IMEX Pre-Famil Experience

Introduction to IMEX

We love to bring new knowledge and interesting ideas to the NZ shores, so in this update, we are discussing the Famil our Account Director, Duane Alvares, got to experience through IMEX.

Now you might ask “What is IMEX?”. Well, to explain, it’s a groundbreaking worldwide event held annually in both Germany and Las Vegas, showcasing global event locations, international suppliers and the future of event technology.

This fantastic event provides those in the event planning industry with an educational platform to learn and discover amazing event experiences. Drawing in event professionals globally, IMEX showcases the crème de la crème for those that seek out the undiscovered destinations of the world and new and exciting event products and solutions. The pre-famil precursor allows us to gather in-depth information and insights on a hosted trip, showcasing a global destination from the eyes of an attendee. This enables us to provide our clients with exceptional event insights, hotels, activities, venues, and food and beverage, all experienced firsthand so we understand the look, touch, and feel the client’s attendee will experience.

Join us as we embark on an exploration of our key destinations and learnings at IMEX. The next segment is to show you what we thought were great ideas for those that like to get further afield. Our aim is to equip you with inspirational ideas to deliver unforgettable events.

Uncovering the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an extraordinarily diverse location, boasting a rich, cultural tapestry of people and intriguing places which provide a range of unique experiences to every type of corporate group. 

To showcase the diversity of this nation we delve into three prominent Emirates (An emirate is a territory ruled by an emir, a title used by monarchs or high officeholders in the Muslim world):

·        Dubai,

·        Abu Dhabi,

·        and Ras al Khaimah.

Each Emirate offers distinct local attractions and showcases its own character. Let’s start with the one that is the most well known - Dubai.

Dubai

Dubai stands out as the ultimate choice for business incentives, captivating high-end groups and sales teams with its flawless high-end operation and polished services that leaves no detail overlooked. With very affluent industries and companies taking root here, it has brought a very high calibre of event staff and products to the area.

It's a destination with an abundance of meeting spaces, and accommodation hotspots to choose from, allowing us to carefully curate experiences and programs to tailor to the attendees’ dreams. From hitting the airport tarmac to departing through your flight gate, groups feel truly rewarded and incentivized at the end of visiting this location.

Dubai shines as a “premier” events destination, offering unmatched versatility and high sophistication for every event group.

Our Hotel Picks

1)     One of our top choices is the enchanting W Hotel at Mina Seyahi, an R16 hotel (unfortunately, family programs would be a no-go) that seamlessly weaves together luxury and sophistication with the essence of traditional regional décor. Its opulent rooms perfectly blend modern amenities with a distinctive Arabian touch. Guests staying here get to enjoy the added advantage of accessing shared facilities with other surrounding prestigious Marriott properties and having local infrastructure of malls and entertainment a short walk out the main hotel doors.

2)     Our second great choice is one of timeless elegance and a beloved favourite in the New Zealand event market. The legendary Ritz-Carlton Dubai is a haven of classic hospitality providing guests with a globally renown product that is dedicated to catering to all types of pf personalities and group mindsets.
This remarkable well-positioned hotel creates unforgettable experiences for groups through its many bars, restaurants, and the immaculate beachfront that the hotel backs onto.  With this brand, you step into a world where every moment is meticulously executed from check-in to check-out, leaving a lasting impression to all who have had the pleasure of experiencing its irresistible charm.

3)     Atlantis Royal Dubai, What do we say about this except  “awe-inspiring”! This new hotel has redefined the word luxury with its stunning architecture and internal restaurants, bars, nightclubs, swimming pools, day clubs - the list goes on.. IT’S ALL HERE, AT THIS HOTEL.
Perfectly suited for high-end rollers or small to medium-sized incentive groups, this hotel exudes an unparalleled sense of sophistication. Offering private check-in, three pool areas, multiple private event spaces on different floors, and a tantalizing selection of eight celebrity restaurants on-site. With so many choices at your fingertips, you'll be spoiled with group downtime or wondering what you may have missed when you leave.

Activities

• Cruise the marina on a private yacht, surrounded by stunning views and luxury.

• Immerse yourself in cultural activities that showcase the traditions and flavors of this vibrant city.

• Indulge in world-class shopping at extravagant malls and explore the enchanting old city and its bustling Gold Souks.

• For the ultimate adventure, embark on a thrilling desert safari and savor a private desert dinner under the starry sky.  

Abu Dhabi

Here in the capital city, you find a captivating blend of local culture and a destination that embraces a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for larger corporate groups travelling with a family component.

Known as an enchanting city, with its high-rise metropolis and extravagant living, Abu Dhabi is more relaxed and slower paced compared to its neighbouring Emirate Dubai. Explore the rich cultural heritage through a variety of art exhibits, museums, and cultural attractions, while spoiling the family with an array of options for kids and partner programs. Abu Dhabi creates a harmonious blend of leisure, togetherness, and a deep appreciation for the city's artistic offerings for any group visit.

NOTE - Look for dates outside of the big ticket events that take place through the year like F1 and other major events

Hotel Picks

1) W Hotel Yas Island. Here you are in the fast lane as the F1 track encircles the property. As always the W give guests an experience that is warm, welcoming, and a little quirky. This is a top pick for those passionate sport-loving groups, but expect to pay top dollar if attending over F1.
With impressive event spaces and a rooftop pool boasting a breathtaking view, W Hotel Yas Island combines thrilling motorsport, stylish rooms and exceptional onsite restaurants and bars. Here you will experience an extraordinary stay filled with luxury, excitement, and style.

2) St. Regis Saadiyat will instantly captivate any group with its charm and high standard of diligent servers that attend to every whim. Tucked away on the shores of a pristine natural beach, this hidden gem in the heart of the Middle East offers a unique blend of luxury and tranquillity more suited to the resorts on the Mediterranean beachfront. Our word to describe the Regis hotels is “prestigious”, and this Abu Dhabi hotel is no different. Discover the perfect blend of natural serenity, exquisite views, and personalized hospitality at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island. This makes it an ideal choice for an unforgettable event and a truly remarkable incentive getaway. Unwind, indulge, and create cherished memories

3)  Nestled in the depths of the desert, is the Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa, a wild card we want to add, purely based on the amazing experience we had when we stayed here. This hotel allows you to reconnect with nature and to feel truly disconnected from the concrete jungle of main city Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Don’t think that this isolated resort style compromises, as they have made this decadent oasis of luxury while not substituting harmony with the surroundings. With its unique blend of tranquility and opulence, Al Wathba Desert Resort and Spa provides a remarkable escape that promises privacy and probably nothing an NZ attendee would have experienced before.

Activities

·        Need a bit of an adrenaline rush? Speed through the world's fastest roller coasters at Ferrari World.

·        Marvel at the grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece.

·        Embark on a cultural journey with tours to the prestigious Louvre Abu Dhabi, where art and history come alive.

·        Embrace your inner child at Warner Bros Abu Dhabi, a haven for those wanting theme park rides and iconic movie characters.  

Ras Al Khaimah

We recommend this location for the adventurous group that has seemingly done it all. With Ras Al Khaimah, you can expect the unexpected. It is the perfect destination to add a touch of excitement to any incentive. This mainly undiscovered Emirate offers a surprising blend of adventure and thrill-seeking activities with the calm, lush green surroundings, majestic mountains and powdery white sand, providing a refreshing and unique experience for all who choose Ras Al Kahimah.

Hotels  Picks:

1) Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi is an oasis of luxury and an ideal choice for groups planning incentives and events for any boutique size, offering exclusive features and breathtaking desert views, so you feel that you are isolated in the desert. This hotel runs a dedicated falconry program giving guests some truly unique internal group experiences.  A great feature of this property is it offers a range of different types of event spaces that incorporate the unique surroundings. You could host perched on a falconry deck or overlooking the sand dunes for a final night or welcome event.

2) Waldorf Astoria. This hotel in Ras Al Khaimah is located right off the beach so is great for a group that is incentive focused and wants to get some R&R as a reward scheme. This is where impeccable service and unrivalled luxury combine. You will be spoiled for choice with amazing meeting spaces and over eight onsite restaurants to hold all your event functions, so you really are spoiled for choice.  Some of the key spaces that work well for groups are its lagoon pool, underwater-themed spa, and its very own golf course, a sure way to keep everyone occupied and in different venues for different parts of your incentive.

3) The InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort is a haven of luxury and serenity, and is globally renowned for its stunning beachfront location and breathtaking views that look up to the main city. This resort is a mecca for meetings and incentives with multiple internal venues, from large ballrooms to intimate meeting rooms filled with natural light and looking out over the glistening waters of the Arabian Gulf. We believe this property will impress any group that is hosted here. The hotel has a big push on sustainability so is ideal for groups that are looking for that as a component of their event planning. Here, you will enjoy world-class amenities such as a luxurious spa, multiple dining options, and a private beach, ensuring that your event group is pampered and well-catered.

Activities

• Feel the adrenaline rush as you soar through the Jebel Jais mountains on a thrilling zip line.

• Soak in the breathtaking landscapes from a hot air balloon ride.

• Cruise along serene rivers, indulge in trekking expeditions and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Flights

There are direct flights from Auckland to Dubai every day, with connections from the South Island stopping through Sydney. The direct flight is around 18 hours and serviced by Emirates on their A380 aircraft. This offers four cabins for travel; First, Business, Premium and Economy, giving groups great travel options and flexibility. Their premium cabin, that we experienced first hand, is a brand-new offering to international flights and is one of the best premium economy products in the market (in our opinion). 

Another great benefit of using Emirates is the post-event extension possibilities. Dubai being the airline's main hub and arrival port then becomes a gateway to almost any destination in Europe, Africa and beyond. Travel to Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah is via road and takes 50 – 60 minutes from Dubai airport, so a very short transfer for those wanting the highest standards in hotel accommodation and leisure activities.