StandOut Magazine May 2022

May 2022

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EDITOR’S LETTER

MAY 2022

I

t’s interesting isn’t it, how sometimes you have conversations with people and the same topic comes up, not once but two or three times. Is it a coincidence that several people have talked about price increases this month? I don’t think so. But it’s not just organisers that are talking about the expense of equipment and materials. Other events professionals are raising questions about having the balls to put prices up because skilled crew and labour have been paid “too little for too long”.

It’s a point that was raised last month at MUTA’s Members Day in Coventry. Marquee and temporary structure hirers and suppliers noted how promoters are pleading with them for services. One even commented that it felt nice to be in a position of power. But whilst some suppliers deliberate whether to take advantage of supply and demand, industry can’t ignore the following: We have lost good staff to other industries because they’ve “been flogged to death” and other industry professionals have changed their mindset. They are now simply saying “No” to things that they might have said “Yes” to, or they have opted to charge more.

There’s no doubt that events have come back with a bang. However, this very magazine has already reported on several cancellations. Personally, I think there will be more live events to pull the plug this summer. Perhaps event suppliers and industry freelancers will find that diaries are not so full after all.

So, what can we do to ensure a happy balance and that people are not pushed beyond their means? I think it all comes down to being honest and fair, and it’s all about communication.

One supplier recently told me that better wages just make people less unhappy. This implies that we need to address working hours, culture, and working conditions more so than pay rates. But where does that pressure come from? Who agrees to the timescales?

Currently, events professionals are too busy to look to the future and are trying to get through one week at a time. At the end of this crazy season, I think a massive debrief will be needed and some honest questions will need some honest answers. Including, when do we tell customers that ticket prices are going up? The event eco-system cannot survive as is.

Enjoy perusing this issue and please get in touch if you have views to share. I love to hear your stories on the real issues impacting your day to day life.

Happy reading, Caroline @StandOutmag

Cover image: © Badminton Horse Trials/Kit Houghton

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CONTENTS

GOOD TO BE BACK 25

FEELING FESTIVE 28

LAP OF LUXURY 36

FAMILY FAVOURITE 43

10 EVENT TENDERS

Discover the latest event tenders and contract wins

12 SAVE THE DATE

StandOut exclusively reveals the new location and dates for Event Buyers Live 2022

17 GALLOP THROUGH HISTORY

HPower delivered the Royal Windsor Horse Show and a 90-minute televised spectacular that marked Her Majesty’s Jubilee

22 BACK TO BUSINESS

Nichola Bell, head of events at Agriconnect, organiser of LAMMA, discusses the 40th anniversary show

25 GOOD TO BE BACK

Equestrian fans flocked to Badminton Horse Trials. Andrew Tucker, the event’s commercial director, talks about sustainability, event developments, and how it’s so good to be back

28 FEELING FESTIVE

Organisers of Christmas markets and festive light trails reveal their plans for 2022

36 LAP OF LUXURY

Royal Hospital Chelsea played host to Salon Privé London, the new luxury car event. StandOut caught up with David Bagley, director

40 READY FOR THE WEEKEND

We Invented The Weekend is a new festival heading to Salford. Kate Doyle, festival director, chats

43 FAMILY FAVOURITE

Camp Bestival is heading north. Rob da Bank, Camp Bestival founder, talks StandOut through expansion plans

53 PRICING AND RATES

How low will you go? Matt Storey, director of The White Storey, asks the question

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CONTRIBUTORS

This month’s

CONTRIBUTORS:

DAVID BAGLEY

JAMES DOVE

MATT STOREY

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

David is partner, co-founder, and sales director at Performance Events. Since 2005, David has been responsible for all aspects of copywriting and journalistic activity at Salon Privé, the trading name of Performance Events. Passionate, focused, entrepreneurial, and driven, David has more than 20 years’ experience in the international automotive events industry. In this May edition, David talks to StandOut about the expansion of the Salon Privé brand and the creation of Salon Privé London, the luxury lifestyle event for classic car enthusiasts.

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

06 n www.eventbuyerslive.com

James has been a grassroots musician and producer for the best part of 20 years and has a background in marketing and operations within the music industry. As an active environmentalist, he was keen to explore ways in which music could be used to promote environmental action. In January 2021, he founded ClimateEQ after writing the industry’s first accredited Carbon Literacy training course. The course is designed to galvanise the industry to move towards a low carbon future and to empower artists and employees to bridge the gap between climate awareness and climate action. He has since been invited to speak at several major events across the UK and Europe, including the United Nations SDG and Music summit.

In this issue, James looks at the small steps that organisers can take to make their events more sustainable and says that organisers should think about making progress and not achieving perfection.

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:

Matt is co-owner of event resourcing business The White Storey. Having worked across theatre, outdoor, corporate, and public events for more than 35 years, Matt’s depth of experience and network of contacts enables him to scope, procure, and produce events at every level of production from concept to delivery – from crew, through project and production management to technical direction. In this issue, Matt challenges the industry to increase its prices and justifies the need to charge and pay more for services.

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 NEWS IN BRIEF The Purple Guide’s chapters on fire safety and unmanned aircraft systems (Drones) have been updated.

From May 12, the domestic NHS COVID Pass will no longer be available.

This means that venues and events will no longer be able to request it as a condition of entry.

Events Brits wish they could relive in 2022 A new survey from Ayre Event Solutions has revealed the top ten historical events Brits wish they could have attended if they could go back in time. Live Aid in 1985 takes the spot and is closely followed by the 1966 World Cup Final and The Beatles “Rooftop Concert” in 1969. The Queen’s Coronation in 1953 and Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s Wedding in 1981

complete the top five, with Woodstock Festival (pictured) taking sixth place.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s Wedding in 1947 is seventh, Adele’s headlining performance at Glastonbury in 2016 is eighth, the first Olympic Games in 1896 is ninth, and David Bowie’s performance at Glastonbury Festival in 2000 completes the top ten.

Touring and live music hauliers get new measures to move freely across Europe Hauliers serving music concerts, sports and cultural events will be able to move their vehicles freely between Great Britain and the EU thanks to new measures for the haulage sector that will come into force this summer.

Designed in consultation with the live music, performing arts and sports sectors, the new dual registration measure is expected to come into force from late summer 2022. It will apply to specialist hauliers that transport equipment for

cultural events, such as concert tours or sports events.

Dual registration will mean drivers with an established base in Great Britain, and in another country outside of the UK, will be able to transfer their vehicle between both operator licences without the need to change vehicles, have their journeys limited or pay vehicle excise duty (VED) in Great Britain.

This opportunity applies not just to the EU, but also to other countries.

Sunbelt Rentals, Capital Barriers and Temporary Fencing, and Cube Modular were big winners at this year’s Hire Awards of Excellence 2022.

Sunbelt Rentals won SafeHire Event Hire Company of the Year over £3m, Capital Barriers and Temporary Fencing won SafeHire Event Hire Company of the Year under £3m, and Cube Modular won the award for Hire Industry Product of the Year.

Event Site Design’s Rupert Bassadone posed an interesting question on LinkedIn this month. He said: “I’m reading a lot of posts recently [mostly on other social platforms] asking for last minute help because they’ve been let down on events. Is it last minute let downs? Or is it last minute event planning? What are the biggest challenges we’re facing this year, #eventprofs?” We’d be interested to hear your thoughts too.

Event industry associations, the AEO, AEV, and ESSA, have launched the Five Pillars of Inclusion, a framework that helps event industry organisations to implement diversity, equality, and inclusion into their businesses.

GL events UK has acquired events infrastructure provider, Field and Lawn.

Field and Lawn will continue to operate as a separate business and brand.

Safety Advisory Groups – input wanted The Emergency Planning College (EPC) is working with the events industry to update its Safety Advisory Group (SAG) guidance.

The work – being led by Eric Stuart, director of Gentian Events, and the UK Crowd Management Association – is well underway but examples of good and poor practice are needed. These examples are

being collated by Association of Festival Organisers. If you have any stories about your work with your local SAG – good or bad – please email them to Steve Heap at sh@festivalorganisers.org The authorities can be fully identified or indeed names can be withheld. It is your information and input that is needed.

isla launches carbon measurement platform isla has launched TRACE, a purpose-built carbon measurement platform dedicated to the event industry. Developed to give insight into the environmental impact of event operations, TRACE captures and reports emission and waste data from

live, hybrid and digital events. The TRACE platform is designed for event agencies, exhibition organisers, brands, and inhouse teams and makes measurement and emissions reduction clear and simple for event managers.

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EVENT TENDERS AND CONTRACTS GL EVENTS UK AT THE OPEN

Get pitching Looking for new business opportunities?

Discover the latest event tenders up for grabs and news of contract wins The Royal Horticultural Society has contracted Electric Wheels to provide zero emission electric utility vehicles for Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court Garden Festival, and Tatton Park Flower Show.

requires a contractor to design, build and install Christmas lighting features. Email procurement@bcpcouncil.gov.uk – the deadline is 2pm on June 9.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence seeks a conference organiser/agency to plan, produce and deliver all aspects of its annual conference and exhibition for three years: 2023, 2024 and 2025. The deadline is 12pm on June 10.

Interested parties should email sharon.martin@nice.org.uk

The BFI has issued a tender for event and venue branding, print, installation and de-rig during the BFI London Film Festival. The deadline for the £400,000 tender is 12pm on June 10. Email henry.vivian-neal@bfi.org.uk

Bristol City Council has issued a tender for display (signage and exhibition) equipment. The deadline is 12pm on June 3.

Email Gary Price – g.price@bristol.gov.uk Norfolk County Council, in collaboration with Norwich City Football Club (NCFC), requires a traffic management provider for road closures for NCFC competitive matches and other major events. The deadline is 10am on June 7. Interested?

Email andrew.fish@norfolk.gov.uk Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) Council has launched a Christmas Maritime Lighting Festival in Poole. It

GL events UK and The R&A have signed a five-year contract extension, ensuring that GL events UK will remain the temporary seating infrastructure supplier for The Open until 2026.

Liverpool City Council is seeking an operator(s) to provide two Christmas/festive offerings in the city, such as a Christmas Market and ice rink. The deadline is 11.59pm on June 6. Email greg.nixon2@liverpool.gov.uk The Science Museum Group has issued a tender for event management services, as it wishes to organise an event and activations to mark the Flying Scotsman’s centenary. The deadline is 11pm on June 12. Email ada.chan@ScienceMuseum.ac.uk

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EVENT BUYERS LIVE

Save the date StandOut exclusively reveals the new location and dates for Event Buyers Live 2022

G

et ready #eventprofs.

StandOut Multimedia, the organiser of Event Buyers Live (EBL), can exclusively reveal the prestigious new location for the 2022 edition of the business event that brings together event organisers and suppliers.

Event Buyers Live 2022 (#EBL22) will take place at Carden Park Hotel and Spa, the luxury country estate near Chester, from November 28-30.

12 n www.eventbuyerslive.com

The 2022 edition of Event Buyers Live will be the event’s eighth outing and will welcome only 100 of the live event industry’s most respected organisers. Accompanying the 100 will be just 45 event suppliers and venues for networking and pre-qualified face-to-face meetings.

Neil Fagg, co-founder of Event Buyers Live, explained: “2022 is a big year for the live

events industry. Birmingham will host the Commonwealth Games and events up and down the country will celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. In addition, StandOut Multimedia will provide live event organisers with an opportunity to discuss project and procurement requirements for 2023 and beyond. We, therefore, required a venue that befits our VIPs and their needs. Carden Park Hotel

and Spa is the perfect location for Event Buyers Live 2022 and features a host of facilities that will be exclusive to guests and will enable us to deliver something very special this year.”

Fagg continued: “We are collaborating with many partners to make Event Buyers Live fitting of our industry landscape. After such a tough two years, the event will give event professionals the chance

EVENT BUYERS LIVE

to come together, talk and support each other, which I’m sure will be needed after what will no doubt be a strange season ahead. Event Buyers Live will facilitate beneficial conversations and enable events professionals to discuss their event plans for 2023, but more importantly, secure the right suppliers and contractors before Christmas.”

Carden Park Hotel – an independent hotel – has an award-winning spa and is located within 1,000 acres of Cheshire countryside, with a mile-long drive leading through the Nicklaus golf course, just one of the two championship golf courses on site.

Fagg concluded: “We know that time out of the office is precious and open to scrutiny, but previous attendees have repeatedly told us that Event Buyers Live is of great value.

Given the extraordinary experiences of the last 24 months and the seven months ahead, Event Buyers Live 2022 will be the place to focus, plan, and look forwards to 2023 in an environment that is not only relaxed but conducive to business. If you need event suppliers for 2023 and beyond, EBL22 is the place to do business and secure event contractors.”

To register your interest in Event Buyers Live 2022, visit www.eventbuyerslive.com or call 01795 509113.

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STEERING COMMITTEE

JOE ROBINSON

SARAH JONES

More the merrier More events professionals join StandOut magazine’s steering committee

T

wo more experienced event industry professionals have joined StandOut magazine’s steering committee; a soundboard that will be the magazine’s eyes and ears, as our industry emerges from two tough and challenging years.

Sarah Jones, events and partnerships manager – parks and leisure at Haringey Council, and Joe Robinson, director of operations at Cuffe and Taylor, part of Live Nation, will join the group that already includes 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, and Luke Fitzmaurice, managing director of LFX Events.

REAL EVENT ISSUES

The StandOut magazine editorial 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, and Tramlines. The committee

14 n www.eventbuyerslive.com

works across sport, music, faith, cultural, business, and consumer events, and works with brands on immersive experiences and sponsorship activation. The addition of Robinson and Jones increases the group’s breadth of experience. For example, Jones oversees events at Finsbury Park and works with promoters, such as Festival Republic on Wireless and Community Festival, whilst Robinson oversees event production at Lytham Festival, Scarborough Open Air Theatre, and Live at The Piece Hall, a new event series for 2022.

The steering committee has been created to ensure that StandOut magazine remains relevant and continues to address all the important news, views, and practical information that events professionals need to do their jobs. The steering committee will be the magazine’s “boots on the ground”.

On joining the committee, Robinson said: “I’m looking forward to contributing to the steering group to focus on real life issues and opportunities within the event industry.”

Caroline Clift, editor of StandOut, explained the rationale behind the creation of the steering committee: “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.

“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.

“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.

“I have always urged events professionals to regularly keep in touch so let the team know what events and topics are on your radar. I know this coming events season will be a busy one, but please do keep communicating with myself and the team so that we can report on the things that matter to you.”

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RWHS AND PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION

Hot to trot

All images: © HPower/Royal Windsor Horse Show

HPower delivered the Royal Windsor Horse Show and a 90-minute televised spectacular that marked Her Majesty’s Jubilee. Read on, as HPower’s Nick Brooks-Ward, and HGEP’s Harry Guthrie discuss operations and production

T

welve-thousand metres of fencing, 10,000 square metres of tentage, 1,500 hay bales, 125 toilet blocks, 4.5 kilometres of roadway, 650 radios, 4,500 seats, 105 car parking staff, 2,800 square metres of changing rooms, 24,000 meals, 950 stables, 700 beds, 24,000 contractor days, and 49 coach movements per day. These are just some of the staggering statistics that comprised Royal Windsor Horse Show (May 12-15) and the Platinum Jubilee Celebration: A Gallop Through History, a 90-minute televised evening spectacular that honoured Her Majesty The Queen’s 70-year reign and reflected the Queen’s love of horses.

Dame Helen Mirren, Damian Lewis, Omid Djalili, and Tom Cruise lead an all-star cast of British and international talent for the performance, which was broadcast live on ITV on May 15.

The evening show saw 500 horses, 1,300 performers, 800 UK military, and a tri-service orchestra – supported by members of the National Symphony Orchestra – take to the 110m x 55m arena to chart the majesty of monarchy from Queen Elizabeth I to Queen Elizabeth II. The Platinum Jubilee Celebration was the fourth in a series of events from the HPower Group, celebrating state occasions in the

private grounds of Windsor Castle during the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Following in the footsteps of The Golden Jubilee Pageant in 2002, the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Pageant, and the BAFTA award-winning Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration, the Platinum Jubilee Celebration was a military, musical, and equestrian spectacular with displays from Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps, Kings Guard of Norway, and The Royal Cavalry of Oman.

HERCULEAN EFFORT

“We have the most ridiculous amount of Bunkabins in our village,” commented Nick Brooks-Ward, HPower’s operations director, during the show’s build. “We have 180 trade stands at the show, so we’re back to where we were in 2019 in terms of traders, we have a 40-metre Royal Box, we have 96 portable buildings from Wernick that have been turned into cabins, stores and offices, and there are 1,430 telephone numbers on the contact sheet.”

It’s evident that this year’s event is monumental, and the build has required herculean effort and a tremendous amount of kit. But how has Brooks-Ward and his team found the supply chain?

“Expensive,” he said, quite calmly. “Costs of material, such as timber, have increased and our fuel bill has trebled. In fact, all our fuel tanks are locked. But finding suppliers has not been difficult. We confirmed many of our contractors a lot earlier and I think it also helps that we are at the start of the event season.”

wwww.eventbuyerslive.com n 17

RWHS AND PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION

That said, this year’s event is much bigger. The additional performers and large televised production have meant a dedicated fire station has had to be built on site and space has had to be found for two ninemetre galleons – just two props that featured in the spectacle.

“We’ve been on site since March 25 and we’re already working 16-hour days,” BrooksWard continued. “It’s a big old job and the fact that we’re Britain’s oldest horse show, taking place in the Queen’s private garden in the 70th year of her reign, is what stands out.”

TEAM EFFORT

Brooks-Ward was joined on site by Chuck Crampton, technical director, Harry Guthrie, production director, Jo Scotcher, creative designer, and Will Glendinning, executive producer. Crampton had responsibility for stage design and build, whilst Guthrie led on production and creative.

“The stage is unique and different because it has a 10-metre cantilever on it,” explained Guthrie, as he took a break from overseeing the installation of 78 LED strips.

“For the stage, we’ve utilised as much ‘stock’ equipment as we can to keep costs down and make it easier to install.”

The stage measured 22 metres wide and 23 metres deep. Stretch fabric was used on the back wall of the stage. Again, it was easier to install and lighter, Guthrie said. Furthermore, scenically, the stage was designed to look like the tower

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RWHS AND PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATION at Windsor Castle with guests sitting to the left and right. An LED strip was placed every 80cm around the tower, framing it for the show’s physical audience and those watching at home.

“This show features a lot of design because the arena must work for the Royal Windsor Horse Show and A Gallop Through History,” commented Guthrie. “It’s been a team effort.

“Conversations about A Gallop Through History began 18 months ago,” Guthrie added. “We had the pandemic to work out who could take part and once we had got through the first draft, we got into the detail in September/October. We had the shape and narrative for a while, but the real detail has happened in the last 12 weeks. The whole show is one set piece with moments that bring ‘Oooo’ and sparkle.”

However, rehearsals have been tricky.

Half of the show’s military assets were required for State Opening of Parliament and half a day was lost to veterinary checks on all horses taking part. As a result, a full dress rehearsal has been difficult. Instead, Guthrie and his team conducted nine blocks of rehearsal sessions so that the show – comprised of four acts and a finale – could be perfected.

Guthrie said: “In 2012, our show focused on pageantry, in 2016, it was very music and artist heavy. This year, we have a combination of the two but it’s more theatrical.”

HPower’s Simon Brooks-Ward, show director, has designed the show for Her Majesty. Essentially, A Gallop Through History is “a live event first” with television taking it and working with HPower to create a show that TV audiences will enjoy.

Brooks-Ward [Simon] concluded: “We were honoured to host The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration at Royal Windsor Show. With exceptional acts from around the world, it was an occasion to be remembered.”

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LAMMA

Bale of a time

Thousands of visitors flocked to Birmingham’s NEC for LAMMA’s 40th anniversary show.

StandOut chatted to Nichola Bell, head of events at Agriconnect, organiser of the agricultural machinery, equipment, and services event What impact has the postponement of LAMMA had on event planning and operations?

Since the beginning of LAMMA in 1982, the event has been held in January – a time when farmers can take time away from the farm to attend. The timing was key to its success, so making the decision to postpone the show by four months and hold it in May was a big change. However, before Christmas, concerns about the Omicron variant meant that we had no alternative but to delay until things were more certain.

Availability of the same hall layout at the NEC played a key part in us setting the new dates.

We were delighted that our sponsors continued to support us, and the majority of our exhibitors came with us. We had

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plenty of first-time exhibitors too, which was exciting to see.

How good does it feel to be back after COVID? Making decisions to cancel or postpone shows was heart-breaking, as all event organisers will understand, but COVID made it necessary. It was a really challenging time, but it meant that the team had even more determination to deliver a great show in May. The feeling of being on-site and the buzz of a live event made all the effort worthwhile.

What changes did you make to the 40th anniversary show?

For the 2022 show, we developed two new speaker zones as well as a Dealer Zone.

It was clear that the additional

content and features played a key role in attracting a good audience to the event and we’ll be looking to continue a similar offering for the 2023 event.

How are you finding the general events market currently?

It’s been a tough couple of years for the entire industry so it’s nice to see it start to come alive again with events coming back. There’s a real appetite in the market from visitors and exhibitors to get back to events.

How have you found the supply chain and staffing?

Exhibitors raised concerns about the ability to get machinery to the show due to supply chain challenges and timing of the event, but on site it was clear they had gone the

extra mile to get key equipment to showcase their kit.

Which contractors worked on the event with you?

LAMMA wouldn’t happen without the support of all our fantastic contractors that we’ve worked with for years.

We work closely with GES and N200 for stand builds, registration and on-site support, Viv Orchard from Viv Orchard Event Management, Karl Morgan from KRM Safety Management, and our PR team from Reverberate PR, led by Kendra Hall.

What did you enjoy most about LAMMA this year?

We had some new features this year, which had a great response from exhibitors and visitors.

LAMMA

These included two Speaker Zones where visitors could listen to updates from industry experts on important issues from farm safety to changes in legislation on red diesel. We also created a new Dealer Zone to bring in regional dealerships, as well as mainstream manufacturers.

Working with the Institution of Agricultural Engineers and sponsor, Househam Sprayers, we also created a new Young Engineers Award, which attracted a fantastic number of entries.

Agriculture is going through a very challenging time with the biggest changes seen since the Second World War. Farmers are facing vast increases in input prices, alongside pressures to increase sustainability.

Purchasing decisions are, therefore, even more critical than before, which will inevitably have an impact on those of us organising events for farmers. It makes LAMMA’s role in bringing innovators and purchasers together even more important.

It was fantastic to see the appetite of visitors and exhibitors to attend a live event again. LAMMA plays a key role in the industry and it’s great to see. As a company, we’ll be continuing to invest in the show for the future, so watch this space!

wwww.eventbuyerslive.com n 23

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BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS

Images: © Badminton Horse Trials/Kit Houghton

Back in the saddle Equestrian fans flocked to Badminton Horse Trials. Andrew Tucker, the event’s commercial director, talks about sustainability, event developments, and how it’s so good to be back

A

ndrew Tucker, commercial director at Badminton Horse Trials, has been in his role for three years, overseeing sponsorship, partnerships, and procurement. However, the 2022 edition of the equestrian event was his first.

COVID had an enormous impact on the five-day event – the event was cancelled in 2020 and whilst set to take place behind closed doors in 2021, it didn’t.

“After a three-year break, it is good to see the park full of people enjoying themselves - and supporting the local and equestrian economy, both of which suffered during the pandemic,” Tucker commented.

Badminton Horse Trials features 450 trade stands and welcomes more than 110,000 visitors. He continued: “It feels fantastic to be back. Everyone – from riders to volunteers and spectators – has been so clearly thrilled to be back. It has been really humbling. In the run up to the event, everyone we saw out and about was saying they just could not wait to be back and that is how we all felt.”

Tucker works alongside Jane Tuckwell, event director. Tuckwell oversees the sporting and operational elements of the event. Badminton Horse Trials 2022 was her first event also.

Tucker added: “We have a small team of eight in the office, helping us to put on this huge event, and they all play a huge part in putting the event on. This grows as we head nearer to the event, and they are backed up by some 800 volunteers during the week.”

SUPPLY CHAIN AND SUSTAINABILITY It requires some 1,500 contractors and staff to deliver Badminton Horse Trials.

Tucker stated that some event suppliers had issues filling roles. “Like all event organiser’s the supply chain has been our biggest challenge this year,” Tucker explained. “For example, regarding the number of toilets we need means we have to work with two contractors.”

Where feasible, Badminton Horse Trials works with local contractors to reduce miles driven, and reviews and works with all event contractors and suppliers to ensure

ANDREW TUCKER it is partnering with those that deliver its requirements in the most eco-conscious and energy efficient way as possible.

These are just two examples of how Badminton Horse Trials is addressing sustainability. Tucker commented: “Like many business organisations and major sporting events, Badminton Horse Trials believes it has a responsibility to play its part and help protect our environment both now and for the future.

“Staging an event that usually includes a retail village of over 450 tradestands, and 180,000 spectators is challenging, but by working closely with our contractors and suppliers and communicating to our visitors that attend each year, we believe we can all make a real difference.

wwww.eventbuyerslive.com n 25

BADMINTON HORSE TRIALS

“We are investing significant time exploring the latest initiatives and technology relevant to temporary venues and the associated costs attached to making our event more sustainable. Whilst our policies are under constant review, we worked hard to make the 2022 event the most sustainable Badminton Horse Trials to date.”

For instance, the event worked with caterers to ensure all food and drink containers served on-site were re-useable, recyclable cardboard or compostable products; concession stands could not sell drinks in plastic bottles, recycled paper was used for the event programme, and free water stations were made more visible. Furthermore, visitors were encouraged and reminded to bring their own reusable shopping bags for trade stand purchases.

EVENT DEVELOPMENTS

Yet these developments were not the only ones to grace Badminton Horse Trials 2022. “We introduced advance booking only and that had a very positive impact on both sales and traffic flow,” Tucker added.

“Ticket sales closed at midnight the day before visitors wished to attend and the scanning on arrival of both car park tickets and admission tickets worked really well.

“We opened a new car park entrance to the park on Saturday to aid the traffic flow – this worked so well and really helped our 110,000 visitors arrive at the park in advance of the first horse going cross country. We also launched Badminton TV [a subscriber service] –

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to enable those at home to view every moment of the live action.”

But what makes Badminton stand out? Tucker concluded: “It is the oldest horse trials in the world and Saturday (cross country day) is the biggest day of sporting attendance in Europe. It also has the biggest prize fund in the sport, but more than anything Badminton has a very special sense of history and tradition. It is where sporting dreams are made, and champions are born.”

Badminton Horse Trials 2023 will take place from May 3-7.

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CHRISTMAS EVENTS

BOURNEMOUTH CHRISTMAS MARKET

Entering the festive spirit Kilimanjaro Live and Seventa Events discuss the events marketplace and plans for their upcoming Christmas events

I

n 2020, Kilimanjaro Live entered the festive events market for the first time and launched Christmas at Wollaton, a 1.2-kilometre light trail that took over Nottingham’s Wollaton Hall estate.

The promoter sold 100,000 tickets for the event. It was such a success that Kilimanjaro saw an opportunity to enter the festive marketplace and grow its event portfolio. In 2021, and following an extremely successful debut at Wollaton Hall, Kilimanjaro Live launched Christmas at Kenwood and Christmas at Trentham. All three events will return in 2022, with tickets now on sale for all three productions.

“We had a hugely successful launch year at Wollaton, due to the strength of the location and due to the enthusiasm for outdoor events at the end of 2020,” explained Lucy Levitt, head of business development at Kilimanjaro Live. “We were sure that the public appetite would continue and thankfully, we weren’t wrong. We learnt a lot about how to deliver real value to the customer. Visitors like to be able to plan in advance for this sort of outing, especially

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with it being around Christmas, so being on sale nice and early is key.”

Levitt works closely alongside Mark Grainger, event project manager, who oversees delivery of all three light trails.

He said: “The new trail routes for 2022 are being designed as we speak. We anticipate that the length will be no longer than two kilometres and they will take about an hour to complete, accommodating between 4,000 and 6,500 guests an evening.”

All three sites will run trails from December 2 through to January 1, 2023, and Levitt hopes that fewer COVID restrictions will enable the team to develop the food and beverage options available at each location. Grainger continued: “Each trail will have unique installations, creating Instagramable moments and a warmth around the winter sky, which brings Christmas to life. Accompanied by specifically composed music to give the experience a third dimension, visitors will also be able to dine in an igloo at Trentham, have fun on the fairground rides

at Wollaton, or take in the wonderful bar area at Kenwood.”

APPETITE FOR EVENTS

With six months until the trails open their doors to visitors, StandOut asks Grainger about the supply chain and sourcing contractors. He confirmed that having the event at the end of the year helps. However, with a jam-packed summer season taking place prior to the trails opening, he must be extremely prepared.

He explained: “The hardest part is when everyone disappears for the summer. You have to make sure you have the nuts and bolts in place before then. Having a sole focus on Christmas, and no summer shows myself, allows me to look ahead and plan around, so we are at the early stages, but all is in hand.”

Despite the current and well-documented challenges being faced by the live events industry, Levitt believes there is strong appetite for quality experiences. Therefore, she wishes to establish the events and make attending one a family and festive tradition.

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

We do have to be mindful that the cost of living has increased, and people may be going abroad this year, but if you are sensible with your pricing and create an experience that the public want, I think 2022 will be an incredibly successful year

Simon Brooks, director of Seventa Events, concurred with Levitt. As organiser of Bournemouth Christmas Market, which is comprised of retail chalets and a two-storey Alpine Lodge, Brooks thinks that festive events will come back with a bang in 2022. He explained: “Having a ‘year off’, for want of a better phrase, in 2020, had a good impact on 2021, as I truly believe people started to appreciate things in life that they may have taken for granted before.

“Events are hard work, and organisers put their all into these projects and experiences, and the public missed them.

I think that remains true for 2022. Whilst the market has certainly opened back up, I believe the public demand for events is higher than ever. We do have to be mindful that the cost of living has increased, and people may be going abroad this year, but if you are sensible with your pricing and create an experience that the public want, I think 2022 will be an incredibly successful year.”

IN SAFE HANDS

CHRISTMAS AT TRENTHAM

BOURNEMOUTH CHRISTMAS MARKET

Bournemouth Christmas Market was launched in 2017. Like many events, the market did not take place in 2020 but was brought back safely in 2021.

Brooks and his team added additional experiences to the event, including Bournemouth Snow Domes, an area within the town’s Christmas Tree Wonderland activation.

“Bournemouth Christmas Market is a long-standing event for us, having developed it since 2017 into what it has become today; a destination for winter tourism,” Brooks continued. “We continually expand our offering on this event, adding new areas, new traders, and working with Christmas Tree Wonderland and the event partners (BCP Council and the local business improvement districts) to shake up the offering each year.”

Brooks delivers the event alongside Rosie Mooney, head of events, Will Morris, operations director, and Hettie Fairhall, who joined the organising team last year. Even Seventa’s finance director, Emma East, can be found on site most days.

However, Brooks believes her presence has something to do with mulled wine!

wwww.eventbuyerslive.com n 29

CHRISTMAS EVENTS PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION

According to Brooks, the current event marketplace and supply chain is “tough”. A lack of equipment and skilled professionals that left the industry during the pandemic has left its mark. To overcome such challenges, Brooks said that collaborative working is key.

He continued: “We have a lot of events with major partners, each playing to their own strengths, and each bringing their skills sets to the table.

“Event companies always used to ‘white label’ everything, and I never thought that was right. You can’t be amazing at everything – bringing in specialised partners, experienced people, into the mix is what makes you successful. Personally, we celebrate our partnerships with external suppliers, and skilled freelancers.”

Brooks described the market’s operational partners as “fantastic”. They include CES Generators, WH Silverbacks, and Innovative Hire. He said: “Keeping those relationships with suppliers and putting key partners into the event has really helped us continually develop the project, knowing that each area of speciality is covered and in safe hands.

“We are lucky that Bournemouth Christmas Market is an established event, so we already had these key partnerships in place and our suppliers are all signed up for this year. Had it not been, we would certainly be facing external pressure now, as the supply chain is so very different from two years ago.

However, I’m not sure that’s an entirely bad thing because the event industry has notoriously always under charged for skilled people, and companies have always faced extreme demands from clients. I think people have changed their mindsets and are simply saying ‘no’ to things that they may have said yes to before or they are charging appropriately.

We are certainly being more select on who we work with, and which projects we take on. Maybe this is a welcome change,” he concluded.

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BOURNEMOUTH CHRISTMAS MARKET

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THE WAY FORWARD

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TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND LOGISTICS

LOWLANDS SOLAR CARPORT

Driving force

Event organisers should look at their traffic management plans with fresh eyes and communicate with stakeholders sooner. Traffic management experts discuss the current event landscape

M

ojo Concerts, promoter of Lowlands Festival, recently opened a solar carport for 15,000 cars. It’s reported to be the largest solar carport in the world and with the help of 90,000 solar panels, aims to provide 10,000 households with green energy. It’s a great example of innovation and shows how event organisers are continuing to think out of the box and deliver imaginative traffic management solutions at festival and live event sites across the globe.

The sustainable car park is just one example of what organisers are doing to deliver safe, sustainable, and seamless events. According to Carl Taylor, the newly-appointed managing director of Stadium, the traffic management and stewarding specialist, it’s a growing thread, as more and more organisers are looking to combine services and appoint one supplier, making event planning simpler. He explains: “Rather than having a security provider, traffic management provider, and a Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) supplier, organisers are looking for one point of contact to operate seamlessly across the event.”

Taylor says that having one supplier makes planning easier and drives costs down through efficiencies on site. Gerry Kilsby, chairman of Exhibition Traffic Management Services (ETMS), concurs.

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Festival Republic has called on ETMS for expertise. The organiser requires traffic management services, both on-site and on public highways, for Wireless at Finsbury Park and Crystal Palace. But it wants more than simple traffic management, like Taylor suggests. Festival Republic has asked for assistance with road closures, diversions, temporary traffic lights, HVM, CSAS controls, and on-site marshalling staff over five concert days.

BUSY SUMMER

ETMS has recently won a new three-year contract with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and will be supplying services to Chelsea, Hampton Court, and Tatton Park Flower Shows.

Stadium is confirmed to work at Cinch Championships at Queen’s Tennis Club, Ed Sheeran concerts at Wembley Stadium, and at various major concerts when they take place at Anfield, home of Liverpool Football Club, later this summer.

Taylor continues: “It’s certainly going to be a busy summer as the nation is ready to get out and about after two years with so many events postponed. We are seeing this much more with latest consumer spending figures pointing towards people wanting more experiences and live entertainment to make up for what they missed out on during the pandemic.

ETMS IN ACTION “We will be continuing to roll out our integrated HVM systems this year too. This not only involves us providing the physical equipment but staffing them as well which is becoming rare in our industry.

“Our HVM and traffic management teams are fully trained to help direct event attendees and manage every element of their arrival and departure by car, while ensuring they are safe. From protecting pedestrian-filled streets and venues, to keeping traffic flowing and ensuring car parks and event sites are secure, our professionals are efficient, effective, and approachable.”

www.kbevent.com n 33

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND LOGISTICS

ETMS

STADIUM IN ACTION GOING BACK TO BASICS

Kilsby agrees with Taylor’s overview of the current live events landscape. Kilsby describes the market as buoyant, with events rescheduled from 2021 back in their normal calendar slots, and new events entering the marketplace.

Kilsby continues: “We have added to our management team, who are looking at all our operations with fresh eyes.

This is enabling us to provide customers with dedicated supervisors and contract managers, staffing ‘dot plans’, and more statistics for their events. Encouraging organisers to share plans and information more than ever, means we are now a more ‘complete team’, with collective knowledge and aims for each event.”

Tony Hawkins, senior operations manager at ETMS, says that organisers should use their time to really look at their events and repair, not patch up,

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things that have gone amiss before. He says: “We have found that a ‘back to basics’ approach with clients, creates a better understanding of what we do, and what is required of us. It can save them money, whilst enabling us to work closer with them and deliver a more customer focused service.”

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

According to Hawkins, most organisers have welcomed the back to basics approach and are relishing the opportunity to look at their events with fresh eyes. Now is the time to reassess all event management plans, collaborate, and communicate sooner.

Taylor agrees: “We have found since the pandemic that local residents are wanting more information, and sooner.

“Traditionally, advanced warning signs are erected two weeks before an event,

STADIUM but these are increasingly becoming saturated by lots of other signage on the streets, which can lead to confusion when the day of the event comes.

“We, therefore, need staff who are good at helping to provide assistance with positive customer service skills.

We also believe a traffic management provider should work to create a communications plan that involves faceto-face meetings with residents, and this is hugely important to how we operate.

This way we can positively enhance the local communities that we serve and ensure they are kept informed of changes to their area,” Taylor concludes.

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SALON PRIVÉ LONDON Images: © Salon Privé

Salon style

Royal Hospital Chelsea played host to Salon Privé London, the new luxury car event. David Bagley, director of Salon Privé, talks dream venues, business, and debriefs

A

new luxury car event drove into the grounds of Royal Hospital Chelsea this April, occupying the south lawn of the Grade I and II listed property. Salon Privé London, organised by the same team behind the renowned Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, featured a display of 60 rare classic cars in a “Concours de Vente”.

Unlike Concours d’Elegance at Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace, which hosts a parade of some of the rarest and most valuable grand tourers, classic sports racers, and iconic vehicles, all cars entered in the Concours de Vente were for sale.

DREAM VENUE

Salon Privé London has been in the planning for almost a year, explained David Bagley, director of Salon Privé. The luxury car event was launched 17 years ago by Bagley and his brother Andrew, and what started life as a luxury automotive show at the Hurlingham Club has grown into a monumental success.

The event outgrew the Hurlingham Club and moved to Syon Park, but further successes soon forced another venue change. “The brand had enough of a following to move away from London,”

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“Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace attracts an older audience. The London audience was much younger and more fluid; they wanted to come and go. Royal Hospital Chelsea is next to the Kings Road, so it was natural to create an event that was an extension of that area.”

AN APPETITE FOR LUXURY

Bagley said. “Our surroundings contribute to the event and there’s nothing like Blenheim Palace. It was a step up from Hurlingham Club and Syon Park and is just the most fabulous place to run an event.

“But having left London ten years ago, no one had ever put on a similar event,” added Bagley, with a hint of surprise in his voice. “To continue with the concept of Salon Privé, we needed the right venue. Just as Blenheim Palace was our dream venue for Salon Privé, Royal Hospital Chelsea was the dream venue for Salon Privé London.”

CLEAR DEFINITION

Bagley was keen for Salon Privé London to not be a “step and repeat” of its sister show at Blenheim Palace. In terms of content, there had to be clear definition. Whereas Blenheim Palace offers a more gentile, garden-party experience where guests can enjoy the Oxfordshire estate, the London edition has a different style and vibe. For example, at Blenheim Palace, guests enjoy jazz on the lawn. In London, DJs entertain guests in the evening. However, both events attract equally affluent visitors.

Just 11 per cent of Salon Privé’s visitors have a London postcode. Hence, Bagley knew that he and his brother could launch a London event and not dilute ticket sales for the Blenheim Palace event.

“Salon Prive’s Concours d’Elegance is one of the top eight Concours events in the world. We did not want to compete with that and dilute that honour,” Bagley continued. “It just means that Salon Privé will not only close the automotive event season, but we’ll also open it.”

According to Bagley, automotive and luxury lifestyle brands are looking to offer consumers and clients an “experience” and not an “exhibition”. The pandemic accelerated the cancellation and closure of some automotive events, which were already on the decline.

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SALON PRIVÉ LONDON

Yet, what makes both editions of Salon Privé successful and stand out? “It’s a combination of the venue, the location, the brands, and the most fabulous hospitality,” Bagley added. “Some of our clients that we signed up to the event 17 years ago are emotionally invested in the event, as well as financially, and with them we’ve built the event to what it is.”

Bagley explained: “Every year, we sit down and evaluate each event and work together to be better. The event has evolved to the point where it is a lifestyle event. It’s an experience; it’s not a car event and it’s what keeps us going.

“We learned at Salon Privé London that there is an appetite for the event.

We had 16,000 people visit over three

38 n www.eventbuyerslive.com

days and we have incredible support from the industry.

“My brother always says: ‘Our next event is our best event’. It’s how we operate; we learn as we go, and we don’t profess to know everything.”

LONG-TERM PLANS

Bagley laughed loudly when StandOut enquired about the event debrief. “The days of Andrew and I running around are long gone. We haven’t got the energy anymore,” he chuckled. “We have an amazing team who do that – they all know what they’re doing. We entertain our guests and sponsors. We’ll talk to clients and take their suggestions on board and feed that back to the team.”

He commented further: “We’re a small business and I have always done too much. It’s difficult to hand over responsibility because Andrew and I are both so anal over detail, but to grow you have to hand over certain elements to the team. So, we’ve had a chat.”

Looking to the future, Bagley concluded: “We have already got brands that want to commit to 2023. This year was our first in a new venue, with new suppliers. It [the build at Royal Hospital Chelsea] was a very different process to Blenheim. There will be some changes, we’ll probably bring in more activities, more animation, and more parades, and we hope to sign a long-term contract with the venue and optimise the event.”

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WE INVENTED THE WEEKEND

Ready for the Weekend

Kate Doyle, festival director of We Invented The Weekend, discusses the new event set for Salford Quays and MediaCity this September Tell StandOut about We Invented The Weekend – how did the festival come about and how did you get involved?

We Invented The Weekend is a brand new festival from Salford. The name comes the fact that the weekend was born in Greater Manchester, when in 1843 an advocate for mill workers’ rights fought for Saturday afternoons to be given as free time for leisure. The idea for the festival originated with MediaCity’s place director, Josie Cahill, who felt the site was ready to host a largescale event that celebrates Salford and fills MediaCity and the Quays with all the things that make the weekend great. It’s been proudly supported by Salford City Council and MediaCity.

I was happily in post as head of festivals and events at the Science and Industry Museum when the festival director at We Invented The Weekend role was advertised. Within a day of the job spec being live, I had been sent numerous messages by friends and former colleagues suggesting I apply, which was hard to ignore! I submitted my application, came to interview, and had an informal follow up chat. I was very excited to be offered the role and I’ve been festival director since March 1.

What is We Invented The Weekend – what’s the format and when and where does it take place?

We Invented The Weekend is a celebration of all the things we love to do with our time off – listen to music, cook, eat, get together, shop, play, read, talk, and learn. The festival takes place at MediaCity and Salford Quays on September 10 and 11 and is free and open to all. We’ll have a main stage and use an existing outdoor amphitheatre style area for dance and other large performances.

Debates and talks will take place in some of the high spec presentation and studio spaces we have in MediaCity.

We’ll have all kinds of other activities happening throughout the site, including demonstrations, workshops, and markets – plus plenty of food traders and bars.

What can people expect from the festival?

It’s ambitious, but we really are going to create a festival where there’s lots for everyone to enjoy - DJs to orchestras, cheerleading to tea dancing, Sunday roasts to the best world food in the north.

It will be a hive of activity, with something happening at every turn.

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We have some incredible content lined up with partners including the BBC, The Lowry, the University of Salford and the Science and Industry Museum – plus, there’s more partner content in development. Excitingly, we’ve also sent out an open invitation to the 1,000+ community groups who meet in Salford to see if they’d like to get involved too. Our vision is that We Invented The Weekend will be a party to celebrate Greater Manchester’s role in giving the world the weekend – we’re holding it in Salford, and we’re inviting everyone.

How is planning going and what plans do you have in terms of site layout?

Planning is going well. We’re very lucky in that we have lots of room to play with.

There are two large plazas, which we’ll be using to full effect for large-scale performances. We have an expansive waterfront along Manchester’s iconic ship canal – compromising tree-lined promenades and well-loved seating areas.

We’re using inside space provided by our generous neighbours, which provides brilliant all-weather provision.

What sustainability measures are you considering?

Another benefit of running an event at MediaCity and the Quays is access to lots of hard-wired power, which is a big sustainability win. The site has a range of terrific active travel and public transports routes from all over the city, and we will very much be encouraging our audience to make best use of those. Over and above site-specific infrastructure, one of the festival’s values in that we are a festival for good. Both MediaCity and Hemingway Design live and breathe sustainability and lowering our impact and waste is something I hold very close to my heart.

We’ll be driving green initiatives at every opportunity – avoiding single use plastic at all costs, making sure we have a range of planet-friendly foods on offer, using what we have already and aiming to re-use what we might need to buy.

How are you finding the supply chain and which suppliers have you appointed for the event?

So far, so good – though we are aware of the potential for problems down the line so we’re being very mindful of that. It’s well known that the North West is home to

brilliant event suppliers; across the team we hold some strong relationships with those suppliers, and we will be spending as much as we can locally (which will also help with our carbon footprint).

Who is working on the event alongside you?

I’ve been a long-standing fan of Hemingway Design’s festival work, so I’m excited to be working with them on the overarching direction and feel of the festival, its brand and content curation.

We’ve appointed ASP Events to look after all things site, operation and production and I’m very much looking forward to working with Alexa Stratton-Powell and Kate Richards again. Josh McAllister is a yearround event manager at MediaCity and so knows the site inside out – he’ll also be an important part of the delivery team.

What will stand out about We Invented the Weekend?

We Invented The Weekend will stand out as a multi-dimensional, culture-led event with something for everyone. It’s a festival for good – proudly northern, reflective of the rich diversity of our communities, and a celebration of what is probably the world’s best-loved social construct, the weekend!

WE INVENTED THE WEEKEND

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CAMP BESTIVAL

Best is yet to come

Rob da Bank, founder of Camp Bestival, discusses the family-friendly festival’s expansion into Shropshire, and the UK festival market

A

s a promoter, I always get nervous about meeting a new audience, but I also get excited because you never know who is going to turn up,” says Rob da Bank, founder and co-curator of Camp Bestival.

Bank is talking to StandOut about Camp Bestival’s expansion. The family-friendly festival is preparing to head north this year.

Camp Bestival Shropshire will take place at Weston Park [August 18-21] three weeks after Camp Bestival Dorset at Lulworth Castle [July 28-31].

“We couldn’t have produced both shows on the same weekend because we have so much handmade stuff that we want to take to Shropshire, but it’s not a carbon copy,” Bank assures StandOut. “I’m excited to see what Josie [da Bank and co-curator] and the team will do, as I am not very good at imagining a festival site. However, I do know it’s a beautifully natural site with all the bits you’d want for a family-friendly festival.”

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CONSCIOUS OF COMPETITION

Bank describes Camp Bestival’s expansion as something that has been in his and Josie’s head for several years. Having received a tip-off about Weston Park and its availability, the expansion into the heart of England is what he calls a “happy accident that fell into his lap” – an opportunity not to be missed and a chance to respond to many punters that had been asking for something “more north”.

“Now that Camp Bestival will be two shows and we’re covering more of the country, I am more conscious of the competition,” Bank continues. “Some family shows are only 20 quid, and I don’t want to be rude but there’s barely anything there. There are only a handful of proper family-friendly events like The Big Feastival and CarFest. Deer Shed and Greenman are trendy adult festivals that you can take kids to, but we’re out and out family friendly and I think you can count on one hand the competition.”

ROB DA BANK UPS AND DOWNS

Camp Bestival Shropshire has a licence for 39,999, compared to Camp Bestival Dorset’s 30,000. The Lulworth Castle site regularly sells out. Bank is predicting sales of 20,000 for Camp Bestival Shropshire and would be happy with that figure for a year one show.

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CAMP BESTIVAL

“Our licence at Weston Park is for 39,999. We won’t get anywhere near that this year.

That’s fine, as I would like to get a feel for the site first. I don’t want 40,000 people turning up and for us to not get it right.”

APL Event and Ginger Owl are just two event suppliers working on Camp Bestival, providing services to the festival. Bank says that the supply chain has not been without its challenges.

“Last year was hard,” he adds.

“Our caterer pulled out three days before the show and lots of suppliers had mental health problems. We had six weeks’ notice to put the show on. It was tough for people and proved too much for some. Some suppliers have now moved on and for their own right reasons.”

Bank states that the UK events industry is operating in a “different landscape” and is pleased that Camp Bestival was able to go ahead in 2021.

“In festival land, you have to roll with the ups and downs,” he says. “I am lucky to have a stable show and sales are good. For a lot of people, 2022 will still be year one, and their first show [after COVID]. If I hadn’t done a show last year, I would feel nervous.”

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BRING IT ON

But what’s the big plan for Camp Bestival and the new site that will feature wellness, water sports and woodland activities? “It’s Camp Bestival’s 20th anniversary in 2023,” Bank adds. “Me and Josie don’t sit with a diary and map out any big plans, but we would like Camp Bestival to have slow and gradual growth.

“After two decades of ups and downs, you know what you need to be prepared for and to make sure you have your ducks in a row.”

Speaking on the UK market, he concludes: “I feel like there will be a constant stream of family audiences coming through and that family shows are at the safer end of the festival bracket.

“It’s an exciting time for the festival market. The UK has the strongest festival market.

I’m not sure if I am saying this because I have been there and done it. But I love competition. It keeps you on your toes because it means you’re pushing to be the best.

If competition wasn’t there, we’d get lazy. I welcome it.

Bring it on because it makes you stronger.”

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CONNECTED FESTIVAL Images: © Connected/Dan Desborough Photography

Fight or flight Craig Barrett, Connected Festival’s event director, is nothing but honest in his appraisal of this year’s one-day dance event. Read on, as he outlines the challenges and learnings

F

ollowing its debut in 2019, Connected Festival returned to Lydd Airport, Kent, on April 30. More than 6,000 people walked through the festival’s gates in 2019, so there was huge pressure on the 2022 festival team to emulate the success of year one.

As a small independent, Connected Festival is punching and attempting to compete with the larger dance festival brands that currently flood the market.

“If I knew it was not going to be plain sailing, I would have looked at the event model and utilised a lot more local brands and less headliners,” says Craig Barrett, Connected Festival’s event director, reflecting on year two. Hindsight is an amazing thing.

BIG CHALLENGES

StandOut chats to Barrett both on-site and post-event. It’s evident that planning has not been easy and that financial risks are high. Barrett and his team went in with big expectations, which come with their own set of challenges, and Barrett argues that fewer headliners would have enabled the team to lower ticket prices and perhaps, encouraged higher sales. Approximately 4,000 people were in attendance.

Barrett cites a multitude of challenges; availability of stock and infrastructure, increased costs and rising fuel prices, economic crisis impacting on disposable

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income and ticket sales, considerations around the scaling up and down of infrastructure, and artist agencies that have “not been easy” to work with. In fact, Barrett implies that big players in the industry are making it harder for smaller independents to operate.

“It’s been tough this time round,” Barrett continues. “We had to combine two stages into one, to save on infrastructure, production, and artist costs. And although some of the artists that didn’t appear were popular, we kept quality in our line-up.”

“HORRID AND RUTHLESS”

According to Barrett, working with artists’ agents has not been easy. At times, they were “horrid, brutal, and ruthless”. Barrett fears that the dance festival market will implode. Festivals like Elrow and Foreverland are unique, he says. However, generic festivals with nothing more than large screens and overpaid DJs do not stand out. “It will be more difficult for small festivals to survive,” he adds. “Our customer base does not have much money. We’re in an economic crisis and that could last months, or years.”

Barrett states that anyone putting on a festival is taking a huge risk, and getting it right is becoming harder and harder.

“We delivered a safe event, but I know where our shortcomings were and where we need to give more consideration.”

For example, egress could have been better and there were a few issues surrounding traffic management. Greater provision was needed, says Barrett. “It wasn’t unsafe, but it wasn’t ideal,” he comments.

HONESTY

Previously, Barrett ran operations at Southbeats Festival. He has worked on Connected Festival since its inception, developing the one-night rave into a one-day dance music event. Much has been learned during his time within the festival market.

“What did I learn at this year’s event?

I learned I am only one guy and should ask for help,” Barrett admits, as he takes a break from balancing the books and paying invoices. “I’m glad the festival happened, and people were seen to have a good time.

‘We got Connected over the line. We had a couple of complaints about line-up changes, but you can’t keep everyone happy.”

It is Barrett’s wish for Connected Festival to be the biggest electronic dance music event in the Kent area, drawing on audiences from Essex and Suffolk. He does not wish Connected to solely focus on Drum n Bass music. He believes strongly in broadening the festival’s reach and is honest in his appraisal of the event.

“We’re not there yet,” he concludes – the signs of tiredness evident. “Will Connected go ahead next year? I don’t know. Will I be a part of it if it does? I don’t know. I need to unwind, and we’ll go from there.”

CONNECTED FESTIVAL

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FURNITURE

FURNITURE ON THE MOVE

Take a seat

Furniture hire experts discuss the current events marketplace, trends, and new product lines

L

a-Z-Boy recently announced that it has become the official furniture partner of the NFL London Games, which will stage three of its 2022 season games in the capital this October.

The furniture company’s three-year deal will see it provide “the best seats

in the house” for two London games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (October 2 and 9), as well as other branding at Wembley Stadium (October 30) where the third game is to be played.

Mark Draper, managing director of LaZ-Boy UK, described the partnership as an

EVENT HIRE

ideal link-up and hopes that the activation work to be carried out will elevate the company’s position in the UK. Draper said: “NFL fans are very dedicated to their sport and that means watching the games in comfort is a big deal. We’ll not only be offering the chance to win game tickets but providing the ‘best seats in the house’ so fans can enjoy a game in world-renowned La-Z-Boy comfort.”

Comfort is key, and so is high-end design. Organisers want to create areas on site that stand out. Dave Harding-Lyle, strategic account director at Showcase AVi, confirmed that the company recently expanded its boutique furniture range, answering a call from organisers. HardingLyle explained: “As we mainly operate in the corporate indoor market at present, the high-end look and feel of furniture our design team were implementing at the space planning/visualisation stage of the proposal saw organisers asking for a highend boutique feel to speaker lounges, VIP spaces, stage furniture, and concept/design.

Along with the increase in furniture, we are using a lot of foliage and plants to enhance spaces and increase wellbeing.”

Simon Wiser, marketing director at Event Hire, the event furniture hire specialist, concurred, and said that organisers are looking for high-end furniture, rather than traditional, and want items that are “different to the norm”.

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FURNITURE

FURNITURE ON THE MOVE “Whilst higher quality furniture costs more, most customers are happy to invest more to achieve the desired result,” explained Wiser.

He continued: “Business has returned with a vengeance, with organisers having significantly grown in confidence since the turn of the year that their plans for 2022 are unlikely to have to be postponed or cancelled due to COVID. Of course, people are still conscious of it, though we’re also learning to live with it.”

Sveva Galizia, office and projects manager at Furniture on the Move, the event furniture expert, agreed. Similarly, Furniture on the Move is witnessing a whirlwind of activity.

Galizia commented: “It’s great to see how the events industry has picked up again post-pandemic. Clients are eager to create memorable live experiences, venues are fully booked, and we are heading into our busiest summer to date.”

INDUSTRY IS “BUZZING”

Wiser described Event Hire’s diary as “incredibly busy”. “In fact, for the peak summer season, many lines are already fully booked, something you’d only ‘normally’ see closer to the time,” he added. “This year, we’ll be working on

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high profile events such as the Royal International Air Tattoo, Glastonbury, Rewind and Creamfields, tours for Ed Sheeran and Elton John, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, and the Global Champions Tour of Equestrian, to name just a few.”

Showcase AVi recently supplied furniture to, and created speaker lounges for, Cannes Lions, World Retail Congress, Retail Week Live, and Spring Fair. Similarly, Event Hire recently supplied equipment to Cheltenham Festival and Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Furniture on the Move will be working on a wide variety of events this summer. This is testament to how “buzzing” the live events industry is currently, said Galizia. “We love working on all sorts of different projects,” Galizia added. “We’ve had foodie festivals, large tech exhibitions, dressing rooms for VIPs (if only we could reveal their names) and we’re looking at a summer with a lot of big sporting events!”

PRODUCE THE BEST EVENTS

Sustainability is at top of Furniture on the Move’s agenda, as it responds to the needs and expectations of the events industry. It aims to have a “positive effect” by looking at what it can to do make a difference

around green initiatives, deliveries, and sustainably sourced products and materials. Wiser agreed. Listening to clients’ needs is paramount and it’s where Event Hire is focusing its efforts – sourcing the items and equipment that clients need to produce the best live events.

Event Hire is not planning on launching any new items in the coming months.

However, Furniture Hire has added to its portfolio. Galizia said: “Summer is here so no better time to launch our newest outdoor lounge set: The Milos. Featuring a sofa, two armchairs and a coffee table, the Milos will add a contemporary flair to your outdoor events. We love the rope detailing on the frame and the elegant combination of wood and dark grey fabric.

“Our Nevada poseur table is one of our most popular pieces, so we’ve launched three new bar stools to create three different looks with just one table.

“Looking for a trendy yet rustic look?

Our Dakota bar stools are the perfect match. Going for a more elegant vibe?

The Marlborough bar stools add a touch of luxury to the set up. Is your style more effortlessly modern? Check out the Soho stools – they will complement the look,” Galizia concluded.

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VIEWPOINT

How low will you go?

Matt Storey, partner at The White Storey, discusses supply chain, staff shortages, and rate increases

H

ave you put your prices up? We did in January and felt bullish about it, even though we promptly lost a job as a result, causing the odd sphincter to quiver. We held our nerve and, of course, it was the right thing to do.

Whatever business you’re in, there are two schools of thought on how to go about raising prices – I’ve done both. You can either explain your reasons in advance to clients with meticulous care, which may prompt them to question, hesitate, and look for competitive rates elsewhere.

Or... you can simply put your rates up in small increments each year, in the knowledge that most will accept and understand while others won’t notice or will be too busy to care.

Someone did ask me how they should justify our increase when talking to their clients.

Increasing prices can take guts when balancing turnover with mouths to feed; the need for work can tempt you to accept contracts at any price The answer is easy: Everything costs more now.

In terms of simple human resourcing, people still struggle to grasp that large numbers have left our industry. The threadbare headcount continues to be ravaged by COVID – so we’re still grappling with absences at short notice. How many are legitimate reasons is another matter.

That scarcity is reflected throughout the supply chain as festivals return. Starved of turnover since 2019, many are increasing capacity to generate additional income, stretching on-site disciplines across the board. If all festivals follow this pattern, and we add-in the Queen’s Jubilee, Commonwealth Games and the belated “Festival of Brexit”, the ordeal of sourcing sufficient kit this summer will be far greater than in what used to pass for a normal year. Not forgetting that suppliers scaled

back during the pandemic, giving everyone an even bigger mountain to climb.

Admittedly, increasing prices can take guts when balancing turnover with mouths to feed; the need for work can tempt you to accept contracts at any price. But how low can you go and still survive? If the last two years have shown me anything, it’s that once you hit zero, it can’t get worse. I’ve taken just two months’ salary out of our business since the pandemic started, but I’m still here.

This provides the grit to say “No” when a client requests a rate reduction. And the backbone to insist that it’s time people were paid more.

It’s appalling that labour prices have barely moved since I joined the industry in the 90s – and we’re paying the toll for that now.

The expectation has always been that if you wanted to work in the creative industries, you’d have to put up with a pitiful wage for the privilege. But people entering the industry today aren’t prepared to grind for peanuts. They’re just not that hungry. In fact, they’ve got a sense of entitlement that says: “Nah, I don’t fancy that”.

Or they claim that a runny nose is excuse enough not to turn up for work.

All of which means that for the industry to attract new blood with the right attitude we must be prepared to pay – and to charge – decent rates.

So, this time next year Rodney, either the chandelier will be in pieces on the floor, or we’ll have caught it. I don’t expect to be feasting on roasted swan in the first-class lounge, but I’d settle for a lesser waterfowl!

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SUSTAINABILITY

Take small steps Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress. James Dove, founder of ClimateEQ, the carbon literacy training provider, is concerned that sustainability will get pushed to the wayside if people think they can’t make big Net Zero commitments

D

espite the many challenges that are facing the events industry, from the pandemic to Brexit and now with the global energy crisis, it’s important that sustainability doesn’t fall by the wayside.

The past few months have seen great strides towards creating a greener, more sustainable future for the industry. The Live Green Beyond Zero announcement last September was a fantastic statement of intent, with all 13 association members of Live ratifying the declaration to deliver measurable and targeted action on climate change, with the ultimate aim of reaching Net Zero emissions by 2030.

As part of the Paris Agreement, the more developed nations are expected to assume responsibility and work towards more ambitious emission reduction targets. Much in the same way, the more established

events companies should be committed to reducing their impacts in-line with the UN’s definition of a sustainable event, as one that is “designed, organised and implemented in a way that minimises potential negative impacts and leaves a beneficial legacy for the host community and all involved”.

However, for those that perhaps don’t have the budget or resources to sign up to a Net Zero target just yet, the danger is that sustainability may get pushed aside altogether.

My argument here is that we can’t let perfection get in the way of progress! Not being able to sign up to the sciencebased target initiative, or the UN’s Race to Net Zero, should not be an excuse to take no action at all.

One of the most common objections is that environmental considerations at events often end up costing more. Not only is that often incorrect, but there are also plenty of sustainable

practices you can put in place that don’t require huge financial commitments.

If budget restricts you from taking measures to reduce your impact, then at least continue to measure your impact! There are some fantastic free resources out there, such as Julie’s Bicycle’s Creative Green Tools, which will allow you to establish your baseline. You can then assess which emission reduction options are best for you when the time is right, and you won’t have to spend another year collecting the relevant data.

This could also include completing audience travel surveys that can be carried out either online or at the event itself, for very little or no cost at all. Audience travel equates to approximately 80 per cent of an event’s overall footprint, so this information is extremely important.

Another question we need to ask ourselves as an industry is whether implementing more

sustainable practices is a matter of putting in place new habits, or simply a matter of breaking old ones?

Some of the barriers to implementing sustainability may not be financial at all. Do we sometimes just need to be brave and do things differently?

For example, I have spoken with a lot of people in the industry who have experienced push back from vehicle hire firms who are reluctant to use HVO fuel, which can reduce fuel emissions by 90 per cent.

Not because it’s not safe to do so, or because it negates any warranty or insurance policies. But because it’s just not the way they have operated before. Creating a more sustainable events industry is going to require making braver decisions and committing to doing things differently. After all, Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results”.

Creating a more sustainable events industry is going to require making braver decisions and committing to doing things differently 54 n www.eventbuyerslive.com

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CONNECTIONS ASSOCIATION

Connections are sponsored by BIG SCREEN PRODUCTION

Event Hire Association 2450 Regents Court, The Crescent, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull, B37 7YE T: 0121 380 4600 W: www.eha.org.uk E: membership@eha.org.uk

Screen Works Europe South Lodge, Tidmarsh Lane, Pangbourne, Berkshire, RG8 8HT T: 01189 845545 E: rental@ect-av.com W: www.ect-av.com

AV, SOUND & LIGHTING Event Production Services The Pack House, Drayton St. Leonard, Oxford, OX10 7BG E: info@epsoxford.com T: 01844 278446

BRAND ACTIVATION & EXPERIENTIAL

Press Red Rentals Limited Unit B10 Court 2000, Bridgnorth Road, Madeley, Telford, TF7 4JB T: +44 (0) 1952 587049 W: www.pressred.biz

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

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

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 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

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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 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 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

CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by CABINS

CONCRETE BARRIER 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

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

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

Rodeo Crew 128 Wey House, 15 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8NA T: 020 8075 7799 E: bookcrew@rodeocrew.uk W: www.rodeocrew.uk

CAR PARKING 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 St. Georges Works, 51 Colegate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1DD 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) 31 Oldbury Road, Enfield, EN1 3QN T: 0208 798 2699 E: events@falconcss.co.uk W: www.falconcss.co.uk

CREW SERVICES 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

www.versatilevenues.co.uk n 57

CONNECTIONS EVENT ACCOMMODATION

Connections are sponsored by EVENT PRODUCTION

Airstream Facilities Ltd T: +44 (0) 1885 400223 E: info@airstreamfacilities.com W: www.airstreamfacilities.com

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

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

EVENT SAFETY Blue Yonder Events Ltd T: 07432 214607 w: www.blueyonder-events.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 &

EVENT HIRE

LFX Safety Stockport BIC, Gtr Manchester, SK5 7DL T: 0161 408 2220 E: enquiries@LFXevents.co.uk W: www.LFXevents.co.uk

Control for incidents or pre-planned events.

Symphotech Safety. Production. Noise Management Claire Feeney T: 0871 711 5264 E: claire@symphotech.co.uk W: www.symphotech.co.uk

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

EVENT MANAGEMENT

Award Winning Results

2Can Productions T: 029 20 100256 E: info@2canproductions.com W: www.2canproductions.com

www.controlledevents.com

Blue Yonder Events Ltd T: 07432 214607 w: www.blueyonder-events.co.uk 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

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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

CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by EXHIBITION TRAILERS & MOBILE UNITS 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 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 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

FLOORING & FLOOR COVERINGS Coir Store E: andy@coirstore.co.uk T: 07884303082 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 Gigtent UK Sonas House, Button End Harston Cambridge, CB22 7NX E: info@gigtent.co.uk W: www.gigtent.co.uk T: 01223 870935 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

FIRE COVER 1st Defense Fire & Rescue Services Ltd South Wing of Building, 140 Dunsfold Park, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 8TB T: 01483 200911 F: 01483 200994 E: admin@1stdefensefire.co.uk W: www.1stdefensefire.co.uk

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

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

FLAGS

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

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CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by

HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS

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

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

INSURANCE

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

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

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

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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

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

CONNECTIONS

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

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

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

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CONNECTIONS 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

Connections are sponsored by 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

PROJECTION

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

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

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

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

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

DCRS Edison Road, St.Ives, Cambs, PE27 3LH T: 0800 043 2688 E: sales@dcrs.co.uk W: www.dcrs.co.uk

Power Events T: 01277 424800 E: enquiries@powerevents.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

Powerline Knowle Hill Farm, Beeks Lane, Marshfield, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN14 8BB T: 01225 892336 E: info@thepowerline.co.uk W: www.thepowerline.co.uk Progen Power Ltd Protection House, The Venture Centre, Yeoford Way, Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8LP T: 0330 165 5720 Stuart Power Ltd Stuart House, Hargham Road, Shropham, Norfolk, NR17 1DT T: 01953 454540 E: enquiries@stuartgroup.info W: www.stuartgroup.ltd.uk/power

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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

CONNECTIONS

Connections are sponsored by ROADSHOWS

SITE SAFETY 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

SafeSite Facilities Ltd Unit 1, Martello Enterprise Centre, Courtwick Lane, Littlehampton, West Sussex, BN17 7PA T: 0800 114 3228 E: info@safesitefacilities.co.uk W: www.safesitefacilities.co.uk Social media platforms: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ safesite-facilities-ltd Twitter: https://twitter.com/safesitefac Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SafeSiteFacilities-Ltd-467996143326191 STAGING & RIGGING

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 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

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 St. Georges Works, 51 Colegate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 1DD 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 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

NEXT ISSUE

Featured in our nex t issue. .

LOVE WINS

A new location and tenth anniversary celebrations. 2022 is a big year for Love Saves the Day. The organising team chats

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Jennifer Motet, head of event operations at the LTA, walks StandOut through site changes at Cinch Championships at The Queen’s Club

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This year, Bournemouth 7s marks its 15th anniversary. But it’s not the organising team’s only focus in 2022. Staff welfare is key.

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