CMW hears about glamour and graft, as well as digitalisation and influencer marketing from Sandrine Camia, Deputy General Director of the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority
Tell us about some recent high-profile meetings and conferences in the Principality?
Monaco welcomes more than 400 business events per year and notable events have included the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year, the world re-insurance congress (‘Rendez Vous de Septembre’ which shows unparalleled longevity and marks its 63rd edition in 2019). Monaco has a high level of loyal clients which account for 41% of the total overnight stays generated by business tourism. [...] Monaco has a long tradition in hosting international conferences, including the Interpol General Assembly, IOC Extraordinary Session, and numerous conferences on sustainability and preservation of the oceans.
What recent developments are there to report on the hotel and venue side?
From May 2019, Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer will offer a new conference centre, One Monte-Carlo, in the heart of Monaco. Together with Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, it will form a new hub, right on Casino Square. Covering a surface area of 1,445sqm, One Monte-Carlo conference centre will include 300sqm of plenary space, with a 178sqm connecting multipurpose room, three modular breakout rooms and a large 523sqm foyer. [...] The Hotel de Paris is starting a new chapter of its story, fully re-opening its 209 rooms and suites after four years of refurbishment. The Columbus Monte Carlo was also fully renovated last year.
What are the major changes you have seen in the MICE business?
They are all changes caused by web revolution : Digital and innovation are dramatically changing our jobs on a daily basis: communication, marketing, client relationship to list a few. You have to adjust very quickly otherwise you could lose attractiveness and market share. Simultaneously with the digital revolution, clients are looking for experience and authenticity. Organising an event is not only booking venues and handling logistics. You need content, experience and engagement for all participants. Those are the new elements of success.
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