THE REAL MEANING OF VALUE COMMENT
Delivering consistent quality of service is one of the trademarks of AIPC-certified convention centres, writes AIPC President Edgar Hirt
When value is the key issue, customers need a reference point to ensure they’re getting the most for their money. In today’s meetings industry, the value benchmark takes many different forms. Cost is certainly a factor, but so are
quality, consistency, creativity and imagination. All these factors contrib- ute to the overall event experience. Today, convention centres are focused on balancing various criteria: consist- ent quality on one hand, and innovation and flexibility on the other. How will an event organiser know which centres embrace these principles? The first clue is to look for the AIPC logo. Membership of AIPC means that a
site is committed to excellence in centre management and has invested in mak- ing that commitment through linking up with like-minded venues worldwide. This kind of exchange is absolutely criti- cal for two reasons. Firstly, because it is only by being aware
of the full spectrum of possibilities that a centre can truly excel. Today’s meetings and conventions are increasingly complex and demanding, with formats that are con- stantly evolving. Being able to access the full range of experiences represented in more than 170 centres in 54 countries world- wide provides insights that are absolutely critical to understanding how to enhance an event in an ever-changing environment. Secondly, AIPC members have access
to services and resources that enable them to actually deliver on expectations in a practical, cost-effective and risk-free way. This includes the latest glimpse into clients’ needs as well as all the latest updates on research, education, technol- ogy insights and standards that have to become a part of their product. The best method of sharing informa-
tion about collective experience is via the AIPC global membership network.
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The real challenge is how to share that information effectively. The fact that a centre’s local and regional business is essentially exclusive, considering that national and international events are likely to be on a long rotation, means the advantages of sharing information far outweigh the potential risks to business from those that are considered com- petitors. The result is a strong tradition of information exchange that benefits everyone, including clients. In today’s complex industry, no
centre can exist in isolation. There is too much information and knowledge required to be able keep up on one’s own. Yet many have to, as there are generally very few such facilities in a single destination. The solution is to link up with colleagues around the world and the benefit is the extraordinary range of knowledge this can deliver. AIPC members use this to their full advantage and are, therefore, the ones best positioned to deliver the expertise and flexibility demanded by today’s major events. Ultimately, a successful event is
INFORMATION FAR OUTWEIGH THE
THE ADVANTAGES OF SHARING
POTENTIAL RISKS TO BUSINESS
one where everyone’s expectations are met or exceeded. Working together towards that objective will always produce the best results.
Edgar Hirt is Managing Director of Congress Center Hamburg and Presi- dent of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC), a pre-emi-
nent international association of convention centres. AIPC is committed to encouraging and recognising excellence in convention-centre management. Its pro- grammes are directed toward enhancing the profile and performance of its members and their purpose- built facilities whose primary purpose is to accommo- date and service meetings, conventions and exhibitions. The AIPC is a global network of over 170 leading cen- tres in 54 countries with the active involvement of more than 850 management-level professionals. For further
information, please contact
marianne.de.raay@
aipc.org or visit
www.aipc.org
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