On 2nd October 2012, the Portuguese Ambassador’s Residence in London played host to a truly memorable showcase event designed to pump up Porto and Portugal in the eyes of the international Meetings & Incentive (M&I) industry crowd. What we got was an engaging, dynamic and cleverly-curated experience that really put Porto on the map as one of Portugal’s hidden gems for corporate shindigs, incentive trips, conferences and trade shows.
The idea was straightforward yet packed a punch: bring the charm of Porto to London through a fabulous evening of culture, fine food, wine and networking with some of the UK’s top M&I players – all under the roof of one of the UK’s most iconic diplomatic residences. The outcome was an event that wowed the crowd and really cemented Porto’s position as a top choice for planners looking for a destination that’s rich in character and offers world-class hospitality.
Behind the Scenes: Who Organised the Event?
The Oporto Convention Bureau and Turismo de Portugal teamed up with Uniqueworld, asking them to come up with something truly unique, creative and top-notch. And that’s exactly what they got. Their aim was clear: to get Porto on the radar of UK corporate travel planners and show them why the region is the perfect place for meetings, incentive trips, and group getaways.
With backing from TAP Portugal, the event did a brilliant job of highlighting the region’s many strengths, from its cultural heritage to its modern infrastructure, and got the attention of key players in the MICE sector.
Who was in Attendance?
More than 60 of the UK’s top M&I buyers showed up, representing a range of agencies, corporates and industry partners. Their presence really added to the buzz and we got a lot of positive feedback from attendees who were keen to learn more about Porto as a destination.
We also got some great press coverage from:
- Conference News Magazine
- Association Meetings
- Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) Magazine
A top public relations agency was on hand to help spread the word about Porto, making sure our message reached a wider audience.
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a selection of Portuguese wines, local specialities and destination insights, all designed to highlight just how great Porto is for golf events, corporate meetings, international conferences, and incentive programmes.
Why Porto? A Destination with Heart and Soul
Porto’s one of the oldest tourist hotspots in Europe, with a rich history, stunning architecture and a cultural depth that’s hard to find anywhere else. Yet it’s also a city that’s not afraid to be modern, try new things and show off its contemporary side, a perfect mix that makes it a real stand-out for corporate planners.
Key strengths of Porto as an event destination
- Excellent connections via Porto Airport and major international routes
- Top quality hotels, from plush brands to boutique properties
- Excellent restaurants and award-winning gastronomy
- Unique venues for gala dinners, product launches and conferences
- Lively culture, including UNESCO-listed historic areas
- Strong infrastructure for large-scale events and exhibitions
Porto’s ability to strike a perfect balance between tradition and modernity makes it an absolute standout choice for planners looking for a destination with real character and world-class facilities.
What was the Event all About? & How Did it all Come Together?
The event was designed to promote Porto and Portugal to the UK’s Meetings & Incentive industry through a programme that was engaging yet structured.
4:00 PM — Registration & Welcome
Attendees arrived at the Ambassador’s Residence and were greeted with a refreshing white port cocktail. Each guest received a personalised badge that assigned them to a group for the evening’s activities, a simple but effective way to encourage networking and movement throughout the venue.
4:30 PM — One-to-One Meetings
The workshop kicked off with pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, giving buyers the chance to meet with:
- Hotels
- Resorts
- Venues
- Destination management companies (DMCs)
- Regional partners
6:30 PM — Presentations & Canapés
After the workshop, guests moved into another elegant room for the official presentations, with canapés served as a nice touch. We had:
- Filipe Silva, Ambassador of Portugal, welcome the attendees
- Carlos Oliveira gave a presentation about MI Porto
- The Convention Bureau unveiled the concept behind their new promotional film for Porto and the North
These presentations really put Porto’s place on the map in terms of Portugal’s tourism landscape and highlighted the region’s growing appeal for international corporate travel..
And the Winners are…
A real highlight of the evening was the prize draw where Deborah Hickling from TFI Group was one of only 5 ridiculously lucky winners of a trip to Porto complete with flights and accommodation. This had the effect of really driving home Porto’s reputation as a real partner to its visitors and the kind of place that is genuinely invested in building long term relationships.
Wine Tasting & Gastronomy: It’s Porto in a Glass
The evening just went from strength to strength with an immersive wine tasting session that was designed to keep anyone from a complete wine novice to a seasoned connoisseur fully engaged. We were lucky enough to have the wine tasting put together by a real expert in the field, a guy whose love affair with wine started in no small part thanks to a stint in the wine department at Harrods.
The wine tasting was all about:
- Blind tastings – because lets be honest, who doesn’t love a good blind tasting
- Identifying the different aromas (it’s harder than it looks, trust us!)
- Comparing different wines side by side: the ultimate wine geek activity
A whole load of insight into the rich and fascinating history of Porto’s wine trade
The guests had the chance to sample some of Porto’s very best wines all paired with some rather tasty canapés and desserts. This really was a masterclass in how to put on a wine tasting event that actually delivers on its promise of a great experience for all involved.
One of the stand-out wines of the evening was definitely the Rosa DouRosa Rossado, a real crowd pleaser and clear favourite among the guests.
The Event Awards and a few nice extras
The awards ceremony was a great way to wrap up the evening, as well as being able to celebrate the winners of the wine tasting session each of the guests also took home a nice bottle of wine as a memento of the evening. And before they all headed off on their merry way, the guests were each given a rather nice goody bag containing a few special treats such as:
- A beautiful official Porto wine glass designed by the legendary Siza Vieira
- Another bottle of wine to enjoy at their leisure
- A little bit of information and inspiration to keep them dreaming of Porto late into the night
These lovely little touches really do help to reinforce Porto’s identity as the kind of destination that truly cares about its visitors and wants to share its unique culture and heritage with them.
A Simply Unforgettable Experience
The event was a big success and did exactly what it set out to do, it made a real case for Porto as a destination that is dynamic, culturally rich, and utterly capable of delivering a truly unforgettable experience. By combining fine dining, creative ideas and some really authentic storytelling, it’s fair to say that the guests left with a much deeper appreciation for Porto’s potential – and many of them even left with plans to come back and experience it all for themselves.
Need Help with an Event?
If you are thinking of hosting an event with a Convention Bureau or Tourism Board in Portugal, but aren’t sure where to start then we would love to help. Our team is more than happy to support you in promoting your product, designing an event that really delivers, and connecting you with all the right people and partners in Portugal.
Would you like to receive more information for CVB or Tourism Board event planning? Contact us and we will be delighted to assist in promoting your product and services.
