What we're dealing with; what's the best response and how do we deliver it - these are the three dimensions of the current challenge facing the convention centre industry that will be addressed in an integrated program at this year's AIPC Annual Conference in A Coruna.
"There's not much doubt about what's on everyone's mind at the moment - it's basically where are we and what should we be doing about it", says AIPC President Edgar Hirt.
"Our program for this year's AIPC Annual Conference in A Coruna addresses these questions head-on, and supplies the resources that will make our deliberations as industry experts all the more effective".
The program will combine industry intelligence, global perspective and specific strategies for coping, says Hirt. "There's not much point in raising questions without having the ability to look for answers", he said. "As a result, we've made sure our program will cover all aspects of the equation, including what and how we can respond to a global crisis that's swept up our industry along with everyone else".
Keynotes will include Dr. Linda Yueh, FRSA, an economist and commentator with extensive expertise in economic and business issues, particularly the macroeconomy. Her work and recent book, Macroeconomics, focuses on the global economy, and her research examines economic growth and the changing global economic structure - including the financial crisis, emerging markets, globalization, international economic law, economic growth and development.
A fellow in economics at the University of Oxford, a visiting professor at the London Business School and highly regarded commentator for both government and media including the BBC, CNBC, CNN, ITN & Sky News, as well as the Financial Times, Dr. Yueh will put industry issues in a global context of overall economic prospects.
Also presenting is Mr. Simon Anholt, who will be building on his insightful presentation at the 2007 AIPC conference with new strategies around how a centre and destination can best position themselves in a rapidly changing environment.
The UK-based author of Competitive Identity: the New Brand Management for Nations, Cities and Regions, the standard text on place branding, and founder and publisher of the quarterly Anholt Nation Brands Index, the annual Anholt City Brands Index and Anholt State Brands Index, three major surveys which use a panel of over 5 million people in 35 countries to monitor global perceptions of 38 countries and 60 cities, Mr Anholt is today regarded as the world�s leading specialist in public diplomacy and brand strategy for countries, cities and regions.
His presentation and workshop will specifically address how centres and destinations can and should be taking advantage of current conditions to improve market share and better position themselves in their respective markets.
Keynotes will be supported by special sessions addressing the opportunities and techniques associated with identifying, implementing and evaluating innovations - the kinds of actions that are most necessary when confronted by the challenges of revenue and budgetary restrictions and the need to rise above the crowd when competition increases.
Carried out by a leading expert in this field, this session will interface with the results of our 2009 AIPC Innovation Award, where AIPC members will provide case studies on innovations that have enhanced many different aspects of their business.
"As always, some of the most important content for this year's Annual Conference will be the interactions amongst members sharing their concerns and insights", says Hirt. "But we have made a particular effort to have these kind of interactions take place within a framework that is shaped by some of the leading expertise on what we are dealing with and how we can respond. We fully expect that this will be one of the most important and valuable events in our history as an association".
The 2009 AIPC Annual Conference takes place from July 4 through 8 in A Coruna, Spain. Further details are available on the AIPC Conference web site or via the AIPC Secretariat office.
For more information, visit AIPC Annual Conference A Coruna
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