HEN Jan 2023

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Sporting Glory

A Warm Welcome JAN 2023

With another year ended, the industry reflects and looks forward. Many event profs are glad to be busy again, but challenges around resources, costs, and climate have created a stressful environment. We’re always resilient though!

We look at what’s planned for 2023 in industry events, sport, tech, and what the experts expect. Our roving reporters check out some

venues in the Northeast, where you can win a stay over at Holiday Inn, before popping in to the AEV conference in Harrogate to hear from some key voices. Plus, we cover the COP27 roadmap to net zero, why unique and sporting venues can add that wow factor, and we chat with Anna Abdelnoor on her sustainability vision.

Another packed edition, we hope you enjoy! Follow us on socials for all the latest updates.

WHERE THE EVENTS INDUSTRY MEETS

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL CONFEX

For 40 years Confex has delivered ideas, inspiration and a meeting ground for the events industry. The events landscape is everchanging and International Confex evolves with it. From innovative technology, crazy feature builders, WOW factor venues, and standout destinations, we showcase of all the elements that make events great.

Join the #confexcrew and get everything you need to create teambuilding activities, and creative finishing touches. Every year, regardless of external factors, Confex is the largest single gathering of UK event organisers in one room.

WHY ATTEND?

Learning

With over 150 free to attend conference sessions, attending Confex is a no-brainer! The Confex Conference programme is specifically curated so there is something for every event prof. Train your teams and arm yourself with the latest industry insights.

Inspiration

Discover the industry’s top suppliers, venues and service providers. An afternoon at Confex is guaranteed to save you hours of research and provides the opportunity for you to view demos and experience the latest products face-to-face.

Networking

Confex 2023 will be where the conversations that shape the next 12 months will take place. Attend one of the many networking events or simply enjoy a drink at the networking bar, catch up with your industry friends and grow your network – that’s what Confex is all about.

The Road Ahead

Co-founder of isla, Anna Abdelnoor, discusses the impact the resolutions reached at COP27 will have on the industry.

COP27 took place between 6th and 18th November in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt with leaders from across the globe coming together to make some landmark agreements, including a breakthrough agreement to provide loss and damage funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters. The events industry was also represented in force as a roadmap to net zero for the industry was revealed. Anna Abdelnoor, Co-founder of isla, the sustainable body for the events industry, discussed the summit’s impact on the industry: “I don’t think this changes anything for the industry in the sense that we’re all heading forwards on this net zero trajectory. That’s not shifted. We’re still legally bound by government legislation, aiming for a limit of a 1.5°C increase in global temperatures and a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by mid-century, if not sooner. If anything, I think it just empowers us to go further. There have been some landmark things that have happened at this COP. I think we can take that as a sign that while there are challenges that we will face in achieving some of the aims, there is still a global commitment to driving that forward.”

Anna believes that the best way to move towards the global goal is through cohesive action across the industry: “The industry currently needs to focus on alignment and collaboration. There’s lots of movement within the industry;

there are a lot of people who want to see progress and change, which is fantastic. We need to make sure we’re aligned as an industry on where we’re going and what we’re trying to do. It’s important to keep that front and centre and have that single call to action for carbon emissions reduction at the forefront of it, because otherwise we’re shooting off in fringe directions.”

“What we need to do is make sure we’re aligned as an industry on where we’re going and what we’re trying to do.”

Many organisations across the industry have been working on sustainable initiatives for years, but there are those who are just beginning to form a plan about operating more sustainably: “The net zero trajectory is about cross-sector collaboration. There is a duty for those who are further ahead to be sharing that with people who are just starting their journey. This is not commercial –there is obviously commerciality within sustainability but net zero is about transitioning and transforming the sector. Especially taking into account that the UK events industry is made up of micro and SMEs. Those who are at the forefront and have greater financial and human resources to drive forward solutions need to be sharing that with

those that don’t have that.”

For those who are just starting to change their operations with sustainability in mind, Anna has this advice: “You should be starting with the end goal in sight. We have a global objective of a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. You don’t need to go off and set your own objectives, just align behind that mission. Once you’re looking at that, it’s a case of looking at where your biggest impacts are and what it is that you can look at reducing to reach that goal. How you achieve the objective is unique to your operations and your type of business.”

For an industry which crosses over so many other sectors, the best way to make an impact as an organisation is to stick to where you have the most influence: “The events industry is so enormous that it’s difficult to highlight a single aspect to focus on. We know that we need to move away from fossil fuels and gas within our venues and that we need to be moving towards renewables. But we also need to look at how we’re feeding people; caterers have different priorities and will focus on where they are sourcing their food from and looking at greening their menus. Then there’s also the logistic infrastructure which is part of the decarbonisation of our transport networks. Your plan has to be relevant to where you have the most control and influence.”

We look at some of the freshest meetings and events spaces across the North.

Birmingham| Roundhouse Birmingham

A large renovation project has transformed the historic Roundhouse Birmingham into a lively hub with display spaces, creative offices and tour programmes included to base meetings around near the Birmingham canal. Flexible meeting spaces can be used for 18 or 30 delegates with the adjacent canal tow path used for outdoor breaks and catering arranged with the venue’s external partners. The new Jonathan’s in the Roundhouse restaurant and tearoom also serves traditional British food for delegates in between meetings. Roundhousebirmingham.org.uk

Nottingham | Jubilee Hotel & Conference Centre

The rebranded Nottingham Venues has launched to bring event venues and hotel stays across the University of Nottingham’s campuses under one group. With 10 versatile meeting spaces including a large auditorium for up to 250 delegates, the Jubilee Hotel & Conference Centre also utilises its lakeside location to develop wildlife conservation areas and meet sustainability initiatives including the provision of hydration stations to reduce plastic waste and rainwater toilet flush systems.

Nottinghamvenues.com

Manchester | CitySuites Aparthotel

Manchester’s luxury CitySuites I and II Aparthotel have revealed a stylish selection of spaces tailored for a variety of business and catering needs. A 10-delegate capacity modern meeting room can be used for smaller presentations on the CitySuites II ground floor, with another 10-delegate capacity conference room offering a more formal

executive lounge in CitySuites I is also ideal for canape receptions or networking events, with views of Manchester cathedral and Greengate Square, while the hotel’s Embankment Kitchen can be hired for 200 standing or 70 seated delegates.

Citysuites.com

Nottingham | The Island Quarter

Developments in Nottingham city centre’s The Island Quarter have expanded again with the arrival of two all-day food and drinks venues. Up to 500 delegates can explore the interiors of Binks Yard created by the renowned Macaulay Sinclair architecture and design studio, while the outside plaza features all-weather bandstand for local bands, dance, and classical acts and is also set to host sport, outdoor cinema, and wellness events. Neighbouring Cleaver & Wake suits pre- and post-dinner drinks for up to 40 delegates featuring art deco inspired interiors and a rotating menu of seasonal British dishes for an elite dining experience.

Theislandquarter.com

YMCA COMMUNITY & ACTIVITY VILLAGE

ROUNDHOUSE

Scotland | AC Hotel Inverness

AC Hotels by Marriott has marked its debut in Scotland with the opening of its four storey Inverness site which now stands as the city’s tallest hotel. An onsite business centre currently features a conference space for up to eight delegates, while the all-day 60-seat restaurant also has a riverside terrace for outdoor dining available for 30 delegates with views over the city and towards the Black Isle peninsula.

Achotelinverness.com

Nottingham | Hilton Hotel Nottingham

Fresh off the back of a full £6.5 million refurbishment earlier this year to celebrate its Victorian history, the transformation project at Nottingham’s Hilton Hotel has now completed since it first started during the pandemic. With all 176 guest rooms now redesigned, the hotel’s 60 ft. indoor heated pool also finishes the fully equipped LivingWell club and fitness centre. Seven fully equipped groundfloor event spaces range from the 200 delegate-capacity Wembley Suite to the intimate Twickenham Suite for eight delegates.

Hilton.com/en/hilton

Manchester | King Street Townhouse

The former headquarters of the Manchester & Salford Trustees Bank has relaunched as a luxurious and historic setting for meetings and conferences. Atmospheric event spaces can be combined to retain the original charm of the building while providing versatility to create events of any size. Fitting up to 35 delegates, the first floor Small Hub provides wine tasting and private dining experiences with board meetings, while the Large Hub can fit up to 60 delegates boasting a private bar. The hotel’s Private Cinema located in the vaulted cellars also allows planners to entertain up to 20 delegates with a film screening, presentation, or awards evening.

Kingstreettownhouse.co.uk

Nottinghamshire| YMCA Community & Activity Village

New facilities at Newark’s co-working business space and community hub are now unveiled after an 18-month refurbishment. Designed to be part of a wider social mobility agenda to boost opportunities in the region, membership holders can access indoor and outdoor training areas, athletics track, multi-use courts and the region’s largest climbing centre for team building exercises.

A purpose-built events and conference centre can seat over 200 delegates with a fully equipped professional kitchen and bar and outdoor terrace. Over 50 desks can also be used for workspace rental across the open planned two floors with four self-contained therapy rooms for wellbeing providers.

Ymcanewarksherwood.org

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LIFE DECISIONS

Executive Life Coach Ken Kelling discusses the path towards personal and professional growth as event professionals prepare for the coming year.

The transition into another new year often has many industry members taking time to assess and reflect on what professional growth looks like to them. But with the events industry moving at a constant rapid pace and new unknown challenges always ahead, finding the next step that feels right for each individual can be difficult no matter how many years of experience they have.

As Managing Director at Sense of Purpose Life Coaching, Ken Kelling’s vast industry experience and specialist knowledge in positive psychology has kept event professionals motivated from all corners of the industry. A key speaker during CHS Birmingham 2022, his educational programme on personal and professional growth has encouraged the show’s delegates to develop and maintain a healthy mindset as they pursue their careers in the events industry.

“Keeping a positive mindset often means being clear about what’s in your control,” explained Ken when describing the major themes of his conversations with event professionals. “With so much going on the world and at work it’s easy to get overwhelmed, and so understanding the things you can control and those you can’t is vital.

“Being your authentic self is another talking point which means being in touch with your values, as they will drive your thoughts and behaviours whether you’re aware of them or not. Event professionals are also often figuring out what they want to do with their life. Answering that question is a journey that takes time, which is why it always helps to get in touch with

what’s fulfilling and meaningful for you.” When directing his advice towards young event professionals currently getting their careers started in the events industry, Ken emphasised the first and foremost rule to be kind to yourself: “There’s a lot to learn and experience, and a lot of lessons will be thrown at you from day one!

“Remember that this is a marathon, not a sprint, and you’ll have plenty of time to digest your learnings. Speak up if there’s something you don’t understand and don’t be afraid to lean on those around you for support - event management is a team game, not a solo exercise.

“Humour also goes a long way in event management and making sure to have fun is the one thing that can get you through challenging times. Always aim for high standards, but not perfection, because nobody and nothing is perfect. You can drive yourself mad trying to get there!”

“The cliché that change is the only constant in life has never been truer than where the events industry is at right now.”

While events management is renowned for its highly pressured work environment, the saturated market on stress management help is equally at risk of overwhelming planners seeking quick relief strategies. Commenting on the potential catch-22 situation, Ken offered a more simplified approach: “Take advantage of the widespread and honest recognition of

mental health by talking about what might be bothering you. Nothing is too silly or burdensome to discuss with colleagues, so speak up and share what’s on your mind.

“It’s highly unlikely anyone will go through a career in this industry without feeling pressure at some point, and everyone must understand that it’s ok to not be ok at times.”

As the industry has dealt with drastic changes and challenges over the past few years, event professionals of all experience levels have been forced to stop and revaluate their careers. But according to Ken, adapting to inevitable changes in the sector is a key professional trait which shouldn’t be overlooked as the industry looks ahead into 2023: “There’s a cliché that change is the only constant in life, and this has never been truer than where the events industry is at right now.

“We are at an amazing advantage to choose this industry to be working in, where changes such as the advances in technology, communications, and science are providing some exciting opportunities. Immersing ourselves in live experiences is a key part of human nature which we’ll probably never grow tired of.

“Volatility and uncertainty in the world can make life a challenge, but delegates and planners alike will always want to come together whatever is going on. Being adaptable, flexible, and resilient are some of the crucial characteristics to shape a successful career in this industry.” Senseofpurpose.co.uk

North in Brief

Big Moves to Small Meetings

The latest figures from database company venuedirectory.com have shown the increase of small meetings in the last 12 months

Small meetings accounted for 82% of instant bookings through the company’s portfolio, retuning to pre-pandemic levels despite the growth of online meetings in 2020 and 2021.

“The continuing volume of small or simple meetings combined with the difficulty of responding to booking enquiries further highlights the potential benefits to both venues and event bookers of online booking,” commented Managing Director, Michael Begley. “We know that many hundreds of hotels and venues are getting ready to make their meeting room inventory available for online booking next year. The snowball is starting to roll.”

Since launching in 1993, venuedirectory.com has gathered over 400,000 meeting and event spaces in its database to provide venue statistics and sourcing software for planners.

The company’s latest findings also come when many venues operating with lower numbers of staff are struggling to handle incoming enquiries, with depleting numbers of RFPs being answered within two hours.

Sustainability Guide for Venue Sector

Industry sustainability body isla has launched an action-focused guide to support event venues in the transition to net zero. The guide encourages venues to review their sustainability progress and develop short to mid-term sustainability goals to reach net zero by 2050 at the latest.

Created in partnership with VisitBritain Business Events, AEV, mia, and beam, the guide’s key areas include company operations, event deliveries, and value chain management. The guide also features industry case studies and strategy frameworks based on isla’s event industry expertise.

“Against the backdrop of the climate crisis, venues understand and acknowledge the part they have to play in creating a net zero future,” said isla CEO, Anna Abdelnoor. “This pathway gives venues of all sizes the guiding light they need to get there in a way that is practicable, actionable, and transformative for the industry.

“We are delighted to share the pathway with venues and help them start or continue their sustainability journey to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world and an ever-more discerning and environmentally-conscious visitor, client, and investor base.”

Copies of the Sustainability in Practice: A Pathway for Venues guide can be found at lp.weareisla.co.uk/venue-pathway and see our interview with Anna on p5.

North East Chosen for Multimillion Pilot

The North East has been chosen to pilot a £2.25 million scheme to restructure the region’s destination management organisations (DMOs).

Led by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Visit Northumberland, and Visit County Durham, the pilot aims to use the multi-million pound funding in developing and marketing the region as a must-visit destination for both business and leisure, while attracting further private investment and driving growth.

The scheme’s launch comes after a report by the British Tourist Authority found that the DMOs landscape was

“fragmented” and causing confusion for overseas visitors trying to plan business meetings and events in the UK.

“The North East has much to offer tourists from around the world, but we want to go further and attract even more visitors,” said Tourism Minister, Stuart Andrew. “We are looking at what more we can do to streamline the way the region’s tourism bodies work together, improve the region’s offer, and the way it markets itself.

“With £2.25 million in funding, we hope the North East can be a pioneer for other areas in unlocking its potential and putting its best foot forward.”

Glasgow Named Top Sustainable City

Glasgow has been featured in the top 10 of the world’s most sustainable cities by the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index.

The city was placed sixth in the rankings alongside regular dominating Scandinavian destinations including Gothenburg, Bergen, and Copenhagen, while Belfast also made it onto the list for the first time.

The index was announced alongside the GDS Awards ceremony in November during the 61st ICCA World Congress in Krakow.

“GDS-Movement salutes its members’ continuous commitment to measuring and managing the sustainability contributions of their tourism and events,” said GDS-Movement CEO Guy Bigwood.

“Every step in the journey towards a destination’s social, environmental, and economic well-being counts dramatically and all GDS-Index participants are stewards of positive change.

“Given the reach of business events, it’s critical that this sector further leverages the opportunity to act now.”

AEV Launches First MASA Meeting

AEV has hosted the first meeting of its Multi Association Security Awareness group (MASA) in November.

Providing the industry with representation in governmental, counter terror, and security forums, MASA aims to become a unified channel for information from authoritative security sources including the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), the Home Office, and Home Secretary.

Enabling the wider outreach of government guidance, MASA also aims to guide the industry on new measures around counter terror measures and intelligence.

“The formation of MASA consolidates and strengthens our industry’s response to the risk of terror attacks and other malicious risks,” said AEV Director, Rachel Parker. “The UK events industry has an over-arching security and counter terror information framework, providing a solid foundation for safer events now and in the future.”

Manchester Central Boosts Greater Manchester Economy

Latest figures released by Manchester Central indicate that its business events are continuing to aid the economic recovery of Greater Manchester, with delegate spend up by 33% in the venue’s latest quarterly update.

Delegates have contributed a total £52.1 million to Greater Manchester since April through expenditure at restaurants, bars, hotels and transport as a direct result of attending events.

The report also reveals that over 52,300 delegates visited the venue to attend a range of national and international conferences, exhibitions and gala dinners in the latest trading quarter.

“The figures we are seeing in our quarterly reports are comforting and demonstrate that there is a strong appetite for large events in the North West,” said Manchester Central CEO, Shaun Hinds.

“With our total revenue up £1 million year-to-date on preCOVID figures, it’s clear we are rebuilding at a steady pace after nearly three years of unprecedented economic difficulties.

“These results will provide the events sector with a quiet confidence in its recovery going forward.”

System Update

Head of Insights and Analytics at Meshh, Nick Child, looks into government plans to replace GDPR with a new British data protection system.

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan sparked industry attention during the 2022 Conservative Party Conference at ICC Birmingham after announcing government plans to replace General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) with a new British data protection system.

Promising a “simpler and clearer” system to better protect delegate privacy and keep their data safe, the proposed change raises a lot of questions for weary event planners already used to navigating the tricky field of sticking to GDPR law.

“As people become more aware of the value of their personal data, they will ask for more in return for sharing it.”

As a spatial analytics company specialising in intelligent data capture technology for live experiences, Meshh has closely followed both the introduction of GDPR and the emerging plans around the UK Data Protection Bill which have been stalled in parliament for some time.

“We naturally comply with GDPR and all privacy laws in the UK by securing our customer data and observing the many rules governing data retention and processing,” explained Head of Insights and Analytics, Nick Child. “This does not impinge on our spatial analytics offering. The data we collect does not include any personally identifiable information, and it is further anonymised before being stored.”

Despite GDPR coming into effect back in 2018, the rapid developments in cybercrime since have made total compliance a real issue for many event and hospitality professionals, with data breaches hitting companies with fines

significant enough to put many SMEs out of business. Marriott's Starwood division was fined over £18 million in 2020 when it was discovered hackers had stolen the records of 339 million delegates, while British Airways was fined £20 million in 2020 by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for a 2018 data breach that affected over 400,000 customers.

Despite government promises of making the new data protection system “more business and consumer friendly”, Nick suggests that any noticeable differences may be on a smaller scale: “The new UK Data Protection Bill will likely follow the European GDPR model, so trading and business relationships can continue without divergent regulatory regimes for data.

“Any changes away from GDPR, such as a more liberal interpretation of private data or changes in scope, will still need to satisfy EU rules. Many parts of the bill relating to new digital infrastructure, the information flow to law enforcement, and strengthening the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations Act, are also likely to change the digital data landscape in the UK. But at this early stage, it is impossible to predict what the final act will contain when it becomes law.”

The mandatory use of dedicated apps to verify entry passes and prevent fraud during in-person events last winter has also increased the pressure on planners to keep on top of data protection legislation while prompting delegates to have more say into what they want to see in a new data protection system.

“Asking delegates to track themselves during and after the pandemic has raised a great deal of awareness of data privacy where little existed previously,” said Nick. “The new UK Data Protection Bill, when it reaches its second reading and Royal Assent, is sure to raise this awareness even further.

“Consumers will be more inclined to demand privacy by default – and device makers will need to deliver. For example, Apple's iOS devices will now refuse permission for other apps to harvest data unless the user gives specific permission. This is the direction of travel, and as people become more aware of the value of their personal data, they will ask for more in return for sharing it.

“By continuing to work within the confines of GDPR – the toughest and most stringent data protection regulation in the world –we are able to assure our clients that our privacy and data protection measures meet or exceed their local requirements.”

Meshh.com

Riverside Charm

Bursting with the famous Geordie spirit and Northeastern pride, NewcastleGateshead is a shining example of a city destination that has it all.

Joining the districts of Quayside, Newcastle, and Gateshead with seven iconic bridges, NewcastleGateshead combines a striking city centre, picturesque coastline, and rugged countryside to form a vibrant destination bursting with unique venues, iconic surroundings, and unforgettable delegate experiences.

Following a string of gleaming accolades, it’s clear that this northern industry hub has something for everyone. Travel Trade Gazette awarded Newcastle International Airport the UK and Irish Airport of the Year, while Conde Nast lists Newcastle as one of the best UK city breaks and the region’s Victoria Tunnel features in Trip Advisor’s top 10% of visitor attractions in the world.

Recently featured in Holidu’s list of Top 10 British Cities with Top-rated Cultural

Attractions, the region’s cultural scene is also second-to-none. From contemporary art galleries to stunning music halls, a plethora of world-class cultural venues makes NewcastleGateshead a sophisticated fit for any meeting, event, or conference.

Forming an iconic part of the Quayside skyline, Sage Gateshead is known for being one of the most dramatic urban settings in Europe. Designed by the worldrenowned architect Sir Norman Foster, the international music venue is also a fully equipped conference venue, with facilities including two outstanding auditoria, large multi-purpose rooms, and a spectacular glazed concourse accompanied by onsite catering and sweeping views of the River Tyne.

Discovery Museum is one of NewcastleGateshead's premier visitor attractions which offers a unique and memorable setting for both corporate and private hire. With a capacity of up to 400 delegates, the magnificent woodpanelled and tiled Great Hall provides a stunning setting for a range of larger daytime and evening events including conferences and dinners. Available to hire for up to 1,000 delegates, the museum's

Continued on page 17

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Open for Business

Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond is offering one of our readers the chance to win an overnight stay for two, complete with dinner and breakfast.

Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond has recently unveiled its latest hotel refurbishment, with a new open lobby concept improving its conference and events offering.

Key features of the new open lobby include a family and friends lounge with comfy seating, games, magazines, and TV, a “to go” café serving food and drinks 24/7, a stylish event space and bar, and versatile workspaces. The hotel also offers high-speed Wi-Fi for increased connectivity, on-site parking, and EV charging stations.

The renovations also updated the hotel’s meeting rooms, with £90,000 spent on two rooms. This extensive project included knocking through part of the bar to create independent access to a meeting room, taking the venue’s availability from six to seven rooms, with the newly refurbished Rothbury and Belford suites now the most popular in the hotel.

Hinewcastle.co.uk

For your chance to win an overnight stay, including breakfast and dinner, answer the following question: How many meeting rooms does the Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond have?

Enter online at Hospitalityandeventsnorth.com/competitions/ or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date: 3rd February 2023

Terms and conditions apply. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in H&E North Magazine and HI Newcastle’s databases in order to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s decision is final.

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Continued from page 12

fascinating galleries also provide quality evening entertainment and hospitality, including the stunning Turbinia Hall and the Story of the Tyne Gallery with a unique display of ship models.

Housed in a former flour mill on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is of the North East’s most iconic buildings and offers a variety of unique and flexible spaces for events. Atop of the building sits SIX restaurant, which has stunning views of the NewcastleGateshead cityscape and is ideal for high-profile dinners, breakfast meetings, or private lunches. Occupying an entire gallery floor, BALTIC’s main meeting space, Level 1, is a flexible multi-purpose space with in-house rigging and AV equipment making it perfect for conferencing, product launches, and awards dinners, with added features including a 54-seat cinema, three breakout spaces, and a reception and registration area.

Situated in a prime Newcastle city centre location, Laing Art Gallery is a fine, Grade II listed Edwardian building boasting a range of stunning spaces for hire, including the superb Marble Hall and the Northern Spirit Gallery. Housing works by artists such as Burne-Jones and Thomas

Gainsborough, the beautiful 18th and 19th century gallery also offers an exclusive location for dinners, drinks receptions, and private viewings. A fully equipped function room set in the heart of the gallery can fit up to 60 delegates and sits within easy reach of the Laing's permanent collections and special exhibitions.

Whether you’re an event organiser looking to host your best event yet or a delegate looking to make the most out of your business trip, NewcastleGateshead welcomes all to discover the endless possibilities on the banks of the Tyne.

Ngi.org.uk

PHOTO: NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD INITIATIVE - BALTIC CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ART

SAGE GATESHEAD

“For the first time we’ve got the industry moving together on a very simple mission.”

A LL IN ONE

Rick Stainton, Founder of The Power of Events, discusses the impetus behind bringing the entire industry together in one place.

As with several other key issues in the events industry, it was the COVID-19 pandemic which highlighted a lack of cohesion across the industry to The Power of Events Founder Rick Stainton: “During this difficult time for the events industry, there was huge amount of lobbying of national media and the government by many different people in the industry, particularly the associations. We were doing really tireless and great work trying to get industry specific support. But what I think it exposed was the lack of coordination and collaboration among the different sectors.”

For such an extensive industry, Rick believes that there needs to be more clarity for those not within the industry: “We’ve not been clear enough about defining ourselves as an industry to the wider external stakeholders. All these campaigns and hashtags were flying around at the same time and using different data. We really needed them to just talk and coordinate better.”

The Power of Events developed from the One Industry, One Voice movement which Rick established during the pandemic: “I set up a Zoom call once a week and contacted as many association leaders as possible across the different sectors of the industry to talk to each other. We had 20 to 30 organisations from across the industry. We defined seven sectors: bespoke sports events, business and brand experiences, exhibitions and congress, outdoor events and festivals, music and live performances, weddings and private events, and public and third sector. That was an informal project so that people could meet, collaborate, and share what they were doing.”

The success of One Industry, One Voice inspired Rick to create a platform to

bring all of the resources, associations, data, and publications across the industry together in one place as an easy reference point: “At the end of last year I realised that we had a bit of momentum. I sat down with Simon Hughes, the exChair of BBP, and realised that there wasn’t one platform for people to go to that showcases the industry in a simple signposting way.”

Rick has seen a wealth of support for the idea coming from the industry itself: “I went up to Scotland and saw several people up there. It’s very important that it’s across all nations. We don’t want some London-centric orientated element. I’ve presented to hundreds and hundreds of organisations this past year and we’ve had an incredible unilateral 99% buy in rate from everyone that I’ve spoken to that is supporting in one way or another. No one has said that it’s not needed or that they don’t understand it, so that’s very exciting. For the first time we’ve got the industry moving together on a very simple mission.”

Thepowerofevents.org

Crisis Management

Jim Winship, Secretary of The Events

Industry Forum, discusses the impact current global challenges have had and what the government could do to aid recovery.

A recent statement by the Office of National Statistics reported that food and drink businesses were more likely than any other sector to say they plan to cut trading by at least two days a week to reduce energy costs. But it’s not just energy costs that are hitting home – food ingredient costs are soaring, wages are increasing and staff are in short supply – and that’s before the real costs start to hit consumer pockets as expected in the new year. Let’s also not forget the rent and rates costs which continue a pre-pandemic levels despite reduced footfalls etc.

If we are to come through the current economic crisis, we need our economy to grow, yet successive governments have ignored the plight of many in this sector although there are things they could easily do that would not be a significant cost to

the economy. The following are just some of the measures that would help:

1. Cancel or defer costly new legislation such as the environmental taxes due next year, the HFSS regulations etc. and avoid introducing new legislation unless absolutely essential.

2. Redefine immigration to differentiate between those coming to work here for a short period and those who are genuine immigrants seeking to stay forever. Also create a simple pathway to work for those, particularly the young, to come and work in the UK for two or three years.

3. Review the business rates system to better reflect the real value of premises post pandemic, particularly in city centre locations.

4. Allow the repayment of CBLS and

Bounce Back loans over a longer period – many food businesses who took these out are struggling to meet repayment schedules.

5. Extend and widen the super deduction scheme which allows 130% tax relief on spending on equipment to help businesses adopt more automation and more energy efficient equipment.

6. Review the current unemployment allowance scheme which encourages those on the fringes to only work part time in order to avoid losing benefits.

Although not a panacea for all the challenges faced by businesses, none of these measures would be costly for the government yet they would help many that are currently struggling against a tide of challenges.

Get Creative and Collaborative

Chief Executive of the Meetings Industry Association (mia), Kerrin MacPhie, reflects on 2022 and highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation in the year ahead.

In a year where the sector may not have experienced quite as much respite as it had initially expected post-pandemic, 2022 has continued to inspire emerging and evolving trends at a considerable pace. For our highly resilient and agile sector, however, we continue to adapt to new needs and elevate the experience that is being delivered to our clients to manage and exceed these heightened expectations.

Central to this and our sector’s success, collaboration, innovation, and creative thinking will become even more essential in 2023, as knowledge sharing, partnerships, and sector-wide initiatives will play a fundamental role in developing the state of the sector. Recruitment and energy cost challenges have been well-

documented, however there is only so much that can be achieved and that is feasible at an organisational level to overcome them.

We and other associations will be working closely with government to highlight the sector’s challenges, while also providing the sector with best practice guidance, advice, and opportunities on how to overcome them along the way. At the same time, we encourage the sector to keep talking with one another, sharing insights and solutions that they may have experienced.

It is expected that clients will remain less committal than pre-pandemic times, with shorter lead times and conversions likely to remain a theme for business

meetings and events in 2023. While this consumer behaviour cannot be easily altered overnight by the sector itself, now is the time for us to get creative with our thinking, processes, packages, and financial models, all while remaining laserfocused on the client experience.

To keep up to date on any developments, guidance, and advice, follow the Meetings Industry Associations on LinkedIn and Twitter. Mia-uk.org

Giving Back

We look at the different styles of structures, how best to choose suppliers, and how one of those is giving back to their local communities.

Outdoor events have become increasingly more popular in a postpandemic world, offering more space than most indoor venues. However, in the often-chilly climate of Great Britain, good protection from the elements is a must-have. Temporary structures such as marquees are the best way to expand internal spaces or shelter your delegates during outdoor events.

What to choose

Knowing which kind of structure you need can be a bit of a minefield for the uninitiated. Traditional marquees are by far the most popular, covering a large area but with some work to erect. Stretch tents are usable over much smaller areas, but with a modern aesthetic, while tipis are quirky and smaller but a great option if your event needs several spaces with unique purposes. Giant structures, also known as large span aluminium frames, are a great option for large events needing to accommodate thousands of delegates. Able to span 50 metres, these structures do often need a crane to erect them.

Who to use

Choosing the right marquee provider is make or break for your event, but how best can you find a provider able to meet your needs? You should contact your potential providers directly and talk through your requirements, discuss pricing, and ask any questions you have. Aspects such as timing and construction, insurance, and any personalised requirements are important to work out before you make a decision. Find out if the supplier is accredited or members of any associations, and their cancellation policies.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a provider is the impact that they have on their local community. Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is fast becoming a major focus across the events industry as businesses become more aware of the effect they can have on the world around them. The past few years have seen a huge push for businesses to operate sustainability, both in terms of the environment but also in terms of their impact on the community. Philip Marken, Director of Community

Canvas, told us how his marquee business practises CRS: “By reinvesting 100% of our profits back into the local community, we support projects which benefit the environment while supporting young learners and emergent graduates as they establish their careers. Our social aims support event planners who want to ensure their event is sustainable, equitable, and contributes back to the community.”

Naturally, with the world’s growing awareness of the effect we have on the environment and the devastation of climate change, funding sustainable initiatives within the local community is a popular way for businesses to practise CSR: “We also support a climate action grants scheme, giving money to projects which build community and reduce waste or carbon emissions,” Philip shares. “With every Community Canvas booking, we also plant trees in community woodlands local to us. You can even choose your tree type and where it gets planted!”

Communitycanvas.co.uk

ITA ROBUST Models

Ending on a High Note

National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) CEO, Susan Tanner, discusses the importance of celebrating success in difficult times.

At NOEA, we’re incredibly aware that we often bring to the table the subjects in the events industry that are more unpalatable, depressing, and difficult to hear. Over the last two years, despite the background of the pandemic, we’ve added on concerns over resource limitations, cost of diesel, lack of diversity, and the consequences of the cost-of-living crisis and the onset of recession.

However, this month we celebrated the very best of the industry and were once again able to shine the spotlight on the individuals and companies who, despite all of the above, have put on truly remarkable events. We were also able to bring these people together though our annual convention, sharing knowledge and insight into the next 12 months of events.

Every session and every award, tells a story. From the incredible achievements of The Birmingham 2022 Festival Sites, who picked up Event of the Year Award – Public Sector, to the problem solving and agility of The Sky Safari who took away the Event of the Year Award – Private Sector. Lacey’s Solicitors LLP were recognised for Best Support to the Event Industry Award following the considerable amount of free advice the company gave to the industry throughout the year. In the meantime, Wasserman was recognised for Best Diversity Equity & Inclusion Initiative, and

Green Space Dark Skies for The Sustainability Award.

It was also a day that recognised the people that have defined the industry, not just this year, but over many; Chris Howes from Festival Medical was given the Lifetime Achievement Award, Evan Morgan from Festivall Services was recognised as the Best Unsung Hero Award, while Rick Bate was given the Best Up and Coming Event Organiser: One to Watch award.

It was a roll call of the big and small, new and seasoned. The businesses that keep reinventing themselves, and the people that keep on reinventing what the events landscape looks like.

Despite the many difficulties this industry has faced in the last 12 months, and the many to come, it is difficult not to finish this year on a high note. This is an industry that is world leading because of the people that operate within it. We are dynamic, creative, can-do, and we have an amazing personality. It makes us a great place to work, and a worthy industry that enriches the lives of millions every year.

It’s worth protecting, fighting for, and for now, celebrating.

Noea.org.uk

Nurturing Talent is Key

Event Supplier and Services Association’s Director, Andrew Harrison, discusses the need to encourage new talent in the industry.

As we approach the end of an incredibly busy year, which has seen many event suppliers stretched to the absolute limit, we need to ensure that nurturing new talent remains high on the agenda.

The talent shortage is one of a multitude of challenges impacting our industry right now, from rising costs and political and economic instability to the climate crisis and growing pressure to be more sustainable.

But without a strong pipeline of new talent coming into the industry, we’re going to face a whole wave of new challenges in the future. So, we must ensure we don’t get distracted from tackling the talent issue amid everything else.

As an industry, we’re not very high up the pecking order when it comes to young

people’s career choices and finding your way into events by accident seems to be an accepted norm.

ESSA’s Future Focus Working Group is trying hard to rectify this. We have done a lot of work on nurturing talent through our partnerships with various educational institutions, and recently launched free student membership targeted at students who are keen to enter the world of events.

The membership offers access to a wealth of industry training, activities, events, and work placement opportunities with ESSA members to provide first-hand experience of many real-life aspects of the industry, supplement their learning and help cement their desire to enter this exciting industry.

But the issue of attracting talent to the

events industry is bigger than ESSA and its members. It requires a collaborative approach that appreciates all elements and opportunities within the industry and not just one stakeholder group trying to fix the problem for themselves.

As part of the Events Industry Alliance (ESSA, AEO, AEV), we recently launched our government manifesto with skills and training as one of five key areas. We are also contributing to the UK Events (formally BVEP) work on developing industry wide formal education and training to improve the pathways into our industry.

Nurturing talent is essential to safeguarding the future of the events industry and we all have a responsibility to entice the next generation to join us.

Essa.uk.com

Checking In

Parkers Executive Chauffeurs sees demand take off thanks to links with the North East’s largest private jet facility

Parkers Executive Chauffeurs provides bespoke, luxury chauffeur services for clients across the whole of the UK. With some of the most highly trained chauffeurs in the industry and owning the best fleet of chauffeur vehicles in the North of England, it has the winning combination.

The company has seen significant growth in the last few months thanks to an exclusive partnership with Samson Executive Jet Centre, located at Newcastle International Airport.

Paula Ives, General Manager at Samson Executive Jet Centre said: “We have been working with Parkers Executive Chauffeurs for many years, but took the decision this year to make them the company of choice for our clients. They provide an excellent service.”

As a business, Parkers has strong sustainability initiatives which align to those of Samson and the Airport. The company has planted over 3,300 trees to offset its journeys, plus it has recently made huge investments into offering a greener fleet of luxury vehicles with hybrid Range Rovers and fully electric Mercedes Benz options. Parkerschauffeurs.com

Hinsley Hall

A warm welcome awaits people of all denominations and faiths at Hinsley Hall,

We share some of the latest business news updates from venues across the North.

set in several acres of peaceful landscape grounds.

Located within two miles of the city centre and six miles from Leeds Bradford Airport with excellent public transport links, this Grade ll listed building also offers ample free on-site parking.

The centre offers a comfortable costeffective venue suitable for a variety of needs. Conferences and meetings are our speciality and all-out well-equipped rooms offer versatility, space, and natural daylight along with audio equipment.

Delegates can also enjoy our 52 refurbished bedrooms and a variety of spaces including the Chapel, Library, Christian Bookshop Dining room, and the Lounge Bar.

Our experienced and friendly staff are here to relieve you of the burden of organising your visit. Their help and expertise will ensure a successful event and an enjoyable stay with us.

Hinsley-hall.co.uk

Silent Seminars Celebrate Win at Event Tech Live

Birmingham-based event hire company, Silent Seminars, has won the Best Wireless Technology award at Event Tech Live 2022.

The award recognises the company’s revolutionary wireless headset system which features a full-scale translation service through its partnership with interpretation experts, Interprefy.

Delivering more content and increasing immersive engagement, the AV solution also allows clients to maintain their branding and deliver content in multiple languages.

Silent Seminars was also nominated for the Best Conference Technology award during the ceremony at Event Tech Live’s 10th anniversary at Excel London.

“We are absolutely delighted to win this award and be recognised as a leading event audio specialist and for the team’s incredibly hard work over many years,”

said Silent Seminars Director, Duncan Strain. “Our staff are hugely experienced and being part of Event Tech Live allows us to grow our specialisms, learn what event producers need, and build contacts in the industry so we can provide an event greater service to our clients.”

With the option to hire headsets alone or to rely on the help of the Silent Seminars team of audio engineers and event specialists, clients can use the solution for both large and small scale events.

Silentseminars.com

CVC Event Services Celebrates 35th Anniversary

CVC Event Services is proud to be celebrating 35 years in business this year. Originally founded in 1987 as Chesterfield Video Company to provide a full range of video and AV production services, by the mid-90’s the company had become increasing involved with the Iive events sector, changing its business name to reflect this.

The group’s reputation and success has grown with a special focus on providing equipment and technical services for conferences and business events, together with public address services for civic and official occasions.

Based in Sheffield to serve the Sheffield City Region, the company’s diverse range of annual events now spans from civic occasions and Remembrance Day services to the Sheffield International Documentary Festival, Buxton Festival, Sheffield Gastroenterology Symposium, and Art in the Gardens to name just a few outside many small and large conferences.

Commenting on this milestone, Managing Director, Paul Inott said: “It has been a privilege to be involved in so many of the prestigious and exciting occasions over the years, and I would like to thank all our clients past and present.

“I’ve seen how the live events sector has developed, and I can only imagine what the next 35 years will bring.”

Cvceventservices.co.uk

We provide stunning, temporary cover for any outdoor party, festival or event BoOk nOw Get in touch to discuss your requirements

Forward Thinking

The Leeds Venues and Hotels Association’s sustainability conference offered an insight into how the northern events industry can decarbonise.

Meeting at the Royal Armouries, a sustainability conference offered an insight into how the events industry can come together to meet the global goal of net zero carbon by 2050. The event featured a variety of knowledgeable speakers covering topics ranging from how using renewable energy can save your business money to how the choice of food we serve can affect our carbon footprint.

First up at the podium was Polly Cook, Chief Officer of Sustainable Energy & Air Quality at Leeds City Council (LCC). She began by outlining that the time to act on climate change is now: “We can’t afford to keep pushing everything into the long grass.”

Polly also emphasised that climate change is never one person or one organisations’ responsibility and that it is only by significant and universal change

that we can mitigate the effects of global warming.

Michael Falla, Environments, Social, and Governance Lead of Valour Hospitality, discussed the importance of making sustainable goals within your business, even if the goals might seem ambitious: “It’s important to have these aspirational goals and to have something to strive for. It’s ok to change and adapt.”

He also highlighted the importance of engaging staff in sustainability: “If it’s not your money or impact, it’s easy to care less.” Michael suggested that finding staff who care about one aspect of sustainability, engaging with them, and making them an ambassador of that aspect of your sustainability programme is a good way to encourage staff to be enthusiastic over sticking to any businesswide policies you implement.

The conference also heard from Jo Austin, Sales Director of Lime Venue Portfolio, about catering with sustainable menus: “The food system is broken and we can be a major player to activate change,” Jo stated, starting her presentation with some sobering facts, including that 80% of the original forest that covered the Earth 8,000 years ago has now gone and that 60% of all mammals alive today are livestock. While Jo advocated for sustainable menus

at events, she also acknowledged that quality has to be maintained: “Food has to be tasty. When delegates come to an event, they come for hospitality as well as learning and inspiration. It also needs to be nutritious. While we’re feeding stomachs, we need to be feeding minds and bodies as well. It’s one of our core beliefs that every plate of food has a responsibility to the planet. If we can make sure that's what we deliver on the plate is between neutral or good for the planet, we know then we are often helping clients achieve their sustainability goals too.”

Finally, Nicholas Challen of HBSL Procurement outlined the importance of reducing energy usage, saving money, and reducing your business’s carbon footprint: “With the price of energy increasing between 300% and 500%, energy costs are going to be something which needs managing.”

Nicholas went on to show that making sustainable changes to your energy solutions can increase your business’s revenue by reducing overheads, improving your brand’s reputation, and increasing sales with the under 40s, particularly as studies show that 71% of 16 to 40-year-olds consider climate change to be the biggest challenge facing their generation.

Lvha.co.uk

Planning Ahead

As the industry tackles tough economic challenges, newly appointed Events Association beam Chair Sian Sayward shares what the next 12 months will look like.

Change began for beam pre-pandemic, and a year ago, we created a new name and structure. Our mission was to remain relevant, sustainable and to become industry leading. Our board expanded to 12 people, all with different areas of responsibility, to ensure our voice as an industry is louder, and our future is stronger. Appointing a Chair, and Julie Shorrock as Vice-Chair, were the final pieces in the puzzle. Our job is to ensure our new two-year strategy stays on track.

Going forward, the number one priority is member support. We want to grow our membership and be able to represent more people at the right levels. Whether that’s at a granular level with helping to find solutions for daily challenges faced by our members, whether that’s signposting to the right place for expert advice or lobbying with everyone else across the industry to get things done.

Following Brexit, the pandemic, and with the current economic

situation in the UK, offering support where it is needed and when it is needed will be fundamental in the coming years. We must provide education to enable organisations to adapt and make the right decisions throughout the next business cycle. We will offer training and professional development to support the next generation of talent as well as those already making successful careers in the industry.

Being Chair of beam is a huge role and I do not undertake it lightly. It is going to be a tough year in terms of what needs to be done, but I’m not one to shy away from a challenge, and neither are my fellow board members. If anyone in the business events, accommodation, and meeting sector is reading this and needs support, we are here. We will work our hardest to improve things for our members and the wider industry throughout 2023 and beyond.

Beam-org.uk

Safety First

Alden Arnold, Project manager at Association of Event Venues (AEV) discusses the new cross-industry security group MASA established to inform venues about current security concerns.

Over the last six months the Association of Event Venues (AEV) has been working with its members, working groups and other industry association, towards creating a unified security awareness scheme for all live and mass participation events – one that can respond quickly to sudden changes and developments in what has become an increasingly complex security landscape.

The nature of risk associated with live and mass participation events is changing quickly, driven by global factors including climate change, strategic competition, and the “fourth industrial revolution”. Digital technology opens up new risks of cyberattacks: radicalisation can now be done remotely, and the lines between “lone wolves” and hostile groups are becoming progressively blurred. Security organisations are now issuing more information about risks and threats to events than ever.

The Multi Association Security Awareness (MASA) Group was conceived by the AEV out of a need to provide a conduit for this increase in information being provided by the National Counter Terror Security Office (NaCTSO), the Counter Terror Business Information Exchange (CTBIE), and the Home Office; and to cascade it efficiently and quickly to the right people across the UK event industry.

Until now, individual associations have liaised directly with these organisations at different levels and times – leading to a diversity of approaches and processes. MASA is intended to unify and consolidate security information, particularly from CTBIE, and to enable the whole event industry to look to a single source of trusted and timely advice, alerts, and updates. It will also provide a unified point of contact for the event industry, greatly assisting NaCTSO, CTBIE and other organisations in pinpointing the best recipient for security information, eliminating the duplication of effort and the risks of misinterpretation or ambiguity.

The AEV has also partnered with CHC Global, experts in malicious risk, and leaders in helping businesses build threat agnostic resilience – and this will help inform MASAs advice and objectives.

MASA’s first working meeting will be in January 2023, and, in addition to cascading the latest CTBIE report to the event industry, it will be seeking to bring more associations to the table and building on the years of work done by each individual association on security, safety, and risk mitigation.

Aev.org.uk

North in Brief

Agiito Pilot Live Solution

Derby-based events agency, Agiito, is currently piloting its live availability solution, Meetingspro, with Royal Mail Group. The tech pilot enables bookers to log on to the agency’s online platform to view rates and venue availability in real-time and quickly submit their enquiries and short lead bookings.

Meetingspro has gradually developed in line with its customer feedback and the growth of its technology since it was initially built in 2017. Migrating Agiito’s customers onto the technology platform has already seen a 22% increase in online bookings while the venue finding team have also focused on completing more complex offline bookings which has boosted customer service ratings.

“Our customers are already seeing the benefits of the online tool,” said Agiito Director of Venue Find and Events, Caroline Medcalf. “19,000 online bookings have been made so far this year with 50% of October’s enquiries submitted online, demonstrating that Meetingspro is becoming more popular for small meetings.

“The benefits extend further to the wider industry as a market leading technology, and we are now working with suppliers and industry bodies to align the process as we move into this new era of venue find booking.”

Eventure Four-Day Week Trial

Leeds-based event staffing agency, Eventure, has announced it will trial a four-day work week in January 2023.

Launched in 2020, Eventure source event staff for in-person and online events tailoring individuals to match each brand and business culture involved.

Eventure employees will work reduced hours during the trial rather than compressing existing working hours into fewer days, while retaining 100% of their salary.

“If we can find better ways of working that will make our people and business happier and more productive, why wouldn’t we try it?” said Eventure Founder, Charli Briggs. “We are on a mission to improve work-life balance alongside improving our service delivery to clients.

“We have realised that the four-day working week doesn’t mean the business has to close, and will be staggering days off with mixed teams to ensure the business can operate with zero disruption to clients.”

BVEP Rebrands as UK Events

The Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) rebranded as UK Events during The Business of Events UK Policy Forum in November.

The retitle and new brand identity will now be gradually phased into operations to reflect the group’s values of championing an inclusive sector that supports economic growth and benefits the whole of the UK.

“We are delighted to reveal the UK Events identity to the wider industry and truly believe the changes better reflect the diverse nature of the events sector our partners represent,” said UK Event Chair, Chris Skeith OBE. “Progression is about moving forward and adopting alternative approaches, and I look forward to continuing our work with a fresh and exciting new look.

“The UK Events name incorporates how our members are adapting and growing in line with the UK’s ever-changing events industry, and demonstrates that as a collective, our sector is a serious contender for international trade, exports, and inward investment.”

NEC Group’s Plant-based Dishes Accredited by Vegetarian Society

Vegan meals supplied by NEC Group caterer, Amadeus, are now accredited by the Vegetarian Society across its venue portfolio, including over 100 dishes and recipes.

The accreditation provides full traceability of ingredients with the additional use of the Vegetarian Society Approved vegan trademark. The accreditation will be used across NEC Group’s venues and Amadeus’ regional venues across the UK which cater for major sporting and corporate events.

“This accreditation is testament to the hard work of the people in our business who are extremely passionate about the traceability of the food that we serve,” said Amadeus F&B Director, Marc Frankl. “Securing the use of the approved trademark means clients and visitors to our venues have full clarity on our offering, making a clear statement about the food we serve.

Whether sourcing the finest local ingredients or using stateof-the-art technology to help drive down food waste, we are putting sustainable practices at the forefront of our work across venues, and this is our latest step.”

Rail Strikes to Cost Industry £1.5 billion

New data suggests that planned train strikes over the festive period will cost the UK hospitality sector £1.5 billion, impacting the on-trade at a similar level seen during the 2022 COVID-19 Omicron surge.

Trade body UK Hospitality is urging the transport secretary to find a settlement which could lead to calling off strikes across December and January, while further data figures reveal over a third of UK hospitality businesses could fold in early 2023 from the cost-of-doing-business crisis.

“Businesses have already seen mass cancellations which won’t be rescheduled, costing the sector billions in lost sales,” said UK Hospitality Chief Executive, Kate Nicholls. “The Christmas period is not just good for businesses, but the most lucrative time for staff where they can benefit from additional overtime and higher levels of tips due to excess demand.

“It’s time that the government proactively brings all partners to the table to deliver a solution that protects the nation’s workers and hospitality delegates this Christmas.”

SEC Achieves Green Tourism Award

The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has achieved the Green Meetings Gold Award this year as it announces aspirations to be net zero carbon by 2030.

Green Tourism assessors granted the campus its initiative’s highest attainment after highlighting the campus’ work to promote locally produced food for staff and support delegates to make more sustainable choices.

“We’ve been very open about our sustainability ambitions, and it means so much to us that we continue to attain the highest credentials,” said SEC Environment and Waste Manager, Jennifer Ennis. “We hope that such achievements will give our clients confidence in both our commitment and understanding in addressing sustainability, so that they too can create experiences that consider both our environment and surroundings.”

Sound

Whether you’re looking for a grand spectacle or simply a cohesive audio and visual experience, good AV suppliers are key. And more importantly, bad AV can significantly disrupt your event experience and stick in your delegates’ minds far longer than any of the positives.

So, what makes a good AV supplier?

Experience and knowledge are a huge factor in providing any service, and AV is no different. When searching out an AV supplier, look into which events your potentials have worked on previously and what the outcome was. Many suppliers will have this information available on their website. You can also reach out to colleagues for recommendations of AV suppliers who have come through for them in the past. A shining review from someone whose opinion you value is high value.

A great way to ensure that any potential AV suppliers are both reputable and knowledge is to look out for any accreditations. The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) accredits the qualifications and experience of electrotechnical operatives, highlighting health and safety awareness in the field. Membership to a trade association such as AVIXA – the international trade association representing the audio-visual industry – is also a good indication, these groups often provide good practise and training to their members.

Take a deep dive into providing showstopping AV at your event.

as a Pound

Finding AV that augments a delegate experience can be gargantuan task. As seen most notably on recent royal occasions, projection mapping can light up the entire front of your venue with any design, blended with or mapped onto a physical object. Using the latest projection technology, the object appears to change around the designed projection, becoming part of the display.

By virtue of it being big and bright, it can be easy to get caught up in the visual aspect of AV and to leave the A as an afterthought. Sound design can fade into the background and only become intrusive when it goes wrong. Static, a faulty microphone, or media that won’t play are all recipes for disaster that will stick in delegates’ minds.

Keeping up with technology is key, a decent supplier will be. Most Industry events are utilising wireless headsets allowing talks to be given without having to worry about creating noise pollution, or delegates being unable to hear in busy surroundings. This technology allows speakers to talk into a microphone which connects to wireless headsets worn by delegates, allowing for increased engagement and for multiple sessions to be run in the same place.

Looking for a Newcastle based corporate AV production supplier who has produced over 15,000 events over 30 years!

Working across all the North East function suites these photos show our productions based in some of these venues.

R&B have warehouses full of AV equipment, in-house set design & build facilities, video production, AV technicians & creatives that can help with your content, animation & graphics.

For free advice about your next event please get in touch with KEVIN FLOYD Head of Client Services

E: kevin.floyd@rbgroup.co.uk

T: 0191 2763999

M: 07805 434095

Conference video production, live streaming, hybrid and virtual events

We help our clients engage with their audiences around the globe.

Book your first hybrid or virtual event and receive a complimentary highlights video! (T&Cs apply)

Edinburgh-based, work nationwide and internationally

Contact us today! Telephone 0131 610 6001 or email hello@glo.live

One point of contact from initial enquiry to onsite event delivery

Scotland-Based, UK-wide service

Precise and detail-oriented delivery

People-centred approach

Attentive, prompt communication

Anker.com/uk 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

With Thanks

Treat your delegates to a super send off with our range of gift ideas.

1. Desktop golf | £5.99

A desktop golf kit makes the perfect desk ornament for any co-workers who enjoy a nice relaxing day on the greens. Featuring two golf balls, clubs, fairway and even a bag of sand to make things a little harder, the kit also includes a little book of fun facts to freshen up your colleague’s knowledge of the game. Whsmith.co.uk

2. Henry desk vacuum | £12.99

A great little gift for those who like a tidy workspace, a miniature Henry hoover is a win-win to clean up the workplace and boost staff productivity levels. Easy to use and always smiling, the hoover also has extra vacuum attachments and crevice tools to reach every last crumb stuck in the keyboard. Findmeagift.co.uk

3. Personalised coffee cup | £25

A personalised travel coffee mug is a practical gift for colleagues who are always on the go. Made from eco-friendly materials, the inside of the lid can also be engraved with a name and drink of choice making the gift especially unique for each colleague. Sundaysdaughter.co.uk

4. Aromatherapy bath salts | £12

Help your staff relax and unwind with some soothing bath salts to leave them feeling more grounded and refreshed. Ocean & Bee’s trio of eucalyptus, lavender, and bergamot is packed with magnesium to ease anxiety and irritability. Oceanandbee.co.uk

5. Wireless charging pad | £15.99

A handy wireless charging pad sat on the desk is a thoughtful touch in case staff forget to bring their charger during the morning rush. Compatible with all branded devices and earphones, this pad also supports charging through thick phone cases for greater ease.

TAKES TWO

Leading corporate event video specialist Lux Films reveals its own approach to forging the best working relationship with clients.

You’re talking to a potential new supplier and asked them three times to give you a ballpark figure for your event based on their experience with similar projects, and they just won't answer the question. They then ask you what your budget is, and you skirt around that too.

Sound familiar? Then you’ll know just how hugely frustrating this is as it becomes a ridiculously complicated game of “there’s-an-elephant-in-the-room” where no one is getting the answers that they need to move forward.

Suppliers don’t want to give a ballpark figure because it won’t represent what you or the client actually wants or what they can do with your specifications. You also don’t want to give away your budget because of a deep-rooted fear they are going to swallow it all up unnecessarily or try to upsell you.

So here is a guide of how these conversations should go down, with full transparency and a productive use of everyone’s time:

1. During your initial meeting, the supplier will ask for a comprehensive list of your requirements for the event. Tell them everything about your wishes and desires, even if it’s blue-sky thinking. Not only that, but also state which requirements are the most important and which are “nice-to-haves.”

2. If they ask about your budget, tell them.

3. If you have examples of what you do or don’t want, show them these too. Ask them if they have done anything similar or what they would do.

4. If they ask about your budget, tell them.

5. Explain who your stakeholders are, and what outcome and impact you want from the product or service that they will be supplying.

6. If they ask about your budget, tell them.

Ok, so you get the gist of points two, four and six, but this is imperative. If the supplier has your list of requirements along with your budget, they can then work on a quote which incorporates as many of those needs and wants as possible. They can even come up with solutions for ideas that aren’t within your budget but could be if approached differently. This isn’t always about them profiting more but getting you the most bang for your buck so they can make your event in your own vision and work with you again and again. And never be afraid to ask for several quotes if you want to play around with ideas and what that means for your event budget. A reputable supplier will be more than happy to do this.

Businesses are there to work together in making great events and lasting relationships. So, go into your next meeting with a supplier laying all your cards on the table. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how productive, informative, and easy it is.

If you need an event video or a new video production partner and want a simple, friendly chat about your requirements, then get in touch at Luxfilms.uk or info@luxfilms.uk

Radio Friendly

The team at Direct Communications Radio Services (DCRS) reveal the secret to better communication all in one headset.

Now that the hospitality sector is seeing a rise again post-pandemic, the key to retaining customers and providing an enjoyable experience is better communication between staff in the workplace.

Happy staff means happy customers, and this can all be made possible by us and by using VoCoVo to provide a confident and attentive service. Your team can check in with the kitchen, help customers, and effortlessly take orders straight from their headset. So, any dietary requirements, special requests, or another drink? No problem!

Recently I attended Cvent CONNECT where I heard Madolyn Grove (TikTok) and Frances Rodriguez Balit (Podcast Host) talk about using unique channels to reach your audiences.

TikTok strikes fear into the hearts of many. The onus on video content, on both TikTok and now Instagram, asks marketers to hone a whole different skillset. This can be intimidating, but getting the whole team involved can be a great place to start. Who can you interview from your team? Can you take footage of them at a site visit? Can you film them in action as they

As VoCoVo integrates with your existing phone system, you’ll never miss a booking. You’ll be able to direct a call straight to your front of house team’s headsets. Staff can also make and receive calls, talk to each other, and take reservations all from their headset suitable specifically for enterprise solutions.

If you also offer a delivery service, then VoCoVo’s internal and external Call Points allow couriers to alert your events management team when they have arrived, meaning delivery pickups will no longer overrun the venue floor space and ruin the atmosphere for your delegates.

VoCoVo is now used by 100,000 users across 8,000 locations in 21 countries.

Get in touch with DCRS for further information regarding VoCoVo or for a free demonstration on 08000 432 688 or email sales@dcrs.co.uk.

Loud and Clear

Claire Fennelow, Executive Director of EVCOM, discusses the value of using unique channels of communication to engage with your delegates.

set up an event? This can also be a great way to get the whole team invested in your comms and marketing strategy.

If you’re a small team, like we are, think about who you can reach out to in your network. We recently started a TikTok account, and asked our Shadow Board to contribute to it, sharing “day in the life” videos to give into what it could look like to work in our industry. TikTok is also helping us to reach a younger audience, expanding not just how we are reaching people but who we are reaching.

In 2023, we also have big plans to start a podcast. We have found that people are tired of webinars but too busy to come to in-person events. After the lack of work

due to COVID-19, event agencies are saying yes to all the work that comes their way. Which means longer hours than ever before. People go to work with podcasts in their ears, make dinner with podcasts in the background. They are a medium that fit well into a busy schedule. Whether you host discussions between your team to boost the profile of your agency or work with clients to create content that can promote events you are running for them, and live on after the event itself, there’s so much to play with.

What both platforms have in common is content that is authentic and that can be integrated into a life on the move.

Evcom.org.uk

Hallmark Catering

Pioneering Manchester Chef, Andrew Green, discusses his plans for 2023 after taking over the kitchen at Cheshire’s Mottram Hall.

Multiple AA rosette winner, Andrew Green, has founded some of Manchester’s pioneering restaurants and hospitality venues leading the local food scene, including Mamucium within Mancheter’s IHG Indigo hotel and the Ducie Street Warehouse concept at Native Hotel. Taking over the kitchen at Cheshire’s luxury hotel, Mottram Hall, in late 2022, Andrew’s timing collided with the busy run up to the festive season and widespread staffing shortages in the hospitality industry.

Raffaella's, is now part of Andrew’s focus to take the delegate experience one step further as the hotel’s new Executive Head Chef, and will be the first of a series of planned hotel refurbishments across the first quarter of 2023: “If you’re going to level up a restaurant, then you need to make sure the menu and the cooking match an equal high standard. I really want to make a name for this place in the months to come and give it the reputation it deserves.”

“I really want to make a name for this place in the months to come and give it the reputation it deserves.”

“The majority of kitchen teams are run by staff agencies with very few full-time members,” explained Andrew. “My first and foremost task since joining Mottram Hall has been to employ a stable team who can work together in preparing for the busy season ahead and maximise on what we can do together in this area.”

Set in 270 acres of sweeping countryside, Mottram Hall’s conference venue hub containing nine meeting rooms is complimented by the wealth of neighbouring delegate leisure facilities, including a FIFA accredited football pitch and 18-hole Championship golf course. Earning an AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence, the hotel’s selection of restaurants also incorporates traditional British dishes with contemporary techniques and seasonal flavours.

Combining the best of all the venue’s restaurants, the upcoming launch of Mottram Hall’s latest culinary venture,

The experience of working across the diverse Manchester food scene has helped build a strong catering network of suppliers and fellow head chefs which has supported Andrew during his career so far: “It’s the people within the industry who I’ve personally worked with who have really lent me on a good path. I started in Manchester as a sous chef under Davis Gale which was probably the tipping point to show me how to become a real kitchen manager. His philosophy on running kitchens had a great impact on me, and I paid close attention to his advice on how to get to the top.”

Although the pandemic forced Andrew to close his kitchen at Hotel Indigo and instead assist fellow staff with housekeeping duties, the Derbyshire-born chef still looks back at the downtime as an important motivational period with plenty of lessons learnt: “It doesn’t matter how skilled you are, but when restaurants are forced to shut down you must do what’s

required to keep the industry going. The last couple of years were a great venture, but now its time to look to the future and deliver on new goals.”

Despite the ongoing pressures associated with the industry, Andrew still remains certain that getting stuck in as early as possible as a young professional is a driving factor to success: “Once your foot is in the door, people will recognise and invest in you as long you show willingness to show up and work hard. It might take a good 10 years to start earning an ok salary, but kitchens always lead to other things.

“The opportunities in the hospitality industry are endless and can take you to wherever you want to go. I strongly believe that you always get out what you put in. If you’re prepared to work hard, you get so much back.”

Champneys.com/hotels/mottram-hall/ dining/raffaellas

Sample Menu

To start Beetroot and Vegan Feta Arancini, Pumpernickel and Black Tahini Soil, and Fig Jam and Nasturtium.

Main

Beef Shin, Caramelised Parsnip, Shallot Purée, Pickled Mushrooms and a Smoky Red Wine Jus.

Dessert

S'mores Tart, Torched Swiss Meringue, and Mini Marshmallows with a Kalamansi Gel.

Warm Welcome

Check out the technology available for streamlining your delegate check in process.

The days of arriving at an event and signing in are becoming a distant memory as more creative technological solutions are developed. Automated solutions for delegate check in save on both time and manpower, allowing event organisers to focus their resources on the event. We explore what’s put there to streamline the process.

Digital registration

The most frequently used and well-known method of contactless delegate check in, digital registration essentially lets your delegates check themselves in using a website or app on their smartphone. An alternative option is to provide tablets in your welcome area, for those delegates who don’t own a smartphone or don’t wish to use their own. Digital registration offers a quicker check in system which requires fewer staff to oversee it, allowing their attention to be focused on enhancing the event experience, and does this for a smaller investment than some of the other options.

QR codes

QR codes seem to be thoroughly ingraining themselves as a common part of day-to-day life. Everything from restaurant menus to museum exhibits and advertisements make use of them to provide further information to users. It’s no surprise then that they can also be useful for welcoming delegates to your event and much quicker than traditional digital registration and don’t require delegates to download anything as an app does. It does present a heightened cybersecurity risk however as virus transmission through ill-intentioned QR codes is on the rise.

Facial recognition

The future is here and it knows what you look like. That’s right, technology that

many of us associate with spy or scifi movies – facial recognition – is now allowing attendees to check in at an event with a simple face scan. Delegates upload an image of their face before the event when they register to attend. On the day, they only need to approach the camera, allow it to match their face with their details, and press confirm. It’s an easy and efficient system which can help to avoid queues at large events.

RFID technology

Radio frequency identification technology – more commonly known as RFID – works much the same as contactless bank cards do, with a programmed chip which is scanned by a reader. This technology can be embedded into a name badge or wristband sent out prior to the event, for a check-in that’s as easy as tapping your wrist to a scanner. Alternatively, as the chips take mere seconds to code, they can be handed out at check in to allow delegates to sign in for individual sessions or talks, or even as a way to easy transmit contact details to exhibitors. While this method is convenient for check in, it does take more organising in the run up.

Warm Up

Harnessing thermal energy from event delegates, the new BODYHEAT system marks a huge stride towards making Glasgow a net zero city.

After three years of development, Glasgow’s multidisciplinary arts and corporate events venue, SWG3, has launched its radical new heating system to regenerate the thermal energy emitted from event delegates.

The BODYHEAT system stores the thermal energy across SWG3’s 12 underground boreholes located in the venue’s community garden. Surrounded by thermal-absorbing rocks, the boreholes can store the heat for future events scheduled days, weeks, or months ahead.

Delegate body heat can also be transported using a carefully selected carrier fluid through a closed network of pipes to heat pumps in the venue’s plant room, before then moving 200m underground to be stored in the boreholes. Once the energy is ready to be used again, it travels back to the heat pumps where it is then upgraded to a suitable temperature and emitted back to heat – or cool – SWG3’s event spaces and provide hot water.

“Hopefully this will influence other venue holders from our industry

and beyond to follow suit and work together to tackle climate change.”

Capturing delegate body heat as they enter the venue through the main foyer entrance, the tech start-up is also now active across some of the venue’s largest event spaces, including the 1,250 delegate capacity Galvanizers room and the 1,000 delegate TV Studio, which are both used for global conferences, corporate dinners, and

award ceremonies. Providing simultaneous heating and cooling, some heat pumps can also capture body heat live during an event to instantly be delivered to the foyer where it can maintain heat at a desired temperature.

With the electricity used to run BODYHEAT originating from 100% renewable sources, the system’s heating and cooling is set at net zero carbon emissions since its first launch in October, where delegates were invited to take part in a special rendition of Scotland’s famous Slosh line dance to generate SGW3’s first collection of renewable heat. Completely disconnecting all gas boilers across the venue will be the next integral part in SWG3’s sustainability focused plan to become completely net zero by 2025, while the BODYHEAT system itself is currently estimated to potentially save up to 70 tonnes of CO2 each year.

“We’re thrilled that after years of planning, consultation, and construction, we are able to switch on the first BODYHEAT system,” said SWG3 Managing Director, Andrew Fleming-Brown. “As well as being a huge step towards our goal of becoming net zero, this will hopefully influence other venue holders from our industry and beyond to follow suit and work together to tackle climate change.”

Managed by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), BODYHEAT was also made possible with support through the Scottish Government’s District Heating Loan Fund alongside the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme.

“What makes heat pumps so clever is that you don’t have to burn something

to create heat,” explained EST Head of Renewables, Anthony Kyriakides. “Instead, you’re using a modest amount of electricity to capture the heat that is already around us and redeploying it in a smart way.

“EST is pleased to support the BODYHEAT project and hopes the story and success of this heating system will influence other low carbon approaches to capturing and re-purposing residual heat and help reduce future emissions.”

Bodyheat.club

BODYHEAT Fast Facts

• BODYHEAT captures heat emitted from SWG3 delegates and stores it underground using boreholes. In turn, this provides cooling to the event spaces.

• There are a total of 12 boreholes in a U-shape configuration, all drilled to 200m depth, used for storing this heat in the ground.

• Waste heat is transported to the boreholes using carefully selected carrier fluid in a closed loop network of pipes, which travels from the heat pumps in the plant room to the boreholes in the ground.

• Captured heat can then be used later by reversing the cycle and transporting the carrier fluid from the boreholes to the heat pumps in the plant room.

• The heat pumps upgrade the captured body heat into a suitable temperature that can be used for heating SWG3’s event spaces.

SWG3 DELEGATES TAKE PART IN BODYHEAT’S OCTOBER LAUNCH EVENT.

HOSPITALITY RECRUITMENT

At CM Event Recruitment we staff occasions from small private events to large corporate ceremonies.

We meet and interview everyone face-to-face and conduct a skills test, ensuring they have the skills required for the job.

Matching experience to event, we supply bar staff, waiting-on staff, kitchen porters and cleaners/clearers.

WORK WITH Caterers • Golf clubs Event planners • Music events • Sports venues Festivals •Hotels and many more...

As a contract lawyer and business owner, the first job of the day is a coffee fuel up, hands down, the most important thing I do in the morning before a good old sort through the inbox. I answer all the emails that have come in from clients and connections, and generally have to delete what feels like a million unsolicited offers of assistance for my business. When everyone has been responded to (or removed) accordingly, it’s time to get down to business.

It’s a daily game of Tetris as a lawyer, fitting each job into a window of opportunity within the day or week. Time management is a hugely important skill in my job, as I look at each project and assess its complexity, how long it will take to write up a contract from scratch, and where it will fit most efficiently into my schedule. There isn’t much room for procrastination at Stanford Gould HQ!

Typically, a task or project comprises drafting up a contract from scratch, performing a contract review and then pricing the solutions to maximise choice for my customer. Sometimes making a contract work alongside the system a customer uses for their delivery services is tricky, so I may give them a call to understand how they work with their clients on a practical, day-to-day basis. It is always my aim to provide the most straightforward, suitable solution with as little lawyer-ish-ness as possible.

The Daily Grind

Heather Stanford, your Legal Fairy Godmother, of legal and business support company Stanford Gould, gives us a sneak peek of what her typical workday looks like.

Not everything is as simple as fitting a square peg into a suitably shaped hole, and more often than not at this point I’ll need to take a break from the screen to think things through. A walk, run (if I’m feeling ambitious), or a trip to the Costa drive thru are all ways I give my brain space to unpick a legal challenge.

I also find working collaboratively hugely beneficial for my business, both internally and externally. Team SG are my internal associates, and I always say that the lifeline of any business is the team that manages all the admin and to-do tasks –keeping your time free to operate within your zone of genius is key. I also try to make connections with complimentary businesses like insurers, accountants, social media experts and other industry movers and shakers. This helps make work as fun as it is effective; after all, what’s life without fun? One of the things I really value is my coworking space in Nottingham city centre, which I share with fellow creative folk and use as a bolthole to escape from contract law for a little while – although it’s my job, even I can admit it’s not that fascinating! Using this space helps me recharge and get reinvigorated by my fellow creatives and their brilliant ideas.

One other important component of my day is to manage the online purchases and requests for assistance with the templates we sell in the online arm of the business. This could include anything from

pointing customers in the right direction for a contract template, to advising on which level of support they should invest in. At the moment, I will also check on any new sales of our freebie, a Stanford Gould branded 2023 wall calendar which comes with our compliments with every contract template purchase. Every time someone snaps one up, I package it up and post it to them so they can begin to make plans for their 2023 ambitions.

When the specs come off at the end of the day, it’s time to cook dinner, update and unwind with my wonderful family. If you think I can help you and your business with legal or contractual solutions, please get in touch and you can fit into one of my Tetris spaces?

Stanfordgould.co.uk

The Sustainable Events Show’s comeback realigned green initiatives for event profs in preparation for 2023.

Green

Gatherings

Strategically timed to launch directly after the gathering of global leaders at COP27, the second annual Sustainable Events Show kept up the industry’s momentum to tackle the challenge of securing a greener future.

Building on the huge success of last year’s occasion, the unique carbon neutral one-day exhibition delivered ground-zero solutions for a record number of just over 1,500 event organisers to be able to take away and put into practice, with over 60 diverse event venues, event services suppliers, and event technology companies on board from around the UK.

Facilitated by global events agency, emc3, the show’s workshop, How to be Sustainable and Impactful when Organising Events, held a central place in the packed content programme to help suppliers and venue holders align their sustainability goals for 2023. With advice provided from representatives in leading industry bodies including Greengage, Carbon Consultancy, and Event Cycle, the workshop focused on supporting participants with small but realistic steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and matching the net zero initiatives from sector innovators.

isla Co-Founder, Anna Abdelnoor opened the show’s main programme of educational content and welcomed leading industry figureheads to address the role of sustainability with practical solutions put forward to event profs using layman terms to decipher the most complicated talking points.

Lime Venue Portfolio’s Jo Austin and Wyboston Lakes’ Louisa Watson joined panel discussions into the latest inadvertent greenwashing tactics from brands, with advice for venue holders on marketing their sustainability credentials effectively, while the Commonwealth Games 2022 Sustainability Plan Lead, Judith Dix, guided mass-participation event planners on sustainably delivering outdoor and sporting events.

Seminars also covered venue food wastage, carbon-friendly delegate travel, and which congresses are responsible to deliver sustainable events globally. Hosted in the Conservatory at London’s iconic Barbican Centre, the tropical event space provided the ideal setting to enhance the show’s keynote content as delegates mingled under a canopy of over 1,500 species of plants and trees.

“Selecting the Barbican as the show’s host venue was a simple choice,” said Sustainable Events Show Co-Creator, Wesley Mendy. “The culturally rich sustainable environment best exemplifies what the exhibition intrinsically showcases, while offering us the appropriate set-up to create a carbonneutral event in the process.”

Open Road

After much speculation from event professionals across the globe, on 11th November Net Zero Carbon Events released its roadmap to get the global events industry to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The roadmap sets out a common framework for the events industry to make its net zero journey together. The document contains a step-by-step guideline with targets for significant points along the timeline starting 2023, by which venues and suppliers will define their carbon footprint and plan their reduction by the guidance set out. 2025 will see the measure of carbon at all events and embedding of sustainability criteria into contracts. Carbon emissions will be reduced through eliminating carbon intensive items and processes by 2030. By 2035 remaining carbon intensive activities and items will be replaced with sustainable alternatives. 2040 will see any residual carbon emissions removed from the atmosphere using robust carbon capture processes. Finally, by 2050 the industry will reach net zero carbon.

Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI and JMIC (Joint Meeting Industry Council) Board Member, introduced the roadmap:

“This roadmap has been fuelled and produced in the largest ever collaborative action seen across the events industry. We were speaking about the difficulty of bringing together so many players, and I am proud that our industry accepted that challenge and came together.

“The roadmap aims to provide a common framework to come together and approach net zero. While each organisation has its own speed to achieve the goal, rest assured that many conversations I’ve had over the last month were with players saying that they want to be net zero carbon on some sections by as early as 2024.”

Later, the session moved on to a panel discussion, bringing together key figures across the global industry. When asked about what she would recommend to businesses which are considering joining Net Zero Carbon Events’ pledge, Helen Sheppard, Head of Sustainability RX, responded: “Firstly I want to congratulate everyone involved in launching this document. It’s an incredibly comprehensive document that we can all be proud of. At the same time it can be daunting, particularly if you’re new to sustainability, or are approaching this

The Net Zero Carbon Events initiative launched its roadmap at COP27, detailing how the industry can take forward the goals set at COP26.

for the first time. It can be difficult to know where to start. When it comes to the roadmap, there are two things that I think are particularly useful. Firstly, there’s some information in the roadmap about how a company can start measuring its scope one and two emissions. It’s also a valuable tool for mapping scope three emissions.

“Secondly, it’s a really helpful document that can be used in stakeholder engagement. It’s a catalyst that can be used with your suppliers, partners, and customers to talk about what they’re doing on sustainability, what they’re doing to achieve net zero, and how you can work together.”

Later in the panel discussion, Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, highlighted the importance of spreading the sustainability message: “I think the biggest challenge is one that we talked about in COP26 in Glasgow. Creating awareness. This has grown immensely already, with 400 stakeholders signing the pledge. But even if they do the measurement and move forward with new initiatives to map out the carbon footprint, it’s very vital that we create banners both internally and externally.”

Define carbon footprint and plan reduction

Measure of carbon at all events and embedding of sustainability criteria into contracts Eliminating carbon intensive items and processes

Remaining carbon intensive activities and items replaced with sustainable alternatives Residual

Stadium Status

Maximising the potential of an event’s essentials while offering a little bit extra to motivate delegates, stadium venues are consistently staying ahead of the game as unique meeting providers in the industry. Collaborating with around 40 major football, rugby, and cricket clubs across the UK, Stadium Experience is boosting the awareness of what these iconic venues can offer for planners.

“Stadium venues are unique and prestigious settings suitable for all your meeting needs,” said Stadium Experience Marketing Manager, Debbie Rigney. “The variety of adaptable spaces, from intimate boxes to large suites, provide great options for all forms of meetings and conferences. Paired alongside stunning pitch views to admire the stadium’s architecture and all the match-time action, events taking place at these venues provide an experience far apart from more traditional locations.”

On the map

Ideally located to offer excellent transport links and ample parking, stadia’s easy accessibility always kicks meetings off to a great start and is further complimented by reputed events teams ready to welcome delegates from their first arrival and direct them to their designated event space. Currently the newest purpose-built Rugby League stadium in the country, the home ground of St Helens R.F.C, Totally Wicked Stadium, sits within easy reach of the M6 and M62 and less than half an hour from Liverpool and Manchester. The free on-site parking for over 350 vehicles also leaves larger delegate numbers in good hands, with the neighbouring Mercure Hotel providing a convenient spot for colleagues to base themselves overnight if required.

Unique experiences

The prospect of walking around the playing and changing areas graced by sporting stars is already an exciting enough incentive for delegates to participate in a stadium venue-held event long before its launch date. The same unique setting also makes endless breakout opportunities for planners to embellish their meeting with added entertainment value as the day progresses.

While discovering some of Liverpool F.C.’s history in a behind the scenes venue tour or admiring the view from a rooftop walk, groups at Anfield Stadium can also hear a motivational talk from one of the club’s footballing legends during their next training course or workshop before getting a photograph with the club’s silverware to bring home a lasting memento from the event.

Green credentials

Forward-thinking measures to improve their environmental impact and achieve sustainable development goals are rapidly granting stadium venues recognised accreditations, with over 700 sites currently participating in Green Tourism’s Green Meetings standard. Sustainability initiatives become a key focus during stadia refurbishment to reduce energy and minimise heat loss, while EV charging points have also grown substantially in recent years for non-match day event attendees.

Crowned the Greenest Club in Scotland, Edinburgh’s Easter Road Stadium and home of Hibernian F.C. notably marked the end of 2020 having recycled 100% of all matchday waste, removing single use

Bring your next meeting to the North’s innovative stadium venues for a unique and exciting delegate experience.

plastics, and expanding its plant-based menu options. As the industry moves into 2023 newly motivated after COP27, planners can still rely on stadium venues to keep sustainability a top priority when finding their next event.

Team spirits

Innovative group activity ideas combined with thoughtful localised Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives continue to raise the bar for team building events across northern stadium venues while taking full benefit of the vast outdoor space available. Relaunching in May 2023, the Manchester City Corporate Cup at Academy Stadium is inviting colleagues to take part in a 32-team tournament while helping to raise funds for youth-led programmes with the venue’s partnering charity, City in the Community.

“The tournament lets planners promote their company on their shirts and pitch side LED boards before networking at an afterparty,” explained Debbie. “It’s a perfect way to make memories within your team and further cement your company within the events industry while raising money for a good cause.”

Stadiumexperience.com

See you at Ricardo’s

Stoke City F.C. opens multi-million-pound sports bar at the bet365 Stadium.

Stoke City F.C. are delighted to announce the opening of a brand-new, state-of-the-art sports bar facility at the bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent.

Formerly known as Delilah’s, the completely refurbished space will now bear the name of club legend Ricardo Fuller. In six seasons at the bet365 Stadium, the majestic Jamaican forward endeared himself to the Potters’ faithful by helping the Club reach and maintain its place in the Premier League between 2006 and 2012. The contemporary venue now features a fresh ground floor configuration, complete with the installation of large screen TVs, enhanced bar and catering facilities, a stage and new washrooms. With two levels boasting occupancy levels of up

to 250 people each, the space is ideal not only for match-day events, but an array of meetings and events throughout the year.

While the ground floor is ideal for parties, drinks receptions, and celebration of life events, the first floor is an excellent space for meetings, conferences, and training days. Each floor can be hired as a separate suite, or the entire space can be hired for larger events.

As with any booking at the stadium, complimentary parking will be available onsite at the bet365 Stadium.

Stokecityfc.com/club/bet365-stadium

Game On

Opting for a sporting venue of any capacity to bring your next business meeting to is now second nature for planners when granting delegates the unrivalled spectating experience among thousands of sports fans. With rapidly expanding event spaces and creative in-house experiences for delegates, venues hosting events on the wider range of the sporting spectrum are now gaining well-deserved recognition parallel to mainstream football stadia as a key contributor to the value of the events industry.

Driving business incentives during the summer in 2023, Silverstone Circuit faces high expectations as it prepares to host the Formula 1 British Grand Prix. With its primary event space, The Wing, providing ample choice for conferencing and meeting spaces, the Silverstone International Conference and Exhibition Centre has also been expanding its other facilities to provide an effective base for delegates to witness the spectacle.

“Part of our diversification strategy is to become a business and leisure destination,” explained Head of Business Sustainability, Stephane Bazire. “Our recently opened Hilton hotel provides 197 bedrooms for clients to expand

their business meetings activity, allowing delegates to stay over which until now wasn’t possible.

“The obvious initial reaction from delegates when first visiting the circuit is the fact that they are standing in the home of Formula 1. Welcoming delegates to set foot on the track before the race begins is a truly unique experience which differentiates Silverstone from other sporting venues.

“Our aim is to keep motorsports at the heart of the venue’s business culture, while using the circuit’s central location to open our doors for a wide range of clients who are willing to use the facilities on offer.”

Also dominating the 2023 summer sporting calendar, The Ashes returns to a range of Northern host venues with the sport’s typical five-day long test matches extending the opportunity for businesses to catch some of the action with colleagues or clients.

Renowned for its flexible events capabilities with 20 versatile spaces accommodating up to 450 delegates, Headingley Stadium’s free car parking, two local train stations, and reliable road links also place the venue at an advantageous position to welcome groups making the journey from further afield.

“Our excellent facilities, specialist on-site support, and award-winning catering services will help to deliver an unforgettable live event experience when The Ashes arrives to Leeds,” said Head of Business Development, Kelly Englefield.

“In-house hosts and hostesses stationed within the stadium’s

creative meeting spaces engage delegates from the moment they arrive to cricketing events, while dedicated teams of industry experts are always available to assist with preparations if planners want to arrange staff award ceremonies or facilitate introductions with new clients in their chosen suite.

“Spaces granting a behind-the-bowlers arm view, such as the Howard Suite and The Taverners Suite, are also a great backdrop to impress delegates with. Combining buffet style food and allocated padded balcony seating creates both a luxurious but laid-back approach to the traditional cricket viewing experience.”

Also in Leeds, and commonly referred to by fans as The Castle, Leeds’ Planet Ice Arena has also been generating new interest in non-mainstream sports as the resident venue to professional ice hockey team, Leeds Knights. With private exclusive use of corporate hospitality boxes, reserved premium seats, and all food and drink included, a match night at the venue provides businesses with a refreshing alternative setting to take their clients and staff.

“One of the great things about a sport like ice hockey is the sheer energy around

SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT

LEEDS KNIGHTS, PLANET ICE ARENA

DIRECTORS’ SUITE, HEADINGLEY STADIUM

Ready to host a full roster of diverse fixtures across 2023, sporting venues are proving to be a big win for businesses.

the arena during a game,” explained EFS Sports Chief Executive, Elliot Stroud. “The fast-paced tempo gives spectators a unique thrill and experience.

“Taking clients or staff into this environment is often the perfect space to develop personal and professional relationships, and the niche status of ice hockey compared to major sports makes it a truly engaging event for everyone attending.

“Between the ice hockey fixtures, companies can also hire out the Planet Ice for private ice-skating sessions while enjoying refreshments away from the office. It’s an incentive for companies to deliver team building activities in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.”

While the Grand National will see businesses flock to the coveted Aintree Racecourse in April, other racecourses dotted across the North are also impressing delegates with their unique offering of modern conference hubs nestled within traditional sporting setting. Hosting up to 30 race meetings throughout

the year, Leicester Racecourse is conveniently located within easy access to major motorways to receive delegates from far and wide.

“The undisturbed landscape and recently refurbished facilities at Leicester Racecourse have enhanced the established luxury experience of attending a race day,” said Social Media and Marketing Executive, James Warner. “The variety of rooms available have made many of our clients return multiple times

for their conference and business function needs.

“The full refurbished Club room features great head on views overlooking the home straight for delegates to mingle with the horse owners and trainers on the sun terrace area. With betting areas and race cards provided for each guest, the highly interactive set up provides a fantastic opportunity for planners to entertain clients or engage with colleagues with some friendly competition.”

HEADINGLEY STADIUM

LEICESTER RACECOURSE

LEICESTER RACECOURSE VIEWING TERRACE

On Track

Catering for all small, large, indoor, and outdoor events, a conference or event at the multi-award-winning Jockey Club Venues offers a truly unique experience for delegates and guests alike. The dedicated teams are experts in their field, with experience in organising large-scale outdoor events, corporate meetings and conferences, exhibitions, election counts, training events, team building days, award ceremonies, product launches and lots more.

The flexible and versatile venues all have several areas and spaces to choose from, making it almost a certainty that a Jockey Club Venue will be an exciting fit for any event criteria. Whether you need a theatre space for 300 at Exeter Racecourse or a large conference for over 2,000 at The Centaur at Cheltenham

Known for world-class horse racing, The Jockey Club Venues Collection offers an exhilarating setting for versatile and flexible events throughout the country.

Racecourse, spaces are service focused with a flexible approach and enjoy working with clients to curate the perfect event to meet the event objective.

With fresh, healthy, and delicious food thoughtfully and carefully prepared by the team of exceptional chefs, ingredients are ethically sourced from local suppliers wherever possible, and the environmental impact is also reduced through sustainable produce and practises with minimal wastage. Seasonal and balanced, all dishes focus on promoting healthy eating as well as providing plenty of choice for those with dietary requirements. Offerings are tailored to clients’ requirements, so whether it is a barbecue menu for a team building day using the plentiful outdoor space available or a light lunch for 25 delegates, all needs, styles, and occasions will be catered for.

All Jockey Club venues have ample free and on-site car parking with free Wi-Fi and all the latest AV equipment provided. As accredited members of BEAM, ABPCO, and AIM, the events team are proud to offer a collection of refreshingly different delegate experiences designed to enhance your next business meeting. From Segway Forest adventures and footgolf, to tackling rickety bridges on the Skywalk Activity course, there’s something

to set everyone’s pulse racing across our portfolio. While each venue offers different spaces, numbers, and options, all guarantee breath-taking scenery and a space steeped in history and prestige.

You are never far away from a Jockey Club venue, which includes Aintree Racecourse, Carlisle Racecourse, Cheltenham Racecourse, Epsom Downs Racecourse, Exeter Racecourse, Haydock Park Racecourse, Huntingdon Racecourse, The Jockey Club Rooms, Kempton Park Racecourse, Market Rason Racecourse, Newmarket Racecourse, Nottingham Racecourse, Sandown Park Racecourse, Warwick Racecourse, and Wincanton Racecourse.

Get in touch with the team today and find out how The Jockey Club Venues Collection can provide the perfect space for your event.

Thejockeyclub.co.uk/venues

LOOK

Ahead

Expand networks and strengthen connections with our 2023 calendar of industry and hospitality events to take your team or clients to.

/06

FEB

INSPIRATIONAL VENUE ROADSHOW

Lakeside Hotel & Spa

CHS Events’ lakeside gathering in Cumbria calls upon event profs to quickly meet and make connections with 20 specially selected venues during a streamlined one-day networking event. Exhibiting venue holders hidden under the event’s radar are yet to be revealed until closer to the meeting launch date and will be actively seeking event professionals to help expand their own events offering for delegates. Chs-events.com

/13-15 APR

RANDOX GRAND NATIONAL FESTIVAL

Aintree Racecourse

/01-02

MAR

INTERNATIONAL CONFEX

ExCel London

International Confex has now held its position as the largest gathering of event professionals in the UK for 39 years, with a central conference programme of over 100 talks taking place across two days. A new Buddy Up initiative lined-up for the show’s 2023 edition will promote delegate integration as those new to the industry can partner with experienced even professionals to get the most out of their first visit to Confex. International-confex.com/welcome

/25 APR

CHS23 LEEDS

Royal Armouries Museum

Attracting a global audience of over 500 million people each year, the Randox Grand National is set to present a variety of events and hospitality experiences on and off track. Several private boxes with dedicated hospitality teams bring clients and colleagues closer to the racing action overlooking the winning line, while luxury culinary experiences are headed by The Art School at Aintree, where celebrity Chef Paul Askew will present a sixcourse tasting menu served between each race and concluded with a champagne afternoon tea. Thejockeyclub. co.uk/aintree/ events-tickets/ grand-national/

After a successful comeback in 2022, CHS Leeds will re-gear its 12th run to host hundreds of outstanding hotels, venues, and event suppliers from around the UK. As 2023 marks the Leeds Year of Culture Festival, the event is an even greater opportunity for event organisers to discover the city’s latest venues and gaining inspiration for future events. Chsleeds. com

/28-29

JUN

THE MEETINGS SHOW

ExCel London

Expectations are set high for the next edition of The Meetings Show after the platform delivered a strong international contingent of over 500 exhibitors and 4,500 delegates in 2022. Visitors can now look out for isla’s stand to learn more about the show’s online sustainable events course designed to drive organiser’s sustainability agenda with guidance on carbon footprints, food waste management, and storytelling. Themeetingsshow. com

/16-23 JUL THE OPEN Royal Liverpool

The Open returns to Royal Liverpool for what will be Hoylake’s 13th hosting of golf’s oldest Major Championship. Divided into five fully inclusive experiences, the events premium hospitality packages each offer a unique way to enjoy the Championship. Overlooking Royal Liverpool’s 16th hole, the Origins Suites offers a luxurious private space for flexible delegate numbers to network and enough room for planners to hold functions away from the crowds. Inside the popular Spectator Village, the Scorers Premium experience brings groups closer to the action on the 18th hole with private tables available for a minimum of 10 delegates. Theopen.com

/26-27 AUG KWIK FIT BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

Donington Park’s longer Grand Prix circuit will return to the BTCC schedule for the first time in over two decades during the August bank holiday weekend. Granting delegates an elevated position with panoramic views of the racetrack’s natural amphitheatre, the venue’s Redgate suites can be booked ahead to view the event with AV facilities presenting live timings and commentary and buffet lunches included. Donington-park.co.uk/2023/ august/kwik-fit-british-touringcar-championship

/06-10

JUL

ASHES 2023

Headingley Stadium

Northern businesses can now secure premium packages at Headingley Stadium as the venue co-hosts the Ashes alongside other cricket stadiums across the North. All available suites offer prime viewing points for the games, including the top floor Directors Suite with private balcony seating and the Howard Suite offering a first-class lounge experience behind the bowler’s arm. A number of private boxes also come complete with a dedicated host providing delegates with a personalised service. Yorkshireccc.com/premiumexperiences

/03-13 AUG

CYCLING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Multiple Venues

The UCI Cycling World Championships will be combined into one event for the first time as over 8,000 elite and amateur cyclists are expected to compete for 13 titles in Glasgow and across Scotland. Indoor venues hosting the tournament include the iconic Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Emirates Arena, while spectators can also book tickets for outdoor sessions at Kelvingrove Park and the Nevis Range. Cyclingworldchamps.com

/17

OCT

CHS

BIRMINGHAM

ICC Birmingham

Professional and personal branding were the key takeaways from 2022’s CHS Birmingham as delegates met industry life coaches for practical motivation advice ready for the new year. Newly partnered with the Birmingham and the West Midlands Convention Bureau, the show’s 3rd edition will continue to enhance its regional perspective and lend a strong focus on local event suppliers forging partnerships with visiting businesses. Chsbirmingham.com

London

The only event portfolio dedicated to event technology will celebrate its 10th year in late 2023 as it showcases the latest developments in digital, in-person, and hybrid events. Event tech leaders will continue to discuss the latest trends shaping the industry and how teams can get ahead to use the right tools to help create and streamline engagement for delegates. Eventtechlive.com

Lasting Impressions

Rewrite the template for planning the perfect event with inspiration from the North’s leading unique venues.

Engaging delegates and motivating planners in ever-surprising ways, unique venues reflect the current industry standards while offering exciting new approaches to bring events together. With each possessing untapped event potential, a look at the revealing trends found across the North’s most unique venues can help create a truly special event.

Embracing new ideas

Taking the attention away from conventional buildings, converting alternative structures into a unique events space is becoming more commonplace in the industry. Hosting events on the move during 2022, the converted Great Western Saloon locomotive venue provided by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway showcases a unique way to host intimate networking events under the charm of the post-war era. Meanwhile on the River Clyde, The Tall Ship holds a reputation as one of only five sailing ships of its kind still afloat in the UK while combining glamourous private dinners and maritime themed activities as part of its diverse events package.

Boasting striking looks of the original space, these photogenic venues hold an instant visual appeal which aids planners when

marketing an event before, during, and after its launch. But behind the lens, the preserved original features across these standout venues also provides endless discussion points for delegates as they mingle and create vital lasting impressions of the unique event.

Encouraging creativity

An unconventional venue often provides planners opportunity for equally unconventional approaches to staging events and ways to showcase a brand

Continued on page 67

SWG3, GLASGOW

Swap the hustle & bustle of city life for the beautiful So m erset count r yside and create memorabl e experiences at our unique venue. The onl y limitation is your imagination !

Just a three-hour flight away from the UK and boasting 300 days of sunshine a year, there’s never a bad time to take your next business event to Malta.

Island appeal

Compact and hospitable, the array of venues dotted across the Maltese islands combine the country’s natural beauty and spellbinding history to create a unique platform for all event types. Home to Malta’s national art collection, the Malta National Community Art Museum MUZA boasts cutting-edge contemporary architecture which blends seamlessly with its 500-year-old setting, with the bespoke menus of its flagship restaurant branded and inspired by artwork spanning the 16th to the 21st century.

Lying at the heart of the venue, the extensive courtyard provides an exclusive outdoor context and a grand first impression for up to 200 delegates as they arrive to the event. 250 delegates can meanwhile share banquet or informal dinners together within the multipurpose space of St. Angelo Hall of the Malta Maritime Museum, enjoying the added

value of an expansive terrace overlooking the Birgu marina.

With a breath-taking interior and manicured Italianate gardens, the 18th century Palazzo Parisio remains one of Malta's most desirable meeting destinations for luxury and style, famous for its unique delivery and highly professional standards for bespoke fine dining and afternoon tea events.

For clients looking to continue their business trip on the sea, Palazzo hospitality staff can join groups on board the custombuilt yacht, JUPJU, to conjure up a menu of each planner’s choice. Comfortably accommodating up to 12 delegates, it’s an elevated way to host dinner parties and entertain clients while taking in the rugged cliffs of the Maltese Peninsula at a leisurely pace.

Valetta: The sunniest city in Europe

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Valetta is one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world with over 320 historical monuments to be found scattered across the city. Delegates can wander through elegant winding streets to explore Malta’s capital city at their own pace, or instead opt for an iPad treasure hunt or foodie tour to add a competitive edge to the trip as a group.

With stunning boutique hotels perfect for incentive groups wanting to stay in luxurious accommodation with a quirky edge, Valletta’s range of historic venues

also provide stunning views overlooking the Grand Harbour. Carefully restored along the city’s original fortifications, the Saluting Battery brings its heritage to life with its firing of the midday gun display during events for up to 700 delegates. Located towards the tip of Valletta’s peninsula, the 16th century Mediterranean Conference Centre is another remarkable landmark capable of hosting a banquet for 900 delegates in the La Valette Hall or up to 1,400 in the imposing Republic Hall.

Historic edge

With over 7,000 years of history on display, Malta’s scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop for delegates to explore megaliths, medieval dungeons, and ancient catacombs. Alongside Valetta, the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the subterranean Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum structure and Megalithic Temples all add to Malta’s positively mythic atmosphere.

Meet

At the Xaghra plateau on the island of Gozo, the multipurpose external area set against the spectacular backdrop of the prehistoric Ggantija Temples also makes this a truly unique venue for incentive travel groups of up to 200 delegates to enjoy outdoor activities, formal dinners, and artistic performances.

Adventures abound

The sparkling Mediterranean Sea offers a tranquil environment for snorkelling, kayaking, and swimming in between meetings, while delegates can also utilise the topographical island landscape for a range of outdoor team building activities including rock-climbing, mountainbiking, and horse riding. Unique diving experiences can also be booked off the shores of Malta, Gozo, and Comino for groups to discover an abundance of stunning reefs, natural caves, and World War Two wrecks under the crystal-clear waters.

Gastronomy for all tastes

The flavour of Maltese cuisine is the result of a 7,000-year relationship with the many civilisations who have occupied the Maltese Islands, with a melting-pot of cultures including the Sicilians, Romans, Spanish, and French influencing the unique blend of Maltese cooking. As an island lying virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, Maltese seafood has inevitably become a staple of the local diet, and the yearround warm climate allows delegates to experience alfresco dining with an array sea-food caught the same day including fresh tuna, swordfish, octopus, and lampuki.

Now home to five Michelin starred restaurants, caterers never fail to impress delegates with local specialities including the savoury filo pastry

Pastizzi, concentrated tomato paste Kunserva, Maltese bread Ftira, and Malta’s national dish, Fenek rabbit stew. Malta is also gaining international attention as an emerging wine region, with a broad selection of local vineyards

providing an alternative venue for group lunches and dinners, while wine pairing options and wine tastings are now a staple afternoon incentive idea.

Find out more at Visitmalta.com/en/a/ meet-in-malta

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT MALTA INCENTIVES & MEETINGS (MALTA TOURISM AUTHORITY)

North in Brief

NetworkTables Award at Event Tech Awards

Events software company, NetworkTables, has won the Favourite Event Technology Supplier award at the 10th Event Tech Live show.

First launched in 2015, the all-in-one platform helps delegates network during large conferences and within communities through a user-friendly online solution for table seating, session registration, and one-to-one meetings.

The NetworkTables team were presented the award after a monthslong vote submitted by international event organisers. The win is the latest of accolades for the company across 2022 including the Most Innovative Startup at the Event Technology Awards and Event Tech Innovation Company of the Year 2022 from LuxLife.

“A lot has changed in the last couple of years for events, but this award helps to remind us that innovation pays off,” said NetworkTables Founder, Matthijs Otto. “The choice to pivot our company’s focus to providing always-on event communities is exactly what helps the industry to become future-proof again.

“This way our customers stay ahead of the game. We’re thankful to have won this award by popular vote as it shows the hard work has paid off, and we hope it shows companies that aren’t working with us yet what we’re good at.”

Networktables.com/landing

Event Buyers Live Prepares for 2023

The eighth edition of Event Buyer’s Live welcomed 100 event organisers and 45 suppliers to place contracts for 2023 events and review supply chains for the future.

Hosted at Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire, the three-day event in November facilitated pre-arranged appointments and networking opportunities for participants to secure contractors just before the busy Christmas season.

Over 20 speakers also joined the event’s extensive educational programme to promote information sharing and share

ideas on the best industry practices to network and procure suppliers. Programme speakers included Greater Manchester Night-Time Economy Adviser, Sacha Lord, alongside isla Community Lead, Ellie Ashton-Melia, and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Accessibility Specialist, Emma Ord.

“2022 was a big year for the live events industry, and we needed a venue that befitted our VIPs and their needs,” said Event Buyers Live Co-Founder, Neil Fagg. “Carden Park Hotel was the perfect location for EBL 2022, featuring a host of facilities open exclusively for guests to enable us to deliver something very special this year.”

Join the waiting list for Event Buyers Live 2023 at Eventbuyerslive.com

Sporting Events Take Centre Stage

Major events venue Manchester Central has welcomed 14,000 more people to indoor sporting events this year when compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The venue, which has a capacity of over 10,000 and has recently staged the Rugby League World Cup wheelchair final, has hosted several prominent sporting events this year. The former railway terminal has a wealth of indoor space ideal for hosting mass participation events and large groups of spectators.

Highlights this year included the sold-out Rugby League World Cup wheelchair final, which was watched by a combined peak audience of 1.3 million people on TV, with over 4,500 people watching live at the venue; the largest ever live audience for the sport, setting a new world record in the process. HYROX Manchester kicked off the 2022 sporting programme in January, proving to be a huge success with thousands of fitness fanatics attending, and American football NFL team, Jaguars Live, roared into the venue in June.

Shaun Hinds, CEO at Manchester Central, said: “Our venue has come alive once again with the return of largescale indoor sports events. The variety of sports that have been held here is testament to the space being so versatile and our team facilitating exciting and innovative ways to host a range of activities.”

Event Relief Raises £6,000 for Mental Health

Event Relief, a fundraising initiative launched by Event Director Dan Assor raised £5,730 for three event industry charities. The money was raised for EventWell, MAKEITBLUE, and Meeting Needs via a virtual event.

Of the fundraiser, Dan said: “We know that mental health-related illness affects onein-three event professionals every year. I launched Event Relief in 2021 to enable our industry to pull together and support colleagues who are struggling.

“For people already experiencing stress and anxiety, the current economic climate is piling on financial worries, fuelling further distress. Every donation we have received will go towards helping those in need.”

SEC Strengthens Sales Team

The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has announced the appointment of Jennifer Roddie as Senior Sales Manager and Lead Bid Strategist, and Louise Watson as Association Sales Manager, as the business continues to invest in its talent.

“We have a strong and very skilled team here at the SEC and it’s important to recognise talent and support career progression,” commented Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales, SEC. “Jennifer has a wealth of industry insight and it’s terrific to have the opportunity to capitalise on this as we move forward in an ever-changing marketplace. And we’re delighted to welcome Louise who is highly regarded in the industry. Louise’s PCO background will bring a fresh perspective to what we do, and I am so excited to welcome her to the team.

Louise said: “I’ve built up an excellent relationship with the team at the SEC and the Glasgow Convention Bureau over the years, and we’ve worked collaboratively on a number of bids. I’m excited to be part of such a well-regarded team in a venue that I’ve always enjoyed working with.”

Wyboston Lakes Resort has award winning sustainability initiatives and an ongoing drive towards carbon neutral, you can be assured that your event is always in safe and sustainable hands.

We’d love to help you do the right thing with your next event. Get in touch and tell us what you’re thinking.

Better Together sales@wybostonlakes.co.uk wybostonlakes.co.uk

The annual Association of Event Venues (AEV) conference at Harrogate Convention Centre saw delegates flocking to the beautiful north Yorkshire spa town, reflecting its wide membership. The conference saw a wealth of knowledgeable speakers discuss a myriad of topics related to the theme The Power of People. In a room which encouraged networking, experts looked at where the industry is, and what the issues to affect next year will be.

The first keynote speech came from motivational speaker Marcus Child, discussing the conference’s key theme: the power of people. Marcus’ main point throughout was simple but one too often forgotten in an era which caused the BBC Radio 4 word of the year to be “permacrisis”: “You always have a choice in how you react to situations. Choose hope and hopefulness and believe that tomorrow can be better.”

Marcus also noted that the oftenreferenced tough love approach, wherein laying into an employee to motivate them to do better and bounce back, will not work for everyone: “If you knock us down, we’ll stay down for a minute.” The talk closed by highlighting the importance of producing engagement by treating your

colleagues with warmth, offering them control over their work to allow them to feel capable and significant.

UK Music Diversity Taskforce Chairman, Ammo Talwar, was the next to take to the stage to discuss shaping the workforce with regards to equality, diversity and inclusion – an issue which has seen much discussion in the industry over the last few years. Ammo’s key point was that change requires work: “It’s really easy to do the same old all the time, and I don’t think that’s going to cut it anymore. Diversity isn’t a one-off campaign; you have to put money into it.”

Gareth Morgan, Managing Director of Cavendish Advocacy, offered a muchneeded update on how recent political chaos affects the events industry: “The Events Industry Alliance has been busy. There was a manifesto going through parliament on the eve of the collapse of the Truss government, which had a really committed backbench pushing the message that the core agendas that this government is going to be judged on, and that Labour has to pivot to as well –of levelling up areas outside of London, and of a global Britain – are ones that the events industry is an absolutely critical part of. The conversation that we’re having with the government is that there needs to be a national strategic approach to events, which recognises that if you get this sector hopping, that has a massive knock-on effect on investment and global trade.”

Closing out the day, the second keynote speech came from consultant Max

Fellows, discussing the importance of your personal brand for your business: “I was chatting to someone at breakfast, and they said that your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. That’s fairly close, but it’s much more than that. Personal brand is the process of how we market ourselves to others.”

Max explained that the best marketing tool you have is yourself and what you are known for, and that making sure you present yourself how you want to be seen – particularly online – is an exceptional way to draw in business and further your ambitions.

Association of Event Venues’ (AEV) annual conference caught the industry up to speed on current issues and the power of people.

Grow Space to

We sat down with the association’s Chair and also CEO of Manchester Central, Shaun Hinds.

“We’re a national association,” Shaun explained: “As an industry we advocate for events taking place all across the country. There’s naturally a concentration in London and the southeast, but any way that we can bring activity, engagement, gatherings, and collaboration to different parts of the country, we do. And it would be great to do more! We have to be representative of our audience, and one thing that’s really important postpandemic is that people really enjoy the sense of place, and therefore the place becomes another actor in the conference.”

The main aim of this conference for the AEV was to provoke action in the industry:

“We called this conference The Power of People, and that’s a recognition that our industry is nothing if it’s not our people. Pre-pandemic we were all guilty of either attending or hosting events where everything was a bit formulaic. One of the things that’s occurred now, is that people have put a lot more focus and attention on the experience of events, and what it means to both stage an event and also attend. One of the outcomes of that is that people are looking to act on information and stimuli much more than they did in the past. Our themes today have been focused around really practical steps that people can take to make change. We’d like action, and I think that the audience want to come to an event like this and come away with practical things to do.”

Shaun also confided what the AEV would be focusing on in 2023: “We’ve got unfinished business with the recovery. There are still elements required to help the industry fully recover and play its part in the recovery of the UK economy. We’ve been strong believers that events are a catalyst for driving growth and innovation. We have a unique opportunity to present an independent UK on the world stage and events could be a critical part of that. We’ll be pursuing our agenda as part of the Events Industry Alliance to drive through the manifesto which we recently launched, to really encourage

the government to take events more seriously.”

After a more promising year for the industry, Shaun also shared his prediction for what the next year will bring: “Many event venues and organisers have had a fantastic 2022, much better than many people expected, though not without a cost. It’s taken its toll on the recovery because we’ve just been flat-out delivering a great year, but we’ve been so keen to do that because of where we’ve come from. As we look ahead, I think we’ve got some real issues to overcome. There are looming corporate confidence issues, which could go either way. That’s going to be determined by the political and economic landscape that we face. If that starts to ebb, that will naturally slow down event growth.

“Obviously, there are all sorts of input cost and inflation issues to deal with. There’s energy and food price, but we’re also seeing other supply chain and resource requirements that are just becoming very expensive, so that will be a challenge in 2023. But I think we are all eager to build on the success that we’ve seen this year and make sure that we progress. What we don’t need as an industry is a peak and then a lull again. We have to think really cleverly and creatively about how we can maintain the momentum that we’ve built.”

TRANSFORM YOUR EVENTS FROM THE MUNDANE TO THE MAGNIFICENT

Flexible conference and events spaces at the Library of Birmingham and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

BOOK ROTUNDA & BASKERVILLE

• Iconic setting for gala dinners and drinks receptions.

• Amazing backdrop for dinners up to 500.

• Access to roof terrace that offers stunning panoramic views across the city.

STUDIO THEATRE

• The Studio offers seating for 292 delegates or reduced seating for 229.

• Versatility is key with The Studio seating retracing to provide a blank canvas for creating events.

HOUSE THEATRE

• 800 seater auditorium with a dividing gouze, creating a more intimate space for 475 delegates.

• Dine on the stage up to 240 guests.

• Host events on top of theatrical sets.

0121 245 2066 enquiries@uniquevenuesbirmingham.com uniquevenuesbirmingham.com

Cvent, a meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, looks at the top meeting and event trends venues need to know for 2023.

Top Trends

What the next year is going to look like is a question that many across the industry are asking themselves at this time of year. Knowing next year’s trends is vital to preparing your business and building sales. Cvent, a market-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, has published an eBook, and here we pick our highlights.

Venue selection influenced by social activism

Now valuegraphics – a more holistic way of looking at a person – matters just as much to planners as demographics. David Allison, a Consumer Behaviour Expert, and his team surveyed 750,000 people around the world and identified 56 shared core human values. Planners can use this information to better understand what motivates their attendees, how to better market to them, and how to provide more engaging content.

In learning more about their attendees’ core values, planners will want venues to help them create activities and opportunities that reflect those priorities. Sustainability is one such priority. A PromoLeaf survey of event attendees conducted by Censuswide found that 85% of respondents prefer or strongly prefer attending conferences with sustainable practices. Also, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council, travel accounts

for approximately eight to 11% of global emissions. To prioritise green, eco-friendly initiatives planners should look to digital transformation, especially the ability to produce a hybrid (virtual and in-person) event. This approach to meetings can help planners reduce the environmental impact of their events. Experts say that hybrid events enable an ideal mix of positive interactions between attendees at a lower impact to the environment.

Focus on health and wellness activities

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) projects a 21% annual growth rate for wellness tourism through 2025 – this means an increased interest in spas, thermal/mineral springs, sustainability, and mental wellness.

Katherine Johnston, GWI Senior Research Fellow notes that: “The pandemic has brought new shifts and a global values reset. Wellness now means far more than a facial or spin class, with a growing focus on mental wellbeing and the importance of work-life balance, social justice, environmental sustainability, the built environment and public health.”

Virtual reality no longer just for video games

Some would say that the metaverse has already begun for event planners as many hotels now provide 3D tours of their property. Melinda Burdette, Senior Director of Events at Meeting Professionals International said: “The opportunity to give someone a virtual tour or do more than just a video has become the standard if you want to sell a planner on a property they aren’t able to visit. From the planner perspective, VR is going to enhance the ability to see what a property has to offer.”

However, this doesn’t spell the end for in-person site visits. Burdette explains: “You’ll never get away from an onsite visit, especially for larger events; VR allows for real-time brainstorming and visualising and seeing what you can do with the space from a remote location." As new technologies such as VR/ AR roll out, event professionals will want to integrate these powerful tools into their programmes to build their events and reshape the experience. When VR technology becomes available at the sourcing stage, planners will have access to world-class venues across the globe, right from the comforts of their offices or homes.

For event venues, highlighting local wellness amenities like a bathhouse, farmer’s market, or spa can attract more planners who are looking to treat their attendees to a few days of mindfulness. Wellness can be in the smallest of details from the lighting to the temperature of meeting rooms and swapping out high sugar snacks for healthier alternatives.

AR can help onsite to toggle between room layouts, add stages, and switch up the floor plans more quickly so that venues don’t have to set up and tear down equipment each time. VR/ AR has the potential to change the way event professionals source venues, plan events, collaborate with onsite staff and engage participants all over the world.

Go Down in History

Make your event dig deep at the site of the most incredible archaeological detective story ever told.

Ten years ago, history enthusiasts everywhere were shaking their heads in disbelief as the long-lost body of one of England’s most infamous former monarchs – King Richard III – was uncovered buried underneath a car park in Leicester. The King Richard III Visitor Centre was built on the site and details the amazing journey that lead to the discovery. The truly unique venue is currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of the rediscovery of Richard III’s remains.

You can make a lasting impression on your delegates by allowing them to visit King Richard III’s actual grave site preserved within an award-winning memorial building with a glass floor for viewing. They can also immerse themselves in the beautiful storytelling using cutting-edge interactives and displays detailing Richard III’s life, death, and the research and the science behind his re-discovery.

Conference Day Delegate rates are from £30pp and Half Day Delegate rates are

from £20pp. This includes free admission to the exhibition about his life, death and one of the greatest archaeological detective stories ever told, with new interactive exhibits and exhibitions planned in January 2023.

These rates allow hire of the King’s Suite, the truly grand meeting space which has the capacity to hold 80 people theatre style, 56 classroom style and 32 boardroom style, with a minimum requirement of 20 delegates. The room is pre-fitted with audio-visual equipment, and packages also include conference pads and pencils, refreshments, and snacks upon arrival, with lunch or mid-afternoon break supplied by the award-winning King Richard III White Boar Café.

Go all out and enhance the experience with a medieval banquet. Featuring potage of split pea, roast thyme chicken, and cinnamon apple crumble, your delegates will be transported to another

time. Even better, those willing can get involved in some medieval merrymaking of their own, with traditional singing and dancing rounding off the event.

The centre’s experiences team can arrange bespoke events specific to your requirements. In the past these have included three course dinners in King’s Suite, waiting served canapés throughout the exhibition, film screenings, chocolate making, cocktail lessons, gin tasting, book launches, Annual General Meetings, Medieval armour dress up, historic medicine demonstrations, charity auctions, school reunions, private parties, and private tours of the exhibition.

Tours are a great way to give your delegates and in-depth and informed look at everything the site has to offer. Whether you are looking for an in-depth insight into the life, death, and incredible rediscovery of King Richard III or want an exclusive experience of the of the exhibition and a word from the centre’s experts, we can arrange times to suit your requirements and itinerary. Tours are available for a minimum of 10 and 60 guests, from £12.50 per person.

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Continued from page 54

creatively. Clean and stripped down, the exposed brick architecture of industrial spaces such as Glasgow’s SWG3 and Argyle Street Arches provides a simple and uncluttered space for organisers to really make the space their own and incorporate bespoke branding. The blank canvas setting also gives AV suppliers more space to flex their technical skills, while delegates can be kept at ease and sociable thanks to oversized windows letting in an abundance of natural light.

Team players

The drastic changes of scenery and atmosphere that unique venues offer also enrich the experience during team building events, with the growing number of team building-led sites greatly expanding the range of group activity ideas to keep clients motivated.

Bringing delegates closer to the elements, outdoor venues such as Centre Parcs’ sites in Nottingham and Cumbria place modern conferencing rooms within acres of natural woodland for planners to expand their event offering. Numerous walking trails allow delegates to generate ideas together in a refreshing change of setting, while the adventurous water sports and treetop activities on offer introduces an extra dynamic to the standard team building session. Theme parks like Alton Towers and Drayton Manor can alternatively be hired as one exclusive venue for delegates to enjoy some adrenaline-fuelled leisure postconference.

For planners in particular, the venue’s added flexibility and space ready for use at their disposal also grants more control to run bespoke team building sessions tailored to their own brand and enhancing the company’s reputation in the process.

What’s inside counts

While buildings brimming with quirky architecture often spring to mind when picturing a typical unique venue, the outside visuals are not the only factor.

Based centrally in some of the North’s busiest business hubs, the vibrant interiors across The Studio venues have elevated the space to become a key part of the event experience rather than just the backdrop. Combining silver birch pillars, retro sweet wall murals, and bold standout furniture, it’s one example of creating a unique environment for clients to be energised from a meeting of creativity, fun, and productivity.

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North in Brief

Festive Trends Revealed

Lime Venue Portfolio (LVP) has shared data outlining the high demand and changing trends for ‘Christmas’ party events across all its venues.

The group’s research indicates that a combination of conferences and parties has continued to allow more festive events to be driven into the often-clearer January and February market. Inclusivity within the market was also a key focus, with the gradual phasing out of the term ‘Christmas’ to allow a new makeup of events with different cultural celebrations.

“We think the term ‘Christmas’ is going to start looking a little dated,” explained LVP Sales Director, Jo Austin. “Modern events need to be more widely appealing, and this means building them from the outset to reach every employee in a business, not just throwing in a few options at the end.”

The research also emphasises the importance of locality to end of year events, which allows businesses to connect to their local communities.

“This is something that is now increasing not just because of transport or logistical reasons, but because they need a sense of place,” added Austin. “It’s a really exciting trend for our business and the wider industry.

“It shows events having true community purpose, and that can only be a good thing.”

ICC Wales Awarded

ICC Wales has been awarded for its work in educating the global events sector on the incoming Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law).

The recognition came after the venue won the Best Marketing Award during the annual congress of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) in Poland.

As the second UK conference venue to win in the award’s 25-year history, ICC Wales secured the title for its work in creating educational resources including its Protect Duty report, delivering informative sessions at industry trade shows, and launching the Protect Duty Events Industry Group.

“I’m delighted that the team has received this recognition for the important work they have been doing to galvanise the meetings industry’s response to the Protect Duty,” said Protect Duty

campaigner Figen Murray OBE. “I am also grateful to the ICCA community for providing a platform at to extend this crucial message to a wider audience.

“The Protect Duty may be UK legislation, but this is a global objective: to mitigate the risks at our event venues so that the people attending can go home safely at night.

Events Boost Local Economy

New research has estimated the economic impact of Emirates Old Trafford’s major events across 2022 to be worth in excess of £27 million to the local economy.

Marketing Manchester has helped the multipurpose venue evaluate it performance across a range of economic-related impacts associated with staging major sporting and entertainment events.

Figures were calculated using the eventIMPACTS online toolkit and based on major event turnout throughout the year, including four sold-out concerts, international cricket matches in excess of 325,000 total delegates.

The research also estimates the broader financial impact of the visiting numbers by using industry benchmarks for spending habits for commercial and noncommercial visitors within the Manchester area as a direct consequence of staging events at Emirates Old Trafford.

“This summer saw an incredible run of events that delivered record-breaking numbers for the venue,” said Lancashire Cricket Chief Executive, Daniel Gidney. “It’s really pleasing to see the broader impact that this success is having in the local business community.

“With the 2023 completion of the next phase of Emirates Old Trafford’s redevelopment, these are really exciting times for the venue.”

Plan to Boost Glasgow’s Credentials

An action plan for Glasgow’s tourism and conventions sectors has been introduced to help boost the city’s green credentials and support its visitor economy.

Developed by Glasgow Life, VisitScotland, The Travel Foundation, the new plan will drive further strategies to help Glasgow achieve its aim of becoming the UK’s first Carbon Neutral City by 2030.

The city is already ranked 4th in the world on the Global Destination Sustainability Index of responsible tourism and events cities and is the only city UK city to achieve EarthCheck Benchmark Community status.

Key strategies set out in the plan include introducing sustainability-focused food and drink schemes to minimise waste and promote locally sourced produce, alongside promoting sustainable methods of public transport and electric vehicles.

Training opportunities will also be provided to support sustainable tourism and hospitality by raising employee awareness of policies and procedures.

“Meeting planners are scrutinising the sustainability credentials of potential host cities in far greater depth and want to see evidence of responsible practices embedded in every aspect of the destination offer,” explained Glasgow Life Head of Tourism & Conventions, Aileen Crawford.

“It’s crucial that we support industry partners to advance their green credentials. Working together we can achieve positive transformation that will greatly benefit Glasgow and our environment.”

Cvent and Zoom Collaboration

Cvent and Zoom Video Communications have announced that the two organisations will team up to operate major hybrid events.

This combined solution aims to deliver more impactful hybrid events, launching its first global hybrid conference, Zoomtopia, in November powered by both Zoom Events and Cvent technologies.

“In today’s event environment, an organisation’s Total Event Programme includes a blend of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events to maximise attendee engagement, reach and overall programme impact,” explained Cvent CMO, Patrick Smith. “But without the right technology partners, organisations often struggle to effectively manage and execute their more complex hybrid experiences.

“As a leading communications platform, Zoom recognised this area of opportunity, and we’re excited to work with Zoom to help our mutual clients deliver world-class hybrid experiences.”

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JEMMA

LEEDING LIGHT

The Leeds 2023 Year of Culture is ready to launch with a star-studded opening

event.

The launch of Leeds 2023 Year of Culture will kick start the year on a high as the creativity and imagination of the city’s acclaimed artists and cultural organisations across all of its 33 wards are thrown into the spotlight, along with the city’s incredible event capacity.

Run by the Leeds Culture Trust, the yearlong celebration is a first for the city, with hundreds of events and activities taking place to showcase the rich and diverse cultural life of Leeds and its communities.

The event is also a response to the cancellation of the UK's participation in the 2017 European Capital of Culture competition, with support from local businesses, educational institutions, and public and private sector funders to “do it anyway.”

As the programme unravels across the year, it’s focus will narrow on the diverse communities which shape Leeds, with passionate neighbourhood hosts collaborating alongside businesses, community groups, and residents to explore the stories and culture within their ward and celebrate what makes their area special.

“Whether it’s the arts, performance, baking, or sport, there’s a huge range of activities which can represent culture which are open for everyone,” says Roundhay Neighbourhood Host, Nick Wayne.

“Roundhay is fortunate to hold national geographical places of interest and a tremendous arts and culture vibe across

the area. But there are still parts which are not always represented in the mainstream activities which happen each year.

“Enhancing these events with the presence of Leeds 2023 will be a great way to represent each community that shapes the area. We are all excited as hosts to represent each ward properly and do our community proud.

“Getting every possible resident involved to have their say in what will be included in the full programme will make sure they can be involved in the activities and legacy of Leeds 2023 for years to come.”

Leeds 2023’s opening show, The Awakening, is set to demonstrate what the programme’s mantra of “letting culture loose” is all about at Headingley Stadium on 7th January.

Hosted by Leeds-born sports broadcaster Gabby Logan MBE alongside former Leeds United footballer Sanchez Payne, the show will bring together the latest work from the city’s famous and familiar artists in unique pairings and collaborations.

Performers range from singer songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae, rapper and former Leeds United footballer Graft, and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage alongside his indie band LYR. The orchestra and

chorus of Opera North will also take to the stage to perform surprising and dynamic renditions of familiar pop hits, celebrating its position as the only ensemble in the country to hold a dual role in the opera house and concert hall.

Amid all the entertainment, the show will also display thousands of art pieces submitted by the public which are already showing off the creativity of Leeds’ residents. Demonstrating Leeds 2023’s aim to engage with the city’s diverse communities, the project reflects the organiser’s belief that there is artistic talent to be found from everyone who wants to empower the full year’s programme.

“The Awakening is only possible if everyone shares their individual act of creativity whatever that might be for them,” said Chief Executive and Creative Director, Kully Thiarai. “By the end of Leeds 2023, what we know about Leeds will be different and surprising.

“So please come and help make this new story with us.”

You can get free tickets by creating an artwork and entering the ballot. Keep up to date with Leeds 2023, and find out how to take part in the full programme, visit Leeds2023.co.uk

PHOTO:

MICKLEBURGH – CO-DIRECTORS OF THE AWAKENING FOR LEEDS 2023, KULLY THIARAI AND ALAN LANE, AT HEADINGLEY STADIUM

The Pantry

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Front and Centre

Show organisers at CHS Birmingham celebrate another successful Midlands showcase with significant buyer footfall growth.

Joining forces with new partners across the local business events sector, CHS Birmingham’s second edition further demonstrated the event capabilities of Birmingham and the West Midlands to mark the end of 2022.

Specially labelled as The Growth Show, the show’s programme on personal and professional development for the wider industry also focused its lens on every delegate attending the event, with practical sessions from speakers including influencer Nyomi Rose, life coach Ken Kelling, and marketing expert Max Fellows aiming to inspire participants with personal takeaways and advice.

The theme’s success is reflected in the numbers that attended the event, with just under a third of all delegates attending the sessions and by the over 185 exhibitors that bought the show to life. The high numbers of buyer footfall at the show have given CHS Events organisers more than enough reason to celebrate, putting the success down to investments made in both hosted buyer acquisition and marketing in the run up to the show. Current show buyer numbers have grown by over 26%, while hosted buyers have also risen by 13% and VIP attendance by 40%.

“We’re really proud of the event, our amazing partners, and our exhibitors for putting on an exceptional show,” commented Emma Cartmell, CEO & Founder, CHS Birmingham. “So much of our journey started last year when we first launched, and despite the pandemic and disruptions of every kind, we made a strong enough impression on our visitors that they returned in more numbers and engaged with everything about the show. It was an exceptional team effort which says a lot about the business events community in this city.”

The success of CHS Birmingham also cements a significant endorsement to the West Midlands capital as one of the key event hubs in the UK, with partnerships between the Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau, and Founding Partner, ICC Birmingham. The close relationship, tied with the draw of the host city, is reflected by the show’s high registration-to-attendance rates, which saw +95% conversion for hosted buyers and +72% for VIPs. CHS Birmingham organisers also reported that just under 1,000 unique and scheduled meetings took place across these groups excluding the hundreds of ad hoc meetings launching during the show.

“These figures speak for themselves –Birmingham is a key events city, and the ICC can help you grow your event,” commented NEC Group Conventions

are proud to have worked with the CHS Group to make their 2022 Birmingham outing such a success and showcase the dynamism of our industry here in the Midlands.”

Senior Business Tourism Manager at the Birmingham and the West Midlands Convention Bureau, Steve Knight, also praised the strong return and success of the show: “With such high numbers of attendees and exhibitors, as well as insightful seminars throughout, this was an ideal opportunity to show our event hosting capabilities on a huge scale.

“CHS Birmingham has been an excellent opportunity to show the breadth of event space, venues, and excellent talent that we have as a region. We hope those that attended CHS this year have Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region in mind when organising future events.”

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“This was an ideal opportunity to show our event hosting capabilities on a huge scale.”

Sales Director, Donna Cunningham. “We

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