StandOut Magazine March 2024

March 2024

ENGINE NO.4

CHRISTMAS

MOBOS

WATER

VISUAL SPECTACULARS

TENDERS

SINCE 2014

EDITOR’S LETTER

MARCH 2024 love for the great outdoors is well-documented. It’s a pretty good thing really, as I M yspend so much time in fields over the summer months, I’d be screwed if I didn’t like fresh

air and being outside. A bit of mud and rain has never phased me but for some organisers, as extreme weather events increase in frequency, there is a greater desire to mitigate risks and reduce spend on trackway and wood chippings.

This is just one of the many reasons why promoter James Dean has chosen to host his new event series at North 5, one of the NEC’s car parks. Even the venue’s new business director Richard Mann would tell you that it’s not an obvious choice for a festival, but the NEC is trying to change people’s perception of the venue and push its outdoor spaces as an option.

If you turn to page 40, you can read our interview with James and Richard, just one of many candid chats in this March edition. Katie Vine, Engine No.4’s new managing director, is also in the spotlight this month, as she talks about the first three months in her new role. She reveals her plans for the event production specialist and why it’s important to learn the rhythm of a business before you make any changes.

Both Katie and James talk openly about event life, but they are not the only two events professionals to have an opinion this month. We also chat with key people behind the MOBOs and MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe and we delve into the world of Christmas events, temporary water supply, and visually spectacular events. Pop the kettle on and turn to page 23 if you want to read how a fully digital court is set to change the way fans experience sporting events and what factors organisers need to consider when looking to “wow” audiences.

As always, please let me and the team know what you’re working on. We’d love to come and see you on-site this summer. I’ll bring the biscuits, if you promise to make a brew.

Happy reading, Caroline

Cover image: Snowbombing

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CONTENTS

12 STEELING THE LIMELIGHT

23 LIGHTING THE WAY

37 CURRENT ISSUES

40 NORTH STAR

10 TENDERS

29 FESTIVE FOCUS

Check out the latest event tenders and news of contract wins

12 MOBO AWARDS

The number of festive events being organised is growing but what makes the perfect Christmas experience?

The MOBO Awards took place in the city of Sheffield for the first time. Read on, as StandOut talks to key players behind the awards and MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe

37 CURRENT ISSUES

17 FULL THROTTLE

A new outdoor event series is heading to the NEC this May. Called the CP Projekt, James Dean, CEO of James Dean Events, reveals all…

Katie Vine is the new managing director of Engine No.4. Here, she talks candidly about her first three months in the role and what she foresees for the event production specialist

23 LIGHTING THE WAY

Lighting, drones, lasers, fireworks, and special effects are used by organisers to create memo-rable “wow” moments. StandOut shines a light on the visually spectacular events being produced

Event organisers are making temporary water supply plans for 2024

40 NORTH STAR

48 NEXT LEVEL ENGAGEMENT

EventoS’ Matthew Lamb explains why mapping the full customer journey is essential to your event’s success

52 POWERFUL COMBINATION

Swift MRP’s Adam Pike talks about the launch of EB Collective

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CONTRIBUTORS

This month’s

CONTRIBUTORS:

JAMES DEAN

For 17 years, James, chief executive officer of James Dean Events Group, has been running successful events and festivals across the UK. From tribute festivals and events packed full of nostalgic acts, Dean has made a name for himself, ploughing away, and building a group that is now comprised of 10 event companies. With a degree in festival management and hospitality – and a helicopter pilot licence – James is a busy event professional. He oversees the group’s activities, including the launch of CP Projekt, a new series of outdoor events coming to the NEC this May. In this issue, James talks to StandOut about his latest project and his three main priorities for CP Projekt 2024.

Katie Vine image: © Jody Hartley

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KATIE VINE

Katie has extensive experience in arts, theatre, and cultural events. From company manager of the Royal Shakespeare Company and director of programme and production at Royal Exchange Theatre to technical co-ordinator at Manchester International Festival, her skills are vast and varied. But Katie has left the world of theatre behind to join Engine No.4 as managing director, a role she is loving. In this edition, we sit with Katie and talk about her new job and her plans for Engine No.4.

MATTHEW LAMB

Matthew is director of EventoS, a customer experience consultation company. Along with his PhD studies, Matt has developed customer journey workshops that inspire those taking part to think in a different way. Matt’s adventures have taken him around the world in 80 events. He experienced 80 events in 26 countries to really understand more than what the event was – the impact, the environment, and the bigger picture. He was so inspired by his own journey that he wrote a book about it, called Around the World in 80 Events. With a background in community engagement and spectator experience, in this issue Matt explains why mapping the full customer journey is essential to an event’s success.

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INDUSTRY UPDATES APPOINTMENTS OF THE MONTH

PIC OF THE MONTH

Andy Train is the new chair of Pride in Hull.

Stephen Chaston has been appointed assistant operations director at Co-op Live.

First Event has promoted Adele Woods to the role of chief operating officer.

Ear to the Ground has appointed Emma Powis as production director.

Following a huge success at the NEC in Birmingham, London’s Drumsheds hosted AnimeCon London as it headed to the capital for the first time. Produced by The Fanatics Group, the twoday anime extravaganza featured a plethora of anime stars as well as more than 200 anime artists and exhibitors at a pop-up market.

LINKEDIN POST OF THE MONTH

NEWS IN BRIEF A new chapter on Zone X is being developed for The Purple Guide.

Plus, a new chapter regarding Events on or Around Water is also in production.

Vision: 2025 and Julie’s Bicycle have launched a Sustainable Materials and Waste Management Toolkit for festivals.

4Wall has appointed Graham Miller as director of live events.

Barry Anderson has joined Arena Europe, Middle East and Asia as ops manager (structures) for Paris 2024.

David Hopkins has joined A Greener Future as general manager.

Jonathan Kazarian, CEO of Accelevents A single-day event takes an attendee through a rollercoaster of emotions. Fear of stepping out of your comfort zone. Fear of having to meet someone new. Excitement when you run into someone you haven’t seen in years.

Or even better. Meeting someone you know you will be friends with for years to come.

When you hear the story of someone whose been through a similar struggle. Or get inspiration from an idea you can apply. That feeling is printed in your memory.

The “curve of emotions” is flat in marketing.

With the exception of events. When attendees remember an event. They remember how it made them feel.

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EVENT TENDERS AND CONTRACT WINS

HAY FESTIVAL

Image: © Hay Festival/Adam Tatton-Reid

Time to pitch Looking for new business? Discover the latest event tenders that are up for grabs and details of contract wins Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has issued a tender for event planning and operational services for an annual cycling event. The deadline is 12pm on March 1. Interested?

Email liz.camm@dudley.gov.uk

The deadline is 12pm on March 4. Interested parties should email cpssprocurement@aberdeencity.gov.uk

The Royal Armouries Museum wishes to procure the services of an experienced horse show provider. The deadline is 5pm on March 11.

Interested? Email procurement@armouries.org.uk

Portsmouth City Council has issued a tender for the supply of event services and equipment for a range of events, including Armed Forces Day and an international kite festival. The deadline for this tender – worth £250,000 to £375,000 – is 12pm on March 10. Interested? Email procurement@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Brixham Town Council is inviting tenders for a three-year contract for the management of Brixham’s Christmas event. The deadline is 12pm on March 15. For more details, email Ross Green – info@brixhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

Hay Festival Foundation, organiser of Hay Festival, wishes to conduct a feasibility study to include business modelling, funding opportunities, site options, sustainability (operations), and economic impact. The deadline is 5pm on March 4. Email sian@hayfestival.org

Aberdeenshire Council has issued a tender for AV and videography services for events in 2024 and 2025, as well as specified support for community-based ceremonies requiring AV.

Aberdeen City Council has issued a tender for crowd management. Email cityevents@aberdeencity.gov.uk – the deadline is 10am on March 11.

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MOBO AWARDS

Steeling the limelight The MOBO Awards took place in the city of Sheffield for the first time. Read on, as StandOut talks to key players behind the MOBO Awards and MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe 7, Sheffield hosted one O nofFebruary the biggest nights in the world

of music when the MOBO Awards took place at Utilita Arena, Sheffield. It was the first time that the event had taken place in the city and the move north continued the MOBO Awards’ tradition of celebrating the best of Black music and culture in the regions and UK-wide.

For the past 14 years, the MOBO Awards have travelled to cities outside London, including Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, and Coventry. The ambition to take MOBO to different cities across the UK has always been rooted in the desire to unite fans with local and global talent and to celebrate Black music and culture.

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But whilst MOBO will always have its roots in music, the MOBO Awards now champion Black culture in arts, sport, and media. This year’s event demonstrated that, taking a new direction with the introduction of new awards, including the MOBO Impact Award and MOBO Pioneer Award.

Events, and Harrogate Food and Drink Company – worked hard to ensure those inside the arena experienced an amazing time, the city itself was still reeling from hosting MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe from February 5-7.

CELEBRATION

Organised by Sheffield City Council in collaboration with MOBO and members of the local community, MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe was a series of events that took place before the big awards show.

Emma France, manager at Marketing Sheffield, explained: “As the city’s destination marketing organisation, we look after the Sheffield brand and work closely

Thousands of fans gathered inside the arena to celebrate with the event’s big winners – Little Simz, Ezra Collective, Raye, Central Cee, Ghetts, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Sugababes, and Soul II Soul. But such famous names were not the only ones celebrating.

Whilst event industry professionals – including Marvellous Incorporated, SWG

EMBRACE THE EVENT

MOBO AWARDS

Images: © MOBO/Glenn Ashley/Utilita Arena Sheffield/Marketing Sheffield

with the events team and senior leaders at the Sheffield City Council.

“We developed a great relationship with MOBO,” France continued. “The Fringe was our idea. We wanted to make sure we could wrap the city of Sheffield around the event, to welcome the MOBO Awards and to have good community engagement.”

START OF A MOVEMENT

MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe took place over three days and comprised several smaller events and showcases; each designed to inspire creativity or shine a light on some of Sheffield’s new and emerging talent from across the MOBO genre. For example, an industry panel event featuring

leading players from the UK’s Black music scene offered insight to local young talent and there was a MOBO city takeover at Sheffield’s iconic Winter Garden full of exciting daytime performances.

MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe was built on four pillars – school engagement, where 8,000 local children learned a Stormzy song, a general city takeover with Black businesses showcasing their wares on MOBO day, a showcase of local talent at the Crucible Theatre, and an industry panel of key players from the UK music industry.

Kanye King, founder and CEO of MOBO, said that The Fringe was more than an event; it was the start of a movement, an opportunity for the city to foster community

spirit and a platform for many voices to be seen and heard.

France concurred. She explained that not everyone thinks about attending an event because they naturally assume that an event is “not for them”. Therefore, local authorities, destination management organisations, and event organisers need to collaborate and educate people on events and what’s out there. For example, some people might not like the music, but the food and culture could appeal instead.

“The community support for the MOBOs was exceptional,” continued France, who supported the MOBO Awards’ COO with logistics and operations, and worked hard to ensure the city’s hotels and transport

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MOBO AWARDS

INDUSTRY PANEL SESSION

SUGABABES providers knew the scale of the awards and were onboard to help. “We are used to organising large-scale and high-profile events like Sports Personality of the Year Awards and the International Indian Film Academy Awards [Bollywood’s equivalent to the Oscars]. The MOBO Awards was not a big event but like large events, it still captured the hearts and minds of the city.”

CHAMPIONING BLACK CULTURE

King hopes both MOBO Awards – hosted by Babatúndé Aléshé, Indiyah Polack and Zeze Millz – and MOBO Awards Sheffield – The Fringe will leave a lasting legacy.

“I’m still overjoyed by the celebration of black music and culture we witnessed in Sheffield,” King said. “Since 1996, MOBO has been an unstoppable force, championing Black culture, and providing a platform for many unheard voices to be seen and heard, particularly in the city of Sheffield, leaving a legacy that will endure

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KANYA KING (she/her) long after we are gone. Together, MOBO and our stellar array of talent elevated the scene to such heights and created a real landmark moment.”

Again, France agreed. “The legacy that this event will have will be amazing,” France said. “What we can do with the city in years to come will be powerful.

“The value of having a connected city team and working with an organising team when an event rolls into a city is critical.

“The MOBOs are such a multi-faceted event and that’s why convention bureaus are so important. We connect the city. For example, we made sure that we had enough VIP coaches and I know that might seem like such a small thing, but it’s not, it was important. We wanted to make sure that MOBO’s guests had the VIP experience they had been promised.”

LEGACY

The MOBO Awards 2024 was a resounding

success, reaffirming the importance of diversity, inclusion, and artistic excellence in the music industry. Like France, the team at Utilita Arena Sheffield is also looking forward to welcoming future events that continue to celebrate and amplify diverse voices in music and culture.

Dom Stokes, director of live events and venues at Utilita Arena Sheffield, said: “What an incredible honour it has been for Utilita Arena Sheffield to host the 26th MOBO Awards. What a celebration and showcase for what we do so brilliantly day in and day out! Working together with our amazing partners, the MOBO organisation and Sheffield City Council, we got to show the world why we are renowned for being a city built on the best music and culture!

With Sheffield City Hall being a part of the innovative and groundbreaking MOBO Fringe, we have ensured there will be a lasting and fruitful legacy after what was quite simply a reyt good party.”

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ENGINE NO.4 PARKLIFE

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Full throttle Katie Vine is the new managing director of Engine No.4. Here, she talks candidly about her first three months in the role and what she foresees for the event production specialist like I am one of the luckiest people INVIGORATING I feel in the world,” chuckles Katie Vine, Vine joined Engine No.4 – the full-service

the new managing director of Engine No.4.

“When people want somebody but they’re not quite sure what it is that they want, my name seems to come up in conversation.”

Vine smiles, as she reflects on her colourful career and her first three months on the job at Engine No.4. Whilst some organisations weren’t quite sure what they were looking for when they hired Vine, Engine No.4’s senior management team [Jim Gee, Will McHugh, Jon Drape, and Tommy Sheals-Barrett] knew exactly what they were doing.

Vine has extensive experience in arts, theatre, and cultural events. From company manager of the Royal Shakespeare Company and director of programme and production at the Royal Exchange Theatre to technical coordinator at Manchester International Festival, her skills are varied and her commercial awareness is apparent.

We chat on a blustery Wednesday afternoon, as Storm Jocelyn batters the UK, taking refuge from the wind and settling to talk about direction and the future. “I prefer to have an overview and not a finger in all the pies,” says Vine. “I’m not very good at just sticking to one particular thing and only looking at that thing and not looking at those other things as well. So you know, when people talk about continuing to work at home, I would rather be in an office, hearing all the things that are going on, because everything feeds into what you’re doing, and you don’t do anything in isolation.”

production company behind Parklife, Kendal Calling, The Warehouse Project, Bluedot and Snowbombing – in October. Her remit: to grow the business, implement new processes and support the senior leadership team as Engine No.4 enters its next chapter.

Jim Gee, director, explains: “I think the realisation came last year that we needed to re-structure the management of the company. The model we started with was based on the fact that the original directors and founders of Engine No.4 were all specialists in their specific fields. Effectively, we created a company that was naturally split into three departments (operations, site and tech production). As directors, we are often very hands on in the delivery of those services across multiple events and multiple clients.”

He continues: “As the company grows and the portfolio expands, we really needed somebody who could focus on the day-today running of the business, without being too focussed on existing projects.”

Gee and the directors made a conscious decision to employ someone with wider event industry experience, who wasn’t necessarily already too deeply entrenched in the world of music festivals. Vine’s experience working in live events and arts organisations adds another dimension to Engine No.4’s skills set.

“A big chunk of my role is new business,” Vine continues. “I don’t need to sell Engine

No.4 to the festival world because festivals know us. I want to look at arts and culture, things like a Cultural Olympiad, events that happen outside of the traditional ‘season’, and not just summer. And that’s important because if you want to grow an organisation and employ people full-time, you need more things to do.

“It’s one reason we’re so lucky, as we work with The Warehouse Project over the winter, but what else can we do?”

Vine is keen to work with other events professionals on arts and cultural events, for example, and see how Engine No.4 can help other organisations. She says that the expertise within Engine No.4 such as logistics, event management and production – all “transferable skills” – are transferable across a “gazillion different areas” so it makes sense to take those skills and enrich the lives of team members too by giving them the opportunity to do different things also.

So, three months in the new job and how is she finding things? “It’s been very different because when I joined, everyone was getting ready for Christmas. Whilst we produce events all year round, and the first few weeks were very busy, I have had days where I go “Oh, I have read all my emails by the end of the day’. That said, I am also very cognisant that that scenario is not going to be forever and soon, I’ll be praying for the days when it was a little bit easier,” she laughs. “But I think it’s also been incredibly invigorating, learning new ways of working. It’s really exciting.”

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ENGINE NO.4 She continues: “I think for me, one of the reasons I do what I do is because I still get a buzz about what I do. There’s something about live events, whatever the audience, whether you’re sitting down to watch a play or whether you’re standing up at a rave, those people are going to come. They’re going to come at a certain time, on a certain day and there’s something about doing those things, organising events and experiences, that is still really amazing.”

KATIE VINE (she/her)

OPPORTUNITY

In just three months, Vine feels that she has entrenched herself in the business; she has observed how everyone works and has identified systems and processes that can be implemented as the business continues to grow. Gee concurs. He says that the business is already seeing positive impacts in terms of productivity, team welfare and diversification of projects. Furthermore, he and the team are excited to continue their journey with Vine steering the ship!

“We’re a young company but we’re growing,” explains Vine. “When you have a small group of people and you’re all together in a room, it’s fine, but the minute you start to grow then you have to think about people management, and if you’re too busy thinking about event delivery and you already have a job, who is going to look at holidays and appraisals and all the things that need to happen in an organisation.”

Vine comments: “I can’t wait to get my hands dirty in the field, but I can also see that to get the most out of the team, you have to make sure your team have all the information they need, and things are structured. It’s not about making it corporate. It’s just when there were just two of you, or three of you or four of you, it was OK, but now there are 11 of us. I think what’s exciting for me is that there isn’t a list of things to do each day. There’s no mould – I have an opportunity to go: ‘How can I work with this team of people, as we change, and develop and grow as a company?’

“Being somewhere at a point of growth is great. What’s not to like?”

RHYTHM

Vine views herself as a “constant”. She hopes her arrival has already made everyone’s lives at Engine No.4 easier and better. Not more difficult. By ensuring information is being communicated throughout the team, everyone knows what’s going on, and key team members can do their jobs knowing the dayto-day is being taken care of.

She wants to find new opportunities within other areas and make those projects feel “like an Engine No.4 project”. Plus, she is keen to see if the new systems she has implemented – that work brilliantly during the quieter months – work equally as brilliantly when things ramp up in the summer. But only time will tell. Right now, as well as preparing for a Lost Village site visit, Vine is learning the rhythm of the company. Figuring out as things get more crazy, how best to respond and what support is needed.

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ENGINE NO.4

SNOWBOMBING

PARKLIFE RESPECTED

Vine’s previous experience as a stage manager, company manager, and touring manager has stood in her good stead for her new role. She has enjoyed various positions at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company and Manchester International Festival but did now feel like the right time to become a managing director? Did she feel ready to take the next step and be the managing director of a respected live event production specialist?

“Yeah, I think I was, if I’m honest,” she says candidly. “Although I would never have thought so until Jim [Gee] had the conversation with me. I wasn’t actively looking. I wasn’t scanning the papers every day. But sometimes the universe goes ‘Hmm…’ and Jim went: ‘Let’s have a conversation’.

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DELIVERING GREAT EVENTS “I dread how people now have to apply for jobs and produce a 3,000-word essay.

“There’s no greater compliment than people who have worked with you and want to work with you again. You know that because they’ve seen you at your worst and you’re most passionate. You know, they’ve seen you in the midst of doing something and they think you’re the sort of person they want to work with. To be given the opportunity to work with a small company where it’s, it is their baby, to be tasked with looking after it [Engine No.4] is amazing, especially as Engine No.4 is so respected in the industry.”

She adds: “What was interesting when I arrived, was that I talked to all the team, and then I talked to all our core freelancers.

To hear them talk about the company was brilliant. It was obvious that Engine No.4 is held in high regard. So my job that I can see

is, I don’t have to come in and save it [the business]. My job is to maintain it, to allow it to grow and to take work off the directors and allow them to do all the things they do.”

Vine has a clear direction. She knows the path she wishes to follow and feels honoured to have been tasked by Drape, Gee, McHugh and Sheals-Barrett with growing Engine No.4.

She explains: “I think the care that Engine No.4 has and the desire to look after people, whether that’s the clients that we deal with, or whether that’s the audience or the team, it all sits at the heart of what we do. So, whilst I look at my new role, I love the fact that I won’t ever stop learning and that there will always be something to learn.

“That’s really, really exciting. But what have I learned in my first three months? I definitely need to buy more waterproof clothing,” she laughs as she concludes.

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VISUAL SPECTACULARS

SAMSUNG GALAXY LAUNCH

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Lighting the way Lighting, drones, lasers, fireworks, and special effects are used by organisers to create memorable “wow” moments. Read on, as StandOut shines a light on the visually spectacular events being produced Light Festival returned to B ristol the city on February 2. The fourth

iteration of the annual event ran for 10 days and saw thousands of visitors interact with and immerse themselves in 10 spellbinding light installations.

Founded by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the event featured everything from a life-sized projection of an astronaut drifting through a cosmos to a series of colossal inflatable illuminated arches.

SC Productions provided Bristol BID with site management and production expertise and Redwood Event Solutions provided preevent safety planning and event control and safety services during the festival’s muchanticipated 10-day run.

Since its inception, the festival has attracted thousands of visitors (250,000 in 2023) and welcomed an additional £3.3 million increase in spend. As the installations have got bigger and bolder, so has the event’s reputation and as a result, the event does change the make-up and

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demographic of the city centre between 5pm and 10pm. But it can only be expected as once-familiar locations and buildings are visually enhanced and transformed into spectacular sights to behold.

GAME-CHANGERS

Light festivals are certainly growing in popularity, as local authorities and BIDs realise that there is an appetite for visually spectacular events that engage the senses. In January, Battersea Power Station launched its first free light trail and this March, a new light festival called Beam – organised by Harrogate International Festivals – will illuminate the historic town for two nights.

Such events are in total contrast to the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) latest “visually spectacular” development.

In February, it revealed details of a stateof-the-art LED floor, the first full video court to be installed for an NBA All-Star basketball game. Developed by ASB GlassFloor, the LED court was installed at Lucas Oil

Stadium, giving fans at the arena a “gamechanging” experience.

The digital court displayed customised court designs tailored to each event as well as fully interactive game moments and player statistics. During the same week, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium called on fans to take part in its first mobile phone light show ahead of Tottenham’s Premier League clash against Brentford.

Fans heeded the call to get involved and used the official Spurs App to take part in a “pre-match spectacle” by hitting “Light Up” on their phones. Subsequently, their phones synced to the music played in the stadium and the light show engaged supporters who relished the opportunity to be part of the pre-match atmosphere.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

Both examples are demonstrative of how sport is leading the field in engagement, using lighting and LED to connect with loyal fans and customers who want memorable event experiences.

www.illuminatedesign.co.uk n 23

VISUAL SPECTACULARS

BRISTOL LIGHT FESTIVAL Special effects have long been a fixture in sporting events and Pains Fireworks is no stranger to supplying visual effects – such as daylight pyro, smoke jets, and flames – to the field of play. For example, Pains Fireworks worked with Progress Productions on the FA Cup Final in 2023, and Event360 on the MLB London Series. It also supplies pyrotechnic displays to The Hundred – organised by England and Wales Cricket Board – on matchdays.

“The impact and atmosphere created when some form of visual effects are used is incredible,” explained Tim Griffiths, managing director of Pains Fireworks.

“Without it, some big moments can fall flat.”

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He continued: “As you can imagine, there’s a big difference between daylight SFX and those used in the dark. There are various effects including flames, cold sparks, smoke jets, pyrotechnics, confetti and streamers which work well in both situations, but for maximum impact, you can use traditional fireworks, pyrotechnics, flame effects and virtually any effect when it’s dark. It’s all about coming up with the best solution for the moment that you’re trying to create, whether that be inside a stadium, out on a sports pitch, or in a large open space.”

ENGAGE AUDIENCES

Griffiths says that sports clubs/venues often

report an upturn in revenue and performance when incorporating flames, special effects, and pyro (synced to music) to pre-match entertainment. Bar revenue is better, the atmosphere is greater, and eventgoers arrive earlier in anticipation of having a good time.

Titanium Fireworks recently delivered fireworks at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Celebrations and earlier in 2023, working with E1FX, supplied pyro to All Elite Wrestling’s (AEW) highly anticipated UK debut at Wembley Stadium. Multiple pyro sequences were fired for the wrestler’s entrances as well as celebratory moments.

The event – delivered by Live Nation UK – was such a hit that its return in 2024 has

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VISUAL SPECTACULARS

THE HUNDRED

FLIGHTSHOWS: MOVEMBER been confirmed. Its founder and CEO, Tony Khan, created AEW because he wanted to create memorable entertainment and spectacular events, with light, sound, and pyro adding to the experience.

And he’s not on his own. From large brands and local authorities to festival promoters and sporting boards, the desire to create visually stunning and “Instagrammable” events shows no sign of waning. Events and campaigns that capture the imagination, engage audiences and leave guests in awe are the dream. And, if they can have a huge impact on social media and increase campaign or brand awareness, even better.

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For example, Boss recently kickstarted its spring/summer 2024 campaign by projecting 10-metre-high holograms of its brand ambassadors Lee Minho and Gisele Bündchen in London’s Potters Fields Park.

Production house Kaleida and Video Design worked on the project, which used smoke and moving lights to create the illusion.

Nadia Kokni, SVP of global marketing and brand communications at Hugo Boss, said that using the hologram technology achieved consumer impact at scale, whilst creating intrigue. Not only was the content captured immensely shareable, but Kokni also believes that it encouraged customers to engage more deeply with the brand.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Samsung also turned to tech and Celestial, the drone specialist, when it wished to create hype to celebrate the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S24 mobile phone. Using 552 drones to create a spectacle over the River Thames, Celestial partnered with agencies Taylor Herring and St Mark’s Studios to bring the launch to life.

In keeping with the Galaxy theme, the drone animations lit up the night sky with objects from the solar system and beyond.

Taking place after Samsung’s annual Unpacked event, “Galaxy AI is here” was prophetically written in the stars, in an opening visual that stretched 160 metres

www.illuminatedesign.co.uk n 25

VISUAL SPECTACULARS

HUGO BOSS CAMPAIGN wide across the city and took 650 hours to be designed and programmed.

IDENTIFY A CORE VISUAL

When planning a drone display, Tom Rees, director of AeroAVA, advised organisers to think about the core visual at enquiry stage, so the quantity of drones can be assessed as a minimum and as an optimum. This is because quantities will impact budget.

Getting the right balance is critical from the off, Rees commented. Therefore, event organisers should consider the creative early on in the process, especially if there’s to be a major reveal or audience surprise.

Rees explained: “Giving the audience an eye-catching experience with impact can leave a lasting effect on them, if planned well. With the right tools and skills, a deep emotional message can be visually delivered, especially if it is reinforced with sound and other atmospheric enhancements.”

He continued: “It is essential that the display serves the event’s goals and enhances the overall visitor experience too, rather than just catch the audience attention fleetingly. Visual effects should

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be like a sound effect, they should be carefully planned, balanced and executed to complement other elements, so that they feel natural and in place.”

GIVE ME 10 MINUTES

Before producing an impressive drone show for guests at Event Buyers Live 2023, FlightShows produced a massive 120-metre-wide drone-formed moustache to mark two decades of Movember.

The spectacle, aptly named The Mo Drone, gracefully soared above the landscapes of four major UK cities. The drone moustache tour kicked off at London’s picturesque Greenwich Park before making stops at Stanley Park in Liverpool, Inverleith Park in Edinburgh, and the Angel of the North in Gateshead.

The drone display was the perfect way to mark two decades of Movember changing the face of men’s health.

FlightShows has always been a fan of “drones for good”. In this instance, it used a drone light show to help spread the word about the charity in a unique and special way.

But it’s not the only visually spectacular event that the drone specialist has been

involved with recently. In November, it also worked with North Yorkshire Council to commemorate the re-established Scarborough Fair and the council’s new yearlong programme of events.

The overarching strategy of the Scarborough Fair project is to bring significant economic and social benefits to the coastal town by creating events and activities that will be entertaining for residents and tourists.

FlightShows produced a drone show at Scarborough Castle. It was one of 15 events and artworks that comprised Scarborough Lights. Using 100 drones, FlightShows told Scarborough’s story.

Eoin O’Grady, director of FlightShows, said: “Visually spectacular events have to have some scale and when they start they have to make you go ‘wow’ in those first few seconds. But they also have to keep you entertained and engaged throughout the whole show.

“Sometimes people ring me and say they want to create a 45-minute drone show,” O’Grady concluded. “But 10 minutes is the sweet spot. In 10 minutes, you can put your story across and get your money shot.”

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CHRISTMAS EVENTS

All the festive feels The number of festive events being organised is growing but what makes the perfect Christmas experience?

GLIDE AT BATTERSEA POWER STATION

Glide images: © Joshua Atkins

Sponsored by KJE Technical

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CHRISTMAS EVENTS

MONTEVIOT LIGHTS are the fundamentals of a good W hat Christmas event? StandOut asks

Simon Brooks, director of Seventa Events.

Brooks’ Seventa Events is the organiser of the established Christmas in Bournemouth event and the recently launched Christmas in Cambridge, the new festive event set to open in the city this November.

“Transitioning from traditional markets to immersive experiences, our journey with Christmas markets has been a testament to innovation and adaptability,” Brooks explains. “By integrating children’s activities, live music, and craft classes, we’ve curated an environment that captivates all ages.

For example, with Cambridge, we are including curling lanes, an outdoor ice rink, shuffleboard lanes, a Santa’s Grotto, and a Christmas Market area alongside a traditional big wheel.

“We’ve also embraced continuous evolution, ensuring each year offers a fresh and enticing experience,” Brooks continues.

“The fundamentals of any event come down to things like accessibility, atmosphere,

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music and lighting. There is definitely pressure to get it right.”

EXCEED EXPECTATIONS

Seventa Events has won a seven-year contract to deliver Christmas in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece. Having worked alongside Cambridge City Council, Seventa Events has designed the event, taking into consideration the results from public feedback surveys of past Christmas events.

The first event – which will run from November 14 until January 6 – will feature a Christmas market, ice rink and domes, an Alpine lodge, Santa’s Grotto, a Christmas tree maze, and an Après Terrace.

The council has installed mains power yet there may be a small requirement for generators. Hence, Seventa is currently tendering for power and distribution, alongside fencing and trackway.

It has also contracted Cruck Tent and has partnered with Cambridge Dining Company, which will deliver all premium catering for any corporate takeovers on the festive site. With

a capacity for 2,000 guests, Brooks says that Cambridge is full of large corporate HQs full of young professionals, so there is interest in premium product experiences.

Therefore, Seventa’s investment in the event is enormous. For example, Brooks has purchased 1,100 grass protection mats and he and his team are busy ensuring plans for the experience-led event exceed the expectations of anyone who has previously visited the city’s festive events.

INVESTMENT AND ADJUSTMENTS

IMG has extensive experience in producing festive attractions such as Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and the Natural History Museum Ice Rink, which it operated for 16 years before it closed in 2021 to transform the area into a green space. The organisation had been in discussions for several years to bring a festive offering to Battersea Power Station and was delighted to be able to make it happen.

Glide at Battersea Power Station, presented

by Jo Malone London, debuted in 2022 with the goal of introducing a premium, distinctive

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CHRISTMAS EVENTS

GLIDE and festive ice rink experience for visitors from London, the UK and around the world that complemented the standard of Battersea Power Station’s re-development.

Joel Smith, vice president, arts and entertainment at IMG, says: “Whilst planning the event, we identified a niche in the market for a more contemporary ice skating experience and curated a brand with this in mind. The uniqueness of Glide at Battersea Power Station can be seen through its three interconnecting rinks, spectacular 30-foot Christmas tree and dramatic backdrops of the power station and River Thames.

“The 2022 event was a great success with lots of positive feedback from consumers and stakeholders. As with all launch events, we found there were elements we wanted to improve upon. For 2023, we had a huge drive to make the event look and feel more permanent. We have achieved this by expanding the outdoor decking and seating areas, investing in more impactful dressing pieces and increasing the size of the Glasshouse Bar and Skate Exchange.

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NL PRODUCTIONS www.kjetech.com n 31

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

CHRISTMAS AT CAMBRIDGE

INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS Following feedback and observations, we also made some adjustments to our layout; including moving our hireable igloos to a more prominent position, adding bathroom facilities to the bar area, adapting the internal layout within the skate exchange and changing the entrance and exit of the skate exchange to allow for a better visitor flow.

“Many of our suppliers made adjustments to improve efficiencies, and one of these changes meant we were able to increase the rink size to allow for a better skating experience, as well as enabling the rink to be maintained more effectively.”

CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR AND EXPERIENCE

IMG cross-referenced sales trends and audience data from 2022 and compared it against 2023. Sales patterns mirrored those observed in previous years at Glide at Battersea Power Station and the Natural History Museum Ice Rink, indicating a level of predictability in consumer behaviour and market dynamics.

Smith continues: “The 2022 run provided valuable lessons about the evolving

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preferences and expectations of our audience, which allowed us to develop the on-site experience, shape marketing strategies and improve the overall customer experience.”

Gorilla Events, Ascot Structures, Ice-World, Project Power, and Aggreko are just some of the suppliers that provided equipment and services to Glide.

“We’ve strived to create a premium ice rink that feels in-keeping alongside the iconic Battersea Power Station,” Smith explains further. “This can be seen from our elevated decorations around the ice rink and popular on-site bar, The Glass House, offering visitors a temporary bar and café/restaurant that feels permanent and inviting.”

UP YOUR GAME

IMG is now exploring new ways that it can develop the Glide at Battersea Power Station offering and experience further, with a focus on the promenade area to make it feel like an even more cohesive experience. It is also keen to turn the space into a festive market with more outdoor installations and food and beverage options.

Such learnings and ideas are important if IMG wishes to operate in a growing and competitive marketplace. Certainly, the appetite for festive events that offer value and deliver joy continues to expand.

Jonathan Brown, director of marketing and business development at NL Productions, says that the event production company feels a massive responsibility to produce Christmas events well, otherwise customers will vote with their feet.

NL Productions produces Castle of Light, Edinburgh, Monteviot Lights on the Scottish Borders, and Beecraigs Festive Forest, West Lothian. 2023 was the first time that the company had returned to Beecraigs after it helped to deliver the festive trail in 2019.

2023 featured a few changes including more interactive elements and less static displays.

“We designed a finale piece that incorporated lights, video, and atmospheric elements and added interactive pieces,” explains Brown. “We made small incremental changes that added depth to the event, which is important especially when it comes to established events; the quality needs to be upped.”

For 2024, NL Productions plans to develop the trail’s interactive elements even further, allowing guests to “curate their own experience and have fun”.

He comments: “People have a strong emotional connection to Christmas. They have traditions, they come together, and so you can’t get it wrong. A bad experience impacts a long-term family memory.”

Brown concludes: “As festive event organisers, you need to set yourself apart, not just in production but service levels too. You can spend £1 million on lights but that’s not good if the person your customer first meets in the car park is rude. People will only vote with their feet because they are no longer buying items at Christmas, they are buying experiences and need to believe that the money they are spending is well spent.”

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Time to take cover?

Prioritise the proper protection of your event with insurance from Protectivity

has expanded its event P rotectivity insurance offering in 2024 with a new

partnership with Convex, providing a wider offering for event organisers and exhibitors to select an appropriate policy.

The company’s growing portfolio of clients in 2023 demonstrates its ability to understand the unique risks and requirements facing event organisers, showcasing agility in adapting to the industry’s ever-evolving operational innovations.

A specialist approach has driven increased business from niche events and subsequently a greater depth of experience. From alternative dance festivals, country fairs and specific food and drink festivals, its understanding of the intricacies of individual risks involved is robust.

WHAT’S COVERED WITH PROTECTIVITY?

As organisations adopt more flexible work practices, Protectivity aims to adapt to these requirements with the cover on offer and continue to adjust to customer needs.

Single or Multiple Event Cover: Event organisers typically fall into two distinct camps,

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but both can be assured there is further flexibility to adapt policies in terms of capacity, duration and specialism.

Public Liability: A necessity to cover legal costs and damages if a third party is injured or their property is damaged during the event and subsequently makes a claim against you.

Event Equipment: A vital component for protection against damage and loss, avoiding losses that could disrupt the event and lead to financial setbacks. The cover incorporates all equipment the event is liable for, whether owned, leased, loaned or rented and if and when it’s in transit.

Event Money: Many organisers don’t have the resources to go cashless just yet. Event money cover can protect against losses to physical money during your event, including in transit between a venue and the bank.

Employers’ Liability: If employees or volunteers are involved in an event, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK and provides cover should a staff member suffer a work-related injury or illness.

Event Cancellation Cover: Financial losses can be recovered or reimbursed should

your event get cancelled, abandoned or rescheduled. This could be based on your event’s expected revenue or just the costs and expenses put down for the event. Ensuring that the event can still proceed at another time, without the pressure of further investment when recovering from an unexpected event cancellation.

Sim Winston, event underwriter at Protectivity, can help organisers choose the best cover for their event. He comments: “Whether you are organising a small community fair for residents or a large commercial event, with thousands of attendees, event insurance should be one of your primary considerations.

“Our insurance can remove the stress of further strain should you face unexpected financial losses. We can ensure we cover you for all the concerns you may have so that you can focus on organising the best event you possibly can.”

For more information, email simeonwinston@starpeakuk.com or call Sim on 01494 887909. Alternatively, get a quote online – visit www.protectivity.com

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WATER

WATER DIRECT

Current issues Organisers are making temporary water supply plans for 2024. StandOut looks at trends and best practices

event professionals know just how permanent infrastructure. Whilst the initial S avvy much of an impact the great British outlay is vast, organisers are thinking of

weather can have on an event site. From temperature control and trackway to weather shelters and showers, the pressure placed on event infrastructure when it’s chucking it down or boiling hot can go from one extreme to the next.

Tremendous amounts of rain can hugely affect how long people stay on your event and festival sites, how much they spend, and how much they smile! But if there’s a downpour, demand on temporary water infrastructure drops off.

From torrential rain to scorching temperatures, last summer’s weather extremes kept event professionals guessing.

Specifically, the heat intensified operational pressures, with crew and audiences battling to stay cool and hydrated.

So, with the Met Office already predicting that 2024 will be another record-breaking year for temperatures, what are organisers doing to ensure temporary water plans can handle what Mother Nature will throw at them and to save valuable resources?

INVESTMENT

A growing number of organisers are looking to reduce their reliance on temporary water equipment and are installing more

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long-term cost savings, especially as costs continue to rise.

For example, in 2023, CarFest invested time and money to build a ring main. Shambala did too. It worked with Liquiline – which has recently been acquired by Water Direct – and installed an additional ring main, with takeoffs at key points around the site, reducing the amount of overlay pipework required.

MTD is currently working with APL Event to install a potable water line at Creamfields’ Daresbury site. Such considerable CAPEX (capital expenditure) investment will improve traffic management around the site as all tankered water will be brought through one gate rather than two.

It’s believed that the savings from the work will be paid off within three years and it’s hoped that all future events will benefit from operational efficiencies.

LONG-TERM VIEW

Many organisers are taking a long-term view, thinking about water within their sustainability plans. For example, as well as the availability of potable drinking water, organisers are considering water usage and how they dispose of grey and black water. Belgium’s Paradise City festival works

with Hello Water and uses its mobile water treatment plant to filter grey water, which is released back into the local ponds, and it also works with Aquafin to collect wastewater from toilets, which is treated and released back into nature too.

Paradise City tracks and evaluates its energy, water, and waste data every year.

It uses water-use calculators to gather data on water consumption. As a result, the festival knows that wastewater per visitor stands at 4.77 litres, a reduction of more than 2.5 litres from the previous year. This decrease is the direct result of its decision to exclusively use vacuum toilets. But the festival is taking steps to use compost toilets more and more, minimising its dependency on fresh water. Hence, figures are expected to decrease even further.

NEW RULES

Green Deal Circular Festivals (GDCF) – a cooperation of the Dutch government and a growing community of European frontrunner festivals – has devised a GDCF Model, which aims to give inspiration to organisers that want to adopt a circular and climateneutral approach. For example, festivals are encouraged to create a water management plan, which looks at the associated impacts of supplying water [including tankering], treating wastewater before it leaves the site, and minimising the use of potable water. Organisers are also asked to consider prioritising water-free toilets, waterless urinals, and a mains supply. Plus, organisers of urban events are advised to look at purification systems and rainwater harvesting.

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WATER It’s believed that by adopting a circular approach, organisers will be able to save on operational costs. Especially as new water quality regulations have been introduced by the European Union and there’s a new Drinking Water Directive in Europe too.

Writing for GDCF, Chris Johnson, chair of Vision: 2025, says that the new water directive could see local, smaller facilities refuse to accept event wastewater or local authorities could implement new charging models for water disposal.

Whilst the regulations may not directly impact UK festivals, expect best practices, innovation and advancements in water treatment technology to filter through.

Johnson states that how the new directive impacts events will depend on location and local water infrastructure, but savvy organisers should expect a change in expectation, should focus more on monitoring, and should accept that new approaches to water management might be needed to meet future regulations and challenges.

INNOVATION

Last year, MTD launched Silver Label, a unit that can transform wastewater back into clean water. The water can then be used for flushing toilets or released back into the environment which could significantly reduce the need for wastewater tankering. MTD has confirmed that the product will undergo further European testing this summer before it’s introduced to the UK market in 2025.

Will Janes, account manager at MTD, says that sustainability and water quality are increasingly at the heart of conversations as organisers look to reduce water usage on site, save water, and provide guests with quality drinking water.

“In 2023, as many of our systems as possible had smart water meters on them and this is a trend we will continue with this year,” explained Janes. “Smart meters allow us to track how much water is used over an event and in specific areas of an event. It’s a key measure of sustainability. It is harder to make effective and measurable sustainability improvements if you don’t know your benchmark numbers. For projects where we have data from 2023, we will be able to advise on improvements.”

He continued: “As water quality is paramount to the services we provide, we will continuously innovate and improve the monitoring and testing of water. Our systems are monitored daily, and we will bring this part of our work more into focus this year. We are also in the very early testing phase of an instant water quality test, which will be trialled at some UK events.”

COMBINED EXPERTISE

Water Direct has entered into a partnership with MTD to offer turnkey solutions for the design, installation and management of water systems and quality-assured water for large-scale events and international projects.

This partnership will bring together the skills, knowledge, and experience of both

38 n www.water-direct.co.uk

MTD IN ACTION

MTD’S SILVER LABEL UNIT businesses to streamline the provision of water for events and provide a new service for event customers globally.

Bill Wootten, managing director of Liquiline, stated that more details about the benefits of the partnership will be shared in the coming weeks. But essentially, Liquiline will focus on tankering. Therefore, there are plans to expand the tankering fleet in the next six months.

Wootten continued: “Liquiline was bought by Water Direct last year and the two companies will now be moving forward under the Water Direct banner from 2024.

Both companies’ enviable reputations for quality and customer satisfaction, combined with Liquiline’s significant experience in the event sector, will enhance our scope and ability to undertake planned and emergency projects nationwide.

“The combined businesses will focus efforts predominantly on the provision of

tankered water to events, as well as bottled water supply and water systems for mass participation events, such as the British Heart Foundation’s London to Brighton Bike Ride.”

Alex Curtis, director of CJA Events, works with Liquiline on the delivery of the BHF bike ride and praised the business for its pre-planning and flexibility that enables the BHF team to manage challenging sites and install-de-rig schedules.

Wootten said that Liquiline is keen to support events in their sustainability efforts by providing relevant systems and topquality water for refill stations in place of bottled water.

Janes concluded: “Only 1.2 per cent of the water resources worldwide can be used as drinking water. It is a vital commodity, and we need to look after it!

Water quality is critical to an event so use a trusted water supplier to ensure the safety of customers.”

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JAMES DEAN EVENTS

North star A new outdoor event series is heading to the NEC this May. Called the CP Projekt, James Dean, CEO of James Dean Events, explains all…

JAMES DEAN EVENTS 40 n www.theebc.co.uk

JAMES DEAN EVENTS NEC

17 years, James Dean, chief He added: “On the same day, my assistant F orexecutive officer of James Dean Events, passed me an envelope and it was a digital

has been running successful events and festivals across the UK. From tribute festivals and events packed full of nostalgic acts, Dean has made a name for himself, ploughing away, and building a group that is now comprised of 10 event companies.

Today, he is excited once more, as he sits to chat with StandOut about his latest new venture – a month-long run of shows at Birmingham’s NEC. But the events are not taking place indoors. Instead, Dean and his team are busy planning the “CP Projekt” – the car park project; a total of 14 shows that will take place over four weekends, including two Bank Holidays, this May.

MITIGATE RISK

The car park project will take over the NEC’s North 5, a vast expanse of hard standing, so there’s no risk of any muddy fields if the heavens decide to open and Mother Nature has her way.

“In December [2022], I won an award at the UK Festival Awards and met a great guy called Andy Lenthall [CEO, UK Festival Awards],” explained Dean. “We had a conversation, and I said I was looking for a venue for a run of events. Andy knew what I was looking for; I needed the venue to be near major cities and I wanted an area of concrete to mitigate risks from infrequent weather patterns. He mentioned the NEC.”

pitch deck from the NEC. I got straight on the phone to Richard.”

The Richard that Dean refers to is Richard Mann, new business director at the NEC, the man in charge of promoting the NEC’s varied event spaces to organisers. And in this case, the NEC’s North 5. “We have 100 acres of hard standing on our site,” explained Mann. “James’ events will take place on the north side of our campus, on the sexily titled North 5 car park, next to where we hosted Wireless in 2022.”

LESSONS LEARNED

“We’ve been wanting to diversify for a while now,” Mann tells StandOut. “The summer was traditionally quite quiet, and the site was under-utilised at certain times of the year.

“When Live Nation and Festival Republic put in the infrastructure for Wireless, they took it all out and in hindsight, it could have stayed in, and the asset could have been sweated more.”

SERENDIPITY

Since Wireless graced the Birmingham site in 2022, the NEC has actively been encouraging outdoor event organisers and promoters to consider the NEC for their events and festivals. The NEC’s pitch deck caught Dean’s eye as it landed on his desk at the end of a busy summer. Some might even call Dean’s conversation with Lenthall and the pitch deck landing serendipity but whatever it is, it’s clear that this new relationship is working for both ambitious parties.

Dean is incredibly excited for the future.

“Our first site meeting was at the end of October, and we have another site meeting tomorrow,” Dean commented. “The event management plan is done, and we have a few Ts to cross, and some Is to dot but I really do think the planets aligned and that’s why we’re here now.”

JAMES DEAN (he/him) www.theebc.co.uk n 41

JAMES DEAN EVENTS WIRELESS

Mann says that the NEC team – Kara Pridmore, event manager, Michelle Baldwin, head of events, and Linda Ritchie, venue general manager – learned a lot from their first festival experience in 2022. They acquired new skills around outdoor events, particularly around wayfinding and egress, and these skills will be drawn on when Dean and his team descend on North 5 later this year.

LONG-TERM PLANS

The events – everything from cinematic events in a big top to concert-style shows, one-day festivals and family-focused events – will run from May 3 to 27. This year, Dean and his team – Michael Kelly, festival director, Connor Lovejoy, assistant festival director, and Simon Stanaway, operations and logistics – are expecting 5,000 to 6,000 people per show [except the cinematic events in the big top] and there is the potential to go up to 20,000 people in the future.

“We’re already looking at acts for next year,” Dean added. “This year, we were late getting to market but we’re now having big conversations about 2025.”

Dean is thinking long-term. He has three main goals for 2024. He wishes to develop a “fantastic working relationship” with the NEC team and leave a pristine site, he wants to ensure ticketholders a great customer

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RICHARD MANN (he/him) experience, and he wants to try and breakeven in year one. Which is why that particular point is his third priority and not his first.

Mann confirms that both parties are already talking about year two. He added: “We want customers to have a great time and associate

our campus with good entertainment. When we started on this journey, we were aware that when you think of festivals, you think of green fields, and you don’t think of a car park at the NEC. But I really do hope we can build something together.”

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TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS

Smooth operations Good logistics and transportation require meticulous planning, a calm mind, and a can-do attitude. Here, event professionals and industry experts discuss market trends and why it’s important to be ready for anything…

FORMULA E

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TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS events professional A nwillexperienced understand the pressures

of organising a large trade show or exhibition and the logistical and operational challenges that come with managing multiple exhibitors, traders, and suppliers. So imagine, the task if the “venue” you have chosen to work in is not a traditional venue with standard vehicle access. It’s a quarry!

This is the exact scenario faced by The QMJ Group, organiser of Hillhead, the quarrying, construction and recycling exhibition that takes place at Tarmac’s Hillhead Quarry in Derbyshire.

It’s a massive event that takes place in harsh surroundings, often at the mercy of the elements. And it’s now Exhibit 3Sixty’s job as the official logistics contractor to manage logistics on the site when a multitude of exhibitors exhibit at the threeday event this June (June 25-27).

BUYING EXPERIENCE

Exhibit 3Sixty’s logistics director, Matthew Williams and logistics manager, Stephen Stewart, are both veterans of Hillhead.

Stewart and Williams first worked on Hillhead in 1990. Having built a strong working relationship with the team behind the large-scale outdoor event, now the duo return to Hillhead but as Exhibit 3Sixty.

“I started Melville Logistics in 2000,” explained Williams. “GES bought us, and we became GES Logistics and then I left GES and joined Exhibit 3Sixty. Stephen also left GES and so when Harvey [Harvey Sugden, event manager at The QMJ Group] approached us, I pitched [for the Hillhead contract].”

People buy from people and so when it came down to experience and knowing the site, The QMJ Group adopted to work with Exhibit 3Sixty. Sugden commented: “We have worked with Matthew and Stephen at Hillhead for many years, and we are delighted to welcome them back, as they bring valuable skills, experience and expertise to this landmark event.”

READY FOR ANYTHING

Hillhead is a large-scale event with a combination of tricky loads and variable terrain. Therefore, an experienced hand is needed to run the logistics, especially as the event’s Showground Pavilion has been extended for 2024. It will be home to more than 180 exhibitors thanks to more than 1,300 square metres of additional indoor space. More exhibitors equals more logistics to consider.

Exhibit 3Sixty will be storing and transporting exhibitors’ equipment to their stands around the site to keep roads clear of traffic and to account for the limited access to and from the quarry. Requiring a multi-skilled team of 10 people for the eight days of build and four days of

www.theebc.co.uk n 45

TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS

HILLHEAD breakdown, Exhibit 3Sixty will be deploying, eight forklift trucks (four x telescopic, two x counterbalance and two x all terrain), two Mercedes sprinter vans and other lifting equipment, including pallet trucks, jibs, and ancillaries whilst NMT Crane Hire will be responsible for all major crane work.

Williams and Stewart’s long track record of managing logistics will be essential to the smooth build-up and breakdown of the show.

Williams said: “We’re looking forward to returning to Hillhead in 2024 – the terrain and relief of the quarry is a big challenge, and the weather can change road conditions in an instant. Our success relies on meticulous planning and booking ahead of the event, and having detailed contingency plans ready for the most common problems we’re likely to be facing. Like with every large outdoor event you have to be ready for anything.”

METICULOUS PLANNING

This year, Exhibit3Sixty is providing logistics support to the Southampton International Boat Show, ScotPlant, New Scientist Live, and the Plant Based World Expo, amongst others.

Williams continued: “We want to work with good people that we want to do a good job for. But what’s the secret to good logistics? It’s all about good communication and talking about what you do and how you do it. You have to talk to everyone – organisers, contractors, and exhibitors – and the more you talk, the more people understand. Then, you can figure out good ways to make things work.”

Stuart McPherson, CEO of KB Event, the event transport and logistics specialist, concurred with Williams. Communication is key. “Logistics is like maths,” McPherson

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commented. “It’s just a big equation and you have to move things around.”

McPherson makes the art of moving things from A to B sound easy. But when you have to source 1,000 drivers to cope with the logistical demands of COP26 or you need to work out the most efficient and sustainable way to transport essential event infrastructure because there’s an intense tour schedule to meet, you need meticulous planning, a calm mind, patience and a can-do attitude.

EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable logistics was at the forefront of Formula E’s mind when it decided to move its global logistics headquarters from the UK to Spain. The electric racing series recently announced that it would be relocating its logistical operations to the Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia. Previously located at Donington Park, the new global hub in Valencia “presents a strategic advancement in logistics efficiency and sustainability”. Its proximity to a major port will optimise freight routes across Europe and beyond, enhancing Formula E’s ability to leverage sustainable sea freight options, it says. This includes the prioritisation of ships powered by sustainable biofuel, in collaboration with the championship’s official logistics partner DHL. Formula E’s Alberto Longo, co-founder and chief championship officer, described the move as an important step for the electric single-seater championship, which will race on the streets of Tokyo for the first time this year as well as Italy’s Misano circuit. He said maintaining the most sustainable freight routes is a priority for the race series.

And it’s a priority for DSV Solutions too, which has developed Green Logistics, a set

of solutions ranging from Co2 reporting, sustainable warehousing, supply chain optimisation, and sustainable fuels. Each solution is designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the supply chain.

HONESTY

According to Paul Brady, senior manager, strategic accounts at DSV Solutions, the company has already had an extremely busy start to the year with significant event activity in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

However, Houthi attacks are impacting freight traffic via the Suez Canal and national holidays like Chinese New Year can cause customs delays. Such events can impact customer deadlines which is why lead times are critical and organisers need to look ahead. “The more notice we have to arrange a shipment, regardless of location, the more likely it is that we can overcome any potential delays,” explained Brady. “There will always be stumbling blocks and barriers in the logistics world, but we are an industry that is used to these sorts of challenges, so we quickly find a way to overcome and deliver.”

Like Williams, Brady concurred that open and honest conversations sit at the heart of good logistics. He concluded: “Communication, attention to detail and transparency are key to good transportation and logistics. Sometimes, delays are out of our control, and we must be honest with our clients from the outset so that they can plan. If we can foresee a potential delay then we will ensure our client is fully aware of the possible issues, enabling them to add a contingency if needed. Clients appreciate the honesty and I think this in turn helps build solid relationships.”

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VIEWPOINT

Next level engagement Matthew Lamb, director of This is EventoS, a customer experience consultation company, explains why mapping the full customer journey is essential to your event’s success

MATTHEW LAMB (he/him)

All images: © Maxime Bhm/Unsplash/GlobeletReusable

was the last time you mapped out W hen your event’s full customer journey?

Have you ever considered every touchpoint of engagement, from ticket purchase to feedback forms and everything in between?

Taking the time to investigate every detail can prevent complaints and propel your event to success. Instead of waiting for negative feedback to appear in the comments and complaints section on your website, try to identify and address potential issues before they arise. In this way, we can delve into the importance of customer experience and appreciate its role in the event’s overall success.

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EXPERIENCE MAPPING

Understanding the customer experience is also key to recognising the impact of participant engagement

Customer experience mapping is a simple yet powerful tool that can transform the way people engage with your event and business.

By using this technique, event organisers can better understand their customers and deliver more impactful and sustainable experiences.

In 2023, the impact of the pandemic showcased notable behavioural changes in how people interact with events, including live performances. Today, customers have higher expectations for engagement and their overall experience. A reflective customer experience plan can help enhance customer feedback and provide added value beyond

their initial expectations. By considering customer experience more deeply, organisers can deliver a more meaningful and memorable experience.

INCENTIVISE YOUR AUDIENCE

Fostering an exceptional customer experience plan can be a game-changer for businesses.

The key is to actively engage and incentivise your audience to invest in your brand. In the past, customer satisfaction was defined by reviews on platforms such as TripAdvisor and social media feedback. However, now is the time to do more. Create a unique experience that resonates with your customers and

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VIEWPOINT

CAPTION

creates a lasting impression. For example, instead of just a traditional concert, bands can now incorporate a live art show during their performance, taking the event to a whole new level.

staged satisfaction can be worth 10 times the cost of the event itself. With careful consideration and planning, events have the power to leave a lasting impression on your guests and attendees.

CAPTIVATING CONTENT

CRAFTED EXPERIENCE

Organisers should consider emotional engagement, specifically the “drop” moment. Similar to the feeling of walking into a nightclub and anticipating a euphoric moment, event planners should consider their own version of this. What is the experience that will instantly captivate attendees and create an emotional connection? Have you ever considered these moments that can differentiate your event from your competitors?

By integrating the “drop” moment into the event, attendees can be emotionally engaged and stimulated in a positive way, leading to a heightened experience throughout the entire event. Strategically planned touchpoints can further enhance this engagement, resulting in a memorable experience that goes beyond simply attending an event.

Even moments such as a try being scored on a rugby field can be built upon with the use of music and an enthusiastic commentator. Surprise elements that cause

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Events are more than just a gathering of people, but an opportunity for selfimprovement and growth. Whether it’s an opportunity to learn or reflect, events should leave a lasting impact on attendees. Instead of only focusing on crowd control, organisers should work on creating a journey that provides a perfectly crafted experience. It may seem like only sensory-engaging events, such as light trails, can evoke transformation through emotions, but every occasion that brings people together should strive to achieve this goal. By doing so, the industry can move past the challenging times of the past and move towards a brighter future – quite literally. Ultimately, the goal is to make attendees feel something, and if technology can help achieve this, then it’s a valuable asset to any event.

BUILD A STORY

When building a story, individuals should not only be considered as characters within it but should also be allowed to write it

themselves. This realisation can provide organisers with a clearer path for planning the customer journey, as satisfaction leads to word-of-mouth promotion of the journey’s success. A comprehension of the customer experience in turn can recognise the true impact of participant engagement. It’s important for organisers to recognise the true impact that some decisions may have on participants, and to incorporate their feedback into the planning process.

EMPOWERING PARTICIPANTS

When crafting a story, it’s crucial to not just view individuals as characters, but also give them a chance to take an active role in shaping it. By doing so, event professionals can more easily map out a customer journey that satisfies participants and encourages them to spread the word about their positive experiences.

Understanding the customer experience is also key to recognising the impact of participant engagement. Organisers need to acknowledge the impact that decisions can have on participants and integrate their input into the planning process.

The message is clear: transform every event into a polished journey that leaves a long-lasting impression on everyone involved and for all to enjoy.

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EBCOLLECTIVE

EVENT BUYERS COLLECTIVE AT EVENT BUYERS LIVE 2023

Powerful combination Adam Pike, director of Swift MRP, is a founding member of the Event Buyers Collective (EBC).

Here, he talks of his role at EBC and what the collective can offer the live events industry…

WHAT IS EBCOLLECTIVE AND HOW DID IT COME ABOUT?

Event Buyers Collective (EBC) in essence is simply a group of companies that when pulled together in a single portfolio, have all the expertise to deliver an entire event, project, or experience. Coppard Digital, Endigo Event Communications, StandOut Multimedia, Style Branding Merchandise, and Swift MRP form the collective and we are working together, combining extensive experience and knowledge to deliver the many varied facets that make projects and events successful. Clients can pick any service – website design, venue finding, event managers, event consultation, branded merchandise, story-telling and marketing services and support – they want, making it an easy service to work with.

Event Buyers Collective came about when Neil [Neil Fagg, event director of Event Buyers Live] and I had our regular catchup. We noticed that there was a real buzz within the Event Buyers Live (EBL) community. People wanted to know how they could access the service that put on EBL. Like most events, it’s a culmination of multiple people coming together to deliver the event. Thus we thought it a great idea to create our own community of companies to allow others access to the team that plans and executes EBL.

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AND AREAS OF EXPERTISE AND WHERE DO THEY SIT WITHIN EBC? My biggest strength is in the planning and

52 n www.theebc.co.uk

execution of an event, with a real focus on the creative and storytelling journey of an event.

I’ve been in the industry for more than 25 years and have worked on pretty much every single type of event possible. My goal has always been to create a reputation for a client and exceed expectations. Ultimately, I’m here to make you look good! This feeds into EBC with the planning, both long-term and shortterm for the client, providing the funnel and structure of the event.

The dynamic is fluid in EBC, with each company having its own area of expertise.

This allows the client to have a single point of primary contact with the rest of the collective supporting as a team, depending on their primary objective and expectation.

HOW WILL EBC DIFFER FROM ANY OTHER SERVICE PROVIDER IN THE EVENTS INDUSTRY? WHAT’S YOUR USP?

Our USP is our people. It’s the proposition that a client can tap into industry experts in many different fields and know the knowledge exists to safely navigate them through their journey. We have a combined collective experience of more than 200 years, which does make me feel very old!

WHO OR WHAT WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?

For me that’s easy! It’s a client who can find the value in the knowledge and expertise we have and want to weave that into their project. The best and most exciting projects always form from everyone coming together

ADAM PIKE (he/him) with ideas, and the experts helping guide the journey showing what in reality is possible with whatever constraints they have. I love a project that’s in the realisation and funding stage as those pipe dream ideas have a chance to land and provide real ROI as they are a milestone from the outset.

WHAT PLANS DOES EBC HAVE FOR THE FUTURE?

I think the key to this is the foundations. It’s ensuring everyone in the collective has their own focus, in their area of expertise, and loves to collaborate on projects. This then will be the catalyst to help more clients with their events and projects, representing real tangible value. For the future, I would love to see us deliver a full service and even maybe add another couple of experts to the collective as its goal is simply to help people create and deliver amazing events and experiences whilst providing knowledge and support.

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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 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/ Crewsaders Ltd T: +44 (0)345 094 4884 W: www.crewsaders.com

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

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 Optimal Events Group Ltd / Trading as Optimal Crew Marsh Mill Village, 5A, Fleetwood Rd N, Thornton-Cleveleys FY5 4JZ T: 07375 843976 E: jordan@optimalcrew.co.uk W: https://optimalcrew.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 PRODUCTION

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

Symphotech Safety. Production. Noise Management Claire Feeney T: 0871 711 5264 E: claire@symphotech.co.uk EVENT SAFETY Eep Safety Team Unit 42, Dunsfold Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU6 8TB T: 01483 266486 E: tom@eepteam.com W: www.eepsafety.com

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

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

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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

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

CONNECTIONS 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 FENCING & BARRIERS

FLAGS

Instant Marquees T: 01840 213063 www.instantmarquees.co.uk FLOORING & FLOOR COVERINGS

MOJO Rental UK Ltd Unit 3-6 Longpond Works, Wrotham, Borough Green Kent TN158DE United Kingdom T: 01708 687440 W: www.mojorental.com

Coir Store E: andy@coirstore.co.uk T: 07884303082 W: www.coirstore.co.uk

Festival Gas Priors Revel, Church lane, Middleton, Nr Tamworth, B78 2AL T: 07930 758893 E: simon@festivalgas.co.uk W: www.festivalgas.co.uk

Event Flooring Solutions Ltd T: 01509 768 252 E: sales@efseurope.co.uk W: www.efseurope.co.uk

FESTIVAL GAS

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 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

CTN Exhibitions Limited Unit G3A, Halesfield 19, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 4QT T: 01952 680423 E: Sales@ctn-uk.com W: www.ctn-uk.com

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

BiemmedueUK & Arcotherm Unit 12, Wilson Road, South Wigston Leicester LE18 4TP T: 01773 836999 | E: sales@biemmedueuk.com W: www.biemmedueuk.com

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

www.ctn-uk.com n 59

CONNECTIONS Cooling and Heating Solutions Ltd T: 01590 681 434 E: sales@candhs.co.uk W: www.coolingandheatingsolutions.com

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

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

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

INSURANCE Arc International St. Clare House, 30-33 Minories, London, EC3N 1PE T: 0207 977 7637 W: www.arc-int.co.uk/

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

Tysers Insurance Brokers 71 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 4BS T: 0203 037 8000 E: tim.rudland@tysers.com W: www.tysers.com

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

Vento Event Insurance by Event People 107 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 5JF T: 0333 090 7589 E: freddie@ventoinsurance.com W: www.ventoinsurance.com

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

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

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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

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

CONNECTIONS 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

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

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

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

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

POWER & GENERATORS Energy Management Services Ltd T: 0333 305 5144 E: admin@energyms.co.uk W: www.energyms.co.uk

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

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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

Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

CONNECTIONS RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

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

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

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

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/ 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

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 Steeldeck Rentals Unit 58, T. Marchant Estate, 42 - 72 Verney Rd, London SE16 3DH T: +44 (0)207 833 2031 E: rentals@steeldeck.co.uk W: www.steeldeck.co.uk

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CONNECTIONS STEWARDS / MARSHALLS

Stunning Tents Creative House, Station Road, Theale RG7 4PD T: 0118 380 5590 E: team@stunningtents.co.uk W: www.Stunningtents.co.uk

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

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

The Dome Company T: 07876673354 E: info@thedomecompany.co.uk W: www.thedomecompany.co.uk

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

The Theatre Tent Company Unit 4 Grimes Close, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3EN T: 01162674151 E: sayhello@theatretent.eu W: www.TheatreTent.co.uk

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

NEPTUNUS Ltd Cob Drive, Swan Valley, Northampton NN4 9BB T: 01604 593820 E: sales@neptunus.co.uk W: www.neptunus.co.uk

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Sponsored by CTN Exhibitions Limited

CONNECTIONS 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 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 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 VENUE MAPPING

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 SimpliWifi Unit 13, Leominster Enterprise Park, Leominster, Herefordshire, Hr6 0LX T: 0800 298 9434 E: hello@simpliwifi.agency W: https://simpliwifi.agency

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

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