Where are you in the development phase?
In the last Kongres issue I discussed the role of the convention bureau.
I would like to pose a question. Does the convention bureau provide logistical support? Or should it be a developer and networker between Business, Academia, Government, Research and Development, where the real value is?
I can imagine most of the readers would agree all of that, and if possible much more.
What needs to be done to get there?
Our business model spans more than a century in the business. Why aren’t we there yet?
It takes time, it really does. The Slovenian Convention Bureau just celebrated a decade and we haven’t solved the major issue i.e. stable government funding. This is not just the case in my country. I can see from my colleagues that there are similar challenges across Europe and beyond.
I see the only way is in crafting a mid-term strategy and getting major supporters on board, looking for industry supporters from your own country but also from the international environment. In my case the established international industry colleagues and associations, such as ICCA, have played and are still playing an important role in the development. I was also called several times by my European colleagues to share my knowledge and experiences in order that their meetings business environment develops in the right direction.
Once a destination speaks the same language then it is the right time for establishing wider networks. Ambassador programmes are a fantastic model for how to connect Research, Development and Universities. There are great examples out there on the market. The advantage of this is that success can be measured, is sustainable and demonstrates a true competitive advantage of the destination.
So, what’s next?
That all these stakeholders, both public and private, realise the true value of the role of a convention bureau and set up a nationwide policy that will strategically engage all of them with duties and benefits.
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