gourmet m.i.c.e

All the right ingredients!

“Gourmet”Meetings Incentives Congresses Events

Meetings | Incentives | Congresses | EventsGourmet M.I.C.E. by MidEast |

# | 3Meetings | Incentives | Congresses | EventsGourmet M.I.C.E. by MidEast |

Editorial The term “Gourmet” is a cultural idea associated not only with the culinary arts

of fine cuisine, but also with people of refined taste and passion.

Our experience and love for the “Gourmet” philosophy of life, has guided us with success since 1983 to the best solutions at the M.I.C.E. industry.

We are always ready to offer first class service along with excellent proposals to meet our clients’ expectations.

Many people might think that the term “Gourmet” means expensiveand intangible recipes, made mostly by rare ingredients, using complicated

procedures and techniques to achieve special meals of several contrasting features.

For our people at MidEast, Imagination, Creativity, Aesthetics, Punctuality and above all Passion in what we do, are among the main ingredients needed to

create the most unique “Gourmet events”, your own events...

We invite you to have a “taste” of our “Gourmet” philosophy and let us identify together the best ingredients, necessary to prepare the most delicate and

exceptional recipe cut just for your taste!

Katerina Souha MousbehManaging Director

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life is a collection of experiences let us be your guide

Following its restoration in 2003, the Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens has further enhanced its reputation as the ultimate choice for sophisticated business meetings and

lavish social affairs. Featuring over 1,100 square meters of refined function space, the hotel has repeatedly hosted Athens’ most important and glamorous events.

luxurycollection.com/grandebretagne

©2011 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Luxury Collection and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

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Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 03

Why MidEast for M.I.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Why Greece for M.I.C.E. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Incentives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Congresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Business Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Business & Leisure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

A Special Thank you . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

M.I.C.E. Planning Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74

Index

Right to the target!


Gourmet M.I.C.E. requires the right partner

When you love what you do, you want to do it better and better...It requires not only special attention to the preparation of a meal

but an extra effort in order to achieve the best possible result in terms of presentation and styling!

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People work with people they want to work with...

(Paul Cunningham, MPi)


needs of our M.I.C.E. customers, will ensure that we not only meet your requirements, but exceed your expectations in Greece and any other exciting destination around the world.

The art of program planning.MidEast associates are drawn from a wide variety of industry backgrounds including hospitality, event management, travel and communications, which brings a unique perspective to the development of customized programs for our world-class client base.

With its long history of local expertise, since 1983, and 45 talented professionals, MidEast can organize and manage any project planning, development of conventions, congresses, product launches, corporate incentives, team building activities and special event production.

If you are looking for something different, MidEast has the answer for creative and dynamic solutions. We can realize even what seems to be impossible and create an impact that is simply unforgettable.

Our global management team, entirely focused on the

Only the best is good

enough!

WhyMidEast?


Our relationships. Our excellent relationships across the world with hotels and other suppliers who make up this labyrinth of a destination allow us to be one of the best. What we offer is our reputation for care, integrity, creativity, attention to detail and ability to customize every project to perfection. We have the resources to place our own managers on every project rather than using outside staff.

Our continual process of HR skill development ensures our team members are always vibrant in their thought processes. From site inspections to risk assessment in

order to execute a one of a kind event, we take our job of supporting our partners very seriously.

We are in the business of details.Events, conferences, conventions, meetings, incentives, all of them require exceptional experience and the ability to recognize that the smallest detail makes the difference between being good and being great, and we at MidEast will not settle for anything less.

Let us make a job well done with true Greek spirit of silently making it happen!

We make it our business to understand yours

WhyMidEast?

We care!


One of the best

testimonials (by Mr. Suresh Puri, Spice Travel, India)

Enriched by experience of having visited Greece a few times and having returned after a job well done in close co-operation with Your Team, I realize it is time to scream “Thank You”.

I am remembering... people I am truly fond of, ... people I love... people I care to share thoughts with when it comes to Greece... let me try & express with gratitude.

Meeting all you lovely people must have been pre-ordained and it is my fortune indeed to hold you close to my Heart - after all we did the Heart Conference!

Before you wonder, where this is going, let me add in plain English:

God Bless you with Grace that is Rare, Emotional Exuberance that is pure and a Class parExcellence and I salute you, my Greek Icon & MidEast for all that you do so well!!!

A few months ago, Greece for me was just a Country or at best a Destination & I knew there was a DMC - MidEast and the Rest was Greek!

My awareness of Greece was limited to Mythological Greek Gods & Goddesses, Alexander the Great, Socrates, Hippocrates, Democracy & Aristotle & Jacqueline Onasis!

And Olympic Games motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger” was an Inspiration for every one!

The fascinating world of travel has many components and we as service providers are often faced with challenges... and when overcome, the same challenges eventually make us Smile and help make our world a friendlier place.

Ask me to expand on how I feel and I will fumble for words. Ask me to narrate examples and I wouldn’t know when to stop!!!


Hilton Athens is a contemporary conference hotel, located within 10’ walk from the city centre and 30’ drive from the airport.

6.150 square meters of function space split in 22 meeting rooms,all with natural light & outdoor terrace

Ballroom with maximum seating capacity of 1.100 persons

506 rooms, all with private balcony & city view

163 rooms with Acropolis View

4 restaurants and 2 bars, including the famous Galaxy Bar & Restaurantwith breathtaking Acropolis view

The largest outdoor pool in town

46, Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece Tel.: +30 210 728 1000, Fax: +30 210 728 1111 e-mail: [email protected] www.hiltonathens.gr

meet you at the

Hilton Athens

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WhyMideast?

A team set to win!

Our target: Your

Success!


A Mediterranean touch...We combine a Mediterranean temper

with the best of ingredients our land has to offer.

We spice it up with imagination, hard work and achieve a result as colourful

as the Greek sky and as tasty as the salty sea!

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Why Greece for M.I.C.E.?


Totum Graecorum Est

Nothing more human than Greece, nothing more divine

(Everything is Greek)

Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman philosopher


Philosophy... Meet the Greek spirit... where the ancient Greek philosophers Plato, Socrates and Aristotle invented philosophy, the mother of all sciences, inspiring great minds for centuries.

Olympic Games... Where religious beliefs gave birth to the world famous global event of the Olympic Games, enlighted by the Greek torch every four years at the old Olympia Stadium. Olympic Games’ motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger” became an inspiration for everyone.

Sciences... It is the country where the great minds of the Ancient Greeks gave birth to the sciences... put the foundations for the universe theories, the mathematics, the alphabet... “Greece has always been the mother of science and the source of Knowledge” Armenian Historian 4th - 5th century A.D.

Medicine... Hippocrates... the ancient doctor and father of Western Medicine was Greek, born at Kos island. The Hippocratic Oath is still taken by doctors all over the world till today...

Welcome to Greece!The destination of your dreams...

Challenging your imagination...


Mythology... The world-wide famous ancient Greek Mythology... The worshiping of the twelve gods of Mount Olympus including the great Zeus, Hera, Athena, Aphrodite, Poseidon and Hermes... The legendary stories of Odyssey, Hercules, Achilles, Jason and the Argonauts and so on have inspired the arts throughout the centuries...

Shipping... Greece... A maritime nation by tradition... Shipping has been a key element of Greek economic activity since ancient times... The country’s geographical position let Greeks dominate the maritime trade in region, gradually expanding to other regions as well.

Democracy... It is by all means the birthplace of Democracy... of the constitutional laws... of human rights respect... “Greece made me free and complete” Enry Miller, American writer.

Arts... Greece gave birth to the arts... to the theater... to the masks worn until today in carnivals around the whole world.

Shopping...Enjoy the best-buy shopping paradise at the Modern Malls, the boutiques or at the graphic traditional tourist shops of the old town... Buy good quality at the best rates...

Gastronomy... Awarded gastronomy, fresh sea food, delicious barbecues, the famous souvlaki with pitta are waiting for you to taste and enjoy the Greek specialties mixed with the Mediterranean flavor.

Hotels & Venues...State of the art facilities and luxury resorts... International hotel chains and traditional Greek houses to host your events and give a special Greek touch...

Hospitality... Experience the genuine Greek hospitality and the passion of the people which are part of their culture. Treating our world-class guests the same way we have worshiped our Gods... Meet the Greek spirit... Meet the warm hospitality and the genuine friendliness to guests... Experience with them great emotions and intense delight... It is all about the Greek people...

Would any other country be a better choice

for you to hostyour special event?


Greece is all that... and

much more!

History... Historically a meeting place... where the past meets the future... where today’s congresses and events get thrilled by meeting their roots and get inspired by their own history of more than 5.000 years...

Archeological sites...Rich with famous marvelous archeological sites and museums, Byzantine churches and old monasteries...

Nature... Spectacular by nature... Thousands of coastlines surround the 6000 islands and uninhabited rocky islets... Greece is the place for all seasons and reasons... Excellent Mediterranean climate, lovely islands, beautiful sandy beaches, green mountains, winter ski resorts, sea sports, natural spas, hot springs, fascinating contrasts.. A land of dreams...

Entertainment...Celebrate life here! Greece is lively, unforgettable, adventurous, unique... Experience the entertainment with the Greek people, have fun and enjoy nightlife in a country that never sleeps. A world of unique experiences...


Beyond Greece!

MidEast network of highly-trusted partnerships all over the world, including airlines, hotels, venues, transportation companies and other service providers, constitutes the strongest chain of people, ready to serve your most delicate requests worldwide. Our 30 years of internationally awarded history guarantee and exceed the expected outcome.

Everything is possible…everywhere!

AmericaEurope

Africa

Australia

Asia


The recipe of success...

Necessary Ingredients:

For the exact recipe of success, you can always contact us!

• Quality • Experience • Efficiency • Attention to detail • Passion • Flexibility • Reliability

• Outstanding performance • Creativity • Extra Care

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MeetingsIncentives

CongressesEvents

Meetings designed your way...


Meetings designed your way...

MeetingsIncentives

CongressesEvents

Your meeting drives business growth and policies, networking success and future developments. Participants should gain new insights and the energy to create new relations and make things happen.

knowledge, imagination and technology resources in order to come up with fresh ideas, always perfectly customised to your needs.

We strive to create a lasting impression for your meeting… After all, a meeting that lacks an unforgettable element is probably held in vain.

Our aim is to meet…your meeting’s objective… To have your meetings designed… your way.

We are fully dedicated to each and every meeting that we organize and we understand the needs of the meeting planner: smarter meetings, strategic thinking, maximum effect for minimum investment.

We carefully listen to our customers’ needs. What are the goals set? Who comprise the audience? What is the primary message? What are the desired results?

We then make use of our long experience and

Meeting your meeting’s objectives


Europe’s Leading Conference ResortGreece’s Leading Conference Hotel

There is a place where comfort, luxury and style are celebrated each and every day.

This is a world full of Athenian Riviera sunlight where inspiration grows.

A resort that offers unique and most outstanding spaces for meetings, events and celebrations.

Where a business duty

40th km., Athens - Sounio Ave., 190 10 Lagonissi, Attica, Greece, Tel. +30 22910 76000 Fax +30 22910 76837

www.grandresort.gr e-mail: [email protected]

turns into a business bonus

We offer you a world of fresh ideas and a variety

of alternatives, perfectly customized to your needs

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MeetingsIncentives

CongressesEvents

Motivate for successIncentive & Recognition Programs are all about motivating and rewarding valuable employees and customers with an unforgettable experience. They are “key” to your overall business strategy.All of us at MidEast understand the importance of impressing your attendees while delivering a measurable return on your investment.


Never been easier to reach your target

Whether you are expressing your appreciation to your staff, rewarding an achievement, celebrating an anniversary or promoting a new product, we have got everything you need in order to offer you an incentive that you have never experienced before!

• We organize team building activities and specific programs, customized to your group’s profile

• We offer you a variety of special dinning and catering alternatives

• We plan events with unique themes and interesting entertainment suggestions

• We provide you with audiovisual, photography and multimedia support

• We provide you with the translation services needed• We offer you an extended list of leisure activities• We provide you with printed material and other

promotional items of your choice• We handle all your transportation requirements• We design your program to the very last detail pre

and post the event

How we work and what we offer:At MidEast, we start by listening.• We pay attention to your guidelines, rules & budget• Our dedicated project managers communicate

personally with you• We have expertise and local knowledge, combined

with global vision• We provide you with qualified hospitality staff• We select and inspect for you, every site suitable for

your event• We can ensure your private access to museums,

historical sites & memorable venues• We negotiate successfully with all suppliers related

to your event• We have highly competitive offers

MeetingsIncentives

CongressesEvents

Want to have an incentive you have never

experienced before?


Some people say you can’t have it all...

Obviously they have never used MidEast Services!

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MeetingsIncentives

CongressesEvents


Conventions don’t haveto be conventional

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Through every conference, you are on stage, communicating new ideas, teaching ground-breaking methods, opening up new horizons...

Innovating your conference means increasing effectiveness. But, do you know what the latest trend is?

The ability to expect the unexpected is what makes all the difference... Everything is possible and you have what you need right into your hands...

Let us choose from a wide selection of destinations and venues, the perfect one for you... Let us make all the arrangements, from hotels contracting to on-line registrations and technical support.

Moving Business Forward.Our company is a preferred partner for many international conference organizers worldwide. With a vast network of outstanding suppliers and partners we will take care of every detail of your program.

Combining our enviable reputation with our commitment to professionalism and quality standards, we guarantee that your event will be a success!

If you need to create a unique conference, you need a great partner, such as MidEast!

Memorable venues, exceptional facilities, state-of-the-art technology combined with MidEast quality, creativity, technology, durability, flexibility and teamwork will certainly make your congress a success.

It has never been easier to reach your target. Ours is the commitment to providing you with a congress of great impact. Yours is the joy of experiencing moments that will be turned into long-lasting memories...

MeetingsIncentives

CongressesEvents


Our congress specialists provide professional management and consulting services to companies worldwide:

• Project preparation (initial project, bid preparation, local support)

• Pre congress management (Finance modeling of the congress, exhibition and sponsors sales management, logistics, participant administrations, scientific program legal advices, media promotion)

• On site management (hospitality services, handling of transportations, on site registrations, speakers and V.I.P. treatment, F&B functions, security management, social events and programs for spouses)

• Post congress management (final budget set up and accounting closure, final auditing, congress statistics & evaluation and final report)

For congresses held in Greece and worldwide, MidEast secures that everything will go as planned, satisfying your highest of expectations.

Our global partnerships, strictly selected through our 30 years of experience, all follow our “We Care” philosophy, ensuring the satisfaction of our clientele.

MeetingsIncentives

CongressesEvents

Messages should last!


Spice up your event!

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MeetingsIncentives

CongressesEvents


Exceptional venuesto host the perfect event

First we create......then we celebrate

www.blastcom.gr

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Delivering stress-free successful events.Whether you are looking for the hottest venues or the trendiest destinations for your award ceremony, product launch, important anniversary and so on, MidEast can offer you a number of alternatives and creative solutions!

We come up with fresh ideas, perfectly customized to your needs, always aiming to making your event unforgettable.

Our creative talents can transform an “ordinary” event

Not only do we organize events, but we solve your problem in the first place! Innovative ideas, theme events, good value for money. Event Marketing is indeed the best return on investment and as such, every event deserves a great partner to secure the success!

into a memorable one with lots of fun and glamour…

MidEast can also organize your wedding ceremony, your private anniversary or your special event! MidEast has the power to fulfill your wishes, turning imagination to reality!

Give us the opportunity to create unforgettable moments for you and your guests!

It is all about the details... it is all about you... The only risk is wanting to have your event last forever!

MeetingsIncentives

CongressesEvents

Welcome to MidEast creativity...

Together we buildmemories!


First we create......then we celebrate

www.blastcom.gr

Make your ideas a success!

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Business travel

We ensure the best corporate deal in your favor, nagotiating with the airlines and hotels’ suppliers network.We service all your travel requirements 24 hours a day, all year round.We dedicate a professional travel consultant to cater exclusively yours & your company’s travel requirements.

MidEast clients confidently choose us for the benefits of professionally managed group travel, customized solutions, superior attention to detail and exceptional cost management.


Our vision is to offer exceptional customer service through

operational excellence, completed with creative thinking.

There is always time to enjoy yourself

after your business commitments!

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chambers of commerce and athletic delegations from all around the world.

It will be our honour to become your partner!

We would like to deeply thank all our customers for their love and trust over the years of our cooperation…

Our corporate clientele comprises multinational companies from the marine, pharmaceutical, banking, computer science and telecommunications sectors indicatively, public organizations, foreign embassies,

A Special

to our Esteemed

Clientele…

Thank You


Let us recommendthe most appropriate,

cost effective solution for you!


This is a general checklist created to assist you in seeing what is involved in planning your M.I.C.E. activity but does not list every small detail. MidEast may assist you with any or all details involved in planning your meeting, congress or event. Please contact us with questions you may have related to this checklist or related to your upcoming M.I.C.E. plans.

Create master timeline of due dates leading up to meeting.

Contact appropriate Hotels for space in designated city.

Conduct hotel site inspections to compare properties.

Review Hotel Floor Plans for meeting space.

Work with speakers bureau or research industry experts for keynote speakers.

Create complete meeting Budget based on event costs, goals, etc.

Write conference marketing plan.

Determine fields needed for registration system.

Narrow hotel search and request contract(s).

Negotiate hotel contract.

Research images for marketing pieces.

Determine conference name and/or tagline.

Determine pages needed for conference website.

Purchase secure server key for secure online registration.

Build online registration system or outsource need.

Set up database for registrations.

Confirm budget for speaker/sponsor/attendee gifts.

Contact Travel Company and inform them of meeting.

Contact Ground Transportation Company selected and arrange for direct billing and get cost estimate in writing.

Verify super-saver ticket deadlines.

Determine how credit cards will be processed for registrations.

Determine if welcome gifts will be given out at the meeting.

Obtain driving directions to Hotel.

Create sponsorship packages.

Create list of potential sponsors.

Write sponsorship contract.

Finalize “look and feel” of conference marketing materials.

Gather hotel contact name - (CSM-conference service manager) phone/fax numbers.

Purchase domain for conference website.

Sign hotel contract.

Add deadlines given in hotel contract into master timeline.

Provide Hotel with amenity choices.

Build conference website.

Create press release schedule and fulfil.

Confirm hotel block - status.

Draft confirmation letter.

Determine shipping methods to and from hotel.

Reiterate security arrangements with hotel.

Determine what type of ground transfer is available at Meeting location.

Assist attendees with travel arrangements/questions.

Confirm food guarantees deadline.

Research Business center capabilities - Confirm prices, equipment available and hours.

Create RFP for audio visual and production needs.

Determine Wireless cell points in hotel.

Order computers for computer lab.

Create memo for attendees providing pick-up times going to/from airport.

Request a phone at the Registration Desk (in/out line).

Update registration database as registrations are received.

Design and mail “Save the Dates” postcard.

Develop text for registration brochure.

Determine workshop/breakout session topics and speakers.

Obtain contact information on all speakers.

Research and plan for spouse activities.

Sell sponsorship packages.

Plan for theme décor for functions.

Purchase/rent/build mailing and e-mail lists to promote conference and sponsorship.

Send revised rooming list daily/weekly to hotel.

Work with hotel and/or drayage company to map out exhibit floor plan.

Hire entertainment for functions.

Establish ground transfer procedures.

Design and mail registration brochure.

Collect bios on all speakers.

Have exhibit floor plan approved by fire marshal.

Communicate all ground transportation options.

Draft welcome letter - include schedule.

Communicate directly with Travel Company by reviewing flight itineraries for cost of tickets, arrival/departure times, errors, etc.

Design of table-tents for panel speakers.

Coordinate and track all shipping items.

Order gifts and arrange delivery to Hotel.

Create gift letter insert and business card to accompany gift.

Input travel itineraries into database.

Monitor budget and re-evaluate throughout planning process.

Mail, fax and/or email confirmation letters.

Request Hotel staff pager list.

Arrange BEOs (banquet event orders).

Collect AV proposals and compare.

Plan for speaker ready room and promote to conference speakers.

Plan for press room.

Invite press to attend.

Request hotel pre-con meeting with all key hotel personnel.

Distribute gifts at registration or arrange to have gifts dropped in attendee rooms.

Print copy of Welcome Letter for each attendee.

Prepare envelopes with Attendees’ names for welcome packets.

Select AV/Production company and secure contract.

Process credit card and check payments.

Have conference office re-keyed for security.

Fabricate/Triple-check table-tents.

Review BEOs and sign off.

Proof final registration list and design/print name badges.

Forward final rooming list to hotel.

Review Room list and notify hotel you need a daily update.

Forward VIP names to hotel and request upgrades.

Stuff envelopes with Welcome Letter / Schedule & match up attendees’ personalized letter with envelope.

Manage ground transfers.

Provide Ground Transportation Company with deadlines for first and final manifests.

Triple-check each Attendee name badge is complete and ready.

Finalize all AV requests, including staging, lighting, sound, projections, etc.

Give envelopes to Front Desk of Hotel-distribute to attendees’ at check-in.

Print/Fabricate badges.

Test all technology for presentations/speakers/sound, etc.

Inspect all meeting/function rooms set-up prior to each event.

Insure evaluation forms are in place.

Collect evaluation forms/organize.

Coordinate all return shipments from Hotel.

Obtain final room list from hotel with dates/rates.

Create a cost analysis on meeting.

Follow up with any outstanding accounting items.

Review corrected bill and cost analysis.

Review F & B consumption and compare to billing after each function.

Whoa! That was too much - for my next event, I’m calling Designing Events!

Need help getting all of this done? Contact us now!

M.I.C.E. Planning Checklist

Call center: +30 211 211 8888105-107 Vas. Sofias Ave., 115 21 Athens Greece

tel: +30 210 6451881, fax: +30 210 6426147Email: [email protected]

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gourmet m.i.c.e

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