The latest developments and trends at goMICE!
Just like last year and earlier this year, the months of October and November are once again dedicated to inspection trips, as well as operating numerous trips. Some project managers are busy from their desks, while others are already travelling again, usually abroad, but goMICE also organises many events and trips within the Netherlands. Sometimes requested by Dutch businesses, but increasingly also incoming, meaning from companies in other countries wishing to visit the Netherlands with a corporate group.
A 5-day event in the Netherlands
For one of those clients we recently 5-day event in the Netherlands to organise. The members had a different programme from the partners who also came along. For instance, meetings and company visits were planned for the members, and for the partners goMICE, under the inspiring leadership of project manager Lotte, put together a voyage of discovery in the Netherlands, including a Grand Holland Tour, with a visit to the windmills, various museums, and even Het Loo in Apeldoorn.
As a closing dinner, goMICE chose a very unique location, namely Artis. Dinner was served at a high level amongst the sea lions. A brilliant and unique conclusion to this 5-day event. Naturally, our project managers Lotte and Debbie were present at this 5-day event.
Also, goMICE is currently working hard on various events and parties in the Netherlands, such as a customer day for the communications industry, an award show, a product launch and even a Sinterklaas party for around 100 adults and 100 children.
At the moment, the project managers are again preparing a lot of travel for next year and I would like to take you along on a number of inspection trips which they and I have just finished or are still going to make, but before I do that I would also like to answer a frequently asked question to goMICE.
Are certain destinations industry-related?
Which destinations are currently in demand and which industries are choosing which destinations? Can a trend be detected in that? We see that fast-growing industries, such as the (fast) food sector, the waste processing industry, and the ICT and gaming industry, are mainly choosing destinations that are “different” in one way or another, whatever that may be. They are mainly looking for surprising destinations as well as surprising elements, and those are the ultimate challenges for goMICE. Always finding those surprises and thereby being and remaining distinctive.
Customer activation / Relationship and event marketing
It is also striking that an increasing number of clients are approaching goMICE to also handle the customer activation aspect. What is meant by customer activation, or relationship and event marketing? In short, it boils down to goMICE developing an all-in-one concept to help our clients achieve their sales or marketing/communication objectives through online and offline campaigns, ultimately culminating in a dazzling event of incentive travel as a reward for the objectives achieved.
Would you like to be informed in more detail about this approach and hear which concepts goMICE has successfully implemented for our clients? Then take Contact contact us.
Back to the inspection trips and destinations
At the moment there are so many requests, too many to mention. The economy is booming and every company wants to stand out in terms of being a good employer and thereby retaining and engaging their employees, towards clients, potential clients, wholesalers, but also business associations are increasingly travelling together or organising an event to increase knowledge, gain inspiration and learn from each other. And of course FUN generally gets to be a part of the programme too!
That is how a major cosmetics house goes to Paris with goMICE, and a waste processing company goes to Dublin, a communications equipment company has goMICE organise a client day in the Netherlands, a company in the gaming industry is going to Iceland, and a food company is joining to Moscow and St Petersburg and just now a recruitment and selection company has just returned from New York and is going to Lapland with goMICE in January.
Valencia
I myself had, and currently have again, a busy travel schedule. I have just returned from a 3-day trip to Valencia. Together with Anne-Marie and the client (5 delegates), we visited various restaurants in Valencia, among other things, from which a choice could be made for their trip in September 2020 for a minimum of 110 people. All in all, another very useful trip.
Southern Europe
Within a week I was off again, this time with project manager Lotte to Southern Europe to visit various destinations. For example, we visited various cities and areas in Spain such as Seville, Madrid, Ibiza and Majorca in Porto, Portugal Lisbon. Whilst enjoying a glass of Limoncello provided by one of our suppliers, Lotte and I concluded another very successful inspection trip.
Sweden and Lapland
I still have one inspection trip planned, again together with Lotte, and this time it's heading North. Sweden and Lapland are scheduled. Off to the cold, possibly as much as 10 to 15 degrees below zero, but guaranteed warm clothing (a special clothing pack is a fixed part of the trips we organise to Lapland) which really keeps you wonderfully warm. I am already looking forward to the husky safari and the thrill of the snowmobile tour, because even though we have known these areas for a very long time, our suppliers always insist on at least immersing us in the experiences they offer to all participants. While you are there anyway……
Dubai and the holidays
And after that, it's time for some rest! I'm looking forward to mid-December. Then I'll be travelling to Dubai with my family, this time with Emirates, and we've been blessed with Business Class once again. We will immerse ourselves in luxury, warmth, wonderful food and time for each other. By now, Dubai feels like coming home to us. On the 24th of December we'll fly back home again and celebrate Christmas with family and friends. I can enjoy that immensely too. For us, Christmas is a time of cosiness, warmth, atmosphere and being nicely at home. East, west, home's best, right? This is probably my last blog of the year, which immediately gives me the opportunity to wish everyone a few more great working weeks, but above all, very happy holidays!