EDITOR: LOUISE.WALLACE@REEDBUSINESS.COM.AU | ADVERTISING: MONIQUE.SUMEGHY@REEDBUSINESS.COM.AU

Bite size news from the MICE marketJANUARY 25, 2012

� Kiwi events going strongNZ cities pitch in while Christchurch recovers � The power of social media

Industry warned to stay on top of the game � The Big CheeseMeet Tourism Australia's managing director

Incentives industry welcomes peak bodyA peak body for the incentives industry is back in action after a ten

year hiatus, but a few tweaks are needed before it is fully operational

Louise Wallace

After going without a representative body since the demise of the Australasian Incentive Association (AIA) in 2002, professionals in the incentives industry can now join the Incentives Association (IA) for industry support.

Membership has been open since March last year when the IA was officially launched, but as Incentives Association general secretary Peter Gray revealed to The Nibbler, the association has only recently taken shape.

"It's taken a long time to finalise a lot of the details, so it's taken until now to set things up," he said.

Sponsorship is yet to be confirmed, a management committee has only just been finalised, and the IA website is yet to go online. Additionally, an IA board was only recently appointed and the

association's online facilities are not yet operational.

"We struggled to get a board together, among other things, so we had to take things very slowly," he said, adding it would still be six to eight weeks before the IA website was up and running.

Gray attributed the delays to lack of personnel, noting that he was one of "very few" behind the set-up.

But despite the delays, demand is going strong, with 200 membership applications already confirmed.

Gray expects the figure to hit at least 500 in the near future, but admits there are a few technical hiccups that need to be resolved in the meantime.

Membership starts at $198 per year, which provides access to webinars, social networking portals and online training. Discounts are available for practitioners who sign up before Feburary 30, 2012.

AIME celebrates 20th anniversary

Alexandra Rampano

Now in its 20th year, the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meeting Expo (AIME) is welcoming a number of new sponsors and initiatives for 2012.

Hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the annual event provides attendees with valuable meeting and networking opportunities for the business events industry.

Next month’s event is shaping up to be the biggest yet, according to Reed Travel Exhibitions director for AIME Sally de Swart who said many new sponsors have joined in 2012.

“This year we are seeing destinations increasing their numbers of trade partners and are therefore needing to increase the size of their stands. Also, organisations which have previously shared a stand are branching out and committing to their own stand for more exposure at AIME,” she said.

The popular Saxton Ultimate Event Experience will return this year and will be joined by a new association lounge for use during meetings. Two new pre-touring options are also on offer.

Running across February 21-22, AIME Daily will provide full coverage from the showground.

The Nibbler will also be attending and bringing you all the latest news via the official show publication, AIME Daily.

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EDITOR: LOUISE.WALLACE@REEDBUSINESS.COM.AU | ADVERTISING: MONIQUE.SUMEGHY@REEDBUSINESS.COM.AU

Bite size news from the MICE market JANUARY 25, 2012

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Want more? Have a nibble anytime:

your event is our businessWant spectacular views, world-class facilities and an award-winning team behind your next event? Call the Centre on 02 9282 5000, visit www.scec.com.au or read our blog by scanning the QR code with your smart phone.

SqueakOF THE WEEK

New Zealand conferences still going strong: CINZAuckland and Rotorua are seeing a spike in conferences and events while Christchurch

continues its earthquake recovery, but New Zealand's meetings industry is still performing

Louise Wallace

With most of the city centre reduced to rubble by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake last February, many hotels and conference facilities in Christchurch's city centre no longer exist.

Some facilities are awaiting significant repairs, but most buildings in the CBD are set to be demolished.

Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) chief executive, Alan Trotter, admits Christchurch's conferencing capabilities have been "seriously impacted" by the February quake, noting that the city once hosted 25% of all conferences with over 250 delegates.

But with most businesses effectively relocating to other parts of the country, Trotter asserted that New Zealand is still hosting a similar number of conferences and events.

"CINZ has been working closely with conference and meeting planners so as to retain the economic benefits for New Zealand," he told The Nibbler. "Meeting planners have

adapted well to the changed situation and have moved most conference business seemlessly to other parts of New Zealand."

Home to the largest conference facilities in New Zealand, Auckland and Rotorua are seeing the biggest gains, Trotter said, closely followed by Queenstown in the South Island.

But Christchurch isn't out of the picture, Trotter added, noting that the city was still hosting small to medium

conferences while its existing facilities are rebuilt.

With a "huge reservoir" of sympathy for the troubled city, Trotter expects Christchurch will re-emerge stronger than before when its conference facilities are restored.

"Christchurch can expect an avalanche of convention business from both New Zealand and overseas when the rebuild is complete," he said.

ICCA forum targets industry newbies

Steve Jones

Newcomers to the meetings industry will soak up the experience and knowledge of senior business leaders at a forum being held in Melbourne prior to the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME).

The International Congress and Conventions Association’s (ICCA) Forum for Young Professionals, now in its 12th year, will provide new employees under 30 years with career advice through interviews, case studies and networking.

The 2012 program, Growth Through innovation, also features addresses by senior industry figures.

The event takes place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on February 19-20 and is limited to 30 participants. Applications close on February 1.

"Turbulence and uncertainty are going to become the new norm in 2012. As to when things will improve, no one knows! But there will always be opportunities, even in the depths of a downturn."ICCA president Arnaldo Nardone

EDITOR: LOUISE.WALLACE@REEDBUSINESS.COM.AU | ADVERTISING: MONIQUE.SUMEGHY@REEDBUSINESS.COM.AU

Bite size news from the MICE market JANUARY 25, 2012

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Beachcomber’s eight exceptional resorts in Mauritius and stunning all-inclusive private island resort in the Seychelles are the perfect venues for your next group, incentive, meeting or conference. For expert assistance and a dedicated groups brochure and CD, email us or give us a call – whether it’s 10 or 200, we’ll work with you to put your group in the picture!

Freecall 1800 6324 268, email info@beachcomber.com.au

or visit www.beachcomber.com.au

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Social media bites backIndustry experts have warned businesses to ensure their product quality is up to scratch,

or risk being scorned by social media websites

Louise Wallace

As more businesses embrace the added marketing potential of online technology, the rise of social media is seeing more businesses incorporate social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn to their operations.

Meeting and Events Australia chief executive Linda Gaunt expects social media will "revolutionise" how businesses operate by 2015 and likely force some companies to adopt it to their operations to maintain their competitive edge.

But Millbank managing director John Hudson, warned that social media may pose a threat to businesses who don't adequately fulfill their promises.

"Social media has given customers a voice which can be like venom for businesses who don't perform as they should," he said. "If you're not doing things properly, you will get bitten."

Where companies could simply advertise their products several years ago, Hudson said social media platforms now made it possible for a single dissatisfied customer to ruin a business.

"Bad news spreads like wildfire, and it can be devastating for business if it reaches the right people," he said.

But it's not all bad news for the industry, said Hudson, who expects product quality will improve as a result.

"Awareness of the bite-back quality of social media is growing, and businesses are already

responding by making sure their quality is up to par, " he said. "We will see marketers do their best to ensure their product lives up to their promises, which is a good thing at the end of the day."

Star Alliance online

Star Allance has launched a new online booking tool for convention delegates, allowing organisers to streamline their bookings online.

The Conventions Plus booking platform allows organisers to direct clients to a dedicated online booking program where they can check real-time availablity and fares, book appropriate flights and purchase tickets online.

V Australia launches business class

Virgin Australia has introduced business class on most of its domestic routes in a bid to ramp up competition in Australian business travel.

Prices start from $429 one-way from Sydney to the Gold Coast.

EDITOR: LOUISE.WALLACE@REEDBUSINESS.COM.AU | ADVERTISING: MONIQUE.SUMEGHY@REEDBUSINESS.COM.AU

Bite size news from the MICE market

The BIG Cheese

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Andrew McEvoywith Tourism Australia managing director,

Up to 1,200 entertainment channels | 30kg luggage allowance | Gourmet food and wine | Award-winning service400 international awards and over 115 destinations worldwide including 29 in Europe. *Return Economy Class airfares are inclusive of taxes and surcharges correct at 4th January, 2012. Prices listed are for Melbourne and Perth departures, other states also on sale. Offer ends 17th February, 2012 for travel between 1st February, 2012 and 30th November, 2012. Prices quoted are for the low season. Flight restrictions and amendments and cancellation fees apply. ^Prices are per person, per night for a two night stay on a twin-sharing basis and subject to currency fluctuations and changes to the tariffs payable to hotels. Valid for bookings made for travel in between 1st May, 2012 and 30th September, 2012. For bookings made for travel up to and including 30th April, 2012 prices start from US $57 and from 1st October, 2012 up to and including 31st October 2012, prices start from US$60 per person, per night for a two night stay on a twin-sharing basis and subject to currency fluctuations and changes to the tariffs payable to hotels. Rooms subject to availability. For more information contact your Emirates’ Sales Team or the Emirates’ Contact Centre on 1300 880 599. EMI 3469/A

emiratesagents.com/au

New Year. New places to see. Choose from 40 destinations worldwide from only $1,773.*

Your clients can choose from any of our 29 European destinations, plus a range of cities in Africa and the Middle East. Business Class fares also on sale. Limited time only. Offer ends 17th February.

Athens From $1,889* Madrid From $1,848*Copenhagen From $1,858* Milan From $1,854*Dubai From $1,782* Muscat From $1,773*Dublin (new) From $1,856* St. Petersburg From $1,860*

Special fares also available for domestic interline connections. Ask your clients if they would like to break up their trip - Dubai hotel stopovers start from only US $39 per person, per night .̂

Fly Emirates. Keep discovering.

Welcome to

Welcome to the newest MICE newsletter aimed at delivering the latest information on the business and events sector. Each week The Nibbler will bring you exclusive coverage of the biggest news, thought-provoking comment from industry experts and features that will resonate with the MICE community.

Designed to include only the most relevant and interesting information, The Nibbler will bring you bite-sized stories from the MICE market in an interactive way. Free to subscribers, The Nibbler is brought to you by the Reed Group, the global media company that produces trusted, respected brands like AIME, Travel Today and Travel Weekly.

The great thing about my job is…it's all about motivating people to come to what I believe is the best country in the world.

The challenge for industry is…focusing only on those things they can do something about.

My greatest achievement is… yet to come.

The biggest thing in MICE this year will be…companies seeing the power of Australia's incentive offering to motivate their people.

Right now, the industry is really good at…delivering exceptional experiences with a distinctly Australian, no fuss style.

I try to relax by…swimming with my kids at Bronte

Beach in Sydney.

I don’t understand why…so many people say "one day" about Australia. That day has come, so seize it!

Currently the album playing on my iPod is…peace and quiet.

My favourite venue is…Eureka Towers observation deck in Melbourne.

I am scared to death of…nothing really. Worrying about what might happen is fairly unproductive.

I can’t live without…my family (Ali and our kids, Millie, Rupert and Edie).

Blackberry or iPhone…iPhone.

I really wish I had…stuck with learning languages.

If I could invite four people to a dinner party, they’d be…stuck with me – eating, drinking and hopefully having a laugh.

AIME IS MANAGED BY RTEAIME IS OWNED BY MCVBAIME IS PART OF THE REED TRAVEL EXHIBITIONS MEETINGS AND EVENTS PORTFOLIO

Asia-Pacifi c Incentives & Meetings Expo

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Melbourne, Australia

21-22 February 2012 | aime.com.au

Register today at aime.com.au/register

AIME. FOR A FIVE STAR EVENT.

Save the date: 21-22 February 2012If you’re involved in the organisation

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to fi nd your next big idea, no matter

how large or small your event.

Top 5 reasons to attend AIME 2012:

• Time management Book all your upcoming events in just two days!

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Register NOW at aime.com.au/register *Register now for free or pay $22 on the day