Seoul Reaches Out to EuropeThe city leaves a lasting impression at the year's top MICE event Seoul displayed its growing importance in the global corporate meetings industry at this year's IMEX (Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events) exposition, one of the world's largest international MICE industry trade shows. The city of Seoul and the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) conducted a wide range of promotional activities at the May 25-27 event to showcase the city as a key MICE destination, displaying its charms and world-class conference infrastructure. The Frankfurt expo was attended by 9,000 people, including over 3,800 buyers from 150 countries as well as representatives of 120 media outlets. To promote Seoul as a key MICE destination, STO staff held some 50 meetings with buyers and held six group presentations. Foreign visitors expressed keen interest in the city's MICE infrastructure such as venues, accommodation and transportation. After a news conference at the Seoul booth by STO President Samuel Koo, major news outlets reported on the city's promotional efforts to attract conventions. Further promotions included placing advertisements on shuttle buses and distributing special articles to attendees in an effort to highlight the city's attractions. Chief among Seoul's signature events promoted throughout IMEX were the forthcoming G20 summit in November, to be attended by the leaders of the world's largest economies, the Korea MICE Expo in November, Seoul's status as 'World Design Capital 2010', and Seoul's place as the inaugural city of the 'Visit Korea 2010-2012' campaign, under the themes 'design, ecotourism and Korean cuisine.' Seoul was also spotlighted at the annual IMEX Politicians Forum with a speech by Mr. Koo on the STO's experience in working with city officials and politicians to secure funding and political support for its operation. Forum organizers said the address left a strong impression on the over 200 attendees present, including 28 politicians from around the world and 60 meeting industry representatives. The Seoul booth, twice the size of last year's version, was a focus of attention, boasting a large LED screen showing images of the city and its MICE facilities. The booth also had touch screens providing visitors with information on the STO's services and the major events being held in the city - an innovation that attracted the curiosity of those present. Special performances of traditional Korean music and demonstrations of contemporary sand animation art also drew large crowds of visitors. To further familiarize IMEX participants with Korean cuisine and culture, the city held a daily reception, complete with a traditional Korean tea ceremony. Seoul's active presence at IMEX forms part of its efforts to attract more conferences and corporate meetings, especially from the lucrative European market. Following IMEX, the STO staged a special industry roadshow in Brussels, which attracted 70 major players in the local MICE industry. |