Zimbabwe is making good progress as it prepares to host UNESCO Africa Engineering Week from 14 to 19 September, according to a senior World Federation of Engineering Organisations official.
World Federation of Engineering Organisations vice president Yashin Brijmohan met with a number of stakeholders, including the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers, Engineering Council of Zimbabwe, UNESCO and government officials.
“I’m quite pleased with the progress made so far,” he told national newspaper The Herald.
“I believe in Zimbabwe and the country has shown a lot of potential in terms of hosting conferences of this nature.
“Zimbabwe is ready to host the event and I believe the local team will work hard to make this event a success.”
Victoria Falls, the country’s leading resort, won the bid to host the second edition of the international event.
According to UNESCO, Africa Engineering Week aims to educate youth and the general public about engineering through outreach activities such as educational workshops, public awareness events, mentoring activities and university events that show how engineers are key players in the solutions to important global challenges, such as climate change mitigation and adaptation.
A conference on the theme of “Engineering Innovation for Accelerated Infrastructure Development for Africa”, which aims to raise the profile of the profession, is expected to attract more than 500 delegates from outside the host nation.
“Preparations are going on very well even though a lot of work needs to be done to promote the event,” Eng Martin Manhuwa, president of the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers told The Herald.
Tag: Business Events
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Zimbabwe ready to host UNESCO engineering event
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Dublin wins bid to host ICIS 2016
Dublin has been selected ahead of a number of European cities to host a major international technology conference next year.
The 37th International Conference on Information Systems (ICIS) will take place at the Convention Centre Dublin in December 2016, bringing up to 1,500 delegates to the city.
Dublin was announced as the host city at a meeting in Florida, beating rival bids from Istanbul, Munich and Vienna.
Hosting the conference will add millions of Euros to Dublin’s economy.
According to Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre, the Dublin bid team has been awarded a grant of EUR 50,000 from Science Foundation Ireland to the host the Conference.
Other organisations backing the conference include destination marketing agency Fáilte Ireland as well as Google, Intel, Microsoft, Realex Payments and SOS Ventures.
The theme of the 2016 conference is “digital innovation at the crossroads”.
ICIS, the international conference of the Association for Information Systems (AIS) was founded in 1980 at UCLA. The first conference was held at the University of Pennsylvania as the “Conference on Information Systems”.
The conference became known as “International” in 1986, through Canadian and European attendance and participation. ICIS was first held outside North America in 1990 when Copenhagen hosted the event. -
Top speakers join lineup for HOST CITY 2015
HOST CITY 2015 Conference and Exhibition continues to attract top experts and key decision makers to speak at its event with Commonwealth Games Federation CEO David Grevemberg, Baku 2015 European Games Chief Operating Officer Simon Clegg CBE and Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events for VisitScotland, the latest big names to join the lineup.
In only its second year HOST CITY, which this year will take place at the Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow on 9 – 10 November, is set to bring together cities, rights holders, event owners and suppliers to explore the challenges and benefits of bidding for major global events.
Under the theme “Creative Innovation Connecting Cities with Sports, Business and Culture Events”, David Grevemberg, Simon Clegg and Paul Bush will join other influential stakeholders such as Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest for the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Mike Lee OBE, Chairman, Vero Communications, and one of the world’s leading sports architects, Christopher Lee, Senior Principal at Populous to examine issues concerning the bidding for and hosting of large-scale, multi-sport and cultural events.
Other notable names already announced include:
– Sir Craig Reedie, CBE, Vice-President, International Olympic Committee;
– Louise Martin CBE, President, Commonwealth Games Federation;
– Marisol Casado, IOC Member and President, International Triathlon Union;
– Dimitri Kerkentzes, Chief of Staff, Bureau International des Expositions (World Expos);
– Mário Andrada, Director of Communications, Rio 2016;
David Grevemberg, Chief Executive, Commonwealth Games Federation, who attended the inaugural HOST CITY event in 2014, said:
“I found HOST CITY: Bid to Win enlightening. The calibre of people that attended and spoke was excellent; it was excellent to meet so many experts with a shared perspective and passion and belief that the hosting of major events is a force for good.”
Matthew Astill, Chief Executive of Cavendish Group, owner of HOST CITY 2015, said: “In an increasingly competitive and highly scrutinised global market, cities are hosting a wider range of events to attract a greater share of global trade and investment from mega events such as the Olympic Games and World Expos to major business, scientific and cultural events.
“HOST CITY 2015 aims to provide the platform for them to work together to attract, build and host the greatest events in the world, which is why we are delighted to be able to announce speakers of such a high standing in the world of major event hosting. We look forward to the expert insight and unique perspective they will add to the debate.”
HOST CITY 2015
Host City 2015 is the leading EU-based meeting of Cities and Sports, Business and Cultural Events. Under the theme of “Creative Innovation connecting Cities with Sports, Business and Culture Events” the conference is attracting the world’s leading cities, rights holders and suppliers.
Topics to be covered include:
• How Events and Cities Innovate to Thrive
• The Changing Face of Sports Governance
• Creative Marketing through Events, Brands and Media
• Tokyo 2020: Olympic and Paralympic Games Update
• Live Entertainment in the City
• The Strategic Influence of Business Events
• The Power of People: Engaging Citizens in Events
• Multi-City Events: Solution to the Sustainability Problem
• Transport and Security Strategies for Long Term Gains
• Innovations in Event Infrastructure
For further information on the panel sessions and other top class speakers confirmed for Host City 2015, please visit: http://www.bidtowin-hostcity.net
Join the conversation on social media by using the #HostCity2015 hashtag. -
Dubai to host 2019 World Congress of Neurology
Dubai has won the bid to host the World Congress of Neurology (WCN) in 2019, as the city focuses on business events for its economic development.
The WNC is organised by the World Federation of Neurology, an association of national neurological societies representing 119 neurological societies in all regions of the world.
“Dubai has hosted several international conferences across all fields and is known for its hospitality, excellent infrastructure and world-class facilities,” said HE Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the DHA, speaking at the 22nd World Congress of Neurology in Chile in November 2015.
“We look forward to hosting this conference in 2019 and we strongly believe that conferences are a platform that brings together experts from the region and abroad to discuss latest advances in the field.
“Exchange of latest information and know-how is vital for growth and development, particularly in the medical field, which is ever-evolving.”
Business tourism is a large and growing global industry and an important cornerstone of Dubai’s economy.
“Conferences are big business and the number is growing worldwide, with a wider range of cities gaining market share,” said IOC Vice President Sir Craig Reedie in his opening address to Host City 2015, the leading EU-based meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events.
Previous editions of the WNC have attracted more than 5,000 delegates.
“Presently, in the region, there are 4000 to 5000 neurologists and this conference presents an opportunity to discuss the latest advances and treatment methods in the field,” said Dr Suhail Al Rukn, head of stroke unit at Rashid Hospital and president of Emirates Neurological Society.
“This conference will help foster collaboration and cooperation with neurologists and neurological societies in the region and abroad.”
The next World Congress of Neurology takes place in Kyoto in Japan in 2017.
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Africa anticipates faster growth in business events
The next decade is set to bring increasingly rapid growth for the meetings, incentives, congresses and exhibitions (MICE) industry in Africa as the continent achieves higher economic growth, according to Derek Hanekom, Minister of Tourism for South Africa.
“The potential of Africa for the MICE industry is exponential,” Hanekom told delegates at ibtm world in Barcelona.
“The tide has turned, we can see that our growth opportunities are now also within the African market. There are 770 registered African Associations on the ICCA database. 178 of these are based in South Africa and 592 on the rest of the continent and 218 regional conferences were registered on the continent in 2014 resulting in 610 events over the last five years. South Africa only hosted 63 of these events in the past 5 years,” said Minister Hanekom.
South Africa hosted 124 international association conferences in 2014, which attracted just below 70,000 industry professionals. Of these 124 conferences, 81% were international rotating events.
Since its inception three years ago, the South Africa National Convention Bureau (SANCB) has successfully bid for 163 business events between 2016 and 2020, which are expected to bring over 150,000 delegates to South Africa and contribute approximately R3.1billion to the economy.
“South Africa offer the business events industry excellent value for money, deliver authentic, memorable and enriching experiences in one of the most captivating, safest and beautiful countries that I am proud to call my home,” said Hanekom.
It was also announced that the European Cities Marketing (ECM) programme has extended its reach to South Africa, hosting an ECM Academy in South Africa just before the 2016 edition of Meetings Africa.
“We are really thrilled to have our first ECM Academy organised in South Africa,” said ECM President Ignasi de Delàs at ibtm world.
“It’s a new landmark in ECM development to host the derived version of our successful ECM Summer School. The ECM Academy is a tailor-made course for partner organisations outside Europe.
“We will do our maximum to guarantee the success of the ECM Academy in Johannesburg by maintaining the highest standard of course content, recruiting the best speakers, and giving the latest examples showcasing the most up-to-date trends in the Meetings Industry.”
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SportAccord Convention opens Host City application process for 2017 and 2018
With Lausanne recently confirmed as the location for the next SportAccord Convention, set to take place 17-22 April 2016, the organisation has now officially opened the application process for future host cities of the Convention in 2017 and 2018.
Held in a different city every year, the annual SportAccord Convention is a unique opportunity for key decision-makers from sport and industry to meet, network, and strategically shape global, regional and national agendas. As the premier event connecting sport and industry, approximately 90% of the participants are high-profile leaders, who seek to further the development of sport in an intimate and exclusive environment. In turn, this garners much attention and places cities firmly in the spotlight.
Speaking about the host city opportunity, Mr. Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord Convention commented:
“The SportAccord Convention is an important event in the sporting calendar for industry, International Sport Federations and organisations worldwide, so the earlier we start the bid process for the involvement of future cities, the better. The Convention provides an ideal platform to get business done – much is achieved in a short space of time – and for many organisations, the same opportunities may not present themselves as easily throughout the year.” Hatt went on to say:
“We are inviting cities to apply to become a host city in 2017 or 2018, and take advantage of the opportunities gained by being involved in this unique event”.
Further information can be found on the website at https://www.sportaccordconvention.com/about/bid-city-information-2017-an… includes the Bid City Application Information Pack, the Host City Bidding and Selection Process, as well as the Bid City Application Form.
The place Where Sport Meets, the SportAccord Convention is an exclusive 6-day event and attended by 2000 delegates. It is host to annual general meetings, a themed conference including City Forum, LawAccord and MediaAccord, as well as a Plenary Conference. An Exhibition is also held within the Official Programme and is represented by industries, sport organisations, government offices, cities, event services, media, and many more. International Sport Federations also take part in the Sports Demo Zone, and the Convention additionally provides a strong cultural and social programme for all participants.
Cities interested in bidding to host the Convention in 2017 or 2018 should contact Nis Hatt, Managing Director, SportAccord Convention, nis.hatt@sportaccordconvention.com to register their interest by Thursday, 28 January 2016.
For media enquiries, please email Jenny Edmondson, Media Relations Officer:
jenny.edmondson@sportaccordconvention.com
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Lausanne confirmed as Host City for SportAccord Convention 2016
SportAccord Convention is pleased to announce Lausanne as Host City for the 2016 Convention. Returning to the Home of International Sport, the Convention will take place from 17-22 April 2016 at the Swiss Tech Convention Centre which offers state-of-the-art congress facilities.
On becoming Host City to the next SportAccord Convention, Mr. Marc Vuilleumier, Lausanne’s Municipal Councillor in charge of Sport commented: “What a wonderful way to close an exceptional year for the City of Lausanne. 2015 marked the IOC’s Centenary in our city, and last July we became the host of the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games. The SportAccord Convention will once again witness the entire world of sport gather here, for the first time since we hosted the second Convention in 2004. Lausanne truly is the “Olympic Capital”, today more than ever!”
With close to 50 sports organisations based in Lausanne and the surrounding region of the Canton of Vaud, including many international sport federations, the city is an idyllic location for this premier event. On hearing the news, Thomas Bach, President, International Olympic Committee (IOC) said: “What better place could SportAccord Convention have chosen to hold its annual event than Lausanne, a city which is made for sport. For a century now, Lausanne has been the IOC’s home. More than thirty international sports federations and sports organisations have also found in Lausanne the ideal setting to develop and strengthen the place of sport in society.”
Held in a different city every year, the annual SportAccord Convention is a unique opportunity for key decision-makers from sport and industry to meet, network, and strategically shape global, regional and national agendas. An exclusive 6-day event comprising 2000 delegates, the Convention is host to annual general meetings of governing bodies, and once again, will welcome a delegation from the International Olympic Committee.
Now in its 14th edition, Francesco Ricci Bitti, President, ASOIF and SportAccord Convention remarked: “We are delighted that Lausanne has taken up the baton once more and will be hosting the next SportAccord Convention. As a major event in the international sporting calendar, Lausanne provides a favourable location for sport and business leaders to meet, given its strong commitment to sport and industry. With the warm hospitality shown to visitors and delegates in 2004, we can expect to deliver a Convention that meets the needs of our Stakeholders, Partners and delegates.”
The Convention comprises: a themed conference including City Forum, LawAccord and MediaAccord, as well as a plenary conference; an exhibition represented by industries, sport organisations, government offices, cities, event services, media, and many more; a Sports Demo Zone; as well as a social and cultural programme.
For further information on the benefits of attending the SportAccord Convention, visit: www.sportaccordconvention.com
For media enquiries, please email Jenny Edmondson, Media Relations Officer: Jenny.edmondson@sportaccordconvention.com -
Connecting the interior design community in Asia Pacific
The very best of design in Asia-Pacific will be showcased at the upcoming MAISON&OBJET ASIA (M&O ASIA) from 8 to 11 March 2016 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Center in Singapore. In line with the salon’s targeted positioning as a curated platform offering high-end interior design concepts and solutions to property developers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, interior designers, and architects, the works by the 2016 Designer of the Year and the Rising Asian Talents are a reflection of the region’s driving force behind the compelling design scene.
Similarly, the 2016 Interior Design and Lifestyle Summit will feature topics ranging from award-winning hospitality projects, art of living, design thinking, cross-disciplinary collaboration to country-focus discussion. Designer of the Year 2016 From Paris, Singapore to Miami Beach, MAISON&OBJET has created and offered an inter-connected worldwide stage for designers to shine. Every year M&O will present four Designers of the Year: two for M&O PARIS (January and September), one for M&O ASIA, and one for M&O AMERICAS. Designers of the Year are renowned personalities in the world of design creation and innovation, architecture and interior architecture.
M&O ASIA proudly announces André Fu as the 2016 Designer of the Year. One of the world’s most sought-after architects/designers, Fu is the architect behind major luxury hotels such as The Upper House in Hong Kong and the Fullerton Bay Hotel in Singapore, as well as restaurants such as Kioku at the Four Seasons Seoul and Motif in Tokyo. One of his fortes is his ability to marry elements outside of architecture or interior design into a unified whole.
Fu is launching a new brand called André Fu Living (AFL), a lifestyle range that embodies his design philosophy within tangible objects. The first product in the AFL line is a scent called Fargesia, which he created in collaboration with cult perfumer Julian Bedel of Fueguia 1833 Patagonia. At M&O ASIA 2016, Fu will present his bathroom collection for Cooper & Graham. “M&O embraces the spirit of contemporary lifestyle and is a genuine celebration of modern artisanship,” says Fu.
M&O ASIA’s Interior Design & Lifestyle Summit has been also extremely popular among the visitors, with a consistent turnout of around 2,800 attendees in each of the last two editions. Past speakers include Tom Dixon, Kelly Hoppen, Paola Navone, Neri&Hu, Kenneth Cobonpue, Joyce Wang and Kelly Cheng. The 2016 programme will put a strong focus on region-based speakers to provide the audience with an insider perspective on the intricate development of the Asia-Pacific market.
With this in mind, M&O ASIA 2016 has invited major design media including Architecture Media (Australia), Design Anthology (Hong Kong), FORM (Singapore) and Sina.com (China) to moderate talks and discussions with property developers, hoteliers, restaurateurs, interior designers, and architects.
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IOC’s Gilbert Felli to speak at AGES 2016 event
A number of high profile figures have confirmed to speak at the Association of Global Event Management (AGES) 2016 annual event, which takes place in St. Augustine, Florida, USA on 29 February and 1 March.
Internationally recognised figures speaking at the conference on day one of the event include: Gilbert Felli, IOC’s Senior Olympic Games Advisor;
Jerry Anderson, founder and Senior Principal of Populous; John Baker, VP Games Overlay and Broadcast Integration, Toronto 2015, José Quiñones González, President of the Peruvian Olympic Committee and Member of the board COPAL 2019 (Pan Am and ParaPan Am Games 2019, Lima) and Patrick D. Sandusky, Chief External Affairs Officer, United States Olympic Committee.
AGES has also announced that former Olympic Games Executive Director Gilbert Felli is now an Honorary Member of AGES.
According to AGES, a large majority of its members, associate members and partners have confirmed their presence at our event.
AGES also announced that its membership is growing, with two new members joining recently: Pro Construction, a market leader in Poland and that delivers event infrastructure works at international level, and Unitec Systems, a leading event supplier in Korea specialising in seating.
The AGES 2016 event is hosted by CAT ES, an AGES member and leading supplier of temporary power.
The second day of the event will include presentations from AGES partners EY and SOS Global, as well as working group activities.
One working group is developing a state-of-the art contract template for the delivery of overlay works while another is elaborating a table showing temporary import and export provisions for all major large events until 2020.
AGES members ES Global, GL events, Nüssli and MTD have delegated experts to these working groups. AGES says it will focus on finding suitable industry partners in the area of technology and sustainability in 2016.
For more information visit www.ages.international -
Cities are in a “battle for growth” – ECM president
Cities are embroiled in increasingly intense competition for branding, with digital and social media having transferred marketing from city officials to citizens, according to the president of European Cities Marketing (ECM).
“City branding is more complex than ever. CTOs (chief technology officers) have lost share of voice in the age of digital and social media. The city belongs to the people,” said ECM president Ignasi de Delàs in the run up to the next ECM meeting on 24-27 February in Madrid.
“And it’s definitely no longer just about the tourists. Cities compete more than ever for private investments, business conferences, world sports events, talents in research and science, film productions, political summits, international students, cruise ships, international headquarters and new airline connections.
“Ultimately, it’s all a battle for job growth, prosperity and quality of life. The winners get a global window and a place in the sun. The losers remain in the shadows among the non-places of globalisation.”
At the ECM Meeting in Madrid, February 24-27, ECM and Madrid Destino will present a parade of thought leading international experts highlighting European and North-American perspectives.
Experienced city brand marketeers will share their most valuable insights and learning for a full two-day conference on the latest trends, the pitfalls and the upsides of a branding discipline undergoing rapid change.
Among key speakers, Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company and Robert Govers, Founding Chairman of the International Place Branding Association will provide opening notes with a seemingly joint message: “Leave the branding to the people”.
Copenhagen will discuss how it leaves its marketing voice and buzz to the people, while Nantes will describe how it uses culture to morph an old industrial port to a new global city. Other cities showcased include Munich, Istanbul, Hamburg and Paris, as well as small destinations such as Davos, home of the “The World Economic Forum” and Billund, the hometown of Lego Corp which aspires to be world’s “Capital of Children”.
A day of seminars will be coordinated by Peter Rømer Hansen, Former Executive Vice President – Strategy & Market Communications at Wonderful Copenhagen and actual Founder and CEO of Rømer Agency.
To find out more visit http://www.europeancitiesmarketing.com/ or contact Flavie Baudot, press@europeancitiesmarketing.com, +33 380 56 02 00