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Acceleration Programme launch

Where: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands
When: Opening Call for projects:  5 December 2024

The BEFuture Acceleration Programme offers up to €30 000 in funding to at least 80 SME-driven projects from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands.   

The selected projects will receive technical and financial support for digital and green transformation that can help reduce the environmental impact of business events while contributing to communities and destinations’ socio-economic development.

Several information sessions will be organized over the next months.

Access all the information about the programme.

Target: SMEs and other organisations based in the consortium countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands).

Local Innovation Hub France

Where: Salon d'honneur, Versailles
City/Country: Paris, France
When: 11 December 2024
Language
: French

About the event

Boosting innovation and shaping the future of business events 

Why? 

  • To be inspired by the initial results, trends, and challenges in event innovation observed within the BEFuture project 
  • To promote participation in the BEFuture Acceleration Programme 
  • To foster connections between professionals from various sectors: event venues, agencies, event service providers, hotels, institutions, and actors in tech, sustainable development, circular economy, and social and solidarity economy (SSE) 
  • To co-create project ideas that can become proposals for the BEFuture Acceleration Programme 

For whom? 

  • Decision-makers and event organizers (Agencies, Corporates, and Associations) 
  • Event activity providers: hotels, event venues, technical service providers

Key facts

Activities: 

  • Introduction: Inspiring conference on the challenges of innovation in the event industry 
  • Presentation of the initial BEFuture results, the Acceleration Programme, and preliminary solution paths 
  • Thematic workshops on key topics: sustainability, digitalization, human capital 
  • Conclusion: Summary of the discussions

Find out more

Partners

Local Innovation Hub Netherlands

Where: Maarssen, Utrecht, The Netherlands
When: 11 December 2024
Language: Dutch

About the event

Boosting Dutch Innovation 

This co-creation session is open for experts, stakeholders and suppliers in the Business Event industry as well as potential applicants for the Acceleration program in the Netherlands. 

During the session, best practices are shared, and project ideas are pitched. Future applicants can receive feedback on their proposals in a co-creation setting with experts, addressing potential and constraints, in order to further develop future innovations. 

For whom? 

  • Decision-makers and event organizers (agencies, corporates, and associations) 
  • Event activity providers: hotels, event venues, technical service providers, suppliers 
  • Startups, SME's and young talent 
  • Researchers, policy makers and associations

Key facts

Co-creation & Innovation HUB 

  • Co-creating towards innovation 
  • Boost and enhance ideation 
  • Peer feedback on Acceleration Program Applications 
  • Build and enhance network 

Partners

Green Ambassadors of IDEA: The Agency of the Future

Where: Randstad, The Netherlands
When: January 13th 2025
Language: Dutch

The Independent Dutch Event Association (IDEA) acknowledges that Live Communications is at a crossroads. The association sees a thriving sector in a rapidly changing world. 'We must vigorously anticipate those changes.' IDEA represents around 60 leading agencies and 10 event-focused universities in the Netherlands.

Sustainability, corporate social responsibility, inclusiveness and diversity are key focus points in their strategy. By harnessing the connecting power of live, the industry can contribute positively to these pressing social issues. In order to take faster and more focused steps on these issues, IDEA and its members have established the "Green Ambassadors’ in 2023. After successful editions focusing on, for example, food innovation and impact, BEFuture is proud to be hosting the next session ‘The Agency of the Future’ together with the Green Ambassadors. This session focuses on future skills and the importance of creativity in innovation and design.

Key facts

Experimenting with toolkits for creative thinking to adopt a playfulness mindset

Embrace failure, a deep dive into experimental learning

Upskilling and attracting and retain young talent; how to accelerate innovation.

Partners

BEFuture Bootcamp

Where: Hamburg, Germany
When: Thursday 28th & Friday 29 November 2024
Language: German

About the event

The BEFuture Bootcamp, held on November 28 and 29 November 2024 in Hamburg, is an intensive, hands-on session designed to help startups and innovators refine their business ideas and prepare for market entry. 

Participants will benefit from expert mentoring, targeted networking opportunities with industry leaders and potential investors, and practical workshops focused on turning concepts into viable products. Additionally, the Bootcamp provides critical preparation for the Captain MICE Future Award, offering a pathway for selected participants to the BEFuture Accelerator Programme.

Key facts

Focus Areas: 

  • BEFuture Programme: Receive all essential information about the project and available funding opportunities. 
  • Futures Literacy & Co-Creation: Develop future-proof ideas and business models with the support of experienced trainers. 
  • Networking: Engage with other innovators and industry experts to initiate long-term collaborations. 

Audience: Innovators, pioneers, and start-ups in the event industry, limited spots available. 

Opportunities: 

  • Develop market-ready ideas and successful business models. 
  • Secure funding for your project and prepare effectively for the event industry. 
  • Build networks with leading industry experts. 

Guidance: 

  • Support from experienced trainers in Futures Literacy and Co-Creation. 
  • Hands-on exercises to implement innovative concepts. 

Skills: 

  • Enhance future competencies and learn how to transform trends into market-ready ideas. 
  • Gain comprehensive knowledge on securing funding and successful project implementation. 

The Bootcamp serves as an ideal preparation for the national Captain MICE Future Award on 25 February 2025.

Partners

BEFuture: Accelerating Transformation of Business Events

Where: IBTM, Barcelona, Spain
When: Wednesday 20th November 2024 - 16.15
Language: English

Join us for an exciting creative session in the framework of BEFuture project, aimed at accelerating the transformation of the meetings industry! 

In this session, innovative minds will pitch their bold ideas addressing four industry challenges: climate change and circularity, event experience, talent and inclusion, and governance and impact. 

After the pitches, participants will engage in small groups and in mentoring sessions in order to refine these ideas. Finally, in a second round of interactions, groups will act as potential clients in order to provide feedback and insights to help fine-tune projects for real-world impact. 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to collaborate and lead the industry's transformation! As part of BEFuture, a call for projects will provide funding of up to €30 000 to accelerate innovative solutions.

Find more and register
Registration to IBTM required

Partners

BEFuture Global Innovation Forum

Where: Barcelona
When: Monday 18th November 2024

Join us to meet and exchange with cross-sector experts at the BEFuture Global Innovation Forum in Barcelona.

As part of BEFuture, the Innovation Forum aims to promote innovation in the business events sector and enhance the implementation of new business models.

This innovation-focused event is designed to address four key challenges, with a clear call-to-action for entrepreneurs and creative thinkers to present solutions. It will explore global trends across several critical areas, including climate change and circularity, talent and inclusion, governance and impact, and event experiences.

The target audience includes startups, tech developers, innovators, and problem-solvers who are passionate about creating impactful solutions. It aims to attract individuals capable of developing forward-thinking ideas that respond to pressing industry needs, offering a valuable opportunity for those driven by entrepreneurial spirit and innovation to make a meaningful difference.

Key programme highlights include: 

  • The launch our much-anticipated White Paper on the future of the business events industry
  • Co-ideation workshops and presentations on hot topics

Find out more and register now!

BEFuture: Technology Integration in MICE: Enhancing Event Management and Attendee Experience

Where: TIS, Sevilla, Spain
When: Friday 25 October 2024 - 10.00
Language: English

About the event

As part of BEFuture ,we participate in the panel in order to explore the role of technology in event management and attendee engagement, from event apps and digital registration systems to interactive presentations and virtual networking platforms, enabling MICE stakeholders to deliver seamless, interactive, and memorable experiences for participants.

Speakers

Jonathan Ysaÿe
Founder TechForMICE

Miriam Pijuan Mota
BEFuture technical coordinator/Catalunya Convention Bureau

Gorazd Čad
General Manager Toleranca marketing / Conventa

Find more and register
Registration to TIS required

Partners

Building smarter destinations through business events

Where: City DNA Autumn Conference, Brugge, Belgium
When: Friday 18 October 2024 - 12.20
Language: English

About the event

In this interactive workshop, the BEFuture project will share their findings on business events’ future and introduce the concept of Smart BE destinations. CVBs and the BE industry join forces to tackle shared challenges and forge collaborative solutions. We will explore a key question: 

How can we collaborate to build SMART BE destinations through impactful events?

Speakers

Tuya Beyers,
Visit Flanders Convention Bureau 

Miriam Pijuan,
Catalunya Convention Bureau

Website
https://citydestinationsalliance.eu/programme-gds-forum-citydna-autumn-conference-2024/
Registration to city DNA autumn conference required

Partners

Mentorship matters: Understanding your role in the BEFuture Acceleration Programme

Where: ONLINE
When: Thursday 17th October 2024
Language: English

About the event

Join us for 'Mentorship matters: Understanding Your Role in the BEFuture Acceleration Programme,' an online session designed to guide potential mentors through the structure, expectations, and impact of their involvement in our Acceleration Programme.

This webinar will offer detailed insights into the mentorship process, the benefits of participation, and how you can make a significant difference in the ventures of innovative SMEs in the business events sector. Whether you're new to mentoring or looking to deepen your impact, this session will equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to be an effective mentor.

Main Topics: 

  • Overview of the BEFuture Acceleration Programme 
  • Roles and responsibilities of mentors 
  • Benefits of becoming a mentor within the programme 
  • Practical tips for effective mentoring 
  • Q&A session to address prospective mentors' queries

 

If you would like to participate, please register here.

GROENN & MerkFryslan

Where: Leeuwarden, Cycle Up, The Netherlands
When: Tuesday 15th October 2024

GROENN is a platform for sustainability of events, founded by four key players in the festival industry in the city of Groningen: Noorderzon, Paradigm, Bevrijdingsfestival Groningen and Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS). GROENN is supported by the municipality of Groningen and aims to support the Northern provinces of the Netherlands in a green transition.

MerkFryslan as DMO holds the brands MeetinFriesland, VisitFriesland and Wadden. They aim to create a positive impact in the region, and therewith contribute to the quality of life of Frisians and create opportunities for entrepreneurs, employers and education.

Description of the training

This training focuses on Logistics: Transportation and Mobility.

According to Climatetrade, travel constitutes a significant portion of its footprint, ranging from 70% to 90% of an event’s carbon emissions. Alternatives need to be considered, and this training focuses on sharing and discussing best practices in event mobility.

The training is a unique combination between various partners, building a bridge between the festival and business events industry. The festival industry has been using their grounds as a testing playground for innovation and alternative initiatives. GROENN started providing training in 2023 for festival organisers, suppliers and policy makers. This training is the 4th session initiated by GROENN, where the cooperation with BEFuture leads to a unique cooperation with MerkFryslan, bringing together the festival and business event industry.

DMO's, organisers, policy makers, venue and suppliers are welcome to register for this freely accessible training.

GROENN | Workshops | Workshop #5 Logistiek: Transport & vervoer (wijzijngroenn.nl)

Key facts

Experimenting with alternatives on mobility

Learn from best practices from different industries

Built on a network to strengthen the (national) ecosystem

Focused on the North of the Netherlands

Unique alliance building bridges between festivals and business event

Skills focus

  • Creative problem solving
  • Co-creation
  • Sustainable responsiveness
  • Business modelling

Contribution to SDG’s

This training contributes to the following SDG's:

  • SDG 3: Quality Education
  • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Contact details for the training

For this training, please get in touch with our local BEFututure partner:

Name: Amber Herrewijn, European Tourism Futures Institute
Email: Amber.herrewijn@nhlstenden.com

Partners

1 day Summit

Where: Bruges, Flanders — Belgium
When: Monday 14th October
Language: English

As the Business events sector has gradually enhanced its capacity to define, manage and measure the impact of its events on destinations and its global communities, a new need has arisen this year that calls for new funding models for the activities that underpin this. Access to funding to finance transition towards a more social and inclusive economy has been highlighted in all the main international frameworks and agreements underpinning the transition to a fairer, more sustainable and resilient economic model globally, including from the European Commission.

The conference will discuss and investigate how associations and event organisations could fund to scale these initiatives.

We would also like to interest external organisations that are presently funding impact initiatives outside of our sphere of activity to explore with us under what conditions and models would impact projects linked to business events become potential funding targets for impact investors.

This day will be twofold.

  • The first part (morning) will celebrate and launch the VisitFlanders newly co-developed methodology on impact.
  • The second part (afternoon) will take a look into the future of impactful congresses as we explore a new topic: Funding of impact.

Key facts

Magdalena kerk/church: https://www.yot.be/nl/en/117

Format: 1 day conference (9h00-17h00)

Attendance: approx 75-100 people

  • Open to local and international participants
  • Target group:
    • the Business Events sector (local and international) some of them joining GDS and/or CityDNA
    • association executives local and international
    • representatives from funding organisations/agencies local and international
    • members of the International Alliance for Impact
    • Strategic Alliance of National CVB’s
    • legacy makers from Flanders (+CEO’s of our clusters)
    • Event partners

Partners

Local training

Where: Barcelona — Spain
When: Friday 11th October 2024
Language: Catalan

The local training session is designed with a multi-faceted purpose: to build cross-sector skills and capabilities, to share critical knowledge about trends and challenges within the Business Events sector, and to raise awareness about the industry's gaps and needs among those capable of driving change.

The local training session shall serve as well to create awareness on the need to become future-proof and adapt the business models to these trends and raise interest in the BEFuture acceleration program and Innovation Forum where they can unlock ideas and funding to overcome their challenges.

The session will contribute to BEFuture's mission of fostering a more informed, capable, and forward-thinking Business Events sector.

Key facts

Content Overview:

  • Explorative Work: Participants will be presented with the findings and outcomes from BEFuture's explorative research, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the industry.
  • Trends and Challenges: The session will delve into emerging trends and challenges, addressing questions such as "Where are we going?" and "What will we face?" This aims to prepare attendees for the future landscape of business events.
  • State of the Art: Attendees will gain insights into best practices and innovative applications in sustainability, digitalisation, and talent development. This part of the session will highlight exemplary cases and practical applications that are shaping the industry.
  • Gaps and Needs: The training will identify and discuss the critical gaps and needs within the industry, emphasising areas where further efforts and innovations are necessary to meet future demands.
  • Next Steps & Acceleration Program: Finally, participants will be introduced to the next steps in the BEFuture initiative, including an overview of the upcoming Acceleration Program. This program offers a unique opportunity for SMEs to gain funding and support for projects focused on sustainability, social impact, and technological innovation.

Partners

Agència Catalana de Turisme

Call for Best practices

Location: Online – European Union
Dates: From the 1st of February until the 18th of March

Call for best practices aimed at gathering groundbreaking initiatives, projects or services in the business events or that could be applied in the business events industry and that are aligned with the Tourism Transition Pathways: sustainability, digitalisation, resilience...
The objective of this call is to find implemented projects that can inspire and empower business event professionals to change their business model towards a more innovative, resilient and sustainable one, by means of technology, social innovation and more.
A compendium of the 10 best practices will be presented at IMEX 2024 and showcased in the BEFuture marketplace.

Target: Online – European Union

Location: Frankfurt - IMEX
Dates: 14th-16th May

Global training session aimed at transferring knowledge and future literacy on the BEFuture main topics (innovation and technology to create sustainable and regenerative business models in the events industry).

Examples of good practices to generate resilience and enhance readiness for a sustainable and digital transition will be presented.

Target: Worldwide Business events professionals

More info about IMEX

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