Located 300km north-east of Tokyo, Sendai was the largest city to be affected by Japan’s earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. Many buildings in the city were damaged and the airport was submerged under water.
What is the state of the city now?
The central Sendai area has now fully recovered, and many international meetings have been held in the city since the earthquake. As a result of the disaster, the city has produced the Sendai City Earthquake Disaster Reconstruction Plan, which sets forth reconstruction goals to be accomplished over the next five years. The city is seeking to rebuild Sendai as a city focusing on disaster-preparedness and environmental consciousness, and aims to become a global leader in these fields.
It is hoped that Sendai’s developed expertise in disaster prevention will enable it to host the United Nations’ World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2015.
Are there good deals to be had now for organisers?
Hotels and meeting venues are even more eager to attract international business back to the city, and are offering fantastic rates and other packages to global meeting planners.
Is there subvention?
Sendai Convetion Bureau offers a variety of subventions. For example, for an international science conference with a minimum of 100 participants with at least 10 international delegates, organisers will receive up to £6,500.
The Sendai Convention Bureau will also help organisers to select conference centres, hotels, PCOs, DMCs, translators, as well as the sourcing of proposals from venues.
What’s new?
In 2015, visitors will see a new subway line and a new venue next to the Sendai International Center, which will include a large space for technical exhibitions, as well as additional conference rooms to supplement what is already available at the Center.
Association events: past and present
The World Ministerial Conference on Disaster Reduction
The Global Travel and Tourism Summit (WTTC)
For more on Sendai’s accessibility, venues and accommodation, click here.
