There are so many industry networking events it’s difficult to know which one to choose. They mostly follow the same format; welcome party, meetings, team build, dinner, more meetings, so it’s usually the destination that makes our decision for us. It’s was therefore refreshing to see M&I Forums introduce something different with the first of their sporting events last year, Tour de MICE, Tenerife.
As a keen cyclist I didn’t hesitate in signing up as it promised a once-in-a-life-time experience and it didn’t disappoint. It still delivered the business element with 25 pre-scheduled appointments with, hotels, DMCs and specialist venues in the major European regions, but more importantly it bonded a small group of buyers and suppliers with a common interest as I’ve never experienced before. The interaction between everyone over the 3 days was amazing sharing both their cycling experiences as well as their industry views and knowledge.
Tour de MICE certainly lived up to its name as we toured around the beautiful island of Tenerife. A truly amazing Island thanks to its diversity, weather and authenticity. What a perfect way to discover Tenerife’s colours, flavours, sunshine and volcanic landscape. https://www.webtenerife.co.uk/tenerife/the-island/
Day 1: Arrival at the iberostar Grand Hotel Mencey, Santa Cruz in the south. After a quick lunch we were taken to collect our bikes and then set out for a quick warm up ride along the coast. Day 2: After an early start and the first of our meeting sessions we cycled across to the stunning Ritz-Carlton Abama on the west coast. Day 3: Again an early start with meetings in the morning then the hard long climb over the top of the mountains to the North arriving at Meliá Hacienda del Conde in the late afternoon. We really felt like we were part of a professional cycling event with , guides, support vehicles and food stations along the way. This all sounds a bit extrema but it doesn’t have to be. They allow you to choose different routes depending on you’re cycling experience, they even supply electric bikes if you just want to cruise along so it really is something everyone can experience.
M&I Forum’s research showed that the most meaningful business connections are made through shared experiences and enthusiasm and they’re absolutely right. Don’t worry if you’re not a cyclist, their current calendar of events include, golf, hiking and yoga. If you are a cyclist the tour is off to the Costa Brava this year, see you there! https://www.mi-forums.com/buyers/index.aspx