Thriving not just surving during the recession.
This year I have decided that my new year’s resolution will be to not do something rather than do something which is to not “participate in a recession”. I have adopted a saying from Dr. Ivan Misner (Founder of Business Network International) as my new motto “I refuse to participate in a recession”…
In late November I attended an International tradeshow in Barcelona – EIBTM. I had 1000 badges printed up with this motto and I hired students to wear T shirts with the same. I have to say I was delighted with the reaction. I had people running down the tradeshow aisle after me asking me where did I get the T shirt from… in the bathrooms I had ladies ask me if I was the person giving out those great badges — they wanted to fly the flag for me and wear one. Yeah, it was working. So my point is that we are ready to be positive about all of this.
Overall the tradeshow was a fantastic experience for me. I received excellent leads and met people whom I would never have met by staying at home. There was serious business being done there and a real thirst for companies to discover countries they had not brought conference, meetings or incentive clients to before. Ireland does not have the reputation abroad yet for having fantastic conference and incentive facilities and it is a constant battle to educate international delegates on the state of the art facilities Irish venues now have to offer. And believe it or not, the first thing you have to educate most people on is why come to Ireland in the first place for a conference, meeting or event…. uniqueness of our culture, landscape and people, friendly welcome and as a very safe destination.
I took a wander around to compare how other countries were selling their country as a destination and there are some amusing photos to share –
Hungry –
Come to Hungry
Norway - love this one..
Norway - attractive incentive
Now that's a dress!
Ireland - Kenmare Park Hotel Samas Destination Spa
Guatamela -
The Quetzal - national bird of Guatemala
Overall it was an excellent tradeshow, with plenty of entertainment and eye candy to keep you amuzed such as this shirmp and lobster that wandered freely throughout the exhibition.
Anyone for Shrimp and Lobster?
Ciara and the Queen of Nuremburg
Ciara and the recently discovered Dinosour remains in Portugal
I am happy to share my advice and expertise on venues in Ireland. My service saves hours of time in researching a venue. Contact Ciara at ciara@findaConferenceVenue.com. 353 (0) 26 21015.
