The Mercado: A Resounding Success in the City of Music
The Mercado, a brand new conventions workshop, took place in Montreux, Switzerland, on 26th and 27th March 2009. Eleven ECM member cities each brought one of their best clients in order to enhance new business opportunities within the ECM network.
\n
During the workshop, using speed-dating appointments, the clients meet all of the participating destinations. Each appointment lasts 20 minutes, allowing the client and the representative of the destination to discuss the needs of the clients and how the destination can meet those needs.
\n
Karin Kohlfuerst, a client, and Lars Nielsen, a member city representative, are both very happy with their workshop experience:
\n
\n
\n
Karin Kohlfuerst\n
General Manager, Highent Events ,
\n
client invited by the city of Graz, Austria
\n
\n
What are your overall impressions of the workshop?
\n
At big events or trade fairs where you meet a lot of people, it is hard to remember who is who at the end of the day, whereas the format of this workshop provides a kind of intimacy for the appointments. The atmosphere here as well as the limited number of participants is absolutely convenient and appropriate for networking
\n
\n
What about the speed-dating system and the “obligation” to meet all of the participating destinations?
\n
The system itself is a good way receiving information about different venues within a short period of time. You never know which destination might be useful for you. Probably, you do not need a particular destination at the moment but you might need it for a client in the future, so it is always very useful to collect new contacts and locations.
\n
\n
In your opinion, what is the added value of the workshop?
\n
The networking. It allows you to get to know people in more relaxed circumstances and that is pleasant in any business.
\n
\n
\n
Lars Ramme Nielsen\n
Director of sales & marketing, Meetings
\n
Wonderful Copenhagen, Denmark
\n
\n
What are your overall impressions of the workshop?
\n
It was one of those events that not only meets, but exceeds your expectations. It is the best event in which I have participated in a long time. My colleagues have been very careful in their choice of clients and I am convinced it really was a good return on the investment.
\n
\n
During the workshop and the meetings with clients, was there anything that surprised you?
\n
I was pleasantly surprised by the impact of the Copenhagen brand. I realized that even the clients from the south of Europe are quite aware of Copenhagen as a possible destination. This is always a real boost and very motivating.
\n
\n
Would you recommend this event?
\n
Definitely. Yet not too much… it is like your favourite restaurant: you always recommend it with an inner fear that everybody will start going there.
\n
\n