International Charter Expo

ICE

Business in the yacht charter industry left without boat shows

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Cancelled boat shows blog

Why boat shows are a must

Boat shows around the world have been cancelled for almost a year now. The largest and most important boat shows in the yacht charter industry such as Boot Dusseldorf, Austrian Boat Show in Tulln, Cannes Festival and many more have all been cancelled. As a result, businesses in the yacht charter industry had no physical place to meet in person. Meeting with business partners is crucial for the success of yacht charters, brokers, agencies, shipyards, and other suppliers.  Everyone knows that going to boat shows is a must. Introducing your new brand, presenting products and services, meeting old partners and new ones, learning about the novelties for the upcoming season and in general networking with the whole industry.

What do businesses lose without boat shows?

Not only do businesses in the yacht charter industry meet, they also make very important purchases and client bookings. The Multihull Boat Show in Le Grande Motte, France, is important for those who are keen to order the first slots of a new catamaran model and those who build their multihull fleets. At Boot Dusseldorf charters can see and walk-through new boats and purchase the newest models for their fleet. The Austrian Boat Show is the perfect place for charters to make direct bookings with Austrian guests. Businesses in the yacht charter industry are now in huge losses as one of their main channels of communication and sales is closed – no one knows for how long.

What awaits yacht charters and agencies?

All these boat shows together make up for more than 30 days per year where businesses could have met: a grand total of more than 4000 exhibitors and 450,000 visitors from over 100 countries. In these uncertain times, every piece of new information, each new business partner and booking is more important than ever. It is uncertain of how the charter season 2021 will unfold. Early bookings which were a very big and important part of yacht charter and agency bookings are still very rare today. Everyone is waiting to see what will happen. If borders do open during the summer, we can expect many last-minute bookings with very high discounts. Completely opposite of how all other charter seasons were until know. Will the majority of yacht charters, agencies and brokers in the yacht charter industry survive, we can only wait and see.


Digital meetings: 5 tips on how to get the best from the ICE’20

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online meetings

We’ve seen a lot of changes in the yacht charter business since COVID-19 hit the globe. The biggest change for most of the companies is digital transformation. You know that you have to go digital but you don’t feel comfortable in the digital environment? We have your back. 

If you are not sure how to prepare for digital meetings or you want to know how to get more from it, read our 5 tips on how to get the best from ICE’20:

1. Use a laptop or tablet, not a smartphone

For most of us, smartphones are the fastest way to communicate. However, we suggest that you use only a laptop or tablet at ICE’20. That way you can navigate the event easily and see brochures and videos at digital booths. Also, it will be easier for you to have meetings while reading PDF files. We suggest you use the same device for all three days of the expo. 

2. Test the technology

When you are attending a digital event you need to make a few steps of preparation. First, take a look if your laptop battery is low. You don’t want your laptop to shut down in the middle of your meeting. Second, test your mic, earphones, and sound before the event starts. Find a quiet place where you can listen carefully and be able to focus on the meeting. If you will need any help, you will always be able to contact us and our IT specialist will be here to help you.

meeting room
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhF4tT2V66Y

3.  Use your background as brand promotion

Look for a place with a professional background. If you have anything distracting in the background it will deconcentrate your business partner. Think about your background as a possible advertisement! If you have banners with the logo of your company we suggest you place them behind or next to you.

 4. Be prepared

For prearranging and arranging digital meetings at ICE’20, participants will use Handshake matchmaking software. Make sure to check name and company information of the business partner before the meeting starts. Prepare all the necessary materials for the meeting or presentation. Explore the booth of your business partner and check out promo materials. There you will be able to read PDF brochures or watch promotional videos on digital TV screens.

5. Be on schedule 

At ICE’20 each representative has 30 minutes for presenting. It is enough time to connect with the new business partner and to exchange ideas.

Don’t be late for the meeting. You will have a timer on the screen so you can always know how much time you have until the meeting is over. In case you will need more time, you can ask your business partner if he has a free meeting slot. If so, you can arrange one more meeting slot with the same person.

While you have a meeting, you will be able to take notes from it and use it later for further communication.

Click here to register for ICE’20!

Top 10 reasons why participate in ICE’20

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digital-ice-expo

More and more upcoming yacht shows are called or postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. As it is impossible to organize an event that brings together more than 1500 people from more than 5 continents, the ICE’20 team decided to organize the first digital B2B event in the yacht-charter industry!

International Charter Expo – ICE’20 will start online on the 26th of November 2020 and will last for 3 whole days. Although no personal contact and the usual networking will be possible, ICE spirit won’t be lost! ICE team is preparing a lot of surprises for the participants of the first digital B2B expo with the aim to keep the positive and stimulating environment for the yacht charter companies. 

As this year is very challenging for the whole industry, now, more then ever, we must stay connected. So why connect at Digital ICE?

1. Save money

This year, ICE participants will get 80% of the value for 20% of the cost! You will not have to spend money on accommodation or plane tickets. Also, since ICE’20 is digital, exhibitors will pay only for the upload of their graphics. There are no additional costs such as graphics print and transport, booth furniture, or decoration.

2. Stay safe

In 2020 every form of social engagement that includes a large number of participants is not recommended. As your safety comes first, ICE’20 will be digital. In that way, you will be able to have a lot of meetings and meet international brokers, fleet operators, and suppliers from the comfort of your home. 🙂 

3. Save time

Time is money, therefore ICE’20 is an opportunity to take! No time-wasting on traveling or planning. Prearrange meetings via Handshake matchmaking software and meet the whole yacht charter industry in 3 days. Relax and attend ICE’20 from the comfort of your home or office. 

4. Meet new business partners 

ICE’20 will be more accessible and affordable than ever, meaning fleet operators, brokers, and suppliers who have never been to International Charter Expo before, will participate this year! Take this opportunity and connect with new business partners from all over the world.

6. Arrange 72 meetings in 3 days

A new and improved business event matchmaking software – Handshake will allow you to prearrange meetings at ICE. When digital expo starts you will be able to see the agenda with all the meetings that you have arranged.

7. Combine business with education

Keep up with new trends! Digital Conference is a great opportunity to combine business meetings with education! Register for ICE Conference and listen to the best online speakers talking about the news in the yacht-charter industry, latest trends in marketing and sales, and other industry-specific topics.

8. Have a tree planted in your name

For 450 companies that participated at ICE’19 Vienna, the ICE team planted 450 trees in Zagreb, Croatia. This year, ICE Forest initiative continues which means that all participating companies will contribute to the fight against air pollution with trees planted in their names.

9. Engage 

Use live chat, video calls, conference streams, and downloadable resources such as notes from all scheduled meetings! All you need is to have a tablet or laptop and you are ready for arranging meetings from your home or office! You can simply login on your computer and have access to a large number of companies that you can contact via video call or chat. Fleet operators,  brokers, and suppliers are just one click away!

10. Get a discount for ICE’21

Every ICE’20 exhibitor will get a discount for ICE’21 booths. Discount will be applicable to all booth types.

See more about International Charter Expo. 

Check out who’s coming!

Meeting Efficiency: Stop wasting your time.

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Handshake matchmaking software

Arranging meetings with more than 1500 people seem impossible. However, Handshake matchmaking software will make it real for all participants of the first digital B2B event in the yacht charter industry. It is a proven way of making time more efficient. No time-wasting on planning, scheduling, making invites, and organizing notes.

International Charter Expo (ICE’20) will have 30,000 meeting slots and 400 meeting rooms. That means 72 meetings per person will be possible via matchmaking software in only 3 days of the digital expo.

How one person can have 72 meetings in 3 days of expo?

Handshake matchmaking software has all the key contacts from the yacht charter industry. Evey broker (travel or charter agency, charter broker, tour operator, and sailing school or club) will be able to visit digital booths and have meetings in digital meeting rooms with international fleet operators and suppliers of goods and services like booking systems or insurance companies.

Every person at ICE’20 can choose a time slot for the meeting and search the people with whom they would like to meet. The handshake search engine allows searching by sector (fleet operators, suppliers, brokers) or by country making arranging meetings faster. It is easy and intuitive so the process of pre-arranging meetings is very simple. All you need is to have a tablet or laptop and you are ready for arranging meetings from the comfort of your home. 

One month before ICE, every participant is notified by email that the Handshake account is ready for arranging meetings. Then, meeting slots will start to fill up and new business partnerships will begin.

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handshake software

Engage with your business partners

ICE’20 participants can use video calls, share screens, and download notes after the meetings. When the meeting is about to start, a person will automatically be placed in front of the digital booth of the business partner who sends the meeting invitation.

Self-promotion via Handshake profile

A good first impression is vital! Handshake profile is just Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Your profile photo and company information can be the breaking point for someone who is searching for a new reliable business partner.

This is why the ICE team always recommends uploading a photo of you. Make your profile more visible by entering the main info about the company (web address and short description) as well as the contact info (phone number and email address).

Click here to register for ICE’20!

See you this November at the first digital B2B expo in the yacht charter industry!

Let’s grow into a better future!

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ICE goes green

Did you know that the yacht charter industry is one of the fastest-growing tourist branches and directly depends on a clean environment? A good thing is that step by step, the nautical industry is starting to change. As environmental protection is becoming more important,  International Charter Expo – ICE started the ICE Goes Green initiative.

How the yacht charter industry got the first eco-friendly event?

ICE Goes Green started at ICE’19, by adopting new guidelines for the conservation of resources. ICE team decided that waste generation will be minimized and only recycled materials are going to be used. Every ICE expo will minimize the use of water, wood, and paper. Because of the new guidelines, ICE started to promote environmental education and the use of recycled products whenever possible.

“Our decisions will not save the planet, but every big journey starts with one small step. It is important that we sail in the right direction ̋ – Tino Prosenik, Yachtmaster Group

ICE Forest Initiative

Growing into a better future.
Click Here

Planting trees for ICE participants

For each company that visited ICE’19 in Vienna, one oak tree was planted in Zagreb city, where the idea of the Expo originated. This year, after the Digital ICE’20, the same initiative continues. 

All participating companies will contribute to the fight against air pollution and oak trees will be planted in their names. Moreover, as ICE’20 is going digital, no waste will be generated for the event.

How to contribute?

Each ICE’20 participant can contribute to this initiative!

How to make the ICE Forest even bigger? By adding additional oak trees in the MyICE platform for online registration, each participant can contribute to the ICE Goes Green Initiative. As environmental protection should be on top of our list it is about the time that we start to navigate to a better future! Plant a tree and help the enviroment.

See more info about ICE’20  extras.

Top Greek Charter Island Profiles

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TOP GREEK CHARTER ISLAND PROFILES

Unrivaled natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes and beaches with crystal clear waters? Yes, Greek islands sound like heaven on earth! Sailing in one of the Greek sailing areas make one in a time experience and they are definitely on top of sailing bucket list of any charter clients. To make the most of their experience make sure to get to know popular sailing islands in every detail. Here’s just a tiny bit of everything there is to know:


Lefkas

About: Lefkas aka Lefkada is known for its spectacular scenery and it has one of the most stunning beaches in Greece with white sands and turquoise Ionian sea. It’s one of the few Greek islands which you can drive onto and it has become a mecca for outdoor adventures: sailing, mountain biking, windsurfing, hiking and snorkeling.

Tips on sailing: East side of the Ionian islands with fewer waves and fair wind sailing is suitable for the beginners. The Maistros fair-weather-wind is usual in July and August and it rises in the afternoon and usually dies at sunset. Towards the west of the Ionian islands and south of Kefalonia, winds and sea can be more demanding.

Top 3 things to do:

  1. Visit the Dimossari waterfalls in Nidri
  2. Egremni Beach – one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean
  3. Try paragliding above Lefkada

Charter Meetup fleet operators bases: Bleyachting, White Sails, AF Yachting, Fyly Yachting, Crystal Sea Yachting, Pure Sailing, DYC, Istion Yachting

Corfu

About: Corfu or Kerkyra is bound up with the history of Greece from the beginnings of Greek mythology. The island is famous for its large amounts of olive trees. There are about 4 thousand. 3% of the worlds olive oil comes from Corfu. It is also an island with a record number of beaches, calculated at about 119. Old Town of Corfu is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Tips on sailing: A favorite destination for mariners, the Diapontia islands north of Corfu are ideal for diving and fishing. Make sure to include the island of Ithaca, home of the hero Odysseus, on your route.

Top 3 things to do:

  1. Visit – Mouse island or Pontikonisi as the locals call it, at the entrance of Gulf of Halikiopoulos, in front of the airport runway, along with the neighboring Vlacherna.
  2. Visit – Canal D’Amour, Sidari
  3. Try Greek food at Ambelonas: Vineyard, Restaurant & Corfu Cooking Class

Charter Meetup fleet operator bases: Summer Sail, Isalos Yachting, Dream Yacht Charter, Istion Yachting

Paros

About: Páros, located at the heart of the Cyclades is one of the best-loved holiday destinations in Greece. Historically, it was known for its fine white marble. Breathtaking landscapes, endless sandy beaches with azure blue waters are easy to fall in love with. Moreover, the island has a lot to offer and therefore keeps you entertained all the time.

Tips on sailing: When sailing in the Cyclades make sure to visit one of many beautiful secluded anchorages. Along with all routes, spectacular scenery and ancient archaeological sites are nearly everywhere. In high summer it can be very breezy thus sailing conditions are not suitable for beginners, but rather for experienced sailors. The best time for sailing is from May to June and from September to October.

Top 3 things to do:

  1. Visit Panagia Ekatontapiliani – one of Greece’s most important Byzantine monuments
  2. Visit Golden Beach, considered by many to be one of the best beaches in Greece for water sports
  3. Piso Livadi – the main port to embark on sailing adventures over the Small Cyclades islands or to Antiparos

Charter Meetup fleet operators bases: Vastardis Yachting, A.F. Yachting LTD, Flyly Yachting, Dream Yacht Charter

Kos

About: Kos island, located on the southeastern side of the Aegean Sea is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. It is one of the most visited islands of the Dodecanese islands group having both tourist and secluded spots to keep away from crowded places. With tall palm trees, crystal sandy beaches, beautiful landscapes and archaeological sites from ancient times Kos is simply top holiday destination.

Tips on sailing: Breezes in the Dodecanese are often gentle and favorable for sailors. In the summer the prevailing wind is the Meltemi blowing from the NW-W. As this sailing area is close to Turkish national waters, be aware of your coordinates to prevent any unexpected problems.

Top 3 things to do:

  1. Try greek food at restaurant Agios Theologos
  2. See Antimachia Castle at its best, try to get there as the setting sun casts its warm glow over the battlements
  3. Go bird watching – hundreds of flamingoes spend the winter in the balmy Alyki wetlands, near the village of Tigaki, offering a spectacular sight

Charter Meetup fleet operators bases on Kos: Nomicos Yachts, Fyly Yachting, Dream Yacht Charter, Istion Yachting

Skiathos

About: Skiathos, a Greek island in the northwest Aegean Sea, is part of the Sporades archipelago. Famous for the lush greenery, exotic beaches and vivid atmosphere it’s among favorite destinations for youth and also families. The most popular exotic beaches are Koukounaries, Banana, Agia Paraskevi, Kanapitsa and more. From Skiathos island, tourists can make day trips to Skopelos and Alonissos.

Tips on sailing: during the summer months the Meltemi is weaker in the Sporades region. Approaches to the island are straight-forward with no dangers.

Top 3 things to do:

  1. Eat At The Famous Windmill Restaurant
  2. Visit Lalaria Beach
  3. Go Scuba Diving – one of the highlights is Poseidon Cave, with its small red-tinted corals.

Charter Meetup fleet operators: Istion Yachting, Dream Yacht Charter, Pure Sailing, Sea Novels, Fyly Yachting, A.F. Yachting LTD

There is more to Greece than the mainland. To find out everything on sailing the Greek islands visit Charter Meetup Athens 2019 in April. It’s a B2B charter weekend that enables international charter brokers to refresh their Greek charter knowledge and master their bookings in Greece. Firstly, through sailing area presentations made directly from 30 most distinguished Greek fleet operators become an expert on sailing in Greece, meet all of them in person during B2B speed dating and at top of, visit Lavrion, Alimos and Kalamaki marina in an organized tour. Apply for Charter Meetup Athens here.

Interested in participating at Charter Meetup Greece in April? 

LEAVE US YOUR EMAIL AND WE WILL SEND YOU MORE INFORMATION!

Only a few more spots are available!

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