the news of the

NEWSLETTER ABOUT THE MEDITERRANEAN CHAPTER NEWS & EVENTS Spring - Summer 2006 • 2nd Issue Production & Editorial Sponsored by Capsis Creative & Marketing Department -

Future is ours through a widened This ICCA Congress will be very different! cooperation between us... My dear ICCA Friends, Dear Friends

t has been almost two years since we started the n behalf of the ICCA Greek Host Committee and indeed on behalf of rebirth of Mediterranean Chapter. We proudly the entire meetings industry of Greece, I am proud and honoured to I proved that a chapter can act and improve her if O be inviting you all to participate in this year's General Assembly and a will can be put behind it. We have succeeded to Congress on the beautiful island of Rhodes. I am particularly proud that the bring the ICCA Annual Meeting to Rhodes and selected venue for this year's event is the Sofitel Capsis Hotel and Marika ICCRM to . We are invited and happily accept- Capsis 2000 Convention Centre, conceived, owned and operated by the ed the cooperation offer from UK/ Chapter Capsis family, who extend their own warm welcome. (thanks a lot Your Greek ICCA colleagues are keen to show you all the many develop- for their kind ments that have recently taken approach). Mustafa F. Gurbuz place in Greece, particularly since Irini Varda-Capsis We even win the successful hosting of the 2004 the horse race Summer Olympic Games. We aim to Chairperson in Uruguay take advantage of the winds of through the change that have blown though our Mediterranean Responsible for unbelievable country over this period: Greece has Chapter effort of created a new look in all aspects of the ICCA MED Achille... We tourism, with a new Ministry of Chapter Newsletter are the first Tourism and many new infrastruc- chapter who has a logo promoted through stickers ture projects, and thanks to the and pins. We had the honor of having our own web Olympics has earned new levels of respect from the meetings marketplace. site and DVD. What is left to do? A lot more... We as a group will help our friends in Greece to succeed The ICCA Congress has always been a resourceful and quick means of gain- the annual Meeting. We will all be there to share the ing new knowledge on the future of our industry and its trends, as well as honor of their success. As of the speaker cooperation obtaining stronger local and global business opportunities. This year we we have started, we will continue the effort by par- aspire to even greater heights: ICCA's Head Office team, the PCO-led ticipating to ICCRM as whole availing an ICCA record Meetings Advisory Group, and the members of your Local Host Committee of participation. We will share and increase our have put together an extremely innovative congress: the latest technology, experience with our combined meeting with exciting new meeting formats, a thought-provoking mix of outside and UK/Ireland.Chapter. inside experts including top clients in the education programme. We are con- vinced that these and other new innovations will enable you to go away We share the proud of success stories of our all mem- with fantastic ideas that you can immediately adapt to make your own busi- bers, as of they are ours. I hope we all have a lot of ness more successful. stories of honor and success to be printed in future Our host venue, the largest resort convention centre in Greece, is located on issues of our newsletter. an island which combines all the advantages of a modern, professional and cosmopolitan European city with the timeless beauties of the Aegean: its tra- Thanks a lot for the all the effort and support you ditions, customs, hospitality, natural environment, sunshine, and cul- have put behind the ideas of developing our chap- ture. This mix will enable you to truly combine business with pleasure in an ter, developing our mission. unforgettable ICCA congress experience.

Future is ours through a widened cooperation Along with all your Greek colleagues, I look forward to welcoming between us... you to a world where the climate is as warm as the hospitality of our people, and where the herb scented aromas of the Aegean link Wish you all the best of everything... ancient civilizations with today's modern Greek culture

General Manager, Serenas Group Commercial Director, Capsis Convention Centres & Resort Hotels & Chairperson of the Greek Host Committee (ICCA CONGRESS) one RE-ORGANIZE YOUR MEETINGS AGENDA FOR 2006

his year TravelExtra offers you to be in the middle of the European MICE & Spa market by presenting the outstanding proj- Ô ects which will take place on the bridge of Eurasia; Istanbul. The chain of organizations has been begun with the Spa & Luxury Show on 10 - 12 February 2006 in Istanbul and will be followed by MICETURKEY MICE & Spa Workshop on May 6, Civil Aviation & Airlines Congress on June 6, The International Spa & Luxury Show on September 15 - 17 and finally, TravelExtra Incentive Exhibition & Congress on November 25. Further information will be available on www.travelextra.org very soon.

Contact Person: Onur Bucak, TravelExtra (Ekstra Exhibition Limited), Phone: +90 212 219 8646, E-mail: [email protected], www.travelextra.org

BTC 2006, the MICE sector stock exchange

arch 2006 - More corporate demand, increase and An important innovation has been introduced to facilitate con- diversification of buyers according to the needs of tact among professionals: all exhibitors will be given the buyer Ì national and international offer, an organisation list in advance to fix appointments independently thanks to a which places exhibitors at the system core and is aimed at facil- specific software. itating the highest possible number of contacts among market Aiming at buyer increase and greater involvement of the players: Btc gets ready to fight and, relying on the positive main decision makers from national and international results and signals that characterised the 2005 edition, presents companies its guidelines for the next edition of the event, which will be Only demand can guarantee that this sector will increase: the held from 7th to 9th aim of Btc 2006 is to take November 2006 in Florence, 1,100 buyers to the fair Italy. (50% Italians and 50% for- BTC, the place where the eigners) and reach a 20% negotiations for the increase compared to the Mice world take place last edition. On this front The MICE world has the action plan includes changed, as has the way steps aimed at the involve- professionals in this sector ment of the main decision do business: shorter and makers and a strong selec- shorter planning and book- tion of players, to which ing times, reduced budgets, the Technical Committee of great attention to return on the Btc System and the net- investment, stronger com- work of contacts and petition among offer trans- strategic cooperation acti- actors and significant vated by the organisation weight of new players in decision-making: Btc 2006 fits its proj- on the national and international level will contribute. ect to an Italian sector in need of a more international and More contacts in shorter time: Btc 2006 draws the entrepreneurial attitude and presents the 2006 edition as the exhibiting space anew privileged place of business and negotiations of the MICE Space has been reorganised to allow exhibitors and visitors the world. This is done in three steps taking shape from the results highest possible number of contacts in the shortest time. In of the first edition organised by Exmedia: 1,000 hosted buyers, addition, a specific space for stately homes will be created, 880 exhibitors, 5,207 visitors, 12,800 appointments carried out because this typology of exhibitor is highly required by nation- between supply and demand. al and international buyers. Offer: aiming at increase and higher qualification Moreover, to assure more contacts in shorter time, the appoint- More supply, more demand: the increase foreseen for exhibitors ment system has been planned anew and it now includes the is 10%. However, mostly relying on one of the strong points in possibility for buyers and exhibitors to fix free appointments by the 2005 edition, the exhibitors are still at the core of the Btc using the Btc website directly, which will be transformed into a System. This has two main meanings: flexible and diversified real pre-negotiation market for supply and demand in the 2006 trade propositions as well as overall accuracy in selecting buyers edition. and contacts. Contact Person: Marta Pieralli, BTC International - In particular, the trade offer has been rationalized and prices International Meetings Conventions and Incentives Fair, have remained unchanged compared to last year. Four different Phone: :+39 055 261021, E-mail: [email protected], www.btc.it packages are proposed to exhibitors. two SERENAS proudly announces its merge with ICS

ince our latest newsletter, SERENAS has been busy preparing herself for her partnership with ICS. As many S of you know, ICS - International Congress Services head- quartering in , have offices in , Canada, Chili and Argentina. SERENAS and ICS had been in an alliance relationship for some time and couple months ago, they have made an important business decision to sign a partnership agreement officially. After the legal issues are finalized in the next few months, the company will be called ICS-SERENAS. As a result of this partnership SERENAS becomes an INCON member as well. Before the offical announcement of this incident, ICS and SERENAS have exhibited together at the EIBTM in Barcelona last November. Offical launch of this partnership is tionships with other companies. For example, AIMS planned to be held at the IMEX in Frankfurt in May. Mr. Congress and SERENAS will be organizing a conference for United Nations Development Programme in near future. It Mustafa Gurbuz, CEO of SERENAS, is happy to say that SERENAS seems to be that this conference will follow a series and other employees are very excited, proud and enthusiastic about this related conferences will follow. Furthermore, SERENAS and development. As a result, SERENAS now have offices in Ovation Group from Ireland are cooperating on another inter- three continents and in seven different countries. national meeting. In addition, SERENAS as an active member of ICCA, is holding this year's ICCRM (International Congress & ICS and SERENAS have already started to work together. Convention Researchers Meeting) in June, in Antalya, Turkiye. European Cystic Fibrosis Society will be holding its conference in SERENAS continues to bid for international meetings while Antalya, Turkiye in 2007 and ICS-SERENAS is serving as their core keeping her strong presense in the local market. PCO. SERENAS is also working hard towards achieving designa- tion as core PCOs of different societies in Europe. Contact Person: AYSE ZEYNEP ASKIN-ERTEN, SERENAS GROUP, Phone: +90 212 263-7540 etx. 123, Meanwhile, SERENAS have contiuned its presence in the E-mail: [email protected], www.serenasgroup.com international congress market and developed its rela-

SETUR NEWS

ounded in 1965, Setur is active in all areas of the tourism sec- representing a 70% tor, and its successes, both national and international, and Cruise market share. Setur is also the author- F its pioneering activities place it at the forefront of the sec- ized sales representative tor in Turkey. in Turkey for Orient Express and Gulliver By the beginning of 2005, Mr. Ustun Ozbey with 22 years of expe- Travel Associates. rience in the tourism field, was assigned as General Manager of Setur by Koc Holding. With many national and international suc- Setur was elected "The cess stories to its name over the years, and an experienced work- Most Qualified Travel force, Setur intends to continue to operate on the principles of Agency" in 2005 and quality and distinction, and to protect its primary place in the took honour in "Quality tourism sector by being a company of vision combined with expe- in Tourism Sector-Skalite rience. 2005 Awards", organized by Skal International Istanbul.

2001 saw the establishment of BookinTurkey.com, an internet com- After being awarded the Super Brand title in 2005, at the same pany set up under the auspices of Setur Tourism Agency, to provide year Setur got ahead of its competitors and was elected "The Best corporates and individuals with information on tourism products Tour Operator", as result of research carried out by the prestigious and services, and allow on-line reservations to be made for these economy magazine Capital among directors of more than 1,350 products and services. The quality of the service offered is evident companies. from the fact that BookinTurkey.com was voted 'Turkey's Best Tourism Portal' in 2002, 2003 and 2004. Between 25-27 May 2006 and under the patronage of the Turkish Society of Plastic Surgeons Setur will act as the PCO of Seventeenth In 2004 Setur succeeded in becoming the Turkish representative for Annual Meeting of EURAPS Cruise Line, an internationally famous name in the tourism indus- (European Association of Plastic Surgeons) in Istanbul. try, and this was followed in 2005 by another success story for Setur Contact Person: I. Melih Siner, Setur Service Touristic Inc., in becoming Turkey's official Costa Cruise representative. As of the Phone: 90-216-5543810, E-mail: [email protected], end of 2005, Setur's total Cruise turnover amounted to $5.5 million, www.setur.com three 14th ESGO CONGRESS (European Society of Gynecological Oncology)

uropean Society of Gynecological Oncology was held in Hilton Istanbul Convention & Congress Center between 25 - 29 September 2005. It provided an opportunity for academicians ,professionals in various related fields from all over the world. Most of the par- E ticipants stayed at Hilton Istanbul,located in the heart of the city, situated in 15 acres gardens overlooking the wonderful Bosphorus. Apart from having busy schedule participants enjoyed their stay at Hilton Istanbul as the hotel is also in the congress valley and is walking distance entertainment/shopping areas and historical herritages. Also the organizing committee has arranged a colorful social programme which the participants enjoyed the Turkish hospitality and the amazing city Istanbul during the fall of 2005.

Contact Person: Bike Toku, Hilton Istanbul, Phone: :0090 212 315 60 22, E-mail: [email protected], www.Hilton.com

Sofitel Capsis Hotel Rhodes & Convention Centre "Marika Capsis 2000" bets and wins…

ofitel Capsis Hotel Rhodes & Convention Centre "Marika Capsis 2000" (the largest convention centre of Greece) S was selected to be the main hosting Hotel Convention Centre for the Congress of the World Lottery Association, which will be organized by the Greek Lottery representative, OPAP S.A. in Rhodes, Greece in September 2008.

Mr. Vasilis Neadas, Managing Director of the Greek OPAP S.A., dedicated this success to the employees' efforts of OPAP, the Capsis Team and the beauty of the Dodecanese Island. The Sofitel Capsis Hotel Rhodes & Convention Centre "Marika Capsis Sofitel Capsis Hotel Rhodes & Convention Centre "Marika Capsis 2000" is the largest convention centre in Greece and one of the 2000" will be the Central Convention and Exhibition Center of largest in Europe with total capacity of 8.000 persons. It offers the event and nearby hotels will accommodate part of the 100 meeting rooms of various capacities and an exhibition space events, as well as, offer hospitality to a number of participants. totaling in 5.990 m2. Its largest Plenary Hall seats up to 3.400 persons and is one of the few of that capacity in the The presentation of the can- Mediterranean with natural light. The new Convention centre is didature was carried out modern and fully-equipped while its personnel are highly expe- during the Association's rienced and specialized. It provides state-of-the-art audiovisual Congress in Mexico, at and telecommunication equipment, as well as, advanced trans- Merida city between lation systems and was definitely one of the strongest and most February 2 and 5, 2006. critical points for the selection of the Greek candidature. OPAP S.A. was represented by a 5-member committee This Meeting Hotel is locat- led by Mr. Vasilis Neadas ed in front of the Ixia and Mr. Sotiris Colosousas, Beach, 5 minutes from the member of the Board and old town of Rhodes. It's set- Vice President of the tled in a wonderful location European Lottery with an astounding view of Association. the Aegean Sea and sur- rounded by palm trees, a The impressive tender dossier of Rhodes Island (373 pages), lake and colorful gardens. It which was prepared by the OPAP's respective department in has 691 rooms, including 40 cooperation with Mrs. Irini Varda - Capsis and the Sales and superior suites and a VIP Marketing Departments of Capsis Convention Centres & Resort floor with luxurious suites Hotels, competed successfully those of Santiago (Chile) and and VIP lounge. The Hotel Hanover (). The Evaluation Committee announced the also has 3 restaurants and 4 bars, 3 swimming pools, a fully- results during the Congress closing ceremony and was wel- equipped Gym, and a tennis court. Visitors have the opportuni- comed by the attendants. ty to play water polo, ping pong, snooker, bridge and engage in various water games and water sports within the hotel's private It's worth mentioning that the island of Rhodes and Greece in section of Ixia beach. general will receive worldwide promotion, something that will Contact Person: Irini Varda-Capsis, Sales & Marketing result in broad acceptance of the unceased efforts of OPAP S.A. Director, Capsis Convention Centres & Resort Hotels, GREECE, and its Management for advancing the company's image and Phone: +30 210 6142 083 / 7, E-mail: [email protected], strengthen its position in international fora. www.capsis.gr

four GREECE´S LEADING RESORT AWARD

t is a great pleasure to announce that Astir Palace Vouliagmeni has been I granted with the prestigious award as Greece´s LEADING RESORT by the WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2005 The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the enormous achievements to be found in all sector of the hospitali- ty industry. Voting is cast by travel agents in over 200 countries around the world. Thousands of votes each year are registered online at the official World Travel Awards website (www. world travelawards.com). This Gala Award ceremo- ny took place on November 13th in London. Astir Palace is also nominated for 2006 Greece's and Europe's Leading Resort Award. Greece´s Leading Resort - This international distinction is a great achieve- ment for Astir Palace. It reflects the commitment of the company to quality, development and attention to high service standards. The return of the luxury hotel complex, after its extensive renovation in 2004, delivers a new concept to exclusivity, distinguished services and premier facilities.

Contact Person: DOROTHEA BAYER KOUKOULAKIS, ASTIR PALACE VOULIAGMENI, Phone: :0030-210 8902000, E-mail: [email protected], www.astir-palace.com

Fiera Milano Congressi News

iera Milano Congressi is the company in the Fiera Milano SpA group set up in 1994 for the management of con- F ferences and conventions. In just over 10 years of activi- ty Fiera Milano Congressi has confirmed itself as leader in Italy, thanks to the capacity and flexibility of its rooms, the high tech- nology used, its efficiency and the wide range of services avail- able. The figures speak for themselves: 216 thousand partici- pants took part in conferences and conventions hosted by Fiera Milano Congressi in 2003-2004 (the business year that finished Milan in October 2004 after its stints in New York and Frankfurt, on 30th June 2004) and of these presences no less than 113 the annual appointment with SAP Forum. thousand attended large conventions, international confer- Fiera Milano Congressi has not one, but two structures ideal for ences and events not linked to exhibition events. welcoming large business conventions and conferences, one in "Growth of Fiera Milano Congressi has been so rapid", observes fieramilanocity, the city-based exhibition district and the other its CEO Maurizio Lupi, "but it peaked after the FMC Center in fieramilano, the new trade fair complex. opened, the modern functional complex that has permitted us to bring major international events back into the city after a The FMC Center, inside fieramilanocity, is the largest capacity very long absence". Since 2002, when the FMC Center was inau- conference centre in Italy: it in fact offers a seating capacity of gurated, FMC has been the venue for large medical conventions 10,000 and over 31,000 m² of total exhibition space. The FMC (for example the 77th National Urology Conference in 2004, the Center, entirely wired and air-conditioned, has a Plenary Room XVI Smart Conference and the European Society of with 5,000 places, 36 rooms with modular capacity from 10 to Hypertension Conference, May and June 2005 respectively), 2000 places, an open space for gala dinners with seating capac- institutional events of a world calibre, like the World ity of up to 3,000. Conference on Climate - COP 9 (5 thousand delegates), business and association meetings with large numbers attending, like The Stella Polare Congress Center, located inside the new the assembly of the Banca Popolare di Milano, the Pirelli 2004 fieramilano exhibition complex, has 9 modular rooms with a and IBM 2005 conventions, the Annual Confindustria 2004 capacity from 81 to 728 and a 739-seat auditorium (giving a Conventions (3,500 people) which had not been held in Milan total of more than 2,400 seats) in addition to an exhibition area for twenty years, the World Business Forum, which came to linked to the rooms measuring no less than 40,000 m², all on the same level and without pillars. Another 64 meeting rooms must be added to the Convention Centre, distributed throughout the district.

Contact Person: Achille Lanzarini, Fiera Milano Congressi Spa, Phone: :+39.02.4997.7771, E-mail: [email protected], www.fieramilanocongressi.it five XIII World Congress of PROMO LEADER SERVICE NEWS Psychiatry romo Leader Service has meco Travel was the local PCO for recently acquired two the XIII World Congress of P other services companies E Psychiatry was held in Cairo, Egypt in health fields: Centro Consulenze from 10-15 September 2005. It was the which is Consultant firm for first time in the 55 years history of the Pharmaceutical companies and WPA that the World Congress of the WPA manages PR, Advertising and was held in the African continent, in the Marketing budgets and is also a Middle East, in an Arab country, in Egypt. CME provider for Italian Minister of Health and OK SALUTE, an Nearly 6000 delegates represent 119 coun- Internet Service Agency that with tries and, for the first time in a world con- is health portal www.okmedico.it gress, 15 African countries were repre- has more than 145.000 doctors and nurses registered: it can make difference on e- sented. The largest delegate presented marketing and communication approach for international and national congresses. was from Egypt 676 psychiatrists, followed by India 317, 196, United States 176, Our headquarter is in the wonderful city of Florence; today, we are glad to inform 175, Turkey 142, you that our offices are now also settled in Milan, Venice, Trieste, Rome and new 142, Canada 139, 138, 137, opening in Turin next June. Greece 132, and Saudi Arabia 104. Contact Person: LUIGI CAMMI, PROMO LEADER SERVICE, Phone: :+39 (0)55.2462428, E-mail: [email protected], For the first time in a WPA World www.promoleader.com Congress, the opening ceremony was attended by 2900 psychiatrists and it was both a pleasure and an honor for Egypt to host this historical event. Venice Convention News The international Pharmaceutical Federation - FIP he global executive event organizer naseba is proud to announce the 4th annual MICE Europe Congress in partnership with Venice Ô Convention, Newtours S.p.a, Starwood Hotels Italy and BBC World.

Over 200 senior Marketing, Communications and Event senior executives from top European and multinational corporations are personally invited to attend by naseba, pre qualified to be the ultimate decision makers for sourcing and planning events for their corporations.

During two days, in the exclusive and captive environment of the Palazzo Del Casino, Lido Island Venice, the invited corporate buyers are scheduled 1-1 busi- Every year FIP organize the world congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, ness meetings with global solution providers including Hotels and Resorts, where thousand of pharmacists meet, Congress Centres, Convention Bureaus, Destination Management Companies learn, share and exchange views. and event software companies.

This year Cairo-Egypt hosted the 65th Networking parties include: an exclusive reception at the Palazzo Ducale, din- annual congress. Emeco Travel was ner at the Ca Vendramin, gala dinner at the Westin Excelsior. appointed as the local organizer . Participants will take part in an interactive conference program featuring case Year 2005 was a very successful year for studies from industry leaders such as: Oracle, Siemens, Volkswagen, Nike, FIP Congress as they reached more than Sanofi-Aventis, or Arla , on key issues affecting the European MICE indus- 2000 delegates between foreigners and try. locals.

Contact Person: Mamdouh Saba, Contact Person: Enrico Jesu Emeco Travel, Phone: 202 5773011, Venice Convention by Lido di Venezia - Eventi & Congressi Spa, E-mail: [email protected], Phone: :+39 041 2420330, www.emeco.com E-mail: [email protected], www.veniceconvention.com six C&C International organized in Greece, one of the largest European Medical Congress A record size event for the Greek Conference Tourism!!

t is The 41st European Annual Meeting for the Study of Diabetes (EASD 2005), one of the major scientific events I worldwide, was recently hosted in Athens for the first time, successfully organized by the Greek Conference Organizer C&C International .

The particular congress by general belief is considered the lead- ing scientific event to ever take place in Greece. The conference was appraised by delegates as the most successful congress in the EASD history, considering the significant participation of opinion leader scientists from around the world.

C&C was praised publicly by the European and Local Organizing Committees for its superb organization of all segments of the rators, while the congress secretariat operated 50 working sta- congress. tions with 38 Lap tops reaching an average waiting period per delegate of one minute at most. EASD 2005 in Numbers "From September 10-15, 2005 the scientific program of the con- In terms of technical infrastructure C & C International gave pri- gress was attended by 12.841 delegates from 100 different ority to the supply of IT support and Internet bandwidth in a countries. quality and quantity far above the level of any previous medical The Scientific Program about Diabetes included 1,195 conferences held in Greece. presentations, 218 scientific sessions, 390 plenary ses- sions with 320 Key Note speakers and 350 Journalists A High-Speed Internet Corner was operating during all days from various International Media. and hours of the Conference, while the Conference Center was transformed into a wireless "Hot Spot" for the needs of the del- As the Managing Director of C&C pointed out, in order to real- egates and exhibitors. The Network could support 400 concur- ize the size of the project you have to consider that one scien- rent users on-line and it was fully protected by advanced secu- tific session of the congress alone was attended by 8,000 dele- rity and antivirus Software. gates in two conference rooms, while simultaneously there was broadcasting in the internet and another 100 stations around Additionally, a wireless call Center had been set up in all areas the world through cable TV. of the conference venue that supported all the internal and external communication needs of the Conference personnel. In addition to the scientific program, remarkable social events were organized, exclusively for the EASD delegates, such as a Specific attention was given to the Press Room , with 50 work- performance of Ancient Tragedy at the Herodion Theatre under ing stations operating with online computers, copy machines , the feet of the Acropolis. fax and laser printers. Lastly Specialized Technical personnel was on call 24 hours a day providing support as needed It is worth mentioning that in order for C&C International to successfully manage the project and respectively obey the inter- Furthermore, the following services were available dur- national organizational standards set forth by the International ing the congress, also proven to be of great value. Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO), of • 2 Exclusive Use Press Conference Rooms which is a member, it engaged about 500 specialized collabo- • 5 Information Desks located in various crucial areas of the Conference Venue. • Exterior Supervising working stations, responsible not only for security monitoring services but also offering information to arriving/departing delegates about the Conference Center • Hospitality Desks for receiving delegates upon arrival at the airport, and receiving Positions at the public transportation sta- tions for directing delegates to the social events venues.

Contact Person: Anastasia Vatsika, C & C INTERNATIONAL S.A. CONVENTIONS & CONGRESSES, Phone: :(+30) 210 6889100, E-mail: [email protected], www.cnc.gr seven New Gloria Suites - opening in Summer 2006

he new Gloria Suites of Gloria Golf Resort will be opening in Summer of 2006. Located in the beautiful garden, there are total of 72 Gloria Suites which consist of 3 storey high, 4 buildings all connected to each other. The 60 m² large Gloria Ô Suites have one bedroom and one kid’s room. There is one French bed, a large sitting area, office desk, Plazma TV, bath- room/bathtub in the bedroom. In the kid’s room there is one twinbed, one bathroom/shower cabin and Plazma TV. These luxuri- ous suites have parquet flooring, spacious wardrobes and hall. All suites have balconies or terraces. The complex is designed to have 2 shops, 2 restaurants and a bar in its self-contained area situated in a natural surrounding. There is also a swimming pool within the same complex. Guests of Gloria Suites may enjoy facilities of both of Gloria Golf Resort and Gloria Verde Resort & Spa hotels without any constraints.

Contact Person: Yasemin Fuentes, Gloria Golf Resort, Phone: :+90-242-7100600, E-mail: [email protected], www.gloria.com.tr

THE NEW ACTIVITIES OF P.C. PODIMATAS AUDIOVISUAL

.C. PODIMATAS AUDIOVISUAL S.A., that is considered • There were two halls for approximately 250pax, where there to be among the biggest Greek audiovisual companies, were installed high technology sound and lighting systems (e.g. P now expands its activities also in the field of exhibition Martin Mac 2000 and HOG III lighting desk) that provided a stands. Specifically, our company undertakes the proposal, high quality and maximum results. Furthermore, state of the design and full construction of exhibition stands and in this art visual equipment, and specifically Barco SLM R-10 and Barco way manages to supply a wide range of services that are sup- ELM R-6, were used to cover the needs in the field of visual. ported always with equipment of latest technology. In co oper- • Additionally, our company was responsible also for the pro- ation with the stage scenery department, this innovative serv- posal, design and construction of stage scenery for both rooms. ice guaranties the best quality and ultimate results. Furthermore, within the first months of 2006, our new branch Exhibition stand for the Organization of offices in and will start their audiovisual activi- Telecommunications of Greece (photos- exhibition stand ties. OTE no 003, 004) Here below, follows the presentation of two very important • Date: from 9th until the 17th of September 2005 at the 70th and successful projects that were undertaken by P.C. PODI- International Exhibition of Thessaloniki. MATAS AUDIOVISUAL S.A. the past year and can best describe • This project was actually the proposal; design and full con- the potentials of our company. struction of the exhibition stand for the Organization of Telecommunications of Greece, at the most famous exhibition of Greece that is taking place annually in Thessaloniki and it was given to us by Publica Direct Production Company. • It was a very demanding project, since we had to cover a very large area, approximately 700sq.meters, with sound, light and visual equipment. The construction of the stand itself was also a challenge since it was really sophisticated and complex. • Specifically, there were used high technology lighting systems Martin Mac 2000 and a laser machine that provided a high quality and maximum results. Additionally, Meyer Sound System and ELECTROVOICE System guaranteed an ultimate result concerning sound. Furthermore, there were used Christy projectors, LED screens and the Barco I-LITE 6 XP to cover the needs in the field of visual. • Finally, the adjustment of such a big amount of audiovisual JANSSEN CILAG EVENT equipment in combination with the complicated construction • Date: 3rd of January 2006 at the Grand Resort Hotel Lagonissi, plan of the stand was the main difficulty to which we had to Attica. manage. • This was the event for Janssen Cilag Company, one of most Contact Person: Panagiotis Podimatas, Managing Director, well known pharmaceutical companies worldwide and P.C. P.c. Podimatas S.A., GREECE PODIMATAS AUDIOVISUAL S.A. was called to cover all the Phone: +30 210 6036111, E-mail: [email protected], requirements in technical and audiovisual equipment. www.podimatas.gr eight The new Fair "Master Centre"

he Novi Sad Fair is bringing to completion one of the largest investments in the centre of the Province of Vojvodina, which will make it possible for T this largest fair institution in Serbia and to become a real European and regional, exhibition and congress, business and trading centre. Along with the current potential of the exhibition site and the 30 events organized annually, the Novi Sad Fair will have become richer with a comprehensive, multipurpose business facility by the beginning of 2006, and apart from exhibitions, it will enable this company to diversify its portfolio towards congressional activities. Five connected units of the "Master Centre" - the exhibi- tion hall, the congress centre, which will facilitate 1200 people, the "garni-type" hotel, the business premises and the entrance hall, which will connect the existing and the new facilities - covering in total 30,000 sqm. The comparative advantage of the "Master Centre" will be in the joining the Network of European business centres, in a power- ful business portal, which will be an integral part of the technical facilities of this environment, and in the centre of commodity exchange - all in one place. The Master Centre will also host the headquarters of the Exhibition Association of Southeast Europe - EASE.

Contact Person: Nebojsa Drakulic, NOVI SAD FAIR, Phone: :+381 21 421 612, E-mail: [email protected], www.trade-fair.ws

The Firenze Convention Bureau's foreign growth strategy is based on quality and technology

he commitment that Firenze Convention Bureau (FCB) highest profile to and the congress structure of Florence have addressed, events brought to T both in Italy and abroad, to publicising the advantages Florence. The com- that a destination like Florence can offer has brought many mitment of the FCB prestigious international events to the city in the three-year today is to provide period of 2006-2008. The congress structure of Florence has a on-going guaran- thrown its collective weight behind the FCB's message in work- tee of top quality in ing to attract international events to a destination whose unde- the product and niable fascination worldwide needs no generic promotion. professional servic- Avant-garde technology, quality services provided by members es it offers in what of the FCB, prestigious accommodation facilities and public is one of the response are bringing Florence to the fore as a natural choice favourite destinations of congress-goers as seen in the Mice sta- for international event organisers to locate scientific and spe- tistics for the number of delegates confirmed for their destina- cialised cultural congresses. The Fortezza da Basso, Palazzo tion. The FCB is continually working to strengthen its services to Congressi and Palazzo Affari are Florence's main congress ven- add quality and technology to a destination brand which is ues and constitute a natural conglomerate in the heart of the already very strong at international level. The following are the city. These three facilities together can house up to 20,000 upcoming events in Florence: attendees over a total area of 60,000 sq mt of covered exhibi- 27 - 30 April 2006: Therapeutic Patient Education 2006 tion space. Firenze Fiera is planning to renovate these three 9 - 13 May 2006: Aqua 2006 centres. The Fortezza halls will be renovated, and avant-garde 19 July -5 August: 91° International Esperanto congress equipment installed while Palazzo Affari will be equipped with 27 - 30 August 2006: Wonca Europe 2006 halls also designed for corporate clients. The accommodation in 4 - 7 October 2006: 7° National Pneumology congress 6 - 10 March 2007: The Fourth International Conference on Florence is broad and varied with 538 hotels for a total of Tumor Microenvironment 16,585 rooms. For making itself known internationally FCB has 27 - 31 May 2007: 6th Biennial Isakos Congress a network of international contacts, and its advisors comprise 15 - 17 June 2007: 15th Annual Congress of European several Italian opinion leaders, and its stated objective is to set Association for Psychotherapy - EAP up authentic promotion centres abroad as can be seen in its 9 - 13 September 2007: World Congress of Perinatal Medicine joint project with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in London 14 - 18 September 2007: 36th International Conference EDTNA/ERCA for promoting and developing the idea of Florence to the con- 30 March - 2 April 2008: Annual Meeting Eur. Group Blood gress and corporate markets in England. This project will see the and Marrow Transplantation opening of a series of new FCB representative offices in 2006 for 13 - 16 September 2008: 30th Congress of the European making direct contact with foreign associations and companies. Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition - ESPEN '30 Affiliation with important international congress associations Contact Person: Diana Cora Tenderini, Firenze such as MPI, ICCA, EFCT, and FCB's constant presence at the Convention Bureau, Phone: +39-055-4973201, E-mail: d.ten- most important trade-fairs on congress tourism worldwide [email protected], www.conventionbureau.it place it within a network which is well equipped to give the nine Belgrade… VARESE CONVENTION BUREAU

elgrade won the title "Future capital of south rom 21st to 25th August 2006 the province of Varese will Europe" by Financial Times. Promising future, guest the 57th National Liturgic Week. B new job places, stronger economy, defined F tourism offer, is that ahead of Belgrade and were does In fact, Varese and its territory has won the National Candidature Belgrade stand now. for this event that will bring around 1.000 people (both Catholics A two million Capital is going through big renovation and not), coming from all over Italy. with mayor streets reconstructed and building facades re-dun. Biggest differences are noticeable in New 4 days of meetings and events that will involve hotels, restaurants, Belgrade part of the city on the west bank of Sava river. transports, theathes and all the services connected to the meeting Magnificent new sports Arena with 20.000 seats, and social activities. Business Centres and Mayor 4 and 5 star hotels like, Hyatt Regency, Inter*Continental and the new ones "In Contact Person: ILEANA BOLCATO, VARESE CONVENTION BUREAU, Phone: :0039 0332 295318, Hotel Belgrade" and "Holiday Inn" that are under con- E-mail: [email protected], struction and due to be finished summer this year and www.vareseconventionbureau.it beginning of spring next year, are certainly improving the picture. With new Multi purpose exhibition venues like EXPO XXI (10.000m2) developed beside already existing Sava Centre - Belgrade's mayor Congress and Nice welcomes the MITM EUROMED Exhibition Centre, renovated airport, and much A major international tourism trade fair improved city's infrastructure question is how far Belgrade is from "stealing" mayor international events Nice Acropolis from 6th to 8th April 2006 from other leading Cities. Serbian Convention Bureau due to start work this sum- he Nice Convention Bureau, finalist last February in mer is one of institutions that is going to help answer London in the inter-national competition for Best the question by presenting Serbia and Belgrade as one Convention Bureau, has also been selected (in competi- of Europe's top destinations for mayor events. T tion with Florence, Istanbul and ) to host, from 6th to 8th Friendly attitude, prices that are still below Europe's, April, the annual meeting of Meeting International Tourism professionalism and experience of people involved in Marketing: MITM EUROMED, an event which will celebrate its congress business should be the driving force in placing 10th anniversary on this edition. Belgrade where it once was and clearly belongs. Is the City on the right track, yes it is, and it proved that This is the first time the event will be held in Nice, at Nice- by hosting last years EBRD conference and Europe's Acropolis Convention and Exhibition Centre, and it will mobilise Basketball championship. Will it be even "readier" all the MICE professionals of the region " Nice and Greater Nice tomorrow, not questionably it will, so if you are plan- " will appear as the official host. ning a mayor event don't miss the opportunity to host it on the confluence of Danube and Sava, place where This important trade fair for international tourism will bring memories are born. together the biggest hotel chains, Convention Centers and Convention bureaus who will welcome their clients (event organ- Contact Person: Marko Kragulj, Zepter Passport isation agencies and meeting planners) from all over Europe, the PCO, Phone: +381 11 328 34 82, mediterranean basin but also from the United States in fields as E-mail: [email protected], varied as pharmacology, high technology, finance, insurance…

place where memories are born.. On this occasion, the City of Nice will hold a welcome reception at the Nice Observatory: Grasse will organise a gala evening with a dinner composed by 3 renowned chefs of the french Riviera, Jacques Chibois, Alain Lorca and Serge Gouloumes.

Nice will thus reinforce its leading position for the hosting of prestige operations and as a quality destination both in terms of infrastructure and its ability of presenting a competitive and uni- fied offer.

Contact Person: Isabelle Billey-Quere, Nice Convention Bureau, Phone: :33 (4) 92 14 46 15, E-mail: [email protected], www.nicetourisme.com ten The Grimaldi Forum Monaco launches the Italian version of its website

in its language, in addition to our many team members who speak it, to make it as easy as possible for Italian speakers to find and request information.

The website home page has been further updated but still gives direct, immediate access to the congress section and the cultur- al section separately, an initiative that all visitors appear to have welcomed. This clear division of the Grimaldi Forum Monaco's two spheres of activity makes the website clearer and faster to use and so saves valuable time for everyone visiting it.

The Italian version should also be an additional asset for event t's almost a year since the Grimaldi Forum Monaco gave its organisers since it will help them communicate more easily with the Italian press, which in turn will have direct access to infor- website (www.grimaldiforum.mc) a complete makeover so as mation about events here. The Grimaldi Forum Monaco is com- I to make it as practical as possible for MICE websurfers to mitted to communication as an added-value factor and con- access everything our congress centre has to offer. ducts press relations for our clients who wish it, so this new ver- sion will help us all push the doors of Italian journalism wider As the next step after last spring's total overhaul of both con- open. Visit us at www.grimaldiforum.mc!!! tent and styling, the Grimaldi Forum is now putting an Italian version of the new website online. Since one of the Grimaldi Contact Person: Nadege Masse Hugon, Grimaldi Forum Forum's ongoing objectives is to establish close relations with its Monaco, Phone: +377 99 99 25 00, clients and contacts so as to ensure it fulfils all their expecta- E-mail: [email protected] , tions, we wanted to provide the Italian market with a website www.grimaldiforum.mc

ICVB BRINGS 3 MORE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES TO ISTANBUL

stanbul As Istanbul's official MICE destination marketing & Exhibition Centre (ICEC) from April 16 - 20, 2007. Through the organization, ICVB is engaged in promoting Istanbul to lead- joint efforts of the Turkish Air Traffic Controllers Association I ing international associations on a continuing basis. and ICVB, a customized Istanbul conference and destination Whether at top international fairs or by using databases from presentation was made at the IFATCA Conference in Melbourne ICCA and other sources, ICVB tracks conferences that could from April 17 - 22, 2005, where Istanbul won out in competition come to Istanbul and contacts key decision-makers.

The Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau (ICVB) thanks to its destination marketing, tracking of international conferences and one-on-one marketing efforts, has attracted three new conferences to Istanbul: The 2007 Congress of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Association (IFATCA), the 2008 European Congress on the Clinical & Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis & Osteoarthritis (ECCEO) and the 2011 International Seed Federation Congress (ISF).

Every year, approximately 5,000 participants attend the European Congress on Clinical & Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis & Osteoarthritis, organized by ECCEO with Abuja (Nigeria). (International Osteoporosis Foundation). ICVB hosted Professor Istanbul was also selected as the host city for the 2011 Congress Jean-Yves Reginster, President of ECCEO in May 2005, and later, of the Seed Federation at the ISF General Assembly in Santiago, the International Osteoporosis Foundation President, Professor Chile between the 29th of May and the 1st of June 2005. The Pierre Delmas and Prof. Reginster, between 23rd and 24th of Congress of The Seed Federation is organized by the August 2005 in Istanbul. Istanbul was selected to host the 2008 International Seed Federation (ISF) every year. It will take place congress, with the support of the President of the Turkish Joint at the Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Center (ICEC) from May Disease Foundation, Professor Dr. Sahap Atik. The conference 21 - 25, 2011 and about 1,500 participants are expected to will take place at the Grand Cevahir Hotel & Convention Center attend. from April 7 - 12, 2008. Contact Person: Mrs. Handan Boyce, Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau, The IFATCA Congress, which is expected to bring at last 1,000 Phone: :+90 212 343 00 00, E-mail: [email protected], participants to Istanbul, will be held at the Istanbul Convention www.icvb.org eleven INTERNATIONAL WOMEN CONGRESS "THE ROLE OF WOMEN in the ALLIANCE of CIVILAZATIONS"

nternational Women Congress was organized by Turkish Republic Prime Ministry Directorate General on the Status and the Problems of Women between 28-29 January I 2006 at Istanbul Conrad Hotel with the support of Emine Erdogan. On the first night of the organization, which was carried out by DEKON Congress & Tourism, a fashion show of Ozlem Suer performed at Esma Sultan in which popular Turkish models like Cansu Dere and Sema Simsek took place. Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan made the opening speech of the congress at which 500 participants attended.

Contact Person: CENGIZ KORKMAZ, DEKON CONGRESS & TOURISM, Phone: :+90 2123476300, E-mail: [email protected], www.dekon.com.tr

AIM Group news

o begin with it was an interesting challenge: organising a medical congress on a cruise ship, a great idea, certain- T ly, but what would it involve in terms of logistics and organisation?

When SICPRE, the Italian Society of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, contacted our Group asking if we would organise their National Congress, the venue for the event had already been decided…….the Costa Romantica cruise ship belonging to the Costa Cruise Lines. So all we had to do was to accept the opportunity they were offering us try something different that, for sure, would increase our expe- rience. This choice of the venue by the customer, an innovative bark the passengers of the previous group along with their lug- one when you think of the previous SICPRE National gage while at the same time taking on the technical equipment Congresses, was dictated by a desire to keep all the participants of our service personnel, the material for the exhibition areas together for the whole duration of the event, to avoid the dis- and finally the participants at our congress and their luggage. persion a feature of typical congress locations. Indeed, all the We were required by law to clear all the material taken on scientific sessions, exhibitions and social activities were all board through customs and to notify the Costa Cruise Lines per- organised onboard the ship. The participants could make use of sonnel in advance of the names of all the people who would all the facilities they normally find when they attend American board the ship, even for just a few hours, providing a list with congresses: a hotel which also serves as the location for the con- details of their identity and of the identity documents that they gress with restaurants and fitness centres too so there is no would show to the security officer when they went on board. need to leave the venue … everything in the same place … a In addition to this, we had to adapt the structures of the pre- dream which means they were not subjected to endless tours existing salons (areas normally devoted to other uses such as de force. the Ballroom) so that we could guarantee the best possible All perfect and apparently simple, with no creative work for the service to conduct the scientific work and satisfy the needs of organising agency to select restaurants or venues that are suf- the sponsors and scientific companies. ficiently capacious and attractive to host the gala dinner; no For the Sponsors, we created personalised areas where they hassle to organise transport in private buses, through streets could welcome guests, meeting rooms in suites. In this case too, that are always too chaotic and narrow, and lastly no need to we brought in specialised architects to devise ad hoc solutions select hotels and decide the allotment of the accommodation which would take the place of conventional exhibition stands to be offered to participants. without any trouble. Needless to say, for the sponsors it was a All this is true, there were none of these problems, but success, with their customers constantly "on site". The end in this case we were faced with difficulties of a sort dif- result repaid us in full for all the hard work and the ferent from those of a "conventional" congress. cruise proved to be a pleasant alternative to a conven- tional Congress! We had to optimise the operations required to prepare the Contact Person: FLAMINIA ROBERTI, AISC & MGR - AIM Costa Romantica as far as possible, because from the time that GROUP, Phone: +39.06.80968219, the ship arrived in the port of Savona to the beginning of the E-mail: [email protected], www.aimgroup.it Pre-Congress Courses we had only a very few hours to disem- twelve MARITIM PINE BEACH NEWS

aritim Pine Beach Resort & Pine Beach Club has the biggest Congress Center in Mediterranean region of Turkey and in 2006 beside lots of incentive and meeting groups, is going to host the biggest Medical Congresses of Turkey such as Brain Surgery, Ì Pediatry, Dermatology, Nefrology, Neurology. It is a great pleasure and honour for Maritim Pine Beach Resort to host you in 12th ICCRM (International Congress and Convention Researchers Meeting) Congress which is going to be in June 2006

Contact Person: Hakan Duran, Maritim Pine Beach Resort, Phone: +90 242 7100200, Email: [email protected], www.clubpine.com

NEWS AND LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN

ne of the ten member states who joined the European Union in May 2004, and the smallest addition to the O Malta is a charming island located in the heart of the Mediterranean. The Maltese Islands have been important trading ports and a vital geographical bridge throughout their rich 7,000- year history. Today it offers a safe, friendly and fascinating envi- ronment for delegates from all over the world.

The island boasts of a continuos development with new products on the local scene. Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts have signed an agreement to manage and operate a new five star hotel in Balluta structure will be erected at Ta' Qali. Bay, St. Julians. The 282-bedroom Le Meridien St Julians has Malta also boasts historic, splendid venues, such as Palazzo Parisio, opened its doors to its first guests in February, 2006. The property which was the stately home of the Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna and is situated in the grounds of a 19th century villa. The original his descendants. It is now open to conference groups. The vast cel- building has been refurbished as part of the new hotel. The hotel lars of the palazzo are scheduled for conversion by October 2006 has an atrium style 1600 square metres Leisure and Wellness centre in order to accommodate 100 covers. The Gardens rank amongst and a conference centre of over 1800squaare metres. It offers 14 Malta's finest privately owned gardens - a fine example of classic, meeting rooms for up to 315 delegates, and includes a 125-seat baroque formality mixed with the vivid colours and scents of the amphitheatre with space for desks and four wheelchairs. Le Mediterranean. Meridien also operates the Le Meridien in Valletta, Malta's capital city. Relevant events would be champagne receptions, brunch, , elegant afternoon teas and Malta tastings for cruise groups, In October 2005, the Radisson SAS opened a five-star resort on the incentives, conference partner programmes and upmarket special Mediterranean island of Malta and one month later hosted the interest groups. worldclass Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which was presided over by Her Majesty the Queen. Towards the South of the Island one finds Palazzo Abela or Il- Built on the cliff edge overlooking one of Malta's most popular Kastell as it known. This Palazzo is believed to have been one of sandy beaches, the Radisson SAS Golden Sands Resort offers 300 the first to be built amongst many others during the 16th century luxury rooms, conference facilities including a 600 square metre by noblemen and Grandmasters. In the early 1900's, the Palazzo hall and several syndicate rooms, a 1000 square metre spa and was used by the British Armed Forces as a place for rest and recre- leisure centre, two outdoor adult swimming pools, fine outdoor ation. During the World wars, the Palazzo had some various children's pool, one indoor pool and a private sandy beach. Sports important guest, and it is said that the British Prime Minister, Sir facilities will include an in-house diving centre, tennis courts and Winston Churchill, had secret meetings at the Palazzo. horse riding. The hotel is owned by the Maltese company Island Hotels Group, which already owns the five-star Radisson SAS Today it is used as a restaurant serving typical Maltese cuisine and Baypoint in trendy St. Julians, which recently hosted the Institute caters for conference groups for banqueting purposes. Maximum for Travel and Tourism's annual conference. capacity for seated dinner is 60 pax while it can host up to 250 pax for a standing up reception.The selection of consists of typi- Another addition to the conference venues will be the massive ten- cal local nibbles like maltese ftiras, maltese cheeselets, sun dried sioned structure which will be used to host major conferences and tomatoes and maltese treacle rings. events. The structure, purchased by Maltese exhibition and event design company Sign-It, covers an area of 1.5 football pitches. Contact Person: Ms. Suzanne Cassar Dimech, Malta Tourism Sign-It is teaming up with fellow designers Casapinta to create Authority, Phone: (00356)22915204, Arena One Malta Convention Centre to manage the facility. The E-mail: [email protected], www.visitmalta.com thirteen Atlas Travel Agency Denise Kalinic [email protected] I Croatia Concert & Congress Hall - Vatroslav Lisinski- Lovro Lisicic [email protected] C Croatia Croatian Convention and Incentive Bureau Nik Racic [email protected] Croatia Grand Hotel Adriatic d.d. Sanja Dejanovic [email protected] Croatia Tourist Board of Split Vedran Matosic [email protected] C Zagreb Tourist Board and Convention Bureau Drazen Hochecker [email protected] Cyprus Cyprus International Conference Centre Margarita Sofocleous [email protected] Cyprus Cyprus State Fairs Authority Kikis Petevis [email protected] A Cyprus Cyprus Tourism Organization Michalis Metaxas [email protected] George Ioannides [email protected] Cyprus Louis Tourist Agency Ltd. Egypt Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Centre -CICC- Ambassador Salah Selim [email protected]

Egypt Emeco Travel Karim El Minabawy [email protected] M Egypt Galaxia Travel Nasser Milad Melek [email protected] MISR Travel Mohamed Shafik [email protected] Atef El-Wassief [email protected] Egypt Wings Tours & Nile Cruises E France Cannes Palais des Festivals et des Congres Marie-Anne Eon [email protected] France Jacqueline Pietri Organisation Jacqueline Pietri [email protected] Nice Convention & Visitors Bureau Bernard Morel [email protected] D Greece Astir Palace Vouliagmeni City Resort Hotel & Spa Myrto Sofianou [email protected] Greece Athens Concert Hall Organisation Lenia Contopoulos [email protected] I Greece C & C International Anastasia Vatsika [email protected]

Greece Capsis Beach Hotel & Sofitel Capsis Palace Palace Hotel & Convention Centre Irini Varda-Capsis [email protected] T Greece Convin PR Marketing Conventions & Incentives Bureau Antonia Alexandrou [email protected]

Greece Creta Maris Hotel & Conference Center/TEAV S.A. Nikos Kontakis [email protected] E Greece Frei S.A. Congress Service Niki Gargasoula [email protected] HELEXPO sa Kyriakos Pozrikidis [email protected] Greece R Horizon Travel S.A. Aristide G. Tsaldaris [email protected] Greece Ibis El Greco S.A. Yves Maebe [email protected] Greece Kipriotis Village, Resort Hotel Convention Centre Eleftheria Danopoulou [email protected] R Greece P.C. Podimatas Audiovisual S.A. Panagiotis Podimatas [email protected] Greece Rodos Tours S.A. A. Hatziliamis [email protected] Greece Sofitel Capsis Hotel Rhodes Convention Centre 'Marika Capsis 2000' Irini Varda-Capsis [email protected] A Thraki Palace Hotel & Conference Center Apostolos Palakidis [email protected] Triaena Tours & Congress S.A. Penny Chatzigeorgiou [email protected] N TUI Hellas S.A. Corporate Services Christos Constantinidis [email protected] ICC Jerusalem International Convention Center Mira Altman [email protected]

Israel Ministry of Tourism International Conventions & Marketing Segments Moshe Even-Zahav [email protected] E Israel Ortra Ltd. Lior Gelfand [email protected] Italy AISC & MGR S.r.l. - AIM Group P. Semprebene Buongiorno [email protected] A Italy BTC International - International Meetings, Conventions & Incentive Fair Marta Pieralli [email protected] Italy Convention Bureau della Riviera di Rimini Stefania Agostini [email protected]

Italy Ediman S.r.l. Cristiana Tungoli [email protected] N Italy Fiera Milano Congressi Achille Lanzarini [email protected] Italy Fiorentino Travel Organisation - Italy Nino Fiorentino [email protected] Italy Fiorentino Travel Service Massimo Fiorentino [email protected] Firenze Convention Bureau Diana Cora Tenderini [email protected]

Italy C Rob. Miraglia del Giudice [email protected] Italy Idea Congress srl Maria Teresa Sotgiu [email protected] Italy Kassiopea Group SRL

Laguna Palace & Suites Andrea Tommasini [email protected] H Italy MSC Crociere Italiane SPA Franco Ronzi [email protected] Italy Newtours SpA Giuseppe Lepri [email protected] Italy Oltrex 4M SPA Giuseppe Mattiazzo [email protected] A Italy Ovest Destination Italie Marida Aiello [email protected] Italy Palazzo della Cultura e dei Congressi Bologna / Bologna Congressi -S.P.A- Patrik Romano [email protected] Italy Promo Leader Service SRL Mr. Luigi Cammi [email protected] P Italy Riva del Garda Congressi - Palacongressi SpA Ilaria Franchi [email protected]

Italy Torino Convention Bureau Marcella Gaspardone [email protected] T Varese Convention Bureau Ileana Bolcato [email protected]

Triumph Group Maria Criscuolo [email protected] E VENICE CONVENTION by Lido di Venezia - Eventi & Congressi SPA Enrico Jesu [email protected] Malta Malta Tourism Authority Conference & Incentive Travel Division Suzanne Cassar Dimech [email protected] R Malta Mediterranean Conference Centre Rosette Micallef [email protected] Monaco Grimaldi Forum Monaco Laurence Garino [email protected]

Serbia & Novi Sad Fair Aleksandar Andrejevic [email protected] Monte- Sava Centar Rade Hinic [email protected] negro Zepter Passport Gordana Plamenac [email protected] M Turkey CNR International Trade Fairs Golun Akyildiz [email protected] Turkey Conrad Istanbul Pinar Gunay Gulbakanoglu [email protected]

Turkey Dekon Congress & Tourism Cengiz Korkmaz [email protected] E Turkey Figur Congress Services Michel A. Neijmann [email protected] Turkey Yasemin Fuentes info.gloria.com.tr

Gloria Golf Resort M Turkey Grand Cevahir Hotel & Convention Center Islam Cevahir [email protected] Turkey Hilton Istanbul Bike Toku [email protected] Turkey IKON Tourism & Trade Inc. Rabia Bakici [email protected] Turkey Interium Tourism Limited Company. Ali Kadir Izberk [email protected] B Turkey Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Centre Ersa Eriskin Tuzun [email protected]

Turkey Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau -ICVB- Handan Boyce [email protected] E Turkey Kongresist Convention & Destination Management Inc. Ozkan Derbend [email protected] Mirage Park Resort Samuray Önen [email protected] Turkey R Hakan Duran [email protected] Turkey Martim Pine Beach Resort & Pine Beach Club Oytur - Oyak Marketing, Service and Tourism Inc. Fulya Kirkli-Wolken [email protected] Turkey Republic of Turkey/Ministry of Tourism Selami Karaibrahimgil [email protected] Turkey Serenas Tourism, Congress Mustafa F. Gurbuz [email protected] Turkey Setur Turyat Inc. I. Melih Siner [email protected] L Sungate Port Royal Dilek Yetisener [email protected] Top-Kon Touristic Services Co. Kemal Kural [email protected] I Zed Tourism Travel Agency Tarik S. B yükkalkan [email protected] S Travel Extra & MICE turkey Yalcin Avci [email protected] VIP Tourism - VIP MICE Deniz Urgen [email protected] Tuyap Fairs & Exhibitions Inc. Kamuran Haseki [email protected] T Visitur Travel and Tourism Inc. Inci Güngör Sensoyu [email protected] Dear potential member

Why now is the time to consider ICCA membership? Join an ICCA DATA Workshop and generate more business in 2005!

WHY DON'T YOU ENJOY THE BENEFITS THAT CAN BE GRANTED TO YOU THROUGH WIDE NETWORKING GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ICCA MEMBERSHIP! AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES OF ICCA? ICCA WILL ADD POWER TO YOUR PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS WITH A WIDELY KNOWN AND WELLCOMED BRAND NAME.

We have just been through a major reassessment of the association's strengths, and what came through clear- ly was ICCA's focus on business. The main source of business leads being of the ICCA database, which has undergone major develop- ments and is fully available online. For more information on this please check with the ICCA Head Office or the regional offices. Another strength of ICCA is the strong network of meeting suppliers of all branches within the meetings indus- try and the very strong cooperation with the clients, while education opportunities within ICCA have been moved to another dimension and are catering to the needs of today's fast, demanding and modern life.

As the Chairperson of the ICCA MEDITERRANEAN Chapter, I would especially like to point out how the region- al structure of ICCA can assist you in gaining additional business leads. WE HAVE A WEB PAGE WHERE YOU CAN PROMOTE YOUR COMPANY AND ACTIVITIES TO THE OTHER MEM- BERS, EVEN HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY OF USING IT FOR PROMOTION OF YOUR DESTINATION AS WHOLE. AS IT COVERS ALL THE SECTORS OF MICE INDUSTRY THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA ALSO CARRYING THER SAME BRAND NAME AS OF YOU. WE ARE STARTING TO PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE OUR OWN NEWS LETTER WHICH WILL AVAIL WITH A CHANCE OF PROMOTING YOUR LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN YOUR SECTOR AND EVEN IN YOUR COMPANY. WE THUS HELP YOU TO EXPOSE YOURSELF TO OTHERS ON NO COST. WE HAVE MORE PLANS TO FOL- LOW AS MENTIONED IN OUR AIMS CODE. WE PLAN TO COORDINATE CLIENTS SO TO TRANSFER MEETINGS WITH- IN THE REGION; DESTINATIONS WILL PROMOTE THEMSELVES SO TO INFORM OTHERS OF THE OPORTUNUTIES THEY CAN SUPPLY. WE WILL EVEN HAVE A PROMOTIONAL VCD OF THE REGION WHICH IS PLANNED TO BE DISTRIBUTED WIDELY. SO EXPOSING YOURSELF AND PROMOTING YOURSELF IS FREE OF CHARGE WITH A GRANTED ADVANTAGE OF WIDE DISTRIBUTION. BE A MEMBER JOIN THE CHAPTER AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS… CAN YOU MISS IT?

I would also like to use this opportunity to invite you to attend one of the Chapter meetings as an Observer, where you can see ICCA in action and experience at first hand the many business opportunities ICCA has to offer.

Should you have any further question please do not hesitate to contact either myself or one of the Membership Recruitment teams at ICCA Head Offices or the Regional Offices. We will be happy to demonstrate what ICCA could bring to you! Best regards, Mustafa F. Gurbuz Chairperson ICCA Mediterranean Chapter ICCA Med Chapter Mission Statement is: ICCA MEDITERRANEAN CHAPTER MEMBERS WORKS TOGETHER TO INCREASE THEIR RELATIONS TO AVAIL BETTER OPPORTUNITIES TO EACH OTHER AS WELL AS CREATING A GROUP UNDERSTANDING UNDER DIFFERENT BUSINESS AND SOCIAL CIRCUMCTANCES. SEND us YOUR latest NEWS for THE next ISSUE!!! If you are an ICCA member & located in the Mediterranean, then: Send us your latest news you wish us to published in our next newsletter, i.e. any important congresses you might have organized in the past 1 year, the renovation of your hotel, any change that took place in your company, any other important news, etc... You should only send: 1/2-page description of your news (no company profiles please!) + 1 or 2 photos. Promote your company news to all ICCA members (& not only)! Remember it is one a: first-come-first-serve basis. Send your News at: [email protected] For Advertising Purposes please contact: Irini Varda-Capsis at [email protected] fifteen