The document provides information on upcoming events and developments in the MICE industry across Central and Eastern Europe. Some of the key points include: - The Hotel Jalta in Prague has opened a Museum of the Cold War in its former anti-atomic bunker. - Czech Airlines has renewed regular flights between Prague, Bratislava, and Košice. - The film industry in India is increasingly filming movies in the Czech Republic's scenic locations. - Prague has seen strong growth in the number of international conferences and delegates hosted in recent years, cementing its status as a major European congress destination.

1. www.mice-cee.com 2014/2015
Great hotels & venues
in Prague
MORAVIA:MORAVIA:
Incentive Events in the LandIncentive Events in the Land
of Wine, Music and Danceof Wine, Music and Dance
GO CZECHGO CZECH
REPUBLICREPUBLIC
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2. PRAGUE’S HOTEL JALTA
OPENS A SPECIAL MUSEUM
Thefive-starHotelJaltaatWenceslasSquarehasopenedaMuseumoftheColdWarinitsanti-
atomicbunker.ThemuseumcanbevisitednotonlybyguestsoftheJalta,butanyonewitha
reservation.Therenownedbunker,locatedinthehotel’ssecondbasement,couldhideupto
150personsduringthelongstandoffEast-Weststandoff,whenitservedasheadquartersforthe
WarsawPact.Themuseumisexpectedtobeamajordrawingcard,notonlyforlocals,butMICE
andothertouristswhogrewuphearingaboutthisfamedlandmark,andcannowrelishseeingit
inanentirelynewrole.
TheadditionoftheMuseumoftheColdWarwillcomplimentHotelJalta’soffersstellarconference
facilities,whichencompass fourhalls,thelargestofwhichaccomodatesupto150persons,and
theatreseatingthatspans200squaremetres.TheConferenceFoyeralsooffersanadditional186
squaremetres.Thehotel’slocationintheheartofcitycentreenablesguestsanddelegatestovisit
importanthistoricalsitesalongpicturesquestreetsbyfoot. {
I
n December 2013, Czech
Airlines renewed its regular
connection between Prague,
Czech Republic, and
Bratislava and Košice in
Slovakia. The two-hour, five minute
Prague – Bratislava – Košice run
(including the stopover) operates
every Monday, Wednesday and
Friday, with the number of daily
flights set to double as of March 2014
(except for Saturdays). In addition,
there are two direct flights between
Prague and Košice twice daily. „This
doesn’t match the five daily flights
that were schedueld during the 80s,“
according to Czech Airline’s press
officer Dan Šabík. But it represents
a big step forward for those planning
MICE trips to CEE countries. {
Indian Film Industry
Heads to the Czech
Republic
Tourism isn’t the only industry that has been
captivated by the Czech Republic. Producers
from Bollywood - where more films are made
than any other place in the world, including
Hollywood - are now flocking to use the
country premier scenery as backdrops for
future movie releases. Bollywood’s discovery
of the Czech Republic is expected to follow
the example of Switzerland, where a series
of films targeting viewers in the Indian
subcontinent has attracted an estimated
200,000 Indian tourists to that country,
transforming it into the third most popular
destination for Indian tourists.
Now that it has captured Bollywood’s
attention, the Czech Republic is trying to
emulate the Swiss, with the first filming
of various flicks expected to begin during
May and June. Milk and Honey Pictures,
for example, has a high-budget production
subtitled Bang Bang in the works. Director
Siddharth Ananda is eager to start production
at Orlík – a dam close to Prague – as well in
Český Krumlov and Kutná Hora, picturesque
nearby towns. „Indian filmmakers have
shown great interest in shooting films in
the Czech Republic and their interest is
conditioned by investment incentives for
the film productions,“ said Helena Fraňková,
State Fund for Cinematography head at
the Czech Film Commission. „If we manage
to secure the funding for these incentives,
we will have five interested parties from
large Bollywood film productions alerady
confirmed.“ {
NEWS FROM CEE
MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/2014 5
Czech Airlines: new
connections between Prague,
Bratislava and Košice
Best Western Central Europe (BWCE) added
two new 3-star hotels at the end of 2013
– the superior Best Western Hotel Vista
in Ostrava and Best Western Hotel Roca
in Košice. The chain owns sixteen hotels
in the Czech republic and five hotels in
Slovakia. BWCE is a regional organization
representing more than 70 hotels in Austria,
the Czech republic, Slovakia, Hungary,
Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and
Macedonia. It is headed by Ivona Meissner of
Slovakia. {
Best Western Central Europe boosts
presence in the Czech republic and Slovakia
By Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision, from Czech Film Commission
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3. MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/ 20146
NEWS FROM CEE
GERMANY: Receives more than
70 million overnight stays
For the fourth year
in a row, foreign
visitors to Germany
in 2013 accounted
for more than 71.6
million overnight
stays in German mass
accommodation
facilities with ten or
more beds, according
to the German
Statistical Office.
This represents a
four percent growth
from a year ago.
The increase was credited mostly to increasing numbers of tourists from the UK,
Russia, Switzerland, Poland, and the Middle East. Most of the arrivals visited Bavaria
and Berlin. The number of foreign tourists who come to Germany has been rising
since 2009, thanks to an upsurge in visitors from Switzerland, Russia, UK, Poland,
Netherlands and China. {
AZERBAIJAN: Fairmont Baku
Flame Towers
InBaku,thecapitalofAzerbaijan,theFairmontHotels&Resortschainin2013opened
FairmontBaku,FlameTowers,theluxurybrand’sfirstdevelopmentintheemerging
destination.LocatedwithinthehighestpartofthecityintheheartofBaku’svibrant
centre,thisawardwinningcomplexlieswithinoneofthethreeFlameTowersandranksas
thetallestbuildingcomplexinthecountry.
Thehotelboaststheverybestinlocaldiningandentertainment,astate-of-the-arthealth
club,luxuriousESPAspafacilityand318superblyappointedguestrooms,suites,and
servicedapartments.Guestscanenjoysevendiningoptionsatthehotel,fromupscaleto
casualoutdoorfare,alongwith24-hourroomservice.
Perfectforeventsandmeetings,FairmontBaku,FlameTowersoffersover2,500square
metresofmulti-usefunctionspace,includingtwoballrooms,nineadditionalmeeting
rooms,outdoorvenuesandabusinesscentre. {
BUDAPEST – MOSCOW
WizzAir, the largest low-cost
airline in the CEE region announced
a significant increase of flights on
their routes between Budapest and
the Vnukovo International Airport
in Moscow. Between June 14 and
September 14, the airlines will offer
two flights per day, increasing the
frequency of the flights between
these two cities and encouring
the connection between these two
countries.
BUDAPEST – MINSK
Another new connection is
between Budapest and Belarus,
following up on the Budapest-
Belgrade connection. The flight by
Belavia arrive in Budapest twice a
week, on Mondays and Thursdays.
The aircraft will leave Minsk at 13: 45
local time and lands in the Hungarian
capital after a flight of appx. 2
hours. Then, the flight continues to
Belgrade, before embarking on the
return journey in the late afternoon,
at 18:35, arriving in Minsk at
21:30, thereby also linking Serbia to
Hungary and Belarus. {
POLAND: MPI
EMEC 2015 will be
in Krakow!
TheMPIEuropeanMeetingsandEvents
ConferencewillbeorganizedonFebruary
1-3,2015inKrakow,Poland.EMECisan
annualmeetingorganisedbytheMeeting
ProfessionalsInternational,whichbrings
togethermorethan20000plannersand
suppliersfrommorethan90countriesaround
theworld.Sofar,theconferencehasnever
tookplaceinPoland. {
HUNGARY: New flight connections
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4. A
ccording to the Czech Statistical Office, the
number of Prauge-based events has grown
by 20 percent in the last five years while
individuals participating in these events
has jumped by a whopping 40 percent. In
2012, that amounted to 570,000 delegates. These statistics
only include associated congresses that are international and
regularly rotate between at least 3 destinations. When other
factors are taken into account, the number of delegates who
attend the various MICE events – including corporate ones
– clocks in at around 800,000. Congress tourism generates
more than 20 million Czech crowns in the Czech capital,
with each delegate spending, on average, 350 euros per
event, more than three times the rate of ordinary tourists.
Further improvements in infranstructure and conditions of
future MICE events is likely to produce even greater returns.
Inernational visitors have long recognized Prague, not
only for its beauty, but its romantic charm, which makes
the Czech capital an easy sell as a major European congress
destination. Another strong selling point is that most
important historical sites in the city are easily accessible by
foot, including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, National
Theatre, as well as a plethora of architectonic wonders
that are nestled beside one another along the picturesque
Romantic city increasingly popular as a congress destination
MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/ 201412
In the last five years, Prague has become increasingly popular as a congress
destination, hosting more and more international events and delegates each
year. In 2011, the number of events jumped from 19th
to 14th
among international
visitors, according to the International Congress and Convention Association
(ICCA). And in 2012 the City of a Hundred Spires ranked 11th
internationally while
climbing to 10th
among European visitors. Prague’s recognition as a fashionable
destination is attributable to the greater interconnectedness and cooperation
between state institutions and businesses in the congress tourism space.
࡯ By Zuzana Adamson
mantic city increasingly pppppppppppoooopular as a congress dest
Prague:
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5. streets of Old Town, including Jewish synagogues and
the old Jewish cemetery. History aficianados can pick
from a wide range of architectural gems, including
gothic, baroque or Secession styles, all rife with
ambiance that can electrify any event. More
importantly, many quality five and four-
star hotels with conference capacity
are situated in the city’s historical
center, so delegates don‘t need to
waste time or money time with
transport. Another bonus is that
the charming historical city centre
is within easy walking distance.
And many cafes and restaurants in
the area as well as other sites offer both
networking and leisure activities.
Vistors who stay at hotels unable to
accommodateconferencescanoptforoneoftheremarkable
historical venues such as Žofín island. Surrounded by the
Vltava River, it features Žofín Palace, a leading centre for
cultural and social life in Prague since 1837. The famous
meeting place of politicians, international congresses,
leading corporations, as well as favorite venue for balls and
concerts, Žofín Palace can accommodate up to 850 persons.
Another venue, similarly awash in history, is Slavic
House (Slovanský dům), which has hosted
noteworthy society and business activities
since 1797. Its extensive renovation in
2000 included modern facilities that
provided 1,200 additional square
metres. Unlike before, the venue can
now easily accommodate Czech and
international companies and their
conferences, gala dinners, balls and
business presentations. Slavic House
is close to Municipal House, which
offers an array of seccesion halls adorned
with artistic flourishes by Czech painters and
sculptors from the second half of the 19th
century. The
largest facility, Smetana Hall, can host up to 432 people
in a meeting setting, 700 for cocktail events, and 1,149 for
presentations (theatre set.).
t. More
our-
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offers a
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MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/2014 13
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6. MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/ 201416
Great Venues
ᕡ BASTION PRAGUE
RESTAURANT
The attractive locality of the restaurant and
its culinary concept afford an uncommon
gastronomic experience. The restaurant is
named after a historic bastion, built as part of
a fortification during the construction of the
southern part of Prague Nové Město undertaken
by Charles IV in 1348. The Bastion Prague Restaurant offers international and modern Czech cuisine,
and can accommodate up to 50 guests. In summer the capacity of the restaurant can be extended by
a further 100 places by opening up a neighbouring space linked to the town walls. Its location offers
extraordinary views of the Vyšehrad opposite and of Prague’s skyline. Suitable for company parties,
wedding receptions, fashion shows, concerts and open-air film screenings. www.bastion-prague.cz
ᕢ VILLA RICHTER
Restaurants at Prague Castle
Villa Richter Restaurants is a unique complex set in the historical St
Wenceslas’ vineyard of the Prague Castle, which offers a stay in the
centre of Prague with unforgettable views of sights, a top standard of
service and highly qualified staff. Villa Richter Restaurants is composed
of two interconnected areas – Piano Nobile and Piano Terra – which
can be utilized separately or as a whole for larger events. Whileoffering
gueststhepossibilityofretreatingfromtherestoftheworld,weprovidea
widerangeofservicesfororganizingsocialandconferenceeventswitha
capacityofcloseto800guests.For more information visit our website at
www.villarichter.cz or e-mail us at sales@villarichter.cz
ᕣ HARD ROCK CAFE
Hard Rock Cafe Prague is a four-storey
restaurant and special events venue situated
in a historically significant and beautifully
decorated building located in the heart of Old
Prague. Offering more than just great food
and exceptional service, it’s also a rock ‘n’
roll restaurant as well as museum of popular
culture,withauthenticmemorabiliafromrock
legendscoveringthewalls.HardRockCafefeatures2semi-privaterooms,2vibrantbars,anexclusive
5-metreguitar-shapedchandelier,aconcertstageandthecapacityforgroupsof15to650guests.For
moreinformation,pleasevisitwww.hardrock.com/prague, e-mail Zuzana_Kazdova@hardrock.com
or simply call at +420 224 229 529.
ᕤ ELEGANTES
Create your memories of Elegantes restaurant and start your
evening with a signature aperitif cocktail in 1887 bar. Your taste
will be prepared for a wonderful cuisine and excellent service,
combining together to ensure a truly memorable fine dining
experience. The refined ambience is enhanced by a strong
connection to St. Thomas church. Moreover we are the only place
where you taste the unique St. Thomas beer, brewed according to
the oldest recipe. The menu represents an elegant European cuisine
composedofseasonalandlocalingredients.TomakethedishesmoretastefulExecutiveChefRobertLoos
grows his own herbs behind the restaurant with the assistance of Augustinian monks.
Contact: Letenská 12/33, 118 00 Prague 1, Tel: +420 266 112 280, Fax: +420 266 112 234,
Mail: restaurant@elegantes.cz, website www.elegantes.cz
4GREAT RESTAURANTS
IN PRAGUE
DESTINATION PRAGUE
GREATEST BUSINESS
PRINCIPLES II.
People are persuaded by reason, but
moved by emotion, the leader must
both persuade them and move them.
Richard M. Nixon
Tell me and I will forget, show me
and I may remember, involve me and
I will understand.
Chinese proverb
Opportunity is missed by most
people because it comes dressed in
overalls and looks like work.
Thomas Edison
There is no security on this earth.
There is only opportunity.
Douglas MacArthur
Outstanding leaders go out of
their way to boost the self-esteem of
their personnel. If people believe in
themselves, it‘s amazing what they can
accomplish.
Sam Walton
The difference between a successful
person and others is not a lack of
strength, not a lack of knowledge, but
rather a lack of will.
Vince Lombardi
There is nothing so useless as doing
efficiently that which should not be
done at all.
Peter Drucker
I don’t know the key to success, but
the key to failure is trying to please
everybody.
Bill Cosby
Don’t be afraid to take a big step
when one is indicated. You can’t cross
a chasm in two small steps.
David Lloyd George
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7. MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/ 201420
DESTINATION PRAGUE
Choose
from
great dmc
AGENCIES3 Prague
Event Solutions
Martin Limberský,
Managing Director
WHO WE ARE
PragueEventSolutions
isPrague’sleadingfull-
serviceeventand
destinationmanagementcompany.Werely
onourexpertiseineventmanagementand
organization,aswellasourcommitmentto
theprincipleofintegrity.Weutilizeourlocal
knowledge,aswellasextensivelistingof
onlythemostreliableandprofessional
vendorsavailable.
WHAT WE CAN DO
Wecreateindividualmomentsofmagic,
whichturnintolastingimpressions.Wehave
theexpertise,talent,experienceand
creativitytoconceptualizeandco-ordinate
anylargeorsmall-scaledevent.Weensure
thatyourprimeobjectivesaremetandthat
youraudienceandguestsareastonishingly
impressed.Ourteamdeliversexcellence,
creativityandmostofall,memorableand
productiveexperiencesforyourattendees
andguests.
REFERENCES
MADONNA,MICROSOFT’SWORLDLEADERS
FORUM,NASPERSINTERNATIONAL,ORANGE,
SITA,KPMG,CARGILL,LUMENIS,KEMIN
FOODS,RECALL,PFIZER,UNITEDHERITAGE,
SPIRENT,SABMILLER,KIA,KEYSYSTEMS,THE
BOSTONCONSULTINGGROUP,
NUTRICIA,TRANSMEDICS,ABERDEENASSET
MANAGEMENT,HOSPIRA,ASAHIKASEI
MEDICAL,INSPARO,COFACE,MEDISON,
QUINTILES
CONTACT DETAILS
PragueEventSolutions
PodVilami10
14000Prague4
CzechRepublic
T.+420603751268
E:info@pragueeventsolutions.com
W:www.pragueeventsolutions.com
Kuoni Destination
Management
Martin Cerha,
Managing Director
WHO WE ARE
KuoniDestination
ManagementPrague,
establishedin2001,iswell
knowninternationallyasa
flexibleandefficientDMC/PCO.Ourexperienced
teamofmultilingualprofessionalsishereto
helpyoumeetallofyourserviceneeds.Our
servicestoourclientsaresupportedbyvery
wellestablishedrelationshipswithlocal
suppliersandhotelsinalldesiredcategories.
Wecanalsooperateallkindsofunique
projectsinHUNGARY,SLOVAKIAandPOLAND.
WHAT WE CAN DO
Ourcorecompetenceisdeveloping,planning,
andimplementingmeetings,seminars,
conferences,companyevents,anniversaries,
productlaunches,presentations,incentives,
congresses,sportsandmore.Wearebasedin
theCZECHREPUBLICandduetoourGlobal
Networkweoperateallovertheworld.Our
businessperformance,purchasingpower,
flexibilityandworldwideexperienceinthe
travelandtourismindustryallowusto
embraceevenmoremarketsandincreaseour
portfolioofsatisfiedclients.Weofferyoua
combinationofauthenticexperience,
innovativeapproachesandrealpassion.
REFERENCES
Microsoft,Deloitte,Novartis,Emerson,Texas
Instrument,Cisco,HP,Bang&Olufsen,SEPG
conference,Kaspersky,Toyota,Iveco,AGCglass,
EOS,Egis,Sandoz, Ricoh,Ipsen,Pfizer,Ingelheim
Boehringer,Bioderma,AstraZeneca,Abbott,
Lundbeck,JanssenPharmaceutica,Roche,Abdi
Ibrahim,Novonordisk,WorldHypertension
League,Organon,Amway,PrudentialLife
Insurance,AIG,MSD,KimberlyClark,Schiedel,FC
Bayern,FCBarcelona,FCChelsea,Manchester
United,FCEverton,FCLiverpool,FCArsenal,FC
Sevilla,Vikingrivercruises,AHIcruises,Euroclassic
andmanyothertravelmanagementcompanies,
corporates,associationsandsoon.
CONTACT DETAILS
Spalena4/82,11000,Prague1CzechRepublic
dmc.prg@cz.kuoni.com
Phone: +420224990190
Fax: +420224990199
W:www.kuoni-prague.cz
www.kuoni-dmceurope.com
Ovation
Czech Republic
Sylvie Neves,
Managing Director
WHO WE ARE
OvationCzechRepublic
ispartofOvationGlobal
DMC,aleadingnetwork
ofDestinationManagementCompanies
providingBest-in-classDMCservicesto
associations,corporationsandagenciesat
125+locationsthroughoutEurope,Middle
East,Africa,Asia,NorthAmericaandSouth
America.
Thankstoourindustryexperienceand
extensivelocalknowledge,weassistour
clientstoachievetheirgoals.
WHAT WE CAN DO
Matchingdestinationtocustomerobjectives,
Destinationconnections(who’swho),Event
creativeanddesign,Venuesourcingand
accommodationmanagementaresomeofthe
capabilitieswedeploytoensuretherelevant
exposureandexcellentdeliveryon-site.
Ourclientsespeciallyappreciateourabilityto
buildandleveragethehumancapitalin
relationships.
“PeopleandrelationshipsaretheDNAof
OvationGroup.Throughouropenness,
passionandexpertisewedevelopyourvision
andmakeithappen!”
REFERENCES
ABBOTT,AMWAY,DINERSCLUBINTERNATIONAL,
DR.PEPPER,ERNST&YOUNG,FERRING,
FUSE,MICOM,NOVARTIS,PROCTER&GAMBLE,
ANDMANYMORE…
Fortestimonialsandcasestudiesplease
check:http://ovationdmc.com/testimonials/
CONTACT DETAILS
OvationCzechRepublic
KarlaEnglise6
15000Prague5
CzechRepublic
T.:+420255725460
E:sylvie.neves@ovationdmc.com
W:www.ovationdmc.com
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8. WELCOME IN PRAGUE! YOU
CAN CHOOSE FROM THE
BEST HOTELS AND VENUES,
WE HAVE ALL YOU NEED.
MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/2014 21
&HOTELS
VENUES
IN PRAGUE
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9. MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/ 201422
3
DESIGN HOTEL YASMIN
HOTEL JURYS INN PRAGUE
CAPACITY
Conference rooms m2
Theatre School U-shape Banquet Party
YASMIN I. 83 75 40 30 36 75
YASMIN II. 50 50 30 20 24 50
YASMIN III. 90 75 60 30 36 75
YASMIN I.+II. 133 125 90 50 60 125
YASMIN II+III 140 125 90 50 60 125
YASMIN I+II+III 223 200 150 80 96 200
CAPACITY
Classroom Theatre U-Shape Banquet Cocktail
Area
(sq.metres)
Riverdance 60 100 32 60 90 91,8
Hibernia 24 60 20 40 60 62,05
Riverdance & Hibernia 110 160 60 100 150 153,85
★ ★ ★ ★SUPERIOR
★ ★ ★ ★
HOTEL YASMIN
ADDRESS: Politických vězňů 913/12
110 00 Prague 1
TEL.: +420 234 100 100
FAX: +420 234 100 125,
E-MAIL: info@hotel-yasmin.cz,
WEB: www.hotel-yasmin.cz
HOTEL JURYS INN PRAGUE
ADDRESS: Sokolovská 11
186 00 Prague 8
TEL.: +420 226 222 600
FAX: +420 226 222 610
E-MAIL: info_prague@jurysinns.com
WEB: www.jurysinns.com/hotels/prague
offers 3 multifunctional conference rooms for up to 200
persons few steps from Wenceslas square.
• Suitable for press conferences business
meetings, corporate trainings and other
events
• 196 luxury design rooms on seven floors
• Catering services – Restaurant Café Bar
Noodles
• Complimentary high speed WiFi internet
• Full audio-visual equipment
• Secretarial and concierge services
• Enhanced fresh air conditioning
Totalnumberofguestrooms 214
StandardSuperior 214
ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES
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10. T
he South Moravian hub has 370,000
inhabitants and is the second largest
city in the Czech Republic. In the last
few years, it has developed
and promoted itself as
the "centre of commerce, science
and research", based on a strategy
of building technological and
scientific centres. The rising
number of companies active
in IT, telecommunications,
software development and hi-
tech fields present in the city
has earned it the nickname
of "Czech Sillicon Valley".
This strategy has spawned the
Technology Park Brno, a joint
investment of the city of Brno and the
UK company P&O, which will provide 190,000 square
metres of office premises to companies active in research
or light industries. Currently, there are already 17
companies with more than 4,000 employees,
including IBM, FEI, Motorola,
Vodafone, Silicon Graphics and
others. The Technology Park
Brno is connected to the Brno
University of Technology.
As a university city with
approximately 80,000
students, Brno has favourable
conditions for development.
The Moravian metropolis
is also the seat of several
leading, world-renowned
technological institutions, oriented
towards genome research, bio-
MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/ 201428
A City that Invests in Large-scale
Scientific Institutions
BRNO:
has developed
itself as
ence
gy
d
e
oint
nd the
companies with
including
Vodafo
othe
Br
U
A
is
lea
techn
towards
CITIES & REGIONS
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11. medicine, the development of various food components
including genetical modification, as well as brain and
mind research. "Czech Silicon Valley" or Frankenstein's
laboratory? The technological institute CEITEC is based
in Brno; in the works is a project of the international
clinical research institute IRCR, in partnership with the
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, US, one of the world's leading
research institutions alongside CERN and ISS. Both
institutions are set to gather more than 1,000 scientists.
The Integrated Laboratories of Biomedical Technologies
(ILBIT) is also located in Brno.
These modern developments contrast with the
picturesque historical city centre, boasting architectonic
sights in various styles, cosy cafés and plenty of culture and
sports facilities. The UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat,
a gem of functionalist architecture, attracts many foreign
visitors. Further sought-after sights include the Špilberk
Castle, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, or Saint
James's Church. Shopping fans can check out the Vaňkovka
Mall. The four-star hotels in Brno–12 in all–offer 1,478
rooms, and 26 other three-star hotels provide a further 1,380
rooms, a number of which include conference facilities.
MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE - 1/2014 29
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12. www.plzen2015.cz
Pilsen, alongside the Belgian city of Mons, will hold
the title of European Capital of Culture in 2015. The
slogan of the Pilsen project is “Open Pilsen!” Apart from
a witty take on the famous Pilsen beer, the catchphrase
also alludes to openness to new ideas and the world.
The programme of the European Capital of Culture
offers more than 650 cultural events throughout the
year, including new circus acts, grand exhibitions
and concerts, theatre and dance. The transformation
of Pilsen into a cultural metropolis of Europe will
commence in autumn 2014, when the famous French
Manège Carré Senart sets up its base in the city centre.
The traditional Christmas market is also set for change.
The gala opening will take place on 17 January 2015
with attendance by many Czech and foreign artists,
and will culminate with a performance by world-famous
tightrope walker Dimitri and the ringing of the new bells
of the Pilsen Cathedral.
In 2015 visitors will be able to see exhibitions of the
Munich Secession movement and the West Bohemian
Baroque, puppet shows, animated works and others.
Adolf Loos’ remarkable interior designs as well as the
Great Synagogue, one of the largest in Europe, are
other sights to catch. A new theatre, the most modern
in the Czech Republic, will open, as will a multicultural
centre Světovar. There will also be a nine-week long
Baroque programme across the Pilsen, with exhibitions
and other events taking place in impressive cloister
complexes created by famous Baroque architects
such as J. B. Santini Aichel, K. I. Dientzenhofer or
J. Augustine.
Pilsen—
European Capital
of Culture 2015
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