Thursday 19 July 2012

Candid India to handle ICPB's 7th Conventions India Conclave in Greater Noida

India Convention Promotion Bureau - Conventions India Conclave

India Convention Promotion Bureau - Conventions India Conclave (CIC)
20 - 21 August 2012 | India Exposition Mart Ltd, Greater NOIDA 
Held In Conjunction With IT&CM India (21 to 23 August 2012), Organised By TTG Events

Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions (MICE) market is a fast growing one and has exhibited a huge potential worldwide. It is a recognized fact that international and regional conferences contribute greatly towards building up of mutual goodwill and understanding, encourage interaction between nations, bring tremendous amount of knowledge and frontier technologies particularly for the developing countries.

There is a growing interest amongst tourists to experience the rich culture and heritage of India. With increasing opportunities for holidays and leisure, India is now becoming one of the leading venues for MICE in the region. The MICE infrastructure in the country has been developing rapidly and convention hotels and conference venues of international standards are being set up in cities across the country. With the corresponding expansion in the network of airline operations, and other infrastructure support, India is ready to position and market itself as an important MICE destination.

As mentioned, the prime focus of the Bureau is to disseminate information regarding the infrastructural facilities and related services available in India for organising Meetings, Incentives and Conventions and also to assist tourism industry to effectively market the MICE potential of India in the international markets.

Over the years, India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) has been organizing Conventions India Conclave as an educational and business promotion event. Conventions India Conclave (CIC) is not a traditional association convention, but is regarded to be South Asia’s premier networking event for buyers and sellers in the Indian meetings industry, organized on the patterns of EIBTM Barcelona and IMEX Frankfurt.

The Conclave of 2012 is of special importance, as this is being held in the background of a historic cooperation agreement with TTG Events, a business group of TTG Asia Media as of September 2011, to bring their flagship show IT&CMA and CTW to India as IT&CM India in 2012. To get the maximum advantage to MICE Industry segment, IT&CM India and CIC will run concurrently. This will be a super initiative for Indian MICE and give ICPB and India tremendous visibility and coverage as a destination as well as a key selling tool.


About ICPB

India Convention Promotion Bureau was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism in close co-ordination and consultation with the tourism and conference industry with the main objective to propagate India’s ability to hold conventions and conferences of all shapes and sizes. Additionally, ICPB is meant to be a catalyst to provide support to conference planners organizations, associations and other trade bodies, during bidding process for international conferences as well as to undertake marketing activities overseas. It provides a strong platform for bringing together buyers and sellers to generate knowledge and commercial opportunity to all concerned. Today, ICPB is the only MICE Industry grouping that can truly boast of participation from the entire industry, with members from hotels, airlines, tour operators, travel agents, professional conference organizers, event managers, educational institutions, central and state governments, media and more. ICPB is chaired by Mr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Additional Director General of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The management and operations are managed by a Governing Body having members from different segments of MICE Industry.

About TTG Events
Delivering The World’s Business To One Marketplace.
TTG Asia Media’s Events group promotes business opportunities by staging international trade events that bring industry suppliers and buyers to one marketplace. The group is the founder and organiser of the Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings (IT&CM) series of MICE and Corporate Travel events in Thailand (IT&CMA and CTW), China (IT&CM China) and India (IT&CM India). It is also the longest-running secretariat appointed to manage the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) Travel Exchange (TRAVEX). Other core trade events include Singapore Gifts & Stationery Show (SGSS) and International Feng Shui Convention (IFSC).

About TTG Asia Media
The Leading Travel and Tourism Publisher and Events Organiser In The Asia-Pacific.
Established in 1974, TTG Asia Media is at the forefront of the Asia-Pacific travel and tourism industry. Its authority encompasses the leisure trade, corporate travel and MICE domains. Through its three business groups, the company publishes leading regional trade titles for the travel industry, Singapore maps and guides for inbound tourists and organises international trade events.
www.ttgasiamedia.com

About the Conventions India Conclave and IT & CM India 2012
CIC 2012 scheduled on 20-21 August 2012 and IT & CM India scheduled on 21-23 August 2012, at India Exposition Mart Ltd, Greater NOIDA, is a highly focused marketing event that targets the conference planner with the objective of encouraging associations and corporate to hold more meeting type events and to encourage Indian associations to invite their international counterparts to bring in their international conventions to India. The event offers international and leading Indian exhibitors and buyers in the industry a dedicated avenue to showcase and procure business.

ICPB Members will show case their products for the benefit of both the Buyers and Sellers, national and international.

The Event would provide an opportunity to interact with the Bureau’s members who are specialists in the organization of meetings and conventions, with the aim of strengthening the brand positioning of `Incredible India’ as a MICE destination, buyers from overseas have also been invited to meet with suppliers from India’s MICE industry and experience the product for themselves. Also, to be included are corporate and large multi-national and trans-national corporations, who have an interest in improving their meeting related purchasing. During the Conclave, they would have opportunities to explore the possibilities of furthering their business opportunities in this emerging segment of the economy.

Another benefit of the event is the range of informal discussions which take place outside the formal program often setting the basis for future long-term relationships.

The participants from overseas would also have an opportunity to join the post tour being organized to give them an opportunity to inspect the infrastructural facilities and also view the diversity of India, its colours, tastes and the unique aromas.

About The Venue
The 2012 event will show case not only what is one of India’s top meeting – exposition venue but also Delhi NCR as a prominent position in regional and global events, with the dominance of advance technology, skilled workforce, improved infrastructure, logistic support and allied know-how. It would also showcase NCR that have understood what the business of convention is all about. The participants will also experience one of the newest and finer airport in South Asia.

India Expo Centre at Greater NOIDA, is the host venue for the Conclave 2012. It is the finest exposition and business center ever to take shape in India. Everything in this state–of-the-art complex has been created to make it the preferred destination for international business exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences and business meets in India.

About the Participants
Around 300 Representatives from National and International Associations, Conference Planners, Specialists from different disciplines, Hotels and Convention Venues, Government Departments, Professional Conference Organizers, Domestic and International Airlines, Professional Institutions for higher learning, Service Providers, Travel Agents organizing Meetings and Conferences, Indian Corporate, MNCS would be participating.

For More Details


For participation as a hosted buyer get in touch with Candid India team at conclave2012@icpb.org 

Saturday 7 July 2012

ILTM Cannes 2012- Hosted Buyer Program to open from 16th July


ILTM is the leading event for luxury travel where over 1,300 of the very finest high-end properties, most secluded destinations and desired experiences come to showcase what makes them the best in the industry. 

Like our VIP Buyers, our exhibitors go through a qualification process. Exhibitors must meet our luxury travel criteria before they are invited to exhibit at the show. Operating in this way ensures we can deliver you a first-class international selection of luxury travel products and services.


Being an ILTM VIP Buyer brings you face-to-face with those who can make your clients' experiences magical and unlike no other. Whether you're searching for culinary delights to awaken the senses, cultural discoveries to challenge the body and mind or a secret hideaway for ultimate relaxation, ILTM will give you the opportunity to meet one-to-one with 1,300 of the best providers in luxury travel from across the globe.

VIP BUYER QUALIFICATION

As a 'by invitation only' event, strict qualification processes are in place for all VIP Buyers. There is a  high demand on VIP Buyer places and it is only those applications who meet our luxury travel criteria that will be invited to attend the event.

ILTM VIP Buyers are required to fit the following:

  • Operate on an outbound basis
  • Operate in multiple markets (across 2 or more continents)
  • Show evidence of past and future business placed in luxury travel
  • Be an established player in the market place
  • Demonstrate that you regularly operate with suppliers of luxury travel products and services
  • Be a senior decision maker with the authority to procure luxury travel products and services
  • ILTM reserves all rights to refuse applications which do not meet the set criteria. VIP Buyer places are also limited per country therefore meeting the minimum criteria will not guarantee acceptance. 


THE VIP BUYER PROGRAMME

All VIP Hosted Buyers at ILTM are obliged to participate in the Pre-Scheduled Appointment Programme as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.

ILTM VIP Hosted Buyers benefit from:


  • Four day event programme
  • Personal appointment diary of up to 52 appointments with preferred suppliers
  • Expert educational content 
  • Luxury travel forums and debate
  • Exclusive evening networking events
  • Additional onsite networking features including; Spotlight on Luxury and Open Networking sessions
  • Opportunity to attend a Pre-event Familiarisation Tour
  • Up to a maximum of 4 nights luxury accommodation and airport transfers*
  • A limited number of hosted flights are available on a first come, first approved basis(buyers who attend ILTM for the full duration)*

Candid India will be shortlisting the names for this year's program from the Indian region. The objective is to introduce new companies to the show and give them an opportunity to get first hand product information from the suppliers at ILTM. There will be some key buyers from top outbound companies as well.

There will be 30-35 buyers from India at ILTM Cannes. ILTM will provide FULL hosting to only 10 Indian buyers, rest will be given SEMI hosting (accommodation and transfers only). 

For further information, please feel free to write to deepika@candidindia.com



Thursday 5 July 2012


REAL LUXURY TRAVEL GROWTH CELEBRATED AT ILTM ASIA 2012



ILTM Asia (International Luxury Travel Market Asia) 2012, the ‘invitation only’ exclusive event for planners and designers of bespoke luxury travel experiences, closed its sixth edition in Shanghai today, announcing that over 21,000 business appointments had taken place during the three day event.
Dedicated to delivering a business environment where VIP hosted buyers meet luxury travel suppliers on an exclusive one-to-one basis, this year’s event saw 440 buyers - an increase of 20% on last year’s event - and suppliers attend the show from 20 countries across the Asia Pacific.
“Returning to ILTM Asia for the third consecutive year we recognise the benefit of attending this show. Everyone is aware of the changing face of business and as we target Chinese and Indian consumers for growth, ILTM Asia has ensured the quality and calibre of buyers reflects this,” said Kozue Murakami, Head of Far East Sales, Maybourne Hotel Group.vws
“Great calibre of buyers, inspirational panel discussions and extremely beneficial networking events; there is no question we will be returning next year. With all eyes set on doing business with China, no other event offers the same range and level of opportunity to build relationships with top tier buyers from the Asia Pacific region,” added Mark Beverlo, International Sales Manager of The Ritz London.
As well as the established classics of luxury travel, ILTM Asia celebrates the independent and innovative experiences for the benefit of the Asia Pacific region’s most discerning luxury travel buyers.
“This was our first experience of an ILTM event. The quality of buyers is incredible and has opened up a host of new markets for us in the Asia Pacific region. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the media from such a range of diverse countries and allow me the opportunity to introduce Zambezi Queen to this region,”said Tony Stern, CEO, Owner and Designer of Africa’s luxury river safari Zambezi Queen.
Brigitte Lammle of boutique cruises Antarctica XX1 commented, “This is our second ILTM Asia and we have been so busy we ran out of our material! We have seen repeat customers who are now active clients, and also met many new ones. The quality is good and the Asian market is booming. Thanks to ILTM Asia, 1/5th of our maximum capacity is now sold to the Chinese, despite people thinking that the Chinese market is taking time to access.
With 231 buyers new to ILTM Asia Mr. Brent Wallace of Fairflights Australia, summed up the agent experience:
“ILTM Asia has been the source of my business success over the last five years. I never thought there would be more to thrill me in luxury travel, but there is and it’s all here at this year’s event,” he said.
Jenny Shabudin of TravCheq Travel, Malaysia added:
This is the best – I have met many new business opportunities – new ideas that have really excited and inspired me.”
Mr Oliver Yang, Xiao Chun of Yoo Elite Travel commented:
ILTM Asia just gets better and better and it’s not just the industry leaders like Aman Resorts, XO Private and Silversea, but the smaller experiences in which my clients are increasingly interested.  In fact, my clients are often the first Chinese visitors to many of these destinations.”
And Frank Lin of Shanghai’s Affordable Luxury Network said:
ILTM Asia is the most productive conference in premier and luxury travel as it’s here that we are really seeing that the industry is increasingly tailoring their offers to Chinese consumers.”
One of the many highlights of this year’s event was the Opening Forum where figureheads from the luxury travel industry, including Ho Kwon Ping of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, shared their insights into Chinese consumer preferences.
“This year’s Opening Forum guest speaker was the most refreshing I can remember. In this industry, honesty is much appreciated. As a native from this market, I feel Ho Kwon Ping gave the qualified perspective we all needed,” said Mr. Vajravon Tasukon, Director of Marketing and Communications for Chiva-Som.
First time exhibitor Richard Schilling, General Manager of the Hotel Martinez in Cannes, France added:
ILTM Asia has allowed us to visit 20 countries in 3 days – better than an intensive 3 week dedicated roadshow. We have met key new buyers from Australia, Korea and Taiwan including one who wanted to book 20 rooms a week from August to October for VIP clients – we are delighted.”
ILTM Asia also confirmed the growth in demand for adventure, culture and authenticity for the leisure travel itineraries of high net worth individuals across the Asia Pacific. 
Alison Gilmore, ILTM Asia Exhibition Director concluded “ILTM Asia 2012 has revealed a real demand for curated elite travel experiences from the emerging affluent youth in the Asia Pacific region. The results of this year’s show prove once more that ILTM Asia is the leading luxury travel forum to generate new business across this exciting region, as well as confirm long-standing relationships.”
ILTM Asia 2013 will take place 3rd – 6th June 2013, again in Shanghai.  ILTM’s focus will now turn to the launch of ILTM Americas taking place from 1st – 3rd October 2012 in Mayakoba, Mexico, and the continued success of ILTM, 3rd – 6th December 2012 in Cannes, France.  ILTM events are organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions a business unit of Reed Exhibitions. 

Tuesday 3 July 2012


IMEX America Announces Sustainability Results From Inaugural 2011 Show
In line with its principles of consistently reducing environmental impact, organizers of IMEX America, the IMEX Group, have announced key results from the inaugural Las Vegas show’s first sustainability program. The report was conducted by IMEX America’s sustainability consultants, MeetGreen®
During the debut of IMEX America in October 2011 in Las Vegas, the IMEX Group set out to collect extensive baseline data against which it could set sustainable benchmarks and report environmental achievements and progress over future years.  The measures included creating programs and partnerships with all major constituents of the trade show including sponsors, exhibitors, attendees, and vendors/service providers. They also incorporated a range of other business activities such as back-office functions.
Green Best Practices Are Where the Rubber Meets the Road
As promised, the IMEX America show featured a number of meetings sustainabilty best practices at the Sands Expo and in various partner hotels. They included the use of show badges and hosted buyer luggage tags made from recycled paper, badge lanyards made from plant silk and sustainable badge holders.  Show bags were reusable and made of recyclable polypropylene, exhibitor waste baskets were reused or recycled,  signage was sourced within 100 miles of the event  and 99% of those signs are now being stored locally for re-use next year.  Additionally, a three-minute anti-idling policy was put in place for all hosted buyer transfer buses. The audio visual company also agreed to source the most efficient lighting and presentation projectors available as well as participating in a lamp-recycling program.
Green  and CSR Meetings Programs Extend Reach Through Innovation
To expand the reach of IMEX America’s green and CSR efforts to the local community, and around the globe, IMEX partnered closely with the IMEX America headquarters hotel and convention center The Venetian®|The Palazzo® and Sands Expo. The company also worked with local non-profits, additional hotels and global non-profit organizations in Las Vegas.
For example, while IMEX America attendees were staying in town they were also helping to provide 563 needy children with enough soap and 280 children with enough bottled amenities for a month’s worth of basic hygiene needs. This was made possible through IMEX’s partnership with Clean the World, a non-profit organization based in Florida that collects gently-used soap and used bottled toiletries from hotel rooms and then recycles, sanitizes and donates them to children in over 42 countries. Las Vegas hotels participating in the IMEX America Clean the World Program included headquarters hotel The Venetian®|The Palazzo®, Wynn, Encore, Caesars Palace, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Cosmopolitan, Bellagio, Hard Rock, MGM Grand Las Vegas, the Mirage Resort and Casino, Mandalay Bay, Mandarin Oriental, ARIA Resort and Casino, and Vdara Hotel and Spa.
Working closely with the show’s exhibition venue, the Sands Expo, the IMEX America team also opted to use compostable rather than disposable service-ware wherever possible. After use it was taken - along with food waste - to a local compost facility to help reduce landfill. In an effort to repurpose any original disposable service-ware that couldn’t be used, IMEX and the Sands also donated items to the Teacher Exchange, a Las Vegas non-proft that collects supplies for resource-deprived teachers.
Unique badge-back idea
IMEX America attendees were also encouraged to recycle their badges on their way out of the show by placing them in a box designated to one of two local non-profit organizations: Opportunity Village, which employs people with intellectual disabilities in Las Vegas, and Shade Tree who provide safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis. Each of them received a cash donation from IMEX America and the badge-back sponsors, Estoril (Portugal), based on how many badges were collected from their respective collection boxes placed at the show exits.
“Our mission going into the show was to reduce, reuse, recycle and respect,” said Carina Bauer CEO of the IMEX Group. “We think we made some very positive strides towards doing these things right out of the gate and are looking forward to making our performance even stronger at the 2012 show through more innovation, more partnerships and more knowledge about the best way to implement sustainable practices in Las Vegas. Being as green as possible is an important part of the IMEX culture and we extend this commitment into our professional education programs because we know that many others in the industry share the same desire to minimize environmental impact in systematic and measurable ways.”
The Bar is Set With Benchmarks
To establish green and CSR goals for the 2012 IMEX America show, IMEX and its Sustainability Partners, MeetGreen®, now have some important benchmark data on which to measure success. For example, recycled material from The Venetian®|The Palazzo® and Sands was clocked at 66.4 tons and food donated to a Las Vegas food emergency service amounted to 156.5 lbs.  The carbon footprint avoided during the show amounted to 1.52 metric tonnes of Co2E. IMEX America’s decision to use 95% post-consumer recycled paper wherever possible also resulted in 39 trees, 15 million BTUs of energy and 16K+ gallons of water being saved.  Finally, by eliminating bottled water at show-sponsored events and in locations such as the hosted buyer lounge and press center, over 28k liters of water was saved, with a measurable saving also in the energy and oil that goes into plastic bottle manufacture.
Looking ahead, Bauer stated: “Given that the APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Event Standards have now been launched we are benchmarking the IMEX America show practices against Level 1 of the standards.  Fortunately, we have the enthusiastic support of our major suppliers to do what can be done to implement as much as possible for IMEX America 2012.  Realistically, we expect that achieving Level 1 will require a multi-year commitment from both our internal team and our vendor partners. We will be documenting our experiences throughout this process and intend to share that as our story unfolds.”
http://www.imexamerica.com/editorsnotes.html
About IMEX America
IMEX America is America’s worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events and is already the largest trade show for the industry in the USA. The second edition will take place at the Sands Expo, Las Vegas, (which is connected to the show's Headquarters Hotel, The Venetian®|The Palazzo®), Oct 9 – 11, 2012.
The show's strategic partner and premier educational provider is MPI, who power “Smart Monday” - Oct. 08 – a full day of education on the day prior to the tradeshow. Smart Monday also includes a range of high level education delivered by other partners and associations; including Association Focus – a conference within a conference for association meeting planners – delivered by ASAE, ICCA and PCMA.