Maybe Da Nang wouldn’t be an obvious choice for a conference, but then OMNI rarely does anything that might be considered conventional.
Although the city itself is unremarkable, the venue for the OMNI conference, a few miles along the bay, was undeniably stunning.
The Intercontinental Hotel is located overlooking the ocean on a hillside, locally known as Monkey Mountain in homage to its population of primates, some very rare, that accompany guests wherever they go in the hotel. In fact, guests were warned not to leave doors open otherwise they might have unexpected visitors in their rooms. It was home to the monkeys and, for just four days in April, home to the 5-star OMNI guests. The hotel was the star of the show in Da Nang, but OMNI put on plenty to educate, entertain and inform to make the whole event truly memorable.
Amalgir Shah from Freeline in Pakistan; Ebru Demirel from Asya International in Turkey; Cédric Castro from global giant, Mobilitas; Annika Roupé from Alfa in Scandinavia; and Bill Graebel from Graebel in the USA. This is a topic OMNI will undoubtedly return to during the year and at future events.
Events included the now famous golf tournament, in which players compete for the coveted Paul Mason Trophy; the compulsory business of any association including the AGM and the inauguration of Philippa Robinson from the UK as the network’s president; the OMNI tonnage awards for some of the world’s biggest bookers; a little local history; and a fascinating panel discussion focussing on leadership that involved five of the industry’s most recognised leaders:
There is still something unique about the OMNI conference. Although it includes the leaders of some of the world’s largest and most prolific moving and relocation companies, it’s still relaxed, quiet, calm and the ideal opportunity to think about and discuss strategy. Nothing is rushed. Egos get left behind with the business cards. It’s the place to be, for those fortunate enough to be able to attend.
Photos: Panel discussion; ocean view, Monkey Mountain.