Henrik von Arnold awarded 2015 IMEX Academy Award for Europe

EUROPE – The 2015 IMEX Academy Award for Europe has been awarded to Henrik von Arnold, of ENITED Business Events. Von Arnold managed the Convention Offices in Gothenburg and Stockholm for more than 15 years, and was chairman of the Scandinavian Chapter of the International Congress Association (ICCA), as well as being a board member of the European Federation of Conference Towns (EFCT). IMEX Group MD Paul Flackett, said: “Henrik von Arnold is one of the most accomplished destination developers in Europe. He provides both strategy and creativity. He sets himself no limits, and does not let himself be restricted. In his 15 years as manager of the Convention Offices in Gothenburg and Stockholm, he took the art of destination marketing to new heights.” Von Arnold, who also teaches at MODUL University Vienna, says of the importance of destination development: “It is a complex area. Today, more than ever, towns and entire regions need to position themselves in a global environment. It’s not just about bringing large-scale events to the destination. What counts is winning investors for towns and regions in the long-term. “Their projects create more employment, adding value for local people. Large-scale events such as conferences, meetings involving companies with global reach, and highlights such as the [Eurovision] Song Contest and big sporting events, are important door-openers, and get people talking about a destination.” Ivo Franschitz, ENITED managing director adds:  “The more people are interested in coming to a city or staying there, the more attractive the destination is. Vienna is the best example of how to operate sustainable destination development.” ENITED organises more than 1,000 business events for market leaders across a rnge of industries.