According to Dmitry Smirnov of Events Magazine Russia, the meetings and event industry in Russia has experienced substantial growth in the last year with the leading 12 specialists recording International MICE business in excess of €70 million; this figure representing only 40% of the total since domestic events, business travel and official delegations to conferences are not included.
Turkey remains the leader in Russia whilst Egypt has lost market share with clients now looking for alternative destinations. Recent conferences have been held in many high end destinations including USA with two groups in excess of 200 participants, Italy with three groups that exceeded 300, Spain with almost monthly events with 50-100, Brazil two groups of 200+, Cuba, Emirates, China and Thailand also reporting large movements. One of the greatest challenges for Russian specialists is to find suppliers and destinations able to cater for corporate meetings from 400-800 delegates. Their main requirements being simple visas, easily accessible, warm climate and good business/resort infrastructure.
Smirnov also commented that "The average event planning period in Russia is 4-6 months from the first RFP and bidding to materialisation with most groups taking place in Q3-4, so the most effective time for promotion is in March. Therefore we highly recommend the Moscow International MICE Forum on March 19th as the ideal time and place to meet with all the leading Russian MICE specialists."
Unlike other countries around the world, the prognosis for the Russian economy is strong, with Morgan Stanley predicting GDP growth of 4.6%. Inflation is down, employment is up, and industrial production is increasing, as are retail sales. With these encouraging forecasts, an increasing number of Russian companies are looking to reward their employees and clients with Incentive travel. In addition as Russian products and services become more competitive, there is a growing demand for participation at conferences and exhibitions around the world. This combination presents an excellent opportunity for International MICE suppliers to satisfy this increased demand.
Russia’s premier meetings and incentive event, the Moscow International MICE Forum takes place on Monday 19 March 2012, offering International suppliers a professional platform to meet with leading Russian MICE specialists and corporate buyers. Concurrent with other tourism events held in Moscow at this time, the Moscow International MICE Forum enables participants to maximise their sales visit. Full details can be viewed at www.MiceForum.ru.
For further information, please contact Kim Waddoup, CEO aigroup, at kim@aigroup.ru
About the Moscow International MICE Forum
Established in 2003, the Moscow International MICE Forums are firmly established as the leading event for the fast developing Russian MICE sector and provide a platform for International MICE suppliers to meet with Russian MICE specialists and corporate buyers in a professional organised event. The main features include: fully equipped 3x2m stands, a comprehensive seminar programme, pre-scheduled appointments, professional/pre-registered visitors only, concurrent with other events in Moscow to enable maximum effectiveness of spring sales visits to Moscow.
