IMEX America – The Walking Piano in the Live Zone at IMEX in Frankfurt

From meetings hanging in the air or in the dark to crowd-sourcing agenda topics from the audience – the trend for engaging experiential interactive activities within business events is growing fast. Moreover, this growth pattern is set to continue and soon they will feature in most programs.

That is the key finding of new research carried out by MPI Outlook for the IMEX Group.

Looking back over the last three years, 87 percent of the meeting professionals who responded had seen an increased demand from clients or colleagues to include more experiential activities into their programs, with 29 percent noticing a significant increase.

Looking ahead, more than two thirds (69 percent) expect to include experiential elements within meetings and conventions from now on, while a further 16 per cent will start adding them in a year or two. 5 percent expect to introduce them in three years or more. Only 9 percent have no plans to include them.

Respondents were also asked to define ‘experiential activities’ in meetings, conventions and events. Summarizing the consensus of responses, the overall view and definition is that they are ‘activities that create an opportunity for attendees to use many senses and engage in an event while actively participating in a ‘hands-on’ way.’

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group says: “The phenomenal interest and positive responses to C2 International’s Learning Labs, the Live Zone and the many experiential elements of IMEX in Frankfurt this year reinforced our perception of the enthusiasm within the industry for experiential activities. Through our partnerships with C2 International and working with other groups, we’ll certainly be bringing an exciting range of new experiential ideas to IMEX America in October.

“This research quantifies and powerfully emphasizes the significance of this trend in the wider industry.”

An image of an experiential activity from IMEX Frankfurt can be downloaded here.

eTN is a media partner for IMEX.

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Mike Croucher, chief architect for Travelport, will present the opening keynote speech at Travel Forward, drawing on his vast experience in the travel technology sector to reinforce the message that the digital revolution in travel has not yet run its course.

The inaugural Travel Forward, the new technology-focused event co-located with WTM London, takes place from 5 – 7 November 2018 at ExCeL London, UK in the North Hall  (entrances 9 and 10). Croucher’s keynote takes place on the opening day, Monday at 9am in the Keynote Theatre.

As chief architect, Croucher is responsible for devising, developing and delivering the technical infrastructure upon which Travelport’s travel commerce platform operates, now and in the future. The technology needs to be scalable to handle Travelport’s growth and future-proofed to accommodate any strategic changes to its business plans.

The net result is that he needs to not only be intimately aware of current tech, future innovations and consumer trends but also be able apply this knowledge in an enterprise context.

His experience in travel technology predates the internet by many years.

Croucher graduated in mathematics from Loughborough University in 1980 – co-incidentally the same year as the first-ever WTM London – before spending a year as a graduate trainee for Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson. He then spent a few years as a contractor before securing his first dedicated travel tech role in 1983 as chief programmer for SAS Scandinavian Airlines.

Since then, his professional focus has been exclusively on travel tech, with his career path mirroring many domain developments and the wider e-commerce world. He joined Galileo in 1988 around the time that the US global distribution systems were looking to break into Europe.

Ten years later he joined BA and was there during the creation of the first internet booking engines, the development of online travel agents and the growth of the low-cost carriers.

He was still with BA in 2007, the year in which Apple launched its first iPhone and the age of the smartphone began. His time at BA also encompassed the emergence of Facebook and Twitter, the non-stop growth and expansion of Google, the early days of Uber and Airbnb, the mainstreaming of the cloud and big data. Globalisation had begun. Blockchain was waiting in the wings.

He took on his current role with Travelport in 2014.

His keynote speech will touch on all the above and provide a context for what Croucher will identify as the priority areas of interest for the travel industry. He will distil the current tech landscape into the primary business-critical components – mobile, artificial intelligence, big data, hybrid cloud, the Internet of Things and blockchain.

Blockchain will be one of the major discussion points at Travel Forward, and Croucher will share Travelport’s thinking around the short, medium and long-term applications of the technology in travel. Earlier this year it released a white paper “Blockchain and distributed ledger technology at Travelport” which identified possible use cases within travel.

However, with some thirty years’ experience of travel tech, Croucher is also able to anticipate where blockchain – and indeed some of the other tech innovations that currently have buzzword status – will not work.

Richard Gayle, Event Manager, Travel Forward said: “We’re delighted to have secured one of the most experienced and articulate travel technology experts working in the industry today, from one of the sector’s most innovative companies.

“Mike Croucher’s keynote will be absolutely aligned with our aims for Travel Forward: forward-thinking, informative and entertaining, with a relentless focus on how tech can be deployed by the travel industry to profit from the ongoing digital revolution.”

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Your Fourth of July plans likely include at least one of the following: mouth-watering BBQ, a patriotic parade, or a refreshing dip in a pool. But have you scoped out a prime viewing spot for the dazzling fireworks show at the end of the night?

This year, forget your neighbor’s balcony and the hill at the local park and instead think even higher: a hotel rooftop.

Fourth of July fireworks are quite literally a highlight of the summer and there’s almost no better way to enjoy the show than from an elevated bar overlooking the city. Pair the sky-level view with the warm summer breeze and an ice-cold drink and you’ll never want to leave. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground (or sand), we’ve got you covered too.

Head to one of these Hilton hotels for unbeatable views of some of the country’s most impressive fireworks displays to celebrate America’s birthday in style.   

The Logan Philadelphia, Curio Collection by Hilton (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Take in the Fourth of July fireworks display from Assembly, the hotel’s rooftop lounge. Equipped with fire pits, craft cocktails and, most importantly, killer views, Assembly is open to guests and the public for a unique option for celebrating the holiday, day or night. For relaxation, guests can enjoy the recently renovated guest rooms or suites, which feature marble bathrooms and French doors that seclude the bedroom from the living area.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced today the appointment of Christopher Rodrigues CBE, Chairman of the British Council, as Ambassador as part of a new Ambassador Programme to extend WTTC’s reach at regional level.

The Ambassador programme identifies global travel industry leaders with proven records of success in key markets to work alongside WTTC, bringing wide and credible experience experiences from careers in the Travel & Tourism industry. Selected by Christopher J. Nassetta, Chairman WTTC and President & CEO, Hilton, and Gloria Guevara, WTTC President and CEO, Christopher Rodrigues will work closely with WTTC to expand the Council’s presence, voice, and influence in key markets, working collaboratively on behalf of WTTC.

Christopher Rodrigues became Chairman of the British Council in May 2016, having already become Chairman of the Port of London Authority in January 2016, the Chairman of Openwork in January 2014 and the Chairman of the British Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association in August 2013.

He has held further roles, including Chairman of VisitBritain, Chairman of International Personal Finance and Windsor Leadership; Chairman of The Almeida Theatre, and Council member and Trustee of the National Trust.  He was on the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council from 2007 – 2016.

Christopher is a graduate of Cambridge University and the Harvard Business School.  He rowed for Cambridge in the 1970 and 1971 Boat Races, is a past-Chairman of Leander Club and is a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta.  He was made Visiting Professor at the University of Surrey in 2009 and a Visiting Professor at Cranfield School of Management in 2010.  He was awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University of Surrey (DUniv) in April 2013. Christopher was made a Commander of the British Empire in the 2007 New Year Honours list for services to British business interests and charitable works in the UK and USA.

We are delighted to be welcoming the following WTTC Ambassadors at the programme’s launch: Gerald Lawless, former CEO of Jumeriah and Immediate Past Chairman of WTTC; Dr. Adolfo Favieres; Jean-Claude Baumgarten, former President & CEO of WTTC; Dr Michael Frenzel, former CEO of TUI and former WTTC Chairman; Kathleen Matthews, former Chief of Global Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Marriott International; with further Ambassadors to be announced at a later date.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, commented: ‘I am delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher Rodrigues as WTTC Ambassador. Mr. Rodrigues, along with our other Ambassadors around the world, possesses deep sector knowledge of the Travel & Tourism industry, following strong career experience within the sector. His proven record of success is representative of the mission and values of WTTC and we look forward to working together on behalf of Travel & Tourism.’

Christopher Rodrigues CBE, Chairman of the British Council, commented: “Travel brings delight to billions of people and makes the cultural connections that lead to better understanding between peoples and nations. I am delighted to become a WTTC Ambassador working to support a growing sustainable industry.”

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KAthleenMatthew

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced today the appointment of Kathleen Matthews, an award-winning journalist, global hotel company executive, and tourism advocate as WTTC Ambassador.

The Ambassador programme identifies global travel industry leaders with proven records of success in key markets to work alongside WTTC, bringing strong experience from careers in the Travel & Tourism industry. Selected by Christopher J. Nassetta, Chairman WTTC and President & CEO, Hilton, and Gloria Guevara, WTTC President and CEO, Kathleen Matthews will work closely with WTTC to expand the Council’s presence, voice, and influence in key markets, working collaboratively on behalf of WTTC.

Ms. Matthews, former Chief Global Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Marriott International, joined the business after a 30-year career in broadcast journalism, where she was a news reporter and anchor of the evening newscasts for the Washington, D.C., ABC- affiliate station WJLA-TV, and host of other programs, including the nationally syndicated “Working Woman” program.

Under her leadership, Marriott launched their Global Green Council and worldwide sustainability strategy with goals to conserve energy, water, build LEED certified hotels and convert Company headquarters to LEED Gold. Working with Conservation International and a Brazilian NGO, the company invested $2 million to preserve an endangered section of Brazil’s Amazon rainforest the size of Delaware through sustainable economic growth rather than clear-cutting forest and jungle. In Asia, she spearheaded a successful effort to help conserve China’s water resources.

As a leader in global and national affairs, Matthews served as Vice-Chair of President Obama’s Travel & Tourism Advisory Board, and she chaired the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council on Travel & Tourism, where she advocated for more efficient and secure travel across borders through smart visa and entry policies.

An opportunity advocate, Matthews was a leader within the company’s Global Diversity Council. She promoted LGBT equality through partnerships with the Human Rights Campaign, NGLCC, PFLAG and Immigration Equality, and was an effective proponent for the advancement of women at Marriott and in communities around the world through our procurement strategy to support women-owned businesses.  In Africa, she launched a partnership to provide hotel jobs for young Rwandan women, and similar programs in India, Haiti and the U.S. to bring disadvantaged youth into hospitality careers. Matthews led a four-year initiative with the Clinton Foundation to open a Marriott hotel in Haiti, fostering opportunity and economic development in the wake of a devastating earthquake.

Ms. Matthews is one of several WTTC Ambassadors to be announced at the programme’s launch. Other Ambassadors include Jean-Claude Baumgarten, former President & CEO of WTTC; Dr. Michael Frenzel, former CEO of TUI and former WTTC Chairman; Dr. Adolfo Favieres; Gerald Lawless, former CEO of Jumeriah and Immediate Past Chairman of WTTC; Christopher Rodrigues, Chair of the British Council and former Chair of Visit Britain; with further Ambassadors to be announced at a later date.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, commented: ‘I am delighted to announce the appointment of Ms. Matthews as WTTC Ambassador. Ms. Matthews, along with our other Ambassadors around the world, possesses deep sector knowledge of the Travel & Tourism industry, following strong career experience within the sector. Her proven record of success is representative of the mission and values of WTTC and we look forward to working together on behalf of Travel & Tourism.’

“Travel & Tourism is a powerful engine for employment, economic development, and opportunity around the world,” said Matthews. “I am so motivated to be an advocate for how we continue to grow our industry responsibly to create new jobs in emerging and advanced markets and provide experiences for travellers to better understand cultures and why we must protect our planet.”

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Michael Frenze

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced today the appointment of Dr Michael Frenzel, former CEO of TUI and former WTTC Chairman, as WTTC Ambassador.

The Ambassador programme identifies global travel industry leaders with proven records of success in key markets to work alongside WTTC, bringing strong experience from careers in the Travel & Tourism industry. Selected by Christopher J. Nassetta, Chairman WTTC and President & CEO, Hilton, and Gloria Guevara, WTTC President and CEO, Dr. Michael Frenzel will work closely with WTTC to expand the Council’s presence, voice, and influence in key markets, working collaboratively on behalf of WTTC.

Dr. Michael Frenzel has served as President of BTW since November 2012, the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry. He was the Chairman of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) until March 2016. He is also Honorary Chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Forum, Macau.

Currently, Dr. Frenzel serves as a member of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Bahn AG, an international provider of mobility and logistic services as well as Director of Amex GBT, the world leading business travel company. Furthermore, he is the Special Ambassador of Tourism for UNWTO. Most recently, Dr. Frenzel held the role of Chairman of the Board of TUI Travel PLC and CEO of TUI AG. Under his leadership from 1994 to 2013, the multi-business conglomerate Preussag AG was repositioned into TUI AG, Europe’s leading tourism group.

Dr. Frenzel is one of several WTTC Ambassadors to be announced at the programme’s launch. Other Ambassadors include Jean-Claude Baumgarten, former President & CEO of WTTC; Dr. Adolfo Favieres; Gerald Lawless, former CEO of Jumeriah and Immediate Past Chairman of WTTC; Christopher Rodrigues, Chair of the British Council and former Chair of Visit Britain; Kathleen Matthews, former Chief of Global Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Marriott International; with further Ambassadors to be announced at a later date.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, commented: ‘I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Frenzel as WTTC Ambassador. Dr. Frenzel, along with our other Ambassadors around the world, possesses deep sector knowledge of the Travel & Tourism industry, following strong career experience within the sector. His proven record of success is representative of the mission and values of WTTC and we look forward to working together on behalf of Travel & Tourism.’

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