StandOut Magazine February 2024

February 2024

THE FAIR

POWER

LONDON NYE

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EDITOR’S LETTER

FEBRUARY 2024 you think event businesses would be more successful if the people in charge D othought long-term and not in 12-month cycles? This very question came up in a frank

conversation last week about the financial viability of events and event businesses and what the next 12 months hold for the live events world. Just how important is a long-term mindset to an organisation’s success?

Many independent events and festivals have already cancelled established events, and some have even revealed that 2024 will be their last hurrah. The cost pressures faced by event organisers and promoters are well-documented and sadly, it’s evident that some event businesses have a hand-to-mouth existence.

Would things be different if everyone changed their mindset and devised a five to ten-year business plan? Or are the pressures of running a business simply too great to even think further ahead than the months directly in front of you?

I have had many interesting discussions since returning from the Christmas break and the chat has been a real mixed bag. Established family-friendly events are finding it hard to pull in the last £100,000 in sponsorship that’s needed to cover costs whilst other #Eventprofs are thinking big, expanding fast, and talking of their plans to grow.

Take, for example, The Fair, which has recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. In this month’s edition of StandOut, The Fair’s directors chat about the company’s ambitions, including M&A plans and their desire to enter new territories. Nick Morgan, CEO of The Fair, talked of recent statistics which state that stagnant businesses and SMEs do not do a lot for the economy.

So, with that in mind, are you standing still or are you thinking about your big five-year plan? Hit me with your thoughts on the above. Not literally. I am only the messenger.

Happy reading, Caroline

Cover image: © Mayor of London/GLA

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CONTENTS

12 BANGIN’ TIME

19 ALL IS FAIR

27 LET’S GET REAL

53 BALANCING ACT

10 TENDERS

Check out the latest event tenders and news of contract wins

Here, N2O, TRO, Sense Marketing, Chorus, and 2Heads talk with StandOut about recent projects and market trends

12 BANGIN’ TIME

33 UNDER COVER

Once again, Identity delivered London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Here, Identity’s Jamie Beeson talks about the agency’s involvement in the world-class event

19 ALL IS FAIR

Nick Morgan, Rob Dudley, and Yasmin Galletti look back on 10 years of The Fair, and reveal their plans for the future

24 CREATING A STORM

More than 950 shipping containers were used to create Underground, Soundstorm’s metropolitan city

27 LET’S GET REAL

The experiential events market remains buoyant with brands recognising the major benefits that real life experiences can deliver.

Organisers can make their events look and feel differently just by choosing a different style of marquee

43 POWERFUL CHANGES

How do organisers plan to power their events and festivals in 2024?

Event professionals discuss their plans for temporary event power

49 SPRINKLING THE MAGIC

New tech elevated the experience at Windsor Great Park Illuminated.

Here, IMG’s Kathryn Stafford and LCI Productions’ Rob Paul explain all

53 BALANCING ACT

Alegría, Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring show, had its European premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall, opening in January to rave reviews. Cirque du Soleil’s Duncan Fisher speaks

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CONTRIBUTORS

This month’s

CONTRIBUTORS:

JAMIE BEESON

Working on projects from the bijou to the spectacular, Jamie is a highly accomplished project lead, focused on connecting brands to their most important audiences. Having started his career working for the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Jamie’s strong foundation in stage craft and entertainment technology is paired with his broad experience of managing complex experiential programmes. He is skilled at adapting and delivering a creative vision through a variety of mediums, for different markets and cultures, having relocated to China for 10 years. There he worked for global clients including Adidas, Bloomberg, Chanel, Ford Motor Company and Huawei.

Upon his return to the UK, Jamie joined Identity where he has been an integral part of the development, direction, and realisation of The Mayor of London’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations.

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KATHRYN STAFFORD

Kathryn is an experienced event manager with more than a decade of experience working on high-profile and respected live events. The former operations manager of Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, Kathryn joined IMG in 2020, undertaking a senior operations manager role. In 2021, she became an event manager at IMG and now leads the management and delivery of Windsor Great Park Illuminated, a 2.2-kilometre festive light trail in Windsor Great Park. In this issue, Kathryn talks of the trail’s latest developments and operational plans for 2024.

DUNCAN FISHER

Originally from Leeds, Duncan was a former member of the Junior British gymnastic team before deciding to become a professional acrobat. After performing in theatres throughout the UK and Europe, he was signed to perform with a circus company in the US and Canada, where he now lives. At the age of 24, Duncan decided to leave his performer role to focus on show management. He managed the operations for several different circus companies until 2001, when he created Powerplay Productions. In 2004, Duncan joined the equestrian spectacular “Cavalia” and enjoyed several roles including ops director, tour director and exec producer. In 2018, Duncan joined Cirque du Soleil as VP of touring show operations and in 2023, he was promoted to president of the touring division.

In this issue, Duncan discusses Cirque du Soleil’s latest production at the Royal Albert Hall, as well as the touring market.

10 ANNIVERSARY TH

11TH - 13TH NOVEMBER 2024

INDUSTRY UPDATES APPOINTMENTS OF THE MONTH

PIC OF THE MONTH

Strata has appointed Kevin Robinson as group head of strategic accounts.

Georgina Mitchell has joined Jack Morton Worldwide as executive producer.

Image: © Simon Dack

For two decades, Burning the Clocks has become a special date in Brighton’s calendar.

Taking place on December 21, the unticketed public event – organised by Same Sky – sees a 2,000-strong parade bring magic to Brighton’s streets to mark the winter solstice. Local residents parade lanterns through the city before placing them in a bonfire on Brighton beach, to mark the year’s end. This year’s annual event was supported by event professionals Jo Osborne and Dan Lake, as well as Select Stewarding and Security and Titanium Security.

Identity has promoted Paul Fitzpatrick to the role of chief operating officer.

LINKEDIN POST OF THE MONTH

NEWS IN BRIEF The Night Time Economy Summit will take place in Manchester on February 8 and 9 and StandOut is chairing a panel.

Attitude is Everything has launched an Accessible Volunteering Guide, which shares tips and guidance on how to make your events more inclusive and accessible for disabled volunteers.

ASM Global has appointed Andy O’Sullivan as the new chief executive officer of Olympia London.

Stuart Hartley is the new managing director of Coastline Events.

Louise Gee has joined event management agency First Event as head of sales.

Charlie Morton, company owner, Event Control As someone who relies on a wheelchair, I understand the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when it comes to accessing staff catering at events. It is disheartening to encounter situations where staff catering is not fully accessible or located in areas with uneven surfaces, preventing easy access for wheelchair users.

I urge all event organisers to prioritise accessibility when it comes to staff catering arrangements. Ensuring that staff food areas are easily reachable for everyone, including those with disabilities, is not only a matter of inclusivity but also a way to create a more welcoming and accommodating environment for all attendees.

Let’s work together to remove barriers and make events truly inclusive for all. #AccessibilityMatters #InclusiveEvents

Vision: 2025 and Julie’s Bicycle have launched a 12-month pilot with 10 local authorities to test how the Green Events Code of Practice (GECOP) can be used to embed sustainability within local authority processes.

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EVENT TENDERS AND CONTRACT WINS

CITY OF EDINBURGH

Image: © Bielinski/Unsplash

Pitch and win Looking for new business opportunities?

Discover news of the latest contract wins and event tenders North Lincolnshire Council has issued an event security tender as it seeks staff for venues in Scunthorpe. The deadline for this tender is 12pm on February 12. Email andrea.sfakianakis@northlincs.gov.uk

comprising a marquee including raised flooring, and interactive graphics. The deadline for this tender – worth up to £40,000 – is 12pm on February 16. Email procurement@ahdb.org.uk

The City of Edinburgh Council wishes to create a framework agreement, featuring a maximum of 10 multi-disciplinary suppliers, to meet the production needs of live events – mainly concerts and conferences – at cultural venues within the city. The deadline is 12pm on February 8. Email claudine.persaud@edinburgh.gov.uk

Crewe Town Council is looking to contract a preferred provider of medical cover for its events programme. The deadline is 12pm on February 9. Email events@crewetowncouncil.gov.uk

The Local Government Association has issued a tender as it seeks a suitable company to design and build a feature area (exhibition stand) for the LGA Conference and Exhibition. Email amelia.sutton@local.gov.uk – the deadline is 5pm on February 21.

AHDB is looking for a supplier to provide the design, production, build and dismantling of a stand at Cereals,

Wigan Council has issued a tender for event security and stewarding services. Email j.herriott@wigan.gov.uk – the deadline is 5pm on February 9.

The Ministry of Defence is looking to recruit technically-minded young adults and has issued a tender for a branded e-sports vehicle that it can take to key events, such as Insomnia Gaming Festival. Email army-comrcl-procure-hc-mailbox@mod.gov.uk– the deadline is February 11.

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LONDON NYE

Bangin’ time Once again, Identity delivered London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

Here, Identity’s Jamie Beeson talks about the agency’s involvement in the world-class event

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LONDON NYE

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LONDON NYE

than 100,000 ticketholders ushered M ore in the New Year on the banks of the

River Thames and watched the capital’s biggest visual spectacular. London’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display, organised by the Mayor of London, once again wowed thousands of revellers who had waited hours to watch the spectacle.

Twelve thousand fireworks, 600 drones [200 more than last year], and 430 lights mesmerised the gathered crowd, who got to experience first-hand a powerful creative that sent a message of unity to the world.

Jamie Beeson, project director at Identity, was the event’s show producer, a role he also undertook in 2022. Beeson said: “From a show point of view, last year’s event was very successful. The client and the public loved it.

The challenge was improving upon that and a desire to go bigger and better.”

In 2022, the show’s creative celebrated the Lionesses winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, marked 50 years of Pride, sent a message of support to Ukraine, and honoured the late Queen Elizabeth II and His Majesty King Charles III. It was felt that 2023 did not feature as many big historical moments that would form a creative narrative that the public could resonate with. Therefore, the GLA decided to spread a message of unity and shine a spotlight on the capital as a city for everyone. Beeson continued: “We came up with three creative options and we settled on a poem by George the Poet around climate change, which bolted onto dandelion petals being blown away and a child blowing bubbles. These highlighted the need to protect our natural world and depicted innocent enjoyment.”

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LONDON NYE TWELVE MONTHS OF PLANNING

London’s sky was lit up in celebration as the capital also marked key moments from 2023, including the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, 75 years of the NHS, 75 years since the arrival of Empire Windrush, and 10 years since same-sex marriage was legalised.

The display looked at the year gone by and featured quieter moments before the sky erupted into a blaze of colour and “one big party”.

In July 2022, Identity won a four-year contract to deliver the spectacle. The 2023 event was its second at the helm, but it was the first year where the whole team had an entire year to work on designs, creative, site plans, and layout.

“In year one, we learned a lot,” explained Beeson. “For the 2022 event [which we had six months to plan], we largely picked up all the planning from Jack Morton from 2019 – which was the last time that the show had been delivered with a crowd – and ran with it.

So, this time, it was our first year with a full 12 months of planning.”

Beeson added: “London is a beast and changes all the time because of road closures and various hoardings so this time, we were able to plot barriers and put in the infrastructure from the ground up.”

VALUE FOR MONEY

For the first time, ticketholders lining the River Thames were able to enjoy fireworks and drones alongside each other, with a light show too. Drones have featured in London’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks before [launched from Horse Guards Parade in 2022 and Greenwich in 2021] but they have never

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been in the same event footprint as the spectacular fireworks.

This time, the drones were launched from Victoria Tower Gardens, which meant Identity had to extend the river closure to allow for an exclusion zone should a drone go rogue.

All party boats – full of revellers who pay to watch the fireworks from the water – were moved back towards Lambeth Bridge, which was achieved through careful coordination with all stakeholders.

The drone display – delivered by SkyMagic – interacted with the fireworks. The drones formed a countdown ahead of Big Ben chiming midnight, a dandelion’s petals blew away to illustrate the need to protect our natural world, and a child blowing bubbles sent a message of hope and joy. The bubbles then appeared to be popped by fireworks that were produced by Titanium Fireworks.

“Last year, no one in the audience saw the drones because they were launched from Horse Guards Parade,” Beeson commented further. “We brought the drones into the event footprint because whilst the show is broadcast and that’s important, there was a desire to give value for money to any ticketholders, especially as the price of a ticket had gone up to £20.”

GOOD NEWS

Beeson worked alongside Hannah Clark, project director at Identity, Mike Kent, operations director, and Dan Colborne, executive creative director at Identity, who came up with the initial concepts for the New Year’s Eve show. Beeson took those creative concepts and worked with the Mayor of London, the GLA and all parties to develop

the mesmerising show, which was televised and watched by millions.

“Drones are part of the fabric of this event, but I think fireworks will always take precedence,” Beeson said. “Drones have technical limitations, and you still have limits imposed on you by the Civil Aviation Authority. There is a limit to how fast they can fly, they need a dark sky, and they need to be clear of any fallout from any pyro.

“But having the drones and the fireworks in the same footprint was special,” Beeson concluded. “Now, our focus turns to the 2024 event, a month of debriefs, and to monitoring the news for good news to see if there are any themes that we can grow the 2024 show on.”

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THE FAIR YASMIN GALLETTI, NICK MORGAN AND ROB DUDLEY

All is Fair Detail, strategy, and growth. Nick Morgan, Rob Dudley, and Yasmin Galletti look back on 10 years of The Fair, and reveal their plans for the future Dudley, director of The Fair, sits R ob opposite StandOut in a shirt and tie.

There’s a joke or two about never seeing him so smart and then StandOut learns that Dudley has been in court. Not because he’s fallen foul of the law but because a client owes The Fair money. It’s just one of the realities of running an event production agency. Despite an abundance of positive festival vibes, there is also the delicate art of managing clients, expectations, and accounts.

Dudley is joined by Nick Morgan, CEO, and Yasmin Galletti, also director. Together, the trio are directors of The Fair, which is celebrating 10 years of producing large-scale events and festivals.

During those 10 years, what’s changed?

StandOut asks. Morgan is quick to answer.

“Level of detail,” he says. “The amount or the level of detail needed these days compared to 10 years ago is crazy. Now, everyone talks about zone X, which 10 years ago was only in its infancy.”

Galletti concurs. Before joining The Fair in 2016, she was busy producing shows in London parks where she says, unfortunately, there was a lack of egress planning.

“It’s scary really,” Galletti continues.

“The reason these things come into play is because something goes wrong on someone’s show somewhere and then we all

add new measures and learn from mistakes.

So I think now, a lot of good has happened but, in terms of the greatest changes, I think you could also say competition.

“When I did my first festival, I think that was in 2012, there were two to three London day festivals. Now there are two or three every weekend of the summer. That puts a lot of pressure on the promoters, which in turn puts a lot of pressure on us.”

STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

We meet on a cold and grey January afternoon but despite the gloom, Morgan’s, Dudley’s and Galletti’s thoughts are firmly on the future. The office is a hive of activity. The team – which in 10 years has grown from four to 32 – is diving into projects. Budget setting and site planning are well underway.

“With extra resource, we have more eyes on different challenges and more people to brainstorm those challenges and how to overcome them,” adds Morgan. “Ten years ago, we did everything. Often we’d be the site office manager and health and safety, whereas now we have dedicated siloed divisions. That brings a better service and a better show to the client ultimately.”

The Fair’s current roster of clients includes Eastern Electrics, Mostly Jazz Festival, Moseley Folk Festival, Gottwood, Houghton,

Grosvenor (the organisation that manages Grosvenor Square), and Bournemouth 7s. The team has worked with many of these since day one and validates what Galletti cites is one of the The Fair’s strengths – connection.

She says: “I think one of our strengths, that’s the same as it was when I first started but on a bigger scale, is relationship building.

When we’re on-site, we want it to be fun, having fun with our suppliers or having fun with our clients. A lot of the clients we worked with when I started, we still work with and a lot of the suppliers, we still work with, and I think that’s because we believe in building strong relationships and that is done through enjoying the work you do together.”

The Fair has worked with suppliers such as CTM, Last Mile, Wolf Lighting, Simply Loos, Project Power, and RSH Audio for the last 10 years. They have been with The Fair through every season and it’s demonstrative of the great relationship building that Galletti is keen to expand upon.

According to Galletti, this ethos, the importance of collaboration and strong relationships that can handle truthful conversations, is disseminated throughout the team. That’s important, as the team represents Morgan, Dudley, and Galletti out in the field and will continue to do so as the trio develop more strategic roles within the business.

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THE FAIR

EASTERN ELECTRICS “We very much believe in our team and in growing our team,” adds Galletti. “They’re part of our family and we want them to stay and that goes towards our culture.”

Culture is important to The Fair. In fact, whilst some may consider it an obvious statement, it’s backed by a great statistic. In the last 18 months, The Fair has promoted 45 per cent of the team. This would not have happened if a good company culture did not exist. Galletti continues: “Rob and I are very hands-on. I think this year will actually be the first year where I’m not looking at – at the moment – being on that many shows because the team have grown, and I can leave others to carry on with their roles.

“So I will be on-site less, which is slightly heart-breaking, but also the right move for the business because we can grow and do more.”

STRENGTHS

ON-SITE BRIEFINGS 20 n www.theebc.co.uk

Morgan admits that “letting go” of events that he has nurtured from day one is a challenge but having the right team members in place, such as Millie Devereux, production director

THE FAIR

at The Fair, Sarah Tew, account director at We Are OPS, and Hanna Davis, account director at We Are Placemaking [the three divisions form WeGroup], means that Morgan, Galletti, and Dudley can focus on their own strengths and growing the business. For example, Dudley is a health and safety and licensing specialist, Morgan wants to focus on new business, including M&A activity, and continue lobbying Government including DCMS, and Galletti wishes to continue nurturing talent.

“Looking at our strategy, I think we’ve changed our ambition over the last two or three years,” Morgan explains further. “We’re looking at M&A at the moment and we’re pretty aggressive in the market on the new business side. We’re looking at new territories and last year, getting US visa status was a huge milestone for us. It means we can work in the States and deliver shows and we’re not an intermediary. We’re also looking at Saudi and further afield for clients, but I only believe in going into a territory with a client.”

But what triggered the change of ambition, and direction? Morgan comments: “In full

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THE FAIR

BEHIND THE SCENES transparency, we nearly sold the business a few years ago. I’m glad in hindsight, we didn’t. And I think since then, we’ve looked at different markets, parallel markets.”

Morgan – a huge advocate of the industry – continues: “I think you will hear the term festi-bition used more and if you haven’t you will soon. It’s where you take an exhibition, and you take it into a festival environment and there’ll be lots of information in the day, and a bit of a party in the evening. I think there’s a big market there. We’re also working with another client, again, we’ve just signed an NDA, but they do a massive award ceremony, and they want to take that into a field as well, blow it up and invite consumers.”

CHURN MODE

Despite the multitude of opportunities that are available and evident ambitions, there remains a desire to grow the business in a sustainable way. It’s one reason why in 2023, The Fair appointed a commercial director, charged with looking at strategy. “There was a stat recently about stagnant businesses or SMEs that said they don’t actually do an awful lot for the economy,” Morgan adds.

“The ones that grow enliven the supply chain, helping with the labour market, whereas the stagnating ones are in churn mode. We want to do our bit for growth and support the industry. I’m not saying everyone should have the aspiration to grow, but if you’re a business owner and if you’re in what some Government tsars call zombie mode, effectively, you’re doing yourself an injustice.

If you don’t grow, your exit plan is also going to fall flat because you’re less attractive.

There aren’t many in the M&A market that are looking at businesses that have stagnated.”

RIGHT FIT

Morgan, Dudley and Galletti chose not to

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sell the business. Whilst the pre-COVID offer was attractive, Morgan says it felt like the wrong fit and so all parties walked away from the deal. Now, The Fair’s future is key, the production company’s legacy is paramount, and any future offer would need to feel right for all involved. Morgan continues: “I know many people who have been through exits and walked from earnouts because it’s been so horrific. We want to make sure that we are not wedded to someone that the team don’t think they will get on with or where they think there’ll be some challenges.”

Today, The Fair has greater ambitions, Morgan says. Therefore, the fact the deal did not materialise [pre-COVID] is a good thing.

COVID forced the trio to review the business, its direction, and the sectors it works in. The pain of the pandemic refocused the team’s mind and forced them to analyse and identify what The Fair is really good at and what it should and could be doing more of.

FUTURE FOCUS

Morgan adds: “During COVID, we worked so hard, engaging Government, and to keep the business afloat, and we never gave up.

And I think from the back of that, we knew we wanted to grow the business and de-risk it.”

The Fair supports clients with full production, venue finding, licensing, SAG liaison, emergency planning, operations, and health and safety, as well as tabletop planning, accessibility auditing, supplier auditing, and sustainability reporting.

Like Morgan, Dudley is excited to see The Fair grow, operating in new territories, learning the different ways that people work in other countries, and implementing best practice across other shows.

Galletti says that she is invigorated by new challenges. Rather than work on one festival, she loves variety and the opportunity to do

something new. For example, The Fair is currently working on a new event, a series of shows across several weekends in the summer. Plus, Dudley and Galletti both love working on The Advice Line [which The Fair launched in March 2023] that provides young event professionals with the opportunity to get free advice that could further progress their careers. Dudley explains: “Talking to people on The Advice Line is really rewarding.

Even if they just want to pick your brains and chat for half an hour, passing on knowledge and a bit of experience feels great.

“We’re also taking part in a mentor scheme called Future Leaders with Attitude is Everything. We have monthly meetings with a mentee who is working in the industry but who wants to get into a different aspect of the sector. We walk them through what they can do and how they can focus and decide which area they should concentrate on to give themselves the best chance to get where they want to go. It’s interesting for me too, to listen to their experiences and rewarding to pass on a bit of knowledge.”

It’s clear that Dudley, Galletti, and Morgan are not only keen to grow The Fair, but they are also keen to give back, and support the next generation of event professionals.

Despite being busy on event and festival sites, they are finding time to lobby Government and do what’s right. However, right now, what’s right for the business and what is in its immediate future? Morgan concludes: “My excitement is around new business, building the business, and obsessing around the reputation of the business. We’ve employed new people, and all of this increases our cost base, but I really believe in it. I know so many agencies that don’t look at growth. They wait for the inbound inquiries but we’re proactive on the outbound and that’s exciting for me.”

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SOUNDSTORM

Creating a Storm More than 950 shipping containers were used to create Underground, Soundstorm’s metropolitan city design studio Vision D evon-based Factory embarked on a utopian

journey with Soundstorm to create an immersive “temporary city” for the fourth edition of the 300,000-capacity music festival.

Vision Factory in collaboration with MDLBEAST curated the festival’s “Undergound” space - an area within the festival comprised of four headline stages.

Vision Factory transformed the 50,000 square metre space into a metropolitan

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city, to offer festivalgoers a sensory and immersive journey in the heart of the Riyadh desert.

More than 950 upcycled shipping containers were used to create the Underground space, which featured a network of passageways and doorways, and multiple immersive spaces.

Calvin Harris and Metallica were just two of the artists to perform at Soundstorm, which took place from December 14-16.

SOUNDSTORM

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BRAND EXPERIENCES ITV STUDIOS HOUSE

Let’s Get Real The brand activation and experiential events market remains buoyant with brands recognising the major benefits that in real life experiences can deliver. Here, N2O, TRO, Sense Marketing, Chorus, and 2Heads speak was looking for an innovative S uperdrug way to engage and excite Gen Z and

Millennials when it turned to N2O, the brand experience agency. The retail giant wished to establish itself as the first choice for all things health and beauty. So N2O created Superdrug Presents, a live event in the form of a highlysharable and consumer-focused health and beauty playground that enabled people to discover new products in a fun environment with zero pressure to purchase.

The goal was to create something the target audience couldn’t experience anywhere else, with the key element being focused on exploration, play, trial and experimentation. N2O designed an event that was not just a showcase of products but an immersive experience that allowed its audience to sample products away from a normal retail setting.

Superdrug Presents took place at The Truman Brewery and saw 48 diverse brands come together under one roof to interact with 4,412 attendees, of which 72 per cent were Gen Z or Millennial customers.

“Within a week of going on sale, all tickets sold out, demonstrating that we created a highly desirable event appealing to the target audience,” explained Clare James, chief operating officer at N2O. “Ninety-six per cent of attendees intended to purchase products they discovered at Presents, with 96 per cent planning to buy products they’d sampled.

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CRAVING IRL

N2O worked with Kamset, DHB, Event Prop Hire, Visions, Top Embroidery, Fuel 4, and Bulldog on Superdrug Presents, which returns to The Truman Brewery in May 2024.

It’s indicative of the market. The number of brand activations and live events is not only increasing but their significance is being recognised more and more as fundamental, especially in the current marketing landscape dominated by social and digital campaigns.

James continued: “It’s essential to recognise the effectiveness and benefits of in-person brand activations, especially with the up-and-coming generations who crave IRL (In Real Life) experiences. There is a growing desire to be immersed in environments where visceral interactions with products are possible, getting back to brand experiences that online platforms simply cannot replicate.

However, the ideal scenario is developing IRL experiences and digital marketing strategies that complement each other – an in-person event bolstered by a well-executed digital and social campaign is a winning combination.”

TRENDS TO WATCH

According to figures by CIGNA, Gen Z has been dubbed the “lonely generation” with 73 per cent of Gen Z reporting they feel alone.

James said that there is a real desire to get back to IRL activations as a direct result of being forced to live predominantly digitally.

This was particularly true with Gen Z and Millennials (the target demographic for Superdrug Presents), who live for real-life experiences (and were the generation whose schooling and socialising were taken in an online-only setting during the pandemic).

Sense Marketing’s 2024 Trends Report echoes James and N2O’s findings and points at how Gen Z is hyperconnected in the virtual world but socially disconnected.

Digital interactions cannot connect people on an emotional level. Therefore, Sense’s first prediction for 2024 centres around the growth of shared human experiences, yet the agency also forecasts the growth of gaming experiences too.

Deloitte says that gamification can help a company increase customer interactions by up to 40 per cent so there’s no doubt that it will feature in upcoming brand activations.

It’s not the only trend that Sense foresees.

The brand experience agency also suggests that kidulting (experiences that let adults act like kids) will rule, AI will play a huge part in live experiences, and brands will seek to cultivate communities that champion good causes, cultivate interests, and offer support. Plus, the use of influencers in B2B activations will increase and collaboration between luxury and high street favourites will be more evident also.

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BRAND EXPERIENCES “The market for brand experiences is more exciting than ever,” explained Hayley James, associate director at Sense. “Since COVID there has been an explosion of creativity and brands that never would think about doing experiences now are.”

ALDI PIGS IN BLANKETS RESTAURANT

BUSINESS TO HUMAN

Brands such as Revolut, a fintech company, and TikTok – brands that are digitally native but not active in a social setting or retail space – have recently turned to Sense to create brand campaigns and media moments. This is indicative of another increasing trend; a desire for B2H or business to human events.

Traditional corporate events could become a thing of the past because there is a demand for more “human experiences”.

However, whether you are creating B2B, B2C, or B2H campaigns, one thing is paramount. “Ensure that the core idea is understood immediately,” commented Andrew Harrison, director of Hopper, which is delivering more brand experience projects than ever before.

Hopper, the brand activation and agency, recently produced a Toblerone Truffle experience for Ogilvy PR and Aldi’s Pigs in Blankets Restaurant, reporting to Clarion Communications. Both activations had to create consumer and media buzz.

The Toblerone activation comprised a Toblerone Diamond Truffles vault, an interactive brand experience where consumers were invited to crack the code of the Toblerone Truffles Vault to win a box of the new chocolates. Whilst Aldi’s Pigs in Blankets Restaurant made one of the mostloved elements of the traditional Christmas dinner the star of the show and was an opportunity to showcase Aldi’s huge range of pigs in blankets.

Hopper’s brief was to set Aldi apart from competitors during the key Christmas trading period, drive new and existing shoppers into store, and create talkability.

Aldi’s Pigs in Blankets restaurant achieved 540 pieces of press coverage with a reach of 110 million and delivered huge amounts of content on social media thanks to its fun and appealing nature.

TOBLERONE TRUFFLE EXPERIENCE

CHILDLIKE HAPPINESS

Last summer, a giant ball pit featuring 700,000 balls opened at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, providing families with a fun summer experience. The Hide N Seekers activation from Haribo – created by Sense Marketing with the help of Ball Mania – enabled visitors to win prizes, but only if they could find specially branded balls hidden in the pit.

This fun summer experience is the perfect example of kidulting. With nearly 40,000 visitors, the event was a resounding success and was bolstered by additional Haribo experiences including a pop-up shop, GoldenBear photo opportunities, car journey game packs, and social blooper reels.

The Hide n Seekers activation brought to life Haribo’s brand purpose of delivering childlike happiness to all and was supported

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Chris Booker, business development manager at TRO, says that brand spend on events remained pretty resilient during 2023 and he expects 2024 to be the same too. He said: “As brands start to look towards longer-term brand building, we’re seeing more attention paid to experiential techniques to truly stand out, complementing continued investment in social and video platforms.

“Look at the cultural phenomenon of Barbie and the breadth of experiential thinking involved in that promotional campaign, brilliantly showcasing the diversity of the channel. With the rise of AI and trust issues continuing to prevail, bringing brands to life in the real world, can deliver the authentic connections needed to fuel brand fandom.”

Booker suggests that ROI will remain high on the agenda, so it will be necessary for event organisers to work closely in partnership with brands, understanding their individual needs and recognising how each can complement each other to maximise investment and impact.

Cassidy Knowles, director of operations and events at Chorus, describes the current experiential marketplace as a “buyer’s market” and says that lead times are shorter, but expectations remain higher than ever. This can be difficult when agencies wish to build strong relationships – ones that allow the time to have the challenging conversations with clients that are sometimes needed as well as the time to deliver high standards.

In October, Chorus unveiled an exclusive activation for the Scotch whisky brand, The Macallan, and its partnership with the Rosewood Hotel in London’s Covent Garden.

The Chorus team led the creative and production on the project, drawing inspiration from the surroundings of the Macallan estate, to recreate a Scottish meadow at golden hour in the central London location.

The three-week outdoor activation in the hotel’s courtyard, which also featured a fourmetre-wide circular lighting installation, saw guests enjoy the whisky in an “authentically created” meadow featuring real grass, rolling hills, a real stream, wild Scottish flora, tree trunks and boulders to perch on.

Andy FennHiggins, director of technical production at Chorus, said: “It’s all about quality over quantity. Our client [The Macallan] had a real passion for keeping the experience authentic. So, for example, we looked at building the activation’s drystone wall sympathetically, but we wouldn’t have created the aesthetic that the client wanted so we went with it and created a traditional drystone wall.”

It’s a good example of the attention to detail that brands are looking for and how creative and production are being championed with both seen as essential in the creation of successful brand activations and experiential events.

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SUPERDRUG PRESENTS

FRESH APPROACH

2Heads recently reimagined ITV Studios House at MIPCOM Cannes, which is one of the largest gatherings of TV and entertainment executives who are looking to buy or sell new TV programmes and content.

In October 2022, 2Heads pitched to reimagine ITV Studios House and in early 2023, was awarded a three-year contract. The activation was delivered in October 2023 and comprised four out of the original 11 shipping containers used. The experience was redesigned to a high standard to create a destination space for the media industry to fully experience all ITV Studios had to offer.

Abs Patel, global account manager at 2Heads, led the account and reported to Jo Morris, VP of brand experience at ITV Studios.

In total, 2Heads had a team of 20 working on the activation, which moved ITV Studios House from “a house to a home”.

ITV Studios House took four days to build and its complex location on the Croisette in Cannes meant meticulous planning and logistics were paramount.

The house’s interior went from industrial to “boujee” with a significant amount of the budget spent on décor to achieve a “wellappointed” interior look and feel that would give ITV Studios more usable hospitality areas and open spaces for customer events and press briefings.

2Heads took a fresh approach to the ITV Studios’ brief. Furthermore, the architecture of the new house radically reduced the event’s carbon footprint, from storage and transport to heating and furniture.

ITV Studios House 2023 was a success and now 2Heads is developing the destination space in readiness for MIPCOM 2024 (October 21-24).

James Simpkins, global chief growth officer at 2Heads, commented that experiential events are still effective, and the experiential market remains buoyant.

James (Clare) concurred and concluded: “Looking ahead, we predict a continued rise in brand activations across various product categories, recognising their vital role in the decision-making process.”

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MARQUEES

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Under cover

Organisers can make their events look and feel differently just by choosing a different style of marquee. Here, organisers and marquee experts discuss marquee choice, pricing, and new products rectangular tents have their place, W hite but sometimes you have to shake

things up,” explains Ben Hardy, managing director of Richmond Event Management.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that there is anything wrong with regular and traditional white tents, it’s just sometimes you need to look at different products.”

Hardy is talking to StandOut about all things Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. In 2022, Hardy contracted Prickly Pear Stretch Tents to provide two 16-metre-wide stretch tents for the family-friendly event, one for sponsors and corporate guests and one for the event’s balloonists.

“Pre-COVID, we used big white structures with cassette floors,” Hardy continued. “In 2022, we changed them to stretch tents, because of the cost, but found our audience loved them. They were considered less formal and stuffy. In 2023, we were going to go back to white tents, but we stayed with Prickly Pear because they were what our audience wanted us to use.”

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Richmond Event Management (REM) is using Prickly Pear again for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 2024. The structure requirements have doubled in length to accommodate additional hospitality sales from private individuals wishing to experience the fiesta in style.

Therefore, Hardy is developing REM’s relationship with Prickly Pear, and working on plans for the 2024 event. But whilst stretch tents do deliver a different look and feel, layouts need more attention as usable space is lost to anchor points.

TENDERING

Catherine Bishop, head of operations at Stable Events, the organiser of The Game Fair and Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, is looking at marquee use for future events too. She is busy working through tender requirements.

“Most of our tendering is done at the end of the year so when we come back to work after the Christmas break, we are just fine-

tuning orders,” she said. “In October 2022, I found Shield Marquees, and they provided our exhibitor marquees and shedding for The Game Fair and Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials in 2023.

“At the horse trials, I sowed a seed for 2024 and talked to them about a multi-year contract but they went quiet,” Bishop added.

“Their quote came in and the cost for 2024 had doubled.”

Despite some negotiations, Bishop and Shield Marquee Manufacturing could not agree on price and now L H Woodhouse will provide all shedding and stables for The Game Fair, alongside Four Acres Marquees.

“Tim at Four Acres got in touch,” Bishop explained further. “They do lots of our smaller marquees at the National Shooting Show, Harrogate, and at The Game Fair and now he [Tim] will be providing the show with more equipment that will be used for entrances and features. Plus, Andrew Marquees, which is based in Bristol, will supply marquees to The Game Fair too.”

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MARQUEES

PRESSURE ON THE BOTTOM LINE

L H Woodhouse will supply Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials with marquees but continuing internal conversations at Stable Events regarding marquee use have delayed further contract awards.

“We could work with Shield Marquees in the future,” added Bishop. “It’s tough out there and we have seen prices rise.”

So, should organisers expect to pay more for marquees in 2024? Mike Richardson, business development manager of Boutique Marquees – which counts Wilderness, Boomtown, and Latitude as customers, said: “Pricing is relevant only to the quality of the product and services you are demanding from your suppliers. The old adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ is very relevant here.”

Bishop believes that further pressure will be placed on the bottom line when the National Living Wage increases in April 2024, catching some people out. John Fack, director of Instant Marquees, concurred with Bishop. He said that transport and staff costs have shown significant increases over the past two years so some increases will have to be passed on.

Tom Wilkes, head of operations at Alternative Stretch Tents, agreed with Fack and Bishop too. He explained: “From the price of tyres on our vans to quality crew, to a premium biscuit, as we sit in the office on a cold morning, all have increased. We do try and absorb where we can but ultimately there are just some costs we cannot. We always aim to deliver a high-quality product and service in a safe well-rigged manner, which is not possible on a shoestring.”

Alternative Stretch Tents has won a new contract to supply 2,000 square metres of stretch tents to Supercar Festival and has also added new products to its canvas fleet. The HyPar Stretch Tent was introduced in 2023 and the bright shades, available in various sizes and colours, were a big hit at Boomtown Wilkes added: “Our HyPars are perfect for groups wanting to take a break from the sun

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ENGLISH MARQUEE COMPANY during those hot festival days and the bright colours complement any event setup.”

VISUALLY IMPRESSIVE

Alternative Stretch Tents is not the only marquee company to launch products into the marketplace. English Marquee Company (EMC) estimates that Nord, made entirely of sustainable materials, will enter the market in summer 2024, and 10 x 15 has introduced a 20m x 70m Sperry Tent to its portfolio too.

EMC says that Nord is a giant leap forward for the events sector. Engineered using glulam, a natural material constituted using bonded timber to create a beam with structural integrity greater than steel, Nord has been designed by EMC’s Yorkshire-based studio to “withstand the rigours of modern events”.

Moisture-resistant and sustainable structural adhesives bond together to form layers of dimensional lumber so that all of the grain runs parallel to the longitudinal axis. This creates a silhouette that is visually impressive and sensitive to the environment, it says.

INVESTMENT

Ashley Austin, director of Evolution Dome, teased StandOut with the news that an Immersive Dome is in development, a

structure that will give event attendees and festivalgoers a new experience.

This is evidence of even further investment from the inflatable structure company. In 2023, Evolution Dome invested in new fan systems, which resulted in a significant reduction (45 per cent) in the power consumption of its inflatable structures.

Austin said: “The new fans have been a positive step for us. In addition to the power reduction, our recent research into the acoustic characteristics of our inflatable structures has shown promising results. These fans were included in our recent whitepaper, where we were able to demonstrate significant reductions in noise levels too.”

The introduction of the new fan systems is part of Evolution Dome’s commitment to reach net zero by 2030.

Austin commented further: “We’re always exploring new ways to reduce our environmental impact and provide sustainable solutions for our clients. By starting the process internally, we aim to take some of the pressure from our clients when trying to reduce their own carbon footprint.”

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MARQUEES started to stabilise, despite some lingering uncertainties. Fack argued that the events market seems “pretty buoyant” but what’s clear from both industry experts is that demand for units is on the up, which means that organisers must book the kit they need now.

“Engage with suppliers earlier in the process,” said Austin, “While the market has greatly settled, hesitance to invest increases the risk of running into avoidable barriers later down the line. Kit and staff are more accessible now, but those resources will be quickly reserved by organisers with longer timelines. Engaging earlier gives us more time to understand your event needs, coordinate with your team, and secure resources; saving you time, money and stress in the long term.”

FRESH EXPERIENCES

Tom Basnett, director of 10 x 15, advised organisers to work closely alongside their chosen contractor. He explained: “I feel there are two important questions you need to be asking of your marquee supplier. Is this marquee provider going to be working for me or with me on this project and if anything is going against us, such as last-minute changes or severe weather, are they comfortable they have the right players on their team?”

Basnett continued: “We are finding people are more passionate than ever about having great outdoor events – moving away from the traditional, formal event setting. Our clients are looking for a relaxed but stylish space with unique elements to set their event aside from the status quo. I believe suppliers like us and many others in our industry are hugely passionate about delivering on the creative challenges that are brought to the table by many of the inspirational minds in the industry.”

Many events old and new continue to evolve as organisers strive to deliver fresh experiences for event and festivalgoers.

For example, this February, Murrayfield Stadium will play host to the prestigious Six Nations Championships and GL events is supporting Field and Lawn to offer an even higher standard of temporary hospitality venues. Field and Lawn has provided marquees to Murrayfield Stadium for more than 20 years. Every year the focus has been on improving the guest experience, but the client wanted to elevate the hospitality offer even further this year. With the addition of GL events hospitality equipment, which includes more than 4,000 square metres of curved frame structures, Field and Lawn has been able to deliver a completely refreshed layout, creating a better visitor flow with branded gables, and improved back-of-house logistics.

Angela Wilson, regional director for Field and Lawn’s Edinburgh branch, concluded: “Being able to bring the wider GL events family into supporting our offer has helped us to provide a world-class hospitality village that the fans will absolutely love. The structures provided by GL events have complemented what we typically install, and it’s been a true partnership to bring the client’s vision to life.”

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

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pack down, to costings and environmental impact, Dawsongroup temperature control solutions (tcs) has the solution that will make your event more successful than ever. The award-winning inflatable Temp°store is a gamechanger in the dynamic landscape of events management, providing a flexible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional event structures.

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Whether you need cold storage for refreshments, protection from unpredictable weather, or a space to handle logistics challenges, the Temp°store’s innovative structure is a versatile, agile solution. The unique

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modular design provides a range of insulated spaces from 18 square metres to more than 100 square metres, with temperature control options from -18°C to +18°C. It has exceptional acoustic properties, making it an ideal solution for performances and other live events. Once installed, the Temp°store meets the same building code standards as a permanent structure, providing much better protection from the weather than a traditional marquee. For example, even in the middle of a field, it can withstand winds of 70mph.

As well as being a unique event structure, the Temp°store range can be utilised for cold storage for food and beverages in any location. Providing an alternative to the traditional reefer trailer, the Temp°store

keeps temperatures consistent, reducing waste. It has easy access for pallet trucks or forklifts and removes the need to work at height as is necessary for trailers, making moving stock quick and safe.

Last year, Dawsongroup tcs supplied four Temp°stores to Mack Events Presents for its GlastonBARRY festival. A popular festival of the best cover and tribute bands from around the world, the festival requires smooth operations for its catering. At the correct temperature, refreshments are an important part of any event, and the reliability and security offered by the Temp°store gave the team quick and easy access to all their stock.

COMPLETE SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION

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This was particularly useful for Mack Events, which hosts the annual GlastonBARRY festival at Romilly Park, Barry, because the team was conscious of its impact on the public land. Mack Events was able to take advantage of Temp°store’s slim-line design and innovative groundprotecting technology, which avoids causing unnecessary damage to the environment.

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2023, the Dawsongroup team exhibited the Temp°store 26 combined with the Solar Pod, a hybrid solar power battery that offers an off-grid, sustainable energy source. The combination provides a sustainable solution with reliable power wherever and whenever you need it, solving any power issues for offgrid events.

SOLUTIONS ON YOUR TERMS

Dawsongroup specialises in flexible shortand long-term hire solutions, putting you in control. With a Smarter Asset Strategy, businesses can hire out the Temp°store for as long as it is needed. This agility allows you to meet the demands of the industry during peak season without increasing your overheads during the off-season.

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TEMPERATURE CONTROL

FRIEZE

Pump it up Temperature control experts discuss trends, new products, and best practices StandOut writes, the UK is A sexperiencing an arctic blast. The

freezing temperatures are in sharp contrast to the latest Met Office figures, which state that eight of the last 12 months were warmer than average and 2023 will go down as one of the five warmest years on record.

2022 was the warmest year on record, and 2020 also saw sweltering temperatures.

Both are indications of how fast our climate continues to change. But as well as being much warmer than average, 2023 was also wetter than average for most areas and in England and Northern Ireland, last year was one of the 10 wettest years on record.

So what does this mean for organisers who must grapple with delivering events and festivals in torrential rain or soaring heat?

Temperature control specialists say that the UK’s current weather extremes are all the evidence that organisers need to make heating and cooling a priority.

“Don’t make us the last thing you think of,” explained Kay Lindars, director of Spica Temperature Control Solutions. “It’s easier for us to be involved at the beginning when we can get any solution right for you.”

With current temperatures in the minuses, Spica Temperature Control Solutions is busy quoting. This year, the Surrey-based business is supplying Seawork with ventilation and a mix of cooling and heating equipment to Jalsa Salana and has invested in equipment to ensure clients get the best service.

CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT

Acclimatise works alongside many event professionals to devise temperature control plans, including Royal International Air Tattoo, Arena, Detail, and Chord Events.

The temperature control specialist recently worked on Frieze London and Frieze Masters and delivered controlled temperature environments for both art fairs, which operated on battery power.

Acclimatise worked alongside 20-20 Events, which runs operations and site management at both Frieze events. Acclimatise, which is part of Cross Rental Services, provided heating to keep the events’ structures between 22C and 24C but on sunnier days, chillers had to be turned on to keep the structures at a consistent temperature.

However, when the chillers were turned on, battery power was not enough to power the initial draw needed and additional generator power was required.

STAY COOL

In 2023, Acclimatise took delivery of new “more attractive” white Nykku air conditioning units and it predicts that heat pump chillers will become more popular within the marketplace.

Richard Ferrand, project director at Watkins Hire, disagreed with Acclimatise, believing that cream Nykku units blend better with marquee linings and said that black fan coil units look better when placed within a black-

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framed orangery such as Ascot Structures’ Orangery structure that is used at Royal Ascot.

But he did concur with Acclimatise on heat pump chillers. “I am looking forward to the day when heat pump chillers are used to heat temporary structures in city centres such as London,” explained Ferrand. “As the UK gets warmer, and tents get less draughty, it will be much better to heat a tent with a heat pump chiller rather than burn endless amounts of diesel in boilers.”

Last April, Watkins Hire used heat pump chillers to heat the temporary structure used

by Bonhams for its auction at Goodwood Members’ Meeting. Ferrand predicts that in the next three to five years, boilers will be used to heat structures less and less, especially as tech becomes more efficient.

“With the severe weather that the UK is experiencing, the efficiency of our cooling systems is coming to the fore,” Ferrand continued. “The days of hiding air con units behind screens are gone. If you hide them, you don’t get much cold air into a room. I say, please be realistic about your requirements and listen to what your temperature control specialist recommends. Don’t hire two-thirds of the kit they recommend and then come unstuck on a hot weekend in June.

“In winter, no one ever questions how much heat is being pumped into a tent to keep it warm because no one ever wants to feel cold,” Ferrand concluded. “I just wish the same consideration was given to cooling.”

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Powerful changes How do organisers plan to power their events and festivals in 2024?

Event professionals discuss their plans for temporary event power and power experts discuss best practice and new products December, thousands of sailing fans I nflocked to Dubai to watch the Emirates

Dubai Sail Grand Prix. The international sailing competition sees 10 talented teams of sailors navigate often challenging waters in highperformance F50 foiling catamarans. The 2023 Dubai SailGP was no different to any other. It still contained all the thrilling sporting action that fans have come to expect except this time, the event was powered by a mix of solar and battery power.

Held from December 9-10, as Dubai also hosted COP28, SailGP called on Aggreko to install the largest temporary solar array the event has ever seen – the equivalent of six basketball courts.

Multiple SailGP facilities ran on temporary solar power from Aggreko’s modular solar plant with an output of 264kW and according to Tom Verity, SailGP’s transition and innovation manager, the sailing event also worked with its partner Kuehne+Nagel to phase in sustainable fuels into its logistics where possible.

Furthermore, SailGP asked Aggreko to power the last race of 2023 with 100 per cent

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clean energy onshore, saving a massive 64 tonnes of carbon.

Such moves are reflective of the events marketplace, which is taking active steps to address fuel use, save energy, and change the way it powers all or elements of events and festivals to not only reduce costs but also carbon emissions.

POWER MATH

Both London Marathon Events and The Great Run Company have asked Smart Power to look at their portfolio of events, to integrate more battery tech across their sites to help reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions. And they are not the only organisers to look at battery tech for 2024.

Matt Tooth, director of Eventuate Productions, is working with Bristol Pride and Kambe Events, organiser of Shambala. “I am trying to spearhead change in the events I am running,” Tooth said. “Battery power has been around for a while but it’s now more readily available. I want to run lean power packages at Shambala, and I want to reduce fuel consumption by using more batteries.”

Tooth is working with Impression One to increase efficiencies on the Shambala site.

For 2024, there is a desire to install a large battery bank within Shambala’s car parking area that will enable festivalgoers to charge their electric cars. Firstly, he is working with the organising team to see what data the organiser has on how many customers travel to the festival site in an electric vehicle before doing some power math (the site manager’s equivalent to girl math).

“If a customer knows they have the option to charge their electric vehicle on site then they leave home reassured that they don’t have to charge their car at the service station before sitting in a queue to access the site,” Tooth continued.

BUCKET LIST

Stable Events, the organiser of The Game Fair, has appointed a new power contractor for the countryside event. Following a competitive three-way tender process, Project Power has been awarded a threeyear power contract and has already started power plans for the 2024 event.

www.stuartgroup.ltd.uk/power n 43

POWER “The Game Fair has always been on my bucket list,” said Tom Wild, director of Project Power, which will not only provide power to The Game Fair but also Lapada and Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials, both delivered by Stable Events. “I always said that I wanted to work on Boardmasters, IMG’s Taste, The Big Feastival and The Game Fair and now I do. It’s always been an event that pricked my interest and an event that I know I would enjoy going to myself.”

The 2024 event is a learning curve and will see Wild and his team at Project Power get to know the site before changes are made.

But what Wild can confirm is that he does see continued investment in Prolectric’s ProPower Solar Hybrid Generators, which Project Power trialled in 2023. The roadtowable unit, a combined generator/solar hybrid, was used at Truck, Tramlines, Gala, and Brockwell Live shows. Wild continued: “We’ll be using the units again because when we used them during early production, they used significantly less fuel. Last summer, we also used a hybrid solution, which saw us attach solar panels in frames to cabin roofs.

These were paired up to a hybrid unit and used at CarFest and Boardmasters and we hope to use them on Brockwell Live shows in 2024. We want to get as many large-scale production compounds onto solar hybrid.”

PROJECT POWER

EARLY PLANNING

In August, Massive Attack plans to play a homecoming show in Bristol, powered entirely by 100 per cent renewable energy.

Taking place on Clifton Downs, Act 1.5 promises to be the lowest carbon show of its size ever staged and will be run in collaboration with scientists from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.

Again, it’s another example of the steps being taken by organisations to deliver more sustainable events. For example, WOMAD’s ecotricity stage runs on a hybrid system and the festival’s organising team is keen to see how it can build on its progress. Also, in 2023, Greenbelt worked with Judgeday and Gofer to address on-site carbon emissions.

The festival switched to HVO fuel, which meant Greenbelt’s CO2 emissions from its generators were reduced by 85 per cent (from 28 tonnes to four).

Stuart Power says that HVO fuel and battery tech are significant considerations in the modern world but only collaboration during the planning stages of an event will ensure the right equipment is provided for the task.

According to Russell Tregent, MD of Stuart Power, organisers need to plan early due to high equipment demand in peak season.

Early engagement with the power provider is crucial to meet and exceed expectations.

Tregent said: “We offer cost-effective, resilient, and environmentally conscious solutions, discussing environmental concerns and providing options like our Battery Hybrid Powersafe™. This self-contained battery energy storage unit, generator, fuel tank, and smart distribution board are housed within a purpose-built 12’ ISO container.”

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POWER Tregent continued: “With an investment exceeding £4 million, we’ve enhanced Stage 5 generators and smart electrical distribution.

This year, we have also introduced smart fuel level telemetry to all our bulk fuel tanks allowing customers to access the portal to view tank quantities, receive theft and lowlevel alerts, and estimate run times.”

PEDAL POWER

Power suppliers must invest in new equipment to help organisers run more energy-efficient event sites. For example, Smart Power is working on a new 24V/48V switchable PedGen bike generator system, with dual dynamos; this will make the bike generators compatible with the majority of rental specification battery systems.

For Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres world tour, 12 bikes recharge the WattSun batteries that power the C-Stage, and for BBC’s Light Up the Nation Coronation project, 20 bikes charged the battery trailers supplying Ithica’s LED light show.

However, organisers need to do more too.

They must communicate openly with power contractors about their realistic needs. The challenge, says Rupert Bassadone, head of operations at WOMAD, is that the technology an organiser really wants is not readily available just yet.

For instance, Bassadone states that when thinking about power and powering a stage, you need to trust that any power system you chose will run the stage how and when you want it to run.

Wild says that power providers need to bring larger hybrid solutions into a more affordable space. He continues: “HVO has benefits but you need to go further.

Challenge your power provider and give us KPIs. The traditional model of how your procure power is not going to cut it on sustainability.”

STUART POWER IN ACTION

NO SILVER BULLET

Hadleigh Show is working hard to review its power and energy usage and is working with Gofer to review all power outputs.

Tory Lugsden, secretary of the Hadleigh Farmers Agricultural Association, organiser of the Hadleigh Show, explained: “The 2023 show was powered by generators running on red diesel (as per the agricultural show agreement exemption). Following reviews of the telematics provided by Gofer post-show, we have started reducing the power output of the generators we need as we were heavily overpowered. This has already brought a reduction in fees by only generating the power we need.

“For 2024, we are reducing the size of the generators and having chatted with a few agricultural businesses who run equipment on HVO, we have decided to run all of our machinery and generators on HVO too.”

Hadleigh Show will cover the increase in costs of fuelling the generators but has also looked at its pricing structure. Subsequently, it has increased exhibitor power prices slightly.

Despite the additional costs, the organising

46 n www.stuartgroup.ltd.uk/power

SOLAR PANELS IN FRAMES team feel the small change will have a big impact on its emissions.

Tim Benson, founder of Smart Power, says event organisers should be asking their power contractors what power advancing information they require, as this will assist with correctly sizing generators, identifying where battery systems could be used to reduce generator runtimes and how mains power could be integrated.

Benson commented: “By asking them to explain how they arrived at these figures on a power node by power node basis, organisers can gauge to what extent the power contractor has used the power advancing

data to map out load profiles and make estimates on peak demand and expected energy consumption.”

Benson concluded: “It’s important to remember that running an event on HVO does not make it a ‘sustainably powered’ show. First, ensure that generators are correctly sized, their runtimes are kept to a minimum through hybridisation with battery systems and that the optimal energy mix is used. For example, some mains power and some on-site renewables. For those power nodes that require generators, HVO biofuel should be used for mitigation purposes only, and not as a silver bullet!”

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WINDSOR GREAT PARK ILLUMINATED

Sprinkling the magic New technology elevated the experience at Windsor Great Park Illuminated.

Here, IMG’s Kathryn Stafford and LCI Productions’ Rob Paul explain all… two days into the de-rig,” says I am Kathryn Stafford, event manager at

IMG. Stafford is talking with StandOut from the comfort of her cabin in Windsor Great Park. She is taking shelter from the stormy weather that is battering the UK. It’s fair to say that all staff working on this year’s Windsor Great Park Illuminated have faced their fair share of inclement conditions during the festive trail’s extensive run, including Stafford who has now been on site for three months.

Produced by IMG and DEAG Entertainment AG/Christmas Garden Deutschland, the 2023 edition of Windsor Great Park Illuminated was the event’s third outing, and it was the second year that IMG has partnered with LCI Productions to produce the 2.2-kilometre trail comprised of a 43-metre long tunnel of light, a 30m x 14m hydro screen which was created using dual 55kw water pumps, a projection-mapped talking oak tree and an aerial beam show.

“The trail featured re-imagined installations and projections including mystical creature holo-scapes, fairy-themed

holograms and a waterscreen that dazzled with festive favourites,” explains Rob Paul, design director of LCI Productions.

“Eleven zones were connected through an overarching narrative, brought to life through architectural lighting and pixel chains, creative and interactive show elements, including hydroscreens, aquatic water displays, 3D projection mapping, and holographic creatures and fairies.”

IMMERSIVE STORYTELLING

For 2023, LCI Productions strengthened the mythical creatures IP and brought in new technology to elevate the immersive storytelling experience. The end result was the product of many discussions between Stafford and Paul, who both wished to make the 2023 light trail bigger and better than 2022.

“When we closed the gates on 2022, we looked to see what the big hitters were and it was very clear that our holographic fairies were the most popular,” continues Stafford.

“We just had to bring them back and make them bigger.”

So, they did…

CONNECTED NARRATIVE

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is a familyfriendly event comprised of 11 zones. The festive experience featured an overarching narrative full of fairies, woodland creatures, dragons and mythical characters. A fairy queen hologram – created using a onemetre holofan – was followed by 30 holographic fairies, with all content created

by LCI Productions’ design team. But IMG wished to build on the fairy content that featured in the hugely successful 2022 trail.

A male fairy was introduced, as was a fairy cottage called Sparklestep cottage, and the trail featured a much larger fairy disco [comprised of seven 500mm diameter disco balls, nine outdoor 650w moving lights, four additional hologram fairies and four smoke machines] because it was such a massive hit in 2022.

Paul adds: “IMG wished to make everything more dynamic. Most other light trails are static. We wanted this trail to be more active and build on a narrative that connected and carried our themes further into the trail.”

www.theebc.co.uk n 49

WINDSOR GREAT PARK ILLUMINATED

CHANGES

LCI Productions delivered the full audio, video and lighting production for the trail including all the technical design, concept creation, original media and audio scores, installation, show programming and onsite maintenance throughout the live dates (November 16 – January 2). Yet it was not the only event specialist to work with IMG. Project Power, SAS, and Jim and Tonic provided event equipment and services to the trail too, which followed the same route through Windsor Great Park as the 2022 event. Stafford adds: “We’re speaking to The Crown Estate about the 2024 route.

We’re looking to change it and because we brought back some of the big hitters in terms of content from 2022, we’re looking to change that up for 2024 also.”

DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE

LCI Productions has a three-year contract with IMG [2023 was year one] and IMG has a five-year contract with The Crown Estate [2023 was year three]. Stafford continues: “In 2024, Rob and I will look at shaking things up, moving the positions of some installations, more storylines, and bringing in new technology. Also, we might introduce a few more installations and I think we need to introduce some more static moments so people can stop and take a photo.”

Indeed, Paul and his team are already looking at new technology coming onto the market, including LED displays, projection technology, and holofans, which enable the creation of holographic visuals that appear to float in mid-air.

Paul concludes: “We need to see how we can use the technology in the landscape to give customers a different experience in 2024.” Watch this space.

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CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

Balancing act Alegría, Cirque du Soleil’s latest touring show, had its European premiere at London’s Royal Albert Hall, opening on January 11 to rave reviews. Here, Duncan Fisher, president of Cirque du Soleil’s touring division, talks with StandOut

ALEGRÍA

Images: © Matt Beard

www.theebc.co.uk n 53

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

DUNCAN FISHER are you finding the current H ow touring market? Are you noticing any

differences in the US and European markets?

The current market is excellent, people are more willing than ever to spend on great experiences and that is especially true for a premium brand like Cirque du Soleil.

We are seeing strength in both markets.

Recently we have broken ticket and revenue records in Brussels, Montreal, Atlanta and Mexico City. Alegría is already ahead of where we were for Kurios last year, so we are expecting great results in London too.

As a touring company, what operational challenges are you facing currently?

With inflation being very high, we are seeing additional costs for our tours. We see this particularly in local labour, housing, and transportation.

What have you been looking forward to most about Alegría and what will stand out about this production?

I always look forward to bringing our shows to London as my Mum gets to see what I do.

Returning with Alegría is a dream come true as although we kept some of the most iconic moments from the original, including the amazing music, we have modernised everything, improved the acrobatic level and created a show that all the family will love.

Logistically, and compared to other Cirque shows, how tricky is this show to tour?

All our shows are difficult to tour as they are big and complicated. When performing

54 n www.theebc.co.uk

in the big top, Alegría tours in almost 100 containers. We have 62 artists and 75 staff travelling with the show so it’s a huge operation and the teams do an amazing job.

From a production perspective, what stands out about Alegría at the Royal Albert Hall?

Alegría has some clever stage automation and some special effects with fire and a snow storm. Although you can’t see it, the most interesting technical part of the installation is recreating the anchor and rigging points that we have in our big top tent into the Royal Albert Hall. Over the years we have worked with the Royal Albert Hall and various heritage authorities to permanently reinforce the floors and box fronts to withstand the forces created by our equipment and acrobats.

For how long have you been with Cirque?

And what do you find most interesting about your job?

I’ve been with Cirque for six years now. One of the most interesting parts of my job is the tour planning. We play on six continents and need to make sure that the shows are evenly spaced out over all the territories. In 2024, we will have 10 Cirque-branded shows and four seasonal shows, and we are adding a new country music-themed theatrical show. It’s important to optimise the tour plans with the most successful cities but we must also not over-saturate any given market.

What’s your favourite show to work on?

That’s like asking who my favourite child is, so I can’t answer that.

Looking back at your career in the events industry and at Cirque du Soleil, what have been the biggest lessons you have learned?

The most important thing to have as a leader in the events industry is the ability to construct a plan. The second most important thing is having the adaptability and agility to be able to change it. Another thing to remember is that the customer’s experience is not just about the “show”. If the parking is unorganised or the toilets are dirty then customers can have a negative experience even if your event is great. So, make sure every touch point is the best it can be.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Make your own luck! You do this firstly by learning or practising to get really good at whatever it is you want to do and secondly by communicating and engaging with the right people, platforms and communities who might be interested in what you’re doing and are passionate about.

What’s next?

We are always looking for ways to optimise our tour plans and operations and will continue to do that. In addition, we are planning on adding to our new theatrical portfolio of shows.

A major focus for 2024 will be enhancing the customer experience at our big top shows by adding activities for people to do before the show, offering higher quality F&B and offering more chances for the customers to interact with the artists.

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Hopkins Machinery T: 01633 680754 E: hire@hopkinsmachinery.co.uk W: www.hopkinsmachinery.co.uk CABINS Qdos Event Hire Ltd Fernside Place, 179 Queens Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 0AH T: 0845 862 0952 E: enquiries@qdoseventhire.co.uk W: www.qdoseventhire.co.uk Twitter: @QdosEventHire Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Qdos-Event-Hire/ Instagram: @qdoseventhire Wernick Events Joseph House, Northgate Way, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 8ST T: 01922 472 900 E: events@wernick.co.uk W: www.wernick.co.uk/events Twitter: @WernickEvents Instagram: @WernickEvents

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CONNECTIONS 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 Event Services Unit 7 Broadway Green Farm, Lightwater, Surrey, GU18 5SU T: 01276 590325 E: contactus@justeventservices.co.uk W: www.justeventservices.co.uk CARPENTRY SERVICES Crewsaders Carpentry T: 0345 094 4884 W: www.crewsaders.com CLEANING & SUPPORT SERVICES Falcon Cleaning The Falcon Nest, Unit 10 & 11, Lower Gower Road, Royston SG8 5EA E: admin@falconteam.co.uk W: www.falconteam.co.uk COFFEE BARS Markey Ltd 39b Park Farm Ind Estate, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 9AZ T: 01763 271110 E: info@markey.co.uk W: www.markey.co.uk CORPORATE CREW Ace Crew Ltd Units 3 & 7, Princess Court, Horace Road Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2SL T: 020 7924 6569 M: 07947 88 66 99 W: www.acecrew.co.uk Rodeo Crew 128 Wey House, 15 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8NA T: 020 8075 7799 E: bookcrew@rodeocrew.uk W: www.rodeocrew.uk CREW SERVICES BTN Crew LTD T: 07780 621 860 E: BTNCrewltd@gmail.com W: www.BTNCrew.com www.facebook.com/BTNCREWltd/ www.instagram.com/btncrewltd/

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

Crewsaders Ltd T: +44 (0)345 094 4884 W: www.crewsaders.com Falcon Festival Services The Falcon Nest, Unit 10 & 11, Lower Gower Road, Royston SG8 5EA E: info@falconteam.co.uk W: www.falconteam.co.uk 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 Trojan Crewing Solutions Ltd 57 Eastbourne Avenue, Acton, London W3 6JS T: 07341 922974 E: chris@trojancrew.com W: www.TrojanCrew.com 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 ENTERTAINMENT Odin Events Ltd Unit 1 RoundHouse Farm, Marston Meysey, SN6 6LL T: 0800 030 6881 E: info@odinevents.com W: www.odinevents.com EQUIPMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE Falcon Site Equipment The Falcon Nest, Unit 10 & 11, Lower Gower Road, Royston SG8 5EA E: admin@falconteam.co.uk W: www.falconteam.co.uk The Renegade Group Unit 6a , Mostyn Road Business Park, Mostyn road, CH8 9DQ T: 01244 631224 E: info@therenegadegroup.co.uk W: www.therenegadegroup.co.uk

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CONNECTIONS EVENT ACCOMMODATION

EVENT SAFETY Eep Safety Team Unit 42, Dunsfold Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU6 8TB T: 01483 266486 E: tom@eepteam.com W: www.eepsafety.com

Airstream Facilities Ltd T: 01885 400223 E: info@airstreamfacilities.com W: www.airstreamfacilities.com Bunkabin Tweedale Way, Oldham, OL9 7LD T: 0345 456 7899 E: hires@bunkabin.co.uk W: www.bunkabin.co.uk

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

Zoo Events Group Ltd Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ T: 01258 840233 E: info@zooeventsgroup.co.uk W: www.zooeventsgroup.co.uk EVENT CONTROL, RADIO & WI-FI SERVICES Controlled Events T: 0203 286 6392Resilience, First class E: info@controlledevents.com Readiness, W: www.controlledevents.com

Communication & Control Halo Solutionsfor Ltdincidents T: 0800 or 920pre-planned 2014 W: www.halosolutions.com events.

E: hi@halosolutions.com EVENT MANAGEMENT

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

Award Winning Results

LFX Events Stockport BIC, Gtr Manchester, SK5 7DL T: 0161 408 2220 E: enquiries@LFXevents.co.uk W: www.LFXevents.co.uk Victorious Events E: info@victoriousevents.co.uk www.controlledevents.com T: 07869 701 616 W: victoriousevents.co.uk

EVENT PLANNING OnePlan Kemp House, 152-160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX W: www.oneplanevents.com E: hello@oneplanevents.com E: sophie.mcallister@oneplanevents.com EVENT PRODUCTION Symphotech Safety. Production. Noise Management Claire Feeney T: 0871 711 5264 E: claire@symphotech.co.uk

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Symphotech Safety. Production. Noise Management Claire Feeney T: 0871 711 5264 E: claire@symphotech.co.uk EVENT STAFF Festivall Services The Circle, 33 Rockingham Lane, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 4FW M: 07547 509 409 T: 01144 055 044 E: hello@festivall.services W: www.festivall.services Moorepeople Event Staffing Agency 1st & 2nd Floor, 169 A High Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4LF T: 0208 508 0555 E: bettina@moorepeople.co.uk W: www.moorepeople.co.uk EVENT STAFFING SOFTWARE uTRAC 24A Lower Abbey St, Dublin 1, Ireland T: 0808 189 0334 E: hello@utraconline.com W: www.utraconline.com 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

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

CONNECTIONS FENCING & BARRIERS MOJO Rental UK Ltd Unit 3-6 Longpond Works, Wrotham, Borough Green Kent TN158DE United Kingdom T: 01708 687440 W: www.mojorental.com 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 FIRE COVER Aero Fire & Rescue Ltd 27 Old Gloucester Street London WC1N 3AX T: 0330 111 3635 E: contact@aerofireandrescue.co.uk W: www.aerofireandrescue.co.uk Red Rose Fire Solutions Ltd 6 Brissenden Close New Romney Kent TN28 8JD T: 01995 503504 E: info@redrosefiresolutions.co.uk

CTN Exhibitions Limited Unit G3A, Halesfield 19, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 4QT T: 01952 680423 E: Sales@ctn-uk.com 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 T: 01223 870935 E: info@gigtent.co.uk W: www.gigtent.co.uk FURNITURE HIRE / SALES 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 GBJ Event Hire Graham Jones T: Office. 0207 205 4226 E: hire@gbjeventhire.co.uk W: www.gbjeventhire.co.uk HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS

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 FLAGS

Instant Marquees T: 01840 213063 www.instantmarquees.co.uk FLOORING & FLOOR COVERINGS Coir Store E: andy@coirstore.co.uk T: 07884303082 W: www.coirstore.co.uk

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

BiemmedueUK & Arcotherm Unit 12, Wilson Road, South Wigston Leicester LE18 4TP 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: 02380 453841 M: 07780 638976 E: kay@spicasolutions.com W: www.spicasolutions.com INSTALLATION & RECYCLING OF FLOORING CTN Exhibitions Limited Unit G3A, Halesfield 19, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 4QT T: 01952 680423 E: Sales@ctn-uk.com W: www.ctn-uk.com

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CONNECTIONS INSURANCE Arc International St. Clare House, 30-33 Minories, London, EC3N 1PE T: 0207 977 7637 W: www.arc-int.co.uk/ Tysers Insurance Brokers 71 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 4BS T: 0203 037 8000 E: tim.rudland@tysers.com W: www.tysers.com LASER & FX Laser Grafix Unit 4A Stratton Park, Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, SG18 8QS W: www.lgfx.co.uk UK office: 01767 315948 Dubai office: +971 4887 9808 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 Tech AV Ltd London, Essex, Birmingham T: 0345 257 9969 E: lee@techav.events W: www.techav.events YSLV London & York T: 0800 080 3310 E: hire@yslv.co.uk W: www.yslv.co.uk LIGHTING

PART OF

Illumin8 Nick: 07593437891 E: sales@illumin8lights.co.uk W: www.illumin8lights.co.uk

MARQUEES

Event In A Tent The Malthouse Business Centre, Regent Street, Llangollen, LL208HS 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 E: info@fews.co.uk W: www.fewsmarquees.co.uk Gigtent UK Sonas House, Button End Harston Cambridge, CB22 7NX E: info@gigtent.co.uk W: www.gigtent.co.uk

Instant Marquees T: 01840 213063 www.instantmarquees.co.uk Marquee Magic 137-139 Nathan Way, London, SE28 0AB T: 0800 085 1405 E: info@marqueemagic.co.uk W: www.marqueemagic.co.uk TT Tents Ltd North Waltham Business Centre, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG25 2DJ T: 01256 397 551 E: sales@tttents.co.uk Tentickle Stretch Tents UK Ltd Langley Brook Business Park, Unit 3B London Rd, Tamworth, B78 2BP T: 0121 7401385 M: 07826 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 Yes Tents 4b Hall Farm Business Park, London Road, Weston, Beccles NR348TT T: 07932 642689 E: paul@yestents.com W: www.yestents.com

Alternative Stretch Tents Building 15, Gateway 1000, A1 (M) jct 7, Stevenage, SG1 2FP T: 01920 830256 E: info@alternative-stretch.co.uk

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Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

CONNECTIONS MEDICAL SERVICES

NOISE MANAGEMENT

AlfaMed Specialist Emergency Care and Training T: 07920 851 232 E: ben@alfamedsect.co.uk W: www.alfamedsect.co.uk Alliance Pioneer Group Event Medical, Frontline Ambulance & Patient Transport Services Hawthorne House, 2nd Floor 25 Darklake View, Estover, Plymouth, PL6 7TL T: 01752717720 E: mail@alliance-pioneer.co.uk W: https://alliance-pioneer.co.uk/ Instagram: @alliancepioneergroup Twitter: @AlliancePGUK Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alliance.

Pioneer LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/company/ alliance-pioneer-group Canopy Medical Services Ltd T: 07514 780025 E: jules@canopymedicalservices.co.uk W: www.canopymedicalservices.co.uk Enhanced Care Services Unit H9, Adanac Park, Adanac Dr, Nursling, Southampton SO16 0BT T: 02380 201561 E: admin@enhancedcareservices.co.uk W: www.enhancedcareservices.co.uk

Symphotech Safety. Production. Noise Management Claire Feeney T: 0871 711 5264 E: claire@symphotech.co.uk PLANT HIRE Ace Plant Blackpit Farm, Silverstone Road, Stowe, Buckinghamshire MK18 5LJ T: 01908 562191 E: hire@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 Four Jays Group Barling Farm, East Sutton, Maidstone, Kent ME17 3DX T: 01622 843135 E: enquiries@fourjays. co.uk W: www.fourjays.co.uk

First Aid Cover Ltd T: 020 8875 5758 E: enquiries@firstaidcover.co.uk W: www.firstaidcover.co.uk

LOOS FOR DOs Ltd Bakers Court, Forge Road, Kingsley, Hampshire GU35 9NZ T: 01420 588 355 E: info@loos.co.uk W: www.loos.co.uk

Location Medical Services Ltd The Medical Centre, Shepperton Studios, Studio Road, Shepperton, Middx, TW17 0QD T: 0870 750 9898 E: mail@locationmedical.com W: www.locationmedical.com

Just Loos Paddock Barn, Manor Farm, Itchen Stoke, Hampshire, SO24 0QT T: 01962 867808 E: office@justloos.com W: www.JustLoos.com

Medirek 8 Primrose Place, Portsmouth Road, Godalming Surrey, GU7 2JW safety and medical T: 07776 128 409 E: ryan.soper@medirek.co.uk W: www.medirek.co.uk

Ontrax Rentals Elmwood Farm, Bampton OX18 2PL, England E: hello@ontraxrentals.com W: www.ontraxrentals.com

MET Medical Ltd T: 0203 627 9042 E: info@met-medical.co.uk W: www.met-medical.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

Trident Medical Limited Based in Essex, cover events all over the UK T: 01279 319039 M: 07379 244718 E: events@tridentmedical.co.uk W: www.tridentmedical.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

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

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CONNECTIONS POWER & GENERATORS

Progen Power Ltd Belvedere House, Pynes Hill, Exeter,Devon, EX2 5WS T: 0330 165 5720 E: info@progenpower.co.uk W: www.progenpower.co.uk

Festival Power Ltd Unit 2, Temple Bridge Business Park, Bristol, BS39 5AA E: info@festivalpower.co.uk W: www.festivalpower.co.uk Fourth Generation Ltd 220 Cricklewood Lane, London, NW2 2PU T: 020 8450 2943 M: 07741 052565 E: tweed@fourthgenerationltd.com W: www.fourthgenerationltd.com Gofer Ltd Unit 7 Arkwright Road, Hadleigh Road Ind. Est, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 0UB T: 01473 282530 E: info@gofer.co.uk W: www.gofer.co.uk IDE Systems T: 01543 574 111 E: enquiries@idesystems.co.uk W: www.idesystems.co.uk Head Office & Manufacturing Centre Unit 3, Swaffield Park Hyssop Close, Cannock Staffordshire, WS11 7FU United Kingdom Lifos Advanced Battery Technology Ltd Stafford Park 5, Telford, TF3 3AS T: 01952 200198 E: hello@lifos.co.uk W: www.lifos.co.uk Midas Productions (UK) Ltd Unit 1, Uplandside, Manor Road, Clopton, Suffolk, IP13 6SH T: 0333 772 0772 M: 07949 007 603 E: info@midas-uk.co.uk 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 Power Events T: 01277 424800 E: enquiries@powerevents.co.uk W: www.powerevents.co.uk Power Revolution 23C Shepherds Grove Ind Est, Stanton Bury St Edmunds, IP31 2AR T: 01359 256 265 E: info@power-revolution.co.uk W: www.power-revolution.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

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Stuart Power Ltd Stuart House, Hargham Road, Shropham, Norfolk, NR17 1DT T: 01953 454540 E: enquiries@stuartgroup.info W: www.stuartgroup.ltd.uk/power PRINTERS UK Flyers Suite 210, Victory House, Somers Road, North Portsmouth, HampshirePO1 1PJ T: 023 9229 3050 E: sales@ukflyers.com W: www.ukflyers.com PRODUCTION AND PROJECT SUPPORT Smartrad Creative Ltd 5 George Street, Snaith, DN14 9HY smartradcreativeprojects@gmail.com www.smartrad.org T: 07711469787 PROJECTION EMF Technology LTD Projection Mapping, Water Screens, Flame Effects, Lighting, Mains Distribution T: 020 8003 3344 E: info@emftechnology.co.uk W: www.emftechnology.co.uk RADIO COMMUNICATIONS 2CL Communications Ltd Unit C, Woodside Trade Centre, Parnham Drive, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 4NU T: 0800 389 2278 E: contact@2cl.co.uk W: www.2cl.co.uk DCRS Edison Road, St.Ives, Cambs, PE27 3LH T: 0800 043 2688 E: sales@dcrs.co.uk W: www.dcrs.co.uk SFL Mobile Radio 6 Woodway Court, Thursby Road Bromsborough, CH62 3PR T: 0151 334 9160 E: sales@sflmobileradio.co.uk W: www.sflmobileradio.co.uk/

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

CONNECTIONS REUSABLE CUPS

SHOWERS Re-uz UK Less is now Limited Unit 1A Walrow Industrial estate, Commerce Way, Highbridge TA9 4AG T: 01278 238390 E: info.uk@reuz.com W: www.re-uz.com & www.green-goblet.com Blue Planet Washing Solutions Unit 15 GIDC, Cobham Way, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 9RX T: 01293 553040 E: info@blueplanetws.co.uk W: www.blueplanetws.co.uk

SEATING Ace Seating Hire T: 01832 279333 E: info@aceseating.co.uk W: www.aceseating.co.uk SECURITY Newman Event Services Ltd Crowd Management, Festival & Event Security/Stewarding.

Bloxham Mill, Barford Road, Bloxham, Oxfordshire, OX15 4FF T: 01295 722844 E: enquiries@newmanevents.co.uk W: www.newmanevents.co.uk Right Guard Security Experts in Crowd Management and Event Security T: 01227 464588 E: info@rightguard.co.uk W: www.rightguard.co.uk Trojan Security Unit B7 Loughton Seedbed Centre Langston Road Loughton IG10 3TQ T: 0330 113 9966 E: info@trojansecurityuk.co.uk W: www.trojansecurityuk.co.uk Linkedin @trojan-security-uk-ltd Facebook @TrojanLondon Instagram @trojan_security_UK SET & SCENERY CONSTRUCTION Staged Events Ltd Meadow View, Newnham Lane, Old Basing, Hampshire, RG24 7AU T: 01256578055 E: info@stagedevents.com W: www.stagedevents.com

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

Zoo Events Group Ltd Stockton Dairy, Stockton, Warminster, BA12 OSQ T: 01258 840233 E: info@zooeventsgroup.co.uk W: www.zooeventsgroup.co.uk SITE SUPPLIES 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 STAGING & RIGGING IPS (Impact Production Services) 29 Mount Avenue, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1LS T: 01908 657950 E: enquiries@ips.co.uk W: www.ips.co.uk The Stage Bus 19 Prestwood Road, Birmingham, B29 5EB T: 0121 585 9264 E: info@thestagebus.com W: www.thestagebus.com STEWARDS / MARSHALLS Road Traffic Solutions 60-64 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe, DN15 7PQ T: 01724 848 246 E: dan@roadtrafficsolutions.com W: www.roadtrafficsolutions.com TEMPORARY ROADWAYS 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 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES Event In A Tent The Malthouse Business Centre, Regent Street, Llangollen, LL208HS 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 E: info@fews.co.uk W: www.fewsmarquees.co.uk

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

TICKETING Citizen Ticket 84 Commercial St, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6LX E: info@citizenticket.co.uk W: www.citizenticket.com

LH Woodhouse Wolds Farm, The Fosse, Cotgrave, Nottingham, NG12 3HG Delivering successful events T: 01159 899 899 E: sales@lhwoodhouse.co.uk W: www.lhwoodhouse.co.uk

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

Losberger De Boer Castle Park, Boundary Road, Brackley, Northamptonshire, NN13 7ES T: 01280 846500 E: sales.uk@losbergerdeboer.com W: www.losbergerdeboer.com/uk Mehler Texnologies UK Ltd. Hollinwood Business Centre Albert Street, Oldham, Lancs. OL8 3QL E: info-uk@freudenberg-pm.com W: www.mehler-texnologies.com NEPTUNUS Ltd Cob Drive, Swan Valley, Northampton NN4 9BB T: 01604 593820 E: sales@neptunus.co.uk W: www.neptunus.co.uk

Skiddle Ltd Ashley Hall Farm Inglewhite Road, Goosnargh PR3 2EB W: www.skiddle.com TRACKWAY All Weather Access Ltd 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 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

Tentickle Stretch Tents UK Ltd Langley Brook Business Park, Unit 3B London Rd, Tamworth, B78 2BP T: 0121 7401385 M: 07826 843099 E: jorg@tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk W: www.tentickle-stretchtents.co.uk

Right Guard Traffic Management Event Traffic Management CSAS Accredited Traffic Officers Car Parking Event Signage T: 01227 464588 E: info@rightguard.co.uk W: www.rightguard.co.uk

The Dome Company T: 07876673354 E: info@thedomecompany.co.uk W: www.thedomecompany.co.uk The Theatre Tent Company Unit 4 Grimes Close, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3EN T: 01162674151 E: sayhello@theatretent.eu W: www.TheatreTent.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: 01672 565 060 / +44 (0) 7875 027369 E: enquiries@w-sl.com W: www.worldwidestructures.com

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Road Traffic Solutions 60-64 Oswald Road, Scunthorpe,DN15 7PQ T: 01724 848 246 E: dan@roadtrafficsolutions.com W: www.roadtrafficsolutions.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

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

CONNECTIONS VENUE MAPPING Iventis Think Tank, University of Lincoln, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL T: 01522 837205 E: info@iventis.co.uk Eamon Kerrigan: E: Eamon.kerrigan@iventis.co.uk W: www.iventis.co.uk WASTE MANAGEMENT D C Site Services Ltd Fenland District Industrial Estate Station Road, Whittlesey Peterborough PE7 2EY T: 01733 200 713 E: info@dcsiteservices.com W: www.dcsiteservices.com Falcon Cleaning The Falcon Nest, Unit 10 & 11, Lower Gower Road, Royston SG8 5EA E: admin@falconteam.co.uk W: www.falconteam.co.uk WATER & PLUMBING SERVICES

DRINKING WATER PURE & SIMPLE

Liquiline Ltd The Incuhive Space, Office 7:001, The Guild, King Street, Wilton, Wilts SP2 0RS T: 01258 830324 E: Bill@liquiline.co.uk W: www.liquiline.co.uk/terms

MTD (UK & Ireland) Ltd Unit 1 Westerngate, Hillmead Enterprise Park, Langley Road, Swindon, SN5 5WN T: 01264 773 818 E: sales.uk@mtd.net W: www.mtd.net Wicked Event Water Services Kevin: 07909 771996 E: info@wickedeventwaterservices.com W: www.wews.biz WIFI, INTERNET & STREAMING Fli-Fi Ltd UK Wide T: 020 3778 0454 E: enquiries@fli-fi.com W: www.fli-fi.com RedBox Events Balbir House, Norton Green Road, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 2LP T: 0333 242 7920 E: info@RedBoxEvents.com W: www.redboxevents.com SimpliWifi Unit 13, Leominster Enterprise Park, Leominster, Herefordshire, Hr6 0LX T: 0800 298 9434 E: hello@simpliwifi.agency W: https://simpliwifi.agency

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Featured in our next issue...

Editor Caroline Clift caroline@standoutmagazine.co.uk Publication manager Sarah Bourne sarah@standoutmagazine.co.uk Account executive Holley Wilkinson holley@standoutmagazine.co.uk Marketing executive Katie Goldsmith marketing@standoutmagazine.co.uk Design and production Jonathan Graham Colin Swaffer Neil Hepden Jemma Heslop studio@standoutmagazine.co.uk

THE CORE OF ENGINE NO. 4

Katie Vine is the new managing director of Engine No 4. She shares her future plans for the event production and live event specialist

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DID SOMEONE MENTION THE C WORD?

The events calendar is packed with Christmas events. So what makes one Christmas event stand out from another? Organisers chat

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A FREELANCER’S LIFE

Freelancers play a vital role in the delivery of events. In our next issue, industry freelancers share their views on the realities of life on event and festival sites

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