2011: in Anticipation of Explosive Growth of the Russian MICE Industry

MICE - a relatively new segment of the Russian business tourism market - continue their triumphant March. The overarching MICE abbreviation stands for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. Six Moscow International MICE Forums having been held annually at TC "Tishinka" in Moscow are a convincing proof of the MICE industry's successful development. The 2010 event's statistics was summarized by aigroup, the Forum's organizer: 91 companies representing 47 countries and 1,118 visitors. Judging by the feedback from the past participants, the next show - Moscow International MICE Forum 15 March 2011 - also should be very helpful in participants' business expansion and this is the direct result of these events. However the indirect results are also noteworthy: activity in the MICE industry testifies to economic resurgence in this country.

"As we organized the Moscow International MICE Forum in 2009, we were rather thinking about the need to keep the tradition," pointed out aigroup's president Kim Waddoup. "The crisis dealt a serious blow on the entire MICE industry. In 2010 we were confident in success, however: the market has survived and we see an upward trend." MICE remain a relatively new segment of Russian business, although this is by no means a recent development. The training period is far behind, rich experience has already been gained and certain traditions have taken root, which was demonstrated at the show. The experts assessing the event held by aigroup are unanimous that this was a very timely and requisite forum. "The Russian MICE industry certainly has a long way to go, - noted Alexei Krylov, General Director of UTS Travel, Vice President of the Russian Association of Tourist Operators. - For example, in Germany alone 900 companies specialize in this area. Nevertheless a professional community is gradually emerging in the course of this industry's rapid development in Russia and the quality of services offered by companies is being constantly improved. And now we are looking forward to the next event on the 15th of March 2011".

"We've long been involved in business and incentive tourism, - said Pedro Vahe, expert in intercontinental markets at Fkanders (Belgium). - We are keenly interested in the Russian market as we see its great potential. But in order to actively work on this market, you cannot just sit on the sidelines. This is why I've come to Moscow. I think this must be done now. I am satisfied with the Forum: it is a well-organized and effective event." Hugo Slimburg, Director of Strategic Partnership, Ovation Global DMC (Belgium) agrees that participation in MICE Forum is very useful: "It's premature to say that the crisis has been overcome, but there are signs of economic recovery in Europe. In this situation those who can properly assess the perspective will come out as winners. The MICE business must be getting ready for tomorrow".

"On the eve of resurgence," "in anticipation of explosive growth," forthcoming boom" - all those estimations could be heard from the Forum's participants. The MICE industry is definitely bracing up for a new leap. Whoever is better prepared will garner success. "MICE is an intellectual business, - Mr. Krylov underscored. "In order to be a success in this sphere, organizational skills and networking are not sufficient. Creativity is also very important. Communication and exchange of experience are indispensible for the MICE tourism business. From these perspectives it is impossible to overestimate the significance of the next event - the Moscow International MICE Forum 2011 - that will offer all of us excellent venue for discourse on the 15th of March 2011, at TC "Tishinka" in Moscow".

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