World
Rotana reveals global ambitions
WORLD – A global hotel group has unveiled plans to beef up operations in six different markets. Rotana Hotels and Resorts, will open 11 properties in the next six months. The hotel group will expand its portfolio across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Africa, and enter Turkey for the first time. The new properties – all of which are scheduled to open before the ...
Pimp up the mood in centres for Gen Y, says IACC research
WORLD – Meetings planners can expect more socialising rather than networking and venue operators better be ready to supply the latest technology to facilitate communication for Generation Y and pimp up the mood in their centres, according to new research from the International Association of Conference Centres (IACC). The association has published a list of 10 tips influencing meeting planners and...
BRIC nations blocked growth, says MCI boss
WORLD – The economic slowdown in emerging national economies has hurt the performance of global event organisers. Sebastien Tondeur, CEO at MCI Global, said that instability in the Middle East has also impacted negatively on the international events industry. MCI is headquartered in Geneva with offices around the world. According to its latest financial results, EBITDA fell from €15,693,000 ...
Virtual credit card takes the pain out of hotel bills
WORLD – A cashless payment system promises to free delegates from the hassle of paper invoices. American Express Global Corporate Payments has teamed up with HRS Corporate to allow guests to settle hotel bills more easily. During the booking, event managers can automatically generate a virtual credit card from their vPayment account to pay for hotel accommodation. American Express claims the...
Networking Connections extended to MICE buyers
WORLD – A publishing company has launched a series of networking events for the meetings and events market. Connections Meetings follows on the heels of Connections Luxury with invited buyers and sellers in the MICE sector given the chance to develop business relationship in ‘exclusive’ environments. The first Connections Meetings event will take place at the Conrad Algarve on 9-11 December,...
Top Right posts record revenues
WORLD – An international events group has unveiled record results. According to figures for 2014, The Top Right Group has posted a pre-tax profit of £85.3m (US$129m), up from £68.8m ($104m) The group achieved revenues in excess of £300m (US$456m) for the first time. Its three business segments – events, information services and subscription content – contributed to a pre-tax revenues of £312.7m an...
European Cities Marketing and DMAI sign education accord
WORLD – European Cities Marketing (ECM), the network of 100 tourist offices and convention bureaus in Europe, and Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI), the global trade association for official destination marketing organisations, announced an agreement at IMEX Frankfurt 20 May to collaborate on strategic educational initiatives. The associations say the agreement will open...
Software boss says meetings matter more than emails
WORLD – The boss of the world’s largest business software company has said that face-to-face meetings trump emails and PowerPoint. Bill McDermott, CEO of SAP, gave the keynote speech at the opening of the largest-ever IMEX show in Frankfurt. He said: “Why do I admire the meetings industry? You are on the frontline in the battle against all the bureaucrats that think that emails and Po...
Claus Meyer to deliver ICCA Copenhagen lecture
WORLD – Claus Meyer (pictured), the internationally renowned chef and entrepreneur, will deliver the Copenhagen Lecture at this year’s Buenos Aires edition of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Congress, 4 November. Co-founder of Noma restaurant, which has won the accolade of ‘Best Restaurant in the World’ for three years, Meyer has for 20 years challeng...
US Ethics Committee probes Azerbaijan conference
WORLD – US lawmakers have been investigated after attending a conference at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan. The conference, titled US – Azerbaijan Convention: Vision for the Future, took place on 28-29 May, 2013. The state-owned oil company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) secretly funded an all-expenses-paid trip to a conference in the Azerbaijan capital on the Caspian Sea in 2013 ...