Educational Master Classes
| The ISES Regional Educational Conference
Date: From 27 Mar 2009
The ISES UK Regional Educational Conference’ at Disneyland Paris 27th March 2009
The Conference was a resounding success combining an unrivalled and eclectic mix of education, networking, inspiration, insight and…perhaps above all…fun! ‘Edutainment’ indeed! After an early start at the awe-inspiring St.Pancras International, delegates enjoyed a beautifully boxed Continental breakfast supplied by Richmond Catering and when aboard the Eurostar, took part in our ‘Disney Quiz’ which surprisingly contained a few interesting revelations about our members…! Upon arriving at Disneyland Paris, we were greeted like Royalty and addressed by Director of Sales, Laurent Charbonnier, who eloquently aligned ISES values with those of Disney. Our world class in-house networking expert, Andy Lopata, then took the stage for a truly inspirational start to the day’s formalities, telling us that’s it’s not ‘who you know’ but ‘who knows you’ as well as offering a multitude of effective tips and techniques for success through networking. Key Tip – aim for more ‘business’ rather than more ‘sales’ as it’s all about alliances, synergies and relationship building. After a wonderful and lavish French buffet we enjoyed a truly inspirational talk from Eloi Corcoux, Director of Business Development, who gave us a world-first insight into how, from a marketing perspective, they made the transition from ‘Euro Disney’s’ initial PR disaster through to their current status of being the roaring success that is ‘Disneyland Paris’ today. The content of Eloi’s detailed talk was nothing short of spectacular and included some highly entertaining audio-visual moments. Eloi’s address was a combination of insight, intrigue, comedy and world class marketing ideas and techniques. Key points – kids under 7 now go free as this was identified as their core market and was previously prohibitively expensive and they now create attractions which are only there for one year to encourage repeat visits and to overcome ‘Eiffel Tower’ syndrome (ie. it’ll be there for a hundred years so let’s go another time!) Disney Imagineer, David Minichiello, who has been with the Disney Corporation for some thirty years (from Florida to Hong Kong and now, Paris) followed with an amazingly detailed talk about how the ‘Imagineers’ formulate their ideas and bring the impossible to life. His talk included information on a whole host of new attractions and ‘secrets’ for the future as well as a spectacular insight into how the ‘Imagineers’ conceptualised, designed and built the biggest and most ambitious attraction on earth – ‘Expedition Everest’. Fascinatingly, the research for this ride involved sending the Imagineers to the Himalayas on a research trip as well as a scientific trek to hunt the illusive and legendary ‘Yeti’! Upon their return they built an entire 200 ft snow-capped mountain with internal rollercoaster and the largest animatronic creature ever, in the form of a giant Yeti inside the mountain! After a logistical talk by Business Solutions Director, Eric Le Gal who gave us a dramatic insight into the sheer scope and logistical possibilities at Disneyland Paris (from team building events to large scale conferences and just about everything in between (there are 7,800 hotel rooms on site!)) we were addressed by one of France’s top Chefs, Michel ‘Le Gastronome’. Michel is one of the world’s most respected chefs and he officially rates other chefs in France – a very rare accolade! We then embarked upon a fascinating tour of the Disney kitchens as it was revealed how they manage to serve 1,500 guests in 30 minutes using their famous ‘regeneration’ techniques as well as showing us some highly inventive ways of serving canapés! Key ideas – canapés skewered by sauce filled test tubes and starters served in sardine tins! A tour of the amazing convention centres and event spaces ensued followed by a return to our luxury bedrooms at the Disneyland Resort Newport Bay Hotel where we each found an exciting and fun array of corporate gifts (including the obligatory Mickey Mouse cuddly toy!). Then the fun really began…! After an intense series of educational sessions throughout the day, the group entered the magical Disneyland Park as exclusive guests, with the whole place to ourselves! We walked the sensational and immaculate (real!) gas-lamp lined ‘Main Street’ and caught our first glimpse of the iconic vista culminating with the magical up-lit ‘Sleeping Beauty Castle’. One of many big surprises was that we were able to watch the rehearsals for a huge celebrity event ‘Mickey’s 18th Birthday Party’ which was due to take place the very next day! Spectacular projections and lasers bathed the castle and music and dancing filled the clear Paris night! Next stop was ‘Adventureland’ which Disney had opened exclusively for ISES guests where we were greeted by Hawaiian fire performers and the ominous ‘rattle’ of one of their biggest roller-coasters in full swing – Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril! Delegates were able to ride the loop the loop coaster as many times as they liked, taking in the breathtaking views from the top before plunging into the darkness below! Shaken, and just a little stirred we moved on to a tropical paradise complete with rainforest effects and waterfalls for our Champagne reception before a sumptuous French style three course dinner under a giant tree filled with wildlife animatronics. Fine wines flowed and guests were roused by authentic Hawaiian dance troupes and drummers whose rhythmic beats whipped everyone up into a frenzy of excitement before the impromptu ‘Awards Ceremony’ which topped off the dinner at midnight! Then it was on to the VIP area at Hurricanes Nightclub in Disney Village where the less said the better but most were partying until at least 3.00am! The trip made 24 hour party people of us all! With some delegates having a magical and relaxing time with their families in the park the following day having been given free tickets by our hosts, it goes without saying that this was an ISES UK event of spectacular proportions and possibly our greatest (certainly our most ambitious) moment to date! If you’d like to know more or need further explanation for some of the points mentioned…then perhaps you should join ISES and make sure you don’t miss out next time! Will Broome |
