IMEX 2012 Press Conferences and Events

Opening Ceremony

Kit Watts

E: kit.watts@imexexhibitions.com

T: +49 0 (69) 7575 71022 / 71023 OR +44(0)7968 417518

IMEX Opening Ceremony
Joining keynote speaker MP, Nick de Bois, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events in the UK will be:

• Ray Bloom, Chairman, IMEX Group
• Wolfgang Marzin – President and CEO of Messe Frankfurt
• Matthias Schultze – Managing Director GCB

Room Dialog, Level 9.2, Hall 9, Messe Frankfurt

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Angeline Lue

E: angeline@klccconventioncentre.com

T: +6012-350 9104

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) will share insights regarding its new space – Hall 6 (Lot 195), as well as developments around the Kuala Lumpur City Centre precinct and its 2012 signature experiences.

Symmetrie 3, Level 8.1, Hall 8, Messe Frankfurt

Poland Convention Bureau

Aneta Ksiazek

E: aneta.ksiazek@pot.gov.pl

Krzysztof Celuch
E: krzysztof.celuch@pot.gov.pl
Tel: +48 22 536 70 42

In celebration of its 10th anniversary PCB will look back on its achievements in this press conference.

In this session PCB will show an interactive presentation with promotional movie, “Events in Polska”.

EVVC (European Association of Event Centres)

EITW (European Institute for the Convention Industry)

Ute Stegmann, GCB German Convention Bureau e. V.
Münchener Str. 48
60329 Frankfurt
Deutschland/Germany
E: stegmann@gcb.de
T: +49 69 24 29 30-13

“Theme Year 2012: Business Travel Destination Germany“

Business travel is a key economic factor in German tourism. This segment accounts for around 30 per cent of all trips from abroad to Germany, and nearly half of these trips are trade shows, meetings, incentives, conventions and events. Sustainability is a factor that plays an increasingly important role. High environmental standards, Germany’s international leadership in key industries such as transport and logistics, and the continual expansion of fields of expertise with the aim of further optimising quality standards are all crucial arguments that speak strongly in favour of choosing Germany as a destination for business trips.

What does the future hold for the business travel segment? How will it develop? What role will “green meetings” play in the future? What strategy are the GNTB and the GCB pursuing in order to anchor this topic firmly in the core markets and markets of the future? Which markets drive the business travel segment in Germany?

We’ll be providing answers to these and other questions at our press conference. The following experts will be present at the conference to answer your questions:

• Petra Hedorfer
Chief Executive Officer of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB)
• Matthias Schultze
Managing Director of the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V..

Esprit,

Level 9.1, Hall 9, Messe Frankfurt

GCB German Convention Bureau e.V.,

(DZT) German National Tourist Board

EVVC (European Association of Event Centres)

EITW (European Institute for the Convention Industry)

Ute Stegmann, GCB German Convention Bureau e. V.
Münchener Str. 48
60329 Frankfurt
Deutschland/Germany
E: stegmann@gcb.de
T: +49 69 24 29 30-13

Meeting- & EventBarometer 2012

The positive trend observed in the conference and event sector last year continues to have a strong influence on the industry, and has us looking to the future with optimism.

How do service providers and organisers view the market? What are the short and medium-term forecasts from the experts? Which regions in Germany are particularly popular and what are the key topics currently being discussed in the industry?

The latest “Meeting & Event Barometer Germany 2012” provides answers to these questions. Since 2007, the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC), the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. and the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), together with the European Institute for the Convention Industry (EITW), have been examining and analysing the event and convention market in this annual study.

To coincide with IMEX – the worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, the partners will be presenting the results of this year’s study at a special press conference.

The following experts will be present at the conference to answer your questions:

• Matthias Schultze
Managing Director of the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V.
• Joachim König
President of the European Association of Event Centres (EVVC)
• Prof. Dr. Michael-Thaddäus Schreiber
Managing Director of the European Institute for the Convention Industry (EITW),
which conducted the study
• Welcoming: Ray Bloom
Chairman of the “IMEX – incorporating Meetings made in Germany –the worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events”

Esprit,

Level 9.1, Hall 9, Messe Frankfurt

13:00 - 14:00

Spanish Tourist Board - Tourspain

Stefan Schmidt

E: Stefan.schmidt@tourspain.es

T: +49 (0) 69 17 39 17

The World Meets in Spain: The Spanish MICE market

The director of the Spanish Tourist Board in Frankfurt, Ana Cristina Gozalo, will host a press conference on Spain and MICE travel.

At IMEX 2012 more than a hundred exhibitors from Spain specialising in the MICE segment will present their widespread offer. Eighteen Convention Bureaus from all over Spain, including Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Córdoba, Elche, Granada, LLeida, Cadiz, Salamanca, San Sebastian, Seville, A Coruña and Zaragoza will take the opportunity to show the global meetings industry where to do business.

During the press conference Ana Cristina Gozalo will inform attendees about the development of the MICE sector in 2011/2012 and refer to the infrastructure, hotels and facilities that make Spain a first-rate business destination.

Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre proudly managed by AEG Ogden

Rochelle Uechtritz

E: ruechtritz@aegogden.com

Global Recognition Set To Attract International Events

Debuting at IMEX, the Sultanate of Oman's recently received global recognition in both the Lonely Planet and National Geographic as a "must -see" destination in 2012. Hear how this is generating international interest for the Sultanate's new Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre which is scheduled for completion in late 2015.

South African Tourism

Aljosha Jorkowski

E: jorkowski.aljosha@kprn.de

South African Tourism is proud to present its newly established National Convention Bureau (NCB). Mr. Thulani Nzima, Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism and Mrs. Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo, Executive Manager, National Convention Bureau will inform about the mission of the National Convention Bureau and the new services offered to event planners all around the globe.

Newtonstrand

Sandie McCoubrey
E: sandie@newtonstrand.com
T: 0030 26630 64276
M: 0030 69452 64795

Hear from industry visionary, author and keynote speaker - Shuli Golovinski, about why it is important to listen to the meetings industry and the “crowd concept” knowledge.

Shuli Golovinski, CEO of Newtonstrand, explains how he is using this concept whilst writing his new book about the future of the meetings industry, “Events in 2020 - How do the industry movers and shakers envision them?”. A key part of this book, which looks at where the meetings and events industry will be in the year 2020, is based on the “wisdom of crowds” of industry experts, CEOs and meeting planners about where they see the meetings industry in eight years from now.

In addition, as we move further away from 2012, we will find it is more important to restructure our events and face the challenges that lie ahead. One of the key changes is listening to the crowd and not just keynote industry speakers. Newtonstrand is already incorporating their Chance2Speak platform at several industry events where all delegates have the chance to stand up and have their say on an open stage.

Based on the “Speakers Corner” concept at Hyde Park in London, delegates can speak to their industry colleagues and this platform will also be used at the Meetings Innovator Summit on 7th June in London, The British Library.

Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau

Jennifer Ong

E: jennifer@myceb.com.my

Hear about Malaysia’s new branding, an explanation of Q1 2012 figures and also Malaysia’s recent standing in the ICCA Rankings.

The Meetology Group

Jon Bradshaw

E: jon@meetingsmindset.com

As well as outlining exciting general developments since the launch of the Meetology® brand at IMEX last year, the Meetology® Group will announce:

• Meetology® Venue Certification service including first customer
• Two exciting research initiatives
• Launch of Meetings Mindset® Brain Food

Power of 10

Rohit Talwar

E: rohit@fastfuture.com

In this press briefing, Rohit Talwar, project director will share the findings of the Imex 'Power of 10' study on the future of the meetings industry . Power of 10 is a major new research study that commemorates the 10th anniversary of IMEX in Frankfurt.

The study draws on desk research, a global survey, a student essay competition and opinions from individually selected thought and business-leaders inside and outside the meetings industry. The aim is to help shed new light on what the next 10 years might hold in store. The study also looks back over the last decade to capture the most important events and changes that have had the greatest impact on the industry and the professionals working within it. The IMEX Power of 10 research project builds on the ideas and insights from Convention 2020 (of which the IMEX Group was a founding sponsor) to provide a positive perspective on how the meetings industry can evolve and fulfil its strategic potential over the next decade.

Travel Egypt

Mohammed Gamal

E: mohammed.gamal@egypt.travel

T: 069 2722 1758 0

S.E. Mr Elhamy Elzayat-Chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Federation is glad and honoured to present this press conference.

Attendees can discover Egypt and its wonderful destinations and sights in this press conference.

European Cities Marketing (ECM)

Mathilde Brunet de Courssou

E: mathilde@europeancitiesmarketing.com

Flavie Baudot

E: flavie@europeancitiesmarketing.com

Garry White, incoming CEO of ECM, shares his vision for European Cities and the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Heike Mahmoud, Vice-President ECM-Conventions Forum, talks about the European Meetings Industry and how ECM provides increasing value for its Meeting and Convention members.

Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau

Arisara Thanuplang

E: arisara_t@tceb.or.th

Thailand is a country full of mesmerizing destinations in which visitors can experience the true Thai way of life or discover some of the kingdom’s best kept tourist secrets.

As the ideal destination for all target groups and interests, the TCEB would like to invite the media to discover its new and innovative approach to catering for all delegate interests. To enhance the experience in this stunning, yet vast country, the TCEB has developed five categories to suit all delegates. For each category, the TCEB has creatively identified specific and tailored destination and activity suggestions, which will be announced during this session.

Business Events Sydney and Future Convention Cities Initiative

Sue Wilkes

E: swilkes@besydney.com.au

Business Events Sydney
Business Events Sydney, Australia’s leading convention bureau, will:

• provide an update on the infrastructure developments taking place in the harbour city
• announce new strategies for future growth and
• detail recent achievements.

Future Convention Cities Initiative (FCCI)

The FCCI will provide an update on recent cooperative activities and the progress of the global Beyond Tourism Benefits research being undertaken with The University of Technology, Sydney.

Tourism Australia

Lene Corgan

E: lcorgan@tourism.australia.com

T: +44 779 565 7288

Hear the latest news from Australia, including the launch of Australia’s new business events marketing campaign and website.

Tourism Australia is proud to sponsor the IMEX Press Centre.

London & Partners

Chloe Couchman

E: ccouchman@londonandpartners.com

London Established 50 AD, Transformed

2012 AD……Ready for Your Business NOW

With the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee just around the corner and the world’s greatest event about to take place this Summer with the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, London has been transformed into a whole new destination.

From July 2013, London’s Olympic Park will begin to reopen as the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Its opening will herald a whole new chapter for the UK’s capital – both as a visitor destination but also as a brand new space to host business events.

Convention bureau London & Partners (formally Visit London) joins forces with the London Legacy Development Corporation to announce exclusive news on how London will be transformed with the opening of the largest urban park in Europe.

In addition to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Tracy Halliwell, Director of Business Tourism and Major Events from London & Partners will share the very latest news on the raft of events, hotels and activities which make London ‘the’ city to bring your next business event to.

A representative from London Legacy Development Corporation will join Tracy Halliwell to present.

France Meetings and Convention Board

Jerome Poulalier

E: jerome.poulalier@atout-france.fr

Attendees will receive an overview about the major congresses and events that France has hosted and will host in the future. It will also discuss the French expertise and strategy to host events.

Kenes Group

Jeanne Le Roux

E: jleroux@kenes.com

In an effort to increase learning opportunities for congress delegates, society members, and non-members, Kenes Group recently announced plans to provide its innovative meeting, educational and networking skills and services to both Kenes and non-Kenes clients.

Another major innovation in the Kenes Group’s drive to facilitate global exchange of knowledge and networking is its recently established specialty company, “Konnect”.

Kenes Group will discuss this and also present further details on how to bring the excitement of science back into meetings.

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Gail Sawyer

E: gails@bcec.com.au

T: +61 7 3308 3023 OR 0439 733 509

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) On Grey Street - Big Hit with Scientific Meetings

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre’s recently opened expansion, BCEC on Grey Street is creating attention around the world and revolutionising the small meetings industry in Australia.

Boutique in concept, dramatic in architecture, BCEC on Grey Street, has opened to great acclaim, impressing first time users with its portfolio of unique meeting spaces and innovative functionality.

There are 16 confirmed international meetings already booked into the newly opened BCEC on Grey Street covering key sectors targeted by BCEC including technology, science, health, medicine, environment and mining.

BCEC Convention Advocate, Professor Mark Radford, Executive Director & CEO of Queensland Eye Institute and Prevent Blindness Foundation, who is collaborating with BCEC on a number of international bids, will be a special guest at the Press Conference.

Berlin Convention Office of VisitBerlin

Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH

Sandra Gollnest

E: sandra.gollnest@visitberlin.com

T: +49 30 26 47 48 495

In this press conference the congress statistics 2011 for Berlin and Germany will be presented.

Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau

Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre

Fiona Chappell

E: fiona.chappell@mcvb.com.au

T: +44 20 7836 7766 OR +44 7423 437867

The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) will come together to provide media with an update on the business events industry in Melbourne.

MCVB’s Chief Executive Officer, Karen Bolinger, will officially launch the organisation’s new strategy and provide the latest information on Melbourne IQ, while the MCEC’s Chief Executive, Peter King will officially launch MCEC’s newest technology tool and provide an update on MCEC’s priorities and achievements.

Indra Sukirno, Jakarta Convention & Exhibition Bureau‘s chief will discuss the relaunch of Jakarta in the international market.

IMEX Challenge Slovenia

Contact details for journalists on the day:
Miha Kovačič
E: miha.kovacic@slovenia-convention.com
T: +386 1 569 1260
www.slovenia-convention.com

The second edition of IMEX Challenge, one of the leading socially responsible events in the meeting industry, will be held in Slovenia from 2 to 4 July 2012. Meeting professionals joining the IMEX Challenge will roll up their sleeves and start digging to renovate a greenhouse as well as build a beehouse and an educational path for heartfelt people with disabilities living at Care Centre Draga.

Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO, and Miha Kovačič, Director of Slovenian Convention Bureau will share their views on:
- How does IMEX Challenge impact the global meeting and event community?
- What does the IMEX Challenge project mean for the meeting industry of Slovenia?
- What is the value of the CSR campaign?
- What motivates meeting professionals to invest their resources in giving back to the society?

IMEX Closing Press Briefing

Kit Watts

E: kit.watts@imexexhibitions.com

T: +49 0 (69) 7575 71022 / 71023 OR +44(0)7968 417518

Ray Bloom, Chairman, will report on IMEX 2012. Please join us for Q&A as well as an informal briefing and end of show drinks reception.