ICCA jazzes up the meeting industry in Vilnius

30/08/2010

One to one session

New meeting professionals gathered in Vilnius, Lithuania, last July (14th to 17th) for the annual ICCA Research Sales & Marketing Programme coupled for the first time with the Baltic Forum.

This latest new event brought together stakeholders from Baltic States to forge dialogue, create relationships and discuss the strategic importance of the meeting industry in the area. Alongside this, the Radisson Blu Lietuva also hosted the ICCA Research programme designed for newcomers in the industry who work within CVBs, and hotels, etc. to help them exchange experiences, make business, and win bids through varied sessions including one on one appointments and networking breaks to maximize dialogue, as well practical tips about the way to behave in front of clients, how you should dress, etc. During the workshops, the 134 delegates made live bids on a simulated RFP in the presence of meeting planners, and both sides expressed the do’s and don’ts on the subject. Delegates also had the chance to post questions before the events that were scheduled for them to then be answered live.

Among the main themes debated were the evolution of competition and new expectations: meeting planners told delegates they wanted more personalized and tailor-made offers and products. They want to experience a whole destination when organizing an event, and not only a venue. Destinations should learn how and when to work as a team and when as competitors: for instance, be united to defend a bid on a destination and then compete among cities. However, these are difficult challenges due to the presence of 4 generations on the market at the same time: traditionalists (mainly retires), baby boomers (retiring), generation X (managing) and generation Y (demanding) and the arrival of new actors like China. Meeting planners also require knowledge and networking opportunities: in short, to learn and exchange knowledge and support within the industry (charity for instance).

This double event was also a key occasion for Lithuania to find “new ambassadors for the destination” according to Jolanta Beniuliene, Director of the Vilnius City Tourist Office & Convention Bureau. The 2011 edition of the ICCA Research Sales & Marketing Programme will take place in Gdansk , Poland .

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