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Delegates from sixteen countries converged in Florence, Italy for the first Site EMEA Forum. Developed by Site members, this event focused on the specific business needs, trends and perspectives for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The 2011 event surveyed many topics relevant to the motivational events and incentive business today including motivational triggers by cultures, leveraging web and social media resources for business, crowdsourcing, and benchmarking sustainability plans harnessing CSMP (Copenhagen Sustainable Meetings Protocol).
“The hallmark of Site events is the rich diversity and depth of collective knowledge you can discover when you bring people together from so many distinct regions of the world.” Mary MacGregor, Site President and Vice President, Account Development, BCD Meetings & Incentives stated. “We appreciate the efforts of Site Italy for designing this first EMEA Forum to offer educational exchange in a relaxed, personal environment. Site understands that our industry depends on strong personal relationships and this event certainly allowed all delegates to gain new business connections and insights to take back to the office.”
The highlight of the event was the buyers panel moderated by Site Past President Padraic Gilligan, Vice President Ovation Global DMC. Conversations were quite revealing and the room came alive when the topic of sourcing and managing DMC relationships was introduced. Some other concepts discussed included: while the way we do business has shifted, nothing has changed in why we exist — business still see incentives as relevant and important retention and engagement strategies; incentive programs today must absolutely be aligned to the business case of the corporate client; we must all be ready to manage a blended strategy where meetings and educational sessions are included in the incentive program; partners must be transparent about what they are offering and what they are charging; industry partners must demonstrate value around risk assessment services and plans; and relationships remain the most powerful tool to attracting and developing new business.
Allison Summers, Site Managing Director stated, ”Florence was the ideal backdrop for delegates to create and strengthen connections while experiencing the beauty of the local area. Conversations started in conference rooms but extended out into the streets and plazas. And that is reflective of the power of the Site Network. Doing business globally requires trust in relationships and the best place to identify future partners is through events like the Site EMEA Forum.”
The first annual Site EMEA Forum was made possible by the Site Italy Chapter and the efforts of the host committee: Maria Arnolda Egberts, CMP, CMM, Sonatori Group; Federica Cesaroni, Key Welcome; Vanina Cioni, Amandatour; Diana Cora Tenderini, CMM; Carlotta Ferrari, Firenze Convention Bureau; Giuseppe Lepri, Newtours; Carolina Santarelli, Affresco; and Paolo Teruzzi, CTIdeas. The committee thanks the lead partners for their generous support: Firenze Convention Bureau, IMEX, Hotel Grand Baglioni, Grand Hotel Villacora, Affresco, Lo Scalco, Sonatori Group, BTO EDU, Fondazione Sistem Toscana, Newtours and Mattiazzo Carey Italy. To view additional highlights from the event and images, go online to siteglobal.com.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
