IMEX 2008 Press Conferences
Click here to view IMEX 2008 Exhibitor Press Events - taking place on Exhibitor's Stands
| Timing | Exhibitor/Stand Number and Contact | Title and Description | Location |
| Tuesday 22 April | |||
| 10:45 - 11:30 | IMEX |
IMEX Opening Ceremony With keynote speaker Brenda Anderson, Chairman, Convention Industry Council and CEO, SITE |
Room Dialog, Hall 9, Level 9.2 |
| 12.30 – 14.00 | GCB German Convention Bureau e.V., EVVC (European Association of Event Centres), DZT (German National Tourist Board), EITW (European Institute for the Convention Industry)
GCB & DZT Stand No: F100 EVVC Stand No: G122 Press Contact: Judith Scondo, C&C Contact & Creation GmbH Telephone: 069/963668-89 |
"Meeting and Event Barometer Germany" – latest figures on
Germany as the number one location for meetings and conventions in Europe Germany is Europe’s number one destination for meetings and conventions. This makes the market for meetings and events a key economic factor and highly important for Germany’s tourism industry. What events take place? Where? And with how many attendees? What budgets were available for the different events? What are the most important criteria for selecting a specific venue? Three leading associations – the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC), the German National Tourist Board (DZT) and GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. – will jointly present up-to-the-minute facts and figures that provide an answer to this and other questions, the latest developments and trends, together with the European Institute for the Convention Industry (EITW). These findings are based on the Meeting and EventBarometer Germany survey, of which this year’s edition is already analysing the German meetings and events market for the second time, enabling a comparison with last year’s results. You will be able to talk to: - Ray Bloom, Chairman of IMEX – incorporating Meetings made in Germany – The Worldwide Exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events - Petra Hedorfer, CEO of the German National Tourist Board (DZT) - August Moderer, President of the EVVC - Lutz P. Vogt, Managing Director of the GCB - Prof. Dr. Michael-Thaddäus Schreiber, Managing Director of the European Institute for the Convention Industry (EITW), which conducted the study - Norbert Tödter, Head of Corporate Planning / Partner Management and Market Research of the DZT |
Room Esprit, Hall 9, Level 9.1 |
| 11.30 – 12.30 |
Centre Stand no: D735 Press Contact: |
AEG Ogden Convention Centres Group Director of Convention Centres, Mr Geoff Donaghy will present an update on the latest expansion projects for AEG Ogden Convention Centres including the exciting developments in India. In addition, individual AEG Ogden venues will provide newsworthy updates. These include:
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Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 11.30 – 12.30 | Portugal Stand no: D100 Press Contact: +351 964038595 |
The Estoril Coast - A new meeting attitude The Estoril Congress Centre sets its sights on becoming the first truly green venue in Europe. The Centre has contracted MCI to implement its Green makeover and strategy for sustainability which will transform the Estoril Congress Centre into a truly ecological organisation. The Press Conference will address these new green initiatives and discuss why everyone is talking about the Estoril Coast. |
Symmetrie 4, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 13.00 – 14.00 | Spanish Tourist Board Stand no: E400 Press Contact: |
Spain – The ideal destination for MICE This press conference will address why Spain is now considered one of the leading international destinations for MICE and what its infrastructure offers as well as future developments.
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Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 14.00 – 15.00 | Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre Stand no: B320 Press Contact: Clemencia Wiese – Axis Sales & Marketing Susie Fairfax. Total Marketing +44 208 838 3993 |
Sydney Means Business Jon Hutchison, Managing Director of the ‘Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau’ will be illustrating why ‘Sydney Means Business’ and will look at the following highlights:
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Symmetrie 4, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 14.00 – 15.30 | Frankfurt Tourism and Congress Board Stand no: G180 Press Contact: Jutta Weisbrod |
Rising trend of MICE sector in Frankfurt in 2007 Mr Thomas Feda, Managing Director of Frankfurt Tourist and Congress Board and Mr. Boris Rhein, City Councillor of Frankfurt, will present the official statistical report on conventions and congresses held in Frankfurt last year. They will also speak about the future development of the MICE sector and marketing strategies in Frankfurt. Press conference to be held in German |
Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 14.00 – 15.30 |
Stand no: B440 Press Contact: Sandra Boutonnet |
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) press conference MPI will address their new joint initiatives with IMEX to include an update on MPI’s activities for 2008 |
Symmetrie 4, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 14.30 – 15.45 | Düsseldorf Congress Stand no: F110 & G190 Press Contact: |
Düsseldorf sets up Convention Bureau This press conference will discuss what the opening of the new convention bureau in the capital of the German state of the North-Rhine Westphalia will mean to the city of Düsseldorf. They will discuss in depth how this new convention bureau will help in placing meetings and congress activities more successfully. |
Room Espirit, Level 9.1 |
| 16.00 – 18.00 | Montenegro National Tourism Organisation Stand no: F420 Press Contact: C&C Contact & Creation GmbH –Doris Palito tel +49 69 96366819 |
Montenegro as MICE destination Montenegro will introduce itself as a new up and coming MICE destination providing great natural and cultural diversity offering up-to-date conference and accompanying facilities and amenities in the newly developed or restored hotels. The key themes of the press conference will be: Establishment of Montenegro Convention Bureau New tourism developments Incentive programmes Addressing the exhibition will be: Danica Ceranic, Director of the Montenegro Convention Bureau |
Symmetrie 4, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 16.00 – 17.00 |
Stand no: B365 Press Contact: Buddy Lam Jackie.lee@venetian.com.mo |
The Venetian Macao, Asia’s largest integrated resort Voted the best MICE Hotel in Asia at the 2008 CEI Asia Pacific Industry Awards, The Venetian Macao is the perfect blend of luxury and convenience. Whether it’s an intimate business meeting, a lavish company banquet or an international convention, this versatile centre offers state-of-the-art space and facilities with the highest degree of quality service. Unmatched anywhere in Asia, our facilities include: • More than 75,000 square meters of state-of-the-art exhibition space • Over 25,000 square meters of flexible meeting and ballroom space • 6,500 square meters of pillarless ballroom and 108 flexible meeting rooms • 15,000-seat The Venetian® Arena and 1,800-seat Venetian® Cirque du Soleil Theater |
Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| Wednesday 23 April | |||
| 8.00 – 9.30 | Conventions Australia Breakfast briefing Stand no: B320 Press Contact: Martin Winter |
Conventions Australia, Sponsors of the IMEX Press Centre Conventions Australia is a partnership between the 14 leading Australian convention centres and bureaux that are active in the international market. Conventions Australia was formed to raise the profile of Australia, increase the level of awareness and reinforce its position as an ideal business events destination in the international association market. |
Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 10.15 –11.15 |
Stand no: D740 Press Contact:
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Society of Incentive & Travel Executives Press Conference Ms. Brenda Anderson, SITE CEO, will discuss current strategic initiatives of the association including a current review of SITE’s brand positioning and benefits that support members in the successful design and delivery of incentive programs worldwide. Also highlighted will be current global trends and updates on SITE events, including ESNEP 11-13 May in Malaga, Spain and SITE International Conference 2008 in Montreux, Switzerland 5 - 8 December. Mr. Bob Vitagliano, SITE, Executive Director International SITE Foundation, will provide an update on current research and white papers available or in development for members and industry associates. SITE will also share news on events and activities designed to bring the incentive industry closer together. Ms. Linda Baumgartner, President SITE Germany Chapter, will speak to the incentive and travel industry from the German perspective and include an update on Chapter Events 2008 / 2009 and the new SITE Germany Chapter Website. |
Symmetrie 4, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 10.15-11.15 | Berlin Congress Stand no: F100/34 Press Contact: Heike Mahmoud, Berlin ConventionOffice Dr Gisela Hank-Haase, ghh consult |
The meeting and convention market 2007 in Germany and Berlin The long-awaited general economic recovery has already started in the German meeting and convention market. The growth rates over the last three years are far higher than those of the other target groups in the travel sector. It is the cities, led by Berlin, which benefit in particular from the growing numbers of events and participants. In 2007 approximately 7,97 million participants spent more than 4,48 million nights in hotels. Up-to-date information on the volume and structure of German meeting and convention market and on the German capital Berlin will be presented by the management consultants, ghh consult GmbH, and the Berlin Convention Office. Handouts in German and English |
Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 10.00 – 11.30 | Melbourne Stand no: B320 Press Contact: |
New Melbourne Convention Centre to open in 2009 Melbourne welcomes this opportunity to brief the industry press on the new Melbourne Convention Centre with it’s 5,000 seat flexible plenary hall. It will open in 2009 and was recently awarded the world’s first convention centre 6 star green star environmental rating . Leigh Harry CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and President of ICCA, will be giving a detailed update on the development. Combined with the existing 30,000 sq metres exhibition space, it will create the largest Convention and exhibition complex in Australia. Sandra Chipchase CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Vistors Bureau will be highlighting ‘Melbourne’s Green Credentials’ a report commissioned by MCVB. She will explain the major initiatives behind Melbourne’s drive to host large, environmentally responsible, international business events. She will also demonstrate MCVB’s innovative marketing programmes which have helped to position Melbourne as the number one Australian Convention City |
Room Ratio, Hall 9, Level 9.1 |
11.45 – 13.15 |
Stand no: B440 – MPI; F400 VisitLondon/ExCeL Press Contact: |
The European meetings and events conference review A review of the key issues and outcomes resulting from the first European Meetings and Events Conference that took place immediately prior to IMEX (18-20 April) at ExCeL in London. The Conference, co-created by MPI and hosted by ExCeL London, aims to become the largest pan-European educational conference for meetings and events professionals. Key topics discussed at the conference included sustainable excellence, future of technology, risk assessment, ROI, working within European meeting regulations and CSR. |
Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 11.45 – 13.15 |
Stand no: F180 Press Contact: +49 621 41 06 115 |
M:con Congress Center Rosengarten - Welcome to the Future An update on developments and future plans |
Symmetrie 4, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 14.00 – 15.00 |
Stand no: C645 Press Contact: Catherine Bodley |
Ovation Global DMC announces company expansion in Asia Pacific meetings and incentive marketplace Ovation Global DMC continues its global expansion with the opening of the company's first office in China. The announcement represents an ambitious expansion of the Ovation Global brand launched in 2007. This new development draws on the experience of an expert local team in delivering high class incentive and corporate meeting programmes in the vibrant Asian Market. Ovation Global DMC is the worlds first wholly owned DMC organisation offering consistent, world-class destination management services at 13 local destination locations throughout the EU, Asia and the Gulf States of the Middle East. |
Symmetrie 4, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 14.00 – 15.00 |
Stand no: C310
Press Contact: Clemencia Wiese – Axis Sales & Marketing Susie Fairfax, Total marketing +44 208 838 3993 |
Miller Matola, CEO of ICC Durban – winner of Africa’s Leading Conference Centre for 6 consecutive years will talk about what makes them a leading Conference Centre, the future and the present ICC Durban has been voted " Africa 's Leading Conference Centre" for the last 6 consecutive years by World Travel Awards and is nominated this year as well. It has also been granted full membership of the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme - Southern Africa's only tourism-based environmental management system. Miller Matola will talk about what makes ICC Durban a leading Convention Centre and what the future holds for Africa’s Leading Convention Centre including; their commitment to ‘being green’, their diversity of product – “where business meets pleasure”. |
Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 15.30 – 16.30 |
Stand no: A340 Press Contact: |
The future of events in Europe. How the European Best Event Awards push the events industry forward. Facts, figures and case histories. Salvatore Sagone – ADC Chairman Ulf Gassner – Managing Director conceptX Strategische Kommunication Frank Schultz – Global Manager Special Events Volvo Car Corporation and Marcella Gaspardone – Managing Director Torino Convention Bureau, will discuss the future of the events industry in Europe and how the European Best Event Awards, the only award on a European scale dedicated to the best events of the year can help highlight developments in the industry. |
Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 15.30 – 16.30 |
Stand no: D180 Press Contact: |
The French Convention Bureau: The Launch of the New Promotional Campaign Pascal Visaintener, marketing director, Maison de la France and Celine Maginel, director of the Convention Bureau, invite you to join their press conference which will highlight the main aspects of the new international campaign 'Ever Surprising France', which aims to promote France as a key business travel destination. In total, Maison de la France will be investing over 1000 000 Euros in the 2008 campaign. |
Symmetrie 4, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| Thursday 24 April | |||
10.15 –11.15 |
Indonesia Stand no: A120 Press Contact: Mr I GDE Pitana Director for International Promotion |
A place where business is a pleasure The year 2008 has been designated as “visit Indonesia year 2008” (VIY) representing a year-long celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence and how Indonesia is capitalizing on its awakening spirit as momentum for the revival of Indonesia’s tourism sector takes off. The Indonesian government has looked into the cities tremendeous potential as a modern destination for MICE. They include Jakarta, Bali, Batam, Bandung, Medan, Padang, Manado, Makassar, Surabaya, Jogjakarta, Palembang, Balikpapan. A series of special events are being put together for 2008 featuring a celebration of music, arts, festivals and sports competitions to be held nationwide and throughout the year. |
Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 11.45 |
Stand no: F790 Press Contact: |
A new force for European Cities Marketing
On 1 January 2007, ECM (European Cities Marketing) became the result of a merger of ECT (European Cities Tourism) and EFCT (European Federation of Conference Towns). ECM will continue to work on the established Conventions and Tourism program and at the same time develop new projects. This press conference will include an update on furture activity together with information on the ECM Destination Finder and the launch of the brand new ECM website |
Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
| 14.30 – 15.15 | IMEX | Closing Press Conference IMEX Press Briefing and Reception Ray Bloom, Chairman, will report on IMEX 2008. Please join us for an informal briefing and end of show drinks reception. |
Symmetrie 3, Hall 8, Level 8.1 |
