Berlin: Successful first half of 2015 for convention and meetings business

Berlin, 10 September 2015 Berlin's role as a leading location for conventions and meetings continues to grow: In the first six months of 2015, 62,000 events took place in the German capital (+1.5% compared to the previous year) with 4.82 million participants (also +1.5%). The number of overnight stays related to these meetings increased by 3 per cent to 3.3 million. These figures come from the latest conference statistics for the first half of 2015* from the Berlin Convention Office of visitBerlin. Berlin continues to consolidate its position as Germany's first place to be for conventions.

Market Trends 2016
The European Bargain
Meetings in Europe are actually expected to be cheaper in 2016—hotel rates are projected to increase by only 0.7 percent, helping the cost per attendee per day to shrink by 0.4 percent. Those stats look even better for U.S. meeting planners considering the U.S. dollar’s strength against the euro, also expected to continue through 2016. Despite the favorable pricing, CWT sees strict attrition and cancellation being enforced in Europe as well (with the exceptions of Russia and Spain, the report notes).

Introducing the MPI Academy

Learning is a lifelong process, especially when it comes to delivering exceptional meetings and events. With rapidly changing technology, evolving business standards and a renewed focus on strategy, professional development is more important than ever. MPI is there to help. Through certificate programs, streaming education sessions and monthly webinars, you’ll find what you need to grow your knowledge base and advance your career.

Meetings and Conventions 2030: A Study initiated by the German Convention Bureau

A Study about Megatrends and Their Relevance for the Industry supported by MCI

Congratulations to the First Event Model Generation Graduates

The general gist of it is that you use an Event Model Canvas template to visually chart key meeting elements in 10 steps. “The canvas articulates how the behaviour changes as a result of having participated in the event as well as stating the required levels of satisfaction against expectations. Additionally the canvas outlines the costs and expected revenues in relation to the customer journey (service design) and the instructional design of the event.” .

The Mindful Way

Mindfulness Day is an emerging annual event, which will be celebrated this coming Sunday, September 12, 2015 to raise awareness of the many benefits of mindfulness.

Mindfulness is a positive mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment.  As well as a successful therapeutic technique for overcoming anxiety and depression, today mindfulness is also being used as core leadership development technique in business.