GGOO CZECHCZECH RREPUBLICEPUBLIC Great hotels & venues in Prague
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www.mice-cee.com 2014/2015
MMICECEE_0114_01ICECEE_0114_01 (ob)(ob) titulka.inddtitulka.indd 1 228.03.148.03.14 14:1414:14 20-22 MAY 2014 imex-frankfurt.com
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MMICECEE_0114_02_(ob)_imexICECEE_0114_02_(ob)_imex reklama.inddreklama.indd 2 228.03.148.03.14 9:469:46 THE HOTEL PAŘÍŽ The Hotel Paříž was so beautiful it almost Behold, Prague! – Vision sparkles, knocked me over. So many mirrors and brass blearing – Prague! balustrades and brass door handles and brass candelabras, all polished till the place shone The name alone sings. The mere sound of it like a palace of gold. There were red carpets and Rapturously gets down into glass doors everywhere, just like in a château. the strings of the Czech Mr. Brandejs gave me a warm welcome and spirit took me to my temporary quarters, a little room And sets the heart beating in the attic with such a pretty view of Prague a thunderous throb. that I decided, because of the room and the Let foreign pilgrims view, to try to stay there permanently. take your modest (By Bohumil Hrabal: measurements I Served the King of England, 1971) And scorn, Prague, your graying robes: To us in your beauty, ancient gloom You are luscious Naples, you are proud Rome! (By Svatopluk Čech, a fragment of a poem called „Prague“, 1888)
Have you ever been in the street in the AS A LITERARY early morning, gentle reader? Not that I wish to insult Prague you. I know that my readers are in fact gentle and have no need to rise before MUSE nine, but if, say, by chance. And if chance has lured you out of the house earlier than usual, surely you have been keen- — sighted enough to observe that one fi nds things as well as people not otherwise seen there, and keen-witted enough to GREAT WRITERS give some thought to those things and people, but primarily to the things: an old ON PRAGUE jug standing in front of a house, a milk can wound round with wire at the edge of the pavement, a baking pan in the middle of the road. (By Jan Neruda: What Shall We Do with It?)
PRAGUE WITH FINGERS OF RAIN The dark corners, mysterious Hundred-spired Prague little lanes, blind windows, With the fi ngers of all saints fi lthy courtyards, noisy taverns With the fi ngers of perjury and secluded bars still live within us. We walk along the With the fi ngers of fi re and hail broad streets of the new city With the fi ngers of a musician but our gaze and steps are With the intoxicating fi ngers of women lying on their backs unsure. We tremble inside, as With fi ngers touching the stars if we were walking through the old squalid lanes. The On the abacus of night... insalubrious old ghetto is With fi ngers licked to test the wind more real for us than our new With the cut-off fi ngers of rain and the Týn Church hygienic surroundings. We walk around the city as if in a dream; we ourselves are only On the glove of nightfall phenomena of the past. With long jointless fi ngers (By Franz Kafka) With the fi ngers with which I am writing this poem. (By Vítězslav Nezval, a fragment of a long poem, 1936)
Sources: „From a Terrace in Prague,“ edited by Stephan Delbos „Prague: a Travellers Literary Companion,“ edited by Paul Wilson MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/2014 3
MMICECEE_0114_03.inddICECEE_0114_03.indd 3 228.03.148.03.14 10:4710:47 5 NEWS from CEE 40 Pardubice Region: Where it’s impossible to get bored GO CZECH 42 Discover…Usti Region MICE8REPUBLIC PRACTICAL CEE INFO 9 ECONOMIC INFO HOTELS & VENUES EXPERT 33 Continental Hotel Brno INSIDE VIEWS Barceló Brno Palace 10 Why choose the Czech 35 Chateau Mikulov Republic for your next MICE event? 51 Therme Laa – Hotel & Spa Buyers & Sellers Talk 37 Grandhotel Pupp Karlovy Vary 12 Romantic Prague increasingly popular as a 39 Pilsner Urquell Brewery congress destination CASE STUDY 16 4 GREAT RESTAURANTS: 17 42nd ESCP Symposium Bastion, Villa Richter, 18 PETROF celebrates 150th Hard Rock Café, Elegantes anniversary DEAR READERS, DMC AGENCIES PRESENTATIONS INTERVIEWS irstly, I would like to thank all who 20 Kuoni Destination 28 Jiří Kuliš, CEO of BVV, participated in this traditional issue Management Trade fairs in Brno Focus and helped with its realisation. Prague Event Solutions on 40 Diff erent Fields Ovation Czech Republic It’s spring now and a great time to PRESENTATIONS GO to the CZECH REPUBLIC. HOTELS & OF CVB’S FIf you have never organised an event in the VENUES IN PRAGUE 41 Eastern Bohemia 22 Design Hotel Yasmin Convention Bureau romantic “heart of Europe”, make sure to add Hotel Jurys Inn Prague the Czech Republic to your Central European 42 North West Bohemia 23 Holiday Inn Prague Convention Bureau itinerary! Prague will surprise you with the Congress Centre quality of service offered as well as affordable Best Western Majestic MICE & INDUSTRY prices of luxury accommodation. This time, we Plaza 44 IMEX group announces have focused on South Moravia, introducing 24 Grandior Hotel Prague growth in partnership for its hub Brno, a modern city turned towards 25 Slovanský dům 2014 science, research and development and the base Žofín Palace 45 Leaders in Hospitality in of several international companies. Other Czech 26 Tower Park Praha Poland 46 Italy: Best of M.I.C.E- regions have established Convention Bureaux, CITIES & REGIONS Networking Forum drawing in MICE buyers. Have a read through 28 Brno: a city that Invests 47 ITE MICE in Hong Kong this issue and find out about the lesser-known in Large-Scale Scientifi c 48 IT & CMA in Bangkok towns and regions of the Czech Republic. Institutions 34 Incentive Events in the LIST OF… Land of Wine, Music and Let MICE CEE be your inspiration and guide. Dance 49 MICE EXPOSITIONS 2014/2015 Sincerely, 36 Karlovy Vary: Where Movie Zuzana Adamson PhD Stars Meet PLUS + Publisher 38 Pilsen: European Capital 11, 16 Greatest business [email protected] of Culture 2015 principles
MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE ½ Registration MK ČR E 17637 ½ Publisher & Managing director: Zuzana Adamson PhD., Široká 10, 110 00 Prague 1, Czech Republic, IČO: 74326481 ½ Contact details: TEL: + 420 731 232 049, E-MAIL: [email protected], WEB: www.mice-cee.com ½ Cooperation: Lucia Udvardyová, Gabriela Müllerová, Wee Wong, Mike Snow ½ Photos by: shutterstock, 123rf, Steven Adamson, Aron Brand, Andre SR, Yuri Arcus, Andrey Popov ½ Layout: www.soliter.com, Prague ½ Date of Publication: March 2014 Our business is nature – friendly. When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it.
4 MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/2014
MMICECEE_0114_04_obsah.inddICECEE_0114_04_obsah.indd 4 228.03.148.03.14 9:549:54 NEWS FROM CEE
Czech Airlines: new Indian Film Industry Heads to the Czech connections between Prague, Republic Bratislava and Košice Tourism isn’t the only industry that has been captivated by the Czech Republic. Producers n December 2013, Czech flights set to double as of March 2014 from Bollywood - where more films are made Airlines renewed its regular (except for Saturdays). In addition, than any other place in the world, including connection between Prague, there are two direct flights between Hollywood - are now flocking to use the Czech Republic, and Prague and Košice twice daily. „This country premier scenery as backdrops for Bratislava and Košice in doesn’t match the five daily flights future movie releases. Bollywood’s discovery of the Czech Republic is expected to follow Slovakia. The two-hour, five minute that were schedueld during the 80s,“ I the example of Switzerland, where a series Prague – Bratislava – Košice run according to Czech Airline’s press of films targeting viewers in the Indian (including the stopover) operates officer Dan Šabík. But it represents subcontinent has attracted an estimated every Monday, Wednesday and a big step forward for those planning 200,000 Indian tourists to that country, Friday, with the number of daily MICE trips to CEE countries. { transforming it into the third most popular destination for Indian tourists. PRAGUE’S HOTEL JALTA OPENS A SPECIAL MUSEUM The five-star Hotel Jalta at Wenceslas Square has opened a Museum of the Cold War in its anti- atomic bunker. The museum can be visited not only by guests of the Jalta, but anyone with a reservation. The renowned bunker, located in the hotel’s second basement, could hide up to 150 persons during the long standoff East-West standoff, when it served as headquarters for the Warsaw Pact. The museum is expected to be a major drawing card, not only for locals, but MICE and other tourists who grew up hearing about this famed landmark, and can now relish seeing it in an entirely new role.
By Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision, from Czech Film Commission
Now that it has captured Bollywood’s attention, the Czech Republic is trying to emulate the Swiss, with the first filming of various flicks expected to begin during May and June. Milk and Honey Pictures, for example, has a high-budget production The addition of the Museum of the Cold War will compliment Hotel Jalta’s offers stellar conference subtitled Bang Bang in the works. Director facilities, which encompass four halls, the largest of which accomodates up to 150 persons, and Siddharth Ananda is eager to start production theatre seating that spans 200 square metres. The Conference Foyer also offers an additional 186 at Orlík – a dam close to Prague – as well in square metres. The hotel’s location in the heart of city centre enables guests and delegates to visit Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora, picturesque important historical sites along picturesque streets by foot. { nearby towns. „Indian filmmakers have shown great interest in shooting films in Best Western Central Europe boosts the Czech Republic and their interest is conditioned by investment incentives for presence in the Czech republic and Slovakia the film productions,“ said Helena Fraňková, Best Western Central Europe (BWCE) added Slovakia. BWCE is a regional organization State Fund for Cinematography head at two new 3-star hotels at the end of 2013 representing more than 70 hotels in Austria, the Czech Film Commission. „If we manage – the superior Best Western Hotel Vista the Czech republic, Slovakia, Hungary, to secure the funding for these incentives, in Ostrava and Best Western Hotel Roca Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and we will have five interested parties from in Košice. The chain owns sixteen hotels Macedonia. It is headed by Ivona Meissner of large Bollywood film productions alerady in the Czech republic and five hotels in Slovakia. { confirmed.“ {
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MMICECEE_0114_05-06_v2.inddICECEE_0114_05-06_v2.indd 5 228.03.148.03.14 14:1014:10 NEWS FROM CEE HUNGARY: New flight connections BUDAPEST – MOSCOW these two cities and encouring week, on Mondays and Thursdays. WizzAir, the largest low-cost the connection between these two The aircraft will leave Minsk at 13: 45 airline in the CEE region announced countries. local time and lands in the Hungarian a significant increase of flights on capital after a flight of appx. 2 their routes between Budapest and BUDAPEST – MINSK hours. Then, the flight continues to the Vnukovo International Airport Another new connection is Belgrade, before embarking on the in Moscow. Between June 14 and between Budapest and Belarus, return journey in the late afternoon, September 14, the airlines will offer following up on the Budapest- at 18:35, arriving in Minsk at two flights per day, increasing the Belgrade connection. The flight by 21:30, thereby also linking Serbia to frequency of the flights between Belavia arrive in Budapest twice a Hungary and Belarus. { GERMANY: Receives more than 70 million overnight stays For the fourth year in a row, foreign visitors to Germany in 2013 accounted for more than 71.6 million overnight stays in German mass POLAND: MPI accommodation EMEC 2015 will be facilities with ten or more beds, according in Krakow! to the German The MPI European Meetings and Events Statistical Office. Conference will be organized on February This represents a 1-3, 2015 in Krakow, Poland. EMEC is an four percent growth annual meeting organised by the Meeting from a year ago. Professionals International, which brings The increase was credited mostly to increasing numbers of tourists from the UK, together more than 20 000 planners and Russia, Switzerland, Poland, and the Middle East. Most of the arrivals visited Bavaria suppliers from more than 90 countries around and Berlin. The number of foreign tourists who come to Germany has been rising the world. So far, the conference has never since 2009, thanks to an upsurge in visitors from Switzerland, Russia, UK, Poland, took place in Poland. { Netherlands and China. { AZERBAIJAN: Fairmont Baku Flame Towers In Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts chain in 2013 opened Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers, the luxury brand’s first development in the emerging destination. Located within the highest part of the city in the heart of Baku’s vibrant centre, this award winning complex lies within one of the three Flame Towers and ranks as the tallest building complex in the country. The hotel boasts the very best in local dining and entertainment, a state-of-the-art health club, luxurious ESPA spa facility and 318 superbly appointed guest rooms, suites, and serviced apartments. Guests can enjoy seven dining options at the hotel, from upscale to casual outdoor fare, along with 24-hour room service. Perfect for events and meetings, Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers offers over 2,500 square metres of multi-use function space, including two ballrooms, nine additional meeting rooms, outdoor venues and a business centre. {
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MMICECEE_0114_05-06_v2.inddICECEE_0114_05-06_v2.indd 6 228.03.148.03.14 14:1014:10 GO CZECH REPUBLIC
YOUR MICE GUIDE TO THE COUNTRY.
MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/2014 7
MMICECEE_07_uvodGOCZ.inddICECEE_07_uvodGOCZ.indd 7 228.03.148.03.14 14:0214:02 PRACTICAL INFO
AREA and LOCATION IMPORTANT TELEPHONE POPULATION The Czech Republic extends over an area NUMBERS 10,200,000 inhabitants. of 79,000 square km in total and is located General emergency line 112 in Central Europe. It has approximately the Police 158 POWER NETWORK same size as Austria or Ireland. The Czech Municipal Police 156 230 V/50 Hz, two-pronged plug with safety Republic is divided into three parts: Bohemia Ambulance 155 pin. in the west, Moravia in the east and Silesia Fire Service 150 in the north-east. The country is divided PRESIDENT into 14 regions, the largest being the Central INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS Miloš Zeman since 2013 Bohemian Region. Prague Ruzyně Airport www.prg.aero Brno Airport www.airport-brno.cz RAIL TRANSPORT BORDERING COUNTRIES Carlsbad Airport (Karlovy Vary) The international and national rail network: Germany (646 km), Poland (658 km), www.airport-k-vary.cz www.cd.cz Slovakia (215 km) and Austria (362 km). Ostrava Airport www.airport-ostrava.cz Pardubice Airport www.airport-pardubice.cz ROAD TRANSPORT CITIES BUS: www.studentagency.cz, www. Praha (Prague) is the capital city with a LANGUAGE eurolines.cz population of 1,188,126 inhabitants. The The official language is Czech. Especially in RENT A CAR: www.hertz.cz, www. other big cities include Brno (400,000 the bigger cities, however, people understand holidayautos.cz inhabitants) which is the capital of Moravia, English. Ostrava (319,000 inhabitants), Pilsen (170,000 SMOKING inhabitants), Olomouc (about 101,000 MOBILE OPERATORS Smoking is prohibited in all public places, such inhabitants) and Liberec (98,000 inhabitants). T-Mobile, Vodafone, Telefónica O2. as bus stops, sports facilities, stadiums, trains, The mobile connection is available almost offices or schools. In restaurants, smoking is CLIMATE everywhere. allowed only in designated areas. Tobacco is The Czech Republic has a mild climate and sold to cutomers over the age of 18. has four seasons. The highest mountain is NATIONAL HOLIDAYS Sněžka (1,602 m AMSL), situated in Krkonoše 1st January: Czech Independence Day, 8th TAXIS and with an average yearly temperature of May: Liberation Day, 5th July: Day of the Taxis can be hailed in the street or booked over 0.4 degrees, while in the lowlands in Moravia, Slavic Apostles Cyril and Methodius, 6th the phone. However, especially in Prague, it is the average yearly temperature is about 10 July: Jan Hus Day, 28th September: Day of advisable to order taxis in advance. The AAA degrees C. Czech Statehood, 28th October: Independent taxi company provides a very reliable service: Czechoslovak State Day, 17th November: 221102211, 14014 (from Prague). AREA CODE Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day. +420 TIME VACCINATION Central European Time (GMT + 1 hour), CURRENCY No special vaccination is necessary prior Summer Time applies from March to The Czech Crown (CZK), in Czech “koruna”. to visiting the Czech Republic. If you are November: GMT + 2 hours. planning on staying in forest areas, vaccination DISTANCES against ticks is available. Prague is situated 340 km from Berlin, 290 km from Vienna, 336 km from Bratislava and POLITICAL SYSTEM 535 km from Budapest. Parliamentary democracy.
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MMICEICE CCEE_0114_08-09_mapa_info.inddEE_0114_08-09_mapa_info.indd 8 228.03.148.03.14 11:2911:29 TRAVEL INDUSTRY STATISTICS During the first nine months of 2013 – January through visitors, i.e. Estonia (+ 8.9 %), Finland (+16.5 %), Norway the end of September – the Czech Republic attracted (22 %) and Sweden (13.1 %). The overall number of 5.6 million visitors, according to the Czech Statistical visitors to the Czech Republic in 2013 was roughly the Office. Roughly 2.3 million of these arrivals came during same as in 2012 (7.2 million vs. 7.2 million). However, the summer holiday season when surges in tourism the 7.2 million figure represented an impressive 6.8 % traffic typically occur. Still, these 3rd quarter numbers gain in 2012 over the pervious year, a surge digested in represent an increase, even during the all-important 2013 with no attrition. Traditionally, Germany has held months of July through August, up by 1.5 percent over the lead in Czech Republic-bound visitors (with cca the same period a year ago. The arrivals, who included 1.5 million in 2012), followed by Russia that same year, Russians (+8.4 %), Chinese (+12.9 %) and South Koreans which checked in with almost 700,000 visitors. Slovakia, (+7.3 %), roughly equaled the numbers of European which generated 383,000 visitors, rated third. THE ECONOMY
2013 was not as tense for the Czech economy been happening for two and as the previous years. According to the Czech a half years. The drop of Statistical Office, the recession of the Czech construction investment is economy weakened. The GDP in the 3rd quarter slighter and has been in place decreased inter-annually by 1.3 percent – 1.5 for a shorter period of a year percent in the 2nd quarter and 2.4 percent in the and a half. The expenditure 1st quarter. When all the three quarters of 2013 on final consumption of are cummulated, the GDP dropped by 1.8 percent. Inter- households also diminished in 2013. Apart from the quartially the GDP weakened slightly (-0,1 %) following growth of stock, the only contributor towards the positive an unsteady development in the 1st and 2nd quarter caused development were the expenditures of the government by extra-ordinary influences. The lagging of inter-annual on final consumption. The performance of the Czech development of the GDP in the Czech Republic compared economy in general continued to decrease, with only the to the rest of the EU 28 has continued for the seventh brutto added value in the fields of finance and insurance quarter in row. In the 1st quarter, the EU GDP dropped by higher compared to the same period of the previous year. 0.8 percent (in Czech Rep. by 2,4 %) and in the other two In the 2nd quarter, the unemployment rose from 6.8 quarters it stagnated, while in the Czech Republic it dropped. percent to 7 percent. What also grew, was the price for the The investment continuously decreases inter-annually final consumer. The state budget deficit in the 3rd quarter for the 9th quarter in row, primarily because of the of 2013 amounting to 1.3 percent of the nominal GDP slump of large construction investments, which has was the most favourable in the last five years. MICE STATISTICS
According to the Czech Statistical Office, in 2012 In 2012, most of the MICE events took place in 11,547 MICE events were held in the Czech Republic Prague 4,264 events in total, followed by the South- in mass accommodation facilities – hotels. These events Moravian Region with 1,947 and the Moravia-Silesia are only taken into consideration if they have at least Region with 1,078 events. The Central Bohemian 50 participants. The number of persons – delegates of Region hosted 712 MICE events. As shown by the MICE events - was higher than 1.5 million. Most of the statistics known until the end of September 2013, Prague events took place in 4star hotels – 6,067, followed by 3star was once again leading the popularity of locations, but hotel events with 4,135 and 953 events in 5star luxury the number of events and delegates slightly decreased. resorts. When compared to 2011, a growth of events as Out of the Czech regions, Vysočina has recorded a well as number of delegates is visible in 2012. For 2013, hightened interest. Local business tourism on the other the statistics only reveal data until end of September. hand experienced a growth, when compared to 2011 Overall, it looks like a slighter decrease of MICE events in in 2012 more business trips have been made across the the Czech Republic with most of the events taking place Czech Republic encompassing an overnight stay in mass in the 2nd and 4th quarter of the year. accommodation facilities.
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MMICEICE CCEE_0114_08-09_mapa_info.inddEE_0114_08-09_mapa_info.indd 9 228.03.148.03.14 11:2911:29 EXPERT INSIDE VIEWS Why choose the Czech Republic FOR YOUR NEXT MICE EVENT?
Once again, we bring you different perspectives on event organising in the Czech Republic. We ask hotels, venue representatives and buyers about their experiences, and give you a comparison of the old and the new Prague from the point-of-view of an Italian event organiser. And if you have experiences—good ones, as well as not-so-good ones—that you would like to share with your colleagues in the industry, email us and let us know! ½ By Zuzana Adamson [email protected]
Gustavo Guidobono, Anna Antoňáková, Director General of Barceló Brno Palace Event manager at Slovanský dům, Prague Strategically located in Central Europe, the Moravian capital Brno is only an hour-and-a-half from Vienna, Prague is one of the and just two hours from Prague. most beautiful cities of While fairly small, Brno has a big heart in a university the world, attractive setting that is rich and vibrant. Its diverse culture and in every season. Its leisure opportunities have always made it advantageous position ideal for MICE évents and trade fairs. Most visitors in the heart of Europe lends itself to the might be surprised to learn, for example, that the „Czech Republic’s Grand Prix“ organisation of international conferences and at the auto drome is the most popular event of its kind in the world, with more events. The Czech capital is a popular congress than 100,000 motorbike riders, fast car lovers and fans assembling each August destination, with a wide array of conference to revel in the annual spectacle. Many transnational corporations are based in rooms with modern infrastructure. It is a city Brno, including ABB and Honeywell. So much scientific research and technological that welcomes novel ideas and offers quality development has been done there that Brno has become renowned as the „Silicon catering, professional organisation, as well as SELLERS TALK Valley of Central Europe“. The city promotes its concept through 3V: science, sophisticated and high standards of services. research and development (věda, výzkum a vývoj in Czech). An ideal place that embodies all the The five-star Barcelo Hotel, a historical building in the center of the city, offers advantages of Prague is the Slovanský dům unique services as well as a personal touch designed to bring utmost satisfaction (Slavic House). The historical halls of this to guests. For MICE events, we provide “Healthy meetings” opportunities, which building combines the charm of old Prague include both special emphasis on food selection and health boosting activities such with modern event facilities and services. One as yoga. Among our staff we have a gourmet chef who once cooked for the British of its best advantages is its location in the royal family at a London Car Club. Another bonus is the fresh fish that is offered on city centre–a great opportunity to combine the menu each day, which is unusual in the Czech Republic. We are determined and conferences or events with an accompanying our aim is to make guests so satisfied that they can’t wait to return. programme.
Vlastimil Chaloupka, Director of Sales, Jurys Inn, Prague
The Czech Republic has a beautiful landscape in the heart of Europe, offering its visitors mountains, forests, lakes and a number of UNESCO heritage sites. Prague is a very special place and is the key city driving the economy. Many international corporations have business interests here, while millions of tourists from around the world come every year to explore the unique atmosphere of the historical town. Prague has great transport connections to all major European cities. In this time of financial uncertainty, there is much focus on reducing costs and maximising efficiency of expenses. Prague and the Czech Republic is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe, containing many newly built hotels of the highest standards. For these and other reasons, Prague is among the top favourite global destinations for MICE. Located in the city centre, Jurys Inn Prague (214 rooms and conference facilities for up to 160 persons) is perfectly situated for all guests wishing to immerse themselves in this stunningly beautiful capital. With the Florenc underground metro station and tram stops situated opposite Jurys Inn Prague, all our guests have easy access to transport links. REPRESENTATIVES &
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MMICECEE_0114_10-11_anketa.inddICECEE_0114_10-11_anketa.indd 1010 228.03.148.03.14 10:5210:52 GREATEST BUSINESS BUYERS TALK PRINCIPLES I.
You can gain strength, courage, Serge Therol, and confidence by every experience in Project manager at Parfums du monde, France which you really stop to look fear in the face…You must do the thing which Prague is an ideal MICE destination—not only within Central you think you cannot do. Europe, but also worldwide. Our interest is first sparked off by Eleanor Roosevelt the place, the city and its atmosphere; only after do the other elements of the event come into play in synergy. Prague has an unmistakeable “genius loci.” It is a source of inspiration and a city When people go to work, they in constant movement, with its own rhythm and openness. This is shouldn‘t have to leave their hearts at in contrast to, for instance, Vienna, which is rather static and more closed. Prague has its own home. charm that you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Its MICE infrastructure is excellent, offering Betty Bender high-quality services and a whole range of possibilities for organising any sort of event. Its conference halls come with quality technological facilities, and partners are very professional and reliable. Every individual…intends only his Some of these venues include Paříž, Corinthia, NH or the Clarion Congress Hotel. A workshop own gain, and he is in this, as in many followed by dinner at Francouzska restaurant at the Municipal House adds a special dimension other cases, led by an invisible hand to the event. Another possibility is Hotel Pyramida: after a day of workshops, one can venture to promote an end, which was no part outdoors and stroll towards Pohořelec and the Prague Castle, taking in the sights, rich of his intention. Nor is it always the architecture and vibes of a cultural hub. When organising workshops that require more focus, worse for the society that it was no part we choose cities such as Český Krumlov, České Budějovice, or UNESCO-listed sites such as of it. By pursuing his own interest he Holašovice and Vyšší Brod, in South Bohemia. There, services are on an equally high level. frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really Guido Donati, intends to promote it. Event Consultant, Italy Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations I’ve been visiting and working with Prague since the earlier times, when Czechoslovakia was still a socialist country. At that time the MICE market wasn’t as developed as it is now, but big Do it fast, do it right, do it cheap. groups were heading anyway for other countries. After the fall Pick two. of the Iron Curtain, the city underwent a tremendous upgrading Anonymous and became, no doubt, one of the most appealing European cities for conventions and incentives. There are many reasons why I propose Prague as a MICE Don‘t be afraid of going slowly. destination to clients: 1. Easy accessibility from any European country–an enormous advantage Only be afraid of standing still. for international conventions and incentives; 2. A wide choice of four-/five-star hotels, many of Anonymous which have large meeting facilities; 3. A very upscale convention centre; 4. Fantastic venues for gala dinners, from castles to private mansions and museums, plus an endless variety of local and international restaurants; 5. Very competitive prices, which make Prague very affordable and People are persuaded by reason, but offers much value for money. moved by emotion, the leader must On top of the above technical features, Prague is a city where everyone feels at home. There both persuade them and move them. are several shopping and fascinating streets leading from Václavské náměstí to Staré Město Richard M. Nixon (Old Town), and further up to the Jewish quarter. Alternatively one could head from Charles Bridge up to the Castle, or down to Zlata Ulicka where the alchemists were trying to convert iron into gold. Every stone in this magic city (recall the esoteric connection with Turin and San Francisco) speaks of its history, culture and music. No other city can offer so many things in one place, where almost everything is within walking distance. And of course the city is extremely lively at night, with its countless bars, discos, theatres, etc. This is not to mention its Bohemian surroundings–castles, vineyards, breweries and cities like Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne and, a bit further south, the medieval Cesky Krumlov. Last but not least, I’m glad to say that all local players (DMC, hotels and different suppliers) are without exception extremely professional and reliable. And this counts for a lot.
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MMICECEE_0114_10-11_anketa.inddICECEE_0114_10-11_anketa.indd 1111 228.03.148.03.14 10:5210:52 Romanticmantic ccityity inincreasinglycreasingly ppopularopular aass a cocongressngress dedestinationst Prague: In the last fi ve years, Prague has become increasingly popular as a congress destination, hosting more and more international events and delegates each year. In 2011, the number of events jumped from 19th to 14th among international visitors, according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). And in 2012 the City of a Hundred Spires ranked 11th internationally while climbing to 10th among European visitors. Prague’s recognition as a fashionable destination is attributable to the greater interconnectedness and cooperation between state institutions and businesses in the congress tourism space. By Zuzana Adamson
ccording to the Czech Statistical Office, the with each delegate spending, on average, 350 euros per number of Prauge-based events has grown event, more than three times the rate of ordinary tourists. by 20 percent in the last five years while Further improvements in infranstructure and conditions of individuals participating in these events future MICE events is likely to produce even greater returns. has jumped by a whopping 40 percent. In Inernational visitors have long recognized Prague, not A2012, that amounted to 570,000 delegates. These statistics only for its beauty, but its romantic charm, which makes only include associated congresses that are international and the Czech capital an easy sell as a major European congress regularly rotate between at least 3 destinations. When other destination. Another strong selling point is that most factors are taken into account, the number of delegates who important historical sites in the city are easily accessible by attend the various MICE events – including corporate ones foot, including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, National – clocks in at around 800,000. Congress tourism generates Theatre, as well as a plethora of architectonic wonders more than 20 million Czech crowns in the Czech capital, that are nestled beside one another along the picturesque
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MMICECEE_0114_12-15ICECEE_0114_12-15 Prague.inddPrague.indd 1212 228.03.148.03.14 14:5714:57 streets of Old Town, including Jewish synagogues and meeting place of politicians, international congresses, the old Jewish cemetery. History aficianados can pick leading corporations, as well as favorite venue for balls and from a wide range of architectural gems, including concerts, Žofín Palace can accommodate up to 850 persons. gothic, baroque or Secession styles, all rife with Another venue, similarly awash in history, is Slavic ambiance that can electrify any event.t. More House (Slovanský(S dům), which has hosted importantly, many quality five and four-our- notenoteworthyw society and business activities star hotels with conference capacityy sinsincec 1797. Its extensive renovation in are situated in the city’s historical 22000 included modern facilities that center, so delegates don‘t need to pprovided 1,200 additional square waste time or money time with metres. Unlike before, the venue can transport. Another bonus is that now easily accommodate Czech and the charming historical city centre international companies and their is within easy walking distance. cconferences, gala dinners, balls and And many cafes and restaurants in bbusinessu presentations. Slavic House the area as well as other sites offer bothth is cclose to Municipal House, which networking and leisure activities. offers aan array of seccesion halls adorned Vistors who stay at hotels unablenable to with artistiartistic flourishes by Czech painters and accommodate conferences can opt for one of the remarkable sculptors from the second half of the 19th century. The historical venues such as Žofín island. Surrounded by the largest facility, Smetana Hall, can host up to 432 people Vltava River, it features Žofín Palace, a leading centre for in a meeting setting, 700 for cocktail events, and 1,149 for cultural and social life in Prague since 1837. The famous presentations (theatre set.).
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MMICECEE_0114_12-15ICECEE_0114_12-15 Prague.inddPrague.indd 1313 228.03.148.03.14 14:5714:57 Hilton Prague Presidential Suite, Four Seasons Hotel
Despite these great improvements, hotel Austria, roughly the same size as the Czech Republic, acommodations remain surprisingly low priced. Because which draws about four times as many visitors, according of devaluation of the Czech crown at the end of 2013, to Kateřina Petříčková of the Association of Czech Travel the currency lost some of its value, enabling visitors Agents. But overall, the number of foreign visitors to the to receive 27 crowns for their Euros instead of cca 25, Czech Republic continues to grow slightly each year. making visits from Eurozone countries even cheaper Besides historical styles, Prague also offers modern than before. Hotel rooms in Prague now average just development, including f. ex. the Dancing House. The 73 Euros per night. Preliminary estimates show that two floors of the facility include the Céleste restaurant, most of the guests in 2013 were German, although the whose terrace presents a scenic view of the Little Quarter number of German visitors dropped from 2012 figures. and the Prague Castle. The city centre offers other But the notable increases in vistitors from Russia and the examples of modernity, including Zlatá Praha, situated U.S. made up the difference. Two thirds of all visitors on the roof the Intercontinental hotel. According to to the Czech Republic only visited Prague, compared to surveys, Central Europe began to interest investors once
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MMICECEE_0114_12-15ICECEE_0114_12-15 Prague.inddPrague.indd 1414 228.03.148.03.14 14:5714:57 Springtimes in Prague who could forget them? Forsythias on the Letná plain; the chestnuts on Žofín; the gulls on Jirásek bridge. There is no city like Prague. You have to wander to the end of the earth to appreciate the magic that is not simply the beauty of the buildings, of the towers and the bridges, through it is that, too. They rise up from the ground in such a natural harmony as if nature had created them, growing out of the slopes and riverbanks like trees anf fl owers. But what is unique about Prague is thehe relation between the city and its people. Prague is not an eternal, uncaring again in 2013. In the first half of 2013, the number of backdrop, which stands there through good and ill, ignoring happiness and suff ering alike. Prague lives in the investments in hotels increased by 38% compared to the lives of her people and shares in them, and they repay her same period in 2012. with love that we usually reserve for humans. In Prague, the Smíchov district on the left side of (Heda Margolius Kovály: I Do Not Want To Remember, 1968) Vltava is an attractive, up-and-coming area with ongoing infrastructure development. Situated around the modern metro station, Anděl, it is favoured by young media The old and the new Prague represent and banking professionals. It has a shopping mall, a that queer mixture of Slav mysticism and Teutonic materialism which form cinema complex, fitness centres, restaurants, and cafes the basis of the Czech character. To me and bars. Nearby Petřín Hill, along the river, offers they were a stone and stucco symbol plenty of greenery and sports centres. The locality also of the eternal struggle between the spirit and the fl esh. In the secluded shelter of the old city features quality conference hotels courtesy of Vienna I was happy and at peace. Across the river, calling more International. The River Terrace Hotel, a luxury and more insistently, were the Nachtlokals of a materialist accommodation in a modern complex besides the Vltava modern city drunk with the wine of its newly-won liberty. River, will offer a stunning view of Vyšehrad. The four- During my stay in Prague this struggle overshadowed my daily life, and in the process my character was to be weighed in the balance and found wanting. THE MICE PROFILE OF PRAGUE (Robert Bruce Lockhart: Retreat from Glory, 1934) LARGEST VENUES Name Number of persons Size (in sq. metres) O2 Arena 18 000 5 400 star congress hotel, shrouded by greenery, will provide Prague Congress Centre 9 300 13 000 326 rooms, 97 parking places, 4 outdoor parking spots Incheba Expo 8 300 13 774 for buses and conference facilities for more than 1,000 participants. Visitors can thus look forward to new Tesla Arena 1 600 congress infrastructure. National House Vinohrady 1 287 1 099 ACOMMODATION CAPACITIES 5-star hotels 42 4-star hotels 178 3-star hotels 184 Number of CONGRESSES and CONFERENCES 2012: 4 264 events January-June 2013: 1 838 events STRONG POINTS of PRAGUE + Strategic location in the heart of Europe, good travel accessibility – majority of European cities reachable within a three-hour fl ight + Rich history, culture, architecture and numerous tourist attractions + Developed congress infrastructure – congress centres, congress hotels, suffi cient accommodation capacities, effi cient transport system within the city + High quality of off ered services for aff ordable prices
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MMICECEE_0114_12-15ICECEE_0114_12-15 Prague.inddPrague.indd 1515 228.03.148.03.14 14:5714:57 DESTINATION PRAGUE
GREATEST BUSINESS GREAT RESTAURANTS PRINCIPLES II. 4 IN PRAGUE People are persuaded by reason, but Great ᕡVenues BASTION PRAGUE moved by emotion, the leader must both persuade them and move them. RESTAURANT The attractive locality of the restaurant and Richard M. Nixon its culinary concept afford an uncommon gastronomic experience. The restaurant is Tell me and I will forget, show me named after a historic bastion, built as part of and I may remember, involve me and a fortification during the construction of the I will understand. southern part of Prague Nové Město undertaken Chinese proverb by Charles IV in 1348. The Bastion Prague Restaurant offers international and modern Czech cuisine, and can accommodate up to 50 guests. In summer the capacity of the restaurant can be extended by Opportunity is missed by most a further 100 places by opening up a neighbouring space linked to the town walls. Its location offers people because it comes dressed in extraordinary views of the Vyšehrad opposite and of Prague’s skyline. Suitable for company parties, overalls and looks like work. wedding receptions, fashion shows, concerts and open-air film screenings. www.bastion-prague.cz Thomas Edison ᕢ VILLA RICHTER There is no security on this earth. Restaurants at Prague Castle There is only opportunity. Villa Richter Restaurants is a unique complex set in the historical St Douglas MacArthur Wenceslas’ vineyard of the Prague Castle, which offers a stay in the centre of Prague with unforgettable views of sights, a top standard of Outstanding leaders go out of service and highly qualified staff. Villa Richter Restaurants is composed their way to boost the self-esteem of of two interconnected areas – Piano Nobile and Piano Terra – which their personnel. If people believe in can be utilized separately or as a whole for larger events. While offering themselves, it‘s amazing what they can guests the possibility of retreating from the rest of the world, we provide a accomplish. wide range of services for organizing social and conference events with a capacity of close to 800 guests. For more information visit our website at Sam Walton www.villarichter.cz or e-mail us at [email protected] The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of ᕣ HARD ROCK CAFE strength, not a lack of knowledge, but Hard Rock Cafe Prague is a four-storey rather a lack of will. restaurant and special events venue situated Vince Lombardi in a historically significant and beautifully decorated building located in the heart of Old Prague. Offering more than just great food There is nothing so useless as doing and exceptional service, it’s also a rock ‘n’ efficiently that which should not be roll restaurant as well as museum of popular done at all. culture, with authentic memorabilia from rock Peter Drucker legends covering the walls. Hard Rock Cafe features 2 semi-private rooms, 2 vibrant bars, an exclusive 5-metre guitar-shaped chandelier, a concert stage and the capacity for groups of 15 to 650 guests. For I don’t know the key to success, but more information, please visit www.hardrock.com/prague, e-mail [email protected] the key to failure is trying to please or simply call at +420 224 229 529. everybody. Bill Cosby ᕤ ELEGANTES Create your memories of Elegantes restaurant and start your Don’t be afraid to take a big step evening with a signature aperitif cocktail in 1887 bar. Your taste when one is indicated. You can’t cross will be prepared for a wonderful cuisine and excellent service, a chasm in two small steps. combining together to ensure a truly memorable fine dining David Lloyd George experience. The refined ambience is enhanced by a strong connection to St. Thomas church. Moreover we are the only place where you taste the unique St. Thomas beer, brewed according to the oldest recipe. The menu represents an elegant European cuisine composed of seasonal and local ingredients. To make the dishes more tasteful Executive Chef Robert Loos grows his own herbs behind the restaurant with the assistance of Augustinian monks. Contact: Letenská 12/33, 118 00 Prague 1, Tel: +420 266 112 280, Fax: +420 266 112 234, Mail: [email protected], website www.elegantes.cz
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MMICEICE CCEE_0114_16_venuesEE_0114_16_venues Prague.inddPrague.indd 1616 228.03.148.03.14 10:2410:24 DESTINATION PRAGUE
CASE STUDY A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT: European Society NAME OF THE EVENT: 42nd ESCP Symposium for Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) is committed to provide high-quality on Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP 2013) professional education for clinical pharmacists. The annual European GROUP SIZE: ESCP 2013 hosted more than 600 participants from not symposiums is the main only Europe, but also other countries around the world. scientifics event of the ORGANIZED BY: PCO agency C-IN ESCP.E The theme for 2013 DATE OF THE EVENT: 16–18 October 2013 wasw “Implementation ofo Clinical Pharmacy VENUES and LOCATIONS: The Symposium was held at the Clarion Practice:P Research, Congress Hotel Prague. The Symposium dinner took place at Restaurant EducationE and Vikárka inside the Prague Castle. ESCP chose the Clarion Congress Management.”M Hotel Prague because TheT official language the congress centre offh the symposium i was EEnglish, lih and d translators l or interpreters were facilities fitted the not needed. This is a common occurence in the field of congresses and capacity requirements. conferences. Participants usually speak English and interpreting costs The hotel also offers a constitute an extra financial burden. “one-stop solution”, offering complex services for congresses and conferences, all “under one roof.” This reinforced interactivity among delegates, who not only met as part of the scientific programme, but also spent their free time using the hotel facilities. The Clarion Congress Hotel Prague also disposes of spacious congress premises. An array of halls and salons are spread out over an area of more than 4,000 square metres. As for the catering, delegates were able to get a taste of Czech cuisine BUDGET: CZK 5.6 million for all congress functions excluding as part of the gala dinner, organised at the Vikárka restaurant. Since the accommodation and services contracted on an individual basis by restaurant is situated in the proximity of the St Vitus Cathedral, delegates delegates. were able to admire the beautiful view and visit the Prague Castle.
weather). The view was hampered by fog, and we ended up on the lawn MICE CEE WE TESTED next to the runway of Charles de Gaulle airport! But this didn’t deter me and I jumped straight back to fl ying. It’s an incredibly exciting activity and participants are guaranteed to have fun. You can go in groups of up to 10 people in sessions that last for an hour, so that each participant has a go at fl ying. This could be an interesting activity for your clients when putting together their Prague programme. The Airbus A320 Flight Simulator is also open at night from 10 pm–8 am. An instructor and fl ight attendants are provided, and catering is possible. The venue also has smaller facilities suitable for workshops, press conferences or parties (around 25 persons).
Pilot an Airbus A320 ake your dreams of being a pilot come true! At the fl ight simulator iPILOT, situated in the centre of Prague near the MSavoy café, you can fulfi l your dreams—at least for a while. Get your thrills in the fully equipped cockpit of the Airbus A320 Flight Simulator where, guided by an instructor, you can try landing at one of the 24,000 airports worldwide. I chose to set out from London and head for my favourite city Paris. To make things even more exciting, the instructor selected storms and fog (yes, you can even choose the
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MMICECEE_0114_17_caseICECEE_0114_17_case study.inddstudy.indd 1717 228.03.148.03.14 10:2410:24 CASE STUDY
Piano company PETROF celebrates in the Czech Republic NAME of the EVENT: 150th anniversary all over the world to Prague and Hradec of the PETROF Company Králové. PETROF is a family business, run by GROUP SIZE: 145 persons from 35 countries, Mgr. Zuzana Ceralová - Petrofová of the fifth including business partners and company generation of the Petrofová family. PETROF group then moved to Hradec Králové the next representatives continues to produce its instruments at the morning, an eastern Bohemian town ORGANIZED BY: PETROF Ltd, a traditional same place in Hradec Králové and exports to approximately two hours from Prague, where producer of pianos and pianinos and the more than 70 countries worldwide. A large a gala lunch awaited them. There, apart from largest in Europe, and the company SANDRA portion of production is still done by hand, the president of the company, the guests were DATE of the EVENT: 15–18 March 2014 VENUES and LOCATIONS: The group visited Prague and Hradec Králové, a city in the east of the Czech Republic that is the headquarters of PETROF. In Prague, the Orea Hotel Pyramida was selected, with its 388 rooms, 12 apartments and 4 barrier-free rooms. A congress hall with a capacity of 40–500 persons and another conference venue including a 377-seat cinema can be utilised for conference purposes. This location in the vicinity of the Prague Castle offers excellent possibilities for sightseeing. In Hradec Králové, the Alessandria Hotel was chosen, with its new congress hall for up to 290 persons and an overall capacity of 530 persons, as well as the Tereziánský Dvůr Hotel.
Orea Hotel Pyramida
which lends the instruments also greeted by the mayor of Hradec Králové a beautiful sound. MUDr. Zdeněk Fink and the vice head of the In Prague, sightseeing of the Hradec Králové municipality. After lunch, city’s major monuments was business partners visited the PETROF factory organised for guests. In the and a recently opened museum on the factory evening, the group attended premises. In the evening, a concert at the BUDGET: N/A the semi-finals of the 2014 Pianist of the Year Smiřice Chapel was followed by a gala dinner. A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT: competition, co-organised by PETROF and the “Judging by the feedback, we can assume that As part of its 150th anniversary celebrations, New York Café Prague. The event took place at guests will have fond memories of this event,” PETROF invited its business partners from the luxury five-star Boscolo Prague Hotel. The said the event organiser. {
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MMICECEE_0114_18ICECEE_0114_18 casecase study.inddstudy.indd 1818 228.03.148.03.14 10:3410:34 INTERVIEW
Megatrends in the Meetings Industry The German Convention Bureau published a global meetings study entitled “Meetings and Conventions 2030: A study of megatrends shaping our industry”.