IMEX Issues New Wild Card Challenge
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 Organisers of leading meetings and incentive travel exhibition, IMEX, are challenging the MICE industry to nominate new and emerging destinations for its free Wild Card scheme.

Says Carina Bauer, Marketing and Operations Director, “A steady supply of emerging, new destinations is fundamental to the long-term success of our industry. As the industry grows, so we all need to find new capacity. Buyers also tell us they are constantly on the look-out for fresh destination ideas and new places that can provide new experiences, especially for incentive travel packages. Our Wild Card scheme is the perfect opportunity to give rising destinations a helping hand; encouraging them to enter the industry and to try to capture some of this demand.”

“Not only do our winners receive a free place in our dedicated Wild Card Pavilion at IMEX, plus all the excitement and publicity that delivers, but they also benefit from ongoing marketing assistance throughout the year, free accommodation plus guest passes for the IMEX Gala Dinner. This scheme represents a golden opportunity for those in the industry who want to see more fresh blood to make their own nominations and keep that sense of innovation, growth and change alive.”

Asked what she looks for in an emerging destination, Nina Grahn, Sales Supervisor, BCD Meetings and Incentives, Denmark says, “As we are guided by our clients’ high standards we would first have to undertake an extensive inspection visit before deciding on recommending a new venue/destination. Things that we would be looking for in a new venue would include access to spa, health and well-being facilities, excellent security and logistics and, of course, previous experience of putting together events in this field.”

2006 Wild Card winner, Estifanos Admasu of Addis Ababa says that exposure to other emerging destinations at IMEX has provided inspiration and encouragement, “I have learned that South Africa, Egypt, Kenya are doing very well in the development of the meetings industry. I think the South African experience is a good model for us. From my discussion with staff of the South African delegation at IMEX 07 I have understood that there is a lot to learn from them.”

Anyone can nominate a destination for the IMEX Wild Card Programme. The only stipulation is that the destination must not have previously exhibited at a major trade fair or incentive travel event. The closing date for entries is 15 November 2007. To nominate a destination simply contact Dale Hudson, IMEX Project Manager: dale@imex-frankfurt.com or visit the IMEX website for more information and to download an entry form: www.imex-frankfurt.com/wildcard.html.
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