Magazine Issues
Sarawak Special MICE Destination Report
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Summary:Located on the island of Borneo, Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and remains in 2023 a leading choice for convention and exhibition organisers from around the world due to its vast partnerships, strategic research and development areas, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities.The destination also boasts of its extensive business reputation and international hospitality surrounded by a breathtaking environment that makes it perfect for incentive travel. Sarawak's capital, Kuching, is the seat of the Sarawak Government and is the economic epicentre of the state; while other cities such as Sibu, Bintulu and Miri also serve as hubs for business events.Read more about Sarawak's characteristics as a must-visit MICE destination, how they overcame the downturn in event gatherings during and after COVID-19 and what steps they have taken for the post-pandemic resumption of events.
Discover in this guidebook updates on Sarawak's accommodation and meeting spaces, legacy standards, the region's industrial ID and sustainability measures.
HQ #109 / Sustainable Development Through Circularity
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Summary:Everything grows, everything changes, and so can everything survive; this is also the case for the values that preside over a society. Even if they follow a constant pattern, the changes that occur in a society are usually very slow. For starters, to assume that “sustainability” means the same as “environmentalism” may come in good faith but couldn't be more wrong. Ask 20 people on the street if they have heard of or know what 'regeneration' or 'circularity' means, and we think you would be amazed at the answers!
Sustainable development rests on three fundamental pillars − social, economic and environmental − which interact with each other, often influence the outcomes of each and undoubtedly move contiguously towards the same desired impacts – a circular economy. It is clear that a more expressive commitment to environmental sustainability is emerging, not only among delegates and travellers, but throughout the industry chain and association network.
However, the path that leads to a sustainable initiative can include unforeseen but truly interesting shortcuts. On our trip to Tallinn last month, we were able to see how the community and local authorities have reclaimed old Soviet factories to transform them into multi-purpose precincts, small business blocks and museums. What could be more socially sustainable than this?
We could also see that some of the major Swiss convention centres are making sure through their national Swisstainable programme that supply and first services are purchased from local and environmentally responsible companies. Isn't this an excellent proof of economic sustainability?
As one of our interviewees from Kenes this issue puts it, "when we currently hear about sustainability, attention seems to focus only or mainly on green issues such as recycling, carbon footprint and waste management. However, the topic of sustainability goes beyond the green discourse and encompasses other objectives such as gender equality, responsible consumption and production, quality education and health and well-being."
In the sphere of associations, the ICCA 2023 survey reveals that the majority of respondents (83%) express a trend towards more sustainable events in their requests for proposals, even if lack of funding, resources, in-depth knowledge and buy-in from boards limit this steady path. Either way, MICE requirements are increasing in terms of sustainability and associations that rely on them going away will pay dearly by 2030!
Live URL:https://bit.ly/44PDT58HQ #108 / Association Event Legacies
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Summary:What clear definition would each of us give to event "legacy"? A congress can provide an important contribution from a social perspective, but these effects are often more indirect in the long term. How do we ascertain and measure them in relation to the previous work done at a conference?What we have been reporting for our HQ readers since the beginning of this new cycle, is what distinguishes one destination from another, what are the characteristics of its ecosystems and the intellectual baggage of the city for the benefit of a conference! In turn, what approach and direction should the association take to incorporate and impact the local dimension of its event!Once these questions have been answered, the realisation of these legacies and social impacts will have a big say in the grand scheme of your events calendar. In this first 2023 issue of HQ Magazine, we tell the story of BestCities 2022 in Vancouver with sustainability as the deciding fact of their operations, asked the Hamburg Tourism Board why they bid for the upcoming International Association of Public Transport (UITP) Summits, and reflect on leadership and diversity with the Committee for European Construction Equipment.We also dug into how Belfast, Melbourne, Perth and Washington DC view the scientific and social layers of their hosted events, and talked to Euromic about the role of Destination management companies in this transition to a promising future.Don't miss all these stories and the different views of our regular contributors on the involvement of their meetings beyond the convention centre and how associations bring the world together.
Download our physical edition right now or click the button below to access our digital version!Live URL:https://www.flipsnack.com/8B6DFADEFB5/hq-108-feb-for-web/full-view.htmlHQ #107 / Funding & Sponsorship
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Summary:Several international studies show that business travellers generally spend on average three times more than an international tourist, and also stay longer than the average tourist. It is no wonder that most governments want a piece of this action and move their resources strategically towards association campaigns and bidding for large congresses.
As we will see on the following pages from the pen of our contributors, event sponsorship is a great way for associations to receive support from companies and to score valuable partnerships in terms of funds and publicity. There are various types of event sponsorship that you can choose for your business. These include financial sponsorships, in-kind sponsorships, media event sponsorships, and influencer and content creator sponsorships.
In this latest 2022 edition of Headquarters, we decided to break down the concepts, terms and objectives of funding an association event in 2023 and explore new ways of sponsorship in the MICE industry. We set our eyes on two focus events taking place next year, interviewed the Brussels-based non-governmental organisation, the European Federation of Investors and Financial Services Users, and invited the consultancy firm BC&A to explain VAT taxation for sponsors.We also went to find out how Hungary, Penang and Maastricht have positioned themselves in the events and meetings industry and spoke to Sydney and Glasgow convention centres about new trends and predicaments in events organisation. Don’t miss all these stories and the different points of view of our regular contributors on new revenue streams for association and engagement for sponsors.Download our physical edition right now or click the button below to access our digital version!
Live URL:http://bit.ly/3tXB9S4Singapore MICE Destination Report
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Summary:Singapore’s astonishing breakthrough tells the story of a once sleepy fishing village that has defied the odds to become a world-class metropolis at the forefront of the MICE industry.
With its innovative business environment and vibrant multinational culture, Singapore stands out as a leading Global-Asia node for MICE and business, drawing on an extensive network of human capital, suppliers, innovation, technology and ideas to host world-class business events.
Singapore’s collective efforts to maintain its position as one of the safest cities in the world reveal a firm commitment to cyber-security, social stability, health, modern infrastructure and personal safety. Over the decades, the country has earned a global reputation for delivering high-quality events and for generating meaningful conversations.
Guarantees that allow event organisers and planners to focus solely on the success of their event with peace of mind.
Discover in this guidebook updates on Singapore accommodation and meeting spaces, hybrid platforms, the city's industrial ID and sustainability tips.
Live URL:https://bit.ly/HQSTBSUP2022Seoul Special MICE Destination Report
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Summary:Throughout the pandemic, the city of Seoul remained active and committed to supporting its local industry partners and overall environment. The South Korean capital has flourished over the years as an East Asian cultural reference with first-class architecture, renowned museums and an influential art scene making it a model for many international cities.
Seoul Convention Bureau (SCB) has stepped up to the plate with a wide range of resources aimed at offering comprehensive assistance to events hosted in the Korean capital, from cross-cutting event platforms to cutting-edge team building programmes.
SCB together with the Seoul MICE Alliance also presents in this supplement its revamped version of PLUS SEOUL 2022, a customised business event experience that aims to bring greater satisfaction and fulfilment to event organisers.
Discover in this guidebook updates on Seoul accommodation, alternative hybrid platforms, the city's industrial ID and wellness and health recommendations.
Live URL:https://bit.ly/HQSTO2022HQ #106 / Cybersecurity & Data
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Summary:The word “cyber” comes from the Greek word “kubernétēs” meaning helmsman, governor, pilot or rudder. In the cyber domain, a (cyber) system can be a computer network or a human body. Cybernetics is about communication and how information circulates in a system.
Most of the initial notions we had about the arc of cybersecurity and data protection in the events industry could be perfectly dismantled at the close of the editorship of this September’s edition. That’s why we went back to the classroom, did our homework, and went to talk to some experts.
For this edition of HQ #106 we have brought together four interviews to cover the different angles of the subject: Luigi Rebuffi, secretary-general of ECSO; cyber-security expert Robert McClure, managing director of Sequrest Paratus OÜ; tech entrepreneur Ohad Twig, CEO & co-founder of Booth Guru; and Stefan Hartman, researcher of future scenarios at the European Tourism Futures Institute.
Cyber-risk incidents can have operational, financial, reputational and strategic consequences for that organisation, and are particularly severe when it operates on critical infrastructure − prompting its leaders and CISOs to improve existing measures, and turning the tables in favour of cybersecurity and risk mitigation strategies.
The proliferation of big data, on the other hand, is a subject where our interviewees are divided on the current monetisation − simply having information is not enough to use it effectively − but who agree on its incredible potential and competitive edge for global destinations to transform the fortunes of their businesses, events and communities.
Don’t miss all these stories and the different points of view of our contributors.
Download our physical edition right now or click the button below to access our digital version!Live URL:https://bit.ly/3xVXullHQ #105 / Partnerships for Growth
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Summary:In this renewed new world for the global meetings industry it is time to reconnect and wake up to the new trends and services that partners have to offer. We are now at the point where partnerships have to be redefined due to unexpected circumstances: pandemics, war and food shortages.
Business events are powerful platforms for real change, cross-sector collaborations, greater community engagement, and better policy development with long-term and positive benefits. We need to ask ourselves again who we can consider as potential partners. If the expectations of planners, organisers and delegates have evolved rapidly as the industry recovers and events call for other programmatic solutions, then it will be time to listen first-hand to what associations have to say in their RFPs.
This HQ #105 brings you several 'Partnerships for Growth' stories, expert interviews and actions taken by destinations at the top of this agenda. In this month's HQ Essential, we talk to Caroline McLaughlin about the role of the AVPN and we went to Budapest to attend the annual AIPC conference. We visited conference destinations that are scoring points with their local networks, such as Athens, Sarawak or Australia. There is also no shortage of strong opinions from our partners with Mark Levin's perspective on building partnerships, going local with the World PCO Alliance and positive change and strategic partnerships from the pen of Martin Boyle of IAPCO.
Taking a more competitive outlook ultimately leads to more effective collaboration. If an association can truly change a destination’s industry forever, a convention bureau can also significantly influence an association’s thought process. So, don't be afraid to partner up!
Download our physical edition right now or click the button below to access our digital version!
Live URL:https://bit.ly/3bdJPOnHQ #104 / Sustainable Events
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Summary:While the pandemic has forced us to work from home and constant travel has been reduced to the bare essentials, sustainability has taken on a new life beyond footnotes. This significant reduction in the carbon footprint has coincided with a new sense of corporate responsibility towards the sustainability of events, business travel and association ethics.
Sustainability for events means taking action to preserve our natural environment, promoting a healthy and inclusive society and supporting a thriving economy. Making events sustainable is essential for success in today's meetings and conferences industry, as it has become increasingly important as an evaluation criterion for meeting organisers, DMCs and venues as part of the bid proposal.
This HQ #104 brings you several concrete examples of environmental action, interviews with experts and initiatives carried out by destinations at the top of this agenda. In this month's HQ Essential we talk to SolarPower Europe and Social Economy Europe about these ideas from the associations' perspective. We visit conference destinations susceptible to these measures such as South Africa, Thailand or the Austrian region of Tirol. There is also no shortage of strong views from our partners on lessons from COP26 (AIPC), viable models for associations (Kenes) and positive and lasting change through events (GDS Movement).
How to articulate destination marketing with sustainable features applied by hotels, convention centres or restaurants? How to integrate environmental concepts in associations and how to convince members that profit and sustainability can go hand in hand? How can industry leaders and political authorities support and strengthen services and products that promote, vis-à-vis, the ecology and sustainable development of their cities? See the answer to these and more questions on the following pages.
Download our physical edition right now or click the button below to access our digital version!
Live URL:https://bit.ly/39KuHXsHQ #103 / Event Legacies
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Summary:In the wake of the various structural and conjunctural transformations that the international community of associations will have to accommodate in its post-pandemic framework, 2022 is of particular importance for adjusting a new advocacy of social legacies and impacts for the meetings industry.We see a major reversal in the importance that congresses can have for society - whereas conferences used to be an important source of prestige and income, we are now seeing a shift towards more intrinsic values. For several years now, our activities have been responsible for economic and social positive outcomes that have rarely been measured, construed or even recognised.“Why is this congress taking place here?” is a perfectly fair question to ask. “What kind of legacy do I want to build with our annual event?” should be a mandatory thought for any association.
In this first edition of the year, we dive headlong into the topic of the legacies of events and the intellectual, social and economic heritage they can leave behind in the long term. In our HQ essential, we talk in detail about the projects and tools displayed at BestCities Global Forum 2021 and highlight the work of #MEET4IMPACT - also in conjunction with VisitFlanders - and the European Society Radiation Oncology (ESTRO).In the destination section, we showcase the last months of the pandemic in Iceland, Finland's congress heroes and the 100th anniversary of Messe Wien. Also don't miss our partners' solid insights around topics such as talent attraction (AIPC), digital nomads (ECM) and the impact strategy of Destination Canada by GDS Movement.Download our physical edition right now or click the button below to access our digital version!Live URL:https://bit.ly/3gULyHkHQ #102 - November 2021
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Summary:2021 was a year of many apprehensions, inquiries, and studies, but it was also quite enlightening with regard to such hot topics as sustainability, digitalisation, and the legacy of the meetings. The coming year will be quite challenging and a test bed for many of the findings that have emerged during these months, even if security and physical meetings measures remain unscathed.
More than a chance to start over from the scratch, what lies ahead points to a much broader discussion about an innovative business model that will affect associations and destinations. How will we co-opt new financing schemes to feed this supply chain? Will destinations be willing to give up their old sales strategies? Are associations prepared to offer new services and integrated solutions to their membership?
These are the questions we try to address in our HQ #102 issue partially dedicated to the financing and sponsorship of the global events industry. Our cover story features an interview with Visit Norway about the efforts and crisis management that have taken place in the Scandinavian country since the pandemic began. We also talk to the general manager of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre about the importance of lobbying for the industry's value and its benefits to the local community.
In the chapter for associations, we share variations in the sponsorship industry and the impact of technology companies with the European Sponsorship Association, and new opportunities for live marketing and event services with the giant VOK DAMS. Don't miss also the regular insights from our partners (Interel, Kenes, ECM, Mark Levin, etc.) and our stories from around the world this time taking us to the city of Porto and North of Portugal.
Download our physical edition right now or click the button below to access our digital version!
Live URL:https://www.flipsnack.com/8B6DFADEFB5/hq-102-funding-and-sponsorship.htmlTaiwan Special Destination Report
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Summary:As a result of the "new normal" triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the global MICE industry is undergoing huge changes adapting to a framework in line with the demands of associations and companies.To cope with these transformations, MEET TAIWAN has launched a new project in order to reform Taiwan's MICE industry. The prefix "re", meaning to come back or again, is the highlight of MEET TAIWAN's new programme - Re-Fresh Taiwan - representing a fresh start for a new ecosystem of local events on an international scale.
Together with increased vaccination rates, these measures demonstrate Taiwan’s resilience an commitment which has enabled people to quickly return to their normal live with safety and business to prosper again.
Discover the green strategy, the support programs, and the various regions and destinations of this island nation, in this special supplement prepared by HQ.
Live URL:https://www.flipsnack.com/8B6DFADEFB5/taiwan-special-mice-destination-report.htmlHQ #101 - September 2021
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Summary:Coming from an atypical summer that has served as a much-needed relief from the tension and anxiety felt throughout the industry, we are starting to get some positive signs everywhere that point to a slow but solid recovery - at least more than meets the eye.
Business travel is climbing the tourism ladder, destination marketing is on the rise, and the membership community is looking for new (and old) opportunities to get together again and re-establish its schedule of events. But how to optimize all those impressions and leads that make us take serious decisions in times of crisis, compare scenarios and resume our business strategies?
Let's talk about Data, shall we? In this issue number 101, we set off the importance that data management and its licensing represent for the effectiveness and everyday life of associations, MICE bureaus, DMO's and all professionals that fill our industry.
We have two exclusive interviews with the German Convention Bureau's new groundbreaking project, Future Meeting Space, and the European smart cities network, Sharing Cities. We kept the conversation flowing about the best destinations and venues around the world, especially at the tech level, and looked into Data at the last ECM Summer School.
We also introduce MESA, a new event support association, and talk about leadership with the International Leadership Association. So don't forget: own your data and make it count - it's sure to be the biggest trend for the return of the 2022 events.
Download our physical edition or click the button below to access our digital version!
Live URL:https://www.flipsnack.com/8B6DFADEFB5/hq-september-digital-magazine.htmlHQ #100 - July 2021
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Summary:One hundred is a number with many meanings. For example, turning 100 is something many people dream and look forward to, but one hundred can also mean that something is completed, done, over. For Headquarters Magazine, it means that the July 2021 issue is an unforgettable milestone, but not the last. Once upon a time we started with issue number 1, the beginning, the launch of a magazine specifically for international associations based in Brussels. And now, here we are... time flies!
In this #100 issue, we premiere the 2021 AIPC Member Survey Results on growing trends in convention centres, and unveil eight facts associations need to understand for successful future meetings. We spoke with Liz Ortiguera, the new CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, and tried to figure out why event technology providers skyrocketed in the last year.
We showcase the latest projects from all our partners, from the GDS Movement, through the European Cities Marketing to the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers. We covered destinations such as Thailand, Porto and Houston, and learned how events are slowly returning to venues like the Adelaide Convention Centre or ACC Liverpool.
Also, don’t forget to read the exclusive interview with journalist and social scientist Marco D’Eramo, author of World in a Selfie: An Inquiry into the Tourist Age, about the future of tourism in the digital age.
An edition packed with great content and aimed to be a summary of all chapters and segments of the MICE industry. People used to say that the “best things in life come to those who wait”. Well, if that's true, we'll be here to help you with whatever comes, stays and goes. Stay tuned!
Download our physical edition or click the button below to access our digital version!
Live URL:https://www.flipsnack.com/8B6DFADEFB5/hq-100-summer-edition.htmlAustralia Special Destination Report
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Summary:Innovation, science and technology are driving Australia's future and shaping the next generation of events.
Used to being seen as peripheral by the rest of the world, the oceanian country is a top reference in research and development and is taking the lead on a more sustainable and secure path for the MICE industry.
Watch these innovations stories to find out how Australians are changing the world - from leading their fields to creating entirely new ones. And discover why there's nothing like Australia for business events.
Live URL:https://adobe.ly/3tQUjWXHQ #99 - May 2021 Edition
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Summary:Sustainability is the topic that is on everyone's lips and HQ could not pass up this opportunity to deepen its relationship with the meetings industry. The pandemic was definitely the spark that ignited a broader discussion, but let’s not forget the leading examples that can guide us to a sustainable recovery.
This second HQ of 2021 set out to analyse the impacts and the aftereffect that business events can instigate in the environment and the associations's role in face of this transformative element.
We went to talk to the global community Tourism Declares Climate Emergency, about acting sustainably for circular regeneration; we were at the ECM online conference to report the best principles and models for destination rebuilding; we asked Helsinki why they are an example to follow in climate action; and finally, we tried to figure out the future of the MICE industry in an era that has its days numbered.
In this issue, you can still keep up with our Coronavirus sector featuring various convention centres and destination reports; in our association interview, we invited an international NGO with that advocates for environmentally friendly technical standards, policies and laws, the Environmental Coalition on Standards. Without ever forgetting our high-value association partners with their insights and projects.
In this issue 99, HQ partnered again with Interel to launch the “Women Who Advance Associations” campaign, which aims to celebrate female talent and diversity in the international associative community. Trust the Headquarters Magazine as the most reliable source of good information and industry research.
Download our physical edition or click the button below to access our digital version!
Live URL:https://www.flipsnack.com/8B6DFADEFB5/hq-99-may-edition-sustainability.htmlPoland Special Destination Report
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Summary:The past year has pushed the Polish MICE industry into a new era. Venues, hotels, DMCs, PCOs and convention bureaux, successfully introduced solutions that are not only safe, but also technologically advanced and sustainable. This new reality calls for the development of new procedures, with safety and hygiene measures likely to remain the number one issue in the years to come. This is precisely what is happening now in Poland!
HQ has prepared a guidebook with the best products and offers in the "Land of the Fields", to hold your high-end events. Safety and hygiene standards and procedures when hosting your congress; support from different convention bureaux in the country; the various stories that make Poland a diversified place for any type of meeting; and high scores on smart specialisations.
Download the Polish HQ Supplement right now!
Live URL:https://bit.ly/PolandMICEreportHQ Passport #2 - Medical & Pharmaceutical
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Summary:HQ Passport would be our fresh new product this year but unfortunately, given the situation we are in, we had to delay the whole process.
Since February, when we launched our debut edition dedicated to the professional agricultural sector, until today, we would have planned four more editions that effectively only resulted in this October one.
Our second Passport, "Medical & Pharmaceutical dossier", is a manifestation of our team's strength and a commitment of honor to the entire industry, in order to inform and 'opening the gates of professional destinations'.
We bring you two destination profiles and their scientific advances in the health sector (Australia and Abu Dhabi), we exchanged a few words with the World Medical Association and the European Federation for Colposcopy and invite the OIC Group to explain us how to organize a successful event in the world of healthcare.
Read our stories and expect a 2021 with many more 'Passports'. Stay safe // Stay strong // Stay with us
Contact Vivian Xu for future inquiries and partnerships at: vivian@meetingmediagroup.com ✍
Live URL:https://www.flipsnack.com/8B6DFADEFB5/hq-passport-no-2-medical-pharmaceutical.htmlHQ #98 - February 2021 Edition
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Summary:2021 took off strongly in search of new hybrid offerings, digital solutions and event scheduling. Associations and destinations can no longer wait for an antidote in view of the business slowdown in the event industry and, therefore, several pieces have started to move on this chessboard.
This first 2021 HQ presents a series of fascinating cases among competitors and rivals such as CVBs, DMCs and digital/physical event organisers to build an industry with a new dynamic of cooperation in competition: the so-called "coopetition".
In this issue, you can still keep up with our Coronavirus sector featuring several associations and destination reports; our special feature on “Convening Leaders 2021” with some exciting on-site interviews; the online fam trip we took to Japan, and our usual HQ Essential on the value of partnerships.
In the chapter of the associative profile, we went to speak with an organization that will be vital in the months to come: the European Social Network, a growing community of more than 150 public authorities responsible for social services across Europe, and beyond.
Without ever forgetting our high valued association partners with their insights and projects. In this issue #98 we have also prepared a whole new design for you - check it out! ;)
Get on the right foot this year with your Headquarters Magazine. Download our physical edition or click the button below to access our digital version!
Live URL:https://www.flipsnack.com/8B6DFADEFB5/hq-98-digital-magazine-partnership-for-growth.htmlJapan Special Destination Report
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Summary:Few destinations worldwide are as alluring and attractive as Japan. With its unique combination of tradition and modernity, beautiful landscapes and ultramodern experiences, the country is a must-visit for many travellers.In this special destination report, HQ will walk you through 4 cities in Japan: Kitakyushu, Hiroshima, Toyama and Sendai. Beyond the world famous big city of Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan offers many other hidden gem destinations where event delegates can avoid crowds and enjoy the wonders of regional Japan.Moreover, two case studies are presented in the report, where the experts shared with HQ their conference experience in Japan.Content:P1 Front coverP2 IntroductionP3-4 Interview with Executive Director of Japan Convention BureauP5 Map of JapanP6 KitakyushuP7 HiroshimaP8 ToyamaP9 SendaiP10-11 Interviews with expertsP12 ContactsLive URL:http://bit.ly/2XBLRxn
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Supported by the Union of International Associations (UIA), the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and the Interel Group, the global public affairs and association management consultancy, Headquarters Magazines serve the needs of international associations organising worldwide congresses.
