the UK
Region: Europe – Short haul

Norway

Company:	Innovation Norway
Website:	www.visitnorway.com/en/meetings/
Person attending:	Britt Gorniok
Job title:	Project Manager Meetings
Telephone:	07827324001
Email:	britt.gorniok@innovationnorway.no

If you are looking for an event guaranteed to inspire, invigorate and re-energise, you will find Norway is a natural choice. Best of all, Norway is only two hours away!

Norway offers a wealth of exciting incentive programmes for both small and large groups, and provides itineraries with a real sense of adventure and memorable activities that will stay with participants long after they return back home. Whether dog sledding under the northern lights, golfing in the midnight sun or spotting polar bears on Svalbard, an incentive meeting in Norway never fails to impress.

Norway also boasts conference and meeting venues with nature right on their doorstep, bringing visitors closer to the great outdoors than any other destination. A great diversity of landscapes awaits, from deep fjords and rugged mountain peaks to vast snowy plateaus and a coastline dotted with thousands of islands. So wherever you choose to hold your event, you can expect a stunning backdrop

Norway is a all year-round destination with warm summer days and a temperate winter climate (not as cold as many believe, thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream), meaning you can hold your conference or event here whatever the season. The midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter will lend your event an additional, unique dimension

3 things you need to know about Norway

260 direct weekly flights from UK to Norway
Nature and activities in nature is always on your doorstep
Offers good value for money with no hidden extras.

To get more important info follow the links: Cyprus Convention Bureau, Meeting in Denmark, Convention Bureau Dubai, Finland Convention Bureau, French Convention Bureau, Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong, Hungarian Convention Bureau, Israel convention bureau, Japan National Tourism Organization & Korea Convention Bureau.

New York

Company:	NYC & Company
Website:	www.nycgo.com/meetingplanners
Person attending:	Paul Black
Job title:	Senior Director - European MICE & UK Tourism
Telephone:	020 7593 1722
Email:	paulb@hillsbalfour.com

NYC & Company, the official marketing, tourism, and convention bureau for the City of New York is your one-stop shop for planning unforgettable meetings, incentives, conventions and events in New York City. We are your connection to New York City’s 102,000 hotel rooms, over 2 million square feet of event space, affordable air and ground transportation, and world-renowned dining, shopping, arts and entertainment.

A centre for media, medicine, finance and culture, New York City is home to many top US companies’ headquarters. NYC is the safest big city in America and the most accessible with more direct flights than any other city in the US. Meetings held in New York City deliver on satisfaction and attendance, often reporting record-breaking outcomes.

For your next meeting or event, Make It NYC with the people who make New York City happen.

3 things you need to know about New York

Flying time: 6-7 hours
GMT: -5 hours GMT
Region: North America

Miami

Company:	Greater Miami CVB
Website:	www.miamiandbeaches.com
Person attending:	Eve Gardiner
Job title:	Director
Telephone:	0208 877 4515
Email:	eve@firstpr.co.uk

The world's premier playground, Greater Miami offers visitors the best of all worlds -- a rare destination where the cutting edge of urban chic coexists with the beauty and splendour of a tropical paradise. Great year-round weather, top-ranked beaches and the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay are the backdrops for a cosmopolitan metropolis, pulsing with the rhythms of its diverse population. Boasting a vibrant arts and cultural landscape, renowned night life scene and world-class dining and entertainment, Miami draws an eclectic mix of visitors from sizzling celebrities to frolicking families seeking fun in the sun.

Located a few degrees above the Tropic of Cancer, Miami comprises a network of barrier islands, coral rock and mangrove swamps, connected by man made additions of soaring bridges, stately causeways and panoramic roads. Miles and miles of white sand beaches hug the coastline, while the waters of the mighty Atlantic Ocean and tranquil Biscayne Bay gently envelop the city.

To the south and west, Everglades National Park, the third largest in the U.S. National Park System, is an unique 1.5 million-acre eco-system of sawgrass prairies, mangrove swamps, subtropical jungle and the warm waters of Florida Bay. Nearby, the primarily underwater Biscayne National Park is teeming with sea life and plants, and features living coral reefs as well as the longest stretch of mangrove forest left on Florida's east coast within its 173,000 acres.

With an unparalleled mix of ethnic and cultural groups spread throughout the sprawling city's environs, Miami offers visitors a new perspective on every corner; a mélange of images, sounds and tastes that range from the familiar to the exotic. A live and let live philosophy prevails, an essential attitude in a large city with so many different points of view. Visitors instantly pick up on the local laid-back mood; and stress melts away upon arrival at Miami International Airport, a short drive to most major destinations, hotels and motels.

3 things you need to know about Miami

Flying time: 8.5 hours flying from London
GMT: +/- - 5hrs
Region: North America – Long haul (you will be allocated your

Malta

Company:	Malta Tourism Authority
Website:	www.visitmalta.com/miceuk
Person attending:	Marie Anne Barthet Brown
Job title:	Senior Marketing Manager M.I.C.E.
Telephone:	020 8877 6993 / 0
Email:	marieanne.barthetbrown@visitmalta.com

With over 25 years of experience under its belt the M.I.C.E. Segment of the Malta Tourism Authority is your one-stop solution for conferences, incentives, events and International Associations on the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo.

We are a national non-profit government organisation offering free of charge, unbiased information and assistance to event organisers looking at taking advantage of Malta’s exceptional infrastructure and services to host a unique event on its shores.

MTA’s free services include:

• Objective and impartial advice tailored to each client requirements

• Assistance with site inspections

• Provision of audio visual features and presentations promoting the Maltese islands

• Provision of promotional material to enhance delegate attendance

• Assistance in contacting local suppliers such as DMCs

• Information and contact details for our hotels partners

• Support with preparation of bid document for International/European Associations

• Subvention for Associations with no members in Malta – terms and conditions apply

Famed for its legendary hospitality, historic Malta has established itself as an award-winning M.I.C.E. destination of choice. Whatever the size, formality or informality of the event, the Mediterranean island has the expertise and the venues to suit, from small board room meetings to 3,500.

From baroque palazzos with liveried servants to a floating venue sailing dinner guests in style around Grand Harbour, Malta wows delegates with show-stopping detail and unparalleled service.

The island has an elite collection of conference hotels, many clustered near each other thus easing accommodation logistics for large groups. And a crew of Quality Assured Destination Management Companies makes anything possible.

3 things you need to know about Malta

Good access from the UK and major European gateways
Fabulous venues with spectacular destination backdrops
English is our business language however also multi lingual

Las Vegas

Company:	Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Website:	www.vegasmeansbusiness.com/
Person attending:	Lindsey Thorpe
Job title:	MICE Account Manager
Telephone:	020 7593 1788
Email:	lindseyt@hillsbalfour.com

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) attracts visitors by promoting Las Vegas as the world’s most desirable destination for leisure and business travel. Las Vegas has more than 150,000 guest rooms and 10 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space and continues to capture the world’s imagination with some of the world’s best restaurants, nightlife options, incentive activities, premier shopping and golf courses.

The LVCVA is the ultimate authority on Las Vegas. Our team of friendly Las Vegas experts has an extensive array of tools available to assist you, including:

• Lead distribution

• Attendance promotion

• Site inspection arrangements

• Familiarization tours

• Facility and contact information

• Local supplier coordination

• Promotion assistance

• Press releases/press kits

• Visitor brochures, guides and maps

• Calendar of events and shows

• Convention/trade show planning services

• Registration staffing

• Destination research

3 things you need to know about Las Vegas

Flying time: 10 hrs direct from London, Manchester and Glasgow
GMT: -8hrs
Region: USA – Long haul (you will be allocated your region)

To get more important info follow the links: Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, Business Events Australia, Convention Bureau Belgium, Convention Bureau Brussels and Wallonia, Business Events Canada, Overseas Convention Bureaus, UK-based event planners & UK-based event organizers.

Korea

Company:	Korea MICE
Website:	www.koreaconvention.org
Person attending:	Anne Ridyard
Job title:	Appointed MICE Representative
Telephone:	+44 1628 526184
Email:	KoreaMICE@moulden-marketing.co.uk

Inspiring meetings, Korea’s state-of-the art facilities, central location in the Far East, and unique culture and history dating back 5000 years, offers the right ingredients to cater for every type of event.

Korea MICE Bureau offers a one stop shop to help you plan, and offers support with free venue finding; introductions to local partners; site inspections and more, for qualifying events.

Seoul’s vibrant streets, historic palaces, museums and stylish Gangnam district, excite every sense. There are knowledge hubs all over the peninsula such as manufacture in Ulsan. Songdo, a sustainable eco-sensitive city of the future, is close to the award winning Incheon

International Airport. Colourful Daegu offers rich Silla heritage, Daejon is the Silicon Valley of South Korea, and Jeju island inspires with natural volcanic landscapes and delightful scenery.

The transport Infrastructure (road, rail and air) is comprehensively networked, and of the highest quality. The KTX high-speed train can traverse the country from Seoul to Busan, Korea’s second biggest city, in 2,5 hrs, making regional conference facilities easily accessible.

Korea is a proven knowledge hub from which to deliver successful meetings and the landscape and heritage to inspire incentives, with breath taking scenery, delightful cuisine, and a culture spanning centuries.

3 things you need to know about Korea

88 international airlines fly from 182 cities worldwide
1/3 of the world’s population are within a 3.5 hour flight from Korea, including Japan, Russia and China
Home to Pyeongchang, host of the the 2018 Winter Olympic Games

Japan

Company:	Japan National Tourism Organization
Website:	www.japanmeetings.org
Person attending:	Margaret Mann
Job title:	Conventions Manager
Telephone:	0207 398 5670
Email:	margaret@jnto.co.uk

Japan offers one of the world's most diverse selections of venues and activities for meeting and incentive travel, with something new and exciting to discover on every visit.

Japanese cities are dynamic and sophisticated, a fascinating blend of traditional culture and innovation. Beyond that lies a wealth of spectacular natural beauty, fusing amazing scenery with historic tradition and exciting opportunities. After a meeting held in a state-of-the-art venue, feel free to experience all that Japanese cuisine has to offer, and relax in one of many thousands of hot springs. If you're looking for an active incentive programme, Japan has everything from world class ski resorts to verdant mountain trails to tropical beaches complete with coral reefs—all easily accessible by an extensive domestic transportation system famous for its to-the-second precision.

The Japan National Tourism Organization is your gateway to Japan, helping you to discover different possibilities for your event. We offer a range of support and can provide free information and venue finding advice. Additionally we can put you in direct contact with our trusted suppliers and assist with site inspections for qualifying events.

3 things you need to know about Japan

Flying time: 12.5 hours
GMT: +/- +9 GMT (+8 BST)
Region: Asia /Longhaul