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Why you should participate at digital ICE’21?

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ICE'21

ICE’21 is closer every day and there are plenty of reasons why you should participate (save money & time, participate from the comfort of your home/office…). If you are still not sure whether you should register for the only major international yacht charter event this spring, we are giving you some reasons to do so!

Find out the latest news for your CLIENTS – keep them informed

It is important to keep your clients and partners updated. For example, fleet operators in Croatia are getting a Stay Safe in Croatia label of safety this summer. Do you know what this means? Greece is planning to open their borders to tourists on the 14th of May. What if this does not happen, what happens to your client’s bookings? That’s why you should participate at ICE’21, to find out the latest information from your partners!

Find out the latest news for your BUSINESS – keep yourself informed

Don’t forget that you will be able to watch several 30-minute product/service presentations from our Premium partners and join their Q&A. You will hear everything you need to know from booking systems, insurance companies, online platforms etc.

Handshake, our matchmaking software is getting better working hours

Last year you could have meetings via Handshake from 8:00 CET to 20:00 CET during working days and weekend. At ICE’21 you can have meetings from 8:00 CET to 17:00 CET, and it is held during the week – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday!

Loyalty discount for the next ICE

If you take part at ICE’21 in April, you will get a loyalty discount for the next ICE. It doesn’t matter if it will be held digitally or physically and if you are a visitor or exhibitor. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure this big discount later in the year. This year returning exhibitors and visitors get 50% discount for ICE’21. 

New charter agencies, suppliers & booking system

At ICE’20 there were more than 200 participating companies and 112 booths. This year, that number will be even bigger with new companies coming to present themselves. The list of new companies which are registered for ICE’21 will be published soon.

Check out the video from Croatia’s TV show Novi Milenij about ICE’20 and see how ICE’21 will look like. Also, have a read of the Icebreaker article about ICE’20. This might help you make your decision too!

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Digital ICE’20 entered Best Virtual Event 2020 awards

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In 2020, virtual events became more important than ever. It was the only way to bring people from all over the world together. Staying connected in the yacht charter industry is one of the most important things for it to function. Because of that, ICE’20 became a digital event.

We tried to make ICE’20 the best it could be in these uncertain times, and we did. Our efforts and determination helped ICE’20 enter the Best Virtual Event 2020 awards category by the Virtual Events Institute.

The Virtual Events Institute is a platform whose mission is to inspire and educate the community to create virtual and hybrid events. It provides a place to discuss the quickly evolving topics around virtual and hybrid events. Additionally, VEI offers high-level summits, market insights, community networking, certification training and awards.

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Why is ICE’20 an entrant for Best Virtual Event 2020?

The use of technologies needed for successful digital events was what enabled ICE’20’s nomination. The layout of digital booths and halls exactly represented those from the physical event in Vienna. This is what awaits you at ICE’21 too! See demo. 

Our partners had their own booths with TV’s and virtual brochure racks where business representatives could download all needed materials and brochures. Moreover, personalized 2D real-life looking avatars greeted visitors as well! Screen-sharing was also possible during video one-on-one meetings, so our partners could have the best experience. 

Handshake, our matchmaking software gave ICE participants the possibility to prearrange meetings with other businesses. As a result, they used their time in the most efficient way. All the pre-arranged meetings in Handshake were connected with the ICE’20 digital platform. Each meeting at ICE’20 started automatically, and ended automatically after 30 minutes. It was very user friendly as representatives only needed to accept the meetings for them to start. 

Several premium suppliers had the chance to present their products or services to all ICE participants during 30-minute presentations. There were a few dedicated time slots when no one could have meetings and were invited to join the presentations and take part in Q&A.

Together we connected more than 300 participants from more than 35 countries. All of the used technologies await you this Spring too, so go to our official website and register for an even better digital ICE’21!

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Why ICE went digital?

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Hall 1 ICE'20

When the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the world, the yachting industry was put on hold as well. Businesses could not meet; boat shows were cancelled one after the other, and the future was uncertain. That is why ICE, the biggest B2B yacht charter expo in the world went digital.  It was the only logical and safe solution. ICE’20 digital was well accepted, as more than 300 business representatives from more than 35 countries took part. Many ICE partners requested a new digital event in April, just before the season begins.

Of course, the success of digital ICE’20 was not guaranteed, and people had their doubts as it was something completely new and unknown. However, doing our best to connect fleet operators, suppliers, and brokers from all over the world, our team made it work. Our partners were very happy with the overall event and the meetings they had. 

“This is not the first year we have been participating in ICE, but for the first time in an online format. I would like to say that the effectiveness of the negotiations was almost the same as ICE’19 in Vienna. This is incredibly interesting and useful for our business. Thank you for bringing us together and making our communication better. It is very important for us to feel that we are not alone in this field and there are hundreds of great companies that are going through this difficult year with us and making the yacht charter industry even better!” – Max Terbov, Sea Radar, Estonia

“Great digital experience by ICE! The event was a success, and it gave us the opportunity to meet industry professionals and attend interesting presentations, in an efficient way. Our company will definitely attend again!” – Andreas Georgatsos, Cavo Yachting, Greece

See what ICE’20 looked like from our partners’ perspectives

What did ICE’20 look like?

ICE’20 featured seven halls with 112 digital booths where businesses could present themselves and visit other businesses and new partners. Demo of the halls can be seen here. Digital booths looked like real-life booths, with TVs, brochure racks for e-brochures, and 2D avatars. With this set-up and possibility to prearrange meetings with the Handshake matchmaking software, time was used more efficiently. Without the hassle of travelling and booking accommodation, businesses save both time and money. As a bonus, they hold meetings from the comfort of their home or office.

“Being able to meet with my present and potential partners without traveling to a different continent saves a lot of time and effort while delivering the same results”. – Silvia Vlakancic, Anchor & Wine, U.S.A

We had some technical issues which happened the first day of the expo, after worldwide Amazon Web Services crashed for a few hours, and ICE team was on full support helping businesses manage to connect with other solutions. This year technical issues will be non-existent, as servers will also be backed up.

Apart from 30-minute B2B meetings, several premium suppliers had the opportunity to present their products/services to all ICE participants during 30-minute presentations. No one could have meetings during these time slots, and many businesses who attended the presentations were very active in the Q&A. Businesses needed to discuss some topics as well and give their opinions. 

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At ICE’20 there were more than 300 participants, from more than 35 countries, who held more than 3,500 meetings. We hope we will see you again this year in an even bigger number, so we can connect the yachting industry digitally once again before summer begins.

This year we turned the impossible into the possible! – Tatjana, Adria 4 Deluxe, Germany

Want to meet with new and old business partners? Register here.

 

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.


Virtual Avatars – How to add personal touch on digital Expo?

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Do you want to see yourself in a virtual world? Virtual event platforms with avatars give us the opportunity to be in a real-life situation and exploring different experiences during the digital expo. Avatars have become more interesting by professionals who use that kind of extras in different virtual business events or meetings. They can give you realistic professional environment during the event.

What is a virtual avatar?

A virtual avatar is a graphic image that represents a person in a virtual world, and it’s becoming increasingly more common to use online avatars to recreate real situations in business meetings.

Meet with Premium Plus suppliers at digital expo – ICE’20

At ICE’20 you will be able to meet with everyone digitally and still have a personal touch with future partners. When you come to the digital booth you will see what they offer and the avatar that is standing next to the info desk.  Premium Plus suppliers already made digital booths with avatars and they are waiting to meet you. 

What is International Charter Expo?

International Charter Expo every year connects fleet operators, brokers and suppliers across the globe. During three days of expo participants will be able to have up to 72 meetings with future business partners.

Check full list of participants here.

Meet yacht charter suppliers in a different way

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webinar online presentation

This November, the biggest booking systems such as MMK Booking Manager from Croatia and YachtSys from Germany, shipyards from Italy, Germany, and Poland, as well as one software company from Cyprus will present their services in a new and interesting way to yacht charters from all over the world. So how will they do that? They will present their products through a 30-minute webinar slot to all companies from all around the globe.

Present your company in a B2B environment

Webinar or web seminar is a live online conference or presentation. They are generally interactive, with participants getting information, asking questions, and discussing in real-time.

Many companies use webinars as a way to connect with new business partners, demonstrate expertise, and build brand authority. Generally, webinars work best for B2B companies who want to share their expertise.

Communication is the key

Communication is one of the most challenging aspects of dealing with international partners. The challenge is even bigger when partner companies use different languages. That is why ICE participants will be able to communicate with shipyards and booking systems by asking questions after online presentations.

Who will present at ICE’20?

MMK SYSTEMS – BOOKING MANAGER SYSTEM is the world’s leading software and online booking solution for charter fleets and agencies. If you want to know the numbers – MMK has 3,000 active agents, around 350 agency websites that offer online booking through MMK where they have 720 charter fleets and over 9,000 vessels.

As a yacht charter company or a broker agency you can also meet with YACHTSYS – the online reservation system and booking manager software for boat charter companies. With this supplier, Charter Brokers (agencies) and Fleet Managers (providers) can administrate boat rentals in a responsive web app from smartphones. Their goal is to boost your online sales with mobile optimized charter widgets or the Yacht Charter Data API with data of 5,000 yachts.

Delphia Yachts is the largest builder of sailing yachts in Poland. In 2018 they become a member of the Beneteau Group, focuses more on the production of motor yachts. The production volume is approx. 174 of sailing boats and over 689 motorboats a year. Delphia cooperates with brands such as Beneteau, Jeanneau, Fourwinns, Glastron, JBoats, le Boat.

BAVARIA YACHTS is one of the most modern manufacturers of sailing yachts, motorboats, and catamarans worldwide.  Four production lines, each 125 meters long, a carpenter’s workshop where the entirety of the yacht is constructed, two halls to manufacture hulls and decks, are accommodated on a large surface measuring 200,000 square meters. At ICE’20 they will talk about „Challenges in Boat Design for Charter Yachts“.

BoatPilot is a solution for charter companies is based on the BoatGod module, which is a full-fledged yachting computer. It allows to collect, process, analyze, and deliver data from the boat system, both through the NMEA interface and additional sensors.

Master Yachting is a partner for new and used Yachts, Yacht Investment as well as Yacht Charter. With more than 300 sold Lagoon catamarans, Master Yachting is Europe’s most successful Lagoon-Distributor since 2015 and the largest Lagoon dealer worldwide since 2019. They also represent Beneteau Sail and Beneteau Motor, Monte Carlo, Aquila Power Catamarans, and Frauscher Boote. At ICE’20 you can listen to their webinar on the topic “Overview of Yacht Market”.

What is International Charter Expo?

International Charter Expo every year connects more than 300 participants across the globe. During three days of expo fleet operators, brokers and suppliers will be able to have up to 72 meetings with future business partners.

Check full list of participants here.

Start your registration and join us at ICE’20!

Get ready for your first digital event!

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ICE

Digital events are not complicated. All you need to do is read the information about the event and prepare yourself for the digital meetings. So, what do you need to know before ICE’20 starts?

We prepared the first steps for ICE’20 so you can have all the information in one place. From the phase of preparation and starting the digital expo to the phase of having online meetings presenting your company in the digital environment.

STEP 1:  The phase of preparation and prearranging meetings

On October 12th you will get access to the Handshake software.  Handshake is a matchmaking software for arranging digital meetings at ICE’20. As soon as you get to Handshake you will be able to fill in your personal and company profile, and then book meetings with business partners. Have in mind that the meetings will be maximum 30 minutes. We advise you to book as much as possible prior to the event.

STEP 2: Getting the unique link for visiting ICE

Three weeks before ICE you will receive an e-mail with a unique link to the event. After entering your e-mail which you will use for Handshake, you will get a password that you can use only on one device. In case of changing a device (mobile, tablet, laptop), you will get a new log-in password for the second device. 

Be smart when you decide which device you will use. 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. A laptop or tablet will be enough for your digital adventure , and you can always open Handshake on a smartphone so you can always see your meeting schedule.

STEP 3: Starting the Digital ICE

As you already know, ICE Conference will start one day before the expo on November 25, 2020. 
When ICE starts, you will receive a notification by e-mail.

Click on your unique link and start the new digital adventure. Go through the halls and digital booths, get to know your partners, and get ready for meetings. Check sound, camera, background!

Few minutes before the meeting, you will have a pop – up button that will let you know about your next meeting. As soon as you click it, it will bring you infront of the booth you have a meeting with. 

You will have a timer to remind you how many minutes you have left. Don’t worry if you decide that you need more time. You can book another meeting with the same person during ICE.

What all great suppliers have in common?

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yacht supplier

Whether they build ships or provide sails for them, suppliers play a key role in the global yacht charter business. Judging by the list of participants at the International Charter Expo in 2019, most of the suppliers are software developers and providers of yachting equipment. However, there are more and more insurance and leasing companies as well as providers of digital services such as marketing and sales.

What all great suppliers have in common? 

Did you know that Fleet Operators at ICE have 10,000 vessels waiting to be equipped for the next season? Well…  that fact connects suppliers from all over the world who will participate in the first digital B2B event in the yacht charter industry. It is the only event where in three days supplier companies can present their business to more than 1,500 new business partners. 

“As participants since the first ICE, we are more than satisfied with the organization. We can save a lot of time and money and the number of meetings during the three days of the expo and the outcome in the follow-up period after ICE is just great.” – Jens Biermann, YachtSyS

Connect with the big ones

If you are looking for reliable partners, ICE is the place where you can connect to the biggest suppliers in the global yacht charter industry. 

Meet Booking Systems

MMK SYSTEMS – BOOKING MANAGER SYSTEM is one of them. They are the world’s leading software and online booking solution for charter fleets and agencies. If you want to know the numbers – MMK has 3,000 active agents, around 350 agency websites that offer online booking through MMK where they have 720 charter fleets and over 9,000 vessels.

As a yacht charter company or a broker agency you can also meet with YACHTSYS – the online reservation system and booking manager software for boat charter companies. With this supplier, Charter Brokers (agencies) and Fleet Managers (providers) can administrate boat rentals in responsive web app from smartphones. Their goal is to boost your online sales with mobile optimized charter widgets or the Yacht Charter Data API with data of 5,000 yachts.

Meet Shipyards

The Delphia shipyard is the largest builder of sailing yachts in Poland. In 2018 they become a member of the Beneteau Group, focuses more on the production of motor yachts. The production volume is approx. 174 of sailing boats and over 689 motorboats a year.  Delphia cooperates with brands such as Beneteau, Jeanneau, Fourwinns, Glastron, JBoats, le Boat.

Do you want to connect to worldwide suppliers? Click here to register for ICE’20!

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.

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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!

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