AUTUMN 2016
Lisbon A CITY ARMED WITH GOTHIC GRIT AND GLAMOUR
NORTHAMPTON Unearthing its hidden gems
BIG TOP CASE STUDY
Supporting RUNS4FUNDS AND THOMAS’S FUND
Welcome to EVOLUTION MAGAZINE
Hi I am absolutely delighted to introduce you to the Autumn Edition of Evolution magazine. I really can’t believe how quickly the time has gone since the Spring Edition – so much has happened. Team GB had our most successful Olympics and Paralympics ever – as a trustee of SportsAid, I was so pleased to see so many of our alumni getting medals – the football Euro Championships brought mixed success for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (as an England fan, the less said about that, the better) and then there was/is Brexit! Who knows where Brexit will ultimately lead, but so far so good – we are not currently seeing any adverse impact on the events side of things here in the UK, or with our overseas work. The team at our Spanish office in Los Alcazeres report business very much as usual too, though I’d say there’s a nervous curiosity in Spain about where Brexit leaves the rest of the EU. Perhaps by the time I write the next welcome, things will be a lot clearer. Aside from a plethora of major events and projects, both UK and European, (some covered in this magazine) Team Evolution has been busy exploring new venues and restaurants to share with you. On a personal note, I managed to sneak in a first trip to Lisboa, thanks to my amazing hosts All About Flights, The Corinthia Lisboa, TAP and DMC Advantage/Portugal Travel Team; you can read my personal Travelogue in this edition. And… I don't like to mention the ‘Christmas’ word so soon, especially as it’s currently 30c here in MK, but you need to start planning your party ASAP! That’s enough from me, I hope you enjoy your Autumn Edition of Evolution magazine and that you’ll find some features of particular interest to you. It goes without saying, if there’s anything at all that you’d like to ask me or the team, just get in touch – our contact details can be found on the inside back page.
ANDI SWAIN CEO EVOLUTION INTERNATIONAL
Copyright © Evolution International 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
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CONTENTS 2
2 Lisbon Evolution’s CEO Andi Swain discusses his recent trip to Lisbon – come and read about his adventures!
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4 Big Top Case Study Finding the perfect venue for your event isn’t always easy, let us help!
6 Welcome to Northampton Unearthing hidden gems –
Northampton is a brilliant place to hold your event.
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8 Celebrate Christmas with Evolution Evolution Christmas parties aren’t your ordinary set up – let your imagination run wild!
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10 Lisa's Lunches This month Key Client and Event
Project Manager Lisa Wigley shares her pick of some of her favourite restaurants.
11 Venue News Three exciting new venues are opening in Central London – be the first to visit them.
12 Music Feature Strike a chord with your colleagues and let music make your event.
14 Runs4Funds With sport a keen interest for many
at Evolution, a charity cricket match was something we were delighted to be involved with!
15 Staff Profile Q & A In this issue we ask Evolution Key Client and Event Project Manager Lisa Wigley what floats her boat!
16 Video Leaders Producing creative and innovative pieces that ensure you engage with your target audience.
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Lisbon A CITY ARMED WITH GOTHIC GRIT AND GLAMOUR WHEN TASKED WITH ARRANGING CLIENT TRIPS OR TEAM AWAY DAYS, WHERE DO YOU THINK OF? A LOCAL RESTAURANT? MAYBE A DAY IN THE CAPITAL? WELL, HOW ABOUT LISBON... I know what you’re thinking, ‘Isn’t that Portugal? What can we do there?’ Well, as it happens there’s an awful lot, with activities to keep clients and colleagues engaged for days.
Traditional, bright and vibrant, the city of Lisbon is Europe’s second-oldest capital, with a fantastic mix of culture and business, suitable for any incentive travel trip or overseas conference. Our CEO, Andi Swain, recently visited the city to check out what’s on offer, take a look at his travelogue to see what’s available for you in this beautiful destination.
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ANDI SWAIN TRAVELOGUE - DAY 1 Porto de Santa Maria restaurant
Following a smooth arrival into Lisbon’s International Airport (serving global destinations) I got straight to ‘work’ with a short car ride to the Quayside; unlike many capital city airports, Lisbon’s is in the heart of the city centre, so it’s just a ten minute ride. Jumping into a rib at the quayside, I headed down the Tagus River to Cascais, a 30 minute trip. This was my lunch destination – the Porto de Santa Maria restaurant situated right on the wide sandy beach. The restaurant is renowned for its seafood dishes – my favourite without a doubt, their gorgeous Robalo no sal (sea bass baked in salt) and with its relaxed atmosphere and fantastic food, it’s the perfect place to treat clients or colleagues.
Hermitage of Peninha
Once lunch was over, it was time for my next activity – jeep off-roading. There’s an easy route along the coast road if you have guests who don’t wish to be thrown around, but I opted for the challenger route! Basically, the driver took a narrow lane up into the Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais – a huge forest! The jeep rock-and-rolled through the trees (the smell of the trees and wild flowers was amazing), climbing ever higher until we reached the Hermitage of Peninha, a disused convent with spectacular views down to the coastline of Lisbon in the distance. From there, I headed back down the twisting lanes into the beautiful town of Sintra, with its ornate town square surrounded by cafes, bars and restaurants.
Corinthia Lisboa Hotel
After a drink and cake on a café’s rooftop terrace, I headed to my hotel, the modern 5* Corinthia Lisboa. This is a terrific conference hotel, plush and with lots of facilities, including a pool and spa, two 5* rated restaurants and outside terraces – the Corinthia was awarded Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2015. With over 500 bedrooms, conference facilities for up to 1,400 delegates spread across 16 rooms and just a ten-minute transfer from the airport, the Corinthia is the perfect MICE venue.
DAY 2 VW Bettle touing
Igreja do Carmo
Up bright and early to make the most of our time in Lisbon, I was greeted by a convoy of open-top VW beetles, ready to take us on a full day tour of the city, its sights and venues. Suitable for both large and small groups, the cars provided another fun way to see the sights – and allowed us to soak up the sun at the same time – bonus!
shop. A number of the historical buildings are available for private hire, giving you the opportunity to hold your event or dinner in a truly amazing space; a particular favourite of mine was the Igreja do Carmo, a ruined church open to the skies and perfect for something very very different. And I must mention the Convento do Beato – a huge space with many smaller rooms and cloisters, perfect for exhibitions and big dinners! A very hectic schedule, but I’m now armed with lots of exciting venues to share with our clients.
Amongst the historical sights, I visited the beautiful Jeronimos Monastery and the Santa Just lift with its amazing roof top views of the city; a particular highlight was visiting Pasteis de Belem, a famous cake and pastry
In the evening, another super surprise - as
1300Taberna
we were sure to travel in style - heading out from the hotel in a fleet of tuk tuks for more sight seeing. Our ultimate destination was the incredible LX factory – a disused old lighting factory that has been reclaimed by pop-up bars, restaurants, artists and sculptors… very bohemian and truly atmospheric. We ate in 1300Taberna, a vibrant, high ceilinged restaurant serving terrific tapas and mains; a great dinner venue for large groups. After dinner, we took to the streets of Lisbon, exploring the night life on offer – it gets a big thumbs up from me!
SUMMARY With so many activities, so many sights to see – the scaled down Christ the Redeemer for one – and so many ways to see them, Lisbon is a fantastic destination for any business looking to do something a bit different for their clients or colleagues. And with our great relationships with the local transport suppliers, restaurants and venues - including The Corinthia Lisboa and our travel partner All About Flights - we’ll organise a seamless few days for your group and a trip to remember.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VENUE FINDING, CALL +44 (0)1908 965 555
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Halford’s
BIG TOP BY NEIL WOODWARD One of our recent ‘venue builds’ saw us working with Halfords Retail, organising a conference and gala dinner for their Store Manager Team, at the company’s offices in Redditch.
FINDING THAT PERFECT VENUE FOR YOUR EVENT CAN BE TRICKY AT THE BEST OF TIMES, LET ALONE WHEN YOU’RE GIVEN A RESTRICTED LOCATION TO FIND SOMETHING. SO, HOW CAN YOU ENSURE THAT YOU GET WHAT YOU WANT, WHERE YOU WANT? WHY NOT BUILD YOUR OWN VENUE? BETTER STILL, GET US TO DO IT FOR YOU...
EVENT FACT FILE The Client:
Halfords Retail
0 Number of delegates: 60 The Task: day Create and organise a two ner conference and gala din ment, for Senior Store Manage scratch. from ue ven building the
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The brief stated that the event must be held within the grounds of Halfords Retail HQ, as it was key that delegates saw the support centre. However, no building on-site was big enough to hold 600 guests, except the warehouse. We came up with the idea to use a Big Top, taking over a large lawn and car park and achieving the all-important request – keeping the event on-site. Travelling up several days before the event, the Evolution team helped Halfords Retail with presentation slide building, speaker choreography and many pre-production requests – extra toilets, security, entertainment and catering. Then, it was on to the big build. Taking over the site for one week, including the two-day event and de-rigging, the team built the Big Top and interior stage set-ups from scratch, placing a circular stage in the centre and tiered seating around the sides of the tent, ensuring delegates got the best view of their speakers.
With both our in-house event management and technical production teams on site, we were able to deal with any last minute requests, changing the stage height and making various tweaks to better suit requirements. Focusing on the future by introducing new values and branding, the conference proved a great success, before delegates headed out onto the support centre site to make team videos and meet their support centre colleagues – giving the Evolution team the chance to transform the venue, ready for the night ahead. With a deadline of just three hours, it was down to us to strip out the seating, screens and central stage; hoover the carpet; build an entire new stage; reposition the lighting; bring in a band sound system; oh, and set out 60 round tables and 600 dining chairs. Roping in a crew of 30, and using military precision, the transformation was complete within two and a half hours – an almighty achievement.
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"A measure of how pleased Halfords Retail were with the day, they entered the conference in to two industry award events - National and International! "
With an acrobatics theme, five artists performed amazing routines including trapeze and rope acts, before the audience took to the dance floor (almost all of them!) to sing and dance along to The Air Guitar Band and our house DJ Tim Cullen – all organised by our event management team. A measure of how pleased Halfords Retail were with the day, they entered the conference in to two industry award events National and International!
TO SEE MORE OF THIS EVENT, TAKE A LOOK AT THE COMPILATION VIDEO ON OUR YOUTUBE PAGE:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb_hKBN3UHY
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VENUE BUILDS, CALL +44 (0)1908 965 555
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As one of the largest towns in the UK, and situated just minutes from the M1, A45 and A43, with easy train links to London and Birmingham, Northampton is a brilliant place to hold your event. The town is set in the middle of lovely rolling countryside, dotted with pretty Northants Stone villages and country houses such as Althorp House, home to the Spencer family. Located just thirty minutes away from us here in Milton Keynes, we have become very familiar with Northampton over the years, holding many client events in the town and surrounding areas, and discovering all of its hidden gems. Take a look at some of our favourite venues and see what sort of event we can arrange for you there.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS
COUNTY CRICKET CLUB
RUGBY CLUB
A fantastic sporting venue right on Northampton’s doorstep is the Northamptonshire County Cricket Club. With all rooms overlooking the picturesque setting of the cricket ground, it’s a venue that is unique from the norm. NCCC has spaces available all year round and masses of free car parking – it’s also incredibly easy for your delegates to find, just two miles from the M1. The largest room is the Indoor Arena, providing a conference space for up to 1,000, a banquet style dinner for 500, an exhibition or – our favourite use – a huge themed Christmas or summer party.
If cricket isn’t your thing, head to the Northampton Saints Rugby Club.
Allan Lamb Suite
Suitable for exhibitions, banqueting, conferences, and even weddings, Franklin’s Gardens has the capacity to hold any event of your choice, with the added bonus of 1,000 car parking spaces available on site for free.
For medium size groups, there is the Old Speckled Hen Lounge, which holds 300 people in theatre style, or 200 cabaret. Looking out onto the pitch, and with a large veranda area that can be used for BBQ catering, this space really is a room with a view. For smaller events, there is also the Hevey Suite that can accommodate 120 people cabaret, intimate meeting rooms and corporate boxes dotted around the ground.
Arena
Out of cricket season, the pitch is also available for outside events, leaving a whole host of options. Depending on imagination and budget, these events can feature ideas such as: an outdoor cinema, circus and fairground attractions. Hevey Suite
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Home to the 2014 English club rugby champions, Northampton Saints, Franklin’s Gardens has a great sporting history throughout the grounds, providing an educational experience about the team and how it’s developed over the years.
Whether it’s for five, or 500, Northampton Saints Rugby Club has facilities such as suites, lounges, boxes and interconnecting rooms, ensuring you find the perfect space for your event, and you may just be lucky enough to bump into a player on your way round!
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South Range Credit: Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust
DELAPRÉ ABBEY
DELEGATES STAYING THE NIGHT?
The beautiful Grade II* Listed Delapré Abbey, just one mile from Northampton town centre, is entering an exciting new phase in its history. Following the success of a Heritage Lottery Fund application in 2013, a £6.3 million project is underway, transforming this ‘Building at Risk’, into the UK’s newest heritage visitor attraction for local, national and even international visitors. Opening its doors to the public in February 2017 for the first time in 900 years, the Abbey provides a unique setting for corporate events and parties, with fantastic spaces rich in history and design.
There’s plenty of choice for accommodation in and around the Town including:
Delapre Abbey aerial view - Credit: Delapre Abbey Preservation
For somewhat quirkier, individual hotels check out the likes of Sedgebrook Hall, The Hopping Hare and The Poplars Hotel.
From the traditional Abbey itself, to a converted stable block, or the modern New Conservatory, Delapré offers something for everyone, with rooms suitable for conferences, team building, dinners or even weddings – the Abbey will be licensed for ceremonies and receptions, be it small, intimate gatherings or large, sociable occasions. With plenty of land surrounding the Abbey, it is also possible to hold your event outdoors – providing the English weather is up to it. There’s even space to set-up our Big Top conference and party venue.
The Park Inn by Radisson Northampton, Northampton Marriott Hotel, Hilton Northampton and a good selection of Premier and Holiday Inns.
The Park Inn by Radisson Stable Block - Credit: Delapre Abbey Preservation
ROCKINGHAM RACE CIRCUIT Northampton Marriott
The Hopping Hare
Another unusual – and terrific – venue worthy of a mention is Rockingham Race Circuit, located north of the town close to Corby. Perfect for team building activities, the Motor Race Circuit is a perfect way to reward your staff for all their hard work, with full driving experience days proving a great way to get everyone together.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VENUES, CALL +44 (0)1908 965 555
Suitable from two, to 200 guests, the venue also offers space for dinners, with glass suites overlooking the race track. In addition, Rockingham Race Circuit can also be used for exhibitions, research and development and product launches, providing a great alternative space for your event.
Sedgebrook Hall
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BY ADAM KITE
CHRISTMAS PARTIES... THEY’RE OFTEN REMEMBERED FOR EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF ALCOHOL AND DODGY DANCE MOVES, RATHER THAN THE VENUE’S DÉCOR AND TABLE SETTINGS. HOWEVER, EVOLUTION CHRISTMAS PARTIES AREN’T YOUR ORDINARY SET UP – WITH OUR REPUTATION BUILT ON CREATING AMAZING THEMES AND STAFF DEDICATION THAT KNOWS NO BOUNDS.
“We have loads of themed ideas for you to choose from - new and old - taking away the hassle of finding that perfect theme for your event” 8
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Selfie Area
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At Evolution, we strive to make your party an unforgettable experience, taking your idea straight off the paper and turning it into reality – you tell us what you want, we’ll make it happen. We deliver perennial favourites like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - picture yourself arriving into a winter wonderland filled with real Christmas trees covered in snow and decorated with candy canes and candy floss, before continuing your magical journey along the Wonka Bridge, surrounded by giant sweets, mushroom toadstools and a model of Charlie and his Grandad. The bridge itself covered in UV lighting to create a fantastic neon ambience. Across the room, a Fizzy Lifting room awaits, ready for a fabulous drinks reception and leaving guests eager to find out what the rest of the night has in store.
We have loads of themed ideas for you to choose from – new and old - taking away the hassle of finding that perfect theme for your event. We can even work with you to create a concept from scratch, allowing a bespoke event, specifically tailored to your objectives.
Fizzy Lifting room And then there’s our Apres Ski event Alpine bars, tonnes of ‘snow’ and enough wooden logs to build a raft, not forgetting copious amounts of mulled wine… or there’s Winter Wonderland, a Christmas Market, Bollywood, and even Vaudeville and the Moulin Rouge …
“Our Apres Ski event has Alpine bars, tonnes of ‘snow’ and ENOUGH WOODEN LOGS TO BUILD A RAFT”
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CHRISTMAS PARTIES, CALL +44 (0)1908 965 555
As an events management company with a technical production heart, Evolution can take care of everything from finding you a venue, to supplying all the AV needed for a spectacular event; and with all kit owned by Evolution, we can be flexible until the very last minute. With a warehouse full of props and a team full of imagination, Evolution Christmas parties are a spectacle that will overshadow any drunken antics. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CHRISTMAS PARTIES, CALL +44 (0)1908 965 555
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L I S A’ S L U N C H E S THIS MONTH EVOLUTION'S KEY CLIENT AND EVENT PROJECT MANAGER SHARES HER PICK OF SOME AMAZING RESTAURANTS RECENTLY VISITED ON OUR DOORSTEP NELSON STREET RESTAURANT, BUCKINGHAM Situated in the heart of Buckingham’s old quarter, Nelson Street Restaurant marries classic English fayre with international twists and caters to the needs of both smaller, intimate meetings and larger functions. Cheffed by Louis Myhill, who has previously worked in top London restaurants such as The Ivy – you can be sure you’ll be sampling top quality food in the heart of this sleepy University town. Credit: Heather Allford
Buckingham has excellent links to both the M40 and M1, making this hidden gem easily accessible to those who don’t mind travelling a little further afield in search of great food.
Credit: Heather Allford
“Great to have somewhere so good right on my doorstep!” Evolution CEO, Andi Swain 53/54 NELSON STREET, BUCKINGHAM, MK18 1BT www.nelsonstreetrestaurant.co.uk
SOMETHING LOCAL THE VANILLA POD, MARLOW, BUCKS With a wealth of history behind its doors, this former house was once home to T.S Eliot, before its transformation into the modern, stylish restaurant it is today. Tucked away in Marlow’s West Street, Chef, Michael Macdonald uses local produce to create an inventive, extensive menu for a relaxed fine dining experience.
Credit: The Vanilla Pod
Currently including gin cured salmon, rump of lamb and vanilla pannacotta with orange salad, the frequently changing menu provides a variety of dining choices from set three courses, to a’ la carte. 31 WEST STREET, MARLOW, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, SL7 2LS
Credit: The Vanilla Pod
www.thevanillapod.co.uk
ROOM WITH A VIEW GALVIN AT WINDOWS, CENTRAL LONDON Now in its 10th year, this restaurant doesn’t just offer amazing food, it also has the most spectacular views of London. Located on the 28th floor of London Hilton Park Lane, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers modern French Haute cuisine, tempting cocktails and 360° views of the London skyline.
Night table view Credit: Galvin at Windows
Menus include dishes such as: Cured Loch Fyne salmon, Dorset crab, avocado purée & fennel compote and Fillet of Scotch beef, short rib, foie gras, roasted shallot & Bordelaise jus, a perfect accompaniment for a fabulous setting.
Balcony view Credit: Galvin at Windows
22 PARK LANE, LONDON, W1K 1BE www3.hilton.com
Evolution CEO Andi Swain likes to try out new places too! This edition, his recently tested recommendations are: CHAI KI, CANARY WHARF “Simply exquisite Indian cuisine – you must sample their Himalayan Ribs – delicious!” THE CAFĒ AT HOTEL CAFÉ ROYAL, CENTRAL LONDON “Bringing classic European café culture to central London.'' THE GRILL ON THE CORNER, GLASGOW “Beef, beef and more beef – check out their Wagyu Steak, the daddy of all steaks!”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LISA'S LUNCHES, CALL +44 (0)1908 965 555
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GREAT NEW
VENUES IN LONDON
HILTON LONDON BANKSIDE Bankside is located in the heart of SE1 and only a stone’s throw away from some of London’s most-visited landmarks. With a strong focus on design, each part of the property has been carefully created to reflect the fascinating history and ambiance of the surrounding area, combining the authentic Bankside urban grittiness and polished contemporary design. The hotel boasts 292 designer inspired guest rooms, as well as a new neighbourhood eatery, OXBO Bankside, serving traditional British dishes with a twist, alongside The Distillery bar, located on the site of a former Victorian essence factory, serving over 50 hand-picked gins, signature cocktails and its own Distillery beer. Hilton London Bankside can also cater for a variety of events with 11 flexible suites inclusive of the beautiful Bankside Ballroom; an impressive pillar free room accessed by sweeping grand staircases, complete with bespoke chandeliers, a six-metre-high ceiling and state of the art technology, holding up to 600 guests.
NOBU HOTEL SHOREDITCH Set to open its doors in the first quarter of 2017, the Nobu Hotel in Shoreditch is being developed by Meir Abutbul, the London based boutique hotelier. Nobu Hospitality is the company behind the world-famous Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, and with its emphasis on delivering a ‘funluxury experience’, guests will be in for a treat as Nobu Hotels brings its brand to Europe for the very first time. The hotel will feature banqueting and meeting rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and many other modern amenities. The architecture, and even the food, will draw on the vibrant clash of cultures and creativity that Shoreditch is famed for.
PARK PLAZA WATERLOO The Park Plaza Waterloo is Park Plaza’s newest venue, often overlooked in favour of the better-known Riverbank and Westminster hotels from the same stable. The hotel has six well-sized suites with moveable partitions, and individual suites can host numbers from 12 boardroom style, right up to 190 theatre style, enabling you to change the layout of the rooms to fit the needs of your event. Boasting views across the capital, a rooftop executive lounge is available, or alternatively, you may choose to unwind in the hotel’s onsite spa and fitness centre after a busy working day.
We can confidently say that this is a hotel we’re looking forward to visiting!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VENUES, CALL +44 (0)1908 965 555
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Strike a chord with your colleagues At Evolution, we use the power of music in many ways. Whether it’s to engage an audience, or simply to entertain, music has the ability to make your event truly memorable. Music can be a great team building and bonding activity, as there is so much fun that can be had with it. Whether it’s learning to play an instrument, or competing in an x-factor style competition, we offer activities that stimulate creativity and really get teams working together.
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Ending on a high note
Drumroll please…
Unleash your inner diva
Uniting teams in a unique way, our orchestra activity shows that if you work together, anything is possible – even creating your own symphony within a very limited timeframe. Delegates are each given their own instrument – violins, trombones, cellos, trumpets and loads more, and just 90 minutes to learn to play it, before reuniting for a grand finale of a team performance. This activity delivers amazing results and gives delegates a real sense of achievement, both individually and as a group. We will also film the whole activity so everybody can see and hear just how brilliant they were.
Similar to our orchestra activity, but with drums! Every person is given a drum to play, and within minutes, the group becomes a full drumming orchestra. With a core message about collaboration and unity, the workshop can be created specifically to the goals and aims of the event, whilst giving the exhilarating feeling of being part of a musical collaboration. The time frame can be shortened to suit your conference programme, and with more than 1,000 different drums available, audience size is no object. In fact, the more the merrier, the better the sound!
Working with our great friends at Toby Boyle Music, it’s now possible to be a star for a day! A very popular, and incredibly creative, team bonding activity, Toby’s workshop offers delegates the chance to learn how to write and perform live songs, before taking part in a light-hearted competition to showcase your new talent. If this is something that’s right up your street, we are currently developing a West End Musical version, where delegates write and perform a short musical theatre piece. The ‘subject matter’ for the songs is yours to determine… your company values, your new marketing message, your new product… It really is all singing, all dancing! And as we record each track that’s laid down, you’ll have legacy from the event.
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Music to entertain However, music doesn’t have to have an agenda, it can simply be there to be enjoyed. From tribute bands, to live karaoke, we arrange evenings that really allow you to sing your heart out. Battle of the Bands
Rocking Out
Whether it’s a classic rock band, an ABBA tribute, or just an all-round covers band, in partnership with Toby Boyle Music, we can provide the perfect artist to suit your event. Whether at a themed party, an awards dinner or gala dinner, even a birthday bash, live acts are a great way to get everybody dancing and singing along. Our covers bands range from three to eleven piece, playing hits from across the ages. We can even provide The Air Guitar Band, performing roaring out rock anthems, with the obligatory (inflatable) guitars for the audience to strum!
Not for the shy and retiring, why not check out our live ‘karaoke’ band. Quite simply, your guests can sing on the big stage with a real live band backing (and helping) them. This is the ultimate karaoke, terrific fun, and to be honest, pretty fulfilling for the ‘wannabe’ singers on stage. And of course, it provides entertainment for all involved, an enjoyable evening out, and a great team date –you never know, Simon Cowell may be watching!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MUSIC, CALL +44 (0)1908 965 555
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Supporting RUNS4FUNDS AND THOMAS’S FUND With sport a keen interest for many of us at Evolution, especially when it’s in the name of charity, we were delighted to be a part of the recent Runs4Funds Celebrity Cricket Match, working alongside event founder and Northampton County Cricket all-rounder, Steven Crook, and the Northants County Cricket team. As the in-house production and technical team at Northants County Cricket Club, we jumped at the chance to get involved!
Fortunate to be gifted the use of the beautiful grounds of Althorp House as our backdrop, and hosted by Earl Spencer, the patron of Thomas’s Fund, the event saw two teams, comprised of both celebrities and cricketers, face each other for a very entertaining match, whilst raising money for Thomas’s Fund - a local Northants charity offering music therapy for disabled children. Amongst the teams were some pretty famous cricketers, Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann, as well as RFU Anthem Singer, Laura Wright, with Crooky and Ricky Ricketts captaining the sides. With the weather managing to hold out long enough for play to run smoothly, the day was a great success, seeing victory handed to Team Ricketts, after Crooky was caught out whilst greedily searching for the boundary for a spectacular win – despite having five overs left to grind out the runs to take an easy win! During the day we heard a speech from Thomas’s Fund CoFounder and mother of Thomas, Lucy Smith, listened to live singers and bid in a charity auction hosted by former England Cricketer, Allan Lamb, followed by evening entertainment for all to enjoy.
In recognition of Evolution providing all this support free of charge, our company logo was blazoned across the front of the players’ shirts – a lovely and truly unexpected surprise for us all. All proceeds from the day were donated to help many terminally ill and disabled children receive music therapy, through providing equipment to the therapists. This therapy is often a very important means of communication for the children.
A THANK YOU FROM CROOKY In the summer, we ran our first Runs4Funds Celebrity Cricket Game at Althorp House, to raise money for Thomas’s Fund, a charity who provide music therapy for terminally ill and disabled children. With the help of Evolution, and our willing line up of celebrities to make up the cricket teams, we were able to raise lots of money, to enable us to continue supporting the incredible work that Thomas’s Fund do. We hugely appreciated all the support we had from the Evolution Team, both in the run up to the event and the effort that was put in on the day itself, to ensure it all ran smoothly.
Evolution installed a stage, PA system and several plasma screens inside the main marquee, as well as providing giant lawn games to keep the families entertained and gifting some amazing cricket themed, hand-made table decorations, created by Evolution’s very own Bee Sinton.
Evolution’s technical team on site were brilliant, and their hard work, professionalism and flexibility really helped to make the day truly special for everyone involved. Thanks so much Evolution for all your effort and generosity.
www.runs4funds.org
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Lisa Wigley JOB TITLE KEY CLIENT AND EVENT PROJECT MANAGER
S TA F F P R O F I L E Q & A WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE? Plenty of organising and lists – both key to ensure an event runs smoothly.
HOW DID YOU GET IN TO THE JOB? Through a friend of a friend – I knew I wanted to get into events and I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING AT EVOLUTION? Seeing an event from the brief to completion, there is so much work that is involved, it is great to see everything come to life. I also enjoy the variety of clients and projects it entails.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING THERE? Almost 10 years!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PAST TIME OUTSIDE OF WORK? Travelling – I recently spent a month travelling around Europe – it was amazing. Luckily, I have a boss that understands my passion. I also love to cook, and always have time for catching up with the girls
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE KIND OF MUSIC? RnB mostly, artists such as: Alicia Keys (my favourite!), Emeli Sande, Lapsley, Ed Sheeran, Nao, Rudimental… and who doesn’t like Beyonce?
TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF? This may be more of a quirk than a fact, but, I can’t go to sleep until I hit my target steps on my fitbit. I will run up and down the stairs in my house (normally whilst brushing my teeth) until I’ve reached my goal. I used to do this in the communal hall of the block of flats I lived in… the neighbours are glad I’ve moved.
WHAT THREE THINGS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU TO A DESERT ISLAND? All the practical things – a boat, a sailor and some fuel for the boat!! If I was to take luxury items, I’d probably take some tea, chocolate and my fitbit!
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EVOLUTION MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2016
VIDEO LEADERS WHETHER IT’S DEMONSTRATING THE PERSONALITY BEHIND A COMPANY, SHOWCASING THE SERVICES ON OFFER, OR EXPLAINING WHY IT SHOULD BE YOU THAT WINS THAT AWARD, VIDEOS ARE A GREAT WAY OF DELIVERING YOUR MESSAGE IN A FUN AND ENTERTAINING MANNER With our own fully-equipped studio editing facilities, digital HD broadcast cameras and talented animators, we produce creative and innovative pieces that ensure you engage with your target audience. From a thirty-second award nominee video, corporate marketing piece or broadcast TV advert, to conference and promotional videos, our experienced team will create a piece that’s tailored for you, guaranteeing your message is both clear and memorable. Having worked with a huge range of clients across a variety of industries, from colleges to casinos, financiers to foodies and blue chips in retail, FMCG and finance, no challenge is too big, or too small. Regardless of your audience – internal colleagues for training or promotion, external for advertising, even broadcast cinema and TV, our ideas are fresh, creative and sure to hit the mark. Whatever your need, our experienced team will deliver the perfect video, working alongside you to ensure you get the outcome you expect, with a video that stands out above the rest.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VIDEO LEADERS, CALL +44 (0)1908 965 555
Turning this... Empty sports hall
...into this
The same sports hall ready to celebrate Innovation Awards
• Venue Finding, Booking and Event Management • Technical Production and Audio Visual Equipment • Content Creation - Video/Filming, PowerPoint, Animation • Theming/Themed Parties and Events
www.evolution.international
• Team Building and Bonding, Entertainment, Speakers • Conferences, Road Shows, Awards and Gala Dinners, Parties, Exhibition Stands
To find out more about any of our services, get in touch with: Neil Woodward
Technical Production and AV
Lisa Wigley
Key Client and Event Project Manager
Lauren O’Brien
Venue Finding
Anya Day
Creative Media
To contact any of the Evolution team, call +44 (0)1908 965 555
MK Office Lisa Wigley
Bucks Office Neil Woodward
Spanish Office Sue Cheung
Evolution International Challenge House Sherwood Drive Bletchley, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK3 6DP
Evolution International 5 Fieldside Farm Quainton Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP22 4DQ
Evolution International Avd. Río Nalon 9a 30710 Los Alcazeres Murcia Spain
www.evolution.international