Magical Monaco delivers master class in luxury events collective
I recently attended the InVoyage Forum 2019, which is the world’s only forum dedicated to luxury incentives and events.
A relatively small and intimate event, this year’s InVoyage Forum was held in Monaco from 6th to 9th October and brought together 280 high-end buyers and suppliers, including luxury brands and destination partners.
Alongside keynote discussions and panel sessions, there is also the opportunity for one-to-one meetings and I pre-booked 32 appointments with an assortment of destination management companies, hotels and incentive suppliers.
From the outset, Monaco really dazzled as a destination. My transfer from Nice Airport was via helicopter to Monte-Carlo. Taking under 10 minutes, we were able to enjoy fantastic views of the French Riviera from the skies; it was a truly unforgettable experience.
"In the afternoon, we were able to choose from a selection of outdoor activities designed to give us a flavour of Monaco”
I stayed for the duration of my trip at the stunning five-star Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo, part of the Leading Hotels of the World. Located in the heart of Monaco, this modern and luxurious hotel just oozes elegance and glamour. Decorated in the Belle-Époque style, it boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, the Vistamar and amazing spa, Thermes Marin Monte-Carlo.
The forum kicked off on Sunday with afternoon tea at the Hotel Hermitage, with guest speakers and legends of Formula One, David Coulthard MBE and Mark Gallagher. The duo gave an inspirational speech on developing the right teamwork, behaviour and culture to fuel success.
This was followed by an evening reception at the iconic Hotel De Paris, in the Salle Empire restaurant, which enjoys incredible views over the Place du Casino. Both provided a great opportunity to meet fellow delegates.
The forum kicked off on Sunday with afternoon tea at the Hotel Hermitage, with guest speakers and legends of Formula One, David Coulthard MBE and Mark Gallagher. The duo gave an inspirational speech on developing the right teamwork, behaviour and culture to fuel success.
This was followed by an evening reception at the iconic Hotel De Paris, in the Salle Empire restaurant, which enjoys incredible views over the Place du Casino. Both provided a great opportunity to meet fellow delegates.
Day two in Monaco was our first chance for one-to-one meetings, which took place at the new One Monte Carlo conference centre. The conference centre is situated between the Place du Casino and a new luxury-shopping district and has nine rooms suitable for a variety of events, from cocktail receptions to exhibitions, conventions and product launches.
In the afternoon, we were able to choose from a selection of outdoor activities designed to give us a flavour of Monaco. I chose the e-bikes and was taken on a superb tour, cycling up to the old town and around the world-famous Grand Prix circuit, taking in the amazing views of the marina and super yachts moored up.
A fun-packed day finished with an evening of music and dancing at the Hotel Columbus, a boutique hotel that underwent a complete renovation in 2018. It’s new restaurant, Tavolo, has a fabulous outdoor terrace overlooking the Princess Grace Rose Garden and we were treated to a delicious feast of locally caught oysters and wagyu burgers, washed down with tasty cocktails mixed by the hotel’s expert team of mixologists.
In the afternoon, we were able to choose from a selection of outdoor activities designed to give us a flavour of Monaco. I chose the e-bikes and was taken on a superb tour, cycling up to the old town and around the world-famous Grand Prix circuit, taking in the amazing views of the marina and super yachts moored up.
A fun-packed day finished with an evening of music and dancing at the Hotel Columbus, a boutique hotel that underwent a complete renovation in 2018. It’s new restaurant, Tavolo, has a fabulous outdoor terrace overlooking the Princess Grace Rose Garden and we were treated to a delicious feast of locally caught oysters and wagyu burgers, washed down with tasty cocktails mixed by the hotel’s expert team of mixologists.
The final day of the InVoyage Forum was dedicated to one-to-one meetings and I took full advantage of the chance to meet with key suppliers.
Our final evening reception was held at Twiga nightclub, a favourite with the rich and famous. Located on the second floor of the Grimaldi Forum, an impressive building facing the Mediterranean Sea, we enjoyed Japanese style canapés and bowl food.
Our time in Monaco over, I headed back to the airport the next day for my flight home, having had a very productive few days and made a number of meaningful new business connections.
Thanks also to Maui Jim for the fabulous new sunglasses – all buyers were able to choose a pair from this leading corporate gifts supplier – and I’m very happy with mine!
Monaco certainly lived up to its glitzy, glamorous reputation and I look forward to returning soon.
If you’d like to find out more about Monaco as a destination for your next event or incentive trip, please do get in touch with us.
Our final evening reception was held at Twiga nightclub, a favourite with the rich and famous. Located on the second floor of the Grimaldi Forum, an impressive building facing the Mediterranean Sea, we enjoyed Japanese style canapés and bowl food.
Our time in Monaco over, I headed back to the airport the next day for my flight home, having had a very productive few days and made a number of meaningful new business connections.
Thanks also to Maui Jim for the fabulous new sunglasses – all buyers were able to choose a pair from this leading corporate gifts supplier – and I’m very happy with mine!
Monaco certainly lived up to its glitzy, glamorous reputation and I look forward to returning soon.
If you’d like to find out more about Monaco as a destination for your next event or incentive trip, please do get in touch with us.