Briefing

The bull market is marking its five-year anniversary, and the NASDAQ – America’s index of tech stocks – has hit a high not seen since February 2000, when the infamous tech bubble burst. Enormous profits have been made by some investors, but there is speculation now that tech investment is approaching a peak and possibly even a bubble.

The number of companies trading on extremely high valuations is at its highest level since the dotcom crash, and multiple market strategists have issued warnings that the market is overheated and susceptible to a sharp retreat. But are stocks overpriced? And even if they are, can investors still find an edge?

Since the days of the Viking traders, Tallinn has been a meeting point of various cultures and nations. Visitors coming from any direction will find something familiar, and something surprising.

Tallinn is not new or undiscovered
Tallinn is old – first mentioned in the beginning of the 12th century – and the city has been governed by many different rulers throughout the centuries, which has only added to the rich heritage of the city. Tallinn has the best-preserved medieval Old Town in the Northern Europe with its unique milieu and structure that has earned the city a place in the UNESCO´s World Heritage List.

Ljubljana, with a population of about 280,000, is a small yet stylish city of arts & culture, history and gastronomy, offering a blend of old charm and new cool.

It is a delightfully compact and logistically stress-free destination, with an atmosphere that is both Central European and Mediterranean, where almost everything is within walking distance. The city’s image is marked by a medieval hilltop castle and a river crossing the Old Town. Those who know it better would add Ljubljana is safe, green, multilingual and hospitable. It also represents an ideal departure point to reach many of Slovenia’s attractions offering a vast diversity of experiences within one hours’ drive. Most visitors would choose among the breathtaking Lake Bled, the magnificent underground world of the Karst with the Postojna Caves or the enchanting Slovenian coast with the medieval town of Piran.

Located right on the central western Portuguese coast just a short drive from Lisbon, Cascais is steeped in history and offers some of the best locations for business tourism in Europe. In Cascais, history, archaeology, architecture and natural beauty combine to create a compelling locale that has enjoyed centuries of popularity. Visitors flock from all over Portugal and beyond to sample the gastronomic delights of its fish restaurants, mingle with the rich and famous in its sparkling new marina and relax on its golden sandy beaches.

Nantes European Green Capital 2013 will host the 10th edition of Ecocity from 25 to 27 September 2013. The World Summit on Sustainable Cities, bringing together 2,000 experts, will be followed by the 3rd World Mayors Summit on Climate Change, on 27 and 28 September. Urban space will be given a central place in the discussions on sustainable development. Key global announcements will be made and workable solutions proposed on that occasion. Common theme : « Accelerating change ».<

A leading event on the international agenda

One year after Rio+20, Nantes Métropole is reaching out to the world. Designated European Green Capital 2013 for its ongoing commitment to sustainable development and with ECOCITY from 25 to 27 September, Nantes will be the world capital of sustainable cities.

Madrid is a prime destination for Business Tourism. Each year, the Spanish capital welcomes more than a million business tourists, the 15% of all tourists visiting the city.

Throughout 2013, Madrid City Council, through the Madrid Visitors & Convention Bureau and its 200 partners companies, is to intensify its promotional actions in order to remain a benchmark, maintaining promotional activities and a comprehensive media campaign and handling proposals to hold congresses and corporate events. This hard work has allowed the city to achieve the 4th position (from the 6th in previous editions) in the ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) ranking for international conference venues.

Madrid, a sleepy backwater town until 1561 when King Philip II declared it the capital of Spain, is now the third-largest city in the EU and a thriving centre of business. Spain was Europe’s leading power throughout the age of discovery in the 16th and 17th centuries, a position underpinned by trade and wealth from colonial possessions. Prosperity flowed into Madrid, and a period of exceptional cultural brilliance began. Today, Madrid possesses a modern infrastructure, but it has preserved the look and feel of many of its historic neighbourhoods and streets. Moreover, the city has earned its place among the world’s leading meetings and incentives destinations.

What is the single most important factor to consider when organising a business meeting that will make a lasting, positive impression? The answer lies in the location. A successful meeting always begins with a wonderful setting, and the geographical position and professional reputation of Amsterdam allows it to be a hugely influential city in the Netherlands, Europe and further afield…