Durban Convention Bureau Pleased With Outcomes Of ICCA RSMP 2012

Merryl Fairfoot, Business Tourism Research and Development Manager for the Durban KwaZulu Natal Convention Bureau, attended the ICCA Research, Sales and Marketing Programme – ICCA RSMP 2012 in Bregenz Austria from 13 -16 June.

“The ICCA Research, Sales & Marketing Programme boasts a custom-made education programme, where participants get an opportunity to share their best practices during interactive workshops and training involving marketing, use of the ICCA contact database, ability of presentation, advice on bidding and research methodology and building up customer relationships and networking with their peers on an international platform.

New business opportunities in the form of a business leads exchange programme provide invaluable insight into international and regional conferences and meetings, and how to attract these to a destination such as Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.

In addition, personal advice on real work challenges is given by forum members, presenters and contemporaries alike. This crucial networking opportunity for anyone involved in leads research and bidding for conferences is arguably one of the most important features of the ICCRM Programme each year.

It is here that one learns that the challenges encountered by many destinations or venues in attracting international meetings is mirrored in every corner of the globe.

However the ICCA Research, Sales & Marketing Programme is not so much about the challenges as about finding solutions for them!  What better way to do so than to discuss this with colleagues on a worldwide platform said Merryl.

Her  trip to Austria also included a  visit to the Vienna Convention Bureau. 

My meeting with the Director, Christian Mutschlechner, was without doubt a highlight of my trip to Austria. Vienna recognised the need for a dedicated Convention Bureau as far back as 1969 and the Vienna Convention Bureau was established as a department of the Vienna Tourist Board with the assistance of the Municipality of Vienna and the Vienna Chamber of Commerce.

A staff of 11 conference specialists work tirelessly to acquire convention, meeting and incentive business from around the world and to maintain Vienna’s international reputation as a top conferencing destination.

Visits to the Messe Wien Exhibition and Congress Centre, Hofburg Vienna Convention Centre and the Austria Center Vienna also provided insights into how some of the world’s largest convention centre’s operate.

Christian also provided important insights into the workings of the Vienna Convention Bureau and helpful guidelines as to how the Durban KwaZulu Natal Convention Bureau can build on its recent successes and further advance in this very competitive international environment.

Embracing all the learning’s achieved from the attendance of the ICCA Research, Sales & Marketing Programme and the visit to the Vienna Convention Bureau is an exciting prospect awaiting the passionate team members of the Durban KwaZulu Natal Convention Bureau."