Meeting planners doing business in the international marketplace will find a rare opportunity to participate in a day of interactive learning and networking …
Meeting planners doing business in the international marketplace will find a rare opportunity to participate in a day of interactive learning and networking when HSMAI’s World Quest Forum convenes on June 8, 2004 at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC.
Designed to address the needs of international meeting professionals who plan programs outside the continental U.S.,HSMAI’s World Quest Forum is uniquely formatted with provocative presentations of four hot topics important to the arena of international meetings, followed by interactive roundtable topic discussions with planners and international business partners.
“The program is created to be highly stimulating and participatory, with all individuals taking part in the brainstorming and discussions,” states Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “For any meeting planner working programs in the international marketplace, this forum offers an incredible opportunity to accumulate a wealth of information and top level contacts in a single day.”
Planner attendance is limited to 100 qualified association, corporate and government international planners, ensuring a
focused and productive learning environment. The registration fee for international meeting professionals is $75.
Business partners will be placed at roundtables, while planners circulate throughout the course of the day for maximum presentation discussion and networking. At each roundtable, the international business partner will participate in the discussions with planners, providing case studies and references to the topics by using their organization as examples.
Among the business partners participating are: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, InterContinental Hotels, Marriott and Renaissance Hotels & Resorts, Hilton International, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Rezidor SAS, Netherlands.
Tourist Office, Monaco Tourist Office, Switzerland Tourist Office, Puerto Rico Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Toronto Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, VisitBritain, Aberdeen Convention Center, and Melbourne Convention and Visitors Board.
AGENDA
Topic 1: “What is the Future of International Meetings?”
This cutting-edge, provocative overview of the future of international meetings will help planners better understand and prepare for the critical challenges and imminent opportunities facing the international meetings industry.
Provocateur: Marvin J. Cetron – World renown forecaster-futurist and frequent guest on major network television shows including The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Morning News, CNN Newsmaker Sunday, Crossfire and Larry King Live.
Topic 2: “Doing Business in a Volatile Global Financial Market”
This fast-paced, interactive session will address key issues affecting the international meeting’s bottom line in today’s challenging global economy, including exchange rates, local bank accounts, buying forward contracts, insurance and international banking laws.
Provocateur Panel: John Min, senior director of International Sales Strategy, Ruesch International; and Jeanne Mexic, director of sales Worldwide Accounts, Hilton Sales Worldwide.
Topic 3: “Global Effectiveness: Enhancing Your Cultural & Linguistic Savvy”
Despite conventional wisdom, in today’s borderless economy culture and language issues matter more, not less. Increase productivity and effectiveness in multicultural settings with this dynamic and thought-provoking session. Learn how to survive and thrive in the multitude of intercultural and language challenges.
Provocateurs: Guy Kolb, CAE, executive director and CEO, SRA International; and Cynthia Lett, executive director, International Society of Protocol and Etiquette Professionals.
Topic 4: “Enhancing the Security of International Meetings and Travel”
Security in today’s uncertain global environment is everybody’s business – but especially for international meeting planners.
This informative and insightful session will help planners better understand the increasing complexities of international travel security as well as how to be best prepared for worst-case scenarios while abroad.
Provocateurs: Timothy J. Cahill, Special Agent in Charge of Congressional Affairs, Federal Air Marshal Service, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security; and Jim Dunne, Chief of the Research and Information
Support Center, Overseas Security Advisory Council, U.S. Department of State.
There will also be a Welcome and Introductions from Fran Brasseaux, executive vice president, HSMAI; a Networking Lunch and Afternoon Tea Networking Reception, as well as international destination door prizes.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
