TravelDailyNews: What are your estimations for the MICE Industry in Russia this year?

Kim Waddoup: As Russia is a developing market it is hard to supply accurate estimations. As we see enormous growth in this sector, we estimate that the total value of the market for 2006-7 will be in excess of US$.200. million.

TDN: How important is technology for MICE events and what is the role of e-conferences in Russian market?

K. W.: The importance of technology for MICE events is currently relatively limited. Whilst some highly specialized e-conference facilities have existed in Russia for a long time these are seldom used with a preference to physical travel and face-to-face meetings.

TDN: This year you are launching the 3rd edition of the Moscow International MICE Forum. What is your feedback from the industry so far and what are your expectations from the event?

K. W.: Feedback from our participants has been excellent. I believe that it is vitally important to have excellent communication with our participants and I listen carefully to their requirements and suggestions. We work hard to ensure that the continuous development and innovations introduced satisfy the wishes of our participants. I have to keep reminding people that this is still a developing market that will require tenacity and long term commitment, to enjoy the benefits.

Last year we introduced the first pre-scheduled appointments system in Russia. This was successful for some but flight delays and the notorious Moscow traffic hindered the full benefits of this feature.

We continue our research to identify the true MICE specialists in Russia and ensure that they visit as buyers. We are also increasing the number of specially invited Corporate Buyers and will organising a special workshop in February to educate and inform this important sector.

Based on our success from the previous years we will be welcoming back more than 60% of our participants. This further indicates our aim to provide an event that has been specifically designed to suit the exact requirements of our participants.

TDN: A great percentage of Russian corporate meetings are held outside Russia. Why is this happening? Do you feel that the Russian market cannot fulfill the needs of the Russian companies.

K. W.: Approximately 73% of all events are held outside Russia as there are still limited facilities available within the Country. Even in Moscow the conference facilities for large events are very limited. In so many countries specialized Convention Centres have been constructed providing all the space pre-requisites for successful events. Also with long, cold winters it is hardly surprising that so many companies prefer to arrange their events outside of Russia!

TDN: Which international markets do Russian corporations prefer to hold their meetings and what is the rank of Russia in the global MICE market?

K. W.: At our March 2006 event we conducted a survey of all our Russian MICE visitors which has produced the first reliable statistics. Whilst Russia and the former Soviet Union countries appear in first and second place the volume of business to many countries is quite impressive:-

Russia (Moscow)

6.60%
CIS (former USSR)