Successful Meetings - September 2008 - (Page 154)

Meeting Sites Monaco BILLIONAIRE’S PLAYGROUND: Nestled between the French and Italian Rivieras, Monaco makes for an ideal location for those seeking a destination with a dose of glamour. The principality is known for its world-famous gambling venues, vibrant nightlife, and yearly Grand Prix, which have made it a playground for the jet set. But the compact principality, which covers a mere two square kilometers, also has a storied history. The Grimaldi family has reigned for more than 700 years, and Monaco’s medieval history can be traced along the ancient ramparts and narrow passageways of its Old Town. By Grace Wong Essential Tool Box Convention Centers/Facilities: Grimaldi Forum, 87,900 sf of dedicated meeting space; 26 meeting rooms (including three auditoriums), largest accommodates 1,900 theater-style. Le Sporting Club, largest room accommodates 1,400 for galas. For More Information: Monaco Government Tourist Office www.visitmonaco.com For complete listings, visit Quick Facility Search at www.mimegasite.com The Big News Prince Albert II has pledged to make Monaco greener, and the Grimaldi Forum is helping to lead the way. Monaco’s largest meeting site, with nearly 88,000 sf of exhibition space, is on track to obtain the ISO 14001 international certification for its ecofriendly policies, making it one of the first centers in Europe to be certified. The seafront Grimaldi Forum already has several green measures in place, including the use of sea power to heat and cool the building and a “buy green” policy for lightbulbs. But the international certification, which the center expects to receive by Sept, will commit it to making ongoing improvements to its environmental practices. FACILITIES UPDATE A 218-room Novotel opened in Dec with 17 suites, 5,700 sf of meeting space, a restaurant, and outdoor bar. The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel Monte Carlo Beach Hotel and the Hotel Hermitage are offering “Day Delegate” packages through Dec, with rates starting at 70 euros for groups of 20 or more, including room rental, coffee breaks, and lunch with wine included. Le Meridien Beach Plaza launched “Dinners by the Pool,” a program that allows groups to rent the pool area for functions with a view overlooking the Mediterranean Sea from May through Oct. The space can accommodate up to 500 for a seated dinner and 1,000 for a reception. The Fairmont Monte Carlo has launched the second phase of a refurbishment that will update the rooftop pool and install a new fitness center and Willow Stream Spa. Life in the Fast Lane: By Land, Sea, and Air Racing aficionados flock to Monaco each year for the Grand Prix, one of the most glamorous events on the Formula 1 circuit. For a taste of life in the fast lane, head to the Paul Ricard Grand Prix Circuit, located in Le Castellet in nearby France. A center of the motoring world, the track has been host to 14 Formula 1 Grand Prix. It’s now been transformed into a high-tech test track that is also available for corporate events and conventions. Arrange to test drive a Formula 1 car, or develop your racing skills behind the wheel of one of the track’s sleek, highperformance go-karts. A range of activities and packages can be organized. The thrill seeking doesn’t have to stop on the motorway. A variety of watersports, including sea scooter outings, waterskiing, riding Jet Skis, speedboating, and windsurfing, are on offer at the Monte Carlo Beach Club from Apr to Oct. As you speed along the Riviera, take in the breathtaking views of the Maritime Alps and the multibillion-dollar yachts dotted along the coast. For an adventure in the air, book a panoramic helicopter ride. Several operators run tours ranging from 15 minutes to an hour. If you don’t have time to squeeze a helicopter ride into your conference itinerary, consider arranging a helicopter transfer from the airport, which takes a mere —GW seven minutes. SEPTEMBER 2008 SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS 154 http://www.visitmonaco.com http://www.mimegasite.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - September 2008

Successful Meetings - September 2008
Contents
Editor's Note
Industry Trends
Supplier News
Technology
Calendar
Incentives
Association News
Corporate Meetings
Independent Planners
Management Matters
Meetings Law
Mouth for Sale
Planner Spotlight
Pre-Event
On Site
On Site
Tools of the Trade
Where All That Glitters May Bring Gold
Stepping Up in Class
Going for the Green
10 Great Drive-To Destinations
Charter Members
Night at the Museum
Places & Spaces
Charleston and Savannah
Los Angeles
Phoenix/Scottsdale
Rocky Mountain Resorts
Caribbean
Monaco
Malaysia
Gurus

Successful Meetings - September 2008