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MEP Family & Friends Inspiration Day 2024: Insights and Highlights
Blog Writer: Eda Özden Günyüz, Managing Director of MEP
On December 12, 2024, the MEP Family & Friends Inspiration Day took place at the breathtaking Four Seasons Bosphorus in Istanbul. This annual event has become a cornerstone of our calendar, bringing together our talented team and esteemed global industry leaders for a day of knowledge sharing, forward-thinking ideas, and collaboration. This year was no exception, as eight speakers from diverse industries delivered thought-provoking insights and shared trends that are shaping the future.
The day began with Kerry Healy, Chief Commercial Officer at Accor Hotels, who set the tone by exploring the latest global hospitality trends. She emphasized the growing significance of sustainability, highlighting how practices such as “workations” and leisure travel are redefining the industry. Her insights on personalized experiences and the importance of marketing destinations “like a local” struck a chord with attendees, as did her perspective on self-care-focused travel and creating a legacy of exceptional customer experiences.
Next, Dan Bardgett, Managing Director of XSEM Agency, captivated the audience with his heartfelt exploration of purpose-driven workplace culture. Dan shared how XSEM’s philosophy—making people happy—has shaped its success. His reflections on fostering trust, authenticity, and cultural reset resonated deeply, as he underscored the exponential rise in workplace culture awareness over the past two decades.
Mikael Ek, SVP & Managing Director of BCD M&E EMEA, followed with a fascinating look into the world of meetings and events. Mikael’s focus on personalization, bespoke solutions, and sustainability offered a glimpse into why BCD boasts an impressive 98% client retention rate. He also shared how the EMEA region is poised to become a significant market within the company’s global strategy, aligning with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
The afternoon continued with Arran Cruickshanks, Managing Director of MCCGLC Experience Agency, who delved into the dynamics of team values. Through a compelling narrative, Arran stressed the importance of respect, active listening, and mutual accountability. He encouraged the audience to embrace uncertainty, self-reflect, and tackle challenges head-on, leaving attendees inspired to foster stronger, more cohesive teams.
Graham Alderman, Managing Director of Ulterior Events, offered a masterclass on the balance between creativity and precision in incentive travel. He shared his philosophy of designing every program as a fresh opportunity, focusing on comfort, flow, and trust. His reminder to “look forward and treat each project as new” provided valuable guidance for delivering extraordinary client experiences.
Eralp Denktaş, Board Advisor at Eczacıbaşı Holding, brought a macroeconomic perspective to the stage. His analysis of global and Turkish economic trends illuminated the challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector. He highlighted Türkiye’s agile service sector as a key advantage, coupled with insights into stabilizing inflation and emerging market resilience.
As the day unfolded, İsmet Öztanık, Founder of Avantgarde Collection Hotels, shared his visionary approach to merging Turkish hospitality with modern luxury. Drawing on Avantgarde Reserve’s brand strategy, İsmet showcased how award-winning designs, wellness-focused concepts, and community-driven initiatives redefine the notion of luxury while staying rooted in heritage.
Finally, Kuba Piotrowski from Oriflame Europe closed the event with an insightful look at trends in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. From hybrid events to tech-enhanced experiences, Kuba emphasized the importance of creativity, clear communication, and partnership in delivering high-impact results. His call to embrace technology and plan for measurable success left the audience energized and ready to innovate.
Reflections and Gratitude
As the Managing Director of MEP, I am proud to have hosted such an enriching day filled with knowledge, inspiration, and forward-thinking ideas. This year’s Inspiration Day once again demonstrated the power of collaboration and learning from diverse perspectives. A heartfelt thank you to our speakers, whose contributions will undoubtedly inspire our team as we continue to grow and innovate in the year ahead.
We’re excited for what 2025 will bring and remain committed to fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and purpose at MEP.
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