Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) are forecast for a boost in 2024 – optimism for the sector is high, as face-to-face business interactions continue to be an integral part of organisations’ objectives.
Reed & Mackay Events team has picked out five cities, with well-established, reliable and contemporary MICE infrastructure, that offer the wow factor for 2024.
SEOUL – SOUTH KOREA
Seoul is the vibrant capital of South Korea. The city is awash with modern skyscrapers, innovative technology and is the perfect place to explore South Korean cuisine and culture.
Best time of year to visit:
March – June is a good time to travel, outside of the cold winters and hot summers. The beginning of April is particularly a lovely time to visit if you want your delegates to experience the famous Korean Cherry Blossoms in bloom.
Getting there:
Average flight time from London: 12.5 hours.
Fastest way to Seoul city centre from Incheon International Airport: Express train – 40 minutes.
Hotel snapshot:
- The Shilla: A prestigious hotel located in the Jun-Gu district, offering guests an outdoor swimming pool, spa with mountain views and walking trails along Seoul’s Fortress Wall. Plus conference and meeting rooms.
- Lotte Hotel: This five-star property offers a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre and a range of cuisines at its restaurants. Its central location means it’s within 15 minutes’ walk of the Deoksugung Palace, Sungnyemun Gate and Namdaemun Market.
Activities groups will love:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace: A renowned historical landmark in Jongno-gu, it’s the largest of the Royal Palaces in South Korea and is open year-round to visitors.
- Traditional Korean Drum workshop: A great group activity that teaches the traditional Samgomu drum dance. You’ll also have the opportunity to wear traditional Korean garments, such as the hanbok, while learning.
BERLIN – GERMANY
Germany’s cool capital, Berlin, has much to offer MICE delegates. From extensive transport links, a fascinating history, a relaxed vibe and diverse architecture, there’s plenty to see and do.
Best time of year to visit:
Although the most pleasant temperatures run from April to September, the city has many activities and areas of interest you can visit year-round.
Getting there:
Average flight time from London: Just under two hours.
Fastest way to Berlin city centre from Brandenburg Airport: half an hour by car and around 45 minutes by train.
Hotel snapshot:
- Hotel De Rome: An elegant, five-star property, which was once the headquarters of Dresdner Bank, located in Bebeplatz. Hold events in its six meeting rooms, while its grand ballroom has capacity for 250 people, perfect for chic dinners.
- InterContinental Berlin: Located in Budapester Strausse, guests can enjoy its spa, indoor pool and hot tub and a fitness centre. It also has vast conference facilities, including 55 meeting rooms and a ballroom that holds up to 2,500.
Activities groups will love:
- Travelling to the city between November and December? Berlin has around 80 Christmas Markets to enjoy, many of which are in the city centre.
- Tour Berlin’s historical sights on a segway: This two-hour activity takes you from the Brandenburg Gate to the Potsdamer Platz, passing many other sights on the way.
- Berlin Dinner Cruise: This two-and-a-half hour trip down the River Spree allows groups to enjoy the city’s sights while feasting on a four-course meal.
MADRID – SPAIN
Spain’s capital, Madrid, is a cosmopolitan city bursting with culture, as reflected in its numerous architectural sites, such as the Royal Palace or the Museo Cerralbo.
Best time of year to visit:
During the autumn months of September to November, Madrid experiences cooler weather compared to the hot summer months.
Getting there:
Average flight time from London: 2.5 hours.
Fastest way to Madrid city centre from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport: Car: half an hour and around 45 minutes by train.
Hotel snapshot:
- Hotel Riu Plaza Espana: Situated in the Edificio Espana, one of the most iconic buildings in Madrid, the hotel is just 12 miles from the international airport. There are 17 different styles of conference rooms to choose from, plus multiple bars, a pool and a restaurant for relaxed leisure time.
- The Principal Madrid: This five-star boutique hotel, with views of the famous ‘Gran Via’, is complete with space for conventions and events as well as leisure facilities including a fitness suite, outdoor and indoor bar.
Activities groups will love:
- A Flamenco Show at Torres Bermejas: A must-see in Madrid, the show – set in the city’s historic Calle Mesonero Romanas – is accompanied by a classic Spanish tapas dinner with wine.
- Vineyard tours: Join professional guides on half-day trips south of the city to visit some of the beautiful Spanish vineyards and, of course, indulge in wine-tasting.
DOHA – QATAR
Doha, Qatar’s capital, offers an idyllic combination of traditional heritage sites, modern cityscapes and white-sand beaches.
Best time of year to visit: The winter season (December to March) offers a milder temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius compared to temperatures of around 40 degrees in the summer months.
Getting there:
Average flight time from London: Just over 6.5 hours.
Fastest way to Doha city centre from Doha International Airport – drive in less than 20 minutes while train takes half an hour.
Hotel snapshot:
- Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli: Complete with a business centre for any corporate meetings, guests can relax at its swimming pool, spa facilities and wide range of restaurants. As part of a chain of three hotels in Doha, guests can use the facilities of the other Tivoli properties in the city.
- Sheraton Grand Hotel: Located within walking distance of the city centre, the hotel boasts 25 different-sized meeting and conference rooms. After a meeting, delegates can relax at the hotel’s private beach, pool and dine across its nine restaurants.
Activities groups will love:
- Desert adventures: Head out to the desert to enjoy a raft of thrilling activities, including 4×4 drives, camel rides, dune bashing and sand boarding.
- Tour historical sites: Step into Qatar’s heritage, touring the UNESCO site of the Al Zubarah archaeological site, Bin Gannam Island and the Al Jassasiya Rock Art Site.
VANCOUVER – CANADA
Vancouver is not only known as one of the best cities to host conventions, due to its many hotels with dedicated convention space, it’s surrounded by stunning national parks and mountain ranges that offer a wide range of outdoor activities.
Best time of year to visit:
Between March and May is when the weather is at its mildest, while September to November is a great time to witness the gorgeous autumn colours.
Getting there:
Average flight time from London: Just under 10 hours.
Fastest way to Vancouver city centre from Vancouver International Airport: a 15-minute drive or half an hour by train.
Hotel snapshot:
- Rosewood Hotel: A 1920s-themed hotel located across from Pacific Centre Mall and just a ten-minute walk from Vancouver Convention Centre. There is a speakeasy-inspired bar and a number of themed restaurants to enjoy within this property.
- Wedgewood Hotel and Spa: Enjoy the European-inspired décor of this hotel, which has four different-sized spaces for corporate events. And its location close to Robson Square means guests can wander through its gardens and waterfalls during breaks.
Activities groups will love:
- Whale watching: You can’t visit this coastal city without taking the opportunity to go whale-watching and other marine wildlife spotting. Take either a three- or five-hour trip, from the comfort of a heated boat if going out in the colder winter months.
- Summer bobsleigh ride: Feel the adrenaline at the Whistler Sliding Centre, where you can enjoy a bobsleigh ride around the Winter Olympic track, getting up to speeds of around 55mph. Follow with a guided tour of the Olympic Winter Games venue.
Mail hello@reedandmackay.com to discuss all of your meetings and events management needs.
