Connections Meetings is the international networking event for professionals in the high-end meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) sector.
We bring together a carefully selected group of 80 decision makers to do business in an environment that leads to longer-lasting business relationships.
The suppliers in attendance are national, regional and city convention bureaus, hotels, DMCs and companies offering innovative event services. The global buyers are corporate and incentive meeting planners who serve multinational companies.
Alongside their one-on-one meetings, delegates take part in our educational programme – they discuss trends and challenges facing the market with their peers. Each event is themed around a different “MICE Megatrend”, so delegates gain valuable insights for their business each time they attend.
Launched in 2015, with the first event in Portugal, Connections Meetings has taken place in Ecuador, Italy and Spain, with partners and sponsors including Full Team Networks, MindMeeting, MICE Roots, WATA, Kongres magazine, Grupo Eventoplus, Meetings International, Dynamo Academy and Euromonitor International.
Connections Meetings connects global corporate event planners with suppliers that offer facilities and services for high-end meetings, events, conferences and incentives.
Optional and only by request through cnugas@portugalnolimits.com . Spouse programme supported by Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort and Portugal No Limits.
15:00
Check In
Duration: All day
Transfers for all attendees from Faro airport to Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort sponsored by VIP Chauffeurs. Check in starts at 15h00.
18:30
Connections informal cocktail reception sponsored by Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
Opening welcome with Micaela Giacobbe of Connections, Luis Coelho of Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort and Cristina Nugas of Portugal No Limits
Duration: 45 minutes
Location: Global room
09:15
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
10:00
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
10:45
Coffee break
Duration: 30 minutes
Your opportunity to catch up with emails and calls back in the office
11:15
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
12:00
ConnecTalk Panel Discussion: “Safety and security – recovering from a crisis”
Duration: 1 hour
Moderated by Russ Watts, Dynamo with Elena Altemir, Marc Mekki and Lalit Chadha
13:00
Connections lunch sponsored by Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Ria restaurant
14:00
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
14:45
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
15:30
Coffee break
Duration: 30 minutes
Your opportunity to catch up with emails and calls back in the office
16:00
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
16:45
Connections Group Discussions: "Business Travel Prospects in Uncertain Times" with Alexander Göransson, Lead Analyst for Euromonitor International
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
18:00
Free time
Duration: 1 hour
19:00
Transfer to Conrad Algarve sponsored by VIP Chauffeurs
Duration: 30 minutes
19:30
Connections dinner sponsored by Conrad Algarve
Duration: 2 hours
21:45
Transfer to Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort sponsored by VIP Chauffeurs
Saturday, 17th March
06:30
Optional gym
07:00
Connections breakfast
Duration: 2 hours
Location: Victoria restaurant
08:45
Dynamic improvisation workshop with Russ Watts, facilitator at Dynamo Academy
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Building on knowledge gained from the previous sessions, Dynamo Academy will help delegates identify actions they can take moving forward relating to Safety and Security. Russ and the Dynamo Academy team are experts at learning via gamification. They will lead a fun, lively workshop, where delegates will work as a group to co-create and dramatise problems and solutions. At the end of the workshop, each group will share their dramatic take on Safety and Security in the MICE industry.
10:00
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
10:45
Coffee break
Duration: 30 minutes
Your opportunity to catch up with emails and calls back in the office
11:15
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
12:00
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
12:45
Connections lunch sponsored by Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Victoria restaurant
13:45
Free time
Duration: 45 minutes
14:30
Transfer to Pine Cliffs a Luxury Collection Resort sponsored by VIP Chauffeurs
Duration: 30 minutes
15:00
Welcome briefing
Duration: 15 minutes
15:15
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
16:00
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
16:45
Coffee break
Duration: 15 minutes
17:00
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
17:45
Meet at the supplier’s table and choose a Connections Experience
Duration: 45 minutes
18:30
Connections cocktail reception sponsored by Pine Cliffs a Luxury Collection Resort
Duration: 45 minutes
19:30
Connections closing dinner at Pine Cliffs a Luxury Collection Resort supported by Turismo de Portugal
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
22:00
Transfer to Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort sponsored by VIP Chauffeurs
Duration: 30 minutes
Sunday, 18th March
12:00
Check out
Duration: All day
VIP transfers for all attendees from Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort to Faro airport
Debuting Anantara’s authentic luxury in Europe, Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort offers a landmark of quiet prestige, along with southern Portugal’s picturesque Algarve coast. Immerse in Vilamoura’s glamour from a tranquil...
Luis Coelho
Global Sales Manager - MICE International
Our focus is on delivering outstanding results, value and satisfaction to our owners, guests, shareholders and associates. With drive, determination and a highly developed sense of partnership. We will add...
Russ Watts
Senior Facilitator
Building on knowledge gained from the previous sessions, Dynamo Academy will help delegates identify actions they can take moving forward relating to Safety and Security. Russ and the Dynamo Academy...
Alexander Göransson
Lead Analyst at Euromonitor International
Alexander Göransson is a Lead Analyst at Euromonitor International specialising in Service Industries, including Travel.
In his current position Alexander works closely with a dedicated team of in-country analysts to...
Conrad Algarve
Official dinner sponsor
A place that understands the subtleties of style, and the subtleties of you. A place that provides you with a one-of-a-kind experience. A place that inspires you to discover local...
Russ Watts
Principal at Living Matters Coaching and Consulting
Building on knowledge gained from the previous sessions, Dynamo Academy will help delegates identify actions they can take moving forward relating to Safety and Security. Russ and the Dynamo Academy...
Pine Cliffs Resort
Official closing dinner sponsor
Located atop the dramatic red Algarvian cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean, Pine Cliffs, A Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve affords a privileged position, with views spanning the soft sand beaches,...
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Dress Code
The Connections way works best when you embrace the experiences on offer. We would like you to be prepared so here are some useful information in advance of the event.
During the day we would advise that all delegates to dress in a comfortable/casual attire. Some of the experiences on offer may require a bit of walking so we advise no heels!
Suits are not required – we all like you to look your best, but our programme being quite active, suits won’t work that well!
Ties are not required – even with the evening programme, we are in a relaxed environment and want you to feel comfortable.
Think carefully about heels – heels can be a problem if you want to join some of the activities on offer, so if you’re going to wear heels, consider bringing some flats too so you don’t miss out.
Weather: the average temperature is likely to be 15°C, with highs of up to 17°C and lows of 11°C. There may be some rainy days, so bare showers in mind when you pack.
We do advise that all delegates take their own necessities, which may include, insect repellent, medical supplies, etc.
Connections Experiences
Connections Experiences are sponsored by our Host Hotel, Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort and our official DMC, Portugal No Limits. Here at Connections Meetings, we’re dedicated to creating the best possible environment to help our buyers and suppliers create deep,lasting business relationships with each other. We put a significant amount of thought into the planning of the schedule to ensure ample time to meet as many people as possible. Even our lunches, dinners and transfers are geared toward relationship forming opportunities. Connections Experiences are intended to act as replacements for tabletop introductory meetings. Instead of sitting in a conventional one to one meeting, we encourage you to try an activity together for 10 – 15 minutes as an icebreaker and then return to your assigned table to discuss further business opportunities.
Here is a list of activities, to give you an idea of what to expect:
Experiences offered by Portugal No Limits: - Two classic cars - Meet the Portuguese water dog - Bike rides - Tile painting - Cork jewerelly
Experiences offered by Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort: - Meet at the presidential suite - Pastry class - Spa experience - Wine Masterclass - Golf - Garden walks/Explore the grounds-pass aromatic herbs - Games room
Please note Connections Experiences are subject to change.
Spouse programme: Optional and only by request through cnugas@portugalnolimits.com. We are delighted to introduce a spouse programme provided by our host hotel Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort and our official DMC for the event, Portugal No Limits. This is provided at a preferential rate. Please contact jpires@tivoli-hotels.com for accommodation.
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