Report From The Frhi Global Meeting Exchange In Monte Carlo

Last week I attended the FRHI Global Meeting Exchange in Monte Carlo, with 110 other event planners from the UK, Europe, the UAE, Asia Pacific and the USA.  The four-day event was a mixture of one-to-one meetings with representatives from Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel properties, workshops, syndicates sessions and activities which showcased Monte Carlo.  It was a great educational opportunity with corporate organisers, agents, hoteliers and DMCs discussing the challenges and changes in the MICE industry, exchanging information and discussing how we can work better together for the best outcome.

One of the highlights of this event was a presentation from Dr Gerard Lyons, Chief Economic Advisor to the Mayor of London, on the current state of the world economic and what we can expect in the future.

Whilst I was in Monte Carlo, I also took the opportunity to take a look a some of the key properties:

• The Fairmont Hotel

This hotel is four-star and located next to the Casino.  It is built over the sea and has great views of the city from the roof top. There are 18 meeting rooms, including a ballroom which will hold 900 people for a dinner or meeting.  The Fairmont has 602 bedrooms, spa, Nikki Beach rooftop pool and fitness centre.

• The Grimaldi Forum

This is Monaco’s conference and exhibition centre, located on the eastern beach.  It is a glass pyramid and contemporary in style.  The Grimaldi Forum can offer 3 auditoriums, 11 meeting rooms that can be divided into smaller sections (maximum 22) and 4 areas for exhibitions or catering.  There are large foyer areas with centrally located escalators to move people around the building easily.  The Fairmont, Le Meridien Beach and Monte Carlo Bay hotels are all within walking distance.

• The Monte Carlo Bay Hotel

The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is located at the end of the eastern beach and surrounded by gardens and the sea. It is a 5-star hotel with 334 bedrooms, spa, swimming pool and restaurants.  There are 15 flexible meeting rooms all on the first floor and the largest room has capacity for up to 270 people.

However, my trip to Monte Carlo wasn’t all work.  There were two activity sessions: a treasure hunt around the rock, palace and harbour area which gave us the chance to see the city and the chance to explore the Cote d’Azur by rib boat and helicopter or in classic cars.

In the evenings we experienced three different venues, which are all available for groups.  The Nikki Beach is on the roof of the Fairmont Monte with great views of the city and sea as well as the famous GP hairpin.  There was gala dinner at the Oceanographic Museum, with a drinks reception in the aquarium and this venue has roof top space which can be used too.  We also spent an evening at Key Largo, a private villa, which used to be the harbourmaster’s offices at the end of the quay.  The drinks and food were arranged around the pool and the helipad was transformed in to party space and dance floor.

For more information about organising conferences, meetings and events in Monte Carlo, please call us on 01780 484050.