Convention Bureau Italia (CBI), Italy’s marketing body, continues to grow its range of services for members and international meeting planners. With the support of ENIT, the Italian National Tourism Board, CBI organised two workshops in March – one in London and one in Brussels – which welcomed representatives from various prominent European and International Associations based in each city. During the two events, association representatives were given the opportunity to meet various Italian suppliers representing different areas of the country in order to discover more about Italy as a MICE destination.
For the London event, thirty association representatives gathered at the Cucina of L’Anima Cafè, where guests were able to enjoy an evening of Italian food and hospitality, and had a chance to network with thirteen Italian suppliers. During the event, the chef of L’Anima Cafè entertained guests with a Live Cooking Demonstration and explained how to make Ravioli. The evening concluded with a prize draw, where four guests won gifts including vouchers for a two-night stay in properties across Italy. The Brussels event took place at the Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo. Guests were welcomed by eleven Italian hosts that represented destinations for congresses and conferences to be held. The event also formed a culinary experience and, inspired by Italian street food traditions, participants could discover dishes from Italy. At the end of the event, association representatives were again able to win prizes offered by the suppliers.
Carlotta Ferrari, President of Convention Bureau Italia, stated, “We decided to organise some promotional activities in London and Brussels to give International Association representatives the possibility to discover more about what Italy can offer in terms of venues and support. We want to thank Sarah Fleming Associates for the support they gave us with the organisation of those events. We are extremely satisfied about both the workshops. The wide participation of buyers and suppliers confirmed that this kind of activity is really appreciated and works well. We will surely continue organising promotional activities in Europe in the next years”.