24-hour delegate rate
Rate per delegate, based on one night's accommodation, that is quoted either prior to or on the day of the conference.
360-degree marketing
Marketing format that integrates all the media available to the target audience in the same campaign; i.e., an integrated approach + Web 2.0 applications. See Web 2.0
ABPCO
Association of British Professional Conference Organisers.
Abstract
Short summary of a scientific or scholarly work.
AC
Air conditioning.
Accessibility
Hotel, venue or mode of transport that can be used by the disabled or people with mobility problems.
Across the board
Term used by meeting planners to refer to the all inclusive price, covering all hidden fees (i.e., taxes and gratuities).
ACTE
Association of Corporate Travel Executives.
Activity Provider
Company or individual located in a destination who organizes unique local activities for tourists or business travellers. See Business traveller
Ad hoc
Something made or done without planning so as to meet an immediate need.
Adaptive web design
Type of web design that makes it possible to develop websites that adapt to the screen size of different devices (desktop, mobile, tablet). AWD detects a user's device before loading the webpage and then delivers the best version of the site for the said device. The design and content can be different depending on the device used to visualize them. See Responsive web design
ADME
Association of Destination Management Executives. See DMCP
ADR
Average daily rate.
ADSL
Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line.
Advance registration
Act of registering for a meeting or event before the day it is scheduled to take place. See Early-bird registration
AFCAN
Andalusian Association of Congress and Tradeshow Centres (in Spanish, Asociación de Palacios de Congresos y Ferias de Andalucía).
AFE
Spanish Exhibition and Trade Fair Association (in Spanish, Asociación de Ferias de España).
AFIDA
International Association of Exhibitions in Latin America.
AI
Artificial intelligence.
AIBTM
The Americas Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (Reed Exhibitions, Orlando, Florida, USA).
AIM
Accredited in Meetings. Nationally recognised standard in the UK for accredited venues and service providers in the meetings, conferences and events industry.
AIME
Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (Reed Exhibitions, Melbourne, Australia).
AIPC
International Association of Congress Centres.
Air walls
Moveable panels used to subdivide a larger area, such as a hotel ballroom, into smaller rooms.
All-inclusive resort
Holiday resort offering meals, drinks, activities and other services at a fixed daily rate.
AMA
American Medical Association.
AMC
Associaion management company.
American plan
See Full board
APCE
Spanish Association of Congress Centres (in Spanish, Asociación de Palacios de Congresos de España).
APEX
Accepted Practices Exchange.
App
Typically a small, specialized programme which users downloaded onto their mobile devices. See Mobile web app
Application
See App
AR
See Augmented reality
ASAI
American Society of Association Executives. See CAE
Association meeting industry
A segment of the MICE industry dedicated exclusively to the planning of meetings and events for associations. See ICCA
Attrition
According to the terms of the attrition clause in a contract, when a group does not fulfil its room-block commitment, a payment is required to make up for the rooms not used. See Room block
Attrition rate
Term that is used to refer to the rate at which an event decreases in size or the number of attendees who do not show up on the day of the event, divided by the number of registered attendees.
Audience response system
Tool designed to create an interaction between a presenter and his or her audience.
Audioblogging
Type of moblogging in which audio clips (phone calls received by a mobile) are sent to an audioblog where users can listen to them. See Moblogging
Augmented reality
Type of virtual reality in which a composite view is generated for the user, combining the real scene viewed by his/her with a computer-generated virtual scene enhancing the former with additional information; the system used to generate this type of virtual reality. See Virtual reality
AV
Audiovisual, as in audiovisual equipment, provider, etc.
AV contractor
See AV provider
AV provider
Supplier of audiovisual equipment (projectors, screens, sound systems, video, staging, etc.) and technical staff. See AV technician
AV technician
Professional responsible for the set-up, configuration and operation of all the audiovisual equipment used at an event. See AV provider
Avatar
Graphic representation, normally of a person, which is associated with an online user for his/her identification.
AWD
Adaptive web design. See Adaptive web design
B&B
Bed and breakfast.
B2A
Business-to-business administration.
B2B
Business-to-business.
B2B marketing
Business-to-business marketing.
B2C
Business-to-consumer.
B2C marketing
Business-to-consumer marketing.
B2E
Business-to-employee.
Baby boomers
Cohort of people born between 1941 and 1960.
Backdrop
Cloth, curtain or panel placed at the back of a stage set.
Badge
Printed card with the name and/or company of a delegate/participant at an event. See Badge holder , Lanyard
Badge holder
Transparent plastic envelope containing the printed badge of event delegates/participants, with a clip to attach it to their clothing or a lanyard for wearing it round their neck. See Badge , Lanyard
Bandwidth
Maximum data transfer rate of a network or Internet connection measured in Mpbs (megabits per second) or Gpbs (gigabits per second).
Banner
Type of display advertising on a webpage. Banners can come in a variety of sizes and formats (jpg, animated gif, Flash, etc.). See Click-through rate
Banqueting hall
Large room at a hotel or venue available for corporate or private events in which food is normally served.
Banqueting room
See Banqueting hall
BEA
Best Event Awards (created by ADC Group). See EUBEA
Beamer
See LCD projector
Behavioral remarketing
See Retargeting
Behavioral retarketing
See Retargeting
Benchmark
Standard or set of standards used as a point of reference for assessing performance or quality.
Benchmark study
See Benchmarking
Benchmarking
Term used to refer to the measurement of the quality of an organization's policies, best practices, products or services, strategies, etc., and their comparison with standard measurements or those of its competition set, with the aim of identifying what and where improvements should be made so as to boost performance.
BEO
Banquet event order: a document summarizing all the event logistics and instructions a venue needs to successfully execute at an event.
Best practices
Series of guidelines, parameters or norms, designed on the basis of past experience, which have obtained good or even excellent results, proving their efficiency and usefulness in a specific context.
Bid
Proposal submitted by a convention and visitors bureau and/or hotel(s) or other suppliers to an event organizer that includes detailed specifications (such as dates, rates, terms and conditions, etc.). See Contract , Proposal
Big data
Buzzword used to refer to large amounts of both structured and unstructured data that are too voluminous to process using conventional database techniques and information technology. See Buzzword , Big data analysis
Big data analysis
Process of analyzing massive amounts of diverse data to obtain unique insights. See Big data
Bit
Unit of measurement used for computing and telecommunication purposes. See Byte
Black tie
Dress code for evening events and social functions: black suits, white shirts and black bowties for men and evening dresses for women. See Dress code
Blackout dates
With regard to venues and hotels, dates that are not available to be sold as a result of high demand or limited availability.
BLE
Low energy bluetooth.
Blog
Discussion or informative website consisting of posts usually displayed in reverse chronological order (the most recent appearing first) to which users can subscribe through an RSS feed. See RSS , RSS feed
Blogger
Someone who runs a blog. See Blog
Bluetooth
Wireless technology developed by a number of companies (Ericsson Inc., Intel, Corp., Nokia Corp., Toshiba).
Boardroom style
See Conference style
Booth
See Stand
Boutique hotel
Luxury property with 10-100 rooms, usually located in a chic district of a city, offering guests a special atmosphere, cutting-edge facilities, unique amenities, fine dining, and a very personalized service.
Brainstorming
Group technique use to generate ideas in a relaxed atmosphere, making the most of the creative capacity of the participants.
Brand advocate
Consumer who sees a brand under a favourable light and will speak well of it to family members, friends and acquaintances.
Brand awareness
Extent to which consumers are aware of a particular product or service.
Branding
Set of marketing strategies and tools geared to creating or strengthening a brand.
Breakout room
Smaller room, near a larger meeting room, for use when a larger group breaks up to attend different sections. See Breakout session
Breakout session
Small group sessions, panels, workshops, or presentations, offered concurrently during an event. SeeBreakout room , Workshop
BRG
Best rate guarantee.
Broadband
Term that refers to the wide bandwidth characteristics of a transmission medium and its ability to transport multiple signals and traffic types simultaneously; high-speed Internet access. See Bandwidth
Brunch
Combination of breakfast and lunch usually eaten in the late morning.
Buffet
Term used in catering to refer to a service where hot and cold dishes are displayed on tables from which guests can help themselves.
Buffet breakfast
See Buffet
Business casual
Term used to refer to a dress code that is less formal than traditional business wear, but nevertheless gives the impression of professionalism and efficiency.
Business formal
Dress code that generally refers to formal attire, i.e., suit and tie. See Dress code
Business incentive
See Incentive
Business tourism
See MICE
Business traveller
Any person who goes on a trip whose aim is to attend a meeting, event or conference, or participate in an incentive or training workshop. See Dress code
Buzz
Speculative or excited talk or attention relating especially to a new or forthcoming product or event.
Buzzword
Word or phrase that becomes very popular for a time.
Byte
Eight bits. See Bit
Cabaret style
Room layout in which the tables face the front/centre with a large space in the middle of the room. Also known as Bistro or Café style.
CAE
Certified Association Executive (two certifications of the same name sponsored by ASAE and CSAE, respectively). See ASAI , CSAE
Call centre
Centralised office used for handling a large number of both inbound and outbound calls, usually with some amount of computer automation.
Call for papers
Invitation sent out by the organizers of a conference to potential attendees asking them to submit papers on a specific subject or subjects; also a set of instructions for submitting papers for assessment and selection by a team of reviewers.
Call for presentations
See Call for papers
Cancellation clause
Terms and conditions by which a contract may be cancelled and the subsequent penalties incurred by the cancelling party established. See Contract
Carbon credit
Permit that allows the holder to emit one ton of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Carbon footprint
Total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event, product, or person.
Carbon neutral
Term referring to having or achieving a net zero carbon footprint.
Carbon offset
Reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) or greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for or to offset an emission made elsewhere.
Caterer
Company or person that provides food and beverages for events.
Catering
Provision of food and beverages.
Catering company
See Caterer
C-band
Portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies used for long-distance radio transmissions. See Ku-band
CCTE
Certified Corporate Travel Executive (certification sponsored by NBTA). See NBTA
CDME
Certified Destination Marketing Executive (certification sponsored by DMAI). See DMAI
CDN
Content delivery network.
CEC
Continuing Education Credit.
Ceiling height
Distance from floor to seiling at an event venue.
Celebrity
Very famous person.
CEM
Certified in Exhibition Management (certification sponsored by IAEM). See IAEM
CEO
Chief Executive Officer.
CES
Consumer Electronics Show (held every January in Las Vegas).
CEU
Continuing education unit: non-academic credit unit conferred by professional organizations for formal educational programmes followed by members who must maintain their level of professionalism. SeeContinuing education
CGM
Consumer-generated media.
Channel manager
Software that allows companies to give distributors access to its room or tour inventory. See Room Inventory
Charming hotel
Urban or rural property, usually with a limited number of rooms, which stands out for its exquisite décor, bespoke service and lovely, inspiring atmosphere, as well as scrupulously respecting the architectural elements of the building in which it is housed.
Charter
Private use of a form of transport such as train, plane or boat.
Chatbot
Programme that simulates a conversation with someone.
CHME
Certified Hospitality Marketing Executive (certification sponsored by HSMAI). See HSMAI
Chuchotage
See Whispered interpreting
CIBTM
China Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (Reed Exhibitions, Beijing, China).
CIC
Convention Industry Council
CITE
Certified Incentive Travel Executive (certification sponsored by SITE). See SITE
Classroom style
Room layout in which desks/chair desks are arranged in rows in front of a blackboard, screen, dais, or podium. See Podium , Dais
Click-through rate
Number of clicks on an online banner or ad divided by the number of times the banner or ad is shown (impressions), represented as a percentage. See Banner
Climate neutral
Products or services that reduce and/or offset the greenhouse gases generated at each stage of their life-cycle. See Carbon offset
Closing ceremony
Function marking the end of an event, usually as part of the closing session. See Closing session
Closing session
Session held at the end of an event in which the issues that have been discussed are summarized and possible conclusions reached and announced. See Closing ceremony
Cloud computing
Business model for delivering information technology services in which resources are retrieved from the Internet via web-based tools and applications. See Web-based tool
CME
Continuing medical educatio or Certified Manager Exhibits (certification sponsored by E2MA) See E2MA
CMM
Certification in Meeting Management (sponsored by MPI). See MPI
CMP
Certified Meeting Professional (certification sponsored by MPI). See MPI
CMS
Content management system.
Coaching
Method that goes beyond traditional training techniques, focusing on the individual or company's needs and accomplishments, close observation, and impartial non-judgmental feedback on performance, with the aim of bridging the gap between "thinking about doing" and "doing." See Coaching session , Feedback
Coaching session
One-to-one session. See Coaching
COCAL
Latin American Federation of Professional Congress Organizers.
Cocktail party
Function similar to a reception, but normally less formal. See Reception
Cocktail party format
Room or venue with plenty of floor space so that both guests and staff can circulate freely. See Venue
CODEC
Short for coder-decoder or compression-decompression; a videoconferencing standard. See Videoconference. See Videoconference
Coffee break
Pause or break between meetings or sessions when refreshments are served to attendees.
Cold calling
Telemarketing technique consisting in contacting prospective customers, who are not expecting any such contact, by telephone, email, via a social network or through a house call, usually with the aim of selling them something. See Spam
Colloquium
Informal meeting usually keyed to discussing research or academic issues.
Commission
Payment made to an individual or organization for bringing business to another individual or organization. Although this is standard procedure in the meeting and event industry, Event Planner Spain implements a commission-free business model.
Compère
See Presenter
Competitive edge
Ability of an organization to produce goods and services more effectively than its competitors, thereby outperforming them.
Complementary
Service or amenity provided free of charge.
Compliance
Act of complying with a set of established regulations, especially concerning medical events.
Concierge
Person at a hotel, venue or facility who can arrange transport, tours, tickets or restaurant bookings. See Tour , Boardroom style
Concurrent sessions
Sessions addressing several themes or subjects scheduled at the same time.
Conference
Public dissertation or presentation on a scientific, technical, or cultural theme; also a meeting between government or state representatives with the aim of addressing international issues.
Conference centre
See Convention centre
Conference hotel
See Convention hotel
Conference style
Room layout featuring circular, oval or rectangular table with chairs on all sides and ends.
CONFEX
International Confex (Mash Media, London)
Congress
Formal meeting or series of meetings for discussion between delegates from a political party, trade union or sphere of activity.
Congress centre
See Convention centre
Congress hotel
Property, usually with more than 500 rooms, with meeting and event facilities or its own congress centre; a property with meeting and event facilities, located next to a convention centre.
Consecutive interpretation
Type of translation in which the speaker delivers a couple of phrases at a time and then pauses to allow the interpreter to translate them.
Contactless transaction
Secure payment made by credit or debit card, smartcard or other devices that use radio-frequency identification. See Radio-frequency Identification
Continental breakfast
Light morning meal that usually features fruit juice, coffee or tea, cereals, pastries or rolls. See English breakfast
Continuing education
Educational and training programmes for personal and professional development. See CEU
Contract
Legally binding document in which the client agrees to the terms and conditions established by a venue, agency, supplier, etc. See Cancellation clause , Force majeure clause
Contractor
See Service provider
Convention
Formal meeting of members, representatives, or delegates, as of a political party, profession, or industry.
Convention and Visitors Bureau
Non-profit organization of a private, public or mixed nature responsible for promoting a city, region or country as a MICE and tourism destination, and for providing event planners and visitors with information and logistic support.
Convention centre
Privately or publically owned facility designed to host congresses, conventions, conferences, tradeshows, and other large events, equipped with large venues (auditoriums, halls, etc.), as well as a number of function and meeting rooms varying in size.
Convention hotel
See Congress hotel
Conversational search
New type of search introduced by Google in its new Chrome browser which interprets full sentences spoken by users into a device and then returns a human-like response.
Copyright
Term that refers to laws that regulate the use of the work of a creator, such as an artist or author.
Corporate
Pertaining to a company or organization.
Corporate event
Event organized by a company for a number of different reasons, such as training, launching a new product, motivating or rewarding staff, clients or suppliers, etc. See Event
Corporate gift
Gift given to someone by a company or business as an expression of appreciation or goodwill, which does not generally carry a marketing message and which can either be tangible (e.g., an object) or intangible (e.g., a trip).
Corporate golf challenge
Golf tournament in which amateur players from the corporate world compete.
Corporate regatta
Regatta organized as a team building/incentive activity for the employees of a company. See Incentive , Team building
Corporate retreat
Event, usually held at a venue offering a minimum of distractions, such as a country hotel or secluded resort, where executives and employees participate in seminars, team-building activities, and brainstorming sessions. See Brainstorming , Team building
Corporate social responsibility
Sense of responsibility of a company towards the community and environment (both ecological and social) in which it operates.
Corporate travel
Groups or individuals working for a company who travel for business reasons at the company's expense.
Cost per adquisition
Bidding method that allows marketers to indicate to AdWords the amount that they are prepared to pay for a conversion.
Cost per click
Internet advertising model in which the advertiser pays a pre-established amount each time a user clicks on an ad.
CPA
Cost per adquisition. See Cost per adquisition
CPC
Cost per click. See Cost per click
CPCE
Certified Professional Catering Executive (certificate sponsored by NACE). See NACE
CPD
Continuing professional development.
CPL
Cost per lead.
CPM
Cost per 1,000 impressions.
Crew
Term usually referring to an event production team, often including technicians, stagehands, truck loaders, etc.
CRM
Customer relationship management.
Crowd funding
Practice of obtaining funds by soliciting small contributions from a large group of people, especially from the online community.
Crowd sharing
Any website or app that allows people to engage and share.
Crowdsourcing
Practice of obtaining services, ideas, or content by soliciting contributions from a large group of people, especially from the online community, rather than from traditional employees or suppliers.
CRS
Computerized reservation system.
CSAE
Canadian Society of Association Executives. See CAE
CSEP
Certified Special Events Professional (certification sponsored by ISES). See ISES
CSP
Certified Speaking Professional.
CSR
Corporate social responsibility. See Corporate social responsibility
CTR
Click through rate: the number of click-throughs per ad impression, usually expressed as a percentage.
Cuisine classique
French cooking style popular from the end of the 19th century to the end of the 20th, based on the theoretical and practical approaches set out by the chef Auguste Escoffier in his Guide culinaire. See Haute cuisine , Nouvelle cuisine
Cultural tourism
Type of tourism that revolves around the cultural aspects (historic-artistic heritage, attractions, traditions, lifestyle, etc.) of a specific place, region or country.
Cut-off date
Date on which all prior arrangements made with a venue or hotel as regards logistics, attendee numbers or room blocks have to be confirmed or cancelled. See Logistics , Room block
CVB
Convention and visitors bureau. See Convention and Visitors Bureau
Cyber attack
Action that causes damage, harm or injury to people or groups of people, entities or institutions, and which, generally speaking, is carried out using computers via Internet.
Cyberspace
Online world of computer networks and the Internet.
Dais
Raised platform for speakers or honoured guests.
Data mining
Process of sifting through very large amounts of data to find useful information.
Data projector
See LCD projector
Data Protection Act
UK legislation regarding the rights and responsibilities of those dealing with personal data.
Database
Collection of information on all prospective attendees and/or exhibitors.
Day delegate rate
Special rate that the majority of hotels and venues offer corporate clients, including accommodation, meeting space, coffee breaks, basic equipment, meals, etc., the size of the discount depending on the number of rooms booked.
Décor
All the elements (such as lighting, furnishings, props, etc.) used to create a theme, ambiance or mood at an event.
Delegate
Registered meeting participant.
Deposit
Partial payment to secure the fulfillment of a product or service
Destination management company
Term used to describe a professional service company possessing extensive local knowledge, expertise and resources, specializing in the design and implementation of events, activities, tours, transportation, accommodation and programme logistics.
Destination marketing organization
See Convention and Visitors Bureau
Digital coupon
Electronic marketing method in which coupons, similar to the printed kind, can be exchanged for a discount or rebate when buying products online.
Digital marketing
Type of marketing that uses the internet to make known, promote and sell products and services.
Digital merchandising
Digital promotional material, such as screensavers, desktop wallpaper, cyber postcards, etc.
Digital technology
Tools used to conduct different types of online activities.
Digital visual arts
Broad term for a range of artistic works and practices using digital technology as an essential part of the creative and/or presentation process.
Direct marketing
Type of interactive marketing that uses one or more communication media or channels to obtain a measurable response from a target audience. See Mailing , Target audience
Disabled-friendly
See Accessibility
Distribution channel
Network of individuals and/or organizations involved in the process of moving a product or service from the producer to the end user. See Marketing channel
Distribution list
List of email addresses to which communications are sent. See Opt-in
DLP
Digital light processing: system used in a variety of display applications.
DMAI
Destination Marketing Association International. See CDME
DMC
See Destination management company
DMCP
Destination Management Certified Professional (certification sponsored by ADME). See ADME
DMO
Destination Management Organization
Dress code
Preferred style of dress for an event usually requested by the organizers.
Dubbing
Act of substituting the voice of an actor/actress in a film, video or TV programme with that of another person who reproduces the dialogues in the original or another language.
E2MA
Exhibit & Event Marketers Association (product of the merger between EACA y TSEA). See CME
EACCME
European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. The EACCME is an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (EUMS).
Early-bird registration
Act of registering for a meeting or event well in advance of the date on which it is scheduled to be held, usually to obtain special discounts or benefits. See Advance registration
Eco-friendly
See Green-friendly
e-Commerce
Type of commerce in which products or services are bought or sold via an electronic system, such as the Internet.
e-Coupon
See Digital coupon
EFAPCO
European Federation of the Associations of Professional Congress Organizers.
EIBTM
The Global Meetings & Events Exhibition (Reed Exhibitions, Barcelona, Spain).
e-learning
Use of electronic media and information and communication technologies (ICT) in education.
Elevator pitch
Very short presentation of a product, service or company including all the most important details.
Email blast
Short, targeted and often personalized email message sent to a large number of recipients. See Email marketing
Email marketing
Type of direct digital opt-in marketing using email as the marketing communication delivery method. Not to be confused with spam. See Opt-in marketing , Spam
e-Marketing
See Digital marketing
EMEA
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
EMEC
European Meetings and Events Conference. See MPI
End user
Person who uses a product or service.
Engagement
Emotional connection that a person feels towards an organization, company, association, event or product. The higher the level of engagement, the greater his/her motivation, effort, performance, interest, or quality of work.
English breakfast
Complete morning meal with juice, coffee or tea, toast, sausages, bacon, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms, eggs (fried, poached or scrambled), fried bread, baked beans, etc. Also know as full English breakfast. SeeContinental breakfast
Enotourism
See Wine tourism
Entertainer
Person commissioned to entertain the guests or attendees at an event.
Entertainment
Activities organized for the amusement of event attendees.
Environmentally-friendly
See Green-friendly
ESEA
European Society of Association Executives.
EUBEA
European Best Event Awards (created by ADC Group). See BEA
EUMS
European Union of Medical Specialists. See EACCME
European plan
Hotel rate plan that only includes accommodation.
Event
Organized function, such as a conference, congress, tradeshow, gala dinner, meeting, incentive, etc., which can involve different yet related activities. See Function
Event organizer
See Event planner
Event planner
Qualified and accredited professional responsible for the partial or total planning, organization, management, coordination, and staging of an event.
Event site
See Venue
Event staff
Any person participating in an event as part of the staff of the organizers or the agency or company commissioned to provide services.
Event technology
Any technical or technological requirement for a meeting or event, such as audiovisual equipment, computers, software, connectivity (Wi-Fi,ADSL,bandwidth), access control, badging, ticketing, registration, signage, video streaming, teleconferencing, power, etc.
EVVC
European Association of Event Centres.
Exclusive use
Booking option in which a hotel, venue or facility is occupied by only one group.
Exhibition
Large-scale public showing of objects, artefacts or products for artistic, scientific, cultural or commercial purposes. See Trade show
Exhibition floor
Area containing stands, session rooms, F&B services, etc. at a show. See F&B
Exhibition hall
Facility within a venue or free-standing facility for hosting large events, such as tradeshows and exhibitions. See Exhibition , Trade show
Exhibition manager
Term used to refer to the specific person responsible for all aspects (planning, promotion, and staging) of an exhibition or tradeshow. See Exhibition , Trade show
Exhibition plan
Document indicating areas to be occupied by an exhibition; i.e., the spaces intended for stands, passages, catering, session rooms, etc. See Exhibition
Exhibitor
Person or company showcasing products or services at an event; a stand holder at an event. See Stand
Experiential marketing
Marketing strategy that connects audiences with the authentic nature of a brand through participation in personally relevant, credible and memorable encounters.
Expo
See Exhibition
F&B
Abbreviation for "food and beverage".
Face-to-face meeting
Meeting in which all the stakeholders are physically present
Facility
Any building designed to host events, such as convention centers, arenas, hotels, coliseums, exhibit halls, banqueting halls, etc.
Fair trade
Business model that seeks to change the terms of trade to ensure that small farmers and artisans get a better deal.
Fam trip
See Familiarization trip
Familiarization trip
Free trip organized above all by convention and visitors bureaux and tourism boards for travel agents, event planners, and other buyers, so as allow them to familiarize themselves with the destination in question with an eye to offering it to their clients. See Convention and Visitors Bureau
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
FB
See Full board
Feedback
Helpful information or constructive criticism that is given to someone on what can be done to improve an event, product, service, etc.
FIEXPO Latin America
The international show of the Meetings and Incentives market aimed at infrastructure and services in South and Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico.
FIT
Free independent traveller; foreign independent traveller; fully independent traveller; fully inclusive tour; foreign independent tour.
FITUR
International Tourism Fair (Madrid, Spain).
Flash mob
Group of people summoned (by e-mail, text message or social media) to a designated location at a specified time to perform an indicated action before dispersing. Flash mobs can also be organized by agencies as publicity stunts. See Guerrilla marketing , Street marketing
Flash sales
Limited-time deals offering high discounts (on hotel accommodation, travel, etc.).
Flip chart
Pad containing large sheets of paper, which can be easily turned over, typically fixed to the upper edge of a whiteboard supported on a tripod of four-legged easel, which is used for presenting reports or data sequentially.
Floor plan
Scale diagram of a function room or exhibition floor viewed from above and used for planning the effective use and arrangement of furnishings, stands or other elements.
FNAVM
National Federation of Travel Agents of Morocco (in French, Fédération Nationale des Agence de Voyages du Maroc).
Food tourism
Type of tourism whose purpose is to visit an area or region of a country in order to discover its culinary traditions and its best known restaurants. Food tourism, which is also known as culinary tourism, is also usually combined with wine tourism. See Wine tourism
Food Travel
See Food tourism
Force majeure clause
Clause included in most venue contracts that exempts the venue from liability should it not be able to honour its contractual obligations due to circumstances beyond its control. See Contract
Forum
Meeting or presentation involving a discussion usually among a panel of experts and often including a moderator and audience. See Moderator
Front office
Hotel department responsible for handling front desk and booking functions.
Full board
Hotel rate plan that includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Full breakfast
See English breakfast
Function
Organized event forming a part of a larger event.
Function board
Notice board or video screen listing the day's events, times and locations at a venue.
Function room
Room at a hotel or venue used for holding a broad range of events and celebrations.
Gala dinner
Chief social function of an event, held usually in the evening, with entertainment and speeches before, during or afterwards.
Gamification
Use of game-design thinking in non-game applications to make them more fun and engaging.
Gay-friendly
Globally-used term used to refer to destinations, hotels and services that actively create a welcoming atmosphere for LGBT. See LGBT
Gbps
Gigabits per second (1,000,000,000 bits per second). See Bit
GBps
Gigabytes per second (1,000,000,000 bytes per second). See Byte
GBTA
Global Business Travel Association.
GDS
Global distribution system.
GEBTA
Guild of European Business Travel Agents.
General assembly
Formal meeting of an organization or company attended by a specific quorum of its members with the aim of making decisions, electing board members and committees, and approving financial matters, among other things.
General session
See Plenary session
Generation X
Cohort of people born between 1961 and 1980.
Generation Y
Cohort of people born between 1981 and 2000.
Generation Z
Cohort of people born from 2001 to the present day.
Geofencing
Virtual perimeter that can be generated dynamically around any geographical area or a predefined set of limits so as to enclose a specific area such as a conference centre or show floor. It is now being used for marketing, security and anti-theft purposes. See iBeacon
Geolocation
Identifying the real-world geographic location of an object, such as a radar, mobile phone or an Internet-enabled computer or device.
Geomarketing
Use of geographic information in the process of planning and implementing marketing initiatives, including sales and distribution.
Geo-positioning
Method that identifies the location of a single point in relation to the Earth's surface.
Georeferencing
Act of associating something with a specific physical location.
GIBTM
The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (Reed Exhibitions, Abu Dhabi, UAE).
Gift bag
Bag containing gifts given to event attendees. Also known as goody bag. See Giveaway
GIS
Geographic information system. See Geomarketing
GIT
Group inclusive tour.
Giveaway
Promotional gift given to attendees by the organizers or exhibitors at an event. See Gift bag
Glocal
Term used to refer to the connections and relationships between global and local issues in many spheres of life: economic, business, social, etc.
GMIC
Green Meetings Industry Council.
Golf hotel
Property with its own golf course(s) or located in an area close to number of courses.
Golf meeting
Business meeting in which the chief leisure or networking activity is playing golf. See Networking
GPS
Global positioning system: a satellite navigation system.
Green meeting
Meeting or event incorporating environmental considerations to minimize its negative impact on the environment (source: Convention Industry Council).
Green-friendly
Term used to refer to products, services, policies, business processes, etc., which claim to have a reduced, negligible or no effect on the environment. See Greenwashing
Greenwashing
Term used to refer to the practice of making an unsubstantiated or misleading claim about the environmental benefits of a product, service or technology. See Green-friendly
GSM
Global system for mobile communication. See WTM
GSMA
Global Mobile Connections Association. See GSM
Guaranteed late arrival
Guest room that is guaranteed by credit card or advance payment in the event that a guest is intending to arrive at the hotel later than the pre-determined arrival time.
Guerrilla marketing
Advertising strategy in which unconventional, low-cost means are used, often in a localized fashion or large network of individual cells, to convey or promote a product or idea. See Flash mob , Street marketing
Gymkhana
Type of team-building activity that involves multiple challenges, both physical and mental. See Team building
Hacienda
Large country estate with a nucleus of buildings that are, architecturally speaking, usually very valuable.
Halal
Food and beverages that Muslims are allowed to eat or drink under Sharia or Islamic Law. See Kosher
Half board
Hotel rate model that includes accommodation, breakfast and either lunch or dinner.
Hammam
Moroccan steam bath (series of steam rooms at different temperatures), similar to a Turkish bath.
Hashtag
Label used on Twitter (and several other social media platforms) to aid searching; a keyword phrase without spaces, prefixed with the # symbol.
Haute cuisine
Type of cuisine served at world-class restaurants and hotels, characterized by the meticulous preparation and careful presentation of dishes prepared with the very best ingredients and accompanied by rare wines. SeeCuisine classique , Nouvelle cuisine
HB
See Half board
HD
High-definition.
Health resort
Locality with a beneficial climate and natural amenities, such as thermal/mineral waters, dedicated to healing and relaxation, usually offering medical attention and hotel or another kind of accommodation.
Heavent Paris
Trade show for event, exhibition, seminar and congress professionals.
High season
Period when the demand for a product or service is at its highest. See Low season
Holistic marketing
See 360-degree marketing
Hologram
3D image created by means of photographic projection.
Hospitality industry
Broad category of fields within the tourism industry including accommodation, restaurants, event planning, theme parks, transport, and cruise lines, among others.
Hospitality suite
Hotel room or suite where free drinks and other amenities are offered to event attendees.
Hosted buyer
Buyer invited by the organizers to take part in a show, with all expenses paid, on the basis of his/her profile and buying power.
Hosted buyer programme
Programme in which buyers are invited by the organizers to take part in a show, with all expenses paid, on the basis of their profile and buying power.
Housing bureau
Organization that provides accommodation booking services for groups of attendees or individuals.
HSMAI
Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International. See CHME
Hunting tourism
Form of tourism in which a person travels outside his or her place or country residence to hunt.
Hybrid event
Event that has both face-to-face and virtual components. See Face-to-face meeting , Virtual event
I&D
Installation and dismantle.
IAAPA
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
IACC
International Association of Conference Centres.
IACVB
International Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaux.
IAEE
International Association of Exhibitions and Events.
IAEM
International Association for Exhibition Management. See CEM
IAHMP
International Association of Hispanic Meeting Professionals.
IAPCO
International Association of Professional Congress Organisers. See Professional congress organizer
IATA
International Air Transport Association.
iBeacon
Indoor positioning system using a Bluetooth low energy signal detectable by iOS or Android devices. SeeGeofencing
IBT
International Business Travel.
IBTA
Iberian Business Travel Association.
IBTM Africa
The Incentive, Travel & Meetings Expo (Reed Exhibitions).
IBTM India
The Incentive, Travel & Meetings Expo (Reed Exhibitions).
ICCA
International Congress and Convention Association. See Association meeting industry
ICT
Information and communication technologies.
IGLTA
International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association.
IGTM
International Golf Travel Market (Reed Exhibitions).
IMEX
The Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events (Frankfurt, Germany).
IMEX America
America's Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events (Las Vegas, USA).
IMSERSO
Spanish governmental agency dedicated to managing travel programmes for the elderly.
Inbound operator
Firm that organizes trips in the city or country where it is based for groups from other cities or countries.
Incentive
Gratuity, either in cash or in the form of a trip or unique experience, with the aim of motivating or rewarding employees, customers or suppliers for their performance, goals reached, or loyalty.
Incentive house
Company that designs and runs incentive programmes, often including travel, for other companies looking to award their staff, clients, suppliers, etc. See Loyalty programme
Incentive trip
See Incentive , Incentive house
Influencer
Person who has the power to influence the purchase decisions of others due to his or her real or perceived authority, knowledge, position or relationship.
Insurance liability
Insurance policy that protects event organizers from the risk that they may be sued and held legally liable for something such as injury to third persons, negligence or failure to honour contractual promises.
Integrated services digital network
Rather dated set of communication standards for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data, and other network services over ordinary copper telephone lines.
Interactive exhibit
Exhibit that engages visitors through direct interaction with display components, working models, simulations, or multi-sensory or multi-media elements.
Interactive learning
Learning model in which learners participate in hands-on activities which provide them with a direct experience, as well as allowing them to interact together.
Internet protocol
Data transmission method via a network in which the data is sent in completely independent individual packets that contain the address of the sender and receiver. Each computer (or host) has at least one IP address that exclusively indentifies it.
Intrapreneur
See Intrapreneurship
Intrapreneurship
Act of behaving like an entrepreneur while working within an organization.
IoE
Internet of Everything.
IoT
Internet of Things.
IP
See Internet protocol
iPad
Tablet computer developed by Apple, which uses its iOS operating system like the iPhone. See Tablet
IPS
Indoor positioning system
ISDN
Integrated services digital network. See Integrated services digital network
ISES
International Special Event Society. See CSEP
ISO
International Standards Organization.
ISP
Internet service provider.
IT&CM Asia
Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (organized by IT&CM Events).
IT&CM China
Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings China (organized by IT&CM Events).
IT&CM India
Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings India (organized by IT&CM Events).
ITE
International Trade Exhibitions.
Kbps
Kilobits per second (1,000 bits per second). See Bit
KBps
Kilobytes per second (1,000 bytes per second). See Byte
Keynote address
Address, presentation or speech that is delivered to set the underlying tone and summarize the core message or most important feature of an event. See Keynote speaker
Keynote speaker
Person who delivers a keynote address. See Speaker guidelines , Speaker proposal
Kiosk
Free-standing pavilion or light structure, often located inside a venue, where printed or electronic information is available; a small enclosure for ticket sales, information, etc.
Kosher
Food prepared according to Jewish dietary laws. See Halal
KPI
Key performance indicators.
Ku-band
Portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave range of frequencies used for long-distance radio transmissions. See C-band
LAN
Local area network.
Lanyard
Cord worn around the neck for carrying a badge holder. See Badge , Badge holder
Lapel microphone
Wireless microphone that is affixed to the lapel of a speaker.
Laser pointer
Small visible light laser used for pointing out features on a projected visual display.
Lavalier microphone
See Lapel microphone
Layout
See Room layout
LBM
Location-based marketing. See Location-based marketing
LCD
Liquid crystal display.
LCD panel
Liquid digital display: a digital display using liquid crystal cells that change reflectivity in an applied electric field.
LCD projector
Type of video projector, with a liquid crystal display, for screening videos, images, or computer data on a screen or another flat surface.
Lead
Potential sales contact; an individual or company expressing interest in a service or product. See Lead retrieval , Lead tracking
Lead generation
Act of generating potential contacts. See Lead
Lead retrieval
Process whereby exhibitors receive the contact information of potential customers by any number of means (business card exchange, business card or badge scanning, barcode or QR code scanning using a smartphone or scanner, mobile apps, etc.). See App , Lead
Lead tracking
Manual or automated system used to conduct follow-up activities for sales prospects stemming from an event. See Lead
Lectern
Stand or light structure used by a speaker or presenter to place his/her notes, which can either rest on the floor or on a table top.
LED
Light-emitting diode. See LED display
LED display
Output device, composed of LED modules, used to display data or information. See LED
LEED
Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design. See LEED certification
LEED certification
Certification system based on the analysis and validation of a number of aspects related to sustainability in the construction industry by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). There are four certification levels: LEED Certificate, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, and LEED Platinum.
LGBT
Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders.
LGTB Travel
Travel geared specifically to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders. See Gay-friendly
Line array
Loudspeaker system made up of a number of loudspeaker elements coupled together in a line segment to create a near-line source of sound.
Location
Term used interchangeably with "destination" to refer to the city or geographical area where an event is going to take place, and also to any kind of facility used to stage it partially or totally, such as a hotel or convention centre. See Convention centre , Facility
Location-based marketing
Use of mobile marketing techniques to target mobile users within a certain geographic area.
Logistics
Detailed planning, organization and implementation of any complex task, such as a major event.
Lounge suit
See Business formal
Low season
Period when the demand for a product or service is at its lowest. See High season
Loyalty programme
Marketing strategy geared to identifying and offering clients loyal to a company or brand some form of incentive. See Incentive
Mailing
Direct marketing technique in which a message is sent by land mail or email to the people on a mailing list.
Maître d'
See Maître d'Hôtel
Maître d'Hôtel
Person in charge of dining room service at a restaurant or hotel.
Marketing automation
Use of software and Web-based services to execute, manage and automate marketing tasks.
Marketing channel
Path travelled by goods and services from the vendor to the consumer. See Distribution channel
Marquee
Temporary structure, with a rigid or canvas roof, used as a venue to host all types of events.
Mashup
Website or app that uses and combines information, presentations and functionalities coming from one or more sources. See App
Master of ceremonies
Person who presides over an event.
Mbps
Megabits per second (1,000,000 bits per second). See Bit
MBps
Megabytes per second (1,000,000 bytes per second). See Byte
m-Commerce
Mobile commerce. See Mobile commerce
Media coverage
Media streaming
Multimedia delivered by a provider which is constantly received by and presented to an end-user.
Meeting and event industry
See MICE
Meeting architect
Professional with the knowledge to assist the meeting owner in creating meeting or event content. SeeMeeting architecture
Meeting architecture
Investigation, design, execution and assessment of meetings and events. See Meeting architect
Meeting hotel
See Congress hotel
Meeting management company
Company specializing in the management of all meeting planning logistics on behalf of another organization. See Logistics
MeetingMetrics
Comprehensive online meeting measurement and reporting system, based on 25 years of meeting measurement experience of its parent company, GuideStar Research
Merchandising
Any practice that contributes to the sale of products or services to a retail consumer.
Meta search marketing
"Hybrid" digital marketing format, resulting from the convergence of online hotel distribution and online advertising, that requires real-time room availability and pricing.
MIA
Meeting Industry Association (UK-based association).
MICE
Acronym for the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition industry.
Microblog
Broadcast medium similar to a blog, but whose posts/messages are limited to 140 characters: e.g., Twitter. See Blog
Millennial Generation
See Generation Y
MIMA
Meeting Industry Marketing Awards (organized by Meetings & Incentive Travel Magazine).
MITM Americas
Meetings and Incentive Travel Market for the American Continent and the Caribbean (GSAR Marketing).
MITM Euromed
Meetings and Incentive Travel Market for Europe and the Mediterranean (GSAR Marketing).
m-Learning
Distance learning model using mobile devices. See e-learning
Mobile commerce
Type of commerce, based on e-commerce, in which all transactions are carried out with a mobile telephone or another mobile device. See e-Commerce
Mobile marketing
Use of mobile devices as a medium for launching ad campaigns.
Mobile web app
Internet-enabled app that has specific functionality for a mobile device and which is accessed via its browser and does not have to be downloaded and installed. See App
Moblogging
Act of posting information on a blog using a mobile device. See Audioblogging
Moderator
Person who presides over a meeting, forum, or debate so as to maintain the objectivity of those involved and to uphold the respect for different opinions. See Forum
Morning coat
Dress code for social functions, especially weddings: black or grey tails, waistcoat and tie, white shirt, and black or grey top hat and gloves. See Dress code
Morning suit
See Morning suit
Motivational speaker
Professional speaker whose addresses are intended to uplift and motivate the audience.
Motivational travel
Travel programme that includes engaging experiences that result in measurable value for both the participants and the sponsoring company. See Incentive
Mouth-to-mouth marketing
See Viral marketing
Mp3
Audio compression technology. See Podcast
MPG
Standard compression algorithm for audio and video archives.
MPI
Meeting Professionals International, one of the meeting and event industry's leading global associations.
Multimedia
The use of two or more audiovisual media in the same presentation.
Multitrack conference
Conference with parallel programme sessions where participants can choose the track they which to follow and change tracks whenever they want during the event.
NACE
National Association of Catering Executives. See CPCE
Native app
App designed for a particular platform or device (smartphone, tablet, etc.), usually downloaded from an app store. See App
Natural search
See Organic search
NBTA
National Business Travel Association. See CCTE
Networking
Act of cultivating productive relationships for employment or business
Neuromarketing
Term used to refer to the application of neuroscience research techniques based to marketing.
News release
See Press release
NFC
Near field communication: a short-range wireless technology that enables communication between devices over a distance of under 10cm.
NFC ring
Near field communication ring: wearable device (worn by the user on his or her finger like a normal ring) that can be used to control smartphones, unlock doors, transfer data, etc. See NFC
Niche
Highly specialized market segment.
Non-profit
Organization whose members cannot benefit from its net proceeds.
No-show
Registered attendee, speaker, or visitor who fails to turn up at an event, usually without following correct cancelation procedures; a hotel booking that is not kept.
Nouvelle cuisine
Culinary concept that emerged in France in the 1960s, characterized by lighter, more delicate dishes and an increased emphasis on presentation, in contrast with la cuisine classique. See Cuisine classique , Haute cuisine
O2O
Online-to-offline.
Occupancy rate
Number of sleeping rooms of a hotel that are actually occupied, calculated by dividing the total number of rooms occupied over a given period by the total number of rooms available for occupancy during that same period, and shown as a percentage.
Oenotourism
See Wine tourism
Offline
Opposite of online: non-digital advertising and marketing strategies and channels.
Off-season
See Low season
Off-site
Term used to refer to any activity or function that takes place outside the primary venue. See On-site
One-to-one marketing
Customer relationship management strategy, or form of direct marketing, in which a sales person or representative listens to what a customer wants before proposing a service or product that satisfies his or her needs. See Direct marketing
One-to-one meeting
Individual meeting between two people.
Online
Opposite of offline: digital advertising and marketing strategies and channels.
Online registration
Registration made via the Web.
On-site
Term referring to any activity or function that takes place at the primary venue. See Off-site
On-site registration
Registration made at the venue.
OPC Spain
Spanish Federation of Professional Congress Organizers (in Spanish, Federación Española de Empresas Organizadoras Profesionales de Congresos), comprising the 15 regional PCO associations in Spain.
Opt-in
Voluntary subscription to a distribution list or database. See Database , Distribution list
Opt-in marketing
Email or mobile campaign in which messages are only sent to users who have given the sender permission to do so. Also know as Permission marketing.
Opt-out
Voluntary unsubscription from a distribution list or database. See Database , Distribution list
Organic search
Term used to refer to search engine results that are naturally generated on the basis of a website's natural indexing, as opposed to paid search results in which an advertiser bids for specific keywords so as to gain a prominent position in SERPs. See SERP
Organizer
Entity or individual that produces an event.
Organizing committee
Group of people who design and implement the strategies and policies established for organizing an event.
OTA
Online travel agency.
Outbound operator
Firm that organizes trips for groups from a given city or country to another city or country.
Outbound tour
Any trip for groups from a given city or country to another city or country.
Outdoor training
Any activity held outdoors that promotes interpersonal relationships in work teams. See Team building
Outsource
Act of subcontracting a task or responsibility to a supplier, instead of using in-house staff or resources.
Overhead projector
Item of audiovisual equipment used for projecting on a screen magnified images of graphic material on a horizontal transparency illuminated from below. Alterations and additions can be made to the material on the transparency while the projector is in use.
Overnight stay
Night spent by an event attendee/delegate at a hotel or similar accommodation.
Over-set
Term used to refer to the number of places or meals a caterer or venue will set or serve beyond the guaranteed number requested by the host of the event, the client only paying for the number of meals actually served to attendees.
P2P
Peer-to-peer.
PA system
Public address system. See Public address system
Panel discussion
Formal discussion of a subject by a group of experts forming a panel, normally before an audience.
Panel system
Term used to refer to any type of exhibit or stand composed of prefabricated rectangular panels of various sizes connected by an anchor system.
Parallel sessions
See Concurrent sessions
Partner programme
See Spouse programme
PAX
Abbreviation for passengers.
Payment gateway
Means of authorizing credit card or other payment transactions in real-time, which can be made both online via a website or offline at a retail establishment.
Pazo
Traditional Galician manor house.
PCI Compliance
Adherence to a set of specific security standards developed to protect credit card information during and after a financial transaction. See PCI DSS
PCI DSS
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. See PCI Compliance
PCMA
Professional Convention Management Association.
PCO
See Professional congress organizer
PDA
Personal digital assistant.
Peak season
See High season
Pendant microphone
See Lapel microphone
Per diem
Daily allowance for general expenses.
Permission marketing
See Opt-in marketing
Photo call
Photo session for the press featuring celebrities, VIPs, etc.
Plenary session
Meeting for all delegates attending a conference, either at the beginning to discuss general issues or at the end to announce progress.
Plug-in
Hardware or software module that adds a specific feature or service to a larger system.
PMS
Property management system.
Podcast
Digital audio file (usually in Mp3 format) which can be accessed automatically through RSS feeds. See Mp3 , RSS feed
Podcasting
Act of using audio files to deliver syndicated website content to a digital audience.
Podium
Raised platform where a speaker stands when delivering his/her keynote. See Keynote address
Pop-up display
Lightweight display that normally comes in moulded plastic crates with wheels for easy transport.
Pop-up exhibit
See Pop-up display
POS
Point of sale.
Post
Text content published on a website or blog. See Blog
Poster
Large-format paper document illustrating research methods and outcomes, used especially at scientific conferences. See Poster presentation , Poster session
Poster exhibition
See Poster session
Poster presentation
Informal session held near a poster session for presenting and discussing poster content. See Poster , Poster session
Poster session
Session usually held in a dedicated area of the show floor of a conference or in a room, where researchers exhibit their work in poster format for a fixed time from 10min to several hours. See Poster , Poster presentation
Post-event report
Term used to refer to a report detailing the outcome of an event, including the number of attendees and no-shows, total cost per person, revenue (if apllicable), etc.
Post-event tour
Organized tour taking place after an event for both attendees and accompanying persons, whose aim is usually to showcase meeting and event destinations and their infrastructure.
PPC
Pay-per-click (digital ad format).
PPI
Pay-per-impression (digital ad format).
PR
Public Relations. See Public relations officer
Pre-event tour
Organized tour taking place before an event for both attendees (usually hosted buyers) and accompanying persons, whose aim is usually to showcase the meeting and event destinations and their infrastructure.
Pre-registration
See Advance registration
Presenter
Person who introduces and explains a given topic at an informational session, or who hosts an event introducing keynote speakers, entertainers, etc. See Keynote speaker
Press clipping
Article cut from a printed publication or a set of links to online media.
Press conference
Event held to communicate information to media representatives.
Press coverage
Any activity geared to promoting an event in the media, both offline and online, including press conferences, interviews with key members of a group or organization, press releases, etc. See Keynote speaker
Press kit
Pre-packaged set of promotional materials with pertinent information on a meeting, including agenda, speakers, special events, venue descriptions, sponsors, exhibitors, etc.
Press office
Agency responsible for collecting and distributing information to the press or media.
Press officer
Chief public relations contact with the press or media for an organization.
Press release
Written or recorded statement directed at representatives of the news media, or an article intended for use by the media about a company, product, service, individual, or show.
Press room
Place where media representatives can obtain press kits, conduct interviews, or relax. Larger press rooms provide computers, Internet access, and office equipment. See Press kit
Proceedings
Record, usually distributed as printed volumes or in electronic form, containing the academic papers published in the context of an academic, scientific, medical, etc., conference or the contributions made by researchers at the conference.
Product launch
Term used to refer to the often complex process of introducing a new product or service in the market.
Production company
Company specializing in staging the recreational part of an event, with theatrical, musical or circus performances, as well as special effects. The company might also be commissioned to organize the whole event.
Professional association
Generally speaking, a non-profit organization whose aim is to advance a certain profession. See Non-profit
Professional congress organizer
Company specializing in the organisation and management of congresses, conferences, seminars, and similar events.
Programme
Schedule of an event, including times and venues.
Projection mapping
Projection of images on any multi-dimensional shape or form (buildings, ships, stage sets, etc.).
Promo code
See Promotional code
Promotional code
Code used to offer discounts and also to identify the person or company that has purchased a product.
Promotor
Person or company in charge of promoting an event.
Proposal
Response given by a supplier to an inquiry by a prospective client in which venue, hotel and services specifications, availability and costs are detailed.
Props
Items used to decorate or furnish a stage, set or venue; articles used by speakers, actors, or entertainers.
Prospect
Potential attendee, client, guest, or exhibitor.
Protocol
Forms of ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats, heads of state, VIPs, etc., at certain events.
Protocol officer
Person in charge of handling matters of etiquette and protocol in an organization or at an event.
Proximity marketing
Distribution of local ad content to users via wireless channels, such as mobile devices.
Proximity sensing
Ability of a device to detect nearby objects, without physical contact.
Public address system
Audio and visual system used to convey messages to event attendees.
Public relations officer
Person who uses all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage the reputation of his or her company or clients.
Purveyor
See Service provider
Push message
Specially formatted SMS message that users receive on their mobile devices in the form of an alert, normally used for advertising purposes.
Q&A session
Question and answer time after a keynote or presentation. See Keynote address , Keynote speaker
QR code
Quick response code. See Quick Response Code
Questionnaire
Set of questions used to gather information for a survey.
Quick Response Code
Two-dimensional matrix barcode, which can be read with a smartphone equipped with a camera, normally used to store URLs and other information of a promotional nature.
Rack rate
Term used in the hotel industry to refer to the cost of a room when a customer requests accommodation on the same day, without a prior booking. This rate is often the highest available.
Radio-frequency Identification
System used to track objects, people, or animals using tags that respond to radio waves.
RAPID!
Reservations Automated Processing Input and Delivery System: computer system with the ability to receive bookings electronically or by other means from external sources, such as customers, convention bureaux, or third-party meeting planners. See Convention and Visitors Bureau
Rapporteur
See Reporter
Rate parity
Revenue management term used to refer to the maintenance of consistent rates for the same product in all online distribution channels. See Distribution channel
Reception
Stand-up function at which canapés and drinks are served on small tables or by waiters. Receptions are sometimes organized before lunch or dinner. See Cocktail party
Reception desk
Desk or area where guests are received at a hotel.
Reception format
Format usually used at wedding receptions, with a buffet and a limited number of tables and chairs for those guests who choose to sit. See Buffet
Referral marketing
Series of marketing techniques whose aim is to ensure that all satisfied clients act as brand advocates. SeeBrand advocate , Viral marketing
Refreshment break
See Coffee break
Refreshments
Food and drink taken between meals, usually during pauses between meetings or sessions. See Coffee break
Registrant
Person who registers for an event.
Registration desk
Desk or area where event attendees register or collect badges or other materials.
Registration fee
Amount paid to attend a conference or event.
Registration form
Form that attendees must fill in so as to attend an event, providing contact details and another basic information.
Relationship marketing
Strategy designed to foster customer loyalty, interaction and long-term engagement. See Engagement
Remarketing
See Retargeting
Reporter
Person appointed to provide a formal account of the proceedings of sessions and to write summaries of the papers presented by their authors.
Request for information
Preliminary step to a request for proposal (RFP) in which a company asks a number of potential suppliers for information about their products or services. See Proposal
Resort
Place or town offering recreational and leisure activities for holidaymakers; a hotel or property offering a broad range of sports and recreational activities on-site or in the close vicinity.
Response rate
Percentage of those people selected in a survey sample who actually provide data for analysis.
Responsive web design
Type of web design similar to AWD but with technical differences. Basically, RWD responds to the changes in width of a browser window by fluidly adjusting the placement of elements on a webpage to best fit the available space. See Adaptive web design
RESS
Responsive design + server side components.
Retargeting
Advertising technique that generates sales by encouraging qualified customers that have already shown an interest in a product or service to revisit a website when they are ready to make a purchase.
Revenue management
See Yield management
Revenue management system
Tool used to define pricing strategies.
RevPAR
Revenue per available room.
RFID
Radio frequency Identification. See Radio-frequency Identification
RFP
Request for proposal. See Proposal
Riad
Traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. Many riads have been converted into boutique or charming hotels. See Boutique hotel , Charming hotel
RMS
Revenue management system. See Revenue management system
ROAS
Return on advertising spend.
ROE
Return on event (term coined by Ira Kerns in 1990), i.e., the amount of money earned or lost by investing in an event after deducting the production costs; return on experience.
ROI
Return on investment.
Roll-up banner
See Roll-up display
Roll-up display
Display made of heavy canvas or paper and aluminium, which is highly popular at all kinds of events since it is light, easy to assemble and transport, and durable.
ROO
Return on objectives.
Room block
Portion of a hotel's inventory of rooms set aside for a particular period of time for a client (corporate, group travel, etc.).
Room Inventory
Number of rooms available at a hotel. See Channel manager
Room layout
Way in which a function room's furniture has been arranged: formats include banquet, classroom, conference or imperial, reception or cocktail party, theatre, U-shaped, etc.
Room nights
Number of sleeping rooms booked or occupied, multiplied by the number of nights each room is booked or occupied.
Room turnover
Time required in order for a venue to change a meeting room from one layout to another. See Room layout
Rooming list
Comprehensive accommodation list featuring guest names, dates of arrival and departure, and any special requirements.
ROR
Rate of return.
Roundtable discussion
Term used to refer to when a group of people or a team get together to discuss strategies, plans, ideas, results, etc., on equal terms.
RSS
Rich site summary: a format for delivering regularly changing web content.
RSS feed
Device that enables publishers to syndicate data automatically. See RSS
RWD
Responsive web design. See Responsive web design
SaaS
Software as a service.
Schoolroom seating
See Classroom style
Scientific committee
Group of experts chosen by the organizers of a scientific congress to advise them in scientific decision-making. See Scientific secretariat
Scientific secretariat
Office dedicated to coordinating and managing communications (keynotes, posters, abstracts, etc.) for a scientific congress, in close collaboration with the scientific committee.
Seating styles
Term used to refer to chair and table setups for accommodating the needs of different types of events. SeeRoom layout
SEM
Search engine marketing.
Seminar
Small meeting generally organized for educational or training purposes by an academic institution or a commercial or professional organization.
SEO
Search engine optimization.
SERP
Search engine results page.
Service provider
Person or company from whom supplies are ordered which will be used during a conference or event
Services in the cloud
See Cloud computing
SET
Secure electronic transaction.
Shopping Tourism
Type of tourism in which travellers visit cities famous for their shops and boutiques, or discount retail shopping centres, with the aim of buying clothes or other articles that are unavailable or cheaper than in their place of residence.
Shoulder season
Short period between high and low season, with corresponding rates.
Show
Term used to refer to events such as congresses, exhibitions and trade shows.
Show cooking
Culinary modality in which cooks or chefs prepare dishes in front of diners or an audience.
Show floor
See Exhibition floor
Show manager
See Exhibition manager
Show organizer
See Exhibition manager
Signage
All the necessary signs (both directional and informational) so that event attendees can find their way and keep themselves informed.
SIM
Subscriber identity module: an integrated circuit of the kind used by mobile telephones.
SIMA
Spanish Incentives and Meetings Association.
Simultaneous interpreting
Process of translating one language to another while a person is speaking.
Simultaneous translation
See Simultaneous interpreting
SITC
International Tourism Fair of Catalonia.
SITE
Society of Incentive & Travel Executives. See CITE
Site inspection
Trip carried out by event planners with the aim of personally inspecting the venue chosen to host their event, so as to ensure it meets all the requirements.
Smart casual
Rather vague dress code that generally refers to neat yet informal attire, that is, wearing a suit is not required although jeans are not usually acceptable. See Dress code
Smartphone
Device for making telephone calls that also includes features that might be found on a personal digital assistant or computer, such as Internet access.
SMERF
Acronym for social, military, educational, religious and fraternal.
SMERF meetings
Meetings and events geared to social, military, educational, religious and fraternal groups.
SMS
Short message service.
Social marketing
Systematic application of marketing, along with other concepts and techniques, to achieve specific behavioural goals for a social good.
Social media
Group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, which allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content (coined by Andreas Kaplan and Michael Haenlein).
Social network
Online platform where users can create a public or semi-public profile with the aim of engaging with friends or other users with similar interests: Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, etc., are just a few examples of social networks). See Social media
Social programme
Series of functions/activities designed to complement an event, offering attendees the chance to socialize, network, discover the destination, or contribute to the local community through CSR initiatives, among other things. See Corporate social responsibility
SoLoMo
Creative marketing technique that uses a combination of social networks, local search engines and directories, and the mobile channel to reach a specific target audience. See Target audience
Spa centre
Centre that, in addition to facilities (pools, Jacuzzis, showers, saunas, gym, etc.), usually offers a variety of beauty treatments, therapies and massages.
Spa hotel
Property that has a spa/wellness centre.
Spa resort
See Health resort
Space
Area occupied by an exhibitor on the show floor of an exhibition.
Space calculator
Online application that allows planners to determine the total square footage of meeting space needed to accommodate a specified number of attendees.
SpainDMCs
Association of Spanish Destination Management Companies. See Destination management company
Spam
Unsolicited emails or SMSs, usually of a commercial nature and from an unknown sender.
Spamming
Act of sending spam.
Speaker
Person who delivers an address at an event. See Keynote speaker
Speaker guidelines
Instructions given to speakers outlining what is expected of them at an event. See Keynote speaker , Speaker proposal
Speaker proposal
Proposal submitted by speakers to the organizers of an event with details of the address that they intend to deliver. See Keynote speaker , Speaker guidelines
Special interest programme
See Special interest tour
Special interest tour
Tour tailored to the special (cultural, artistic, culinary, sports, etc.) interests of the traveller.
Sponsor
Person or entity that sponsors, protects, or financially backs the activities of another person or entity that, in exchange, promotes the sponsor's brand or product.
Sponsoring
Act of sponsoring, protecting, or financially backing the activities of another person or entity in exchange for brand or product promotion.
Spouse programme
Series of social events and activities organized for the spouses, companions or guests of delegates.
Spreadsheet
Work sheet or table containing a multicolumn analysis of related entries for easy reference or comparison of services, products, budgets, venues, food and beverage functions, or for easy tracking of speaker presentation schedules, locations, audiovisual needs, transportation scheduling, etc.
Stage
Raised platform on which theatrical performances, shows or keynotes are presented.
Stand
Exhibition area or temporary structure at a tradeshow used by companies or institutions to showcase their products, services or destinations.
Streaming
Series of products and techniques geared to disseminating multimedia content, such as video and audio. SeeStreaming video
Streaming media
See Media streaming
Streaming video
Unidirectional video transmission via a data network. See Streaming
Street marketing
Term used to refer to publicity stunts that are carried out totally or partially in the street and in which the marketers interact directly with the public. See Flash mob , Guerrilla marketing
Subcommittee room
See Breakout room
Subscriber
Someone who opts in to a distribution list or database so as to periodically receive information, such as an e-newsletter. See Opt-in marketing
Summit
Meeting of the highest level.
Supplier
See Service provider
Sustainable meeting
See Green meeting
Syndicate room
See Breakout room
Tablet
General-purpose computer contained in a single panel, featuring a touch screen as the input device and using different operating systems (iOS, Android, BlackBerry or Windows) depending on the make. See iPad
Talent
Performers, entertainers, actors/actresses, etc.
Target
See Target audience
Target audience
Customer segment or segments that marketers pretend to reach out to with a specific marketing initiative.
Target group
See Target audience
Targeting
Selecting the target audience according to several factors ( age, gender, nationality, educational background, etc.). See Target audience
Tbps
Terabits per second (1,000,000,000,000 bits per second). See Bit
TBps
Terabytes per second (1,000,000,000,000 bytes per second). See Byte
Team building
Term used to refer to a wide range of activities whose aim is to improve team performance. See Outdoor training
Technical secretariat
Office dedicated to information, management, coordination, promotion and sales of a congress.
TED
Technology, entertainment, design. See TED conference
TED conference
Global set of conferences owned by the private non-profit Sapling Foundation, whose aim is to disseminate "ideas worth spreading." The speakers at TED conference are given a maximum of 18 minutes to present their ideas in the most innovative and engaging way possible.
TED format
See TED conference
Telepresence
Set of technologies that enable people to feel as if they are actually present in a different place or time.
TFT-LCD
Thin film transistor-liquid crystal display.
Thalassotherapy centre
Centre offering therapeutic techniques based on the use of different sea elements (seawater, seaweed, mud), together or separately, among other marine extracts, as well as the beneficial sea climate. See Spa centre , Brainstorming
The Meetings Show UK
MICE event held in London (United Kingdom).
Theatre style
Room layout featuring seats facing a stage, dais or podium, normally with an aisle running down the middle, as in a theatre.
Theme party
Event at which all aspects, including food and beverages, entertainment and décor, are related to a specific theme
Think tank
Group of experts commissioned by the public or private sector to research into specific problems.
Thought leader
Individual or company that is recognized as an authority in a specialized field and whose expertise is sought after and often rewarded.
Timeline
Schedule of tasks to be accomplished in the planning of an event, ordered chronologically by their start date and featuring the date on which they must be completed.
TMC
Travel management company.
Toastmaster
Person who proposes toasts and introduces speakers at a banquet.
Tour
Any prearranged roundtrip to one or more destinations; a recreational trip or activity for event attendees or accompanying persons included in the event programme. See Partner programme , Social programme
Tour operator
Person or company who typically provides tourists with package holidays, combining tour and travel elements; company offering more than two travel services.
Trade association
Association of organizations in the same trade whose aim is to further their collective interests.
Trade exhibition
See Trade show
Trade fair
See Trade show
Trade show
Periodic event where companies or organizations with the same trade activity exhibit their products or services.
Trade show manual
Guide published by the organizers of a trade show keyed to providing exhibitors and attendees with full information about the event, such as the show agenda, equipment rental forms, exhibitor list, rules and regulations, etc.
Tradeshow
See Trade show
Transfer
Process of transporting people between terminals and hotels, or moving equipment or people from one place to another.
Travel advisor
See Travel agent
Travel agent
Expert in the travel industry who is commissioned to organize, partially or totally, a pleasure or business trip.
Trending topic
Most talked about issue in Twitter at any given time.
Trendwatcher
Person who studies trends and tries to predict future trends.
Truss
Steel bar structure used for suspending lighting and other technical equipment over a stage.
Turnkey solution
Product or service that is designed in such a way that it can be easily and readily deployed or installed by a customer, and therefore be fully operational once this has been done, opposed to a built-to-order or bespoke product or service.
Tweet
Text message with a maximum of 140 characters sent via Twitter.
Tweeter
Someone who sends a tweet via Twitter.
Twitter handle
Username (with fewer than 15 characters) selected by anyone using Twitter: e.g., http://twitter.com/username.
Twitterati
Twitter elite whose feeds attract thousands of followers.
U style
Room layout featuring a U-shaped conference table, or tables, with chairs around the outside.
U.S.TA
U.S. Travel Association.
Ubiquitous marketing
See 360-degree marketing
UFI
Association of the World's Leading Tradeshow Organizers and Fairground Owners.
UFTAA
United Federation of Travel Agents' Associations.
UGC
User-generated content. See User-generated content
UMTS
Universal mobile telecommunications system.
UNICEO
United Networks of International Corporate Event Organizers.
Unique venue
Venue whose singularity is due to its location, architecture, heritage value, décor, fixtures, normal use, etc.: example range from castles, palaces, ruins and other heritage sites where it is not usually permitted to stage events, to museums, theatres, football stadiums, etc.
Upgrade
Booking that is improved, as in hotel accommodation or a plane seat, usually without any extra cost to the customer. The majority of hotels offer a fixed number of upgrades to their corporate clients or groups, depending on the number of rooms occupied.
Upselling
Sales technique whereby a seller induces a customer to purchase more expensive items or upgrades than those initially requested. See Upgrade
Usability
User friendliness, utility and satisfaction perceived by the end users of a website, app, mobile device, etc. SeeApp
User-generated content
Content (photos, videos, blogs, comments, etc.) posted on a website by amateur (unpaid) contributors, usually monitored by a web administrator to avoid offensive language or content or copyright infringement issues. See Wiki
Value added
Term that refers to the extra features of a product or service that provide consumers with something more while adding little or nothing to its cost.
VAT
Value Added Tax.
Vegan
Person who does not consume any kind of animal products (including eggs, dairy products, honey, leather, silk, wool, etc.).
Vegetarian
Person who does not eat meat (or fish) but does consume animal by-products such as eggs, milk and cheese.
Vendor
See Service provider
Venue
Place used for hosting any type of event or celebration, whether it be indoor or outdoor.
Venue inspection
Trip that planners or organizers make so as to get to know firsthand the venue where they intend to stage an event in order to make sure that it meets all requirements.
Video
Recording produced with a video recorder (camcorder) or some other similar device that captures full motion.
Video conference
See Videoconference
Video mapping
See Projection mapping
Video wall
Bank of monitors, video screens or TV sets, forming one large screen, on which one or more images can be viewed simultaneously.
Videoconference
Use of a set of telecommunication technologies allowing two or more locations to communicate by simultaneous two-way video and audio transmissions.
Videoconferencing
Act of holding a videoconference.
Videoteleconference
See Videoconference
Vinitourism
See Wine tourism
VIP
Very important person.
Viral marketing
Marketing strategy that focuses on spreading information and opinions about a product or service from person to person, especially via unconventional means such as social media networks, messaging and other online media. See Social media
Virtual community
Network of individuals who interact through specific social media or in cyberspace. See Cyberspace , Social media
Virtual event
Event in which some or all attendees are not physically present at the venue but connected in a common environment. See Videoconference
Virtual meeting
See VAT , Virtual event
Virtual reality
Computer-generated environment that simulates physical presence in real or imaginary places.
Visitmorocco
Moroccan National Tourist Office
Voice activation
Function that allows people to use voice commands to control a wide range of devices.
Voice channel
Term used to refer to any transaction that uses the voice as the primary mode of communication or interaction between two or more people.
Voice-over
Voice of an unseen person narrating events in a film or video.
Voucher
Ticket or code serving as a substitute for cash. See Digital coupon
VPN
Virtual private network.
Watering place
See Health resort
Wearable technology
Any device that users can "wear," such as Google Glass, Samsung Smart Watch, Apple iWatch, etc.
Web 2.0
Term that embraces those websites that use technology to offer users an experience that goes beyond that of the static pages of earlier websites. Examples: social networking sites, blogs, wikis, video sharing sites, hosted services, web applications, mashups, etc. See Web 3.0
Web 3.0
Technological leap forward that will have important consequences for Internat users. See Web 2.0
Web-based application
Application that requires an Internet connection and uses HTTP as its primary communications protocol.
Web-based tool
Tool that requires an Internet connection and uses HTTP as its primary communications protocol.
Webcast
Broadcasting a live event, or a recording of an event, over the World Wide Web.
Webconferencing
Web-browser based videoconferencing. See Videoconference
Webinar
Seminar or presentation that takes place on the Internet, allowing participants in different locations to see and hear the presenter, ask questions, answer polls, etc. See Seminar
Weblog
See Blog
Wedding planner
Person specializing in the planning, organization and staging of weddings.
Wellness centre
Establishment offering health services for the body and mind (the difference between spa, health and wellness centre is somewhat hazy). See Spa centre , Thalassotherapy centre
WFGTA
World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations
WFTA
World Food Travel Association. See Food tourism
Whispered interpreting
Type of interpreting in which the interpreter sits behind the speaker and translates what is being said in a low voice. This method is usually used during bilateral meetings in which neither of the two speakers understands the language of the other.
White tie
Dress code for evening events and social functions: black tails and white shirts, waistcoats and bowties for men and evening dresses for women. See Dress code
Widget
Small application with limited functionality that can be installed and executed within a webpage by end users.
Wi-Fi
Wireless fidelity (wireless Internet connection).
Wiki
Website whose content can be edited by multiple users via a web navigator: e.g., Wikipedia. See User-generated content
Wine tourism
Type of tourism whose purpose is to visit one or more of a country's wine growing regions in order to tour wineries and taste and purchase wine. Wine tourism also usually includes a gastronomic element. See Food tourism
Win-to-win
Situation in which the outcome benefits all the parties concerned.
Word-of-mouth marketing
See Viral marketing
Workshop
Educational seminar or series of meetings focusing on interaction and exchange of information usually among a limited number of participants. See Seminar
World Mobile Congress
Annual congress organized in Barcelona by the Global Mobile Connections Association
Wow factor
Striking or impressive feature; something that transforms an otherwise normal event into something special and unique.
WTM
World Travel Market (London, United Kingdom).
WTTC
World Travel and Tourism Council
Yield management
Sophisticated variable pricing strategy, based on understanding, anticipating and influencing consumer behavior in order to maximize revenue or profits from intangible products, such as hotel rooms or airline seats.
YoY
Year-on-year.