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May 20, 2012
Prague midsummer Navalis
Prague's panorama was ablaze with colors May 15 as the Midsummer Nights Navalis sought to recapture the aura of the Baroque era. A stroll along the Vltava brought with it the mysterious sight of Venetian gondolas, but the parade of boats came with good reason as it paid tribute to St. John of Nepomuk, who was thrown off the Charles Bridge under orders of King Wenceslas IV in 1393. May 15 marks the anniversary of St. John's canonization, and the gondolas, markets, concerts and fireworks that ran from May 13 to May 16 as part of the Midsummer Nights Navalis (Svatojánské navalis) recalled the 17th and 18th century, when such celebrations were common. | more |
Sharon Altsheler, Maritz
IMS has a fantastic team of professionals who never fail to impress their clients. I know that I am in great hands when I work with them. They are an insurance policy for a successful program operation. Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary. Your high standards have paid off!
IMS has a fantastic team of professionals who never fail to impress their clients. I know that I am in great hands when I work with them. They are an insurance policy for a successful program operation. Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary. Your high standards have paid off!
Lynn, Averill, National Life of Vermont
Michael and Sonja, congratulations on 25 years of service to your clients (and friends)! I have personally enjoyed our association over the years and none more than creating - with your excellent help - that extraordinary experience for our Chairman's Club qualifiers in Prague. Although we're getting older, I still look forward to continuing our friendship over the next 25 years and creating a marvelous program for our top producers in another of "your" intriguing destinations. Congratulations!
Michael and Sonja, congratulations on 25 years of service to your clients (and friends)! I have personally enjoyed our association over the years and none more than creating - with your excellent help - that extraordinary experience for our Chairman's Club qualifiers in Prague. Although we're getting older, I still look forward to continuing our friendship over the next 25 years and creating a marvelous program for our top producers in another of "your" intriguing destinations. Congratulations!
Don Brommet, Pareto
I have known Michael and IMS for more years than I can remember. Michael demonstrates what I believe is why IMS has been around for 25 years, honesty, compassion, creativity and dedication. I know Michael probably doesn't want to be working that long, but I wish all the best over the next 25 years!!
I have known Michael and IMS for more years than I can remember. Michael demonstrates what I believe is why IMS has been around for 25 years, honesty, compassion, creativity and dedication. I know Michael probably doesn't want to be working that long, but I wish all the best over the next 25 years!!
Mary Bussone, ITAGroup, Inc.
Congratulations on 25 years of creating remarkable experiences! IMS has set the pace for all destination management companies throughout the world - you have consistently and expertly delivered on all phases of our travel programs. From timely and creative proposals that represent once in a lifetime experiences to outstanding execution. You have been strategic in understanding our every-changing needs and providing solutions at every turn.
Thank you for making our industry a better place through your professionalism, integrity, and commitment! Warm wishes
Congratulations on 25 years of creating remarkable experiences! IMS has set the pace for all destination management companies throughout the world - you have consistently and expertly delivered on all phases of our travel programs. From timely and creative proposals that represent once in a lifetime experiences to outstanding execution. You have been strategic in understanding our every-changing needs and providing solutions at every turn.
Thank you for making our industry a better place through your professionalism, integrity, and commitment! Warm wishes
Gordon Davis, Maritz - retired
Michael is like perpetual motion with a smile. Never a thing too small or a job too large. Rarely surprised and if so he covers it real well. With the help of Sonja of course. A great friend and a true professional he seems too young to have been in the business for 25 years. It must be all the time he spends at the spa. Love you guys.
Michael is like perpetual motion with a smile. Never a thing too small or a job too large. Rarely surprised and if so he covers it real well. With the help of Sonja of course. A great friend and a true professional he seems too young to have been in the business for 25 years. It must be all the time he spends at the spa. Love you guys.
Scott Dillion, President, SDI Incentives
SDI and I have had the privilege and good fortune to work with Michael, Sonja and the rest of the great team at IMS for the last 20 years since our company's inception. The long-standing partnership we have shared with IMS has allowed us to deliver exceptional programs in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic to our top clients. Unique programs that were innovative and creative and left a lifetime of wonderful memories for our clients and their customers and employees.
On this special 25th anniversary, we want to express our sincere appreciation for the great partnership and friendships we have shared.
SDI and I have had the privilege and good fortune to work with Michael, Sonja and the rest of the great team at IMS for the last 20 years since our company's inception. The long-standing partnership we have shared with IMS has allowed us to deliver exceptional programs in Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic to our top clients. Unique programs that were innovative and creative and left a lifetime of wonderful memories for our clients and their customers and employees.
On this special 25th anniversary, we want to express our sincere appreciation for the great partnership and friendships we have shared.
Claudius Docekal, Azamara Club Cruises
Could we all really have reached this milestone of experience while maintaining not only a business partnerships and the up and downs of our industry but most importantly our friendship? As a Viennese myself, I am of course biased towards Sonja, Michael and the many destinations they represent.
Congratulations Sonja and Michael! It has been a pleasure, a privilege and fun.
Could we all really have reached this milestone of experience while maintaining not only a business partnerships and the up and downs of our industry but most importantly our friendship? As a Viennese myself, I am of course biased towards Sonja, Michael and the many destinations they represent.
Congratulations Sonja and Michael! It has been a pleasure, a privilege and fun.
Michael J.S. Freeland, LaFayette Travel France
It took them years to find the 200 tons of silver ingots in the Irish sea. Today as IMS celebrate their silver 'wedding' with all their clients in the MICE market, I would like to add the following words.
Happily, they were certainly never any buried treasure! It never took any client long to recognize IMS as a 'silver' shining star in their three sought after and acclaimed destinations. A very well oiled machine that always performs to perfection. Michael is a rare and true professional who possesses extraordinary destination knowledge, experience and a great amount of patience- not always easy! I have always though that his laugh is a situation smoother and love him for it!
I must also mention the wonderful Sonja who has always been at his side in both good and not so good times. They make the perfect team. In all my years in the industry I have never heard anything but good about IMS. Congratulations and many more celebrations to come...
Michael, I promise I have destroyed the wine label stuck to your forehead one evening during AIME!!!!
It took them years to find the 200 tons of silver ingots in the Irish sea. Today as IMS celebrate their silver 'wedding' with all their clients in the MICE market, I would like to add the following words.
Happily, they were certainly never any buried treasure! It never took any client long to recognize IMS as a 'silver' shining star in their three sought after and acclaimed destinations. A very well oiled machine that always performs to perfection. Michael is a rare and true professional who possesses extraordinary destination knowledge, experience and a great amount of patience- not always easy! I have always though that his laugh is a situation smoother and love him for it!
I must also mention the wonderful Sonja who has always been at his side in both good and not so good times. They make the perfect team. In all my years in the industry I have never heard anything but good about IMS. Congratulations and many more celebrations to come...
Michael, I promise I have destroyed the wine label stuck to your forehead one evening during AIME!!!!
François GAIILLIARD, LaFayette Travel France
25 years in this crazy business.....congratulation.
I hope to send you a mail in 25 years for your 50th anniversary.
You will still be a young of talented company, Michael maybe a little more moody.
Honestly, it has been a great pleasure to meet you in 1992 and sharing the same philosophy about the business all over these past years despite of difficult moment.
Michael and Sonja you are certainly one of most respectful DMC in Europe and hope the coming years will be better than these last one.
25 years in this crazy business.....congratulation.
I hope to send you a mail in 25 years for your 50th anniversary.
You will still be a young of talented company, Michael maybe a little more moody.
Honestly, it has been a great pleasure to meet you in 1992 and sharing the same philosophy about the business all over these past years despite of difficult moment.
Michael and Sonja you are certainly one of most respectful DMC in Europe and hope the coming years will be better than these last one.
Paul Gawman, Time Events UK
It's a certainly a great achievement to have survived through some very difficult times over the last 25 years. And from my personal point of view it had always been a great pleasure working with a very professional DMC and also very nice team of people. Here is my toast to the next 25 years of excellent service. Best wishes
It's a certainly a great achievement to have survived through some very difficult times over the last 25 years. And from my personal point of view it had always been a great pleasure working with a very professional DMC and also very nice team of people. Here is my toast to the next 25 years of excellent service. Best wishes
Russell Gilbey, Time Events
"It is not every day that you meet two people in this industry that you both respect and trust as a business supplier but also as friends. Michael and Sonja definitely fall into this category - having known them and worked with them both for many years now, their enthusiasm, professionalism and ability to 'get the job done' make IMS one of our most preferred partners.
How they do it I just don't know but no matter which one of their offices we are dealing with, their staff seem to mirror all their qualities and make working on a project, no matter the size, a real pleasure.
Here's to the next 25 years of IMS, here's to two people I am proud to know and call friends."
"It is not every day that you meet two people in this industry that you both respect and trust as a business supplier but also as friends. Michael and Sonja definitely fall into this category - having known them and worked with them both for many years now, their enthusiasm, professionalism and ability to 'get the job done' make IMS one of our most preferred partners.
How they do it I just don't know but no matter which one of their offices we are dealing with, their staff seem to mirror all their qualities and make working on a project, no matter the size, a real pleasure.
Here's to the next 25 years of IMS, here's to two people I am proud to know and call friends."
Rick Grabish, A.G. Edwards, Inc. - retired
I had the pleasure of working with IMS, Michael and Sonja for many years, always relying on their knowledge and expertise to create a fantastic incentive experience for our well -travelled group of financial advisors.
However, it took a while to "warm up" to Michael. When we first met, he was dressed very formally in an Austrian business suit. Tall, imposing and very serious in demeanor. Not the kind of guy, I thought, who could understand that I wanted to organize an adventure for my people that had "fun" as a key ingredient. Only after seeing him in Lederhosen after a couple of schnapps did I realize that we had picked the right person. What fun he was to be with!
He was also extremely smart. He kept Sonja close by his side. She could always offer humor, a great story or fish through her satchel for a cigar to create a great evening.
Congratulations on 25 fantastic years, Michael and Sonja. I will always treasure our time together.
I had the pleasure of working with IMS, Michael and Sonja for many years, always relying on their knowledge and expertise to create a fantastic incentive experience for our well -travelled group of financial advisors.
However, it took a while to "warm up" to Michael. When we first met, he was dressed very formally in an Austrian business suit. Tall, imposing and very serious in demeanor. Not the kind of guy, I thought, who could understand that I wanted to organize an adventure for my people that had "fun" as a key ingredient. Only after seeing him in Lederhosen after a couple of schnapps did I realize that we had picked the right person. What fun he was to be with!
He was also extremely smart. He kept Sonja close by his side. She could always offer humor, a great story or fish through her satchel for a cigar to create a great evening.
Congratulations on 25 fantastic years, Michael and Sonja. I will always treasure our time together.
Bill Hopkins, Bill Hopkins Events
Whenever we go to central Europe the only DMC that makes it a great experience is IMS. They are the most experienced, easy to work with, creative, and just fantastic people. They know the history, the unique culture in each region, and how to negotiate and connect the best that each country has to offer. You wont a find a better value... but most important of all... you clients and their guests will have the best experience possible, and they will remember it for a life time.
Whenever we go to central Europe the only DMC that makes it a great experience is IMS. They are the most experienced, easy to work with, creative, and just fantastic people. They know the history, the unique culture in each region, and how to negotiate and connect the best that each country has to offer. You wont a find a better value... but most important of all... you clients and their guests will have the best experience possible, and they will remember it for a life time.
Patrick Huber, ex IMS Project Manager & freelance operation staff
I first met Michael and Sonja and the IMS team in the summer of 1999 during an incentive trip to the Tyrolean Alps. From our first meeting, it was apparent that IMS was not your average DMC. They truly wanted your experience in Austria to not just be memorable, but to be one of the greatest travel experiences of your life. They provided a level of service and hospitality that was both professional and full of personality. Years later, I ended up running into Sonja and she and Michael persuaded me to be a part of their soon-to-open office in Prague. What was a beautiful city with an abundance for any tourist, soon became a refined jewel whose services were both warm and refined. Accomplishing this in any city is difficult, but they let their suppliers and staff know how important they were to IMS' success. At their 25th Anniversary, I want to see that it has been my pleasure to know and work with IMS for over a decade and I look forward to the next 25 years of service.
I first met Michael and Sonja and the IMS team in the summer of 1999 during an incentive trip to the Tyrolean Alps. From our first meeting, it was apparent that IMS was not your average DMC. They truly wanted your experience in Austria to not just be memorable, but to be one of the greatest travel experiences of your life. They provided a level of service and hospitality that was both professional and full of personality. Years later, I ended up running into Sonja and she and Michael persuaded me to be a part of their soon-to-open office in Prague. What was a beautiful city with an abundance for any tourist, soon became a refined jewel whose services were both warm and refined. Accomplishing this in any city is difficult, but they let their suppliers and staff know how important they were to IMS' success. At their 25th Anniversary, I want to see that it has been my pleasure to know and work with IMS for over a decade and I look forward to the next 25 years of service.
Sam S. Jundi, Regional Vice President, Morley Companies, Inc.
Dear Michael:
Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary...
Over the past fifteen 15 plus years, I worked directly with you, Sonja Waldl and and your fine staff, on numerous incentives and marketing programs in Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary. Your services and creativity are top-notch, and we have been very pleased with the work you've done for us.
By far, one of the biggest overseas incentive programs you worked on for our company was in Vienna and Prague, utilizing the private Majestic Imperator to transfer between the two countries for our important automotive client. Our company trusted IMS with multi-million dollars projects, and we were thrilled with the results. We believe IMS's and Morley's strong teams and respectful partnership led to that success.
Through the years, IMS has been on time and on budget with your projects for our company. I recommend you without hesitation and would hire your company again if given the opportunity.
Dear Michael:
Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary...
Over the past fifteen 15 plus years, I worked directly with you, Sonja Waldl and and your fine staff, on numerous incentives and marketing programs in Austria, Czech Republic and Hungary. Your services and creativity are top-notch, and we have been very pleased with the work you've done for us.
By far, one of the biggest overseas incentive programs you worked on for our company was in Vienna and Prague, utilizing the private Majestic Imperator to transfer between the two countries for our important automotive client. Our company trusted IMS with multi-million dollars projects, and we were thrilled with the results. We believe IMS's and Morley's strong teams and respectful partnership led to that success.
Through the years, IMS has been on time and on budget with your projects for our company. I recommend you without hesitation and would hire your company again if given the opportunity.
Ludwig & Darlene Krammer and the BUCOM Team
Congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of IMS - it has been a real pleasure to work with you over the years. You are true professionals that love what you do - you and your team are especially to be complimented for your dedication to your clients, attention to detail, creativity, efficiency and friendly attitude that make you true leaders in the industry. We are proud to call you our friends. Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment and we wish you the very best in the next 25!
Congratulations on the 25th Anniversary of IMS - it has been a real pleasure to work with you over the years. You are true professionals that love what you do - you and your team are especially to be complimented for your dedication to your clients, attention to detail, creativity, efficiency and friendly attitude that make you true leaders in the industry. We are proud to call you our friends. Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment and we wish you the very best in the next 25!
Liliane Léger,
Senior Account Executive, IQ Business Events Inc.
"Michael and the entire team at IMS provide services with exceptional results! From proposals creativity to program delivery all programs were successful! Thanks to Michael's team!" Congratulations!
"Michael and the entire team at IMS provide services with exceptional results! From proposals creativity to program delivery all programs were successful! Thanks to Michael's team!" Congratulations!
Brian J. Mele, President,
Sundowner International Corporation
"I have had the pleasure of working with many organizations over the past 21 years and it is my opinion that IMS is at the top of the list for their professionalism, creativity, attention to detail and resourcefulness. You successfully provided amazing service and created a program that was second to none for a highly demanding and particular client. Your team's ability to anticipate our needs and execute the significant details of each event was crucial to each events success. Because of your professionalism and unfailingly positive attitude, our event was extremely successful due in large part to your teams responsiveness and expertise." All the best...
"I have had the pleasure of working with many organizations over the past 21 years and it is my opinion that IMS is at the top of the list for their professionalism, creativity, attention to detail and resourcefulness. You successfully provided amazing service and created a program that was second to none for a highly demanding and particular client. Your team's ability to anticipate our needs and execute the significant details of each event was crucial to each events success. Because of your professionalism and unfailingly positive attitude, our event was extremely successful due in large part to your teams responsiveness and expertise." All the best...
Ron Officer, Creative Group
Dear Michael,
Wow! 25 years and still going strong is quite an accomplishment in any industry, but particularly the MICE industry. It's a true compliment to your leadership, creativity and professional services.
Our first meeting occurred at the Inter-Continental Vienna. You were in the sales department if I recall and it was in the early 1980's. You then teamed up with Peter Swoboda and soon after Sonja Waldl. Then the doors of IMS were opened 25 years ago.
Creative Group has been with you all those years. IMS has always been there to serve our needs and care for our customers. We have never been tempted to work with anyone else in Austria. And, now that also holds true in Budapest and Prague as well.
Program after program as the last vehicle leaves the hotel for the airport our staff shakes hands with your team and congratulates them on another successful and flawless program.
It has been our pleasure partnering with you Michael, Sonja and Peter all these years. You're great partners and FUN to work with as well.
We wish you and your entire team all the best from all of us at Creative Group. May the years ahead be healthy and profitable for IMS. Congratulations!
Dear Michael,
Wow! 25 years and still going strong is quite an accomplishment in any industry, but particularly the MICE industry. It's a true compliment to your leadership, creativity and professional services.
Our first meeting occurred at the Inter-Continental Vienna. You were in the sales department if I recall and it was in the early 1980's. You then teamed up with Peter Swoboda and soon after Sonja Waldl. Then the doors of IMS were opened 25 years ago.
Creative Group has been with you all those years. IMS has always been there to serve our needs and care for our customers. We have never been tempted to work with anyone else in Austria. And, now that also holds true in Budapest and Prague as well.
Program after program as the last vehicle leaves the hotel for the airport our staff shakes hands with your team and congratulates them on another successful and flawless program.
It has been our pleasure partnering with you Michael, Sonja and Peter all these years. You're great partners and FUN to work with as well.
We wish you and your entire team all the best from all of us at Creative Group. May the years ahead be healthy and profitable for IMS. Congratulations!
Michele Samoulides, Microsoft
IMS is a wonderful partner! Still one of my most favorite programs ever was in Vienna working with the IMS team. The final night at Hofburg Palace was magical. They did a phenomenal job! I can't wait to come back and work with IMS again. Congratulations on 25 years.
IMS is a wonderful partner! Still one of my most favorite programs ever was in Vienna working with the IMS team. The final night at Hofburg Palace was magical. They did a phenomenal job! I can't wait to come back and work with IMS again. Congratulations on 25 years.
Chuck Stain, Excellence in Motivation
Sonja,
I would like to tell you two instances that stick out over the years regarding Herr Schillinger. First was during a ski trip to Seefeld where we had Franz Klammer as our guest speaker/Host, we had hired a professional announcer to interview Fran's at our gala dinner. The announcer was unable to get to the hotel due to a severe storm, and Michael without hesitation jumped in as the interviewer. He did an excellent interview, which was engaging and humorous and no one in the audience new the difference. Even Franz congratulated Michael on his performance.
The second Schillinger moment was even more impressive. We were in Tangires attending Malcom Forbes 75th birthday party as guest of one of our automotive clients. After the event we were headed to Ireland for a golf program via private jet. We stopped in Santander Spain to refuel and the jet had a mechanical problem that grounded the jet. Even though IMS had nothing to do with either of our destinations, we called Michael for assistance. He did the impossible! He told us to go into the town of Santander and have a leisure lunch and that he would work some magic. And he did, after lunch we returned to the airport to have a Challenger jet fueled and waiting to jet us to Ireland.
That is vintage Michael, take care of the client no matter what.
Sonja,
I would like to tell you two instances that stick out over the years regarding Herr Schillinger. First was during a ski trip to Seefeld where we had Franz Klammer as our guest speaker/Host, we had hired a professional announcer to interview Fran's at our gala dinner. The announcer was unable to get to the hotel due to a severe storm, and Michael without hesitation jumped in as the interviewer. He did an excellent interview, which was engaging and humorous and no one in the audience new the difference. Even Franz congratulated Michael on his performance.
The second Schillinger moment was even more impressive. We were in Tangires attending Malcom Forbes 75th birthday party as guest of one of our automotive clients. After the event we were headed to Ireland for a golf program via private jet. We stopped in Santander Spain to refuel and the jet had a mechanical problem that grounded the jet. Even though IMS had nothing to do with either of our destinations, we called Michael for assistance. He did the impossible! He told us to go into the town of Santander and have a leisure lunch and that he would work some magic. And he did, after lunch we returned to the airport to have a Challenger jet fueled and waiting to jet us to Ireland.
That is vintage Michael, take care of the client no matter what.
Patrick Thomas, Pat Thomas International, Inc.
I have found in my 40 plus years in the international hotel group business that it is not always easy to totally rely on fellow suppliers to accomplish the perfect program. This is not the case with IMS. Michael and Sonja and their superb staff have always been there with an excellent solution and outstanding delivery for our clients. For 25 years I have recommended IMS to my clients and friends and have never had less than a glowing report.
Michael and Sonja are the TOPS.
I have found in my 40 plus years in the international hotel group business that it is not always easy to totally rely on fellow suppliers to accomplish the perfect program. This is not the case with IMS. Michael and Sonja and their superb staff have always been there with an excellent solution and outstanding delivery for our clients. For 25 years I have recommended IMS to my clients and friends and have never had less than a glowing report.
Michael and Sonja are the TOPS.
Susan Robinson, Stifel
I have known Michael Schillinger since 1988 as a true professional of this very demanding industry. Michael's skills in developing and selling exiting incentive programs to clients has catapulted him to be a leader in the industry. I have had the fortune to partner with Michael on many programs over the years - everyone a huge success. We have developed not only a professional but fond friendship over the years. I know that I can always count on Michael I look forward to the next opportunity for us to work together or at the very least share a glass of champagne! Congratulations, Twinkie!
Russ Schnepf
I first met Michael in 1987 while working for a major incentive house. We were bidding on a large automotive program that had specified Vienna as the preferred destination. While Vienna had some very good, well established destination management companies, programming had become a bit generic and stale. We needed someone that could think out of the box and come up with new and creative ideas that would separate us from our competition. Michael was just that person.
He put together a couple of amazing signature events that included a castle party like no other and a special wine event that blew everyone's socks off. Michael's creativity not only helped us win the business, it also injected new life into Vienna as a destination and established IMS-Vienna as the premier destination management company in Austria.
I had the pleasure of working with Michael many times over the next 20 years and he never disappointed. He, Sonja, and the rest of the IMS staff have always been well liked but clients and vendors alike - always professional and friendly.
Congratulations on 25 great years to Michael and all the staff at IMS-Vienna!
Sherri Wiseman, Pacific Life Insurance Co.
Congratulations on 25 years! It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with IMS in a multitude of destinations; Vienna, Salzburg, Split and Dubrovnik but none were so memorable as our Prague/Budapest program and our Gala Evening at the Hungarian Opera House. Thanks to the creative and innovative nature that drives Sonja and Michael, our evening was beyond my expectations and is one that will be difficult to top. It was a joy collaborating with the team on every aspect of the program and I cannot think of anyone I would rather work with than Sonja and Michael. They simply are the best!
Sherri