The MICE sector has an enviable diversity for acts and events, both corporate and social. This is one of the advantages that makes this area one of both Costa de Sol and Spain’s most active areas. Going beyond the national relevance of the market, given that Spain is one of the most preferred destinations for events in the world, in this article we’ll talk about the kinds of corporate events that we can find in Spain and, more specifically, in Malaga. We’ll also mention events that don’t depend so much on activity, but on other criteria, like the place they’re held or their format.
Corporate Events in Function of the Main Activity
The biggest corporate events held annually in Spain and Costa del Sol (whose Convention Bureau includes the ICCA) are conventions, conferences and meetings. Although there are many who think that those are the same or similar, they’re really not. What’s true is that the main activity of each of these events has its own traits and specificities, creating the biggest and most varied kind of corporate event out there: those that are sorted based on activity. These are some of the main in the category:
Talks or Meetings
Talks and meetings are interactive events where speakers and attendees alike share knowledge on certain topics. Depending on the length, theme and organisers, they’ll be called something different (like a roundtable, for example), although all are characterised by focusing on one topic from one or more perspectives.
Conferences
Aimed at the exchange of ideas, projects and even services, conferences are meetings of sector professionals. Tourism, for example, holds many events of this kind; technology, video game and innovation conferences are also becoming increasingly more popular. According to the Spain Convention Bureau, there are more than 40 conference locations to choose from in Spain; some of the best are located in Malaga, Marbella and Ronda.
Conventions
Business tourism and meetings also rely heavily on conventions. Conventions are punctual meetings of professionals organised by private companies and whose goal is to internally promote a certain business through new studies, products and ideas.
Fairs or Exhibitions
Trade fairs and exhibitions are another large part of events sorted by activity. And although fairs and exhibitions aren’t the same, they tend to coincide when it comes to bringing attendees to different stands in big spaces. The difference between fairs and exhibitions comes from their character; while the former is groups of companies (of one or more sectors) with promotional goals, the latter tends to have a more cultural and public character, instead of commercial.
Incentive Trips
Incentive trips can take on different forms and models and can last various days. They can also be motivational or reward-based; incentive trips are gaining importance, especially in the US, northern Europe and in developing countries and are set apart by their focus on socialisation. At the end of the day, their goal is to improve relations between team members; companies of all kinds are jumping on this trend, looking to use a trip for/with employees to improve productivity.
In-person, Remote, Hybrid: Events According to the Format
If we’re talking about efficiency in a corporate event, an example could be remote events that can be held with lots of guests and a lower budget. On the other hand, if we’re talking about glamour, nothing beats an all out in-person event; the intermediary solutions that we see in hybrid events could be useful for companies with locations across the globe.
As you can see, depending on the adopted format, the kind of corporate events can change. Different models present both advantages and disadvantages that organisers must evaluate before, during and after the event. The knowledge from this is as big as it is necessary in a changing sector that's subject to trends like the MICE sector.
Urban or Rural: New Kind of Corporate Events
From all the previously mentioned kinds of events, there’s one that can be characterised as a new kind of corporate event. These are events that aren’t held in function of the realised activity, but instead where they’re held. Rural events deserve special mention in this category, which have been on the rise in recent years as companies take advantage of natural environments that are far from busy urban centres.
Rural events can take on the form of meetings, teambuilding or a fair (or any of the previously mentioned forms), but they all have one thing in common: the organisation in villages, country homes, rural areas and natural environments. At these events, the environment tends to be a central pillar of the organisation and seeks to provide a more relaxed and less formal event.
Malaga: the Ideal Place for MICE Events
From one side to the other, Malaga brings together innumerable spaces for all kinds of corporate events. Are you looking for unique locations where privacy is key? Malaga’s countryside is for you. Or do you prefer locations on the beach? We have everything you are looking for.
On the other hand, in addition to the most charming places that you could imagine, Costa de Sol has an extensive selection of hotels where you can book rooms and hold all kinds of events. If you already know where you want to go and the event you need to plan, what are you waiting for? Choose the place and the best service providers today.
