WPIC Attends ICOMEX 2012

By: Tracey Manailescu

We’ve just returned from a tradeshow in Mexico City called ICOMEX.  3500 people were registered for this event.  About 200 of us were hosted buyers. Hosted buyers came from all backgrounds and all parts of the world such as media, weddings, incentive planners and event planners to meet with suppliers and learn about what they have to offer in relation to the various fields mentioned previously.  We were able to make business impressions and key contacts through one on one meetings with vendors we were interested in learning more from.  I had 21 meetings and Danielle had 20 in three days.  Each meeting lasted up to a maximum of half an hour where suppliers were able to show us videos, power point presentations and answer questions we had about their product or services, and in turn we told them about what we at WPIC had to offer with our classes, our yearly conference, and our 4000 WPIC Alumni who plan events and weddings around the world.

Some of these vendors really stood out to us with their passion and what they have to offer. My personal favourites were the Hidalgo, Durango, Pueblo, Cuba, Tabasco, and Chiapas Tourism Boards, Costa Rica DMC’s , and Chantilly in France (Danielle’s may differ).  These suppliers went well out of their way to engage us and show us what they have to offer in an exciting, professional presentation and engaging meeting.  We look forward to hopefully working with them in the future.

We met some amazing attendees from Germany, Columbia, Argentina, Brazil, US and Mexico who we will keep in contact with.

Our transportation company,  OmexTur, that brought us back and forth to the tradeshow and sponsored parties, was just amazing.  Luis, you and your team were so patient and kept your cool when others may have lost it and thrown people off of the bus (which I think may have been appropriate in one or two circumstances) and a new policy should be put in effect perhaps to do just that with abusive customers?  Kudos to you and you team for remaining professional and kind at all times. I don’t think we would’ve been able to do that if we were in your shoes.

Fiesta Americana Reforma Hotel was a great hotel in the business district, that was steps away from nightlife, cafes and monuments.  We experienced quick and friendly service with a stunning location of downtown Mexico City.  It even had a Starbucks in the lobby 🙂

The state of Tabasco sponsored a cocktail party at Papalote Museo del Nino.  What a great venue.  They transformed the outdoor space with a clearspan tent and lounge furniture and heaters.  It was so-o-o much fun!  We were greeted by men and women in traditional attire who gave us a pouch full of cocoa beans.  We used these cocoa beans to trade in for drinks, chocolate and merchandise (just like what was used in the past as money.)  The highlight of the evening for me was a wine and chocolate pairing station…(Oh, yes they did!)

Another night we had a long day of meetings and a site inspection of the World Trade Center, then another party sponsored by Guadalajara (which unfortunately I don’t have photos of), so in between we went to a super cool restaurant on the 45th floor of the WTC, called Bellini with some other attendees. This restaurant is in the Guiness Book of World Records for being the largest revolving restaurant in the world.  It has a gorgeous view of Mexico City and the food was great!

All in all, we had a great experience and are very appreciative to ICOMEX and Grupo Fidalex for accepting us as Hosted Buyers, and Carmen Laborin, Romance Director at the Mexico Tourism Board for suggesting us in the first place.  We thank you!