Bright sparks to form convention alliance
PATTAYA – A new global four-city alliance will target energy-related conferences.
The formation of the Energy Cities Alliance between three leading convention bureaux and a convention centre was announced at the International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) annual conference in Pattaya this week.
The founding alliance partners are: Aberdeen Convention Bureau, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre and Perth Convention Bureau.
In creating the strategic marketing alliance, the partners are aiming to obtain a competitive edge in the international marketplace, particularly in the field of energy-related conferences.
A key focus of the alliance is the exchange of sales leads, to be known as the Energy Transfer Advantage that also incorporates a support package for conference organisers.
The major benefits available to planners include lobbying and marketing support within the partner destinations to maximize delegate registrations for their conferences.
A special branding has been established to position the alliance as a group sharing common goals and aspiring to world’s best practice as convention destinations.
Announcing the initiative, the Perth Convention Bureau’s director of corporate services, Christine McLean, said in Pattaya that strategic alliances are the way of the future.
She said, “Given today’s competitive environment, it is becoming increasingly evident of the need to develop strategic alliances that enable the partners to leverage their collective knowledge and skills to give them a marketing edge.
“It is a critical advantage to the participating partners to be able to exchange leads on conferences and assist each other in the securing of these.
“While the common link that has brought us together is the fact that we are centres for thriving energy industries, the scope of our alliance will extend beyond energy-related conferences.”
A major element of the alliance is a dedicated website that will provide planners with access to the collective support package with links to the partners’ websites.
Marcia Lyons, general manager of the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, said, “What attracted us to the Energy Cities Alliance was the uniqueness of the partnership. One common factor each of us has is a powerful and dynamic energy industry.
“To take this a step further into our tourism, meetings and conventions sectors is a great strategic move forward. Everyone will benefit from the sales leads to public relations and destination awareness of our cities.”
Ian Jarrett
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