9th National Conference on Professional and Conference Tourism: Paving the Way for the Future
On April 11 and 12, 2019, the 9th National Conference on Professional and Conference Tourism was successfully held at the Radisson Blu Park Hotel in Athens, organized by the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers (HAPCO). This significant event aimed to explore and innovate the future of conference tourism with a firm eye on possibilities for development.
Emphasis on Interactivity and Key Areas
This year’s conference emphasized interactivity as a crucial component, revolving around five main pillars of discussion. These included:
- Potential for expanding conference tourism and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) industry in Greece,
- Structured and systematic promotion of Greece as a year-round conference destination,
- Alignment with international trends in professional and conference tourism,
- Innovation and improvement of services rendered,
- Fostering interest among the youth regarding careers in Conference Tourism.
Educational Seminars: Bridging Theory and Practice
The conference also featured Educational Seminars from the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO). Topics included "Designing the Future of Brand Experience" and "Top Tips for Incorporating Technology into Your Next Event," led by Kim Myhre, Managing Director of MCI Experience. These sessions provided practical learning opportunities for participants, enhancing the overall educational value of the event.
A Gathering of Experts
Esteemed speakers from various sectors, including technology, management, consulting, human resources, communication, and nutrition, shared their valuable insights during the two-day conference. Their diverse backgrounds highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of conference tourism and its potential impact on various professional sectors.
Boosting the Tourism Economy
During the opening ceremony, George Tzallas, General Secretary of Tourism Policy and Development, impressed the audience with a review of Greece’s tourism policies. He noted that the collaboration between the state and the private sector has led to a 35% increase in tourism over the past four years. Highlighting the sector’s growth, he remarked, “The rate of tourism growth is three times higher than that of the economy, benefiting all related sectors that develop around tourism."
Facilitating Sustainable Conference Tourism
M. Tzallas emphasized the government’s role in facilitating conference tourism, which largely relies on private initiative. He acknowledged the necessity of a clear legislative framework to provide opportunities for youth professional engagement. “Our goal is sustainable and long-term development of conference tourism,” he stated, underlining the importance of the sector for the country.
Extending the Tourism Season
Constantinos Tségas, General Secretary of the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), discussed efforts to extend the tourism season. He mentioned that national tourism policy supports conference tourism by establishing standards for conference centers and proposing financial incentives through the development law for both establishing and modernizing facilities.
Recognizing Key Facilities
President of HAPCO, Irini Toli, expressed gratitude for the existence of the Megaron Concert Hall in Athens, the only medium-sized conference center in the city. She highlighted its vital role in hosting international and national conferences, accommodating between 2,500 to 3,500 participants.
The Need for Larger Venues
Toli pointed out Greece’s significant gap in large conference centers, which hinders the country’s ability to bid for high-capacity conferences that other European countries regularly host. She stressed the need for competitiveness, further technological advancement, and government support, stating, “It is essential for governmental bodies to recognize the importance of conferences for Greece.”
Opening Doors for Youth Engagement
A noteworthy initiative of HAPCO during the conference was its commitment to engaging young people in conference tourism and informing them about the essential growth possibilities within this sector. A competition was announced for undergraduate and postgraduate students in tourism studies, aimed at establishing a tradition for future HAPCO conferences.
Cultivating Future Professionals
The young participants showcased commendable efforts, allowing them to see firsthand how theory translates into practice. This initiative marked the first step towards creating new industry professionals, addressing the absence of specialized training for conference tourism in Greece compared to other European countries.
New Leadership at HAPCO
Following the conclusion of the two-day conference, a general assembly of HAPCO members was held, leading to elections for a new board. The upcoming leadership team will steer the association forward in promoting and developing conference tourism in Greece.
Newly Elected Board Members
The newly elected Board of Directors from the recent elections comprises:
- President: Irini Toli
- Vice President: Panagiotis Podimatas
- Vice President: Georgia Kerasidou
- General Secretary: Sissy Lygnou
- Treasurer: Dimitris Paliouras
- Members: Antonia Alexandrou, Kostas Karagiorgakis, Emmanouela Mousama, Georgia Tsatsou.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
The 9th National Conference on Professional and Conference Tourism reaffirmed the commitment of Greece to enhance its position as a notable destination for conference tourism. With proactive steps towards developing the MICE industry, focusing on youth engagement, and addressing the infrastructural gaps for larger events, Greece is set to embrace a fruitful future in this sector. Encouraging collaboration between the private sector and government is key to unlocking the potential of conference tourism, ensuring it thrives for years to come.
