A network of convention bureau representing smaller European
cities has welcomed its first new member since it was founded in 2020.
Porto CVB has become the eighth member of the EU CVB Network,
which was set up during the pandemic as a vehicle for sharing best practice
and knowledge.
In a model of 'coopetition', the seven foundingmembers - Florence, Gothenburg, Ljubljana,
Lyon, Rotterdam, Salzburg, and Valencia – compete for association meetings, but
believe that they can be ‘stronger, more effective and add more value for
clients’ if they work together.
None of the cities – except for Ljubljana – are capitals,
and all have centrally located meeting facilities.
Luís Pedro Martins, Porto & North Tourism board president, said: “Although
perfectly aware that they all compete, almost always, for the same goals, the
founding members of the EU CVB Network know that, by working together and
sharing knowledge and experiences, everyone benefits and prospers. This is also
the state of mind of the Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau and that is why
we have been making efforts to integrate this network. We are very proud to
have been the first CVB to join the EU CVB Network after it was created and we
are certain that this collaboration will help to highlight Porto and the North
as one of the main destinations within non-capital cities and will also
strengthen our position in attracting association events.”
Jan Orsic, head of Ljubljana Convention Bureau, said: “Porto
ticks all the boxes, is perfect for us, because geographically it fits, in
terms of values it fits and when we look at events that go to Porto, a lot of
them we share among us. It is a great addition. We are very conservative with
expanding the Network because all the members have to be active. We bring our
knowledge together and when we meet it makes us much better, much stronger,
much more interesting for clients”.
Porto was officially announced as a member of the EU CVB Network
at IMEX in Frankfurt.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
