Destinations Unlimited

Sweden

Proven Sweden, Stockholm Destination Management Company: DMC and Planner
for Specialist Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organisers Worldwide

	RISBECKER INTERNATIONAL (SITE / MPI / MEET STOCKHOLM)
Contacts Postal Address P.O. Box 5128 S-102 43 Stockholm Sweden Visiting Address Adolf Fredriks Kyrkogata 10 4th floor Stockholm Sweden Tel: 00 46 8 214 707 Fax: 00 46 8 240 380 Email: sweden@dudmc.com Web Site: www.risbecker.com Contacts: Pauline Risbecker Kim - Managing Director Tom Risbecker - Chairman Links Company Destination Example Programme Suggested Sightseeing Theme Party Ideas for Incentives Convention Centres A Few Extra Touches Enhancements for the Incentive Programme Welcome Gifts Specialist Groups

COUNTRY MAP

(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)

General Information

Company

Risbecker International a.b. owned by the Risbecker family was established in Stockholm on May 2, 1977 as a family corporation and the first Destination Management Company in the world - by name - we invented the phrase! Since our 20th anniversary in 1997 we have introduced a new phrase:

THE HUMAN EVENTS MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Over the years, Risbecker International has been entrusted with some of the most prestigious incentive programs ever operated in Scandinavia by the very top incentive organisers of the world. Their clients have been such well known names as General Motors, IBM, Coca Cola, 3M, Volkswagen, Ford, Rover, SAAB Volvo, SF, State Farm Insurance and many more.

If you are looking for a company to help you with the creation and implementation of a performance improvement oriented program, an incentive awards program, a team-building program or a corporate meeting/conference of highest standards, then turn to RISBECKER INTERNATIONAL. We have the local knowledge, the experience and the determination to provide the very best in service and quality.

Let us be the planner for your next meeting or event.

Destination

SWEDEN
Sweden is the fourth largest country in Europe. From beyond the Arctic Circle it stretches 1000 miles to the south. Of its total area (173,000 sq. miles), 65% is covered by forest and 10 % by lakes. There are about 96,000 lakes in Sweden, some as big as inland seas. It is an historic land. It is also a very modern land but the tones and shapes of the new glass and steel structures blend with the historical, medieval and older buildings. There is a harmonious unity in the architecture rarely found in other countries. The cleanliness of the cities is striking and they are completely free from slums. Only a little over 9 million people live in a country roughly the size of California, or almost twice the size of former West Germany - so there is also plenty of space!

STOCKHOLM
Stockholm - the City that Floats on Water stands at the centre of Scandinavia. Located on nearly the same latitude as Anchorage, Alaska, Stockholm (and most of Sweden) is blessed with warm winds from the Gulf Stream, which has produced a climate with rather mild winters and fairly hot summers.

Few cities can match its beauty or its setting amidst the islands and the sea. Stockholm is a noteworthy centre in many senses of the word. It is the largest combined market in Scandinavia and its trade and industry are very diversified. Stockholm has the highest productivity and average personal income in the whole of Sweden. The population of the inner city is approximately 850,000 and that of Greater Stockholm is 1.7 million. Yet, Stockholm is physically a surprisingly small city built on 14 islands, which are connected by some 60 bridges, making it as easy for the visitor to get around the city almost as easy as it is to get to Stockholm.

A strong plus for selecting Stockholm as an Incentive Destination is not only the richness of the possible excursions to nearby areas, for example among some of the 24,000 islands of the Stockholm archipelago, but also the high quality of food and entertainment. We bid you hearty welcome to a most motivating destination, i.e. STOCKHOLM ! Or VÄLKOMMEN as we say in Swedish.

Example Programme

Please click on the following link to view full programme listed below with pictures:-

Sweden Programme

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

Rival Hotel ~ Superior Modern ~ 4*
Former ABBA member Benny Andersson has opened this brand new hotel located on Södermalm (the second oldest inhabited island in Stockholm ). The hotel is situated on Södermalm's height in classic premises.

The hotel is a small individual hotel with unique top-level service. All rooms have a high technical standard and the unique interior decorations inspired by the hotel's location is as important as Internet access. Around the corner from the hip Bar and Shopping area on the Southern Island.

The seventh floor with its magnificient view is reserved for suites. Hotel Rival is Stockholm's first boutique hotel, the antithesis of all that huge standardised hotel chains represent.

The hotel also offers a cocktail bar with original art deco interior, a bar, a bistro, a café, a bakery, a restaurant and a movie theatre.

Berns Hotel ~ Superior Classic ~ 4*
This is a small and exclusive hotel located in a beautiful park right in the middle of the city centre.

All rooms have modern interiors offering a high standard. Each room has its own TV, CD player as well as ISDN-equipment for PC.

D A Y 0 1 ~ F R I D A Y

Airport Arrival Arlanda Intl (09:00-18:00)

The guests will be met by a hostess outside customs for a transfer by deluxe coach. Duration approximately 45 minutes. If you wish we can also arrange for luggage handling inside the customs area and transport the luggage separately to the hotel. We can also arrange for a VIP desk inside the custom area, ask for a special rate!

NB Rate valid 9 am to 6 pm

Luggage truck - separate

Lunch at Ulriksdal's Wärdshus ~ Meeting after Lunch
This is one of the few rural Inns remaining in Sweden today. Dating back to the 18th century, it is superbly situated - on the route between the city and the airport- close to the imposing Ulriksdal Royal Palace and with a lovely view over the waterways of the Baltic Sea and their own exceptionally well kept garden environment. The first records of an Inn here relate to one housed in the Beridare House - later known as "the Confidence" and now the famous Opera & Theatre - but there is no doubt there had been predecessors. In 1987 they added the beautiful Queen Silvia Pavillion with a seating capacity of 60 guests. Underneath is the unique "Wine Cellar" with a capacity of 18000 bottles. You will also find here a unique collection from six of the foremost wineyards in the world. There is a special winetasting table with 18 seats as well as a wealthy wine library. Adjacent you will find the special "Display Kitchen" (22 seats), where the chef is ready to teach you some of his magics! Both wine tasting and the kitchen demonstration can be videotaped for your guests. Today, this one of Swedens' best and most well-known restaurants. Transfer-time from any downtown hotel is not more than 15-20 minutes.

After lunch there will be a private room for the meeting and the "ladies program" will start.

Drottningholm Royal Palace and Theater Tour
We drive to Drottningholm, the present home of the Royal Family. The route passes by the beautiful villas, gardens and recreational areas of Stockholm's western suburbs. On the other side of the Nockeby Bridge the exquisite vista of Drottningholm Palace comes into view.

The history of the Palace and the Theatre is as fascinating as the buildings and grounds are beautiful. The first building to note at this location was built in 1581 by the King of Sweden, who finally christened the mansion Drottningholm (the Queen's island) for his wife. The Queen Dowager Hedvig Eleonora acquired the Palace in 1661 and most of the Palace was rebuilt in 1662 after a fire destroyed many of the older buildings. It was the Royal Architect Nicodemus Tessin the Older who was commissioned to design a new palace here. Work was still in progress when he died in 1681. But luckily his son, Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, was also a skilled architect and he thus completed his father’s work. He also designed the French-inspired Baroque garden of the Palace. The bronze sculptures in this park, by Adrien de Vries, were spoils of war, taken from Prague in 1648 and from Fredriksborg Castle (Denmark) in 1660. Over the years, various Royal personages changed the buildings and added of course also new ones and the result is now for you to enjoy.

In 1744, the Prussian Princess Lovisa Ulrika had married the successor to the Swedish throne and received Drottningholm as "morgongåva" (litt. "morning gift" i.e. a kind of wedding gift). The Princess fell in love with Drottningholm, which reminded her of her palace at Charlottenburg (Berlin). She had a theatre constructed on the grounds in 1754, which burned down in 1769, where upon the famous architect Carl Fredrik Adlercrantz was commissioned to rebuild the theatre. The result of Adlercrantz' work is widely considered to be a true masterpiece of art. The interior is constructed so that the stage appears to be a continuation of the auditorium. Fake doors and cavalier boxes (from which the stage cannot be seen) were included to complete the perfect symmetry of the interior. The Royal Family today makes frequent use of the theatre as well.

The stage itself at Drottningholm Theatre, is about 60 ft deep, and the manually controlled stage machinery used today is the same as was used in the 1700's. Thunderstorms are still simulated by rolling large stones in a box, wave and wind machines create storm-like effects and "clouds" are lowered from the ceiling for the revelations of divinities.

The Golden Age of this theatre was during the reign of King Gustav III, from 1771-1792. This monarch wished to create a national theatre in which Swedish history and dramas would be presented in Swedish. When the King was assassinated in 1792 the interest in his beloved theatre died with him. Although left to decay, more than 30 decor and scenes, plus the original 18th century decorations survived. The theatre was "rediscovered" in 1921; electrical lighting and new ropes were installed and the theatre opened for performances in 1922 or 130 years after the national revolution of Gustav III.

Drottningholm Theatre is the oldest theatre in Europe still holding performances. It opens in May of every year, during the off-season of the Royal Opera. The exhibitions at the museum will help you trace the theatre's unusual history. After a short stroll in the Versailles-inspired Royal Gardens, we board our private Motor coach and return to Stockholm.

Max participants per group: 25.

M/S Swedish Islander ~ Cocktail Cruise
We will enjoy the unique Stockholm Archipelago on a cocktail cruise to J Gåshaga.

This boat was built for cruising traffic.

It offers not only a restaurant, but also has a conference room, library and a fully equipped bar onboard.

There are three decks and when the weather permits, the guests can go out on one of them to admire the archipelago whilst enjoing a drink.

A fter our cruise we will land with our ship right outside J Gåshaga where we will enjoy our dinner.

Comfort: 50 persons. Maximum: 100 persons.

Dinner at J Gåshaga
This is a modern restaurant located on the island of Lidingö , a paysant suburb to Stockholm (approx. 20 min coach ride from Stockholm ) with a beautiful view over the archipelago. The panoramic windows, surrounding the restaurant gives a magnificent closeness to the water. In the center of the restaurant there is a cozy fireplace. Excellent International kitchen. It is possible to reach the restaurant either by a regular boat or your own chartered boat.

Night Club Café Opera
Café Opera is one of Europe's most striking nightclubs. Royalty, tennis players, actors and pop stars from all over the world use to congregate here. The recent redecoration has made it into a trendy place with a good mixed crowd.

The club has three bars and one dancefloor and in the summer also a beautiful terrace with one bar and one dancefloor.

You will be our VIP guests and enter to an awaiting drink table.

D A Y 0 2 ~ S A T U R D A Y

Stockholm' s Archipelago
With its 24,000 islands, the Stockholm archipelago is a unique environment to visit all year around. On some of the islands, you’ll find picturesque homes, delightful restaurants, quality hotels, youth hostels and country stores. Other islands have no man-made facilities at all, just their natural harbours and wildlife.

Many of the islands are completely deserted - perfect for picnics or camping. Why not plan a kayak or canoe trip - any shallow-draft craft can open up so much more of this magic world of water, islands and nature reserves. There’s so much variation in the archipelago from north to south, east to west, shoreline to island top, supporting a wealth of sea and bird life.

Many of the islands in the archipelago can be reached by regular ferry services from central Stockholm . Take a day trip or spend a few nights in a hotel or youth hostel. No matter what you do, the experience will be unforgettable. Stockholm 's archipelago offers a world of unique holiday opportunities to tourists and Stockholmers alike.

A number of the islands feature both famous and less well known archipelago restaurants. The food served in the archipelago has never been better than it is today, and interest in traditional archipelago cuisine is increasing in step with the growth of tourism in the islands. The number of restaurants has grown, and guests are treated to a fine blend of quality and tradition. The local produce is of exceptional quality and often organically grown, providing inspiration for the many talented archipelago chefs.

Sail a Swan
Come along and try to steer this beautiful sailing boat under full sail. It is like handling the "Rolls Royce" of sailing yachts, 70 feet and weighs 40 ton with a steering wheel nearly 6 foot diameter. It is an incomparable experience. Enjoy this beauty on aft deck or in the comfortable salon (which accommodates 8 persons).

A chef will prepare our lunch and the boats will cast ancor next to eachother in a quite bay.

After lunch we will be able to try speed boats and laser pigeon shooting.

Rigid inflatable boat R.I.B.
Let us start with a breathtaking fun and exiting tour after lunch. Everybody will be supplied with a life vest and goggles while aboard.

Optional: At the same time a seaplane will be at our disposal and 9 persons at the time will get the chance to se Stockholm from above.

Laser Pigeon Shooting
Here you will have the opportunity to shoot on a laser pigeon with a rifle and you can compete with your colleagues or friends in a safe way. You shoot out over the sea and a Zodiac boat will pick up the pigeons. Laserlerduveskytte

You will form groups of five people and you will compete of shooting at the same pigeon.

OPTIONAL: Seaplane

We will board this hydroplane and fly out in the beautiful archipelago passing island, summerhouses boat and fantastic sights. (Max. 9 passengers)
Duration 15 minutes per tour.

Entertainment Jesters

In the beautiful gardens of Millesgården the Jesters will entertain.

With these Jesters the spectators are lured into different moods, emotions and perspectives with tittilating action, visually poetic numbers or absurd comedy. They are innovative, daring and audacious and has performed for all types of guests. They can design and bring to life the atmosphere and purpose of an event as it is a flexible art and can be easily adapted to most venues and situations, indoors and outdoors.

Dinner at Millesgården Artist's Studio
Millesgården Sculpture Park, overhanging the cliffs of Lidingö Island. The Artist's residence is a magnificent dinner venue with capacity up to 25 persons. In the Main Studio you are seated in the actual working studio of Carl Milles and casts of his statues are still in place. The high ceiling and white casts make this an airy and spectacular room. The Red room has one of Milles most famous statues in the middle and you are seated on a specially designed round table around the statue. The meals are prepared by the award winning F12 restaurants.

Carl Milles (1875-1955), Sweden's foremost 20th century sculptor established his home here after many years abroad. Milles was educated in Paris, he spent 20 years in the U.S. (Cranbrook, Mich.). Finally he died in Rome, Italy. The beautiful garden terraces with a fine view over the Baltic Sea and a great number of the artist's most famous works (as well as Milles' private collection of antiquities) await you here at Millesgården. Together with his assistants, Milles worked in the spacious Main Studio during the 1910s and the 1920s. Here he worked with the models for several of his monumental works, e. g. Orpheus and Europe and the Bull. During the 1950s the Studio was used for storing Carl's large antique collection. Today a selection of his plaster casts are shown making it possible to follow his production and way working. You can see plaster casts, working tools and pictures of the sculpturer at work

Entertainment Classical Musicians - Music Queens Trio
A trio with a very broad musical repertoire consisting of three skilled classical musicians; a flutist, violinist/vocalist and harpist who made their debut as a group in the City Hall in 1995. Their concept is to offer a complete experience, by offering both a musical as well as a visual experience. Performing for the National Broadcasting Corporation and touring both churches as well as other high profile concerts, these ladies come highly recommended and help create a calm, beautiful and sophisticated ambience in any setting!

The City Hall, The Hallwyl Palace,The Royal Dramatic Theater, The Stockholm Concert Hall,The Berwald Concert Hall, The Grand Hotel. Berns Salons and the National Museum are only some of the venues they frequently perform at. They often perform at upscale events for corporate and celebrity audiences, even Swedish royalty!

OPTIONAL: Vasa Dinner - 17th Century

Vasa Medieval Banquet - The Very Unique
This is indeed a very unique opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the famous man-of-war Vasa from 1628. The special museum created for her and inaugurated on June 16, 1990 offers a surrounding fit for a real medieval party. Servants dressed in appropriate costumes, tables dressed with plates, glasses and cutlery also in the medieval tradition. Musicians playing typical music from the time in question will add to the ambiance on top of the presence of the ship itself.

You could get here either by coaches or motor launches. In the main hall of the Museum, our "Medieval Hostesses" will be waiting to briefly guide them around the ship (the sight of the dining area could be protected so as to keep it a surprise) and to the location of our dressed up banqueting (long) tables under the bow of this incredible man-of-war from 1628. You will be amazed.

When we arrive in to this section of the ship hall, a group of jesters and musicians could be greeting us and entertain until the first course and the beverage have been served. Max no of guests: 550.

(Entertainment not included in the rate).

D A Y 0 3 ~ S U N D A Y

Swedish Design and Food Tour
A very non-touristic way of giving the participants a chance to see a little bit of the true Stockholm. Leave the hotel by our private deluxe motorcoach to visit "Svenskt Tenn" at "Strandvägen" Boulevard. This is Stockholm's leading home furnishing agents and design store. They have been the principal trendsetters and designers in interior decorating for the past 30 years and are still considered to be the primary store in Scandinavia. Visit to the Orrefors Glas Gallery and shop. A short walk will take us up to the very famous turn-of-the-century food market “Östermalmshallen”, where we will first take a look at all the colorful stalls and then listen to a brief introduction to Swedish food traditions. We will have a chance to see many different stores and to try some traditional Swedish courses.

Nota Bene: In both "Svenskt Tenn" and "Orrefors" there will be a manager to give a brief introduction to their stores and to point out specialties and bargains. Maximum 25 participant per guide.

Lunch at Lux

A new star in the Stockholm restaurant world! This seaside restaurant is located by the waterfront on the former grounds of Electrolux head office (hense the name!). Focused on European cuisine using mostly Swedish products, it has become a success almost over night with a star in the Guide Rouge after less than a year in business. The decor is light and Nordic with colorful touches inspired by famous artist Carl Larsson. Arrive by boat or deluxe coach (10 min outside of city center).

Airport Departure Arlanda Intl (09:00-18:00)

Departure transport by private coach and with accompanying hostess. Duration approximately 45 minutes.

NB: Rate valid 9am-6pm

Suggested Sightseeing

STOCKHOLM
THE ROYAL TOUR (2½ hours) Inside visits to the Royal Palace, the Great Church, The Royal Treasury and the Royal Armoury - a tour concentrated around the quarters of the Royal Palace.

GRIPSHOLM CASTLE AND MARIEFRED TOUR (6 hours) A tour by vintage steamer on Lake Mälaren. It is one of the few surviving Swedish small towns with timber buildings as well as the home of Sweden's oldest inn and the medieval Gripsholms Castle, which houses the National Collection of Portraits.

DROTTNINGHOLM PALACE & THEATRE (3 hours) This tour takes you to one of the most cultural treasures that Stockholm has to offer. Presently the home of the Royal Family. The Theatre is the oldest still in use in Europe in its original version. (Afternoon Tour Only)

VASA WARSHIP AND MILLESGARDEN SCULPTURE PARK (3 hours) The specially designed building contains the Vasa Man-of-War, exhibitions, shops and cinemas for films about the history of the man-of-war VASA. Lastly visit the lovely sculpture gardens of Carl Milles.

GÖTEBORG
CITY TOUR OF GÖTEBORG (3 hours) Visit the impressive Göta Platsen Square and on to the "Feskekjörka", The Fish Market Hall, across the Göta Älv suspension bridge, then passing "Scandinavium", the biggest indoor area in Scandinavia. Then short a tour of Göteborg.

GÖTEBORG COASTLINE TOUR INCLUDING LUNCH (5 hours.) This tour takes you north of the City to the Archipelago of Göteborg and the famous sailing harbour and yacht basin of Marstrand, dominated by the Fortress of Carlsten, dating from the 17th century.

TOUR TO SWEDISH CASTLES INCLUDING LUNCH (7 hours.) A tour of Swedish stately homes. Visit will be made to the 18th Century castle at Gunnebo and also to the Tudor inspired Castle of Tjolöholm, the coach museum and the beautiful surrounding gardens.

FULL DAY EXCURSION TO NÄÄS AND BORÅS (7 hours.) Tour to the Castle of Nääs in West Gothia. The castle remains exactly as it was in 1898. Also visit the town of Borås, home of the mailorder business.

Theme Party Ideas for Incentives

ELEGANT NOBEL PRIZE BANQUET IN THE STOCKHOLM CITY HALL
Nowhere in Scandinavia is there a more elegant Theme Dinner to be found than the Nobel Dinner in the Golden Hall of the Stockholm City Hall. The latter building is a landmark with a beautiful location on the shores of Lake Mälaren in downtown Stockholm. Start with a cocktail reception in the Blue Hall and then followed by an elegant dinner in the Golden Hall along the scenario used for the real Nobel Prize Dinner. Max. capacity 1200 persons in one room.

VIKING PARTY
Looking for a more leisurely theme party evening then let's celebrate in the good old Viking style. Come and join us for a memorable evening at Stockholm's famous Skansen Park. Here you will find HÖGLOFTET - a wooden structure in log-cabin style surrounded by a low stone-fence and a lovely, green park. Viking helmets, swords and wonderful food and music included. Max. 250+180 in two adjacent rooms.

VASA MEDIEVAL BANQUET
This is indeed a very unique opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the famous man-of-war VASA from 1628. The special museum created for her offers a surrounding fit for a real medieval party. Servants dressed in appropriate costumes, tables dressed with plates, glasses and cutlery of contemporary design adds to a wonderful evening in the non-smoking environment on Djurgården island. Sit down dinner: 225 (325) persons (with additional floor constructions, the numbers can be increased).

Convention Centres

STOCKHOLM

BERNS CONGRESS CENTRE
No of meeting rooms: 16 / Capacity of largest: 1200

STOCKHOLMSMÄSSAN - THE STOCKHOLM FAIR
Space: 322,000 square feet - expansion in progress
No of meeting rooms: 41 / Capacity of largest: 2000

STOCKHOLM GLOBE ARENA
No of meeting rooms: 26 / Capacity of largest: 16000

SOLLENTUNA FAIR & CONFERENCE CENTRE
Space: 140,000 square feet
No of meeting rooms: 8 / Capacity of largest: 1000

GÖTEBORG

SVENSKA MASSAN - THE SWEDISH FAIR
Space: 290,000 square feet
No of meeting rooms: 8 / Capacity of largest: 222

SCANDINAVIUM
Capacity of largest: 12500

LISEBERG CONFERENCE CENTRE
Space: 1080 square metres
No of meeting rooms: 7 / Capacity of largest: 2323

A Few Extra Touches

ABBA LOOK-ALIKES - No music group has meant more to Sweden than ABBA. If they were performing today they would have their hands full. We offer the next best - an excellent group of look-alikes playing ABBA music for a memorable evening.

LUCIA Choir to perform and offer a bit of a very Swedish tradition.

CHILDREN, CHILDREN, CHILDREN - always creating a smile when distributing welcome flowers or handing out welcome gifts. Dressed in national costumes or acting as small TROLLS.

Enhancements for the incentive Programme

THE VIKING RAID - A SCAVENGER HUNT!
This is a team-oriented fun competition, which "forces" participants to really participate and to adapt to the local way of life. We use the local transit system and local store keepers for this fun event. Could be combined with a luncheon or dinner.

DIRT ROAD AND TRACKS
Excellent team activity with 4 x 4 Landrovers in the midst of the wilderness.

SUBMARINE GIMMICK ( enhane a new product line, company name etc.)
The Swedish Navy was, for many years, hunting uninvited foreign submarines in Swedish territorial waters. Now we invite you to take advantage of this by making use of our special submarine gimmick, when cruising in the Stockholm archipelago. In short a periscope will show up on the surface and the hunt is on. In the end a company logo or a message comes up from the depth of the sea. Excellent surprise effect!

WINE TESTING AT ULRIKSDALS VÄRDSHUS - the number one Swedish restaurant located some 20 minutes from the Grand Hotel. This is also an excellent little surprise for a small group of VIP's. Only 18 seats but we could take turns too, while the other part is trying to.

OR
Join the Chef preparing the meal in his Instruction kitchen on the same level as the Wine Cellar. Afterwards we consume the result in the dining room! Here again 18 seats are available in the Instruction kitchen. No extra cost involved if meal is taken in the restaurant. (Seasonal availability only).

Welcome Gifts

• The DALECARLIAN HORSE - This colourful handcarved wooden horse is considered a sign of success. Comes in blue, red or white in many different sizes.
• BOOK - STOCKHOLM (or other destinations in Sweden) or specific subject: Royal Palace, Milles Sculpture Garden, Vasa Man-of-War etc.
• "SWEDISH CRYSTAL" - excellent for gifts and wide variety . Suggest Nobel Champagne Glass in two-packs.
• ABSOLUT VODKA - made in Sweden. Different sizes and flavours. Nice gift-packs!
• Vacuum-packed REINDEER meat or SALMON slices - tasty popular gifts. Add a pack of Swedish Crispbread too - knäckebröd as we call it!

Specialist Groups

• Will research into any specialist Group.