SHARE TODAY issue 2 2012

N R 2 – j u N e 2 0 1 2

C O N N E C T I N G F A C E S , P L A C E S & C A S E S

• Mini-conference

createsMaxi-

satisfaction

• theModern

MarcoPolo

• Meetanno2012

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=6






-advertisement-

MySwitzerland.com/meetingsWith its excellent infrastructure, ease of access and breathtaking scenery, Switzerland is the ideal location for your meetings. For assistance with the planning of your event please contact the Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau: phone 020 620 92 29, [email protected], or visit us on www.MySwitzerland.com/meetings

Our meeting room.

Alp

Ae

lgg

i, C

en

tra

l Sw

itze

rla

nd

204_10d_03_ins_mice_meeting_conference.indd 3 21.05.10 14:32

http://www.myswitzerland.com/nl/meetings.html

C O N T E N T S

ShArE TOdAy | 02.2012 3

04 ed i tor ia l By yolanda & Kim05 share + Full speed ahead06 s tory how does a mini-conference create maxi-satisfaction?10 once i n a l i f e t iMe Atribalsolutionforglobalminds15 l e t Me enterta in you16 e y e w i tne s s A UN intern meets Beirut20 sus ta inab i l i t y d i y SustainableHospitality,NoScienceFiction!24 co luMn ShouldDestinationsandDMCsUse SocialMedia?26 c lose &Per sonal ThemodernMarcoPolo28 grouPs s -x x l SeeyouInShanghai!30 snaP shot32 f y i Therightfit36 check i t out Meetanno201240 co luMn MeetingConnections,Expectationsand Spirituality?42 zooM in Mindyourmeeting!46 food for thought

cover PhotoTheGleneaglesHotelscotland

36

06

10

































http://www.gleneagles.com/corporate/events




E d I TO r I A L

welike!Two years ago we pitched our SHARE TODAY idea at IMEX for a selected group of global event professionals.

One year ago we launched our first breakfast meeting at IMEX.

This year we created our first mini-conference one day before IMEX.

We cannot deny anymore that gathering around IMEX Frankfurt brings us to the next level year by year. The success of the IMEX tradeshow celebrating its 10th anniversary attracts and inspires event professionals from around the globe. We like!

We bring you the new edition full of meeting tips & tricks. A highly valued topic because the meeting industry is gaining more and more importance compared with the incentive market of today.

Some may say ‘face to face’ will be the new black in future. We need to stay tuned to the ever-changing social landscape. Pinterest has landed and new event applications pop up every day. We have met some inspiring social entrepreneurs lately like Julius Solaris from Eventmanagerblog, Gerrit Heijkoop from HCIBS (How Can I Be Social?) and Tony Pardo from Mobile Roadie and again cannot deny we are truly inspired by some of their interesting insights. We like!

Very soon we will launch a new SHARE TODAY face. Why? We like to deliver 100% inspiration in a social landscape for our fans, followers & friends. Stay tuned and we hope...You like!

Happy reading,Kim & Yolanda

4 ShArE TOdAy | 02.2012

wS h A r E +

fullspeedahead


halfwaytheyearandonfullspeed.JustfinishedourfirstminiconferenceofsharetodayandreturnedfromiMexfrankfurtfullofideasbutnotbeforesharingfeedbackandnewswithyou.

We have newmembers to introduce: MariaJacobs-BeneofJ&BIncentives,oneofthemajorDMC’sforHungary,andMarcGlatigny of ArgentinaenColoresrepresentingArgentinaandChile. Further,wearelookingbacktoourfirstsharetodayconferencewithagreatfeeling.Weareproud to share some of the feedback.

lindabenmammarofvanadooanddestinationProI decided to join because of the people behind it, the possibility to talk and network with industry pro’s outside from the regular fair routine. I was touched by the speaker, Julius Solaris who made a short tour to social media, especially blogging world. I would probably welcome an even more advanced session for a deeper knowledge of the social media. irislangankeoffirstincentivetravelI just wanted to add that I was happy that I joined your Share Today event! I liked the location, the people and the format. And finally I got to meet the two of you in action!

MariaJacobsbeneofJ&bincentivesI can speak only in “superlatives” about the event: location, speakers, timing, atmosphere, catering. I left with a wonderful feeling! Speakers were carefully chosen, all of them really top, interesting subjects and surely instructive sessions. Chapeau in every sense of the word, a perfect balance of learning and exchanging views. I do hope there will be a next one.ruicalapez ofbuzzPortugalThe fact that your events have been extremely profitable, bringing in extremely interesting subjects and most of all, very interesting speakers. Was a space for discussion, believe you’re building for sure one if not the best discussion forums in our industry. Jeroen Swolfs, the photographer was extremely interesting. Not only the story but mostly the way one can show, through pictures, that we are all not so different after all. Very entertaining and yet challenging to make us think more globally. You bring in new subjects for discussion etc. and that will surely keep your formula a successful one.

WOW, we are speechless, thank you all for joiningandfortheonewhomissedit?Hopetoseeyounexttime!

Readmoreaboutoureventatpage6.FormoreinformationabouttheShArE+ membership, please contact us at [email protected]

http://www.sharetoday.com/partners/agents/Maria-Jacobs-Bene

http://www.sharetoday.com/partners/agents/Maria-Jacobs-Bene

http://www.sharetoday.com/members/agents/marc-glatigny

www.sharetoday.com/members

mailto:info%40sharetoday.com?subject=Share%20Today%20Magazine%20%231-2012

6ShArE TOdAy | 02.2012

T E x T & P h O T O S K IM A l D ERDEN &Yo l ANDA loG T

how does a mini-conference createmaxi-satisfaction?


S TO r y

15eventprofessionalsacceptedourinvitationforthefirstsharetodaymini-conference.bothofuswereeagertodeliverwhatwepromised:aninspirationalsettingtoopen-upmindsandtantalizeeveryone’seventspirit.wedaretosaywesucceeded.

EveryyearinMaytheglobaleventsindustrymeetsinFrankfurtfortheIMEXtradeshow.Therefore we picked the day before it all started. Monday21stMaywasD-Day.Aline-upoffourcarefullyselectedspeakersshareddifferentstoriescomingfromdifferentangles.

WillemvanWeertkickedoffourmini-conference.HeusedtoworkwithDMC’swhenhe was an entrepreneur in events himself. TodayasDirectorofSponsoringandEventsataninternationallyoperatingcompanyheisresponsible for a team of 17 persons. he shared howthecorporateoftodayisworkingonthreemajorpillars:measurement(RoI),integration(thebiggerpicture),andcreativity.Inalivelysettinghetookourgueststhroughhis360˚model where brand exposure, sales leads and brandbuildingarethekeyelementsineventsaswellasbusiness.Hisopenattitudecreatedlotsofquestionsthattheguestscouldbenefitfrom,andresultedinaninterestingdiscussion.

Next was Jeroen Swolfs of Streets of the Worldwholivesaboy’sdream.Persuasiveandpersistent he presented his plan to over 100 possibleinvestors.Andfinallyhesucceeded,anart lover and investor was struck by his idea and

Streets of the World was born. read more on page26.

What would you expect from ShArE TOdAy in amini-conference?Someonesocialand100%connected,right?SowebroughtJuliusonstagetogivea‘mini’workshop.JuliusSolarishasbeenaneventbloggersince2005andcanpayhisrentfromhisblogeventmanager.com.TreathimtoaperfectcoffeeandthisItalianguywillsharehisblogginginsightswithyou.Maybenoteveryonecanrelatetothepotentialofablog,butweall learned a very important lesson: a personal blogaddsvaluetoyourpersonalbrand.Stillnotconvinced?Bloggingisawaytobeincontrol,havegreatSEo(searchengineoptimisation)andinfluence.YouownyourbloganddonothavetobeafraidthatMarcZuckerberg(CEoofFacebook)willwakeuponemorningandchangethecompletelayoutofyourcarefullydesignedFacebookpage.Interestedinsomeinsights?Clickhere[presentationJSattached)toseeJuliuspresentation.

Kameha Suite was the perfect host in Frankfurt forourevent.Agreatatmosphereandvariousguestloungesmakeyoufeelinstantlyathome.®

www.kamehasuite.com

-advertisement-

http://www.activ-travel.com/


Foodloverswilldefinitelyreturnhere,andweenjoyedagreatnightoutontheopen-airterrace.Butnotuntilafterwehadlistenedtothestoryof Carsten K. rath, founder and owner of the KamehaconceptwhoisMr.ExcellentServicehimself.Nexttothisvenue,astunninghotel in Bonn is their masterpiece. Carsten is a star in creatingtherightspiritandteamofemployees.Somethingsmaysoundunconventionalbuthelphim build the Kameha brand.

“Mistakesaremadebyanyone.Misbehaviourissomethingtotallydifferent,andwecangothisfarthatbyseriousmisbehaviouracolleagueisfiredonthespotwhileamistakecanlearnsometimesacompleteteamtocreateabetterunderstanding,”accordingtoRath.ThatmustbewhyguestsfeellikekingsatRath’splacesandnot

like obstacles, a word rath used to explain how somehotelstreattheirguests.

ThevibrantafternoongaveusinsightsandinspirationandthatisjustwhySHAREToDAYmakesagreatcommunity.Welovetoattractpeopleinourindustrywhoarewillingtoshareand inspire, and we know there are a lot more of themoutthere!Informoreinspiration?Signupatourblog. √

S TO r y

Note

For this event SHARE TODAY used Twoppy to

show all details of the event on smartphones.

Interested click here.

http://www.kamehagrand.com/

http://sharetodayblog.wordpress.com/

http://m.twoppy.com/sharetoday/


T E x T K IM A l D ERDEN P h O T O S A F r I C A N A N T h O L O G y

Atribalsolutionforglobalminds


oNCE IN A l I F E T IME

thenextannualboardmeetingisonyouragenda.alleyesarefocusedonyou.forfiveyearsyoumanagedtocomeupwitheitheracreativeconceptualapproachoradivinedestination.butwhat’snext?wellwemighthaveanicesuggestionforyou.

We love to write about tented camps. The atmosphereisusuallyverygenuineandthesurroundingsandnaturemostlystunning.ChiefsTentedCampisabletobringtheconceptofatented camp to the next level. here is our idea of yournewboardmeetingsolution;

•ThehubisCapetown,easyaccessiblefrom major worldwide airports•Thelocation,amidstwinelandsinSouthAfrica because we all know that a successful boardmeetingiscreatedbytherightbalance between business and pleasure•Theconcept?let’scallitA tribal solution for global minds

The history of South Africa combined with the values of nature and quotes of their world famousleaderMandelaenableadefaulttodeliver the perfect backdrop for your next event.

ShArE TOdAy was anxious to learn more about the feasibility of their idea and contacted WaynePritchard,managingdirectorofAfricanAnthology.

Q. What made you create the mobile concept of Chief Tented Camps?

‘Theconceptofthetentedcampcameaboutlargelyasaresultofthefactthatourmostmagnificentlocations,bytheirnature,arevoidof infrastructure and development. In order to experiencethisnaturalphenomenonforanythinglongerthanaquickvisitwouldrequireanaccommodationsolution,whichwastemporary,and very low on environmental impact. A luxury tentedcampwastheidealoption.’

Q. Please explain to us what key element is necessary to convince our clients of this concept?

‘Whatawonderfulquestion.Iwouldsaythatthemost important element would be the extent to which the decision maker is able to think outside the box. And in the minds of many, the concept ofatentedcampisahighriskadventure,andwewouldsaythatyestotheuninitiateditmaybeso, but with risk comes reward and we believe thatinternationalawardsandfeedbackshouldmitigatesomeofthesefears.®






Weareacutelyawarethatthemarketoftenlooksforadventurebutwouldlikeallpotentialrisksmitigated,andwebelievethatwehavebeenabletomitigatetheserisks.

Q. What was the most extravagant location you set up one of your camps?

‘AnotherinterestingquestionandIcan’thelpbutaskhowonedefines‘extravagant’.ForusextravagantwouldbedoingacampintheKrugerNationalPark,aswerecentlydid,anditwasduringoneofthenightsatourKrugercampthatourguestsgottoseesomewonderfulinteractionbetween a pride of lions and a pack hyena over a wildebeest kill, all from the safe barrier of our temporary electric fence. I think it is very difficulttoexplainthepowerofanexperiencelikethis.Buthavingsaidthis,wealsodidacamp

in the Kalahari and the vastness of the Kalahari isparticularlyhumblingandmadeallthemoresowhenonewakesfromourtenttofindfreshterritorial male lion tracks within meters of the camp.Havingsaidthis,thebookonextravagantplaces remains open, and we will shortly depart foracampintheokavangodeltainBotswanaandbyallaccountsthiswillbethebestyet.’√


African Anthology is the marketing and sales

partner of Chiefs Tented Camp. They can

cater for 10 to 400 guests. Africa is their play-

ground; countries such as Botswana, Namibia

and east Africa are suitable for this concept.

The have set up more than 30 tailor made

camps already.

www.africananthology.co.za

l ET ME ENTERTA IN YoU


theconferenceco2travelcalculator from Tourism Irelandisanapplicationthatallowsyoutocalculatethecarboncostsofflyingtoandfromyournextinternationalmeetingorconference.Itwillhelpyou

workoutwhichlocationsforyoureventmightbelessharmfultotheenvironmentthanothers,dependingonwhereyourdelegatesaretravellingfrom.

designyourowntentsWouldn’titbegreatifyourclienthashisowndesignedtentsashissleepingplaceforanight?Checktheseoutstandingtentsoutatfieldcandy,inspirationenough!

w e b s & a P P s oksbooksthecompleteguidetogreenerMeetingsandeventsWhile there are many reasons to incorporate sustainablepracticesintomeetingsandevents,thenumberonereasontogogreenistodobusinessbetter.Thebookisdividedinto three parts, which reflectdefiningprinciplesofgreenermeetingsandevents:Innovation,Conservation,andEducation.This book broadly explores sustainablemanagementin the hospitality, tourism, conferenceandexhibitionandmeeting&eventindustries.

shareatableWhentravelingalone(forexampleduringaninspectiontrip)andnothavinganyappointmentsduringthenight,try‘shareatable’.Meetotherinterestingpeoplewhileenjoyingyourdinner. At this moment only available in Europe. www.shareatable.org

www.fieldcandy.com

http://www.fieldcandy.com/

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/conference-co2-calculator/id386951267?mt=

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/conference-co2-calculator/id386951267?mt=8

http://shareatable.org/

www.fieldcandy.com


T E x T & P h O T O E S T h E r G r I S N I C h

auninternmeetsbeirut


E y E W I T N E S S

‘itwashot.thesunshatteredbyagreyandcloudysky.whetheritwaspollutionorjustsomelightrainyclouds;itmadethedayevenmoreuncomfortable.todaywevisitarefugee-campinasuburbofbeirut.idonotknowwhattoexpect.alotofhear-saystoriesaboutaccidentswithweaponsinthecampsthataredenselypopulatedareas.ievendon’tknowwhethertoexpectatentedcamp,aslumorpeoplelivingintotallydamagedhouses.ofcourseireadreportsaboutthecurrentsituationandthechallengestryingtocreateamorehumansituationforboththerefugeesandthelebanesepeopleandtoavoidtheviolenceamongstthedifferentgroupsandfamiliesinthecampsbuticanreallyonlydescribetherealsituationdaftermyvisittooneofthecampstogetherwithaninternationalorganisation’.

SHAREToDAYgotaninsightinameetingwithatotallydifferentfocusthanweusuallypublish.EstherGrisnichisastudentPoliticalStudiesandtook the opportunity of an internship at the UN officeinBeirut,lebanon.Definitelynofancyevents related details here. Below her story:

‘Icalledataxitodrivemeuptothemountains,whereIwouldjointhegroupofvolunteers.DifferentthanthebeautifulandglamorouscentreofBeiruttheneighbourhoodbecamemessier.Damagedbuildings,garbageonthestreets, torn curtains before the balconies and openwindows;Childrenplayinginthesmallstreets between cars manufactured before I was evenborn.AlreadyIwaswonderingifIcouldlive

in such uncomfortable circumstances and this wasnoteventhefinalpointyet.

HowthetaxidrivercouldeverfindthisplacewasamiraclebutafterhalfanhourIarrivedatthepoint I should meet other volunteers to join them tothecampsbybus.Aniceguysittingnexttomegavemesomehandytips;Ilearneditisnotat all unsafe in the camps however a woman on her own is not very common. however I am here withanorganizationofvolunteerssoIthinkit’sfine…

nomanslandFurtherwedrove.WhatIcalled‘poor’beforebecame‘rich’already.Buildingsmadeofotherruinsbutfourfloorshigh,electricitycablesabovethe streets everywhere, laundry to dry all over thebalconiesandwomenhangingoutofotheropenwindows.Expectingagatetoenteracamp,with maybe a fence around it, I was surprised we only had to stop at a military control post before enteringthecamp.It’sactuallynotreallyacampbutmoreatown.Maybeatinylittlecountrywithanentiresocietyonasquaredkilometre.Thebigdifferenceis…thisisalimbo.Yes,it’slebanesegroundbutwhoistheowner?Towhichcountrydothesepeoplebelong?Nopassportsareavailableforthethousandslivinginthisplace.Thismeansnopossibilitytotravel,towork,togotouniversityoreventojoinadifferentsocietythanbehindthefictitiousbordersofthemilitaryposts. ®

-advertisement-

AU THENTICORE

cre ates experiences with content ba sed on local inspired people

(fire souls ) who live their dre am and burn for something.

We belie ve that our tr ade inspires to be curious about other

cultures , tr aditions and ways of life . Discover with us

THE SOUL OF NORWAY

’He who returns from a journe y is not the sa me a s he who lef t’

(Chinese proverb)

www.authenticore.no|UranienborgTerrasse9|0351oslo-NorwayTel.:+4722065020|[email protected]

http://www.authenticore.no/

http://www.authenticore.no/

mailto:info%40.authenticore.no?subject=Share%20Today%20Magazine%20%23%201%20-2012


E y E W I T N E S S

MeetingMomentumWhenenteringakindofsolidbuildingIwassurprisedaboutthe‘nice’environmentmadebyanorganisation.Aroomwithproperchairs,tables and a nice coloured red wall. A warm welcomebyayoungman,otherguysandone covered woman impressed by such a tall blondDutchgirl.(Iam1.85withshoesize42)AstrongArabiccoffeewasoffered.Soonmoreyoungpeopleentertheroom.Sittinginacircle the project leader started the discussion. Thesubject?Aprojecttoestablishasaferenvironmentforchildrentoplayandaninitiativetoorganizeayouthgroupbygivingworkshopsinbehaviour,attitudeandjobtraining;simplestepsforward towards a safe environment.

Themeetingfocussedonelectricity.Cablesareeverywhere!Alloverandacrossthestreetsbetween houses. No wooden or metal pillars usedtomakeconstructionssafe.Theyoungpeopleinformedusonthesituationthatwaterpipelinesarecrossingthecablesandinthepastyear twenty, mostly children, died because of electrocution.onlyasmallbudgetisavailabletofixthemainproblems.Despitethemotivationto move foreword in the discussion, decision-makingismorecomplicatedthanexpected.Turningdowntheelectricityforseveralhoursis a must but who and which company can beinvolved?Ilearnedthatconsensus-baseddecisionsinthisgroupofyoungambitiouspeopleisnoteasyatall.Isitculture,isitbackgroundorisitattitude?

despite this all I was impressed about the will andencouragementofthisgroup.Startingameeting,deliberatingtheproblemsandlookingforpossibilitiestochangeadifficultenvironmentarethebeginningofbuildingbridgesinsteadoffightingforpower.SometimesIfeelthatapeacenegotiationbypoliticalgroupsandworldleadersisapaststationalready.AnewstrategybyNGo’sandinternationalorganisationsfocusingonthenewgenerationandtoinvolvetheminsimpleprojectsforabetterlivingstandardwillbringnewperspectives.

HowandifthisprojectwillbesuccessfulIdon’tknow.ButI’msurethismeetinghasatleastgivenmeadeeperintentionofoneofthesmallbutmaybe even major problems in this environment. Itrustthemodelthatalotofsmallinitiativeslikethiswillmakeadifferenceinfuture.’√

As an event professional you may work with

interns yourself. SHARE TODAY wanted to

publish this story because it gives insight in the

world of young and ambitious people ready for

their path in the future. Certainly this meeting

story has less to do with our industry but in-

spiration from other businesses creates added

value so now and then.

Interested to learn more about our woman in

the Middle East? Click here

http://www.sharetoday.com/uploads/Esther Grisnich.pdf


T E x T y O L A N d A L O G T P h O T O S A C C O r

Sustainable hospitality,NoScienceFiction!


S U S TA I N A B I L I T y d I y

whodoesnotrememberthesciencefictionseriesMork&Mindyfromtheendoftheseventies?Mork,analien,arrivesonearthfromplanetorkandstartsafriendshipwith‘earthling’Mindy.hilariousepisodesfollowandtheorkgreeting,‘nano–nano’enteredourpopculturephrasebook,aswellasMork’sattentiongetter,‘MorkcallingMindy’.

Morkfromorkwasthefirstthingthatpoppedinour heads when we heard about project PLANET 21.ButPlANET21isn’tfunnysciencefiction,itisbothrealandserious.WetalkedaboutsharingandcaringinthehotelindustryinaformereditionofSHAREToDAY.PlANET21isanotherexample of CSr in our industry.

PLANET 21 is an initiativeofAccorthatconfirmsitsambitionto reinvent the hotel industry on a sustainable basisbyincreasingthemobilizationofitsemployees,guestsand

partners.ThenameistakenfromAgenda21,aprogramofgoalssignedinRioin1992,remindingusoftheurgentconcernofthe21stcentury:theneedtochangeourmethodsofproductionandconsumptiontopreservehumanbeingsandeco-systems.

PLANET 21 consists of 21 commitments in 7 pillarsandthesamenumberofquantifiedgoalsadoptedbyAccorlookingforwardto2015.“WiththePlANET21program,weareputtingsustainablehospitalityatthecoreoftheGroup’sstrategy,developmentandinnovation.Iamconvinced that sustainable development will lead us towards a new business model. PLANET 21givesusafantasticdriverofcompetitivenessforourbrands,attractivenessforourcustomersandpartnersandloyaltyforouremployees,”saidDenisHennequin,ChairmanandChiefExecutiveofficerofAccor.

To achieve the 21 commitments made by the Group,onethingisprimary:involvingtheircustomers in order to move ahead even faster andmultiplytheirresults.Frombookingtoroom stay and restaurant service, customers will discoverarichanddiversearrayofeducationalmessagesencouragingthemtocontributeactivelytothehotel’sactionbymeansofafewsimplegestures.Thetoneofthemessagesisfriendlyandthoughtful,aimedatencouragingcustomerstoparticipatewithoutevermakingthemfeelguilty.Accorevencomesupwithsurprisingideaslikesellingsecondhandfurniturethroughtheirwebstore. SophieFlak,ExecutiveVicePresidentSustainabledevelopment and Academies for Accor adds: “Today,70%ofourmajoraccountcustomersintegratesustainabledevelopmentcriteriaintheir supplier policy, and one out of two ®

http://www.accor.com/en/sustainable-development.html

http://www.accor.com/en/sustainable-development/the-7-pillars-of-planet-21.html

http://www.accor.com/en/sustainable-development/the-7-pillars-of-planet-21.html

-advertisement-

China Star Professional Programs (China

Star) is the leading DMC and PCO based

in Beijing and Shanghai with the services

covering the whole China. Because of its

outstanding service rendered, China Star

has been highly praised and recognized

by its clients and the municipal govern-

ment. China Star is also very active in the

associations of SITE, MPI and ICCA etc.

http://www.professional.com.cn/en/index.asp


customers claims to take this criterion into accountwhenchoosingahotel!WeusedthesefindingstoimplementPlANET21:asocial,societalandenvironmentalprogramwithprecisegoalsthatuniteouremployeesandofferourcustomersanopportunitytoparticipate.”

PlANET21—what’sinthename?Theprojectwasgloballylaunchedtogetherwithalistandformulaforcheckingeveryhotelindividuallytodeterminewhatlevelofprogressbypercentagetheyhadreachedoneachpillar.ThefinalaimisforthewholeCSRstrategytobecomesecondnatureforAccor,withoutlosingthequality

guestsareusedto.let’sstayputifAccoradoptsall 21 commitments by 2015. At least there is a goodstart.

InsteadofMorkcallingMindywe‘call’youto sendusyoursustainableinitiativesoftheeventsindustry. √

DEZE KAMER IS NIET BANG IN HET DONKER

Gebruik deze lichtschakelaar en bespaar energie.

THIS ROOM ISN’T

AFRAID OF THE DARK

Using this switch saves energy.

DEZE KAMER IS NIET BANG IN HET DONKER

Gebruik deze lichtschakelaar en bespaar energie.

THIS ROOM ISN’T

AFRAID OF THE DARK

Using this switch saves energy.

GENTLER FOR YOU AND FORTHE PLANETThese products are eco-labeled and certified by an

independent organization.BETER VOOR U ÉN H ET M I L I EUDeze producten hebben een milieulabel en zijn

gecertificeerd door een onafhankelijk bureau.

S U S TA I N A B I L I T y d I y

mailto:info%40sharetoday.com?subject=Sustainability

mailto:info%40sharetoday.com?subject=Sustainability


Social this, social that. In the business community the rush to jump on social media has started a fewyearsago.WiththeevergrowingpenetrationoftoolslikeFacebook,TwitterandlinkedIn,thepeerpressuretostartaFacebookpageortorunaTwitteraccountisalmostunbearableforsome.

butisitworthit?Shouldyoureallybeconcernedwithsettingupmultiplepresences,dedicateyourtimeto‘engage’andstarta‘conversation’?Thedictatesoftheself proclaimed social media experts and the neighbor’sgrasswouldpushustoreplywithanunconditionalyes.

right,butwhataboutyou?IfyourunaDMCorworkinthedestinationsindustry, social media could well be of use but you needtoaccountfortheamountoftimeneededtolearn and deploy properly.

howcanyoutellifsocialmediaisworthyourtime?If social media is selected as a tool to achieve your widerbusiness,marketing,HRandPRobjectives,usuallyitleadstohappyendings.Thetimeyouwill dedicate to it is not wasted, in terms of output itwillcomparetothetimeyoudedicatetoother

ColUMN

MoreaboutJulius

shoulddestinationsanddMcsusesocialMedia?

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=7365049&locale=en_US&trk=tyah




ColUMN

Julius Solaris a marketing professional dedicated to social media and events is the editor of the Event

Manager Blog, the first blog for event planners. Furthermore he consults about social advertising

designing advertising strategies on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Youtube. If that is not enough he

loves to speak at events. Check out his Slideshare channel.

shoulddestinationsanddMcsusesocialMedia?

toolsandactivities.Ifyoumarrysocialbecause‘everybodyelseisdoingit’,youareeffectivelywastingyourtime.ThisisthemostrecurringmistakeI’veseenasaconsultantandsocialmediamanagerwithinlargeorsmallorganizations.Itisnot a trend created by social media. If you decide tostartadirectmarketingcampaignjustbecauseyourcompetitorisdoingit,you’llprobablyspendalotofresourcesandmoneytoachieveverylittle.

thefocusisonyou.Soundbusinessesrununderproperstrategies.Youknowwhatyourobjectivesareanditishighlylikelytheywon’tmatchthoseofyourcompetitors.Youaretheonlypersonwhodecideswhat’sneeded and measures the results.Thereforeifyourobjectiveistoincreaserevenueby20%withinthenext6monthsandyouknowthatsalesaregeneratedbycontactformsubmissions, you can surely select a number of social tools to achieve that.

ontheotherhand,ifyourobjectiveistochangeperceptionofyourdestinationafterpoliticalturmoil or natural catastrophes you can adopt toolssuchasablogtoinfluencecustomersandmeasureresultsintermsofmentions,sentiment,commentsandultimatelycontactformsubmissions.Youseehowitcomestogetherrathernicely.

IbelievedestinationsandDMCshaveasubstantialadvantagewhenitgetstosocial,somethingthatmost businesses crave for: a story to tell. you can tellagreatstoryaboutyourtraditions,customs,eventsandpeople.Thisalonecanfillthousandsofblogs,TwitterorPinterestaccounts.Justalignyourstorywithyourwiderbusinessobjectives.Makeitserveapurpose.IcanguaranteeyouthatinthisperspectivesocialmediawillbecomepartofyourbusinessDNA,bringresultsandbecomeaddictive.

http://www.eventmanagerblog.com/

http://www.eventmanagerblog.com/

http://www.slideshare.net/tojulius


ThemodernMarcoPolo

‘As photojournalist this country intrigues me. How does it work here? Making stories about other people’s misery. Make money with it. Soon I’m looking for ‘my’ street. Not giving the torments around me a moment’s thought. With tunnel vision I let my rickshaw rouse through and end my mission fast. Relativize this case. A picture of a busy street. That’s already so bizarre in India that the story probably will be understood. But now that I walk here again it suddenly seems not enough. A human site of this almost mechanical poverty, this cement machine of a society.’

T E x T y O L A N d A L O G T P h O T O S Yo l ANDA loG T AND S A S K I A P E V ERE l l I


C L O S E & P E r S O N A L

MeettheworldofJeroenSwolfswhojustfinishedhisfirstadventurebook(Asia)StreetsoftheWorld,onlyasubgoalofhisrealmission:tophotographstreetlifeinallcapitalsoftheworld.Thecombinationofthesestreetscreatesapositiveportraitofwhathumanitylookslikeatthebeginningofthe21stcentury.

Hisbigadventurestartedasathreeyearoldwhoranawayfromhomewithhisgirlnextdoor.Destination?Paris.Thiswasnotthelasttimethathe‘flew’butneverreachedhisdestination.Theturnaround came when his father told him to follow his heart and do what he really wanted to do.That’swhenJeroendecidedtoworkonhisdream,makingphotosofglobalstreets,sharingfacesandplacesandshowingthiscentury’shumanity.

Whatlookslikeaboy’sdreamisinfactreallyhardwork:findtherightstreet,symbolforthisdestination,havetheperfectlightandmakethatonegoodpictureinonly4dayspercapital.Allwithverylimitedbudget.It’scertainlynoholiday!you could say Jeroen is a modern conqueror and adventurer,notsearchingfornewworldslikeinthepast,butlookingfortheworldofmodernsociety at every corner of our planet. Quite a challenge.Duringhismissionhefacesloneliness,disease,fear;butaboveallhemeetsnewfriendsandgainsinsights.

Atthemomentheisalmosthalfway,still115countriestogo.Duringhisshortvisitshomehewritesandgivesinterviewsandpresentations.

listeningtothisMarcoPolooftodayisinspiring.That’swhyweaskedhimtospeakatourSHARETOdAy event.

Afascinatingmanontherunforthesecondpartof his mission. We can only say, “Go, Go, Go and hitthoselastcountries!”Inthemeantime,don’thesitate to share your stories with us. We will staytuned!√

Streets of the World can only be materialized

with sponsorships. Interested? Contact us.

The book Streets of the World will soon be

available in English. Ready for an introduction?

Want to know even more? Watch this CNN

episode or look at their online platform.

mailto:info%40sharetoday.com?subject=Close%20%26%20Personal%20%232%2C%202012

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/07/27/streets.of.the.world/index.html?hpt=tr_c1&is_LR=1

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/07/27/streets.of.the.world/index.html?hpt=tr_c1&is_LR=1

http://www.streetsoftheworld.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MkFjpJjC6w&list=UUS1sTYNkso2X7iF2P7WXIwg&index=6&feature=plcp


acrossroadofcontradictions;blingblingversuscozsychic,mondainversusindustrial,artdecoversushightech,thiscityknowshowtotantalizeyoursenses.

SeeyouInShanghai!T E x T K IM A l D ERDEN P h O T O S y O N G F O O E L I T E


GRoUPS S -XX l

let’smeet!Butwhere?WecheckeditoutwithChinaStar’sTinaXiaoyun,inchargeoftheirShanghaihomebase.“EveryoneknowswhattoexpectinBeijingorinHongKong,butyouneverknowwhat’swaitingforyouinShanghai.Thiscityshowstwomajor‘faces’;Semi-colonialculturemeets Communist culture. This creates a very intriguingatmospherethatisneverfeltinanyother city in the world. Below we reveal some examplesofmatchingplaces”

venuestomeet,greet &dobusiness

●YongFooElite●ChinaMansionHotel●ClubShanghai●1933●HengshanMollerVilla

Every venue is a one of a kind experience but we lovetozoom-inonyongfooelite. This historic mansionhasbeendominatingthehistoryofShanghaiformorethan80years.Builtasaprivatehome,itservedasadiplomaticheadquartersforRussia,VietnamandtheUK,andistodayamust-see venue.

AccordingtoitsownerWangXingZheng,YongFooEliteissomuchmorethanjustabarorrestaurant;it’stheheartofthecity’sclassiclifestyle.Spectacularpiecesofartfromtheowners’personalcollectionaredottedaroundthevenueand create the perfect fusion of style and days goneby.Variousbars,indoordiningandveranda’swithaviewto-die-forareavailableforyou.

NomatterhowSorXXlagroupis,Shanghaiisable to cater to all your needs. √

http://www.meet-in-shanghai.net/unusual_venues.php#xview24





thelondonhotspotduringtheolympicgamesthissummer:hollandheinekenhouse.readmoreinournextissue.


S N A P S h OT

P h O T O h E I N E K E NP h O T O h E I N E K E N


T E x T y O L A N d A L O G T

Therightfit


F y I

beinganeventprofessional,doyoustillknowwhattoolsfityourclient’scongressormeetingthemostnowadays?onesaysyoushouldusesocialmediainallitsaspects.otherstellyoutoofferthemostsophisticatedtechnicalequipment.allofcoursetoimpressthedelegates,nottoforgetputthemintoactiongear.

Yes,nowadaysmeetingsandconferencesarethemust-beeventstoexperiencenewtechnologyandappslikeInstagramandPinteresttogetherwithsocialmediaiconsasTwitterandFacebook.Forboththeorganizerandtheparticipants.

technicsboring?Beforeyoustartdiggingintodetailsitisgoodtoknowthebiggerpicture.Toofewmeetingplannersclearlydefinetheirtechnologygoalsbeforehand. A planner who wants to improve audienceengagementrequiresaverydifferentsolutionfromaplannerwhoprioritizessavingsondrivingcosts.

Researchingandselectingmeetingmanagementsoftwareistough.Aninformalsurvey*ofcorporatemeetingmanagersrevealsthebigchallenges:anoverwhelmingnumberofoptionsandpackages,difficultyindeterminingyourtotalcost,figuringoutiftheproductfeaturesmatchyourneeds,havingtoworkwithinternalstakeholderssuchasprocurement,informationtechnology,andsecurity,and,finally,notknowinghowitwillallcometogetheruntilyou

trytoworkyourfirstprogram.letsfaceityoudon’tcompletelyunderstandtheuserexperienceuntilyoustartusingthesystem.It‘even’happenedtouswhencreatinganeventappforour ShArE TOdAy event.

Tip:Createarankedlistofbusinessobjectivesbeforeinvestigatingtechnicaloptions.Certainlynot a luxury but a must.

read about the newest tools in one of our next posts on ourblog.

socialMedia,interactioniskey!Ask yourself what audience do you have, not onlyprofessionwise(dentistsversustechnicians)butalsoage.TheYgenerationwantssomethingcompletelydifferentthantheX,theyareused to the modern techniques as well as communications.

Nowadaysaconferenceorcongressisnothingwithoutsocialmedia.liveFacebookpagescreatedonstageareacommongood,whileTwittercannotbeignoredanymore.Itislimitedbut excellent for short phrases and comments andnotforgetthepossibilityforlivequestionsappearingonascreennexttothespeakerreadytoanswer,justbyaddingahyphenwiththenameofthecongresstothetweet(#sharetodayevent).

Short movies and pictures will be taken at your eventreadytobethrownintothedigitalworldviaFacebookorYoutube.Sogetreadytolearn®


-advertisement-

St. Maarten is a special Island. Not only because it is the

only place in the world where the Netherlands and France are

neighbours, but also because of many surprising elements like

finding three destinations in one: The Caribbean, The Nether-

lands and France.

Groups experience more Caribbean in one incentive by inclu-

ding day trip(s) to neighbour islands such as Anguilla or St.

Barth’s: Island Hopping! St. Maarten offers an extensive acti-

vities and teambuilding programs both on land and on water.

At night stroll around the culinary highlights with the ‘Dine

Around’ program. If this is not enough, through the year there

are various events to bring your group to! Think of the annual

sailing regatta, the ‘culinary month’ but most surprising: the

Carnival in April!

Inspired? Contact us.

We assist organising a varied group program and connect

you with the specialists on the island.

St. Maarten Tourist BureauTel: +31 (0)71 5622002 or e-mail [email protected] visit us on www.vacationstmaarten.com or www.vakantiestmaarten.nl (for the Netherlands)

*Meetings Incentives Conferences Events

St. Maarten: Island of MICE*

http://www.interreps.nl/


about the social media trends and hypes as you willcertainlyseetheflashesofpicturestaken,thetweetsandmessagesonlinkedInandbesurprised about the amount of feedback.

Tip:Don’tforgettochecktheWiFiconnectiononyourlocation.Thedelegateswilltweetthemselvesbluefingersaboutyoureventandifthereisnoconnectionaspromised,youwillreadtweets anyway but not about the content of your event.

Moretocomeaboutsocialmediaandeventsinone of our next posts on ourblog. √

F y I

Note

Six tips for your software search that might

help you find your way through the techno-

logy bush. Click here

Source; *Meetingsnet


http://meetingsnet.com/technology/6-tips-software-search/


Meetanno2012Check-it-outtakesyouaroundtheglobetomeetextra-ordinaryplaces.

T E x T y O L A N d A L O G T

P h O T O S F I R S T I N C EN T I V E T R AV E l , UN IqUE lY NoRTHWE S T, RU S S K I E P Ro S ToR I , oU T S TAND ING I N T H E F I E l D, I N T E r N E T


C h E C K I T O U T

whenaskingthemarketforspecial,uncommonvenuesforameeting,conferenceorcongresswereceivedlotsoftheusualsuggestions.read:thecommonmeetingroomatahotel.whyisitsodifficulttobedifferent?areweafraidtobetoo‘out-of-the-box’andwouldratherplayitsafewhenproposingtoourclient?wesay,“daretobedifferent!”especiallywhenyouneedtoproveyouraddedvalueinordertobesuccessful.

tohelpyouabit,herearesomeideastogetyouontherighttrack.

Meetandsleepwithsheep?CalmandpeacefulintheheartoftheAuvergneregion,dominatingthevalleyoflaCère,the‘BurondeNiercombe’anoriginalshepherdhutinvitesyoutohisspecialandentirelypreservedsetting.Perfectforauniqueboardmeeting,accommodatinguptosixpersons.The experience starts in the valley where a mountainguidewillescortyourlittlegroupuptoNiercombe,between‘SkyandEarth.’

betweentheoldiesTheChicagoHistoryMuseummightbetheplacetobe,offeringeventspacesformeetingsfromsmalltoXXl!ThismuseumisaculturalinstitutionthathousespricelessartifactsofoldChicagohistoryincludingasuitofGeorgeWashingtonandatophatofAbrahamlincoln.Wouldn’titbegreattocombineyourmeetingwithsomevendorstoaddinyourplanning?

Moreataroundtable?The round room in dublin is the only city centrevenuethatcaterstogroupswithover500attendees.Themansionhouseiseasytogettoforvisitorstothecityandalsoinwalkingdistance of numerous dublin city hotels. ready foraninspection?Justclickhere. ®

http://www.niercombe.fr/eng/index.php

http://www.chicagohs.org/hostevent

http://www.mansionhouse.ie/round-room.aspx

http://www.mansionhouse.ie/round-room/virtual-tour.aspx

getinspiredbyfreshairThebestwaytostartameetingiswithaclearhead.That’swhymanyconferencesschedulebreaksoutsideinthefreshairorserveagreatmeal‘alfresco’withpowerfoodtoprovideenergyfortherestoftheday.Why not combine all and meet and eat in the openair?Possibleontheground or in the air!

spaceinvadersExploretheinspirationalmeetingfacilitiesofKennedy Space Center near Orlando, Florida. Pump up your conference with a real astronaut as host.

MeetwiththetrollsHardingaseteoverlookingtheHardangerfjord(Norway)isauniquemeetingorconferencecenter. When you wander around the premises, youfeellikeyouarewalkingthroughhistory.Houses,cottagesandfarmsdatingfrom1600till1850havebeentransportedfromalloverNorwaytoberebuilthereagain.Perfectforaremotemeetingincombinationwithsomeactivitiesaroundthefjord.

C h E C K I T O U T


http://outstandinginthefield.com/

http://www.dinnerinthesky.com/

http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/meetings-events.aspx

http://www.hardingasete.no/


royalspiritHaveyoueverthoughtaboutexploringa17thcenturyPalaceintheveryheartofMoscow?Itisnotjustahistoricbuilding,itisalsoaperfectplace for a conference.Petrovsky Palace is known as a pearl of russian architecture and is closed to ordinary visitors. Feel the spirit of a russian Tsar while you meet or have your conference. Up to 120 people.

Meetlikeauncounselhere you have the perfect ambiance. Enjoy your meetingsittinginadjustableergonomicchairs,with built-in microphones and laptop power, arrangedinconcentricringsformaximuminteractivity.Youthinkyouareinameetingroom?NotintheAsiaPacificHallorlittleUnitedNationsintheDeltaHotelofVancouver.Theultramodern equipment lets you feel like you are a memberoftheUnitedNations.√

C h E C K I T O U T

Our share+ members can help you with information about the venues, see our website under members of the particular country where the venue is based. Happy meeting!

http://www.angelfire.com/pa/ImperialRussian/news/pet.html

http://www.sfu.ca/mecs/wosk+dialogue+centre/rooms/asia+pacific+hall.html

thereisalottobeconsideredwhenorganisingmeetingsbeitplanninglogistics,selectingthevenue,organisingthespeakerandpresentations,creatingyournewcoolthemethatwillentertainandinformyourguestsandimportantly,willyourmeetinghavetherightbalancebetweencontent,activity,timingsandsoon.thenthereistheattendeesthemselves,howwillyoubesuretoattractthe‘right’peopleandistheeventmorelikelytosucceedifahybridoptionisincluded?

Muchtodecide,butfortheprofessionalplanneroragencytheseareeverydaymattersthatusuallygowellaslongasthepersonorteamhandlingtheeventdotheirhomework,keepeveryoneinformedandthink,planandmanagethedetailswithcareandattention.Naturallythingscangowrongbutwithalloftheavailabletoolsatourdisposaltoday,contingencyarrangementscaneasilybecommunicated.

internalmeetingshaveadifferenttonebecausetheattendeesaremorelikelytoknoweachotherbeforehandandsothereisa‘shorthand’inplaywheresomeofthesubtletiesofsuchmeetingscannotbeplayedoutatpublicmeetings.Forexample,theparticipantsmaybein-companypeers;industrycolleagues;competitors;associationmemberswithcommoninterests,andeachsituationwilldictatewhohasthepowerinthemeeting.IsitthePAthatarrangedit?Thepresenter?Themostseniorpersonintheroom?Canitbetheparticipants?Thesearequestionsthatmaynotseemtooimportantforthebookerbutoncethepracticalarrangementshavebeenmadeitisthedynamicwithinthemeetingthatwillmakeitaworthy/successfuleventornotandthesepsychologicalconsiderationsneedtobeaddressed.

So,thinkingabouttheparticipants, it seems to me that there is muchtoconsiderabouttheexpectationsandexperiencethat

Meetingconnections,expectationsandspirituality?

MoreaboutJohn


http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=24304410&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=nE1P&locale=en_US&srchid=e276c982-f3e7-44ce-95f2-5dfc1a9d0c8d-0&srchindex=3&srchtotal=7718&goback=%2Efps_PBCK_john+gallery_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*2_*1_Y_*1_*1_*1_false_1_R_*1_*51_*1_*51_true_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2&pvs=ps&trk=pp_profile_name_link

http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=24304410&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=nE1P&locale=en_US&srchid=e276c982-f3e7-44ce-95f2-5dfc1a9d0c8d-0&srchindex=3&srchtotal=7718&goback=%2Efps_PBCK_john+gallery_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*2_*1_Y_*1_*1_*1_false_1_R_*1_*51_*1_*51_true_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2_*2&pvs=ps&trk=pp_profile_name_link


ColUMN

John Gallery established

Great Potential, following

a successful 25-year career

in hotel & conference venue

management. John is co-

founder of LateMeetings.

com, sold in 2009.

theyhaveandsometimesitmayneedmorethanjustpracticalmatterssuchashowmanyenergybeaksareincludedorwhattypeoflightingistobearranged.Attendeesarethereasonforhavingameetingandifthesemeetingsaretohavethe‘right’outcome–toachievewhateverobjectiveisset,i.e.thereasonforcallingthemeeting-considerationtoattendeesspiritual,experientialandpsychologicalneedswhilstinthemeetingshouldperhapsbeconsidered more.

RecentlyIhavebecomeinvolvedinassistingseveralChristianand‘enlighten’venueswherethe‘spirituality’ofeventsisconsidered.Prayersatthestartofameetingmayseemunnecessary,quirkyorevenembarrassingforthesecularattendee,butforthecommittedChristian,startingwithprayerispartofthepsychologyandspiritualityisacorevalueandbothshouldbesatisfied.Anotherexample,talkingofreligion,(Iknow,adifficultsubject),wouldaMuslimattendingameetingbelikelytofeelthebenefitmoreifthereisanopportunitytofaceMecca?Iamnotsuggestingthisisanythingtodowithreligion,raceorcreedbutitisaboutdelegate’sexpectations,whicharewideandvaried.So,themorethat planners and venues can introduceinnovativecontent,brain-expandingideasandinterestingactivitythebetter.Ifspiritualityistherequiredcontent,thenfindwaystoincludeit.

New technologycan help, and there are just a few examples beginningtogaintraction.SoftwaresuchasEventPlatform, which isaninteractivegamessoftwarethatengagesparticipantstocompleteawiderangeofmotivationalactivityandcommunication.CreatedinRussia,thisinnovativetechnologycanbeorganisedaroundanysubjectandinvolvedelegatesatmanylevels.What about Whales on Waves?Atabletdeviceapplicationthatcreatesaquizshowconnectedto20to250participantsandinmultiplelocations.Thisisentertainingandengagingforbothphysicalattendeesandthoseinvolvedonline.Another, MINT is a web-based service that makes it easy to make

mobileapplicationsforanyevent.A further development provides connectivitywithindividualparticipantsenablingthemtoeasily connect at indoor events utilisingaGPS-styleapplicationthatworksthroughBluetoothandWi-Fi.These tools are available now allowingmeetingsattendeesto be more connected, to experiencegreaterbenefitsandtoimprovethevalueofattendingwhether in person or virtual.

Whilstpracticalandtechnological,hopefully,these tools will assist to add valuableinsightsandtoexceedexpectationswhilsthelpingtodeliverthespiritual,emotionalandexperientialcontentinmeetingsthatparticipantsnowexpect.

http://www.greatpotential.co.uk/

http://eventplatform.ru/en/

http://www.whalesonwaves.com/

http://itmmobile.com/


T E x T M I R J AMHAR T & Yo l ANDA loG T P h O T O S V I S I T D ENMARK

Mindyourmeeting!


ZooM IN

lookingforthatone-of-a-kindconceptforaninspiring,innovativemeetingthatalsoprovidesareturnonyourinvestment?itsoundsimpossiblebuthereistheanswer:

MINDblowingMeetingsisthestoryofauniquelyDanishwayofdesigningmeetings.ItisabouttheDanish‘movement’tofightforengagingandinnovativemeetingswhileensuringahigh,measurableReturnonMeetingInvestment.

theneedforchange:theMeetingconceptofthefutureWhileeverythingelseinandaroundushaschangeddramaticallyoverthepastcoupleofdecades,nothingsignificanthashappenedto the way we meet. Apart from PowerPoint presentations,werunmeetingstodayinthesamewaywedidahundredyearsago!Newgenerationsarenotusedtothisendlessone-waycommunication.Theyshareknowledgeandideas.Newtechnologyopensnewopportunitiesforthemeetingindustry.Globalizationandcultural diversity set new demands. There must bewaystoimproveefficiencyandoutcome.Nomoreboringmeetings!ExactlywhatweasEventProfessionalsarelookingfor.

Backin2003,thefirststepsweretakentowardsachangeintheoldfashionedandtraditionalwayofconductingmeetingsandconferences.In denmark, to be precise. The result was ajointpublic/privateprojectentitled‘TheMeetingConceptoftheFuture’tostrengthenCopenhagen’sandDenmark’scompetitive

positionasapreferredinternationalmeetingdestinationbyofferingup-to-date,innovativemeetingsconcepts.

Meetovation–engage.excite.encourage.VisitDenmark,theofficialtourismorganisationofDenmark,tookcareoftheprojectmanagementanddefinedtheend‘product’as‘Meetovation’.

TheaimofMeetovationistocreateabetterRoMI–ReturnonMeetingInvestment.Theconceptbuildsonfivekeyingredientsthattogetherguaranteethecreationofsuccessfulmeetingswithbetterlearningoutcomes,andthereby an increased return on the investment putintothemeeting:

• Delegatesareactivelyinvolved;• Meetingandconferencefacilitiesareusedin newandcreativeways;• Inspiringlocalexperiencesarepartofthe programme;• Responsiblethinkingiskey,withfocusonlocal produce,recyclingandenvironmentally friendlytransport;• ReturnonMeetingInvestment.

ExamplesofaMeetovatedmeetingaremanyandvaried.Itcaninvolvearearrangementofthephysicalsetupbyhavingtheparticipantssitonbeanbagsinsteadofchairs.Itshouldincludehealthy,energy-filledfood.oritcanfocusonrecyclingandenergysavingproductsandfacilitiessuchasUSBsticksandwhiteboardsinstead of paper based materials. ®

http://www.visitdenmark.com/uk/en-gb/menu/mice/miceforside.htm


Notconvincedyet,heresomereferences;

AlargeSwedishcompanyhadaboardmeetingwith20personsinCopenhagen.Theystayedatthe environmental friendly hilton hotel close to theairport.ParticipantsonlyjoiningthemeetingdidnotwastetimeandCo2.Afterthemeetingthedelegateshadalittlechallenge.Dividedintwoteams,theywentintotownbyMetrofollowed by some exercise on bicycle rickshaws. AglassofDanishorganicbeerwasservedinNyhavnasrefreshmentbeforeboardingacharterboattomeetthefamouslittlemermaidandenjoyingthewaterlineofCopenhagen.Thebestteamperformancereceivedaprize.

It all ended at restaurant Søren K in the new Royallibrarybythehabourwithanorganicmeal.‘AllparticipantsenjoyedtheirtripandclaimeditwasthebestboardmeetingtheyeverhadandtheDMCfulfilledthedemandofacreativeandenvironmentalfriendlyboardmeetinganddinner’thusthecorporatequoted.PerAnkær,ManagingDirectorofICS,theDanishDMCusedinthiscasereplied;‘ThiswasonlypossiblebyusingsomeoftheMeetovationelements.Wecreated a unique event, that went over our clientsexpectations.’

Anotherexampleisofalargepharmaceuticalcompanywhostated;‘Wehadagreatinspiringmeeting.Allourdelegateswerepositiveandabove all returned to their work with new ideasandinspirationtouseintheirdailyjobs.Allbecauseofusingtheinnovativemeetingconcept.’

ZooM IN


ZooM IN

Todate,180keystaffmembersfromalmost80hotels,conferenceandcongresscentres,museums and theatres all over denmark have completedtheeducationalprogramandarecertified‘Meetovators’.Duetodemand,anewversion of the concept has been developed for corporateandassociationmeetingplanners.

Wellwhatmoreistheretosay?Itlookslikethedanes have found the answer, now it is your turn tofollowtheirinitiative!√

For more information visit the website

Still not convinced? Watch this

http://www.visitdenmark.com/international/en-gb/go/meetings

http://video.visitdenmark.com/video/4912602/meetovation-film


F O O d F O r T h O U G h T


F O O d F O r T h O U G h T

Documents

SHARE TODAY issue 2 2012