ITB dmc, Barcelona Spain
Every 10 years VDMFK, an international association that supports handicapped artists’ passion for painting, hosts a program to recognize and reward the artists’ tremendous efforts. The client’s instruction to ITB dmc was to deliver a high quality and seamless incentive experience. The challenging logistics were planned and executed with maximum discretion, and the infrastructure and adaptability that the city, venues and vendors were key to deliver a successful program.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport facilitated the smooth arrival and departure of artists from various cities around the globe. Barcelona is a leading city when it comes to facilities for people with reduced mobility; most tourist sites are handicapped-adapted, including all 9 Unesco sites like the Sagrada Familia, The Palau de la Musica Catalana and the Casa Batlló. The W Barcelona delivered extraordinary service by coordinating elevators, working with specialized staff, and even making further adaptations to their existing rooms and furniture. The Port Authority of Barcelona graciously allowed the group’s bus parking in the boulevard adjacent to the hotel (which is not permitted), so that the guests could be loaded quicker and safer.
This weeklong program included an opening art exhibit to display the artists’ works – which was attended by the Chief of the Cultural Department of the Catalonia Government and the Town Hall First Lieutenant; a complimentary visit to Sagrada Familia (another gesture that is extremely rare for groups); and live shows in front of the Barcelona Cathedral, culminating with a reception and dinner at Cavas Codorniu.
For one week, the eyes of Barcelona were on the artists’ talent and not on their impairments, providing a lifetime of inspiring memories.
