GLOBAL SNAPSHOT
AMERICAS
AmEx Global Business Travel in $ 5.3bn merger
American Express Global Business Travel is to go public via a merger with Apollo Strategic Growth Capital . The new combination with the special purpose acquisition company ( SPAC ) will have a market capitalisation of $ 5.3bn .
The transaction is to provide up to $ 1.2bn of gross proceeds , including an oversubscribed $ 335m PIPE ( private investment in public equity ) at $ 10.00 per common share with key investors including Apollo , Ares , HG Vora , Sabre and Zoom .
AUSTRALASIA
FCM M & E prepares for ‘ rebound year ’ Down Under
Australia-based global business travel management company FCM Meetings & Events expects a ‘ rebound year ’ in 2022 with 90 % of its bookings coming from corporates wanting an in-person experience .
Based on preliminary data for 2022 , FCM M & E says it will be managing a corporate occasion every three days , with business confidence beginning to flow as borders reopen across Australia owing to high vaccination rates .
EUROPE
Brussels International Association Forum moved to March
The launch of the first edition of the Brussels International Association Forum ( BIAF ) has been moved from 6-7 December 2021 to 14-15 March 2022 . All delegates have the option of either transferring their purchased BIAF ticket or receiving a full refund .
Organisers say they took the decision in full consultation with partners and all BIAF speakers have committed to the changed dates . In addition , they say , some extra topics that will be relevant for discussions in March will be added , as well as extra hybrid elements .
EUROPE
Barcelona Destination Support Programme gets 3m euro boost
Barcelona City Council has endowed the city ’ s MICE Destination Support Programme with 3m euros . The
programme is designed to both boost recruitment and promote loyalty of congresses and events in the city . It was created to help reactivate the city ’ s economy and launch support measures for the tourism meetings sector .
The Programme will be managed by the Barcelona Convention Bureau with the support of a number of stakeholders involved , notably Fira de Barcelona and Barcelona de Serveis Municipals .
6 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 116