Madrid Convention Bureau: Driving Sustainable Business Experiences

How does MCB leverage its channels to promote Madrid as an ideal city for business gatherings, and what kind of promotional materials and tourist information do they provide to enhance participants' understanding of the city?

Our strategy at the Madrid Convention Bureau involves adopting a comprehensive approach to position Madrid as the ultimate destination for business events. We harness a range of promotional channels, leveraging the expansive reach of online platforms, social media, and industry publications. Through these avenues, we strategically disseminate captivating information about the city, emphasising its diverse attractions, rich cultural offerings, and cutting-edge amenities.

In our promotional efforts, we go beyond mere event logistics. We also provide meticulously crafted promotional materials, such as intricately designed tourist information leaflets. These materials serve as immersive guides, not only spotlighting key event venues but also offering nuanced insights into Madrid's historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and distinctive experiences. Our goal is to go beyond surface-level awareness, aiming to deeply engage participants and instil a profound appreciation for Madrid as an unparalleled setting for business gatherings. In addition, we advocate for walking tours as a distinctive feature of discovering Madrid. Business travellers can explore various areas and visit iconic monuments on foot.

Can you elaborate on MCB's role in planning and managing site visits for meeting organisers during the candidate selection process, and how does this contribute to a more intimate understanding of Madrid?

We take a hands-on approach in planning and orchestrating site visits for meeting organisers, especially during the critical candidate selection phase. By facilitating these visits, we enable organisers to experience firsthand the potential event venues, immersing them in the distinctive ambiance of Madrid. This immersive approach contributes to a more intimate understanding of the city's offerings, allowing organisers to assess the suitability of venues, explore surrounding neighbourhoods, and envision the logistical flow of their events. Through personalised site visits, we foster a connection between organisers and the city, ensuring that chosen venues align seamlessly with the vision and objectives of the event.

How does the Madrid Convention Bureau use its promotional channels to disseminate information about business events?

We strategically utilise an array of promotional channels to effectively disseminate information about upcoming business events. Leveraging online platforms, social media networks, and targeted communication channels, we create a dynamic narrative that showcases the city's appeal as a business event destination. Engaging content, including event highlights, venue features, and testimonials, is shared across various platforms to capture the attention of potential participants. This concerted effort ensures that information reaches a wide audience, creating anticipation and excitement around business events hosted in Madrid.

Can you elaborate on the role of the Madrid Convention Bureau in coordinating accommodation for business travellers?

 Madrid Convention Bureau plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless accommodation of business travellers during their stay in the city. Drawing on its extensive network of hospitality partners, MCB provides tailored recommendations for lodging options that align with the preferences and needs of event attendees. This includes considerations such as proximity to event venues, amenities, and the overall guest experience. By actively coordinating accommodation, MCB contributes to the creation of a positive and stress-free environment for business travellers, enhancing their overall experience in Madrid.

How does Madrid Convention Bureau collaborate with local restaurants and markets to promote zero-mile food and sustainable culinary experiences for business travelers?

Although Madrid indeed offers a wide variety of the gastronomical delights, Madrid Convention Bureau always tries to prioritize local restaurants and markets, emphasizing the promotion of zero-mile food and sustainable culinary experiences tailored for business travellers. Through dedicated partnerships with restaurants, markets, and vendors committed to sustainable practices, MCB ensures that attendees of events have access to top-notch, locally sourced food options. These collaborations extend to renowned establishments, earning accolades for their dedication to sustainable gastronomy. Notable examples include El Invernadero, led by Madrid-born chef Rodrigo de la Calle, boasting a Green Michelin Star, and Mario Sandoval's two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Coque.

Beyond traditional dining experiences, MCB promotes sustainable culinary tours of Madrid, encouraging activities such as lunches at renowned markets like San Miguel, San Antón, and Vallehermoso. These markets adhere to the FLOSS philosophy (Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, and Sustainable), reflecting the city's dedication to sustainable dining.

Moreover, Madrid's culinary offerings extend to artisanal goods, contributing to a sustainable gastronomic tour. Visitors can purchase products endorsed with the regional Designation of Origin, attesting to their quality and adherence to strict production controls. Madrid's renowned wines and world-famous extra virgin olive oil are highlighted as ideal components for crafting a healthy, sustainable Madrid-style meal, providing event organizers with diverse and eco-conscious options.

How does the Madrid Convention Bureau assist business travel organisers in identifying local businesses that align with sustainable practices for activities during meetings or events?

We take a proactive approach in assisting business travel organisers to identify local businesses that align with sustainable practices for activities during meetings or events. In addition, we also provide valuable advice and recommendations, guiding organisers to select businesses that prioritise sustainability and positively contribute to the local community. This ensures that the activities planned not only meet the logistical needs of the event but also align with the broader goal of fostering responsible and eco-conscious practices within the business travel landscape.

In terms of the MCB's PLUS Legacy with us tool, how is the success of the initiative measured, and can you share examples of conferences or events that have left a significant positive legacy in the city through the use of this tool?

Madrid Convention Bureau's PLUS Legacy with us tool is a pioneering initiative in Spain, aiming to manage the sustainability and legacy of events in line with the UN's 2030 Agenda's 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The tool creates individual sustainability reports for each meeting in Madrid, allowing organizers to make impactful changes during the planning stage, ensuring alignment with environmental and social impact reduction goals. 

MCB's PLUS Legacy with us tool reflects a broader objective to support associations and private organizations aiming to make quantifiable, long-lasting, positive changes in the city. Recognising the growing conviction that meetings should leave a legacy, MCB positions itself as a key liaison, bridging the gap between event organizers and the city's goals. Through this tool, MCB actively contributes to ensuring that conferences or events held in Madrid create a positive and enduring impact, aligning with the evolving missions and visions of associations and companies with the broader aims of the city.

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This article is published in collaboration with Tourism Office of Spain (Turespaña), Mumbai