EUROPE - Vilnius Convention Bureau, Lithuania, is taking the initiative to join regional forces in the Baltic Sea Region and has launched the first regional exhibition for meetings, events and incentives.

Convene, will take place 13–14 February 2013 at LITEXPO in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital. Paul Kennedy MBE, has been appointed as the event‘s strategic advisor. Kennedy has also been a strategic advisor for the Slovenia-based south-east Europe MICE event, Conventa, and is also advising Centaur on their new Meetings Show UK project.

Convene is planned as an annual two-day event, with organisers prepared to full host 120+ senior buyers from Europe. They anticipate 100 exhibitors including convention bureaus, hotels, conference centres, special venues, DMCs, PCOs, specialist suppliers from Lithuania and six other countries of the region (Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Finland, Sweden and Russia).

The event will also be supported by a major professional education programme and a series of business networking events.

Convene will also facilitate a number of familiarisation trips to Lithuania and neighbouring destinations that wish to host the international buyers attending the event.

Jolanta Beniulien, Director of Vilnius Convention Bureau, says: “The global meetings industry business is changing. Regional co-operation has become increasingly important. We need to acknowledge that the Baltic Sea Region is still ‘undiscovered’ and has a lot to offer. Launching Convene, we give the opportunity for international buyers to learn about the impressive range ofmeeting facilities on offer in this culturally rich and diverse region.”

Paul Kennedy MBE says: “Like many industry professionals I knew relatively little about this region. Those attending the tradeshow will be likewise impressed on the regional offer and Vilnius as gateway to the region will surprise and delight the international buyers attending the event.”

A website convene.lt has been launched and two companies were appointed to partner the Vilnius Convention Bureau in the management of the show. AIM Group Baltic (part of AIM Group International) will be a core technical organiser and Baltic Travel Group will manage all aspects of the ground handling and evening networking events.

Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno, Vice-President of AIM Group International says: “Our company is proud to be part of the Convene. We will give all the support to our local team to make the event successful platform for education, networking and business opportunities.”
 
Do you have news for CMW? Email: pcolston@mashmedia.net