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A business trip to Rio de Janeiro, the home of the hedonistic carnival, is an alien concept to most people. One does not go to Rio to work, one goes to Rio to get away from the stress of work. Perhaps it is the allure of picturesque vistas and the proximity of two of the sexiest beaches, Copacabana and Ipenama, that has encouraged more Business to choose Rio as a M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions) destination.

The city of Rio now boasts large state-of-the-art auditoriums suitable for hosting events in very appealing surroundings. Organisers are now able to offer international organisations looking to hold a meeting or exhibition, a comprehensive event package. From organising fairs, congresses, exhibitions, to social gatherings the support services on offer include creation, planning, and production of an event. The technology available covers all the necessary audiovisual equipment, simultaneous translation, transport and travel as well as accommodation in internationally rated business hotels.

Let’s analyse; a growing economy, the largest convention centre in Latin America, over US$ 1 billion in investment to improve infrastructure and a vibrant nightlife perfect for a little indulgence after a hard days work. While the lure of the Carnaval is strong and representative of what Rio de Janeiro has to offer, the current focus is no longer just the pleasure seeker.

A Bit about Rio

Over the last few years Rio has become the preferred destination for conventions, exhibitions and incentive trips. For the past eight years the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has ranked Rio de Janeiro in 1st place, in America’s Ranking, and 26th in the world. From 2003 the number of events organised in Rio has continuously increased year on year and over 200 events have already been confirmed for 2009.

Ensuring that business visitors to Rio are well looked after, the current 23,000 hotel rooms will be increased to 28,000 over the next few years. With invest in the hospitality sector seen as a strategic, as well as, financial decision many international hotel chains are developing properties in Rio. With an emphasis on offering excellent convention centers, with the capacity to host over 2,000 people, most new hotels are focusing on the lucrative business travel market.

Rio is a city that is buzzing, not just to Bossa nova beat, but with a creative energy since many long-awaited projects are finally complete, validating the investments into newer projects. When Rio hosted the United Nations Conference in 1992 the federal government realised that the revenue generated by the year-round business traveller was worth a substantial investment. Since the conference the government has poured more than US$ 1 billion to develop Rio’s infrastructure. In addition to the millions spent on satellite communications the most obvious investment was the construction of a huge convention centre: RIOCENTRO.

Riocentro

One of the most overlooked aspect of Rio is: Riocentro, the largest convention centre in Latin America. The centre has five large pavilions which offers a total of 571 thousand m² of exhibition space. The centre is strategically located right in the heart of Barra da Tijuca, a modern and rapidly developing area, which is served by large shopping malls, show houses and most importantly the beach.

Barra da Tijuca is located in Rio’s Zona Oeste (Western Zone), which forms the boundary between Zona Norte (North Zone) and Zona Sul (South Zone). The North Zone comprises of Industrial neighbourhoods while the South Zone is full of middle to upper class neighbourhoods nestled alongside beautiful beaches. The boundary between these two zones is home to important museums and colonial buildings.

The Riocentro has two floors with a built up area of 28,400 m², inclusive of a 2.5 thousand m² hall for exhibitions and an auditorium with 2,400 seats. The hi-tech features of the auditorium include simultaneous translation booths, sound system and projection system. The 2nd floor is spread over a 1000 m² with four rooms capable of accommodating 600 people, in addition, to a bar and service area.

Business amenities available include Wi-Fi networks, presentation equipment and technical services, internal transportation and medical stations, and a parking lot for up to 7 thousand cars. While the convention center is designed with functionality in mind, it does not neglect the aesthetic aspects. The natural lagoons and gardens all add to the tasteful design. The helicopter pad also provides the time-short business executive an excellent mode of transport so as to beat the Rio traffic jams.

Brazilians do it differently –

The etiquette and customs of doing business in Rio are quite different from what most business travellers are used to in most major cities. Some key points to remember when meeting a business associate are:

• Do exchange business cards and shake hands individually at the beginning of the meeting.
  
• Do avoid a group hello or goodbye.
  
• Do expect business to be conducted over dinner. In this case, do bring gifts.
  
• Do address the Brazilian counterpart with the formal ‘senhor’ (male) plus the surname or ‘senhora’ (female) plus the surname, until you are told otherwise.
  
• Do treat the Brazilian counterparts as equals. Do not question their intelligence or background.
  
• Do receive third-party introductions, whenever possible.
  
• Do schedule meetings at least two weeks in advance.
  
• Do expect frequent interruptions and delays at meetings.
  
• Do accept invitations to your Brazilian host’s home. Do bring a tasteful gift such as candy or flowers. However, avoid foreign liquors as gifts.
  
• Do maintain your patience in conducting business.
  

When To Go

Rio experiences the highest influx of visitors between December to March due to the pleasant weather and for the most part: the five days of Carnaval. With the hordes of pleasure seekers out in full force to take advantage of the overindulgence that is Carnaval, this would probably not be a good time to schedule business, or would it? The most telling effect of the influx of visitors is the sharp increase in prices and the lack of hotel room due to the crowds.

The city’s humidity can be high in summer, with temperatures hovering around and above 28°C (82°F); while October to January are the wettest months. Winter in Rio characterised by temperatures of around 23°C (73°F), with a mix of both rainy and superb beach-going days. If your trip to Rio is purely for business then the weather should not dampen you plans. However, if you plan on celebrating a successful business trip to Rio, then the beach, nightlife and rich culture of one of the most beautiful cities in the world beckons.

Rio, more than just business

The five heady days of Carnaval are not the only attraction that the diverse city of Rio offers. If your business has concluded and you have a some time to spare then there is much more to Rio than just beautiful beaches, and one of the 7 wonders of the World. A quick look around the city will tell you why so many Miss Worlds have originated from South America, but if you can tear your eyes away from the attractive locals the city has much to offer.

The quaint colonial streets where people rely on face to face communicate to relay a message are a sharp contrast to the super fast wireless Internet accesses at most hotels. The magnificent churches pay homage to the city’s 70 percent Catholic heritage. While leafy plazas still reflect the old world charm of Rio, an age before business came before a good afternoon siesta. 

After siestas can fiestas be far behind? Rio celebrates a number of religious festivals, or Festas, through out the year. The Savvy business traveller needs to ensure that no urgent work is scheduled during the week of a Festas. The Festas Juninas, one of the most important festivals, is held during the month June while Festa de NS da Gloris do Quteiro is held in August. One of the largest religious festivals, Festa de Penha, is held every Sunday in October. All festivals are very public displays of faith and belonging with public centers being transformed with colourful stalls, street processions and loud music.

Flight information

Air France –

Flies daily from Dubai – Paris – Rio de Janeiro with an approximate flying time 24h 40mins

Flies daily from Rio de Janeiro – Paris – Dubai with an approximate flying time 35h 20mins

Business Class Fare: AED 13,090 per adult return

British Airways –

Flies from Dubai – London – Rio de Janeiro on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday with an approximate flying time of 23 Hrs

Flies from Rio de Janeiro – London – Dubai – Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday with an approximate flying time 32 Hrs

Business Class Fare:AED 19,840 per adult return

*Ed. Note: Some flights are scheduled to stop en route and may require a change of aircraft.

Where to stay –

Pestana Rio Atlantica is located on the beautiful Copacabana Beach a few minutes from the Financial Center of Rio de Janeiro. The hotel has 217 well appointed rooms with high speed Internet connections in all the rooms. The business center is replete with all amenities and 21 meeting rooms offer ample space for large meetings or conferences.

InterContinental Rio is a luxury hotel that is also one of Rio’s finest hotel for business and events. Located near the beach, the hotel offers views of the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain with dedicated executive floors and suites. The comprehensive business facilities and amenities include 22 function rooms, audio visual equipment, secretarial services and high speed internet access.

Sofitel Rio de Janeiro is the ideal hotel for business meetings and conferences with comprehensive services and facilities for every event. These include 15 function rooms, a business centre, wireless internet access, photocopying, print and fax services. Located on Copacabana beach the hotel offers the business traveller the added advantage of lively nightlife once business has been concluded.

Epitomised by the statue of Christ the Redeemer, on Corcovado Mountain, the outstretched arms are a reflection of the friendly demeanour and generous attitude of the people of Rio de Janeiro. As a melting pot of nationalities, colours and religions, Rio welcomes visitors in all shapes and sizes from all walks of life.