The business of pleasure

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(Photo credit: Darryl Bennett).

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A business trip to Rio de Janeiro, the home of the hedonistic carnival, is an alien concept to most people. One does not go to Rio to work, one goes to Rio to get away from the stress of work. Perhaps it is the allure of picturesque vistas and the proximity of two of the sexiest beaches, Copacabana and Ipenama, that has encouraged more business to choose Rio as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions) destination.

The city of Rio now boasts large state-of-the-art auditoriums suitable for hosting events in very appealing surroundings. Organisers are now able to offer international organisations looking to hold a meeting or exhibition, a comprehensive event package. From organising fairs, congresses, exhibitions, to social gatherings the support services on offer include creation, planning and production of an event. The technology available covers all the necessary audio-visual equipment, simultaneous translation, transport and travel as well as accommodation in internationally rated business hotels.

Let's analyse; a growing economy, the largest convention centre in Latin America, over US$1bn in investment to improve infrastructure and a vibrant nightlife perfect for a little indulgence after a hard day's work. While the lure of the Carnival is strong and representative of what Rio de Janeiro has to offer, the current focus is no longer just the pleasure seeker.

Rio: a convention haven

Over the last few years Rio has become the preferred destination for conventions, exhibitions and incentive trips. For the past eight years the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has ranked Rio de Janeiro in first place, in America's ranking, and 26th in the world. From 2003 the number of events organised in Rio has continuously increased year on year and over 200 events have already been confirmed for 2009.

Ensuring that business visitors to Rio are well looked after, the current 23,000 hotel rooms will be increased to 28,000 over the next few years. With investment in the hospitality sector seen as both a strategic as well as financial decision many international hotel chains are developing properties in Rio. With an emphasis on offering excellent convention centres, with the capacity to host over 2,000 people, most new hotels are focusing on the lucrative business travel market.

Rio is a city that is buzzing, not just to Bozza Nova beat, but with a creative energy since many long-awaited projects are finally complete, validating the investments into newer projects. When Rio hosted the United Nations Conference in 1992 the federal government realised that the revenue generated by the year-round business traveller was worth a substantial investment. Since the conference the government has poured more than US$1bn to develop Rio's infrastructure. In addition to the millions spent on satellite communications the most obvious investment was the construction of a huge convention centre: Riocentro.

Preparing for the big events

One of the most overlooked aspect of Rio is: Riocentro, the largest convention centre in Latin America. The centre has five large pavilions which offers a total of 571,000 sq m of exhibition space. The centre is strategically located right in the heart of Barra da Tijuca, a modern and rapidly developing area, which is served by large shopping malls, show houses and most importantly the world-class beach.

Barra da Tijuca is located in Rio's Zona Oeste (Western Zone), which forms the boundary between Zona Norte (North Zone) and Zona Sul (South Zone). The North Zone comprises of industrial neighbourhoods while the South Zone is full of middle to upper class neighbourhoods nestled alongside beautiful beaches. The boundary between these two zones is home to several important museums and colonial buildings.

The Riocentro has two floors with a built-up area of 28,400 sq m, inclusive of a 2,500 sq m hall for exhibitions and an auditorium with 2,400 seats. The hi-tech features of the auditorium include simultaneous translation booths, sound system and projection system. The second floor is spread over a 1,000 sq m with four rooms capable of accommodating 600 people, in addition to a bar and service area.

Business amenities available include Wi-Fi networks, presentation equipment and technical services, internal transportation and medical stations, and a parking lot for up to 7,000 cars. While the convention centre is designed with functionality in mind, it does not neglect the aesthetic aspects. The natural lagoons and gardens all add to the tasteful design. The helicopter pad also provides the time-short business executive an excellent mode of transport so as to beat the Rio traffic jams.

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