Japan

headquarters Destination Report Japan

is a special edition of

Headquarters Magazine -

March 2014Published by Meeting Media Company (Europe) www.headquartersmagazine.com - [email protected]

JapanFascinating by Design

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Introduction

Japan’s graceful hospitality is no secret. I experienced it first-hand and it might well be what will stay with me for a long time. The Japanese are really considerate to others, especially visitors. The country has also been leading the way in research and development in many industries from engineering and pharmaceuticals to robotics. Its academic community is very strong as well, headlined by 19 Nobel Prize winners in fields as diverse as physics, chemistry, medicine and literature. In short, Japan’s sense of hospitality and the knowledge that can be found there make all the difference.

In June 2013, in order to put the country on the international meeting scene even

more, JTA launched a Global MICE Strategic Cities Project, identifying Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Kobe and Fukuoka as global MICE cities. This new strategy developed by the government aims to increase the number of meetings altogether throughout the whole country. The idea is that each city excavates new meetings related to their clusters of competitiveness, and thus develop their industry. The above-mentioned five cities are the main focus of this supplement: for an international association wanting to come to Japan, you will have plenty to choose from.

Last December, an ambitious Ambassador Program was also launched. The idea is

to strengthen Japan’s position as the top country for international conferences. The Ambassador Program is one of the important steps to achieve the goal and aims to build collaboration between conference organisers and professionals in the MICE industry, making sure the importance of business events are communicated upon - and bid on and hosted! - throughout the country.

I’m confident Japan is ready to go to the next level. Because the expertise, the knowledge and the will are there. With those, mountains can be moved and conferences can be held, undoubtedly.

JapanMore than ever ready to host the worldMy first-ever trip to Japan was full of surprises. To be honest, I didn’t know much about the country, except for the clichés you see in pictures or in the movies. I had actually expected more of a cultural shock. Japan is different, of course, but it’s also international, and even if some people don’t speak English, most of them do. With Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) actively promoting five Global MICE Cities, the time is right to take your next event to Japan.

Report Rémi Dévé

Donntaku

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Tokyo

tokyoraising its meeting profileTokyo does not need any introduction. As the capital of Japan, it is the epitome of what the country can offer: while being the centre of economics, culture and politics, it is distinctively, traditionally Japanese as well, with its 400-year-old Edo characteristics. Its quality of service and expertise in meeting organisation also make it a destination of choice for event planners.

When I met Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau on the last day of my trip, I was eager to ask: what does Tokyo have up its meeting sleeves? Kazuko Toda, Director, immediately answered: ‘Within the five-year Tourism Plan, MICE has been recognised as one of the pillars by the Tokyo Metropolitan government to advance the region’s economy, as well as its profile. Now we have the ability to support large association conferences in many different ways.’

The recent hosting of the IMF and the World Bank Group annual meetings was actually a turning point, as, for the first time, an event was offered non-financial support by the Tokyo Metropolitan government. More than 10,000 participants converged to Tokyo in early October 2012, meeting at the International Forum, which was fully chartered for the occasion. Security being of paramount importance, Tokyo private and public sectors united to succesfully

showcase the city’s capacity to host events of this prestige and magnitude.

But Tokyo is definitely not resting on its laurels. As it’s often the case with large cities, there is some notable infrastructure developement in the pipeline. First, the Toranomon Hills Forum, a big conference centre, is due to open in 2014, with three multi-functional hall of 2,180 m2 together. Then, up until 2017, there will be about 2,500 new hotel rooms in Central Tokyo, adding on to the already existing 96,000. All the more reasons to come and benefit from the city’s expertise, don’t you think?

ContaCtKazuko TodaDirector, Business Events TeamTokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau+81 3 5840 [email protected]

Case Study the 22nd InternatIonal CongreSS of nutrItIon

In 2013, the International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) selected Tokyo as the host city for its 22nd congress, the International Congress of Nutrition (ICN) in 2021. About 4,500 nutrition scientists, researchers and students from 120 countries are expected to participate.

The Japanese Bid Committee was organised by the IUNS subcommittee of the Science Council of Japan (SCJ), the Japan Society of Nutrition and Food (JSNFS), and the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Dietetics (JSND). Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau was also closely involved in the bidding activity, right up to the final announcement.

Dr. Miyazawa, Conference Ambassador and President of the Japan Society of Nutrition and Food Science, explains: ‘The academic significance of choosing Tokyo as the destination for the congress resides in the competency of Japanese scientists and experts in nutrition. Strong support of the city, its rich attraction, and the safe and clean environment it provides make it a perfect place for any scientific gathering. Tokyo Metropolitan Government also promised to secure financial and non-financial support for the event, which helped us make the right decision.’

Denpoin Garden ShibuyaCrossing

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Yokohama

yokohaMaseriously relaxed meetingsFor a city of 3.7 million inhabitants, Yokohama is actually fairly young. Its history as an open port dates back only more than 150 years, during which it flourished as an industrial and residential centre. Today Yokohama is the second largest municipality after Tokyo and, since its port opened to the world, this sense of ‘openness’ has been imprinted in the city’s veins. This is clearly an added value for any association wanting to hold a meeting there, especially since Yokohama leads the way in many areas of expertise.

Yokohama was my second to last stop in Japan. I actually had not realised it was so close to Tokyo. Kana Nomoto, Chief Coordinator at the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau, explained: ‘Our proximity to Tokyo is in fact an asset. We benefit from its great accessibility from all around the world - Haneda Airport is only 20 minutes from our main convention facilities - while we boast a more relaxed atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the big metropolis.’

This laidbackness was almost tangible during the short time I was there, in all the places I was taken to. Vibrant but quiet, multicultural but definitely Japanese, Yokohama is a destination where you immediately feel at ease. The waterfront area known as Minato Mirai 21 might well be the epitome of this: maybe the most popular district in Yokohama,

it takes pride in one of the tallest buildings in Japan, Yokohama Landmark Tower, shopping malls, hotels, and venues which can be hired out for events.

But don’t get me wrong: Yokohama is not all fun and no work! Yokohama’s innovative sectors include, among others, those related to the environment and healthcare indus-tries. In fact, the government has put in a lot of efforts promoting Yokohama as the ‘City of Life Sciences’ - I took a small tour of the so-called ‘Yokohama Science Frontier’ dis-trict, complete with the Yokohama Science Frontier High School, educating tomorrow’s scientists, which leads the way in biotech research. The IT industry cluster is also quite strong, while Yokohama’s efforts toward solving environmental problems, branded as ‘FutureCity’, has put the municipality at

the forefront of ‘green’ initiatives. No wonder the 38th Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change will take place in Yokohama in March.

green and bIgIn this regard, PaCIfICo Yokohama, the city’s main convention facility, was very proud to tell me about its sustainable com-mitment, with a recycling rate as high as 94%. But this is of course not the only asset of the building. One of the largest integrated MICE complexes in the world, it comprises the National Convention Hall of Yokohama (seating up to 5,000 people), the Conference Center, the Exhibition Hall of 20,000m2 of usable space, and the InterContinental Yokohama Grand (boasting 600 rooms), in which I was lucky enough to stay. The whole facility has been designed in the shape of waves, wind, and sunlight, making all the more sense of its location on the waterfront.

Recent association wins include the 16th Intercontinental Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists

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Case Study 10th annual MeetIng of the InternatIonal SoCIetY for SteM Cell reSearCh (ISSCr 2012)

When: 13-16 June 2012 Where: PACIFICO Yokohama, Yokohama Museum of Art, Miraikan (Tokyo) Who: over 3,500 researchers, doctors, and students from 56 countries

The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is an independent, non-profit organisation formed in 2002 to foster the exchange of information on stem cell research. With more than 3,500 members worldwide, ISSCR has become the global voice of the stem cell research community. The 10th Annual Meeting of the ISSCR was the first time the annual world congress had ever taken place in Asia.

The conference attracted attendance of over 3,500 researchers, doctors, and students from 56 countries, making it the second largest in ISSCR history. 1,365 Japanese participants convened in Yokohama, the highest-ever Japanese delegation in the conference’s history.

The hosting of ISSCR 2012 offered high school students in Yokohama City a very exciting opportunity to collaborate with the local and foreign stem cell researchers. Six months before ISSCR took place, a special collaboration course started at the Science Frontier High School in Yokohama. Research on iPS cells and regenerative medicine is indeed very active in Yokohama, making the city a natural choice to hold such meetings.

Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, a Nobel Laureate and Chair of the Japan Local Host Committee, praised the help of Yokohama as a city as a whole: ‘The City of Yokohama and the YCVB’s support system were wonderful. From the preparation stages, support included areas such as grants for the event, selection of and arrangements for venues for the reception and so on, as well as PR activities.’

Yokohama

YokohaMa, the hard faCtS• Japan’s first open port to the world • A centre for innovation, science, and technology, with 28 universities• Strategically located 30 minutes from Tokyo • Largest convention complex in Japan: PACIFICO Yokohama• Biggest plenary capacity: 5,000• Biggest exhibition hall: 20,000 m2

• Over 14,000 rooms, including five-star hotels such as the InterContinental and Sheraton

(5,000 participants) to be held in 2014, the 31st International Congress of Psychology in 2016 (5,000 participants) or the 9th International Orthodontic Congress in 2020 (6,000 participants).

Offsite venues are plentiful all over Yokohama too. But if you want to stay in the vicinity of PACIFICO Yokohama, I would suggest three favorites of mine: the dockyard garden, an outdoor multi-purpose space completed in 1896, is a reconstruction of the oldest stone-built dock for merchant ships that exists in Japan, while the osanbashi hall of the International Passenger Terminal, with

2,000 m2 of column-free space, has a wood deck designed in the image of ship deck and a glass wall overlooking the sea, making quite an impression. Last but not least is the Yokohama red brick Warehouse, an old industrial building for 300 people, that once served as a gateway for import and export goods, leading to Yokohama’s prosperity.

ContaCtKana NomotoChief Coordinator, Convention Sales DepartmentYokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau+81 45 221 2111convention@www.welcome.city.yokohama.jpwww.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng

Choi-Mobi & Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse ISSCR 2012 at the InterContinental

Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall Dockyard Garden

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Kyoto

Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan for 1,100 years and gave birth to everything that is now referred to as Japanese culture. Numbers in this area might well make you dizzy: in addition to 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites and 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, you can expe-rience traditions like the tea ceremony, kabuki or Noh performances, among others. I was lucky enough to get a taste of two typical Japanese activities: Kyudo (Japanese archery), with a professional instructor, and an evening with a maiko and a geiko in the famous Gion district - they entertained us, played music and danced, we played games all together; it was just an unforgettable experience!

total IMMerSIonJames Widgren, who’s taking care of inter-national marketing at Kyoto Convention Bureau, actually wanted me to be fully immersed in Japanese culture. He said: ‘In Kyoto, we can provide the epitome of Japanese hospitality. Only here you can be assured of the WOW factor throughout your

stay. We don’t only boast great infrastructure, we can offer the whole Japanese ‘package’ and make your meeting memorable.’

If Japanese culture was born in Kyoto, no wonder a certain tradition of innovation is still in the air. Kyoto is, for instance, at the forefront of research on battery longevity that makes today’s hybrid and electric vehicles. Kyoto also leads the way in green energy solutions, making the future brighter for millions. And most of you must have owned at least one Nintendo video game system once in your life. And you know what? All of them were designed in Kyoto!

ConventIon faCIlItIeS… and MoreKyoto International Conference Center was established in 1966 as Japan’s first purpose-built convention facility, and famously hosted the 1997 Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change (COP3). In terms of environment, service and meeting tech-nology, it boasts everything you can hope for. The building itself has quite a specific

shape, the trapezoid serves as a red thread throughout the building and it’s set in a beautiful Japanese garden, complete with a teahouse. Hard to be more Japanese than this! ICC Kyoto is connected to the city by an underground and the grand Prince hotel is at walking distance from it. Oh and its entrance makes you feel like you’re in a Star Wars movie - quite impressive.

Speaking of hotels, Kyoto offers a varied choice of nice accommodation, ranging from world-class chains, national brands to traditional Japanese ryokan inns. Combining Japanese heritage and Western charm, the Westin Miyako kyoto stands proud on the uplands of the Higashiyama mountain and offers guests an outstanding panoramic view over Kyoto. With its marvelous lobby and modern Japanese rooms, good service, and various meeting space, the hyatt regency provides support for a wide range of events.

With 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, it’s only normal some can be hired

kyotoCradle of association meetingsAll around Japan, Kyoto is known as the cradle of Japanese culture. Indeed history and heritage are everywhere to be found in the city. But don’t be mistaken: Kyoto is not your old imperial town either. I, myself, was wrong, as I thought there wouldn’t be much more than temples, shrines and geishas. As for the matter, Kyoto is often considered to be the second most demanded destination after Tokyo when it comes to association meetings. Kyoto Arashiyama

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Kyoto

kYoto, the hard facts• 75 minutes from Japan’s second

international gateway (Kansai International Airport)

• Largest hall at Kyoto International Conference Center: 2,000 pax (with 3,000 m2 of exhibition space)

• Largest exhibition hall at Kyoto Trade Fair Center: 7,500 m2

• Number of rooms: 32,928 (18,651 hotel rooms, 14,277 ryokan rooms)

• Cradle of Japanese culture / former imperial capital

• 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites and 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines

Case Study 11th World CongreSS of bIologICal PSYChIatrY

When: 23-27 June 2013Where: Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC)Who: 2,700 delegates from 77 countries

Founded in 1974, the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) is a non-profit organisation composed of 63 National Societies of Biological Psychiatry and Individual Members representing professionals from over 70 countries. In 2013, WFSBP wanted to have a congress in Asia, after having had events in various parts of the world. Hosted by the Japanese Society of Biological Psychiatry (JSBP), the 11th World Congress of Biological Psychiatry took place in Kyoto, the city of culture and tradition par excellence.

Inga-Kristina Schwartz, Project Manager at CPO HANSER SERVICE, the core PCO of WFSBP, explains: ‘For us as con-gress organiser, CPO HANSER SERVICE, it was very convenient to have constant contact with Kyoto Convention Bureau - they were always helpful with information and data we could forward to our delegates before the congress. Of course, Kyoto itself, as maybe the most Japanese city, also helped attract many participants from all over the world. A lot of delegates and accompanying persons took the chance to discover the city and its surroundings before and after the event.’

She continues: ‘The most memorable highlight was the attendance of the Japanese Emperor and Empress at the Opening Ceremony. For Japanese congress participants, but also for foreigners and the organising staff, it was very exciting having the chance to see such honourable persons. . Another highlight was to experience the city of Kyoto and the excellent food Kyoto and Japan offer. All of the participants experienced the great hospitality Japanese are known for. Last but not least, the cooperative work with the staff of the Kyoto International Conference Center was very helpful for our work and the success of the WFSBP Congress in Kyoto altogether.’

for special parties and events, making one marvel at being in ‘real Japan’. What, indeed, could be more evocative of Japan than enjoying koto harp music in an ancient temple while geishas mingle with the guests? This experience can be enjoyed, for instance, at kodaiji temple, which boasts a popular garden lightup in spring and autumn (maximum capacity: 200 pax). Nearby, kenninji temple, which accommo-dates up to 400 people, is also a possibility.

One last word about my personal favor-ite, the toei uzumasa Movie Studios, the oldest studio in Japan: there you can organise tailor-made receptions where you feel you are in the middle of a ninja movie. Loads of fun!

ContaCtJames WidgrenInternational MarketingKyoto Convention Bureau+81 75 212 [email protected]

ICCK main hall

Toei Uzumasa Movie Studios

Kasuien Garden

Kodaiji

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Kobe

If it was once marooned because of Japan’s isolation policy (which lasted for more than 200 years and ended in 1868), Kobe, since its opening, has developed as one of the most famous international port towns in the world. With the coming of many Westerners, the city was in fact the first place in Japan to get through the cultural enlightment, while at the same retaining its specific Japanese character.

Motoko Tsujii, Manager at the Kobe Convention & Visitors Association, showed me around while I was there. She said: ‘Kobe is definitely the gateway to the world. Most of European cruiseliners depart from here. The influx of Western cultural aspects mean that Western and Eastern features are combined like nowhere else. Maybe that’s the reason why Kobe established the first-ever city convention bureau in Japan: we knew we had something unique we just had to promote, especially

since we usually can offer very reasonable rates for association meetings.’

Part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which aims to celebrate and maintain cultural diversity, Kobe boasts characteristics other convention destinations would be jealous of: a city where design, both in terms of landscapes and objects, has pride of place, it is also where knowledge is exchanged and research is conducted. In this regard, Kobe Biomedical Innovation Cluster is famous the world over, promoting the health and welfare of the citizens of Kobe, as well as making international contributions in various areas of expertise, such as regenerative technologies, radiotherapy research, molecular imaging sciences and many more.

four ConventIon SIteSIt’s hardly a suprise, then, that many inter-national associations have chosen Kobe to

get together. The fact that the city boasts four different convention has really helped in that area: in the Port Island convention centre, right by the sea, there are 46 meet-ing rooms available all within accommodat-ing walking distance. Meetings of 200 to big convention of 10,000 can be organised there… and it’s a real man-made island!

Whether you select kobe International Conference Center, kobe International exhibition hall or the facilities at Portopia hotel (my personal favorite: everything is included under one roof, from an outstand-ing panoramic seaview restaurant to the prestigious multi-purpose Portopia Hall seating 1,702 people), you will just have ample options to choose from.

Sake and SPrIngSOf course there are other, I dare say less traditional possibilities to meet. Home to the #1 sake producing district in Japan - it’s called Nada -, Kobe has been known for its sake since the Edo period. I was lucky enough to visit the hakutsuru Sake brewery Museum where you can hold cocktails, complete with sake-tasting

kobeopen to the world

All I knew about Kobe was its tender beef and the fact that it took some time for it to recover from the tragic earthquake of 1995. I discovered a beautiful international city, with 129 different nationalites and counting, nestled between the grandeur of Mt. Rokko National Park and the quietness of Seto Inland Sea. Rich in a 1,300-year history, but ultra-modern at the same time, Kobe is a port town that is open to the world… where you can hold meetings on a island!

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Kobe

sessions (not to be done in the morning, like I did!). On the outskirts of the city, I was also amazed at arima hot Springs, housing one of Japan’s three oldest springs. If you want the complete Japanese experience, with tea ceremonies and Japanese-style conferences, you just have to go there (maximum capacity: 600 pax).

Of course it was impossible for me to enjoy everything Kobe has to offer. These are just highlights. But the simple fact that 28 million visitors annually visit the city and its surrounding region says it all. Blessed with formidable natural beauty, the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge (the Akashi Straits Bridge), a rejuvenated city centre where you can shop until you drop, it will leave a lasting memory in the mind of the most demanding association planners.

ContaCtMotoko TsujiiManager, Convention Promotion & MarketingKobe Convention & Visitors Association+81 78 303 [email protected]

Case Study the 15th aSIan oCeanIan CongreSS of radIologY

When: 24-28 September 2014Where: Kobe International Conference Center, Kobe International Exhibition Hall, Kobe Portopia Hotel

The Asian Oceanian Society of Radiology was founded in 1969 and it nowadays integrates nearly more than 23 member societies, which consist of 12,000 members in total. Its 2014 Congress will take place in Kobe, after an already successful event organised in 1998 with the precious help of the late Professor, Hitoshi Katayama.

Its theme – ‘Borderless Alliance -Education and Friendship’ - reflects the process through edu-cation for young radiologists towards sharing our clinical experience and knowledge. In order to build an ideal borderless alliance, the role of education is of the upmost importance. The AOCR 2014 will encourage membership and foster active participation of early career investi-gators to select Best Scientific Presentation and Best Scientific Exhibition Awards and also will offer scholarships to support travel expenses for 100 overseas applicants.

Ms. Motoko Tsujii, of Kobe Convention Bureau, explains: ‘Kobe was selected once again because it is an attractive, international port city with a long history of welcoming foreign residents and visitors. There is a large international convention centre, ample accommoda-tions and many international flights into nearby Kansai International Airport, with convenient transportation service to Kobe. The city is famous not only for European bakeries and Kobe beef, but also for abundant fresh seafood from the beautiful Seto Inland Sea. Conference attendees can enjoy daytrips to popular sightseeing spots like Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and even Hiroshima. By Shinkansen bullet train, visitors can also reach Tokyo in just over three hours.’

kobe, the fast facts• 4 convention sites• 11,000 hotel rooms• Kansai International Airport connected to

73 cities in 27 countries/regions• Kobe Convention Center located only

8 minutes from Kobe Airport• Biggest capacity at Kobe Convention

Center: 10,000• Total space available at Kobe International

Exhibition Hall: 13,600 m2

• Biggest conference Kobe hosted so far: 20,000 pax

Kobe Port

Kobe Portopia Hotel

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Fukuoka

When I asked Ryoji Maeshima, Senior Deputy Director at Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau, what his city’s unique selling points were, he was quick to answer. As it’s actually written on his business card, Fukuoka stands out ‘for its quality of life. Only here can you find this unique balance between natural elements and city experiences. Its location as a gateway to Asia and China helps attract more delegates from this area when a meeting is held in Fukuoka. In addition, it offers excellent value for money, with events costing about 10 to 30% less than in large cities.’

Rich in a 2,000-year history, Fukuoka has been an international city with connections to the Korean Peninsula and the Chinese continent. With so many shrines, temples and monuments, its historical heritage is obvious. But to me it’s its compact character that’s clearly an added value: with 1,5 million inhabitants, it’s far from the big Japanese metropolis I was ignorantly expecting and everything seems to be closeby.

Knowledge has also pride of place in Fukuoka. With 50 universities and colleges, 3 sciences and research parks operating within the prefecture, its areas of expertise range from medical sciences, IT, robotics, nanotechnology to the gaming, automobile, semiconductor and programming industry. No wonder reknown associations recently chose Fukuoka: 3,200 delegates attended the 32nd Congress of the International Society of Urology in 2012, and the Lions Club Annual International Convention will see 35,000 participants converge to Fukuoka in 2016.

ConventIon ZonePart of Japan Tourism Agency (JTA)’s Global MICE Strategic Cities Project launched in June 2013, Fukuoka actually welcomed 252 inter-national conferences in 2012, according to JNTO’s statistics, and is set to attract more in the near future.

Its so-called Convention Zone is easy to navigate. Nestled on the waterfront,

fukuoka Convention Centre houses three huge meeting facilities: Fukuoka International Congress Center (whose main hall seats up to 3,000 pax), Marine Messe Fukuoka (with 9,000 m2 of floor space and a capacity of 15,000 pax) and Fukuoka Kokusai Center, which accommo-dates up to 10,000 guests. An additional exhibition hall of 5,000 m2 is planned in the area for 2018.

As to conference hotels, Fukuoka has nothing to blush about. The 1,053-key hilton fukuoka Sea hawk, the largest Hilton in Asia, houses some 6,000 m2

of meeting space, with 2,000 pax for a plenary. Literally next door, the fukuoka Yahuoku dome can accommodate super large convention of almost 40,000. I personally stayed at grand hyatt fukuoka, whose location in the city centre makes it ideal for culture addicts and shopaholics alike.

Fukuoka was my first stop in Japan - the gateway which would give me my very first taste of Japanese culture and my first encounter with the Japanese meetings industry. Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised: far from being a second-tier city for meetings, it boasts great infrastructures, good knowledge and a very dynamic convention bureau.

Fukuokadedicated to quality meetings

A typical Yatai

Tochoji Temple

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Case Study 32nd annual CongreSS of the SoCIété InternatIonale d’urologIe

When: 30 September - 4 October 2012 Where: Fukuoka Convention Centre, Fukuoka International Congress Center, Fukuoka Kokusai Centre, Fukuoka SunpalaceWho: over 3,200 delegates

In 2012, Fukuoka hosted four major international association events. The 32nd Congress of the Société Internationale d’Urologie (SIU Congress) was one of them, welcoming 3,200 delegates from around the world. The Society, who strives to position itself as a major international platform for sustainable urological education and collaborative humanitarian activities, had great expectations for the development of its membership in Asia and hence chose Fukuoka, the gateway to Asian countries.

In addition to a highly successful academic programme, as well as much-anticipated electronic poster sessions, highlights of the Congress included the 2000-pax SIU Night, taking place at Fukuoka’s famous Kami-Kawabata Shopping Arcade, during which delegates, local shop and restaurants owners and volunteers came together for an evening to remember - the night, initiated by FCVB, was even broadcasted on national television, bringing the case up for business events. The 32nd SIU Opening Ceremonies were also enhanced with the presence of His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince of Japan.

Post-congress tours were organised so participants could get a feel of the ‘real’ Japan, with suggestions to visit Nagasaki, the Arita & Imari porcelain-producing area, Kumamoto Castle, and of course downtown Fukuoka.

Fukuoka

and MoreA stay in Fukuoka would not be complete without a tour of a few tourist attractions - some of them can be used for meetings or gala dinners and most of them are located with a 20-minute drive from the Convention Zone. Old shrines, temples, Japanese gardens: you simply have to take your pick!

In the way too short time I stayed in Fukuoka, I got to visit, among other things, kushida Shrine, known for displaying a beautiful 10-metre tall float from the famous ‘Hakata Gion Yamakasa’ festival, indicating the coming of summer to town, the Buddhist tochoji temple, with the tallest wooden Buddha in Japan, and ohori Park, complete with an artificial lake, Noh Theatre and Japanese garden. Museums include fukuoka City Museum, housing the prestigious Gold Seal, a national treasure,

or more folkloric museums in the Hakata Traditional District.

Oh and did I mention the Fukuoka food? Bringing together the freshest ingredients from all over the Kyushu region, it’s known for its quality and surprising affordability. Branded as Japan’s leading ‘culinary capital’, Fukuoka will please the most demanding palates after a hard day at a conference, either at a nice fancy sushi restaurant or in one of these ‘Yatai’, the typical street stalls that Fukuoka is known for!

ContaCtRyoji MaeshimaSenior Deputy Director, MICE / Business EventsFukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau+81 92 322 [email protected]

fukuoka: the fast facts• 224 international flights a week• International airport located just

10 minutes from the city centre• All key facilities situated within a 2.5 km

radius from the Convention Zone• 50 universities and colleges within

Fukuoka prefecture• Maximum plenary capacity: 3,000• Largest exhibition hall: 8,000 m2

• 22,000 hotel rooms downtown FukuokaThe famous ‘Hakata Gion Yamakasa’ festival

Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome

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Contact - Jnto london officeMargaret Mann • Convention Manager • [email protected] floor, 12 Nicholas Lane, London, EC4N 7BN • +44 (0)20 7398 5670www.japanmeetings.org/index.php

Japan

Kobe

KyotoFukuoka

Tokyo

Yokohama