1. Has your company been hit by the crisis and have any special precautions been taken the last couple of months?
No.
2. Has your budget for 2009 changed drastically?
No.
3. Which destinations – national & international – have you planned for 2009?
The Netherlands and the USA to attend major fairs in our field: ESTRO (Maastricht) - AAPM (Anaheim) & ASTRO (Chicago).
 4. What are the main arguments for your choice of venue/destination?
A venue needs to be as close as possible to the congress centre and preferably be a venue that is not yet too well known and which has a ‘unique’ location…
5. Are you planning to visit EMIF and if yes, why?
Definitely, to get a feel for the situation, the offer in Belgium.
6 National: what do we have in Belgium that you find nowhere else or what do you feel is missing in Belgium in the MICE industry?
 Unfortunately, in my opinion, Belgium has nothing to offer that you cannot find in other countries. Add to that the appalling lack of modern and ‘challenging’ congress centers (the opening of the Brussels Congress centre Square on 20-09-09 will certainly change things) and the general un-friendliness of people in hotels, shops, horeca in general, and things do not look good for Belgium as a destination!
7. International: what is your most special discovery in the MICE sector?
 I would have to say Levi in Finland for all the reasons mentioned above. You walk out of your hotel and you can get to the convention center either by cable car, snowmobile or reindeer sleigh! The congress center is a unique example of modern architecture with stunning views. To get down again, the same transportation modes are available or for the sporty types there is the possibility to ski down!
8. Which column do you never miss when reading BBT Online and what would you like to see added?
I read everything, maybe some more information on new convention centers and original ‘venues’ in their vicinity? |
1. Has your company been hit by the crisis and have any special precautions been taken the last couple of months?
A strict control on Trade Receivables has been introduced as a must in this time of crisis. We also apply a strict policy of "money in bank before last product out of tank".
 2. Has your budget for 2009 changed drastically?
We do not work with specific budgets for meetings and incentives.
3. Which destinations – national & international – have you planned for 2009?
The planning for 2009 has not been finalized yet.
4. What are the main arguments for your choice of venue/destination?
- high quality of the accommodation – a minimum of 4 stars (although now with the global crisis this may change) and of the meals.
- presence of a wellness centre (Jacuzzi, pool, Turkish bath, etc) is a plus.
- possibility of having a gastronomical meal in a restaurant nearby.
- possibility for relaxation activities (cultural, nature,..) in the vicinity is a must.
5. Which was, in the past year, the educational trip that was of most interest to you and why?
I was very impressed with the Holland Showcase organised by the NBTC (Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions) which was full of interest and also fun and useful for me for the organization of meetings.
6. Are you planning to visit EMIF and if yes, why?
Unfortunately I will have no time to visit EMIF.
7. National: what do we have in Belgium that you find nowhere else or what do you feel is missing in Belgium in the MICE industry?
 We have great places in Belgium for the organisation of meetings and events, unfortunately the weather is not always on our side and can cause much stress. A real downer for me is the poor quality of taxis in Belgium: it is a great challenge each time to find decent cars but more importantly a decent driver. If anybody can find me such a driving James Bond in a decent suit, I am definitely interested!
8. International: what is your most special discovery in the MICE sector?
For me Madrid has an amazing array of possibilities besides the good weather, the culture, the first class accommodations, the wining & dining and the entertainment….
9. Which column do you never miss when reading BBT Online  and what would you like to see added?
BBT is always a pleasure to read, perhaps some more attention could be given to original meeting places with relaxation venues nearby … ? |
Marc Schilders 
Vera Schilders