300 likes | 375 Views
Nick Waight CEO Marie Lawlor International Senior Account Manager. What it means for Dublin. 30,000 International Delegates per annum 220,000 delegate days per annum. The Convention Centre, Dublin (The CCD). Ireland’s First World Class Convention Centre
E N D
Nick WaightCEOMarie LawlorInternational Senior Account Manager
What it means for Dublin • 30,000 International Delegates per annum • 220,000 delegate days per annum
The Convention Centre, Dublin(The CCD) • Ireland’s First World Class Convention Centre • Iconic building - Pritzker award winning architect Kevin Roche • Prime City Centre Location • Excellent Transport Links • State of the Art Facilities , Cutting Edge Technology • Comprehensive technical package and staffing included in rental fee • Premium Service & Experienced Management Team • Environmental Sustainability
Key Tactical Challenges • Lack of city housing bureau • Change in hotel bed stock composition • Perception of Dublin as an expensive destination • Increasingly competitive marketplace • Quantity and quality of skilled labour
KeyAreas • Joined up “Team Ireland” approach - research, bidding and delivery • Good example is the way Australia approach & bid for events This involves a move away from individual business interest and takes consideration of the bigger picture. • Long term sustainability & profitability
Research • Centralised point of reference, coordinated to ensure no duplication • Relevant target markets • Calendar planning – to smooth out hot spots • Inward and outward communication • Database integrity • Management of ‘Ambassador Programme’
Bidding • Compilation of a quality comprehensive bid document tailored for client requirements • Hotel room allocation service • Hosted site visits from committees/decision makers • Coordination of city/country offering during site visits • Impartial information on social programmes, activities etc. • High level support letters e.g. Taoiseach, Minister of Tourism
Bidding • When appropriate, identification of partner support e.g. DMCs, PCOs etc. • Financial support for bidding association • Attending and supporting conference at which bid takes place • “Shoulder” leisure tourism marketing (all Ireland)
Delivery • City welcome • e.g. Flags/banners, broad sheets/posters sites, civic reception • Integrated conference delegate offer • e.g. City discount passport for shops, restaurants & visitor attractions • Manning of information desks • e.g. airports/conference venue
Delivery • Provision of collateral • e.g. Maps and city guides • Information & assistance in reclaiming VAT and any other recoverable taxes • Integrated public transport travel offer • Major event briefings for relevant parties • e.g. Hotels, taxis, restaurants • Recognition of ‘Conference Ambassadors’ responsible for bringing the conference to Ireland
Delivery • Onsite market research to ascertain delegate opinions • Post conference evaluation on country/city/venue perceptions
Summary • Highly competitive market • Becoming increasingly experiential • High delegate expectation • No room for complacency • Coordinated and slick • Internal communication and transparency
Key International Markets • International Association • UK National Association • International Corporate • UK National Corporate
Results to date 11 confirmed events – 16,750 international delegates (58,625 delegate days) 66 provisional bookings – 73,000 international delegates (255,500 delegate days) Total Value – €20m (314,125 delegate days)
Results to date • 6 current bids – 18,200 international delegates (63,700 delegate days) • 27 bids in progress – 40,800 international delegates (168,000 delegate days) • 19 bids identified – 38,500 international delegates (134,740 delegate days)
Sales Activity - 2009 Site Visits – General and for key groups Familiarisation Visits – Core International PCOs, European & International buyers, Media Hearts & Minds Overseas presentations – Paris/Brussels & London/Geneva Exhibitions – Confex, IMEX, EIBTM Reception for UK buyers at The Irish Embassy, London