Meet in Reykjavík, the city’s official convention bureau, Iceland’s capital Reykjavík is boosting its image as a leading conference city and incentive destination; and the city certainly has plenty to show off with, from its newly built concert hall and conference centre Harpa to its unremitting “can do attitude”.What sets Iceland apart and what is familiar to many is its beautiful and rugged landscape and natural wonders, which can be easily reached from its capital.

Within two hours, visitors can be transported to the nearest glacier or into remote areas of the country.Iceland is an all year round destination, with modern infrastructure and has been a favourite for event planners in search of the extraordinary. Not to forget the highly educated and welcoming residents, but Iceland’s 320,000 people are ranked the friendliest in the world to foreign visitors according to a new report by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Challenges and fun ideas are welcomed by the Icelandic staff working in the Meetings and Incentives industry.
Helicopter hiking, setting up a buffet on a glacier or arranging dinner in a cave are one of many tasks. Icelanders have specialized in Super Jeep tours into the highlands, crossing rivers off the beaten track into a world with amazing colour contrasts. Where else but in Iceland can you enter a magma chamber of a volcano, like Thríhnúkagígur, which is only 30 minutes from Reykjavík or stand close to a spouting geyser erupting every 7 minutes? You can also add to your experience and snorkel or dive between two continents in a gap between the Eurasian Plate and North American Plate in the National Park Thingvellir only 40 minutes away from Reykjavík. Other fun activities are e.g. whale watching, sea angling, kayaking, river rafting, horseback riding, riding ATV´s, fly-fishing and golfing.

Reykjavík, the capital, has been described as a young and daring city that is characterized by strong contrasts. Reykjavík sometimes feels like a cosmopolitan capital and a harbour village at the same time. The city can boost itself of high tech infrastructure in respect to venues and accommodation and has in a way the best of both worlds; the qualities of a modern, forward-looking society complemented by a close connection to Iceland’s beautiful and unspoilt nature. Everything is within reach in the city, minimizing transportation time. Reykjavík’s legendary culture scene is bolstered by plentiful social happenings and events in addition to an abundance of first-class restaurants, steadily gaining Iceland a reputation as a foodie destination.

Reykjavík is ideally located to „Meet in the Middle” with an International airport where Icelandair operates a flight hub connecting Europe and USA. Iceland is favoured by many international planners as well as business and academic leaders because of the location and easy access by numerous direct flights.

Meeting facilities; classy or unique?
There are several conference hotels and venues but the most prominent display of the city’s corporate courtship is the newly built Harpa, a combo concert hall and convention centre that opened in May 2011. Harpa won the MICE award 2012 as the Best Conference Venue in Northern Europe and the prestigious European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture, Mies van der Rohe award 2013.

There are also many unusual venues for meetings and events such as the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavík Art Museum, boats and indoor swimming pools to name a few. These are all venues that can be transformed into magical surroundings creating memorable moments. Facts:

•  Iceland is among the top ranking Scandinavian destination according to the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report in 2014.
•  Iceland was voted as one of top ten Best in Travel 2013 by Lonely Planet.
• National Geographic named Iceland among the best of the world’s trips available in 2014.
• In August 2011, The City of Reykjavík was designated as UNESCO City of Literature.
• In 2011, Reykjavík was awarded the World Festival and Event City by the International Festivals & Events Association.
• CNN has nominated Reykjavík as one of the five most interesting Christmas destinations.