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April 2022

THE BOAT RACE

BIRMINGHAM 2022

A FREELANCER’S LIFE

FESTIVAL FOCUS

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EDITOR’S LETTER

APRIL 2022

arlier this month, I took a day off to learn something that will make my favourite days out more enjoyable and safer. I love being outside; hence, I thought it a good idea to go on a map reading course and learn all about the contours of the land. Before the course, I would say I was OK with a map, but I told the course leader that I wanted to be more confident. So, what did I learn, besides how to use a compass properly? Well, it’s not about being confident, it’s about being competent. It’s entirely possible to gain confidence. However, confidence does not equal accuracy. Whilst I walked through Hawes in blizzarding snow and 2C (I know, I picked a great day to take off), I learned the importance of identifying a wrong turn, and the even greater importance of having an escape route. When you head out with every intention of hiking the hills, have a plan, but do not fall into a commitment trap. Just because you decided at the beginning of your journey that a particular route was the best one to take, doesn’t mean you should follow it through to the end. There are several factors that could change and impact whether you reach your destination safely. I think there are lots of lessons there that can be applied to so many aspects of life and with a busy summer season ahead of us, who knows what extra challenges we will face. Bearing that in mind, do you have an escape route? Will you have time to correct a wrong turn? And are you confident that your planning is accurate? I think it’s important that we take time to make good choices and sometimes, pressure builds within a situation and things go wrong because there’s a lack of honesty around competency and meeting expectations. Over the last three months, many #eventprofs have said that our industry is heading for a “perfect storm” with staffing shortages and supply chain challenges making life tough. So, what’s your plan and do you have a rough idea of the direction you wish to take? If you would like to have a chat and discuss your plans for the summer season, drop me a note. I would relish a walk – there’ll be a pub or café at the end. I need to put my new skills to the test! Happy reading, Caroline

@StandOutmag

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CONTENTS

ROW WITH IT 15

RHS ILLUMINATED 38

WONDERFUL WORLD 36

10 EVENT TENDERS

Discover the latest event tenders and contract wins

12 DRIVING FORWARD

FESTIVAL FOCUS 45

30 ACCESS IS EVERYTHING

Michelle Young, accessibility coordinator at Birmingham 2022, is using her accessibility experience to make the Games more inclusive

Say hello to StandOut’s steering committee, a group of valued #eventprofs that will ensure that the magazine continues to have its finger on the pulse and remains at the forefront of the industry

36 WONDERFUL WORLD

15 ROW WITH IT

42 TOGETHER FOR UKRAINE

21 ON THE RIGHT TRACK

45 FESTIVAL FOCUS

The Boat Race 2022 returned to its rightful position on the River Thames. Here, Chris Price, event manager, talks The organisers of Therme Manchester Marathon, Reading Half Marathon, Brighton Marathon Weekend, and the Bournemouth Bay Run discuss the challenges of running… events

26 A FREELANCER’S LIFE

Make time for people, be helpful, and try not to take on too much. Charlie Mussett is a freelance event ops and safety consultant. He discusses his recent foray into event freelancing

A flying book, digital projections and a cast of hundreds. Wondrous Stories, a large-scale spectacle, opened Birmingham 2022 Festival How Concert for Ukraine was delivered in record time at Resorts World Arena, Birmingham StandOut chats to festival organisers about their plans for 2022

53 LET’S HOLD HANDS

Collaboration and cuddles. Saward Marketing and Events’ Jack Saward considers how the events industry can tackle its current challenges

54 SUSTAINABILITY: TIME TO START DOING

Sustainable measures that can have a big impact on your event

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CONTRIBUTORS

This month’s

CONTRIBUTORS:

JACK SAWARD

LISA HAMPTON

CHRIS PRICE

Editor Caroline Clift caroline@standoutmagazine.co.uk

Digital and web developer Matthew Coppard

StandOut Multimedia Limited, Cobalt Building, 1600 Eureka Park, Lower Pemberton, Ashford, Kent TN25 4BF www.standoutmagazine.co.uk

Jack Saward is founder and director of Saward Marketing and Events, and a PR, trade fair and events industry specialist. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from both the public and private sectors to his work. Having been involved with the industry for as long as he can remember, Jack has seen, first-hand, how businesses have had to evolve within the ever-changing markets we live and work in. Priding himself on his face-to-face communication skills, Jack’s focus has always been to ensure that his whole team are able to understand what customers want, so that services can be offered within budget parameters. In this April edition, Jack talks of collaboration and “professional cuddles”, which he believes are the answer to today’s business challenges.

Publication manager Sarah Bourne sarah@standoutmagazine.co.uk T: 01795 509113 Account manager Jo Stace jo@standoutmagazine.co.uk Sales executive Holley Wilkinson holley@standoutmagazine.co.uk Design and production Jack Witcomb studio@standoutmagazine.co.uk

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Since joining the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee in 2020 as head of the Queen’s Baton Relay, Lisa Hampton has led the team behind the baton’s epic journey around all 72 Commonwealth nations and territories. Lisa has extensive major sporting events experience, leading the planning and delivery of the Paralympic Torch Relay for London 2012 and the Rugby World Cup 2015 and 2019 Trophy Tours amongst others. In this issue, Lisa talks of her role, the challenges of delivering the tour, and why networking is so important.

Credit control Janine Walmsley creditcontrol@standoutmagazine.co.uk T: 01795 509103 Publisher Neil Fagg neil@standoutmagazine.co.uk T: 01795 509101 Managing director John Denning Subscribe:

Chris Price is event manager of The Boat Race. He has worked on the prestigious event for two years, drawing on his vast experience within the world of live and sporting events. Chris has previously worked for The Great Run Company, British Triathlon Federation, World Sport Group, and IMG, and has worked on renowned events such as Wimbledon, The Open Championship, and The Ashes. This month, Chris talks about site changes and operational developments at this year’s Boat Race, which returned to the banks of the River Thames, flanked by thousands of spectators.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical or physical – without express prior permission and written consent of the publisher. Contributions are invited and when not accepted will be returned only if accompanied by a fully stamped and addressed envelope. Manuscripts should be typewritten. No responsibility can be taken for drawings, photographs or literary contributions during transmission or in the editor’s hands. In the absence of an agreement the copyright of all contributions, literary, photographic or artistic, belongs to StandOut Multimedia Limited. The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do not necessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss arising from the late appearance or non publication of any advertisement. Information about products and services featured within the editorial content does not imply an endorsement by StandOut magazine. © 2022. StandOut Multimedia Limited, Cobalt Building, 1600 Eureka Park, Lower Pemberton, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4BF.

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INDUSTRY UPDATES

Eventprofs urged to take part in economic survey Events professionals have until June 25 to take part in a survey that aims to quantify the contribution made by business events to the global economy. The Events Industry Council (EIC) is asking #eventprofs to jump online and take part in an Economic Significance Study. The data will be used to establish an overview of the sector and identify strategies that will accelerate the industry’s recovery. Visit www.eventscouncil.org

Festival Republic address council concerns over abandoned tents Concerns around sustainability, waste, safeguarding, and drug testing at Reading Festival have been raised at a Reading Borough Council Housing, Neighbourhoods and Leisure Committee meeting. Noel Painting, head of health and safety at Festival Republic, and Victoria Chapman, head of sustainability at Festival Republic, addressed the committee meeting. A huge point was raised about the number of discarded tents at Reading Festival with several councillors concerned of the environmental impact caused by an increase in single-use culture, exacerbated by the pandemic and COVID-19. Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward questioned whether it was time to “apply the stick” as Festival Republic had already tried the “carrot” approach on festivalgoers. Furthermore, she asked what more could be done to compel festivalgoers to do the right thing rather than “asking nicely”? Chapman said: “We believe that positive messaging goes down better with our audience than negative messaging. A heavy hand hasn’t worked. But we do know that we need to be more direct, and we are looking at being direct in our messaging this year rather than ‘We’d like you to do this’ or ‘Please do that…’. We are learning from what we’ve done in the past and building on it.” According to Painting, there are several challenges facing Reading Festival 2022, including: Loss of Riverhead Car Park due to building works, changes to guest/access campsite layout, changes to coach park/drop off, safeguarding, and environmental behaviours.

What’s keeping you awake at night? StandOut magazine’s editor loves chatting to #eventprofs – it’s her favourite thing, as it means she gets to hear what exactly is happening on event sites and the issues impacting operations, safety, and planning. This month, a couple of issues fell on her radar, and she’d love to hear your thoughts on the below, and more. First up… there’s an influx of events this season. Some events are selling out, some aren’t. There are rising living costs, which means that audiences are being squeezed a bit harder. So, could “free” events, such as those run by local authorities and Jubilee celebrations potentially, be more popular this year? Are organisers of free events ready for the potential wave of new customers and is the infrastructure in place to handle a larger than normal crowd? Two… several events have moved their dates to capitalise on the Jubilee bank holiday weekend, but it’s putting huge pressure on public transport systems. As rescheduled events appear back on calendars, what thoughts have been given to planning in large cities that have capacity to host multiple large events? For example, on June 11, Ed Sheeran is playing Etihad Stadium, The Killers are at Old Trafford, Alicia Keys is playing AO Arena, and Parklife is taking place at Heaton Park. How much thought has been given to how all these large audiences are going to get home? Manchester’s traffic and travel network will be under immense pressure. As always, if you have interesting observations to share, email editorial@ standoutmagazine.co.uk – we want to hear about the real issues impacting event operations and planning and the measures you deploy to make your events stand out.

NEWS IN BRIEF The organiser of Hillhead 2022 has confirmed an ambitious development programme for this summer’s event. It will install hard-wired fibre-optic broadband across the site. Cube Modular has acquired Caboose and Co, the event accommodation provider, to further expand its portfolio of modular cabins for event rental. Mustard Media’s Business Keeps on Dancing has released a new podcast series called Under the Spotlight, in association with the Night Time Industries Association. The podcast shares the secrets to success in the music and events industry. Gemma Shamah has been promoted to operations director at Ghostwriter Consultancy and Events. Do you operate in the UAE? New Personal Data Protection Law has come into force – like GDPR in Europe – but is not being enforced. Some details are still being ironed out. The organiser of the Royal Highland Show has secured £200,000 of Government funding to livestream the show’s 200th anniversary event across the globe. Site Equip has acquired E-Toilet Services. The All Party Parliamentary Group for Events has re-elected the Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, as its chair.

Radio 2 Live expands to two days BBC Radio 2’s “Festival in a Day” is heading out of London and doubling in size. Radio 2 Live will take place on September 17 and 18 and is heading north to Leeds’ Temple Newsam Park. More than 20 artists will perform across two stages. Alongside the main stage, for the first time there will be a Radio 2 DJ Tent where the presenters will play classic tracks. Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Radio 2 Live to Temple Newsam and for people in Leeds to be able to look forward to performances from worldclass artists on their doorstep. Leeds has hosted some of the biggest names in music over the years, so it’s great to see the city carrying on that proud tradition and to be working with the organisers to bring another major and unique event to Leeds.”

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EVENT TENDERS AND CONTRACTS BLOODSTOCK

Pitch and win

Looking for new business opportunities? Discover the latest event tenders up for grabs and details of contract wins Leicester City Council is inviting tenders for fireworks and pyrotechnics for various events that are held in the city. The deadline is noon on May 11. Email amina.laher@leicester.gov.uk

Wernick Events has signed a three-year deal to supply Bloodstock Open Air Festival with portable buildings, which will be used as ticket booths, dressing rooms, stores, and site offices.

The City of Lincoln Council is looking for a partner to deliver all aspects of the City of Lincoln 10k Road Race and supporting events. The deadline is 12pm on May 13. Interested? Email heather.carmichael@lincoln.gov.uk.

Coventry City Council has issued a tender for event security, as it requires a suitable company to provide security services for Godiva Festival. The deadline for this tender, worth £480,000, is 12pm on May 6. Interested in this tender? Email procurement.services@coventry.gov.uk

In 2022, BBC Children in Need will be staging three large-scale fundraising events – The Rickshaw Challenge, Countryfile Ramble and Surprise Squad. As a result, BBC Children in Need is looking for an organisation to project manage the challenges, taking value, sustainability and safeguarding into consideration. Email joseph.thompson@bbc.co.uk – the deadline is 10am on May 3.

The City of Lincoln Council has divided a traffic management tender, worth £400,000, into two lots – it requires traffic management and signage and specialist car parking services for various events. The deadline is 12pm on May 17. Interested? Email heather.carmichael@lincoln.gov.uk

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STEERING COMMITTEE

Staying on course StandOut magazine announces the creation of a steering committee

THE STEERING COMMITTEE DANNY SINGH

AISHA FRANCIS BEN CRAWFORD

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LUKE FITZMAURICE

STEERING COMMITTEE

It’ll be great to get together with others in the industry and be involved in a platform that creates and shares insights of our wonderful industry

Caroline Clift, editor of StandOut magazine, explained the rationale behind the creation of the steering committee: “I have reported on the issues facing busy events professionals for the last 17 years. There are multiple facets to my role, but I am at my happiest when I am on an event site, talking to events professionals. Talking to people about the real issues being faced on site and sharing ideas and opinions is a hugely rewarding part of my job. I am passionate about our sector and want to make sure that the stories we produce are the stories people want to read and ones they can learn from. “Our editorial must remain honest, authentic, and accurate. It must resonate with readers. What better way to make sure that we continue to support events professionals than drawing on the views and expertise of those in the field. Quite literally.”

EXPERIENCED EVENTS PROFESSIONALS

TRAMLINES

or more than 17 years, StandOut magazine has prided itself on being at the forefront of live events news. The last two years have changed the event scene; the industry has shifted, it is facing fresh new challenges, and the sector is entering a period of collaboration. So, to ensure that StandOut magazine remains relevant and continues to address all the important news and views and practical information that events professionals need to do their jobs, we have created a steering committee; a soundboard that will be the magazine’s “boots on the ground” as our industry landscape changes. At StandOut, we’re all about teamwork; it makes the dream work. And it doesn’t matter whether you work on sports events or music, or within a production company or local authority events team,

we have always believed that different event organisers can learn from organisers running different types of events. This magazine is for the industry so it’s only natural that we want to seek even more indepth advice from those in the know.

SHARING IDEAS AND OPINIONS

The steering committee comprises experienced events professionals, who are responsible for delivering a wide variety of live events and experiences. They include Aisha Francis, senior events manager at Proud Events, Danny Singh, founder of Sandwell and Birmingham Mela, Frankie Tee, director of enTeetainment, Ben Crawford, digital and production director at Wasserman, Luke Fitzmaurice, managing director of LFX Events, and Rob Nathan, group marketing director at Media 10. With more names to be confirmed next month.

The StandOut magazine steering committee create, market, manage, and deliver live events across the world, such as AfroNation, Lightopia, UK Black Pride, Sandwell and Birmingham Mela, Slam Dunk, BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, Rochester Castle Concerts, Ideal Home Show, Grand Designs Live, Tramlines, NFL on Regent Street, and ATP Finals, to name a few. The committee works across sport, music, faith, cultural, business, and consumer events, and works with brands on immersive experiences and sponsorship activation. Francis, who has event production experience of working on major event sites, such as Bestival and Glastonbury, commented on joining the committee: “I’m super excited to be joining the steering group at StandOut! It’ll be great to get together with others in the industry and be involved in a platform that creates and shares insights of our wonderful industry.” Clift continued: “The steering committee will be part of the magazine’s eyes and ears. It will be part of StandOut’s network that ensures the magazine continues to develop content that will help other events professionals to stay informed. I am looking forward to the coming weeks and months when I get to chat with everyone and discover the latest issues that events professionals are actually facing. There’s nothing like a bit of advice and opinion to stoke the creative brain so I can’t wait to get going.” She concluded: “I have two ears with which to listen, so the more conversations I have with event organisers and event suppliers and the more questions I ask, the better we can report on what’s happening within our amazing sector. I urge all events professionals to regularly keep in touch and let the team know what events and topics are on your radar.”

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THE BOAT RACE

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Triumphant return

Images: © The Boat Race/Benedict Tufnell/Row 360

The Boat Race 2022 returned to its rightful position on the River Thames. Here, Chris Price, event manager, discusses the big changes

here’s nothing like the roar of a crowd, an encouraging scream, or a cheer of jubilation when loyal supporters congratulate a win. That’s the thing about sporting events; they exude excitement so to see packed crowds returning to live events and watching sport is a thing of beauty. Last year, The Boat Race took place behind closed doors; COVID-19 continued to impact the events industry and crowds were banned from turning up and supporting their heroes. It’s one reason why the revered sporting event moved location to the Great Ouse in Ely; to discourage spectators. The other reason – the small issue of ongoing engineering works on Hammersmith Bridge – also played its part in the essential move.

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have proved challenging for the organiser. For instance, three suppliers dropped out of Robin Hood Marathon, giving Goldline just two weeks’ notice and the organiser has recently been slapped with fuel surcharges, despite agreeing prices. It’s indicative of the current marketplace. Osborne continued: “At the Robin Hood Marathon in Nottingham, one contractor pulled out one week before the event, another pulled out with 10 days to go, and a further contractor gave two weeks’ notice. We had to make it work and so we used stretch tents and a big top. In fact, our baggage tent was housed within a big top, so we had a unique look for our race village.

Human Race contracted Nixons, Arena, Pinnacle, White Marquee Company, to provide equipment to the Therme Manchester Marathon, which has a new sponsor for 2023; adidas. Wilde said that she feels good about 2022; Human Race has a huge roster of events to be delivered, but she feels more confident that the industry can move forward with more certainty. Lauren Excell, events officer at Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council, agrees. Four-thousand people took part in the council’s Bournemouth Bay Run (April 3), which was well-received by local residents and supporters after a two-year hiatus. The event also opted for several new measures for 2022; Beryl, an e-bike provider, assisted as Sustainable Travel Partner, enabling supporters to traverse the event’s halfmarathon and 10km routes via bike or e-scooter, reducing congestion and emissions across the event site, and the run’s race village had a new location. It was moved closer to

the run’s start and finish lines, making it easier for spectators to find, and more accessible. Capital Barriers, Insight Security, 2CL and Maidmans Marquees provided equipment to the event, which was watched by 10,000 cheering spectators. This is a just a fraction of the 120,000 spectators that descended on Brighton on April 10 for the Brighton Marathon Weekend.

TICKET PRICES

Organised by Grounded Events, the Brighton Marathon Weekend welcomed more than 10,000 runners onto the start line. Like Human Race, Grounded Events had just six months to plan the 2022 edition of the Brighton Marathon. The 2021 outing took place in September. Tom Naylor, managing director of The Grounded Events Company, told StandOut: “If you have a year to plan an event, you’ll take a year. If you have six months, you’ll use the time you have in front of you.” Every single element of the Brighton Marathon Weekend was reviewed. Especially as the event still hosted runners who had deferred their entries from 2020 and 2021. It meant that Grounded Events had to run the event (on 2022 production costs), mindful that some tickets were purchased in 2019.

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RUNNING EVENTS “We went out to market at the end of last year and got some indicative quotes. We were told that quotes would go up by five per cent, but no one factored in inflation. So, now we have final quotes that are upwards of 13, 15 and 20 per cent.” Naylor continued: “We put tickets on sale for our 2022 marathon in April 2021 whilst we were in Step 2 measures – we got zero entries. The 2021 marathon took place in September and then we went out with the same pricing structure for our April 2022 event. We normally have a big sales window in November, but we did little sales because everyone thought Christmas was going to be cancelled. We needed to get bums on seats, but we couldn’t put ticket prices up by 15 to 20 per cent.” A similar story is being told across the industry. Naylor believes that organisers of sporting events and running events will implement price increases in 2023 or tweak event sites and event designs around the money they have. He appreciates that suppliers are not increasing prices for fun. Yet, somewhere there must be “some give”, especially as local authorities are also increasing licensing fees by up to 20 per cent.

BRIGHTON MARATHON WEEKEND

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

Grounded Events managed to retain most of its “usual” suppliers for Brighton Marathon Weekend, and contracted The Event and Exhibition Partnership, ADI, Sunbelt Rentals, Field and Lawn, Total Event Solutions, NSR, Massive, JP Event Safety, and National Radio Bank to supply kit and services. “I am moaning and groaning, and I do understand the position that we as an industry are in but we’re all going to have to work together.” Naylor concluded: “We have been forced to be very efficient and because we have found that we can deliver the marathon in six months, we might launch some smaller running events in Sussex. I work with some great people. We’re one big event family and the events industry is a people industry. There’s nothing like working with solution-focused and collaborative people.”

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A FREELANCER’S LIFE

Life on the road

Make time for people, be helpful, and try not to take on too much. Charlie Mussett, director of CHJM Events, is a freelance event operations and safety consultant. He discusses his recent foray into event freelancing and the lessons he has learned CHARLIE MUSSETT

’m writing this on an April morning at a sunny table listening to BBC Radio 6 Music, a definite perk and constant companion to my freelance work life. I am absolutely knackered (and housecat number one has decided to sit on the keyboard). I’m back home after working with the great team at Human Race on the Manchester Marathon. I talk to a fair number of students via guest lectures, and do my best to point out that it’s not all hotel bars and golf buggies in fields: We all see the positive social posts after a gig, but less time is spent talking about how tired we are, the washing pile, the nagging emails from the next project, the lack of time to get a haircut and – most importantly – the people we are away from whilst working on the great event we’re now shouting about. That for me was one of the big drivers to go freelance. The rest was chance and the small matter of a global pandemic.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

I’ve worked in events for nearly 30 years, but the vast majority have been as an employee. I started out on the Tall Ships Race with a small consultancy looking after the festival sites and public ops side of things when it visited Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen in the 1990s, then I moved to The Great Run Company to look after mass televised events, including the Great North Run. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have worked with

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A FREELANCER’S LIFE some excellent freelancers over the years in so many places, and I always knew it was something I wanted to do. I guess everyone needs a push. Mine came courtesy of COVID. I was put up for redundancy and decided to take the plunge. Furlough felt like a long slow walk to my job going, so I spent time talking to people, making new contacts and looking for that opportunity. That came in the shape of TV safety. Screen production came back sooner than events, so I took the sideways step over there, working with First Option as an associate consultant. I’d worked in event production safety, with a lot of sport outside broadcasts and been on many tech recces. Once I’d been through First Option’s IOSH TV Production Safety course and got my head around the many, many role titles in TV, it all came together well. It also felt great to be back in a car, part of a team, and out on the road during lockdown.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE?

My working life now is event safety and event operations with a bit of TV safety and guest lecturing to fill in the gaps. After a long time finessing the same events, what I really craved was variety. Most of my work comes not from people I knew before but those I’ve come across, met on LinkedIn, talked to in person or been introduced to since I went freelance in October 2020. Guest lecturing fits in nicely around the event season but is a lot tougher to deliver online under COVID than in person (online lectures eat up slides at an alarming rate) and I do hope that chances for face to face teaching continue. Events provide regular learning for all of us, handy anecdotes, and case studies, and I’m happy to be open about the good and the bad when talking to students. Everyone wants to be the person at the side of the Pyramid stage getting bands on and off, but so does the person who is doing that now – so what are you going to be? The events industry is incredibly varied. Find what you like working on, drop the things you don’t (after the gig, never quit if you’ve said you’ll be there), and don’t worry about racking up a CV full of big names. One of the most enjoyable things I’ve worked on was a brand activation last summer where we took a learn to ride cycling show to ten venues, seven days a week, over seven weeks. Low numbers, plenty of logistics, and lots of happy faces.

DETAILED INFORMATION

This weekend, working for Human Race, was the culmination of four months of planning to sort out the movement of tens of thousands of bottles of water, hundreds of loos, dozens of performers, and it all came together on the streets of Greater Manchester in a few hours. No fenced off site or long build on this one. Briefings – online and in person – and detailed but easy to read info for crew are key. The last job before heading

To me, the key to staying successful as a freelancer is to make sure that I’m of real worth to my clients, and that the work I do is of real worth to me to the event was to pick up the Course Handbook from my printer, a 60-page bound booklet of timings and maps for our managers covering closures, crossing points, water stations, welfare and more. On an event like that zone managers are remote. There is no handy production office to nip back to. So, if you can’t carry it on a bike, you don’t take it. My hired Tern GSD electric cargo bike was my best friend for the weekend.

HAPPY PLACE

Last weekend, I was side of stage watching aerial circus acts after a night-time build in the heart of a city centre. That gig came about via my friends at Engine No 4 (I work as event control manager for them at Parklife) who put me forward for it. To me, the key to staying successful as a freelancer is to make sure that I’m of real worth to my

clients, and that the work I do is of real worth to me – in terms of both income and time impact. It sounds simple, but I just try to be helpful. Find time for people, find out what they really want, give that to them, focus on the outputs, and try not to take on too much. I started off this year with about 20 per cent of my year in place. By week three of January, it was 80 per cent there, and whilst I may take on some more later this year I’ve got enough in there now and am talking to people about 2023. I’m learning to embrace the financial uncertainty. The variety, time at home (I’ve chosen to work fewer weekends than I used to as right now my son wants to spend time with me) and being my own boss make up for no sick pay and employer-funded pension. The attic office, my car boot as event store, and my laptop are the workplace, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been.

www.standoutmagazine.co.uk n 27

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CAPITAL BARRIERS AND TEMPORARY FENCING

Ringfence your kit Fencing and barrier experts discuss the upcoming event season, best practice, and trends

he events industry is busy and there is anticipation and trepidation as the summer season fast approaches. However, there is also a myriad of new challenges for 2022, and it is something that event suppliers, including fencing and barrier specialists, are all too aware of. Liz Gillies, client services and marketing manager at Entertee, which is providing fencing to Download, Boomtown and Creamfields this summer, is excited for 2022, especially because the industry has suffered a difficult two years. According to Gillies, team Entertee is receiving lots of calls about products that

it does not supply, as organisers look for suggestions. It’s a trend that she is witnessing, and it is a concern. But it’s not her only one. “What do I think will be a challenge this year?” she said. “Transport shortages and the increased costs of fuel to get kit to site. We engaged early with our hauliers to negotiate rates for 2022 before we started to quote clients. We do not mark-up our transport rates so after conversations with our hauliers, who are potentially imposing a fuel surcharge, we are now having to have more discussions with clients.”

Gillies empathises with organisers, as she respects budgets have been set. However, she also argues that hauliers and suppliers cannot suffer the increase. She says that there is a shortage of fencing and stage barrier, and whilst Entertee has marginally increased stock levels, the business remains conscious of industry challenges and wishes to be as efficient as possible with scheduling so that it can help as many organisers as possible. Wes Pierce, managing director of Number 8 Events, agrees. His company is turning to cost saving efficiencies with clients, by ensuring that it maximises deliveries with a range of products on one truck. Speaking about the state of the marketplace, he explains: “It is shaping out to be a very busy year, which is needed after the past two years. But as the cost of living generally rises, so does the cost of everything involved in organising events. “There are several quotes sitting out there with people saying they are proceeding but not actually paying a deposit. As we get closer to the event dates, this will obviously change but the availability of stock then fluctuates, and we get the same madness as 2021 when people were scrambling around for essential items the week before the event.” In the last 12 months, Number 8 Events has invested heavily in stock levels to cope with demand from regular clients. For example, it has started to supply powder-coated crowd barrier in red and black for brand events that require smarter equipment. Such investment is having a positive impact on orders. Number 8 Events is supplying fencing and barriers to Tide Festival and Greenwich and Docklands Festival 2022. Pierce adds: “We are finding more clients are asking us to provide more items directly, so they are dealing with fewer suppliers.” Garry Wakefield, director of Capital Barriers and Temporary Fencing, concurs. He says: “We are supplying everything from barriers, picket fencing, VIP ropes and posts, and ground mats. Clients want to have a sole supplier for the large majority of outdoor infrastructure. “After an extremely manic end to 2021, when the event sector opened, we contacted all our clients and urged them to get their booking in early. The pandemic hit many suppliers hard and the few that are left will be in great demand this year.” Capital Barriers and Temporary Fencing will supply barriers and fencing to London Marathon Events, Bournemouth 7s Festival and Sandpolo in 2022. Wakefield concludes: “We are very nearly at capacity, and we aim to help as many of our clients to achieve their requirements but as usual everybody wants to hold an event on a bank holiday weekend. “The only piece of advice I can give to organisers is get your orders in as early as possible and try to be as flexible with the timings of arrival of equipment and services as you can,” Wakefield urged.

www.standoutmagazine.co.uk n 29

ACCESSIBILITY

Access all areas

Michelle Young, accessibility co-ordinator at Birmingham 2022, explains why accessibility is paramount and how organisers can make their events more accessible and inclusive

irmingham 2022’s accessibility department is comprised of a team of three. Yet, the small team has one of the biggest tasks ahead of it; to make Birmingham 2022 the most accessible Commonwealth Games in history. Michelle Young, accessibility coordinator at Birmingham 2022, works with Emma Clueit-Ord, head of access, and Chris Massam, access coordinator. Together, they advise every function and department within the Games’ organising committee on every aspect of access you can imagine. For example, one day, Young might be training colleagues about autism awareness, and the next she could be advising on digital and large print menus for visually impaired and Blind customers. The breadth of work and consultancy required for such a large event is huge; but it’s necessary and one that Young is relishing. She is keen to make every person attending the Games feel included and that they have been thought about. “We want this to be a Games for all,” she explained. In fact, the large-scale sporting event, which takes place from July 28 to August 8, is set to have the largest integrated Para sport programme in the history of the Games, with Para athletics and Para swimming events added for the first time. Unlike the Olympics and Paralympics, which factor in a period of time for venues to be turned round and adapted for athletes and audiences with accessibility needs, Birmingham 2022 has considered a myriad of needs now so that everyone attending the event – athletes, employees, volunteers, officials, spectators, and media – can have a safe, exciting, and dignified experience. For example, Young, Clueit-Ord, and Massam have worked with CSM Live on wayfinding by assessing pictograms and symbols used on signage for food and drink outlets and toilets. Website accessibility and accessible documentation has been a big focus too, as has advice on viewing platforms and distances between seats and toilets, for instance. There will be British Sign Language interpretation at

key ceremonies, and disabled people can apply for a ticket for a companion without having to send in proof.

GET ACCESSIBILITY RIGHT

According to Purple, an organisation dedicated to reducing levels of inequality between disabled and non-disabled people, in the UK alone, the consumer spending power of 13.8 million disabled people and their families – the Purple Pound – equates to £249 billion a year. Therefore, the disability market is too big and important to be ignored. Young explained that Birmingham 2022 is the first Commonwealth Games to have a dedicated access function. It acts as a consultant to the organisation and ensures that details within the event’s Accessibility and Inclusion Commitment [The BIG Standard] are being met. Training is vital and it is a large part of Young’s job. In fact, we meet not long after she has delivered a “ways of working” training session to Games’ employees on different types of visual impairments and accessibility considerations, such as preparing people for the realities of working with guide dogs and how to guide a visually impaired or Blind person. Young uses aids to demonstrate the different conditions experienced by people living with a visual impairment so that others can appreciate how much more stressful dayto-day tasks, such as travelling, can be. “A lot of my job is about being approachable and knowledgeable,” Young continued. “Everyone wants to get accessibility right; they just need to be nudged along.”

PUT ACCESS AT THE FOREFRONT

Birmingham 2022 currently holds Bronze in the Deaf-friendly Standard, it has put in evidence of its work to be gain Silver certification and hopes to achieve the Gold standard before the Games begin. It is proof of all the hard work that is being done behind the scenes to ensure equality and inclusion.

“I am a big attender of concerts, but people always think about wheelchairs and not about providing digital menus and large print menus,” Young added. Young is registered blind and uses a guide dog, Hugo the German Shepherd. She uses her lived experiences to educate and train people within Birmingham 2022 about how to make the Games experience better for people living with additional access needs. Prior to joining the access team, Young was a volunteer recruitment and selection coordinator for Birmingham 2022; a role she enjoyed immensely. She also has experience of volunteering at Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. She said: “I came on board with the Commonwealth Games in May 2021. I had worked in volunteer recruitment but as the Games moves from planning to delivery, everyone moves roles. I wanted to pick mine; I had lived experiences and having worked in accessibility; I went for it.” Young aims to give everyone that she meets some basic knowledge of how you should behave around a guide dog and how you should guide someone who is Blind or has a visual impairment. Access and laws surrounding guide dogs continue to be misunderstood. “With the arrival of the Equality Act, organisers and businesses were made more aware of their legal obligations, but there is still a lack of knowledge and resistance to put access at the forefront. “The scope of my role encompasses so much. It’s the most challenging job I have ever done. One month within the Games is like three months in any other job; everything is new and there’s one big immovable deadline.” But when it comes to live events and access, what advice does Young have for other organisers? “Prioritise access, the way you would any other mandatory requirement such as RIDDOR or building regs, and train your staff,” she concluded.

I am a big attender of concerts, but people always think about wheelchairs and not about providing digital menus and large print menus 30 n www.standoutmagazine.co.uk

ACCESSIBILITY

MICHELLE YOUNG www.standoutmagazine.co.uk n 31

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PROFILE

THE BATON IN MALAYSIA

Carrying the Baton

Lisa Hampton is head of The Queen’s Baton Relay at the Birmingham 2022 Organising Committee. Here, she talks of tour challenges, COVID, sustainability, and the importance of networking How long have you been working in events and what/who inspired you to join the industry?

I have been working in events for around (eek) 18 years. I studied sports management at university and particularly enjoyed the event management modules. At the same time, I worked at a theme park and loved the buzz and challenge of delivering an experience for thousands of people each day. Events was really the perfect fit for me, and I never looked back! I was working in events in London in 2005 and went to Trafalgar Square to hear the results of the London bid for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. When we won, the atmosphere was electric, and I remember making a promise to myself then that I would get a role on the London 2012 Organising Committee. That was the start of my career in moving events and relays and I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given over the years.

What previous event experience has stood you in good stead for your role as head of The Queen’s Baton Relay?

Over the past ten years, I have worked across several similar projects, from delivering the Paralympic Torch Relay in 2012 to the Rugby World Cup 2019 International Trophy Tour, all of which have key skills and components that have stood me in good stead to do this role, such as creative thinking, stakeholder engagement, international logistics and operations as well as communications and media management. Head of The Queen’s Baton Relay is a broad role and allows me to use all the skills I have acquired over the years (as well as a number I didn’t know I had!) All of these programmes are crucial for generating excitement and interest in the forthcoming sporting event and are also incredible ways to bring worldclass sports and athletes to grass roots communities.

LISA HAMPTON

We decided early on that we would try to use the pandemic as an opportunity to look at the traditional delivery model and find new ways of working that we wouldn’t otherwise have considered Tell me a little bit more about your current role – what are the challenges of organising such a huge tour? Organising and delivering a global relay is a large undertaking. The Queen’s Baton Relay is currently travelling to all 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth on its 294-day journey, and we have a brilliant team that are managing all elements of the delivery, from logistics, operations, and security through to marketing, communications, and social

media management. We are very fortunate to be able to work with incredible Commonwealth Games Associations in each country, who do a fantastic job of organising amazing programmes of activity in their nation to celebrate the baton when it arrives. We have seen almost every activity you can think of – skydiving, horse riding, diving with sharks; trips on all kinds of modes of transport, as well as being joined by various animals from across the globe.

www.standoutmagazine.co.uk n 33

PROFILE Finally, we have welcomed thousands of Batonbearers to carry the baton as part of the journey; with each of these Batonbearers being people making a difference and taking on challenges in their communities. It has been one of the most colourful programmes I have ever worked on and finding out about different cultures and celebrating sport and communities all over the world has been an incredible experience.

How has sustainability been factored into planning/delivery for the Baton Relay?

UGANDA

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be the most sustainable Commonwealth Games yet and sustainable principles have been embedded into the planning for the relay. For example, this relay route has been designed to be the shortest route in recent times and we are using sustainable methods of transport wherever possible. Championing sustainability is a key theme of the Queen’s Baton Relay and during the delivery so far, each nation has showcased a project that supports one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. There has been tree planting in several nations, coral planting in Fiji, beach clean ups and visits to sustainable power generation projects, such as hydro plants.

What impact has COVID had on the relay?

PAPUA NEW GUINEA 34 n www.standoutmagazine.co.uk

As everyone in the event industry knows, COVID has been a real challenge for all of us and the Queen’s Baton Relay has been no exception. Delivering a global journey doing a global pandemic has been no mean feat, but we decided early on that we were going to do everything we could to make the Queen’s Baton Relay a success and that we would try to use the pandemic as an opportunity to look at the traditional delivery model and find new ways of working that we wouldn’t otherwise have considered. This is, for example, the first time ever the Baton has travelled without a support team, with the Commonwealth Games Associations being responsible for the baton in their home nations instead. We wouldn’t have set out to do this in a non-

pandemic environment, but it has been working well and is something we will review again for future relays.

What’s been your favourite moment of the Baton Relay so far and is there anything you are looking forward to the most?

This is such a hard question – I think there are too many to have a favourite moment! I have loved the diversity of the programme and how each nation and territory has injected their personality into their celebrations along the way. From the Namibian sand dunes in Africa, to the temples of India in Asia, from the Sydney Opera House in Australia to the rainforests and beaches of the Americas and the Caribbean, it truly has been a global endeavour, with each nation and territory playing their part in the delivery of an epic journey. I think what will stay with me the most though, is the true sense of excitement and pride from every single Batonbearer and every single Commonwealth nation and territory to be part of the Queen’s Baton Relay.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would that be? Network, network, network, and then network some more! It is still not one of my strongest skills and I suspect it never will be – I am still terrible at it now, but people are your biggest asset in this industry. Whether it is having access to great people when you need them to support on a project or whether you need to find a person in common when you are going for that next role or piece of business – so much of the event industry is about recommendations and working with people that networking is a crucial element of success.

Looking back over your career, what’s the biggest lesson you have learned?

I have learnt so much throughout my career, but what constantly surprises me is how small the events industry is. Everyone knows someone that knows you, so you should always try to work well and get along with people because they will always show up again further along your path!

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WONDROUS STORIES

CROWDS WATCH WONDROUS STORIES

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WONDROUS STORIES

Wonderful world A flying book, digital projections and a cast of hundreds comprised Wondrous Stories, a large-scale spectacle that opened Birmingham 2022 Festival

he Birmingham 2022 Festival opened on March 17 with Wondrous Stories, a large-scale open-air performance that took over Birmingham’s Centenary Square. The free show, created by Motionhouse, the Leamington Spabased dance circus company, was performed seven times over four nights. Produced by Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces, Wondrous Stories featured a flying book, bicycles, a large globe, digital projections, and a cast of hundreds, combining dance, acrobatics, and aerial displays. The Birmingham 2022 Festival is a six-month long cultural programme taking place across Birmingham and the West Midlands, and it will be one of the largest ever cultural programmes to surround the Commonwealth Games. Comprised of more than 200 events, including an immersive 3D experience on public transport, photography exhibitions across billboards, a city centre forest of magical proportions, and a mass tap-dancing extravaganza, Birmingham

2022 Festival will run until September 18 when giant fabricated trees and thousands of plants will take over Birmingham’s Victoria Square in celebration of the cross-pollination which has shaped UK culture. Martin Green, chief creative officer at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, said: “The Birmingham 2022 Festival is one of the biggest cultural festivals ever associated with a Commonwealth Games and it’s absolutely central to Birmingham 2022 as a global event. The festival is an incredible opportunity to showcase the amazingly vivid cultural world that is reflected in Birmingham and the West Midlands. The festival brings together diverse artists from across the region who are working in a huge range of art forms and community participation and inclusion is crucial to so many of the events. Above all, this is a festival made in the West Midlands for the Commonwealth and everyone is invited.”

www.standoutmagazine.co.uk n 37

RHS ILLUMINATED

ALLOA TOWER, STIRLING

Time to shine

Visitors flocked to RHS Illuminated, a five-minute-long immersive experience marking the 200th anniversary of the Royal Highland Show

ast month, the Royal Highland Show (RHS) marked its 200th anniversary by animating and projecting never-before-seen images onto historic landmarks and buildings across Scotland. Over four weeks in March, the RHS opted to celebrate its 200-year milestone with a series of immersive storytelling installations. Dubbed RHS Illuminated, the sensory events raised awareness of the Royal Highland Show and its positive impact on Scotland throughout the years. Organised by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), the installations documented a long visual history of the event in a five-minute display. RHS Illuminated took place in eight locations around Scotland, from Dumfries and Galloway to Inverness, and referenced how the

38 n www.standoutmagazine.co.uk

show would tour the country annually before it settled permanently at Ingliston in 1960. Bill Gray, chairman of RHASS, said: “To celebrate the bicentenary of the show, we wanted to do something special. The Royal Highland Show Illuminated is the perfect way to give back to regional communities and the RHASS membership across Scotland and herald the return of the show. “After two long years without a full show, we are going all out to make the 200th anniversary Royal Highland Show the best one yet. The events are a powerful and poignant portrayal of the show’s value and importance to Scotland’s communities.” The Royal Highland Show will take place at Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, from June 2326, 2022.

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Wiltshire Council is running a soft market test exercise, to explore future options to remobilise the City Hall entertainment venue in Salisbury. This process will help inform how Wiltshire Council might progress future options for the venue. The aim of the SMT is to: • Gather information to support the council’s decision-making process in any next steps and will only be used for research purposes. • Approach the market to understand the level of interest to manage and operate City Hall as a multi-purpose entertainment/cultural venue. • Begin to understand the market’s experience and ability to manage venues similar to City Hall. Organisations are invited to complete the council’s questionnaire from 4 April 2022. The deadline for returns is 9am on 16 May 2022. Please note: Any information you provide will only be used for research purposes. This questionnaire does not constitute an Invitation to Tender process, and will not be judged against any criteria, nor will it inform any potential tender process in the future. No award of any contact will be made as part of this process. Please download the information packs and questionnaire form: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/salisbury-city-hall-soft-market-test www.standoutmagazine.co.uk n 39

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TRAILERS CABOOSE AND CO

CUBE MODULAR

Blazing a trail(er) Anything is possible with a trailer or promotional unit. Industry experts discuss the latest trends

t has often been said that the only limit is your imagination. Chat to Tim Cook, managing director of Versatile Venues, and he will tell you that anything is truly possible within a trailer. “Don’t be restricted to what you think traditionally a trailer can offer you,” he says. And he is right. Trailers and promotional units can be used in a variety of ways – as ticket booths, production offices, temporary showrooms, merchandise units, and hospitality lounges. The options are boundless. This year, Versatile Venues, the promotional unit and trailer hire specialist, will be assisting clients at Rail Live, Boomtown, Hillhead, Seaworks, and the Scottish Game Fair, to name a few. According to Cook, the company, which will soon expand into North America, is experiencing a higher level of enquiries than it has ever experienced before. As a result, the business continues to invest, manufacture, and innovate to give the company the capacity to take on more work. Cook describes an intensified events programme, as the events industry bounces back after a tough two years. Brandon Weston, managing director of Cube Modular, agrees. He comments: “We are seeing a much greater confidence from event organisers in their events going ahead, which means that they are committing to booking in suppliers and services earlier

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than last year. We’re putting in place multi-year deals and taking bookings for our whole range of products. It’s great to see the events industry bouncing back.”

WORLD DEBUT

Cube Modular, a division of Cube International, has recently acquired Caboose and Co, and has appointed A Space as the sole provider and distributor of Continest Portable Buildings in Ireland. With such growth, Weston and his team are preparing for a busy summer. He continues: “The latest model of our retail unit has already made its debut at the World Athletics Championships in Belgrade, and now we are working on the Commonwealth Games. We are building a huge megastore in Birmingham City Centre and

our new pop-up merchandising units will be appearing all over the city. We are also supplying many Continest units to Formula E in Monaco, which will be used to build their event infrastructure, including two-storey Race Control offices, retail units and security and production offices.”

EVENT IMPACT

Weston states that organisers are more interested in their carbon footprint than they used to be. He adds: “They are very interested in the sustainability of our Continest folding cabins. Being able to deliver an entire event infrastructure, including box/ticket offices, production offices and retail/merchandising units on just two trucks is very appealing – both from a sustainability and transport cost point of view.”

Increasing costs – production and haulage – will be the biggest challenge that the industry faces this season, says Weston. As a result, organisers are looking for equipment that is high quality, versatile, and easily transportable. Cube Modular’s Continest foldable portable units are a big hit as they fold down and stack, giving an 80 per cent reduction in storage and transportation costs. Weston continues: “We will continue to build our fleet of Continest cabins with improvements and modifications to make them even more flexible and easy to install in challenging conditions. Our point of sale merchandising units have just undergone further development, now featuring a lift up canopy and fold down shelf section, all incorporated within the Continest folding system.” According to Weston, the live events market and the supply chain have changed dramatically during the pandemic. Hence, organisers are advised to confirm orders early and to look at multi-year contracts to secure product availability in the years ahead. Weston concludes: “Also, with the drive towards sustainability of events, we’d recommend using a carbon footprint calculator to help assess and report on the impact of your event and the suppliers and products you use. Our charity partner ecolibrium has a free one that’s easy to use and can be downloaded from their website.”

www.versatilevenues.co.uk n 41

CONCERT FOR UKRAINE All images © Getty Images

Concert of hope

Concert for Ukraine served as a reminder of how music can unite us even in the most uncertain and troublesome of times. Here, we take a closer look at how the concert came about, the challenges involved to get Resorts World Arena turned around in record time, and the incredible results achieved

d Sheeran, Camila Cabello, Paloma Faith, Gregory Porter, Emeli Sandé, Nile Rodgers and Chic were among those performing at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena on March 29. Wind back the clock to the beginning of that month when the idea behind Concert for Ukraine surfaced. The idea was simple; to bring together names from the world of music for a unique event spreading a message of hope and support, and most importantly, to raise funds for the ongoing DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. Whilst there was a clear vision to bring to life, organisers were hopeful of staging the televised concert somewhere in the second half of March, so there was an immediate sense of urgency to get the message out there and bring the right partners on board. Securing a venue and a team accustomed to delivering major live TV events at such short notice was, therefore, a priority. With great road, rail and air links, Resorts World Arena was a natural choice for the concert. Situated on the NEC Campus just outside Birmingham city centre, its central location and proximity to facilities and production companies met the event’s needs. A large, televised event needed to be turned around in such a short period of time.

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That’s what initiated a call – the first of many – between Livewire Pictures and the NEC Group. It was on Friday, March 4 – just 25 days before the concert took place – when Guy Freeman, managing director of Livewire Pictures, made initial contact and presented the idea to Ben Sharman, venue sales manager of ticketing and arenas at NEC Group. Resorts World Arena was chosen and confirmed just 19 days before the big date. An impressive feat given the usual time it takes to prepare for a show. It was from this very moment when the wheels were firmly set in motion. A site visit followed on March 17, bringing together the many different production teams required to plan, create, and host the event. Everything from security, production, TV, catering, cleaning, rigging, lighting, special effects, front of house, artists dressing rooms and furniture, medical and IT were discussed. Key suppliers and contractors included: OCS Group UK, Neon Arena Services, Medical Solutions, CBRE, Amadeus, National Merchandise and Off to Work. Plus, All Access Staging, Neg Earth, Plus 4 Audio, Power Logistics, SES Group, Skan PA Hire, Radiotek, Inspire Furniture Hire, and Creative Technology all provided kit and services to the televised fundraiser.

CONCERT FOR UKRAINE It was agreed early on – and unsurprisingly so – that all suppliers involved in the set-up of the event would provide their services free of charge, with 100 per cent of profits made from ticket sales and other channels, such as food and beverage, going straight to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. One of the challenges from an event management perspective was to oversee and manage all the different logistics between these individual teams to ensure everyone was working in harmony. The NEC Group’s event management team created a bespoke layout to accommodate dressing rooms for 14 artists, a major TV production and enough seats to bring live to life for those in the venue and the millions watching on ITV. The result was a specially configured Resorts World Arena with a capacity audience of more than 8,000, around half of its maximum capacity. A final layout was then agreed with the organisers on March 21. The very next day, tickets for Concert for Ukraine went on-sale to the public. The tickets, which were sold exclusively by the NEC Group’s official box office The Ticket Factory, flew out the door, and sold out in no time, such was the concert’s national appeal and media interest. As the excitement grew there was a real sense of “we’re all in this together”, with a raft of companies, agencies and freelancers enquiring just days before the event to offer their services. Individual people came onboard as volunteers and other external suppliers agreed to provide whatever services and goods available at zero cost. Not to mention ITV, who provided the airtime with £3 million worth of advertising revenue and broadcast sponsorship going to the appeal. The build day arrived on March 27 just hours after BBC Planet Earth II was staged at Resorts World Arena. In just the blink of an eye, the arena came to life and before you knew it, artists were conducting dress rehearsals and the media and public were primed for what was set to be a historic night for UK’s live events and entertainment industries. More than 8,000 people attended Concert for Ukraine with a peak of 3.6 million people at home tuning into the live broadcast. It was the most watched programme of the day for 16-34-year-olds. Most importantly, the event delivered on the idea of bringing together some of the world’s biggest artists to raise funds. Through sponsorship, ticket sales, ad revenue and public donations, Concert for Ukraine raised a staggering £13.4 million. There was a real sense of pride in the air the day after. All the people involved had been able to make a small difference to the lives of people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, which was a powerful and emotional feeling. The NEC Group is in the business of putting events on day after day. But Concert for Ukraine will have a special place in its heart. When people look back on their careers, the event will stand out.

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FESTIVAL FOCUS BOOMTOWN

Fields full of dreams

Festival organisers discuss market trends, site changes and operational developments for 2022 you look at every situation W hen that you have ever faced, there will

always be positives and there will always be negatives. It’s a fact that Ciro Romano, managing director of Neapolitan Music, agrees with. He is currently putting the finishing touches to his roster of festivals, Love Supreme, Nocturne Live, and Kite, a new festival for 2022, which he hopes will appeal to Oxfordshire’s and Gloucestershire’s educated and gentrified demographic. “I am negative about costs, but I am positive about ticket sales,” Romano explains with a hint of positivity in his voice. “Managing costs is difficult, but I am pretty positive. Ticket sales are going well, but no matter what we do, production costs have gone up 25 per cent.” Romano has slightly increased ticket prices for Love Supreme. However, it’s a move that has not been met with much resistance. He is not concerned. Festivalgoers continue to purchase tickets, and the pressures on supply and the increase in production costs “are what they are”. Romano is candid as he talks of the upcoming festival season. For instance, Love Supreme has increased capacity from 20,000 to 25,000, resulting in a slight expansion of the event site, and he describes Kite, which is set to take place at Kirtlington Park, Oxford, as a “festival of ideas and music for curious, inquisitive, and cultural minds”. Kite will take place from June 10-12, and feature Grace Jones, David Miliband, and Reginald D Hunter — all spread across

seven stages at the Oxfordshire estate. As it is the festival’s first year, Romano has been careful to consider the festival’s price point. But does he feel brave to launch an event when the industry is faced with challenges? “We were supposed to launch Kite in 2020 then the pandemic hit,” he says. “Then we were supposed to launch it in 2021 and then it was a case of: ‘How long are we going to wait? Let’s just do it’. “The idea for Kite came about after I visited Hay Festival in 2018. It was 4pm and I had listened to a talk, and I thought it would be great if there was music, real music. That was the beginning of the idea and so music and ideas and spoken word just morphed. It’s great to have a festival that puts music and ideas on an equal footing.”

CHRIS SMITH

CAKE AND PURCHASE ORDERS

U-Live’s head of operations, Mandy Johnson, is head of production at Kite, Love Supreme and Nocturne Live, and is helping Romano source suppliers for 2022. It’s a task that Romano describes as “difficult”. His response is tame. Chris Smith, festival director of WOMAD, and Melvin Benn, managing director of Festival Republic, respectively describe trying to source kit and find contractors as a “fucking nightmare” and a “bloody nightmare”. Smith explains: “The last two years have had a serious impact on the industry. There are increased costs and an upsurge in events. We have less stuff, less staff, and more events, and some people have come into the industry quite aggressive.

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FESTIVAL FOCUS “Where there’s a gap in supply, new suppliers will come through and a new market will be created, and the next generation of events professionals will come through too, but it’s a matter of time.” All that said, Smith says that WOMAD will be “fine”, as the festival has been going for 40 years. “But for WOMAD 40 years in the event’s industry is not 40 festivals,” he adds. “The 40 thing is huge for us. We’ve programmed over 10,000 artists, delivered over 300 festivals across six continents to an audience of millions. And we’re still independent of big commercial organisations.” Smith is excited for 2022, as “there’ll be cake”. However, whilst jesting about anniversary celebrations, he is serious when he talks about the excessive number of suppliers trying to request three-year contracts with no clause to review costs after year one. Benn concurs with Smith and Romano. The festival organiser has found sourcing suppliers to be a “challenge”. Benn says: “We’ve had a frantic six months to get on top of suppliers and contracts, but everything now has a purchase order. I can’t pretend that it’s been easy, and we’ve had to change some suppliers, such as marquees and fencing, but I have been renting equipment for a long time and I’d like to think that I’ve been a good customer.”

ACCESS ALL AREAS

Festival Republic, which organises Download Festival and Reading Festival, has revealed major site improvement plans for Download 2022. Following audience feedback, the organiser has made changes, including significant improvements to accessible camping and sustainability. For example, The Village has moved closer to the main arena and will now be located on hardstanding. With the new location just 350 metres from the Access Campsite, access customers can now go freely from their camp to The Village without leaving solid ground. The Accessible Campsite remains on the same hardstanding location, but the Accessible Campervan space has moved to a flatter more accessible location. The space for campervans has increased by 42 per cent to meet significant

demand and allow for more than 100 spaces for 2022. Download Festival has also reduced walking distances for festival attendees by moving campsites, car parks, the transport hub, and The Village. When campers were looking at almost an hour walk to the campsites from the Arena, the new campsite locations mean that festivalgoers can reach their tents in the furthest campsites from the Arena in just 25 minutes. As The Village is now a central hub between campsites, this can be reached from most campsites in 15 minutes or less. In further developments, Download is partnering with Trees for Cities too. An additional £1 car park pass donation will fund tree-planting projects in both Derbyshire and Leicestershire. Furthermore, the festival is introducing a new Circular Camping option, offering clean, upcycled tents and camping equipment. Circular Camping will be in the Green campsite, next to the Eco Camp, which is back at the rock festival for a third year.

MADE FESTIVAL

NEW MOVES

In 2022, Festival Republic intends to explore increasing mains power at Reading by installing a grid connection on site and it aims to power all the festival on 100 per cent renewable fuel by 2030. Victoria Chapman, head of sustainability at Festival Republic, and her team have been monitoring carbon emissions at Reading Festival for some years. Recently, emissions have levelled off as the festival has got bigger [105,000 capacity] but with changes for 2022 including battery power, biofuel and tech, Festival Republic expects to see a considerable reduction in carbon emissions this year. Audience travel is the biggest factor to impact on a festival’s carbon footprint. Pete Jordan, festival director of MADE, is addressing this issue by encouraging festivalgoers to use public transport and travel to Wolverhampton’s Dunstall Park – MADE Festival’s new venue – by train. MADE has moved from Sandwell Valley Country Park (West Brom) to Wolverhampton where shuttle buses will ferry festivalgoers arriving at Wolverhampton train station to the new site.

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WOMAD

FESTIVAL FOCUS

I have been renting equipment for a long time and I’d like to think that I’ve been a good customer

TRAMLINES

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FESTIVAL FOCUS

MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK AND SOUL Jordan is working with Slammin Events, Production Hire, Alliance Pioneer Group, Joynes Nash and Dynamite FX on MADE 2022, which will benefit from a new, larger site, which the festival can grow into. But it’s a different story for John Fell, festival director of Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul and sister event, Moseley Folk Festival. Both events using the same park in Moseley. He says: “We take over a tiny park that you don’t know exists, which you access down an alleyway near an estate agent. We can’t grow anymore.” That said, Fell has managed to persuade the local tennis club, adjoining the park, to allow the festival to use the site for dance workshops and smaller festival activities. He describes his festivals as “well-oiled machines”. In 2021, Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul and Moseley Folk Festival moved to “card only” and for this year, there’s an increase in line up and more site dressing. Fell adds: “We made a conscious decision to go for it and ramp up our budget. We used the pandemic to reset and tweak and come back with a bang. Sometimes you can’t see the wood for the trees, but the experience was cathartic and useful.”

REIMAGINE AND REDUCE

Fell has contracted Hollywood Marquees, Clear Sound, PRP Security, Prestige Toilets, The Fair, Midlands Radio Hire, Salop Hire, ProProductions, Robannas, and TicketSellers for 2022. The ticketing specialist is also working with Boomtown, another festival which is reimagining its site layout, and has taken the rare step to reduce its ticket price. But it’s not the only change, Boomtown has taken the decision

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to hold back details of the full festival line up until just a few days before the show. The organising team says that approaching programming announcements in this way removes the complex process of releasing a music line up that is tied up with exclusivity deals and billing restrictions.

SITE IMPROVEMENTS

Timm Cleasby, operations director at Tramlines, tells StandOut that the festival is not making huge changes this year, but the 2021 event highlighted a few areas of weakness. As a result, the 2022 edition will feature some small tweaks. For example, Tramlines has always used just one company (Showsec) for security but with the ongoing staff shortages, Tramlines will now use both Showsec and Practical Event Solutions Security. Cleasby explains: “We learned that using one single security supplier to deliver hundreds of staff puts you at risk and leaves you more exposed, especially if you lose staff due to COVID or they don’t turn up. So, for 2022, we have split the deployment. Showsec will manage security internally and Practical Event Solutions will manage gates and external security.” But that’s not all. Tramlines is moving one of the bars situated near The Open Arms stage, an area introduced in 2021. The area was so popular it caused a bottleneck. Plus, there are plans to go cashless to reduce “faffing with change” and bars will no longer sell or serve draught beer. Instead, packaged/cans will be sold. Cleasby continues: “We moved stage two [The Open Arms] to a new area in Hillsborough Park and it was a huge

success; it made the site more spacious. But it was more of a success than expected and I was caught by surprise. Therefore, we have had to look at how we can make the site work to accommodate the crowds and so we’ve moved a bar. “We’re always looking at ways to make space but the only way we can make space is to reduce what we already have. If you sell draught beers, you need bars with depth. We’re moving to packaged beers to speed up service, but it also means we can reduce the size of our bars from nine metres to six metres.” Moving away from draught beer to cans will impact on waste but Cleasby and the Tramlines team are making sure that all drinks cans are recyclable. Plus, going cashless requires Tramlines to increase connectivity on site and so more work is being done to ensure a robust connection. Tramlines is working with Let’s Tech on IT infrastructure and planning – it is just one supplier that is contracted to Tramlines 2022. A&J Big Tops, Extinguisher Hire, Shield Manufacturing, Joynes Nash, Buffalo Power, A1, Steelshield, 900 Communications, Zig Zag Lighting, LFX Events, Sound of Music, Star Live, and EPS are also supplying equipment and services to the metropolitan festival. “I’m hoping that this year’s event is going to be easier,” concludes Cleasby. “We’ve had more time to plan. There will still be a COVID consideration, and we will put in appropriate measures to minimise risk, but like many other organisers in our industry, I am just looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Hillsborough Park and having a good time.”

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FLOORING

CTN EXHIBITIONS

Got it covered

Event flooring experts discuss latest trends and sustainability, and plead with organisers to book their flooring needs early the organiser of This W hen is Tomorrow cancelled the

event, it cited an oversaturated marketplace and an ongoing economic crisis as reasons for postponing. The last two years certainly have been difficult, so it’s understandable that some organisers remain hesitant about the upcoming events season. Whilst some organisers are nervous to part with cash and pay deposits for goods and services, including flooring, others are keen to crack on, keeping a close eye on the budget as they go. It is why event flooring suppliers, such as CTN Exhibitions, have developed products that work for different clients. For example, CTN

Exhibitions’ “cut to length” service enables an organiser to order “just what they need”. This helps to keep budgets more in control and subsequently, reduces waste. This is great news for organisers that want to go down a more sustainable route.

SUSTAINABLE FLOORING

Sustainability is big and is gaining momentum once again. COVID-19 exacerbated a single-use culture. As a result, more suppliers are looking at developing sustainable products. Paul Slack, UK commercial director at CTN Exhibitions, said that the event flooring specialist is having many conversations

EVENT FLOORING SOLUTIONS Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

with clients who are asking about the possible reuse of flooring products and more ethical means of product disposal post-event. Event Flooring Solutions is currently working with a manufacturer on a 100 per cent recyclable, lightweight, high compression, composite panel, which can be used for staging and marquee flooring. Plus, the company’s current walkway and roadway products can be recycled, as they are made from Polypropylene – they can be ground down into pellets and remade into other items.

BUSY SUMMER

This season, Event Flooring Solutions will be supplying

Crick Boat Show, Creamfields North and South, Reading Festival, and Leeds Festival with Temp-A-Path, a temporary walkway system that can be recycled. Likewise, CTN Exhibitions is managing the complete supply and install of floor coverings to various outdoor sporting events throughout the summer, totalling more than 100,000 square metres of carpet. This is new business for the company, which it says does have capacity to work on more projects this summer. Slack said: “We have multiple UK warehouses and a large logistical infrastructure that allows us to manage all aspects of delivery, supply and installation of our products and services in-house.” CTN Exhibitions has recently launched Sovereign, an exhibition-quality cord carpet in 29 colours. Slack said: “It’s a heavier and more durable flooring solution, offering clients a large colour bank and flexibility to order both full rolls and cut lengths, using our automated cutting service.”

LEAVING IT LATE

According to Slack, the market remains hesitant about full scale events, but CTN Exhibitions has seen an increase in events that are due to run in quarter three and four this year. Jeremy Simpson, managing director of Event Flooring Solutions, concurred. Some clients have been slow to confirm full requirements, despite knowing there is a shortage of crew and costs are increasing. Slack continued: “Society is seeing increases in prices across the board for all products and services; our industry is certainly no different. Combined with transport issues and delays at ports, this poses a challenge for our sector. Organisers are understandably leaving it very late to confirm colours and quantities, which means lead times from order to fulfilment of contract are even shorter. Fortunately, we have three large UK warehouses in which we have increased stock to meet this shortened lead time, which enables us to maintain a high level of customer service even in challenging times.”

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VIEWPOINT

Let’s hold hands again Collaboration and cuddles. Jack Saward, managing director of Saward Marketing and Events, ponders how the events industry can tackle its current challenges

Is this attitude and short-term gain really going to help our industry get back on its feet? has been O urbothindustry fragile and resilient

over the last two years. We’ve developed new ways to deliver projects and many businesses have just about survived in crisis mode with no money coming in. How has it done this? In some cases, it has been due to the relationships we have with our clients; in others, it’s down to the relationships we have with our suppliers. In many cases, it has been both. During the pandemic, the industry adapted and continued to deliver infrastructure and event support. Now, we are impacted by another crisis as the world deals with the situation in Eastern Europe, whilst still coming to terms with the ramifications of Brexit. These are major challenges, but it is not stopping the return of live events from gathering pace. So, how can we deliver live events in a challenging market when stock and a skilled workforce remain limited?

It pleases me to see so many business opportunities coming back and job boards full of roles that need to be filled. Filling them is a challenge, though. During a recent conversation with a UK university, I was told that enrolment numbers for its events courses are down significantly. Do students no longer view our industry as a future profession? Have they noticed that our government did not acknowledge the sector and support us during the pandemic? How are we going to change that perception and develop the next wave of talent? How should we breathe enthusiasm into students about this fabulous industry? Perhaps the work being delivered by Dodge Woodall and Craig Mathie with The Event Crowd Diploma, or Mark Breen and the Professional Diploma in Risk and Safety Management for Crowds and Events, will boost our sector and provide a route.

COLLABORATION AND CUDDLES

But resource and talent are not the only challenge we face; the other is cost. There are some extreme numbers being bandied around the sector at present, with freelancers and companies taking advantage of current supply and demand issues. Is this attitude and short-term gain really going to help our industry get back on its feet? I don’t believe so. During Gordon Brown’s tenure, we faced the challenges of a recession. But did we fight back charging the earth and losing the core aspect of what we are good at… communicating and delivering value. I recall that our approach then was to “hold hands” so that we didn’t fall! Our suppliers needed to sell us materials, our customers needed our services, and we needed to pay our staff. We all know that costs are increasing, but we must not forget to utilise our amazing communication

skills. The trick will be to deliver things differently without compromising on our standards and values. We can do that through collaboration. Over the last six months we’ve seen more and more of this. As events clash and overlap, we’ve had to find ways to deliver for our clients whilst juggling other projects, and we’ve had to ask our contacts for help. Is this providing less value for our clients? I don’t think so. Over the next 18 months, we will all need support from our peers; so, do you have those contacts in your phone that you could ring to ask for support without fearing being ripped off in the process? In the coming months, I know that I will certainly be continuing to deliver a “professional cuddle” to our clients, offering both support and value for money. And if that means more collaboration, great. I have every confidence that we can do so effectively.

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SUSTAINABILITY

Time to start doing Chantal Kerr-Sheppard, director of Event Cycle, discusses the IPCC’s latest report on climate change and how eventprofs can implement changes in everyday planning April 4, part three of the AR6 report O nfrom the Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change (IPCC) was released, with a clear directive to us all: “The time for action is now”. If we want to limit global warming to 1.5℃, we need to immediately reduce our emissions across all sectors and regions. Appealing to the problem solvers of the events industry, the third edition of the report focuses on solutions that could see us cut emissions in half by 2030 and highlights why business as usual is no longer sustainable for the planet. Dedicated policies, infrastructure change, and new technologies are the tools we as a collective need to apply to the three key areas for action. So where can we make the biggest impact in event planning?

AVOID AIR TRAVEL

We all know and understand the impact of air travel, and this is one of the biggest contributors to emissions mentioned by the IPCC. Start by implementing a policy that charges internal carbon fees for long-haul travel to encourage a think-twice mentality, making sure the fee exceeds that required for carbon offsetting. Make travel alternatives

more attractive by incentivising sustainable options, not just encouraging them – something that festivals already do well. Finally, choose destinations with reliable train connections and don’t allow single-person car trips if you can.

BETTER ENERGY SOURCES

Money follows demand and the report sadly noted that investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power remain far short of the target necessary to prevent climate disaster. The way to turn the tide is to change our electricity suppliers to renewable sources both at home and at work. In business, ask every supplier, venue, client, or contractor to make an evidenced and active effort to switch to a better energy source now.

NO MORE BEEF

We’re often afraid to offend the meat-eaters among us for fear of bad feedback but by changing our eating behaviour, we can make a huge difference to the amount of methane pushed out into our atmosphere. Identified as a key culprit of climate change, agriculture and in particular cows, are responsible for too

many emissions. This is easily altered with a no-tolerance approach: Cut red meat from your menu and introduce more plant-based alternatives. It’s as simple as that.

INCORPORATE CARBON CAPTURE

Moreover, we need new technologies to capture and store carbon because planting trees will never be enough to mitigate the amount of carbon we currently produce on the planet. To take more carbon from the atmosphere than we put in means netzero is not an end goal that we should be aiming for, but a milestone on our journey to innovate our way out of a problem we have accelerated. Our creativity for curing the carbon problem needs to be as brilliant as the event briefs we answer each week and it’s time to start incorporating carbon capture into our events alongside the measures listed above. These are not new ideas, but these are the ones that will work. The scientists have spoken, and the challenge has been set. They’ve even been kind enough to provide us with the solutions. Take this as your call to action to stop reading and start doing.

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Instant Marquees DD: 01840 219047 | M: 07748 165 827 www.instantmarquees.co.uk

AV, SOUND & LIGHTING

Versatile Venues Creative Mobile Solutions Wireless Hill, South Luffenham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8NF T: 01780 720 217 E: info@versatilevenues.co.uk W: www.versatilevenues.co.uk

Event Production Services The Pack House, Drayton St. Leonard, Oxford, OX10 7BG E: info@epsoxford.com T: 01844 278446 Press Red Rentals Limited Unit B10 Court 2000, Bridgnorth Road, Madeley, Telford, TF7 4JB T: +44 (0) 1952 587049 W: www.pressred.biz

BUGGY HIRE Bradshaw Event Vehicles New Lane, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LW T: 01780 782621 E: enquiries@eventvehicles.co.uk W: www.eventvehicles.co.uk Twitter: @Bradshaw_EV

BALLOONS, BUNTING & FLAGS B-Loony Ltd Cape House, 105 Bellingdon Road, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, HP5 2HQ T: 01494 774376 E: sales@b-loony.co.uk W: www.b-loony.co.uk

Electric Wheels Ltd Units C1 & C2, Neaton Business Park, Watton, Thetford, IP25 6JB T: 01953 882175 M: 07711 648707 M: 07725 761970 E: info@electricwheelshire.co.uk W: www.electricwheelshire.co.uk

BAR Bar Live Events Unit D215, Parkhall Studios, London, SE21 8DE T: 0208 761 8424 E: nick@barlive.co.uk W: www.barlive.co.uk

Event Buggy Hire T: 0113 393 4100 E: brian@eventbuggyhire.co.uk W: www.eventbuggyhire.co.uk Hopkins Machinery T: 01633 680754 E: hire@hopkinsmachinery.co.uk W: www.hopkinsmachinery.co.uk

Cambridge Event Bars T: 01223 785401 M: 07837 707057 E: Info@cambridgeeventbars.co.uk W: www.cambridgeeventbars.co.uk Pop-up-Pubs T: +44(0)1993 832155 E: info@pop-up-pubs.com W: www.pop-up-pubs.com Symonds Event Bars Drakewell, Stoke Lacy, Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4HG T: 01885 490267 E: info@eventbars.co.uk W: www.eventbars.co.uk BIG SCREEN PRODUCTION Screen Works Europe South Lodge, Tidmarsh Lane, Pangbourne, Berkshire, RG8 8HT T: 01189 845545 E: rental@ect-av.com W: www.ect-av.com

CABINS Qdos Event Hire Ltd Fernside Place, 179 Queens Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0AH T: 0845 862 0952 E: enquiries@qdoseventhire.co.uk W: www.qdoseventhire.co.uk Twitter: @QdosEventHire Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Qdos-Event-Hire/ Instagram: @qdoseventhire Wernick Events Joseph House, Northgate Way, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 8ST T: 01922 472 900 E: events@wernick.co.uk W: www.wernick.co.uk/events Twitter: @WernickEvents Instagram: @WernickEvents

www.versatilevenues.co.uk n 57

CONNECTIONS CAR PARKING

Connections are sponsored by CREW SERVICES

Event Traffic Control Limited Baldersby Gardens, Ripon Road, Baldersby, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4PS T: 08000 246 800 E: info@eventtc.com W: www.eventtc.com Just Go Parking Unit 7 Broadway Green Farm, Lightwater, Surrey, GU18 5SU T: 01276 590325 E: contactus@justgoparking.com W: www.justgoparking.com Phoenix Events (East) Ltd Rouen House, Rouen Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1RB T: 01603 952312 M: 07592 739928 E: admin@phoenixeventseastltdco.uk W: www.phoenixeventseastltd.co.uk

CASHLESS SYSTEMS Weezevent/Playpass Platf9rm, Floor 6,Tower Point, 44 North Road,Brighton, BN1 1YR T: 07500 797640 CLEANING & SUPPORT SERVICES Falcon Cleaning and Support Services Ltd Specialised Cleaning and Support Services (Nationwide) Vision 25, Electric Avenue, Innova Park, Enfield, EN3 7GD T: 020 3967 2475 E: events@falconcss.co.uk W: www.falconcss.co.uk CONCRETE BARRIER Block Aid UK Ltd Unit 1, Green Farm, Puxley, Towcester NN12 7QS T: 01908 26 33 66 E: info@blockaid-uk.co.uk W: www.blockaid-uk.co.uk CORPORATE CREW Ace Crew Ltd Units 3 & 7, Princess Court, Horace Road Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2SL T: +44(0) 20 7924 6569 M: +44(0)7947 88 66 99 W: www.acecrew.co.uk Rodeo Crew 128 Wey House, 15 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8NA T: 020 8075 7799 E: bookcrew@rodeocrew.uk W: www.rodeocrew.uk

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S3K Group The Old Mill Building, Rookery Farm, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 6EP T: 0845 299 7991 E: office@s3kgroup.com W: www.s3kgroup.com LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram: @s3kgroup Site and Stage Ltd (SAS) Festival and Event Crew Nationwide T: 0207 205 2434 M:07770 521521 W: www.siteandstage.co.uk DIGITAL PLANNING Iventis Think Tank, University of Lincoln, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL T: 01522 837205 W: www.iventis.co.uk E: info@iventis.co.uk Eamon Kerrigan: E: Eamon.kerrigan@iventis.co.uk EQUIPMENT HIRE GAP Event Services Quote Code ‘STOU10’ on your first hire for a 10% discount Carrick House, 40 Carrick Street, Glasgow, G2 8DA T: 0333 202 0712 E: events@gap-group.co.uk W: www.gap-group.co.uk EVENT ACCOMMODATION Airstream Facilities Ltd T: +44 (0) 1885 400223 E: info@airstreamfacilities.com W: www.airstreamfacilities.com Bunkabin Tweedale Way, Oldham, OL9 7LD T: 0345 456 7899 E: hires@bunkabin.co.uk W: www.bunkabin.co.uk Zoo Events Group Ltd Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ T: 01258 840233 E: info@zooeventsgroup.co.uk W: www.zooeventsgroup.co.uk EVENT CONTROL, RADIO & WI-FI SERVICES Controlled Events First286 class Resilience, T: 0203 6392 E: info@controlledevents.com Readiness, W: www.controlledevents.com Communication &

Control for incidents or pre-planned events.

CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by

EXHIBITION TRAILERS & MOBILE UNITS

EVENT HIRE GBJ Event Hire Graham Jones T: Office. +44(0) 207 205 4226 E: hire@gbjeventhire.co.uk W: www.gbjeventhire.co.uk

DWT Exhibitions Trailer Hire, Sales & Management Jubilee Park, Honeypot Lane, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire, NG33 5LZ T: 01476 860833 E: pip@dwt-exhibitions.co.uk W: www.dwt-exhibitions.co.uk

EVENT MANAGEMENT

Inchmere Event Design Ltd Swan Close Studios, Swan Close Road, Banbury, OX16 5TE T: 01295 661000 E: alastair@inchmere.co.uk W: www.inchmere.co.uk

2Can Productions T: 029 20 100256 E: info@2canproductions.com W: www.2canproductions.com LFX Events Stockport BIC, Gtr Manchester, SK5 7DL T: 0161 408 2220 E: enquiries@LFXevents.co.uk W: www.LFXevents.co.uk Saltem Ltd Eliot Park Innovation entre, 4 Barling Way, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 7RH T: 02476 796455 W: www.saltem.co.uk

TCM Trailers Ltd Watery Lane, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 7SE E: emily@tcmtrailers.co.uk W: www.tcmtrailers.co.uk FESTIVAL GAS Festival Gas Priors Revel, Church lane, Middleton, Nr Tamworth, B78 2AL T: 07930 758893 E: simon@festivalgas.co.uk W: www.festivalgas.co.uk

EVENT PRODUCTION Ethix Management Unit 15 Kempton Gate Business Centre, Oldfield Road, Hampton, TW12 2AF T: 0208 487 3508 M: 07836 736734 W: www.ethixmanagement.com

FLAGPOLE HIRE Fuchsia Exhibition Services Ltd 13 Oak Park Industrial Estate, Chelmsford Road, Great Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1XN T: 01371 644800 E: info@fuchsiaevents.co.uk W: www.fuchsia-exhibition-services.com

Sparq T: 0370 606 1100 E: hello@sparq.live W: www.sparq.live FLAGS

EVENT SAFETY LFX Safety Stockport BIC, Gtr Manchester, SK5 7DL T: 0161 408 2220 E: enquiries@LFXevents.co.uk W: www.LFXevents.co.uk EVENT STAFF Festivall Services The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 4FW E: hello@festivall.services M: 07547 509 409 T: 01144 055 044 W: www.festivall.services EVENT STAFFING SOFTWARE uTRAC 24A Lower Abbey St, Dublin 1, Ireland T: 0808 189 0334 E: hello@utraconline.com W: www.utraconline.com

Instant Marquees DD: 01840 219047 | M: 07748 165 827 www.instantmarquees.co.uk FLOORING & FLOOR COVERINGS AMH Imports Ltd. E: coirstroreuk@gmail.com W: www.coirstore.co.uk CTN Exhibitions Limited Unit G3A, Halesfield 19, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 4QT E: Sales@ctn-uk.com T: 00 44 1952 680423 W: www.ctn-uk.com Event Flooring Solutions Ltd T: 01509 768 252 E: sales@efseurope.co.uk W: www.efseurope.co.uk

www.versatilevenues.co.uk n 59

CONNECTIONS Gigtent UK Sonas House, Button End Harston Cambridge, CB22 7NX E: info@gigtent.co.uk W: www.gigtent.co.uk T: 01223 870935

Connections are sponsored by INSURANCE Arc International St. Clare House, 30-33 Minories, London, EC3N 1PE T: +44 (0)207 977 7637 W: www.apex-ins.co.uk/arcinternational

GT Trax Ltd High Tree Farm House, New Road, Warboys, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2SS T: 01487 823344 E: info@gttrax.co.uk W: www.gttrax.co.uk Twitter: @GTTrax Ikadan UK Ltd T: +4596606400 E: Ikadan@ikadan.dk

Tysers Insurance Brokers 71 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 4BS T:+44 (0)203 037 8000 E: tim.rudland@tysers.com W: www.tysers.com LASER & FX Laser Grafix Unit 4A Stratton Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8QS UK office: +44 1767 315948

FURNITURE HIRE / SALES City Furniture Hire Ltd & Funky Furniture Hire West Road, Harlow, CM20 2AL - City Furniture Hire Ltd T: 0845 300 5455 E: info@cfhltd.com W: www.cityfurniturehireltd.com

LED SCREENS EMF Technology Ltd Unit 27 Freemantle House, Kingsclere Business Park, Kingsclere, Hants, RG20 4SW T: 020 8003 3344 E: info@emftechnology.co.uk W: www.emftechnology.co.uk

- Funky Furniture Hire Ltd T: 0203 328 5446 E: info@funkyfurniturehire.co.uk W: www.funkyfurniturehire.co.uk Furniture On The Move Unit B, Canada warehouse, Chittening industrial estate Worthy road , Avonmouth, Bristol, BS110YB T: 0845 459 9875 E: info@furnitureonthemove.co.uk W: www.furnitureonthemove.co.uk

Lightmedia Displays Mobile & Modular LED Screen Hire T: 0333 600 6000 24 hour response E: sales@lightmedia.co.uk W: www.lightmedia.co.uk

Picnic Table Hire T: 01873 859188 E: hello@picnictablehire.com W: www.picnictablehire.com

Tech AV Ltd London, Essex, Birmingham T: 0345 257 9969 E: lee@techav.events W: www.techav.events

HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS

BiemmedueUK & Arcotherm Units 15 & 16, Ecclesbourne Park, Clover Nook Road, Alfreton, DE55 1RF T: 01773 836999 | E: sales@biemmedueuk.com W: www.biemmedueuk.com Cooling and Heating Solutions Ltd T: 01590 681 434 E: sales@candhs.co.uk W: www.coolingandheatingsolutions.com Spica Temperature Control Solutions Ltd 20 Crowsport, Hamble, Hampshire, SO31 4HG T: +44 (0) 2380 453841 M: +44 (0) 7780 638976 E: kay@spicasolutions.com W: www.spicasolutions.com

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YSLV London & York T: 0800 080 3310 E: hire@yslv.co.uk W: www.yslv.co.uk LIGHTING Illumin8 Contact details: Neil - 07710 700759 or Ian - 07568 430704 E: sales@illumin8lights.co.uk W: www.illumin8lights.co.uk

CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by LOCKERS

MEDICAL SERVICES Mobile Locker UK Ltd Unit 11, Trident Park, Poseidon Way, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6SW T: 01926 671937 E: info@moblielocker.co.uk W: www.mobilelocker.co.uk

Location Medical Services Ltd The Medical Centre, Shepperton Studios, Studio Road, Shepperton, Middx, TW17 0QD T: 0870 750 9898 E: mail@locationmedical.com W: www.locationmedical.com First Aid Cover Ltd 250 York Road, Battersea, London, SW11 3SJ T: 020 8875 5758 E: enquiries@firstaidcover.co.uk W: www.firstaidcover.co.uk

MARQUEES Alternative Stretch Tents Building 15, Gateway 1000, A1 (M) jct 7, Stevenage, SG1 2FP T: 01920 830256 E: info@alternative-stretch.co.uk W: www.alternative-stretch-tents.co.uk Crocker Bros 8 – 18 Station Road, Chellaston, Derby, DE73 5SU T: 01332 700699 W: www.crockerbros.co.uk E: sales@crockerbros.co.uk Event-in-a-tent Unit 108, Abby Road South, Wrexham Industrial Estate, LL13 9RF T: 01978 661449 E: info@event-in-a-tent.co.uk W: www.event-in-a-tent.co.uk Fews Marquees Chessgrove Park, Ditchford Bank Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4HS T: 01527 821789 W: www.fewsmarquees.co.uk Gigtent UK Sonas House, Button End Harston Cambridge, CB22 7NX E: info@gigtent.co.uk W: www.gigtent.co.uk T: 01223 870935

MET Medical Ltd T: 0203 627 9042 E: info@met-medical.co.uk W: www.met-medical.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Aniseed Event Photography E: jt@aniseedpr.com W: www.aniseedphoto.com Twitter: @aniseedphoto Instagram: @aniseedeventphotography PLANT HIRE Ace Plant Blackpit Farm, Silverstone Road, Stowe, Buckinghamshire, MK18 5LJ T: 01908 562191 E: info@aceplant.co.uk W: www.aceplant.co.uk Hopkins Machinery T: 01633 680754 E: hire@hopkinsmachinery.co.uk W: www.hopkinsmachinery.co.uk PORTABLE TOILET HIRE

Instant Marquees DD: 01840 219047 | M: 07748 165 827 www.instantmarquees.co.uk Tentickle Stretch Tents UK Ltd Langley Brook Business Park, Unit 3B London Rd, Tamworth, B78 2BP T: +44 121 7401385 M: +44 7826 843099 E: jorg@tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk W: www.tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk Top Cat Big Tops Tents & Marquees Ltd The Old Stable Yard, Gasworks Ln, Achynlleth, SY20 8BY T: 01654 700030 E: info@topcatbigtops.co.uk W: www.topcatbigtops.co.uk

A1 Loo Hire Silver Birches, Highland Avenue, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 4SP T: 0118 9894652 E: clive@a1groupcomp.co.uk W: www.a1groupcomp.co.uk D&P Luxury Toilets Ltd Coldharbour Cottage, Winchbottom Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP10 9QE T: 01494 526 065 E: sales@luxury-toilets.co.uk W: www.luxury-toilets.co.uk LOOS FOR DOs Ltd GU35 9NZ T: 01420 588 355 E: info@loos.co.uk W: www.loos.co.uk

www.versatilevenues.co.uk n 61

CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by Newburn Power Rental Limited Unit 36 Lidgate Crescent, Langthwaite Business Park, South Kirkby, Pontefract, WF9 3NR T: 0845 077 6693 E: info@npr-uk.com

Site Event The Depot, The Avenue, Lasham, Hampshire, GU34 5SU T: 01256 384 134 E: event@site-equip.co.uk W: www.site-equip.co.uk

Phase Hire Ltd 140A Kents Hill Road, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5PH T: 01268 792648 E: info@phasehire.com W: www.phasehire.com

Zoo Events Group Ltd Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ T: 01258 840233 E: info@zooeventsgroup.co.uk W: www.zooeventsgroup.co.uk

Powerline Knowle Hill Farm, Beeks Lane, Marshfield, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8BB T: 01225 892336 E: info@thepowerline.co.uk W: www.thepowerline.co.uk

POWER & GENERATORS ATD Electrical Unit 93, Greenway Business Centre, Greenway, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5QE T: 01279 507890 E: office@atdelectrical.com W: www.atdelectrical.com CB Potts Electrical Rose Cottage, Watergore, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5JQ T: 0780 8049034 E: ben.potts@zen.co.uk W: www.cbpottselectrical.co.uk

Stuart Power Ltd Stuart House, Hargham Road, Shropham, Norfolk, NR17 1DT T: 01953 454540 E: enquiries@stuartgroup.info W: www.stuartgroup.ltd.uk/power

PRINTERS UK Flyers Suite 210, Victory House, Somers Road, North Portsmouth, HampshirePO1 1PJ T: 023 9229 3050 E: sales@ukflyers.com W: www.ukflyers.com

Excell Electrical Event Solutions Fridd Farm, Bethersden, Kent, TN26 3DX T: 01233 822059 E: enquiries@excellelectrical.com W: www.excellelectrical.com Fourth Generation Ltd 220 Cricklewood Lane, London, NW2 2PU T: 020 8450 2943 M: 07741 052565 E: tweed@fourthgenerationltd.com W: www.fourthgenerationltd.com Gofer Ltd Unit 7 Arkwright Road, Hadleigh Road Ind. Est, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 0UB T: 01473 282530 E: info@gofer.co.uk W: www.gofer.co.uk IDE Systems T: 01543 574 111 E: enquiries@idesystems.co.uk W: www.idesystems.co.uk Head Office & Manufacturing Centre Unit 3, Swaffield Park Hyssop Close, Cannock Staffordshire, WS11 7FU United Kingdom Midas Productions (UK) Ltd Unit 1, Uplandside, Manor Road, Clopton, Suffolk, IP13 6SH T: +44 (0)333 772 0772 M: +44 (0)7949 007 603 E: info@midas-uk.co.uk

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PROJECTION EMF Technology LTD Projection Mapping, Water Screens, Flame Effects, Lighting, Mains Distribution T: 020 8003 3344 E: info@emftechnology.co.uk W: www.emftechnology.co.uk

PROMOTIONAL ITEMS & CLOTHING Concept Products Ltd 10 Cary Court, Somerton Business Park, Somerton, TA11 6SB T: 01458 274020 E: ben@conceptproductsltd.co.uk W: www.conceptproductsltd.co.uk

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS 2CL Communications Ltd Unit C, Woodside Trade Centre, Parnham Drive, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4NU T: 0800 389 2278 E: contact@2cl.co.uk W: www.2cl.co.uk

CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by DCRS Edison Road, St.Ives, Cambs, PE27 3LH T: 0800 043 2688 E: sales@dcrs.co.uk W: www.dcrs.co.uk SFL Mobile Radio 6 Woodway Court, Thursby Road, Bromborough, CH62 3PR T: 0151 334 9160 E: sales@sflmobileradio.co.uk W: www.sflmobileradio.co.uk

REUSABLE CUPS Green Goblet Ltd Unit 1A Walrow Industrial Estate, Commerce Way, Highbridge, TA9 4AG T: 01278 238390 E: info@green-goblet.com W: www.green-goblet.com

Right Guard Security Event Security Consultancy Security & Crowd Management Traffic Management CSAS Traffic Officers T: 01227 464 588 T: 0207 241 5525 E: info@rightguard.co.uk W: www.rightguard.co.uk

SET & SCENERY CONSTRUCTION Staged Events Ltd Meadow View, Newnham Lane, Old Basing, Hampshire, RG24 7AU T: 01256578055 E: info@wearestaged.com W: www.stagedevents.com

STAGING & RIGGING

ROADSHOWS Versatile Venues Creative Mobile Solutions, Wireless Hill, South Luffenham, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8NF T: 01780 720 217 E: info@versatilevenues.co.uk W: www.versatilevenues.co.uk

SEATING Ace Seating Hire T: 01832 273353 E: info@aceseating.co.uk W: www.aceseating.co.uk

SECURITY McKenzie Arnold Grove House, Faulkbourne, Essex, CM8 1SH T: 01376 350999 E: martin.jackson@mckenziearnold.com W: www.mckenziearnold.com Newman Event Services Ltd Crowd Management, Festival & Event Security/Stewarding. Bloxham Mill, Barford Road, Bloxham, Oxfordshire, OX15 4FF T: +441295 722844 E: enquiries@newmanevents.co.uk W: www.newmanevents.co.uk Provide SESS Ltd The Courtyard, 87 Southampton Street, Reading, RG1 2QU T: 01189 875949 E: info@provide-security.com W: www.provide-security.com

Complete Staging Ltd T: 01282 862777 | W: www.completestaging.co.uk E: gary@completestaging.co.uk IPS (Impact Production Services) 29 Mount Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1LS E: enquiries@ips.co.uk W: www.ips.co.uk T: 01908 657950 Triple A Events Ltd Unit D4, St Georges Business Park, Castle Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 3TB T: 0800 7723242 M: 07875492625 W: www.tripleaevents.co.uk Twitter: @tripleaeventsuk Facebook: /tripleaeventsuk

STEWARDS / MARSHALLS Phoenix Events (East) Ltd Rouen House, Rouen Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1RB T: 01603 952312 M: 07592 739928 E: admin@phoenixeventseastltdco.uk W: www.phoenixeventseastltd.co.uk Road Traffic Solutions 60-64 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7PQ T: 01724 848 246 E: dan@roadtrafficsolutions.com W: www.roadtrafficsolutions.com

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CONNECTIONS TEMPORARY BRIDGES

Connections are sponsored by TEMPORARY STRUCTURES - MANUFACTURERS

Mitchell Bridges Limited London Road, Kings Worthy, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7QN T: 01962 885040 M: 07768630373 E: chris@mitchellbridges.com W: www.mitchellbridges.com

TEMPORARY ROADWAYS

J & J. Carter Ltd Unit 2, 34 Walworth Road, Walworth Business Park, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 5LH T: 01264 721630 E: sales@jjcarter.com W: www.jjcarter.com

TICKETING RedBox Events Balbir House, Norton Green Road,Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2LP T: 0333 242 7920 W: www.redboxevents.com

Cap Trac Limited The Stables, Loke Farm, Weston Longville, Norwich, NR9 5LG T: 01603 880448 E: info@captrac.co.uk W: www.captrac.co.uk TIPIS TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

Zoo Events Group Ltd Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ T: 01258 840233 E: info@zooeventsgroup.co.uk W: www.zooeventsgroup.co.uk

Gigtent UK Sonas House, Button End Harston, Cambridge, CB22 7NX E: info@gigtent.co.uk W: www.gigtent.co.uk Low & Bonar Oldham Ltd Hollinwood Business Centre, Albert Street, Oldham, OL8 3QL, U.K. E: info.uk@mehgies.com W: www.mehgies.com NEPTUNUS Ltd Cob Drive, Swan Valley, Northampton NN4 9BB T: +44 1604 593820 E: sales@neptunus.co.uk W: www.neptunus.co.uk Tentickle Stretch Tents UK Ltd Langley Brook Business Park, Unit 3B London Rd, Tamworth, B78 2BP T: +44 121 7401385 M: +44 7826 843099 E: jorg@tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk W: www.tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk TT Tents Ltd North Waltham Business Centre, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 2DJ T: 01256 397 551 E: sales@tttents.co.uk W: www.tttents.co.uk Worldwide Structures Ltd Ayrshire Farm, Sharcott, Pewsey, SN9 5PA T: + 44 (0) 1672 565 060 / +44 (0) 7875 027369 E: enquiries@w-sl.com W: www.worldwidestructures.com

TRACKWAY All Weather Access County Farm, High Roding, Dunmow, Essex CM6 1NQ T: 01371 700510 M: 07801 751137 E: henry@all-weatheraccess.co.uk W: www.all-weatheraccess.co.uk

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT Exhibition Traffic Management Services Ltd Perton House, Roslin Road, London, W3 8DH T: 0203 567 1479 E: ops@exhibition-traffic.co.uk W: www.exhibition-traffic.co.uk Event Traffic Control Ltd Baldersby Gardens, Ripon Road, Baldersby, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4PS T: 08000 246 800 E: info@eventtc.com W: www.eventtc.com JTM Signs Unit 20 H T M Business Park, Abergele Road, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, LL18 5UZ T: 01745 590056 E: steve@jt-m-signs.co.uk W: www.jtmsigns.co.uk Road Traffic Solutions 60-64 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe,DN15 7PQ T: 01724 848 246 E: dan@roadtrafficsolutions.com W: www.roadtrafficsolutions.com

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CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS

WATER & PLUMBING SERVICES

Expo World Logistics Ltd Unit 5, Norton House,Fircroft Way, Edenbridge Kent, TN8 6EL T: 01732 866881 E: info@expoworldlogistics.com W: www.expoworldlogistics.com GAC Pindar Medina Chambers, Town Quay, Southampton, SO14 2AQ T: 02380 489924 E: pindar@gac.com W: www.gacpindar.com Twitter: @GACPindar Stagefreight Evanston Avenue, Leeds LS4 2HR T: 0113 238 0805 / 0113 279 7898 W: www.stagefreight.com

VEHICLE HIRE Bradshaw Event Vehicles New Lane, Stibbington, Peterborough, PE8 6LW T: 01780 782621 E: enquiries@eventvehicles.co.uk W: www.eventvehicles.co.uk Twitter: @Bradshaw_EV

VENUES The Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) Spencer Dock, North Wall Quay, Dublin 1, Ireland T: 00353 1 856 0000 E: sales@theccd.ie W: www.theccd.ie

VENUE MAPPING/DIGITAL PLANNING Iventis Think Tank, University of Lincoln, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL T: 01522 837205 W: www.iventis.co.uk E: info@iventis.co.uk Eamon Kerrigan: E: Eamon.kerrigan@iventis.co.uk

WASTE MANAGEMENT Grist Environmental Event Services Head Office, William Road, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 3EW T: 01380 735045 E: events@gristenvironmental.com W: www.gristenvironmental.com

GreensH20 Hire Ltd Hampshire T: 01256 225635 M: 07717846059 E: info@greensh2o.co.uk W: www.greensh2o.co.uk

DRINKING WATER PURE & SIMPLE

Liquiline Ltd Ash Tree House, Tarrant Hinton, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 8JA T: 01258 830324 E: office@liquiline.co.uk W: www.liquiline.co.uk Show Site Services Ltd Unit 18 Weybridge Business Centre, 66 York Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 9DY T: +44 (0)1932 228416 W: www.showsiteservices.co.uk MTD (UK & Ireland) Ltd Unit 1 Westerngate, Hillmead Enterprise Park, Langley Road, Swindon, SN5 5WN T: +44 (0)1264 773 818 M: +44 (0)7557 868 909 E: oliver.smith@mtd.net W: www.mtd.net Wicked Event Water Services Kevin: 07909 771996 E: info@wickedeventwaterservices.com W: www.wews.biz

WIFI, INTERNET & STREAMING Attend2it Unit 8 Park Farm Industrial Estate, Ermine Street, Buntingford, SG9 9AZ T: 01763 877 477 T: 01763 878 086 E: info@attend2it.co.uk W: www.attend2it.co.uk RedBox Events Balbir House, Norton Green Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2LP T: 0333 242 7920 W: www.redboxevents.com SimpliWifi The Telephone Exchange, 33 Bridge Street, Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3DW T: 0800 298 9434 E: hello@simpliwifi.co.uk W: simpliwifi.co.uk

www.versatilevenues.co.uk n 65

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Featured in our nex t issue. .

DRIVING FORWARD

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SIT DOWN AND GET COMFY

StandOut chats to event furniture experts about the latest trends and new products to hit the market

CHRISTMAS CHEER

StandOut looks ahead and talks to organisers already planning festive light trails and Christmas markets

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