Hen Aug-Sept 2023

On Location: North Wales Lap of Luxury

Race to Zero AI Intel On a Budget Neil Thompson

A Spa Day at Horwood Hall Adventure Team Building for 20 with Eventurous ISSUE 96 • SEPTEMBER 2023

HOSPITALITYANDEVENTSNORTH.COM

Contents H&E North Cover Feature

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Getting You There

First Travel Solutions is a front-runner in corporate travel, providing you with a bespoke travel plan.

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And the winners are...

Meet and Drink

Marie Elvin has won an overnight stay for two and spa treatments at Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa.

A round-up of this years’ The Meetings Show highlights.

Let Me Entertain You

Famtastic!

Press Pause

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Get Connected

Neil Thompson, Founder of Delegate Wranglers, to find out all about the huge growth of the online community.

Competition

Helen Moon, Founder of EventWell and Event Wellbeing Week on the importance of neuroinclusion.

A brand-new awards event for the industry is taking place in Manchester.

Ideas for some corporate hospitality for your clients and teams.

Win spa day at the Horwood House Win a team building treasure hunt with Eventurous

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Meet the Chef

How Cedar Court Hotels’ new Executive Head Chef, Steve Collinson is serving the industry.

Case Study

The Future Is Now

Going Viral

We look at how RetailFest 2023 can be an inspiration for your next event.

Henri Scott, Founder of digital marketing agency KlickSense, discusses AI in the events industry.

Social media mogul Jonny Ross tells us the tips and tricks for crafting viral social media content

Copyright JLife Ltd. All contents are copyright, all rights are reserved. No part of the contents can be reproduced without permission from the publisher. No responsibility can be accepted for inaccurate information supplied, & content supplied does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. Editorial policies & magazine layouts are purely at the publisher’s discretion & no debate will be entered in to.

A Warm Welcome

Publisher

Elliot Landy

SEPTEMBER 2023 Initiatives are aplenty in our latest edition, with associations covering sustainability, recruitment, ESG, AI, Net Zero and more.

Topics are being discussed across the industry as event organisers look to stay ahead. And that’s a massive positive, demonstrating we are back on our feet, and looking to improve.

In the noise of online and social media, we are packed with under an hour of screenless entertainment, including – ironically – ways to get your pre-event content go viral, plus budgeting, hospitality ideas and team

building. We take a look around North Wales for some amazing spaces, and for a touch of opulence, find out how a Luxury Venue can give your event some vavavvoom, and chat with industry giant Neil Thompson, Founder of the fantastic Delegate Wranglers.

You can win a spa day at Horwood House and a treasure team building day with Eventurous. So follow us on our socials every day some juicy content, and we’ll see you at the next industry event over in Birmingham with the CHS team. In the meantime, keep up the good work and do let us know about your great events!

/HospitalityNrth

/hospitality-and-events-north-magazine

September 2023

Elliot Landy.

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Features Editor

Design

Emily Stone

Richard Shawcross

Senior Account Manager Editorial Assistant Adam Freedman

Katerina Hough

Printing

Bahson Colour Ltd

Contributors AEV

EIF

Jonny Ross

Alex Alles

ESSA

Katharine Rowney

Beacon House

EVCOM

Liz Gibbon

Beam

Giant iTab

mia

Conscious Communications

Go North Wales

Neil Thompson

DMC Finder

Helen Moon

NOEA

Henri Scott

The Cresent

Published by: JLife Ltd. Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. T: 0845 052 2911 F: 0113 262 5202 E: info@nutsforprint.co.uk W: hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

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Find Out More

THE MEETINGS SHOW THE MEETINGS SHOW

you couldn’t couldn’t IfIf you make itit to to The The make Meetings Show Show this this Meetings don’t worry! worry! year, don’t We’re here here to to recap recap the highlights. highlights. all the The Meetings Meetings Show Show welcomed welcomedthousands thousands of buyers buyers and and industry industry specialists specialiststhrough through the doors doors at at ExCeL ExCeL London London on on28th 28thand and 29th June June for for two two days days of of inspirational inspirational learning, learning, business, business, and and networking networking opportunities. opportunities.

Opening Opening keynotes keynotes delivered delivered in inpartnership partnership with with speaker speaker consultancy consultancy Spectrum Spectrumsaw saw Lucy Lucy Eden, Eden, Founder Founder of of Be Be in in Your YourElement Element invigorate invigorate the the audience audience in in Wellness Wellnessfor for creativity while Networking and Faith creativity while Networking and Faith Exclusion Expert Farah Hussain gave Exclusion Expert Farah Hussain gave How to Network When You're an Introvert.

How to Network When You're an Introvert.

There were interactive sessions in the There Canvas were interactive sessions in the for Blank – a new space designed Blank Canvas – aand newtospace designed experimentation provide a placefor experimentation provide a place where attendees and can to push boundaries where attendees can push boundaries and unleash creativity – including Let’s and unleash creativity including Let’s Talk, a ‘clubhouse’ style–conversation Talk, a ‘clubhouse’ style conversation around safeguarding and inclusion and around health safeguarding and inclusion and mental and wellbeing and Fail Like mental anddelivered wellbeingbyand Fail Like a Pro, a health workshop Clowns a Pro, a workshop delivered

by Clowns Without Borders.

Without Borders.

September 2023

Meet & Drink More Morethan than600 600exhibitors, exhibitors,including includingH&E H&E North, North,global globaldestinations, destinations,venues, venues,and and event eventsuppliers suppliersmet metwith withplanners plannersfrom from some someof ofthe theworld’s world’sbiggest biggestorganisations organisations and andevent eventagencies agenciestotodemonstrate demonstratehow how they theycould couldsupport supporttheir theirnext nextconference, conference, meeting meetingor orevent eventplans... plans...AAnumber numberofof stands standswelcomed welcomedbuyers buyerstotonetwork network informally informallyover overtea teaand andcoffee, coffee,ororglasses glasses competitions competitionsand andexciting excitingactivations activationswith with everyone invited to The Meetings Show everyone invited to The Meetings Show Networking Drinks in the Central Lounge.

Networking Drinks in the Central Lounge.

Discussions on sustainability and Discussions on sustainability and technology held centre stage on the technology held centre stage on the second day, with a day of inspiring talks, second a daygave of inspiring while theday, Blankwith Canvas event talks, while the Blank professionals theCanvas chancegave to getevent more professionals chance to getworkshop. more hands on with the a DIY recruitment hands on with a DIY recruitment The Business of Events, which ran aworkshop. sectorThe Business of Events, which a sectorwide consultation in early 2023,ran brought wide consultation in early 2023, brought senior industry stakeholders together to senior industry stakeholders together to discuss policy initiatives and explore how discuss initiatives and agenda explore how they will policy form part of a wider they will form part of a wider plan agenda to develop a comprehensive in to develop aPolicy comprehensive plan Government Initiatives for the in Events Government Policy Initiatives for the Events Sector.

Sector.

A wide range of sessions covering pertinent topicsof– sessions from AI to data – took A wide range covering pertinent topics – from AI to data – took Jumpstarting Your Career in Events. The panel discussion, of The Meetings Jumpstarting Yourpart Career in Events.

The Show’sdiscussion, support forpart theof future of the panel The Meetings industry,support will explore how aspiring Show’s for the future of the professionals can launch careers industry, will explore how their aspiring in events. professionals can launch their careers in events.

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Jack Marczewski, Portfolio Event Director Marczewski, Portfolio Director ofJack The Meetings Show, TEAMSEvent Europe of The Meetings Europe and Business TravelShow, ShowTEAMS Europe, said: Travel Show Europe, said: “Itand hasBusiness been wonderful to see thousands has been to see thousands of“Itmembers ofwonderful the business meetings of members of the business meetingsto and events community #TakeTheTime and community join us.events There has been an#TakeTheTime immense buzzto join us. There has been an immense buzz of meetings and networking events happening onand stands.

Our re-energised of meetings networking events education programme a huge happening on stands. has Ourbeen re-energised hit with eventprogramme planners.” has been a huge education hit with event planners.”

Next year’s show is already in the diary for 19th and 20thshow Juneis2024, andinwe Next year’s already thecan’t diary for wait!

19th and 20th June 2024, and we can’t wait!

Themeetingsshow.com

Themeetingsshow.com

OLD TRAFFORD

Emirates Old Trafford | Manchester Emirates Old Trafford has announced the up-and-coming launch of its new hotel extension and event space later this year, which will complete the £75 million redevelopment over the past 15 years into a world class multi-purpose venue, based in Manchester.

The investment will see the new and extended hotel integrate closer with the existing event spaces, opening further options for organisers and creating an event destination in its own right. The venue already includes The Point, an award-winning event space – which is column-free and has a capacity of up to 1,200 – with seven metre windows allowing for unrivalled and unimpeded panoramic views of the world-famous cricket pitch.

Together, the venue will now offer even more options for planners looking at multi-

Check out the newly opened and renovated spaces making a debut this summer. day events, large-scale conferences, experiential events, exhibitions, gala dinners and awards, incentives, and team building.

Emiratesoldtrafford.lancashirecricket.co.uk

Diecast | Manchester If you’re looking to hold a massive and trendy event, the newly opened Diecast in Manchester is the place to do it.

Formerly a warehouse and factory, the venue was made to deliver creative events on an epic scale. The sprawling machine works and factory floor create DIECAST

a raw industrial atmosphere, providing inspiration for original event concepts, and the space has a maximum capacity of 5,000 delegates. The built-in stage is the perfect environment for keynote speeches and main preliminaries as well as unique breakout spaces.

Diecastmcr.com

Cloth Hall Court | Leeds Cloth Hall Court is an exciting newly renovated addition to the University of Leeds’ portfolio of events spaces. The Grade II listed building is steeped in a rich history. It was originally constructed for the trade of ‘Yorkshire Broadcloths’ – cheap yet good quality cloths, which were produced in Leeds and the surrounding areas. This laid the foundations for the city to gain its status as a global centre for commerce and trade in textiles. The venues largest space, Herringbone, has a capacity of 300 delegates, and there are also seven other spaces on-site.

Leeds.ac.uk/around-campus/doc/ conference-facilities

Space Liverpool | Liverpool Located in the Baltic Triangle, Liverpool’s creative district, Liverpool Space offers two spacious locations to hold a truly unforgettable event. With 2,500 sq. ft of floor space between them, these exceptional spaces really do lend themselves to anything. The Greenland Street space comes with high-tech lighting and production equipment to put on a spectacle, while the Stanhope Street

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

location boasts natural light, a coffee shop, a fully stocked bar, and space for 200 delegates.

Spaceliverpool.co.uk

Bute Yard | Scotland What’s a better talking point than holding your event on an island? Bute Yard, on the bute-iful island of Bute, boasts a contemporary indoor space with an abundance of natural light, underfloor heating, and open-plan bar and kitchen facilities. The maximum overall venue capacity on site is 500, allowing flexible space configurations for events of all sizes.

A blank canvas, Bute Yard inspires endless event interpretations, creating unique and memorable experiences for all organisers and guests.

Glimerton House | Scotland Getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city for an event can be a great way to entice delegates. This esteemed country retreat nestled in the heart of Scotland’s picturesque countryside, has announced the addition of a brand-new event space: The Laundry House. The Laundry House boasts a rustic charm and is located outside of the main house.

Originally built in 1804, the spacious room can accommodate up to 100 seated guests, making it ideal for events of any size. The venue includes a spacious main room, with dark beamed roof, wood, and flagstone tiled floor, and has a beautiful outdoor terrace.

Gilmertonhouse.com

Buteyard.com

GLIMERTON HOUSE

September 2023

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Beautiful Spaces

NEW VENUES

CLOTH HALL COURT

A winning venue

• Competitive Day Delegate Rates • Ideal location - close to A1(M) with links to M1 and M62 • Renowned racing venue set in magnificent countryside • Flexible conference and exhibition space • Acres of FREE on-site parking and outside space

01937 582 035 www.wetherbyracing.co.uk

TAKE A 3D TOUR

SAT NAV: LS22 5EJ

A UNIQUE & UNFORGETTABLE SETTING FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT To find out more please contact the team on: sales@concordeconferencecentre.co.uk 0161 489 8299

Scan to visit our website

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

North in Brief Visitor Increase at Manchester Central Visitors to Manchester Central have increased by 21% more than its previous quarter, welcoming 139,000 visitors to 38 separate events in the past three months.

Additionally, the venue contributed £47 million to the Greater Manchester economy in the same time frame, showing an increase of £8.8 million on the same quarter last year.

Shaun Hinds, Chief Executive of Manchester Central, said: “The past quarter has re-established our importance to the city-region’s economic growth. We continue to move through the remainder of the year with a strong financial bottom line, providing us with confidence despite the current economic climate.”

Manchester Central is planning to host more than 34 events before the end of this year, including the high profile Conservative Party Conference in October, the British Weight Lifting Open 2023, and the Interflora World Cup.

Biodigester Installed at Wyboston Lakes As part of a commitment to ensure that no food waste leaves the site, Wyboston Lakes is using a new biodigester to turn food waste into fresh compost for use across the site including for tree planting.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability has been independently accredited by earning gold awards from the Green Tourism Awards and the IACC, and EcoSmart Platinum Venue Award from Greengage Solutions.

In September Wyboston Lakes Resort published a four-year Green Energy Roadmap as the foundation for its plan to become self-sufficient by producing its own green energy using the natural resources available at the resort, which will help to achieve its Net Zero Carbon Emissions target. All electric energy on-site now comes from renewable resources, reducing the resort’s carbon footprint by 65%.

The resort has been zero-to-landfill since 2015 and is currently eradicating fossil fuels from the site and ensuring that zero food waste goes off-site.

VisitBritain Move HQ to Birmingham VisitBritain/VisitEngland, the national

September 2023

tourism body which encourages growth of the country’s visitor economy, has set its sights on Birmingham for its new headquarters because of its strong national and international transport links and the reputation of its local talent.

The transition will take place in April 2024 to the delight of Birmingham’s local representatives, Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands commented: “It is great to see yet another leading organisation place confidence in us and choose to call the West Midlands home. With record tourist numbers, world class museums, excellent connectivity to the whole country and, of course, following on from the spectacular 2022 Commonwealth Games, Birmingham is the perfect place for VisitBritain.”

Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain/ VisitEngland said: “We have seen other government departments and private sector companies successfully transition their operations to the city. We are excited about the opportunities and perspectives that having our headquarters in Birmingham will bring, as we continue our work to drive the economic benefits from tourism across the nations and regions and to support the industry.”

£5,000 Fundraised by Harrogate Convention Centre and Former Mayor Harrogate Convention Centre and the Former Mayor of Harrogate, Victoria Oldham, raised £5,287 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance through events held at the venue between November 2022 and March 2023.

The former Mayor said: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. The response from our community has been truly inspiring, and it is heart-warming to witness such generosity towards Yorkshire Air Ambulance. I firmly believe in supporting charitable causes, and the incredible work the crew and fundraisers undertake is truly inspiring, they deserve all the credit they get! It has been an honour to support their work.”

Paula Lorimer, Director at Harrogate Convention Centre, helped arrange the bucket collections over the 21 events in which collections were taken for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, she said: “It has been our pleasure to help event organisers make an impact on the local community. I would like to thank former Mayor Victoria Oldham for leading this initiative, as well as our clients and event attendants for their generosity. As a member of the community and a firm believer of the importance of medical services, HCC

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is delighted to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance which is vital to the health and safety of the local community.”

New Student Membership Launched by mia A new student membership aimed to attract the next generation of event professionals has been launched by the mia. The yearly subscription will offer exclusive career boosting opportunities for students seeking jobs and training in the event sector.

The £45 (+VAT) per year membership will grant students access to monthly meetings with expert mentors, referrals to mia members for work experience, and listings on the mia’s new student job board to launch later this year. Members will also receive invitations to recruitment days and receive discounts on industry events which could provide them with learning opportunities.

Kerrin MacPhie, Chief Executive of the mia, said: “A student membership is something that has been a key focus since my appointment at the end of 2021 and following extensive discussions with universities and academic institutions we’re excited to help inspire future business meetings and events professionals.

“This is the latest milestone in the mia’s rich 33-year history and one of great significance for the sector.”

Podcast Hits 60,000 Downloads Begun and hosted by CHS Events Founder and CEO, Emma Cartmell, the Love Life Live Well podcast has surpassed 60,000 downloads since the launch of its first season earlier this year.

Season two was released last month following its success in the event industry and great critical acclaim. Emma said: “The podcast started as a passion project, but also one that we really wanted to work for our partners within the CHS community.

“We had that initial concept ‘A lifestyle magazine for your ears’ and we were fortunate enough to find interviewees that could bring it to life. We’ve had speakers discuss everything from grief to journaling, from habit stacking to digital decluttering, leadership to aromatherapy. They’ve all resonated with the audience who have become our advocates, shared, endorsed, and spread the word to a really humbling amount of people.”

INTERVIEW

Get Connected We speak with Neil Thompson, Founder of Delegate Wranglers, to find out all about the huge growth of the online community and how it helps event organisers.

Delegate Wranglers is an online community, specifically for event professionals, where the industry can come together to network, generate leads, and solve problems. The service was founded in 2014 by Neil Thompson and was initially created to solve the problems Neil was coming up against as an Event Manager: “We currently have about 25,000 members worldwide,” Neil says. “In 2014, I set up the group to help me do my job better. It was basically a place where when I needed some ideas or some help, I could speak to people. We all started helping each other, called it The Delegate Wranglers, and it grew and grew and grew.”

The community has spread through word of mouth to become a go-to resource for much of the industry: “It’s become a place that’s really well-known throughout the industry. Event managers go there to get their problems solved, suppliers come to make connections and do business. We

see lots of live leads on there every day.”

The group is extensively moderated to ensure that it is a friendly and collaborative place for the industry: “We always wanted to make it a really positive place. It’s not one of those toxic spaces on the internet. We try to run it really fairly; we don’t allow negative posts.”

Since the service was established, it’s seen an ever-growing response: “I always liken it to pushing a snowball up a mountain,” Neil says. “You’re pushing and the ball is getting bigger and bigger, and the task is getting harder, and suddenly you’re at the peak of the mountain and it gathers pace on the other side of it. Everyone starts telling everybody else about it, and the number of people who come up to us and say that they’ve been told they need to join Delegate Wranglers is great. It’s just been word of mouth. We haven’t spent any money advertising it.”

In fact, the community has been so successful, it garnered attention from Facebook: “Facebook asked if we would become one of their community partners, so we have a working relationship with them. We then won a place on their

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Accelerator Programme as they liked the way that we were doing things, and the engagement we were having. At the time we were having around 85% engagement, users liking a comment, starting a comment, or replying to a comment. As one the community partners, we were mentioned on the Community Summit, which is something that Mark Zuckerberg hosts. We also do lots of trials for them, and they help us by connecting us with the right people.

“Our place on the Accelerator Programme is separate to being a community partner, and that involves offering ideas. We go on forums with them, and I spoke to the VP of Facebook during COVID.” Delegate Wranglers has various membership options, one of which is free of charge: “The free membership is really important to me. From the start it was never planned to be a business, it was just planned to be a tool for me and other Event Managers to use and to help each other with. We always wanted there to be a way that people can access it for free.”

Thedelegatewranglers.com

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

NEW WELLBEING VENUES

Press Pause Helen Moon, Founder or EventWell and Event Wellbeing Week, running from 18th to 24th September, tells us the importance of neuroinclusion in the event industry. neurodivergent delegates from her past experiences: “I always remember running to the toilets or leaving to stand outside at an event to get away from people.

Truly understanding what that is now, I can see that familiar sensory overload and overwhelm.” And its not only Helen who would feel this way at events, when EventWell interviewed neurodivergent people about their top five triggers at events, crowds came out on top. Hot on its heels was overwhelming background noise followed by poor signage and navigation, a lack of adequate breaks in the event’s schedule and bright or flickering lighting.

Quiet spaces at event industry conferences have been cropping up at some of the key industry events for over three years now. They advocate rest and recuperation in an industry known for being relentless and fast-paced, a factor which often exiles neurodivergent members of the community. This lack of neuroinclusion causes 85% of neurodivergents to refuse to attend events due to overwhelm and overstimulation according to EventWell’s research.

Helen Moon is the Chief Executive and Founder of EventWell, the leading quiet space and wellbeing hub creators in the event industry since 2017.

Being neurodivergent herself, Helen understands the subtle yet basic needs of

September 2023

EventWell’s quiet rooms have been made in response to this feeling – taking the courageous stance that event attendees will no longer have to escape to the toilets to feel emotional security. In each quiet room there is a trained EventWell Host to look after guests, decaffeinated tea and coffee and a whole host of wellness tools to create a soft ambience and place of solitude. Among them are sofas with soft cushions, fidget toys, weighted blankets, and noise cancelling headsets which play meditations and white, brown, and pink noise. Helen says: “We build our own content for the meditations because we know people will spend roughly five to 10 minutes listening to a meditation in our

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rooms. It’s also good for when people say: ‘I really liked that meditation. Where can I listen to it again?’ we can just refer them to our YouTube channel.” Everything is tailored to the guest’s emotional needs in the quiet room, even the lighting is adjusted to soothe and invigorate, Helen notes: “There are scientific reasons for the blue and green lights; green is a very good colour for calming the mind because it’s the only colour the brain doesn’t have to work hard to process and blue is very good for slowing down your heart rate.”

If you want to get involved in Event Wellbeing Week, the mental heath awareness week specifically for the event industry then you can check out the Campaigns page on its website. Then you can look into EventWell’s WorkWell certification, a certificate given to offices with their own permanent EventWell quiet rooms which are given quarterly checkups to ensure they are maintained and providing a calm office environment for those in need. Additionally, EventWell is working with Google to provide a Welfare Champion course later this year to ensure each office can train someone to have a dedicated neurodivergent-informed representative.

Check out EventWell’s website and watch out for more information released during Event Wellbeing Week: Eventwell.org

UNIQUE VENUES

Making a Difference Extend your horizons by planning your next event at a unique venue to ditch predictability and energise your delegates.

New setting Finding a setting which is polar opposite to your usual workplace could make some large changes in the mindsets of your delegates. If you work in a city, a quirky countryside retreat could offer a slower change of pace and a restful space to let ideas unfold. Conversely, if you already work in a quiet area, finding a venue in a fast-paced environment could amp up the energy and help them to change gear. The impact of your surroundings is not to be underestimated.

Themed events Unique venues provide the opportunity to go to town on theming your events. If your conference room is situated in a castle, library, or resort, then why not take the opportunity provided by your surroundings.

The new influences and information could encourage changes of directions in the boardroom you never imagined.

Photo opportunities A venue with a unique focal point offers the opportunity to take some great pictures for social media. Novelty, niche events, or events that display a creative method of thinking can gain a lot of attention. These pictures can also be excellent selling points for your brand long after the event is over, as prospective clients and employee’s will research oyour event history, showing them your brand’s fun and bold side.

Alternative activities

Fun at the Fair Cuckooleeds.co.uk Drink Up in a Brewery Wylambrewery.co.uk Towering Above Theblackpooltower.com Dunk without the Splash Victoriabaths.org.uk Ghosting at Tutburycastle.com Top of the Tree Alnwickgarden.com

Venues with a difference often come with with some exciting new team building activities. Unlike a conference centre which is purpose built for meeting, corporate events, alternative venues often double up as destinations worthy of a day trip in their own right, which could attract more people to blend business and pleasure.

PHOTO: ALNWICKGARDEN.COM

From encouraging a new mindset in your attendees to merely having an interesting conversation starter to flood those creative juices and get people talking, unconventional venue options could change much more about the final product of your event than you think.

Stand out from the crowd!

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking.

Breakthrough the comfort zone Making a breakthrough in your event venue to try something new will carry through to the workplace. By taking what some may see as a risk by choosing an unconventional venue, you can discover new mindsets and techniques you can implement in future events and for delegates to take away.

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For the Office Dinosaur Greatnorthmuseum.org.uk Loads of Space venuehire.spacecentre.co.uk

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

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 Birmingham Repertory Theatre 6 Centenary Square, Birmingham B1 2EP

September 2023

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historicenvironment.scot /venue-hire

functions@hes.scot

The Bridgewater Hall MORE THAN MUSIC

Contact the Conferences & Events Team Tel: 0161 950 0000 Email: conferences@bridgewater-hall.co.uk www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

PROMOTION

Explore the fascinating past of one of Scotland’s most historic Highland Regiments in a truly unique setting.

Past Time The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum sits in the heart of Stirling Castle, housed in the King’s Old Building which were built in 1496 for King James IV. Following an extensive redevelopment project, the museum was reopened in 2021 and has been transformed into a stunning home for many fascinating objects and stories, bringing the rich cultural links and history of one of Scotland’s most historic Highland regiments to life. We offer the exclusive opportunity to experience the grandeur of our unique spaces within the museum to host events or hire the whole museum.

perfect for events of up to fifty guests. The Argyll Family Room holds mementos of the Argyll’s associations from Scotland and across the world and can be booked for up to twelve. For a more intimate event experience, the iconic Officer’s Mess can host up to twenty guests in splendour.

With many different rooms available to book to suit a variety of different functions, the Argylls Museum can cater for any event. The Colours Room is decorated with over two hundred years of military history and displays the flags of the regiment,

Events at the Argylls Museum, Stirling Castle are managed by the Historic Environment Scotland team and selected suppliers.

Contact functions@hes.scot to find out more about how The Argylls Museum and Stirling Castle can support your next event.

Take your event to the next level by adding military speakers, tour guides, whisky and gin tasting, and even the use of the official military silver to truly exceed your guests’ expectations. By booking the museum you also give your guests the unparalleled opportunity to uncover the incredible history of the Argylls.

Guiding Light Siân Richards, Head of Sustainability at Olympia London, and Chair of the AEV eGuide Working Group, discusses how the updated guide is helping organisers meet industry standards.

and management, to help organisers, exhibitors and suppliers meet industry standards, best practice, and current legislation.

The events industry is intrinsically intertwined: there are no events without organisers, nothing to see without suppliers and, with no venues, there’s nowhere to stage an event. Events and suppliers can move but how do you know what you’re getting when you go from one venue to the next?

This used to be a minefield, but for the past 16 years, the Association of Event Venues (AEV) has provided the eGuide, encompassing a wide range of topics relating to event operations

September 2023

For the past six years, I have had the privilege of chairing the eGuide working group and have been on the committee since its inception in 2007. It is a positive forum for achieving consensus and best practice among venues and is compiled and updated by people with in-depth knowledge and experience of the events industry, who recognise the importance of ensuring that everyone working at or visiting our venues is kept safe. By following the eGuide, users can be confident that they are legally compliant and meeting venue requirements.

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We review the document annually to ensure it remains current and continues to provide an invaluable resource for our customers and partners in the industry while working in any of the UK’s eGuideadoptee venues. Our clients tell us that, if something new arises or knowledge needs refreshing, the eGuide is the first place they look for guidance; we know that suppliers also find it a useful resource.

In the spirit of collaboration across our industry, the eGuide is available to everyone via the AEV website; a version with highlighted changes and the option to download five sections independently is offered for added convenience.

Aev.org.uk

ALWAYS MORE THAN A MEETING AT

Wortley Hall is situated within 26 acres of formal gardens and woodland with spectacular views over the Yorkshire countryside. Just a few minutes from junction 35a/36 of the M1, Wortley Hall provides excellent conference and team building facilities for up to 200 delegates.

BLACKPOOL FC

Wortley Hall, Wortley, Sheffield

LOOKING FOR ROOM HIRE FOR YOUR COMPANY MEETINGS, CONFERENCES AND EVENTS?

info@wortleyhall.org.uk website www.wortleyhall.org.uk

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INDUSTRY OPINION

Next Steps Louisa Watson, beam’s ESG Director and Director of Marketing at Wyboston Lakes Resort, outlines the measurable steps the industry needs to take on its sustainability journey.

The focus on sustainability has shifted.

Originally, it was solely about green issues. Now it has a more holistic meaning that goes beyond the environment and reducing carbon footprints. It covers economic issues, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), health and wellbeing, reward, and recognition. There is also a greater emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) which is a measured assessment of sustainability using benchmarks and metrics.

Event organisations will increasingly create ESG roles and teams, opening a new talent field. For organisations that already have a head of sustainability, the role itself is changing. It’s becoming more of a liaison role, working with various teams across a business to ensure all aspects of ESG are fulfilled.

Accreditation, measurement, and offsetting were the biggest talking points to emerge from beam’s recent Sustainability Forum. One of the key

takeaways was that there is so much noise around ESG that many organisations do not know where to start on their journey.

The overwhelming response to this barrier? Accreditation. It doesn’t matter if your business is on the lowest rung of accreditation because the process will get you started and help identify which areas need attention.

The sooner everyone gets started on their journey, the better, especially as the Forum identified that sustainability measurement of events has become standard at blue-chip companies.

Measuring events in their entirety will only become more commonplace. Offsetting is a major interest area too, particularly on the rules, regulations, and different approaches being used.

Since the Forum, one-to-one support for members on sustainability has been provided by beam’s ESG action group, which I lead with the help of Justine Meek, agency relationships manager at Warwick

Conferences; Dana Moore, sustainability lead at Agiito; Laura Dudley, head of account management at ArrangeMy; Pauline Beattie, sales director, Conference Care and Callie Richards, head of partnerships and strategic projects at Inntel, with new action group members soon to join.

Over the next 12 months, the group will be working on new initiatives such as an ESG Toolkit and a Sustainable Suppliers List, which will include exclusive agreements with some of those on the list. The first one is an exclusive partnership with Trees4Events, which provides members with preferential rates when off-setting.

Looking ahead, we want to be the go-to group that can support and help all beam members, whether they are at the start of their ESG journey or are already making headway, to ensure the industry is collectively and collaboratively working towards a more sustainable future.

Beam-org.uk

Young Blood Chief Executive of the Meetings Industry Association (mia) Kerrin MacPhie discusses the launch of its student membership to inspire the next generation of event professionals.

Staffing and recruitment challenges have long been a hot topic of conversation within the sector, high on the agenda at meetings, conferences and events across the UK. With the pandemic leading many to rethink careers, paired with changes to the EU Settlement Scheme in 2021, what has remained is a depleted workforce and pool of available candidates to fill vacancies – and not forgetting a sector that has worked tenaciously to overcome the consequences.

Despite the perseverance of the sector during this time, this is challenge that we must address sooner rather than later and have remained in close communication with the Department for Digital, Culture,

September 2023

Media & Sport about when presenting the position and needs of the sector. This includes attracting those about to embark into the world of work and providing a clear and appealing pathway to start a career in our sector.

Recognising this, we are delighted to have recently launched our new mia student membership, providing students with access to monthly meetings with expert mentors, work experience and placement opportunities, as well as listings on the mia’s all-new student job board that will launch later this year.

As we work closely with academic institutions, students, and apprentices over

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the coming months, we look forward to revealing more information about how you and your organisation can get involved, and how we can continue to unite against the sector’s challenges together.

To find out more about the mia’s student membership, visit Mia-uk.org/studentmembership. To keep up to date with sector developments, guidance, and advice, follow the Meetings Industry Association on social media.

Mia-uk.org

AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

Think Different With a plethora of venue options out there in the world, it can be tricky finding the right one to wow your delegates with. The key to finding the perfect spot is to look for something unique in the venue, which will stand out from the crowd. However, what actually is that?!

Liz Gibbon, Head of Sales and Marketing at Search4Venues, offers an insight into what agents may look for in unique venues.

Liz Gibbon, Head of Sales and Marketing at Search4Venues, says: “It’s got to be something that you wouldn’t expect when you book a unique venue, there’s got to be an element of surprise. Whether it’s where it’s located, what its facilities are, or whether the service and what they do is different – that’s what I would say a unique venue has to capture. You want your guests to feel special for being invited to the event, like you’re giving them a one-off opportunity.”

Every venue would like to think of itself as unique, and that is true to a certain extent, but relatively few have the advantage of being truly one of a kind. What makes a venue unique is a showstopping element that simply can’t be found elsewhere.

A unique aspect to the architecture of the venue itself is a great draw to look out for as this makes an impact on delegates

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right from their arrival. Whether it’s a grand castle, a quaint manor, or a visually stunning art deco building, an impressive façade will awe your delegates.

Another aspect that it’s worth looking out for is a unique history. Whether it once hosted a momentous occasion, or has a long and rich history behind it, a space with a story to tell will add prestige and interest to your event, as well as giving your delegates something to talk about.

However, a unique venue is more than just aesthetics: “Your client wants something special that is going to match their event.

The venue is important, but it’s also about the experience the venue is able to provide. It has to be something that will be memorable, from how they dress the room, right through to the entertainment provided. I once attended an event where the room was set up like a plane and it was like going on holiday. That’s not something I’ll ever forget.”

A unique venue is the sum of its parts, bringing together a grand exterior, singular backstories, or phenomenal facilities to create an experience your delegates won’t soon forget. www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

September 2023

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Host your next conference, meeting or event in Aspects; a dedicated conference and events building set amongst the stunning backdrop of the National Memorial Arboretum.

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thenma.org.uk T: 01283 245 117 E: functions@thenma.org.uk Charity No. 1043992 www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

SUSTAINABILITY

Race to Alex Alles, Executive Director of the Joint Meetings Industry Council, catches us up on the state of play on the industry’s journey towards net zero carbon.

At COP27 last year, the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) announced the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative, along with the roadmap for achieving net zero carbon. Now, with the laid-out December deadline for defining and planning the path ahead, we find out if the industry is keeping pace: “The roadmap was designed by the industry and released at COP27, and it describes the general terms of achieving net zero carbon,” Alex Alles, JMIC Executive Director explains. “We also introduced the workstreams and kickstarted those. We also defined the main areas to focus on which are menu energy, food and food waste, logistics, waste management, and travel and accommodation.

“The main goal we set out was the introduce the first methodologies by December 2023. We’re pretty well underway with that. Meanwhile, we’ve also released a set of best practices on our website and within the reporting workstream designed the first reporting template because this year will be the first

September 2023

reporting cycle of the initiative, and the first companies have started to report on their progress already.”

Achieving net zero carbon in the event industry as a whole is a necessity which can’t be denied: “In the past if sustainability was nice to have, now it’s almost a business imperative. So we of course want to play a part in decarbonisation because we as an industry do create pollution and create an impact on the environment. We also would like to act ahead of legislation because in the end sustainability and all the topics around it will be more and more present in our daily business operations, and there will be rules imposed upon us.

It’s also becoming more important for the customers and is something they will look for.”

NZCE has seen a lot of support from the events industry and has recently reached 30 financial contributors: “We do see a lot of support, and that’s not only limited to the financial contributions. The initiative is

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free of charge, and the resources which we provide are completely free to use.

We do have more than 550 supporting organisations from around the world, this is a truly global enterprise. We also have, of course, so many organisations who are actively working within our workstreams.

This support is invaluable because they all contribute to the success of this initiative.”

The aim of NZCE is to bring the events industry together to tackle its sustainability goals as one: “Sustainability cannot be achieved by working in isolation. Now, collectively as an industry, we are trying to find solutions. We try to identify common language in the industry, so that if we are talking about a specific aspect of it, we actually know we all have the same meaning and are working towards the same goals. Our industry is so complex and diverse, and everyone plays their own role to ensure the bigger picture is working properly, which is exactly was NZCE is about.”

Netzerocarbonevents.org/resources

INDUSTRY OPINION

Go Outdoors Susan Tanner, CEO of the National Outdoor Events Association, looks ahead to the upcoming issues faced by event organisers.

The National Outdoor Event Association (NOEA) has announced the theme of our annual convention this year, #NOEAFutures. Our event returns to Bath, 22nd November and, following our #BuildBackBetter strategy, which has dominated our pandemic and post-pandemic work, we begin a new message.

Now NOEA once again looks to the future, accelerating our educational programme by embracing subjects from the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Metaverse, to the changing priorities of brand marketers at events.

Our convention will once again welcome a number of stellar keynote presentations, representing some of the biggest events in the world and supporting the ‘Futures’

promise. The conference content will also put focus on the role of event producers that sit behind great events. Guests will also see the return of some of our successful set pieces from previous years, including the ‘SAG Live!’ workshop, where the audience can watch, and input into, a modern safety advisory group meeting.

As well as more of the future gazing content, the event will also be looking at equally pressing subjects, from the evolution of Martyn’s Law, to the role of event catering in designing live experiences. Sustainability will take centre stage as the event continues to look at both the opportunities and the threats the future will bring.

As an industry we’re now able to set our eyes a little further into the future and

what challenges and opportunities it will bring. This convention represents the first real time we, as an association, have had the luxury of doing so, and it makes for genuinely ground-breaking content, interesting conversations, and a new tone.

As ever, the event will be supported by some amazing speakers, genuine experts in their field and representing not just the most famous events on the planet, but also the contemporary thinking that helps create them; the conference puts our community at its centre and in the middle of the discussion.

Noea.org.uk

New Talent Jim Winship, Secretary of the Event Industry Forum, encourages young people to consider careers in the events industry.

Statistics do not always tell the full story, but among those receiving benefits are a number who believe it is not worth working more than 16 hours a week because after that they get only 45p in the pound on Universal Credit. There are also others who remain long term unemployed.

Politically, of course, this is a tricky area. The electorate are against more immigrants, and it is socially and morally unacceptable for families to be destitute.

At the same time, however, there are increasing questions about whether the current support structures are working.

One question I hear increasingly frequently is why those drawing benefits who are capable of working are not required to put something back into the community in

return for the support they get. There are many jobs that they could do that would enhance society and, at the same time, give the individuals more of a purpose and worth.

aims to support the promotion of event careers to 11 to 19-year-olds, the other, via Event Management Apprenticeship CIC, provides support for the development of apprenticeships in the industry.

In the meantime, businesses continue to struggle with staffing shortages, and, with an aging population, the situation is likely to worsen rather than improve.

The aim of such initiatives will hopefully help to attract more young people into events in the longer term, however, they cannot address the short-term needs of an industry which is struggling because there are too few people to provide the support structures that events depend upon.

To address this, we are increasingly focusing on encouraging the young to think about careers. The Events Industry Forum, for example, has recently agreed to give two Purple Guide grants to help encourage young people to think about careers in outdoor events.

This is where we need our politicians to come up with initiatives and leadership.

Eventsindustryforum.co.uk

While one grant, via Power of Events,

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

MEETINGS IN THE FOREST Everything you need to create unforgettable corporate events at two UK locations

S H E R W O O D F O R E S T, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

W O B U R N F O R E S T, BEDFORDSHIRE

• Easily accessible by road and rail • 300 acres of forest • Events for up to 550 delegates • 900 luxury lodges • Wide range of team building activities • Free dedicated car parking & EV points • State of the art AV and free WiFi • Undergoing multi-million pound transformation

• Just one hour from London • 400 acres of forest • Newly refurbished venue • Events for up to 600 delegates • 800 luxury lodges, 75 hotel rooms • Wide range of team building activities • Free dedicated car parking & EV points • State of the art AV and free WiFi

REOPENING WINTER

September 2023

CP_UK_Events Center Parcs Conferences and Events www.centerparcsevents.co.uk 23

INDUSTRY NEWS

Famtastic!

A brand new awards event for the industry is taking place in Manchester.

Excitement is building for the Famtastic Rocks Awards 2023, a brand-new award show dedicated to the events industry.

The awards evening, which will take place at the refurbished Mercure Piccadilly Manchester on 27th October, will be a celebration of the MICE industry with categories covering both suppliers and agents, preceded by an afternoon of speed networking between agents and an array of great suppliers and venues.

The Categories Famtastic Academic Venue of the Year

Who has the best space, the most up to date tech and offers amazing value?

Famtastic Agent of the Year

Who is prolific, gets involved and demonstrates a passion for the industry, as well as delivering great events for clients?

Famtastic Agency of the Year

Which agency, large or small, has demonstrated a great success story?

Famtastic Bedroom of the Year

Have you stayed in hotel where the décor and facilities made your stay extra special?

Famtastic Boardroom of the Year

Meeting space doesn’t have to be huge to make an impact, so who has a boardroom or small meeting room that is constantly in demand and stands out from the norm?

Famtastic Caterer or Chef of the Year

The gala event will raise funds for Meeting Needs, a charity focused on raising fund for causes related to the events industry and will be staged in the flamboyant Famtastic style the brand is known for.

really amazing lasting impressions of both outstanding agents, suppliers, venues and brands. We have had literally scores of nominations and the judges have a very difficult job!”

Paula Kelsey, the Founder of Famtastic, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for recognition and to showcase the resilience, innovation, dedication and sheer brilliance of our industry in a fun, but more formal way – and to create some

The shortlist is announced on 11th September 2023. For further details and tickets, please head on over to Famtastic. rocks/awards

Famtastic Green Initiative of the Year

Sustainability remains high on the agenda for event professionals so what new initiatives has your business implemented to the benefit of your people and the planet?

Famtastic Hotel Brand of the Year

Which chain of hotels consistently delivers great service irrespective of their portfolio size?

Famtastic Independent Hotel of the Year

Independent hotels are vital to our industry, so which ones really make their mark, are prolific and strive to deliver consistent excellent in meetings and events?

Famtastic International Representation of the Year

Famtastic Rebrand/Refurbishment of the Year

Hotels and venues who are doing a great job of communicating change and demonstrating investment in their properties.

Famtastic Representation of the Year

Does your team do an amazing job of representing their portfolio?

Famtastic Sales Professional of the Year

For sales representatives who are prolific, quick to respond, and always helpful.

Famtastic Sports Venue of the Year

From DMCs to international hotels, which organisation demonstrates great communication and is brilliant to work with, in connecting UK agencies and buyers to the world?

Sports and sport related venues remain an incredibly important part of the industry landscape, but what makes your stadium or facilities special when it comes to meetings and events?

Famtastic Independent Venue of the Year

Famtastic Team Building Company of the Year

A fantastic independent venue can be a life saver for event professionals so who has some amazing space and delivers memorable meetings and events?

Famtastic Marketing of the Year

Food remains a key element in the majority of events and whether it’s an in-house Chef, or external caterer, who is consistently serving up excellence when it comes to lunches and dinners?

Making your brand stand out in our everevolving industry can be tough, but who does an excellent job in making some noise and getting noticed on a regular basis?

Famtastic Conference Centre of the Year

Who is new to the world of event agencies, but is already making a significant difference to their agency or employer?

Under 30s please.

What makes your venue stand out? Why is your venue special and what initiatives do you have to make it a go to space?

Famtastic New Talent of the Year (S)

Open to under 30s making a splash in the industry.

Famtastic New Talent of the Year (A)

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Which team building company is continually evolving their offerings and looking at new and exciting ways to deliver effective and engaging team building activities?

Famtastic Unique Venue of the Year

Unique venues can deliver wonderful guest experiences, so what makes your venue extra special?

The Famtastic Rocks Special Award

This category is not available for entry but will be given out to someone who goes above and beyond at the discretion of the organisers.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

North in Brief Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Appoints New GM Virgin Hotels has announced the appointment of Mafalda Moura Albuquerque as General Manager of Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

With over 10 years’ experience in the hospitality sector and an impressive track record working in luxury lifestyle properties, Mafalda brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role and will lead all operational departments of the hotel.

and Woburn Forest feature in Greengage’s online directory for ecological venues.”

Woburn Forest’s The Venue, its dedicated conference and events space which relaunched in autumn 2022 following a £2.5 million refurbishment, has an EPC energy rating of A – which was a key factor in the awarding of Gold. In addition, Center Parcs’ support of the British Heart Foundation as part of its ongoing accommodation refurbishment programme also contributed to the score, with any furniture that would otherwise go to landfill being donated to the charity.

Mafalda joins the Virgin Hotels team with great enthusiasm, stating: “I’m thrilled to be leading the exceptional team at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

“This is an exciting opportunity for me to contribute my passion for exceptional guest experiences and innovative Virgin Hotels practices. I look forward to working closely with the team to continue delivering heartfelt service and ensure Virgin Hotels Edinburgh remains the go-to destination for visitors.”

Event Management Specialists Publish Report The event management specialists, mci group, revealed they launched 80 client projects about sustainability or with a sustainability angle, and arranged three Net Zero carbon events during its 2022 sustainability report.

James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels, expressed his excitement about the new appointment, saying: “We’re thrilled to welcome Mafalda to the Virgin Hotels team. Her extensive experience and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our vision and commitment to surprise and delight and create memorable experiences.”

Sebastien Tondeur, CEO of mci group, said: “Being genuinely sustainable isn’t just about making the best possible choices while working with our clients. It’s about ensuring every action we take betters us as a group and enables others to have better opportunities for themselves.”

Event Tech Live to Deliver Exhibitor Masterclass

The group has been a signatory of the UN’s Global Compact agreement since 2007 and has been committed to the global Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative in all it does. Not only has mci group signed the pledge, but it also contributes its expertise by participating in task forces targeting food waste.

Event Tech Live (ETL) and Event Sustainability Live (ESL) will run an exhibitor masterclass with trade show performance agency Expo Stars on 12th September at the Business Design Centre London (BDC).

Charlotte Barker, Venue Sales Manager at the BDC, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome the events community to the BDC ahead of Event Sustainability Live and Event Tech Live. It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity for exhibitors to network and make the most of the upcoming show and we look forward to hosting our industry peers in September.”

DRPG Summer Conference at ACC Liverpool Creative agency DRPG recently held its summer conference at the 2023 Eurovision venue, ACC Liverpool, bringing 350 team members from its international team together to recognise the agency’s ‘significant growth’, in the words of its CEO, Dale Parmenter.

TEO, Expo Stars’ practised, proven framework for exhibition engagement, helps participants put a winning strategy together and avoid the popular pitfalls in effective engagement with exhibition attendees. The masterclass will teach exhibitors how to strategically plan their ETL/ESL process, actively engage with attendees, choose the right booth staff, vet KPIs, highlight how many attendees to engage with to meet their ROI, and show them how to create a solid follow-up process.

Insights discussed at the conference include the return to preCOVID sales (some already sitting at 89% of the £45 million target for 2023 and expecting to break that target), the growth of USA business from next to nothing to £7 million sales in 2023, the opening of a new office in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a range of new investments in AI technology and a new facilities and infrastructure improvements, also including an investment in training and educational partnerships to promote the industry and commit to 10 apprentices by 2024.

Center Parcs Events Collect ECOsmart Award Center Parcs Conferences and Events has been rewarded for fully embracing environmental practices and implementing extensive sustainability measures across the business, achieving the ECOsmart Gold Venue accreditation.

Dale commented: “We delve deeper than most when it comes to communication tactics and methods for our clients, and it’s no different for our own business. Bringing everyone together at this point in the year is crucial to ensure our culture is where it needs to be for the year’s remaining objectives, and beyond.

To achieve the prestigious ‘Gold’ certification, the nature-rich meetings and events venue went through a rigorous audit by Greengage Solutions, which take an objective and detailed look at each application and endorse corporate venues with a green approach to business travel and events.

“We set ‘growth for the future’ as the over-arching theme for this year’s conference, with the main aim to guarantee the team have everything they need to be driving high performance in an environment they love.”

Julia Green, Sales and Commercial Manager at Center Parcs Conferences and Events, said: “It’s been hugely rewarding working towards achieving the industry’s leading sustainability accreditation, and to see The Venue at both Sherwood Forest September 2023

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BUSINESS NEWS

Checking In Delta Hotels by Marriott York Offers a First-Class Space for Events Just a ten-minute drive from the city of York and set in a five-acre estate of landscaped gardens, overlooking the York Racecourse, Delta Hotels by Marriott York offers its guests a luxurious experience with its recent hotel refurbishment and extensive amenities. Not to mention the renovated meeting and event spaces that can accommodate up to 190 guests, its fitness centre, indoor pool and spa, and its stunning luxury suites that give guests a view of the racecourse. Those looking for a convenient meal on the go can also enjoy the Grab & Go selection. With its stunning setting and unbeatable service, Delta Hotels by Marriott York promises its guests an unforgettable, seamless stay, no matter if they’re here for business or pleasure.

Delta-hotels.marriott.com

Adventure Tours UK With remote working here to stay, the lingering effects of the challenging past three years and an uncertain economic landscape, providing for your employees’ mental wellbeing has never been more relevant. Quality nature connection experiences are proven to improve calmness, creativity and concentration, while reducing anxiety, making the beautiful North Wales countryside the perfect location for your team retreat.

From yoga and mindfulness to paddleboarding, foraging, forest bathing and more, we’ll help your team to reconnect with each other and themselves. Creating positive benefits they’ll feel straightaway and arming them with a mental wellbeing toolkit they can deploy in the office or at home, our corporate wellbeing retreats do more than just build teams.

As a B Corp certified business, you can rest assured we’re here to deliver on your ESG goals too.

Your retreat will be low carbon by design, support a local biodiversity project and local communities, and can even include a volunteer element to support a local charity.

You can contact Adventure Tours UK on 01824 737024 or email Hello@adventuretoursuk.com

Strengthening Body and Mind at Crowne Plaza Leeds Keeping fit is great for your physical and mental wellbeing, and Crowne Plaza’s Spirit Health Club with a gym and swimming pool, has everything you need to stay on top form! Hotel and spa

guests can enjoy complimentary access to all facilities, adding to the great event facilities available at the venue.

Its gym equipment includes, a range of dumbbells and kettlebells, barbell and weights, benches, bikes, treadmills, strength training machines, cross trainers, and rowing machines.

After using the gym, you can use the Spirit Health Club facilities which include a steam room, sauna, and spa pool with swirl jets. These are proven to help improve circulation, recovery, and so much more!

Sign up to be a member and receive fantastic benefits such as 25% off food and drinks in the hotel’s new bar and restaurant, TAP, tailored fitness guidance and advice from our highly qualified team, three hours of complimentary parking per day, and 40% off YorkTest – experts in food intolerance and allergy testing.

Find out more about the Spirit Health Club Leeds at: Letsdofitness.com

Insite Graphics Receives Accreditation Leading supplier and installer of sustainable event graphics and signage, Insite Graphics, has become the first company to achieve the highest Tier 5 level (previously Platinum) under the new scoring system of Event Supplier and Services Association’s (ESSA) Sustainability Accreditation, considered the leading accolade of sustainability success in the events industry.

Having already achieved the globally recognised sustainability standard ISO 14001, Insite has clearly demonstrated that sustainability runs through every aspect of the business. All products have been created specifically with sustainability in mind and include Insite’s paper and cardbased signage which can be completely recycled, fabric soft signage which can be recycled into clean fuel for local community energy, and aluminium frames which can be re-used time and again for future projects. Water based inks are used in a clean printing process ensuring no harmful VOCs are ever released into the atmosphere.

Most importantly, Insite supports clients during the decision-making process to educate on the best sustainable options, offsetting opportunities and recycling methodologies without compromising on quality. From an operational perspective, Insite has implemented robust sustainability policies and carbon management plans to include tracking carbon emissions and a variety of carbon offsetting projects accompanied by extensive staff training and a corporate wellness scheme.

Insitegraphics.co.uk

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Lots of Fun at Plas y Brenin National Outdoor Centre Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia, elevating your corporate retreat to an awe-inspiring experience with expert-led workshops and activities tailored to strengthen team dynamics, leadership, and innovation.

Foster a culture of collaboration and trust through thrilling outdoor adventures, from kayaking to rock climbing and unwind in comfortable and modern accommodations, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and functionality. Be captivated by the renowned hospitality, where every detail is crafted to ensure an unforgettable corporate retreat like no other.

The range of facilities are what makes your experience truly unique. Within a retreat package, Plas y Brenin provides everything you need to make your stay convenient and comfortable. With the lake, on-site accommodation, spacious lounge and bar area overlooking Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), hearty meals, indoor climbing wall, rolling pool, stores, drying room, and stunning venues on its doorstep, it has everything you need all in one place.

Previous guest, Simon AerFin said: “My first impressions of Plas y Brenin were the stunning beauty and serenity of the place.

On the tour I saw the outstanding facilities and got to meet the incredible staff.”

Download brochure at Pyb.co.uk, call 01690 720214 , or email Gwen.johnson@pyb.co.uk

Search4Venues Hosts Successful Expo Search4Venues recently held an expo at one of its partner venues, Millenium Point in Birmingham to connect its venues with agents and bookers from all over the UK. The day of networking proved successful with one venue booking in a Christmas party on the day.

The exhibition floor represented 60 venues which opened its stands in the morning, at lunchtime both attendees and stall holders ate together to provide more casual networking opportunities while they listened to an exciting live music performance from a saxophonist. The exhibition floor was then reopened until 3pm after which everyone was invited to a prosecco social with goodie bags for venues and agents alike.

Liz Gibbon, Head of Sales and Marketing at Search4Venues said: “We want to give everybody who’s on our platform the same opportunity to come in and attend. There are so many larger brand names out there who have more money to invest and can take over. But there are so many beautiful independent boutique hotels we wanted to spotlight which are also stunning.” Search4Venues is also running Lunch and Look and Dine, Wine, and Stay events throughout the year to introduce agents and bookers to new venues on its catalogue while planning its next 2024 Expo.

Search4venues.co.uk

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

CORPORATE HOSPITALITY

Let Me Entertain You Corporate hospitality is all about showing your clients and team a good time to impress, build rapport or just show you’re grateful. H&E North looks at some suggestions of some fun activities.

Live Music

Sporting Events

Stadiums are a hotspot for corporate hospitality spaces, with private bars, exceptional views of the stage and a private host or hostess being a standard at many venues. Concerts and comedy shows are a great opportunity to wow your guests and lighten the mood. They may not be the best situation for chats but instead they’re a great opportunity for bonding, seeing each other in a more casual setting, and unwinding. Take your clients to see the greatest artists of our time at one of the area’s amazing areas.

The Prime Suite Experience at Manchester Arena allows you and 15 other guests to a private suite with your own drinks and dining experience, overlooked by a dedicated suite host. When the show starts, you’ll have your own seating area with incredible views of the stage.

Sporting events are a well-known corporate hospitality event for a reason; they provide all the best elements of luxury and excitement with great networking opportunities. One of the more formal options for corporate hospitality, privately seated sporting events often supply a dress code. Stadiums, golf courses, and racetracks have VIP private rooms and packages situated in prime viewing spots tailor-made to the occasion, not only will you have a secluded space for you and your clients to network, but you’ll also be getting the best seat in the house. One of the best known racetracks, York races is no exception to this rule, its glass fronted The Ebor Restaurant overlooks the winning post and includes complimentary champagne and canapes and afternoon tea among other decadent features of its hospitality package. In addition to its restaurant, book a private box or the Dante Suite for which the package also includes live music, private betting facilities, and a host.

Dining Experiences If you want a more laid-back networking experience, then dining packages are a great option. In a room of your own there will be fewer distractions from talking and more opportunity to get to know each other. Having a quieter option for more introverted clients is always useful to ensure all of your clients feel represented and included. There are some excellent venues offering something fun, like Fazenda which

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has its own corporate hospitality room to entertain clients while experiencing its delicious Argentinian cuisine being served at the table, should you have your green side up on your feed me sign! With the Fazenda set menu you and your guests can experience up to 15 cuts of meat with a selection of Brazilian and Argentinian side dishes to compliment.

Luxury Retreat A more relaxed idea could be to get exclusive use of a luxury venue in a beautiful location. Treat the team to spa facilities and some outdoor activities that will create some competition too! Then you could follow up with some culinary expertise, many top luxury retreats have Michellin star chefs awaiting with bespoke menus. Grantley Hall is one such venue, a 5 star wow space in Ripon. Set within enchanting grounds and formal manicured gardens, Grantley Hall is a Grade II* listed venue with its Garden Pavilion nestled in stunning English heritage Japanese Gardens offering a sensational backdrop.

CASE STUDY

Magical Moments We take a look at a series of events held by The Crescent, to see how a venue with an original well organised event can inspire a community.

In a world where technology often dominates the landscape with, The Crescent & Co CIC, a beacon of warmth and community on the cobbles of Batley, West Yorkshire, dared to defy the norm and empower young individuals through the magic of music, singing, producing, DJing, and all things creative. The month-long extravaganza or events, aptly named “Find Your Magic,” unfolded at The Crescent with the promise of unleashing hidden talents and sparking a transformational journey of self-expression.

The Crescent, with its warm-hearted and empathetic team, had since COVID been a safe community haven for people of all ages. A beautiful grade 2 listed building with room hire for corporate and well-being events, the team under the guidance of the visionary founder, Paula, sought to expand their mission to cater specifically to those aged 13 to 16.

The anticipation leading up to the launch on 2nd August was palpable. Young music enthusiasts and aspiring artists eagerly awaited the opportunity to explore their creativity in a nurturing and supportive environment. The Crescent left no stone unturned in creating an inviting space, complete with qualified and DBS-checked mentors to ensure the participants’ safety and growth.

The event’s foundation rested on the belief that music and creativity hold the key to unlocking immense potential in the young hearts. And so, “Find Your Magic” began, with every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, dedicated to nurturing the creative spark within.

them through vocal techniques and exercises, instilling newfound confidence.

Music Production sessions, filled with cutting-edge technology and software, provided a space for young producers to experiment and create their musical masterpieces. The DJing Masterclass turned up the volume, allowing aspiring DJs to learn from the best and feel the energy of controlling the dance floor. The event’s structure offered a relaxed format with unlimited refreshments and a delightful lunch, encouraging participants to feel at ease and ready to embark on this creative journey.

Perhaps one of the most profound aspects of “Find Your Magic” was the collaborative projects.

Young individuals from diverse backgrounds found common ground, forming groups eager to blend their creative voices and imaginations. The creative sparks that flew during these projects illuminated the power of collaboration and the beauty of diversity.

Yet, “Find Your Magic” wasn’t just about music and creativity; it was about nurturing young hearts and making the world a kinder place. The Crescent’s commitment to spreading kindness was evident as participants received random acts of kindness gifts, a touching reminder that magic lies in the little gestures.

Xclusive Your paragraph text Find your magic

From the moment the doors opened, the participants were greeted with warm smiles and a sense of belonging. Music Exploration took centre stage, with participants eagerly learning the basics of various instruments and exploring different musical genres. The vocal coaching sessions brought out the inner songbirds, as experienced coaches guided

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As the weeks unfolded, “Find Your Magic” became more than just an event—it became a transformative experience.

Young souls found solace in creativity, and friendships were forged that transcended the notes and melodies. The atmosphere was alive with passion, camaraderie, and an unwavering belief that magic indeed exists.

The case study of this recent event stands as a testament to the power of creativity in empowering young minds.

Through this initiative, The Crescent celebrated a big success, not only providing a platform for selfexpression but also nurturing a sense of belonging and togetherness among the youth.

The-crescent.co.uk

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

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Unique Room Hire Dedicated host Unlimited tea, coffee, water Biscuits & fruit platter & treats Flip chart & pens, full IT suite

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September 2023

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Sustainability Focussed

FINANCE

Newcastle events company Beacon House Events shares some tips on how to budget for your event.

Planning your event programmes can be exciting, but with so many decisions from catering to venues, travel, and entertainment, it can be difficult to keep your ideas in line with your budget. Here are some tips to help..

Understand your business aims and objectives An event programme is a major undertaking for a business, and it can be tempting to chase the shiny, new thing on the market. From the offset, you should understand what your events are trying to achieve; that could be staff retention and recruitment, bringing your community together, or celebrating your achievements. Once you understand the impact of each experience on the overall business you can decide the size and scope for each – and allocate your budget accordingly.

Fixed vs variable costs For each event there will be fixed costs, those that won’t change no matter how many attendees you have, and those that will vary. Estimate the size and scale of the experience and divide up your fixed and variable costs from there. A fixed cost may be something like a speaker fee or entertainment, while variable costs could include catering or accommodation costs for your guests.

On the Money In-person, hybrid, or virtual?

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that a virtual or hybrid event is the cheaper option and make sure you budget accordingly to avoid any nasty surprises.

Having fewer attendees on-site doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll save money, any budget which may have been spent on catering or venue hire will be replaced by the cost of video production and streaming platforms to ensure online guests get a quality experience. Always put the attendee experience first when you are in planning mode and don’t be tempted to cut corners when it comes to delivering great digital experiences.

wasn’t originally accounted for. Build a buffer into your budget to mop up any nasty surprises along the way – we would advise holding back around 15% to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch (you can always invest it back into the event programme if you don’t need it).

Consider sustainability Put sustainability at the heart of any event planning. Delegates are expecting businesses to consider the environment more than ever so cost up sustainable options for catering, single-use plastic alternatives and environmentally friendly transport from the get-go.

Define your non-negotiables

Evaluate past success

It’s tempting to start with the big idea, but there are non-negotiables that you have to consider before you get into the exciting stuff. Every event in your annual calendar will need catering, a host venue (or virtual platform), inspiring content, marketing to generate ticket sales and staffing costs. Once you have defined the essentials you can begin to build the areas that will really bring your event to life, from venue dressing to top-of-the-range AV or music, you can be much more strategic with your creativity if you know what you have to play with.

If you have organised events in the past, spend time reviewing which experiences your delegates really valued and where you can afford to allocate additional spend this time around. Looking at what did work, and what didn’t, can help you make more educated and strategic decisions regarding your budget spends in the future.

Remember, a lot can happen in a year so keep your budget flexible so you can adjust it over time and as your events take shape.

Have a contingency plan

Beaconhouse-events.co.uk

Fail to plan and plan to fail! The most experienced event planners know that there is always something lurking that

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

LUXURY VENUES

Lap of Luxury

Live the high life and hold your next event in a venue oozing with luxury and prestige.

The success of any event is often determined by its venue. For event profs, whether it’s a corporate conference, a gala, or a team building event, the choice of venue plays a crucial role in creating a lasting impression. Opting for a luxury venue offers a multitude of advantages that go beyond mere opulence and prestige.

Of course, the most important draw of luxury is that it offers a glamourous experience unlike any other. Pampering your delegates with opulence elevates the overall event, on-site spas, private entrances, valet parking, concierge services, and indulgent accommodation packages ensure attendees feel valued and well taken care of throughout their experience. The lavishness and attention

to detail create lasting memories for delegates, leaving them with a positive impression.

Hosting an event in surroundings of splendour can significantly enhance your organisation’s image and reputation.

It sends a message of excellence and success, elevating your brand in the eyes of delegates and potential clients.

Speaking of making an impact, many of these beautiful spaces are renowned for their stunning architecture, sophisticated interior design, and impeccable attention to detail. From grand chandeliers to opulent furnishings, these venues exude an atmosphere of elegance, captivating delegates and creating an aura of excitement and anticipation for the event.

Not to mention, a grand environment creates the perfect background for some fabulous social media snaps.

These venues are top-of-the-line, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities that are second to none.

Cutting-edge AV equipment, highspeed internet, and premium sound systems ensure that your event runs seamlessly, often with a team of highly skilled event professionals, talented chefs, and attentive service staff on hand.

These experts work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your event exceeds expectations.

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A good location can often be as impressive as the venue itself. Luxury hotels and resorts usually offer picturesque views, landmarks and easy accessibility. Whether nestled in serene landscapes or located in the heart of a vibrant city, there’s an attractive backdrop for your event, to add the wow factor.

The awe-inspiring ambiance, top-notch facilities, and exceptional services create an unforgettable experience for guests.

Make it truly memorable, and treat your delegates to the lap of luxury.

Make it

A Magical Christmas

Details matter, make them perfect

Time for a jolly good knees up!

• Private Christmas party package • Room hire • Refreshing arrival drink • 3 delicious courses • Wine • Tea or coffee and mince pie

• Stunning new hotel refurbishment throughout • Renovated meeting & event spaces • Fitness centre, indoor pool and spa • Luxury suites with views of the racecourse • Convenient Grab & Go selection for food

For only £69 per person

Delta Hotels by Marriott York Tadcaster Road | York Contact our team on 01904 701000 or york.events@marriotthotels.co.uk

www.horwoodhouse.co.uk |01296 722100

Glasgow’s specialist 4* Conference Hotel 360 VIDEO TOUR

170 Bedrooms (deluxe as standard) 15 flexible meeting spaces for up to 250 delegates theatre-style, 140 cabaret-style and 60 Boardroom Competitive Day Delegate and overnight rates available Amenities include 4k screen in each conference room with HDMI connection, free conference Wi-Fi and stationary

Michael Gourlay | Business Development Manager T 0141 951 6006 E michael.gourlay@goldenjubilee.scot.nhs.uk

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Fully equipped gym with 15m pool, sauna, steam-room and jacuzzi

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

COMPETITION

Place in the Country Horwood House is throwing open its doors to allow you to become part of the family!

The estate’s vision began with a £6 million renovation, throughout which care was taken to preserve the heritage of our grade II listed Manor House built in 1911, while sympathetically upgrading the hotel’s rooms and public spaces.

Newly decorated in a fusion of botanical heritage and scandi chic, and with a mood enhancing palette of earthy and natural tones, you’ll be chilled out by the time you’ve checked in!

Win a relaxing spa day at Horwood House’s luxurious H spa.

But the transformation isn’t just limited to the building. The evolution also includes creating a culture that reflects the organisation’s values. Those values are all about putting delegates first, in every aspect of the business.

Horwood House is on a mission to create the kind of welcome you’d get from close family, albeit on a grander scale. The hotel calls it ‘hospitality from the heart’. It’s the warm feeling that starts the moment you arrive at Horwood and you take it with you when you leave.

Like Alice in Wonderland, you can explore both the old (Manor House) and new labyrinth and discover your favourite spot.

Perhaps the giant outdoor chess board, the magical blossom trees and extensive grounds or simply taking tea on the terrace. (No mad hatters, but you might spot a few rabbits roaming the grounds).

House is your place in the country. So, kick off your boots, come inside and make yourself comfortable.

Horwood House is offering the opportunity to win a whole day of leisure. Including use of H spa facilities from 9am to 5pm, continental brunch on arrival, a 50-minute spa treatment, two course lunch or afternoon tea, and £10 credit to spend on the day towards products.

There are a range of treatments to choose from: Hydrating & Nourishing Facial, De Vigne Full Body Massage, Combined 25 minute Express Facial & 25-minute Back Massage, Deluxe Manicure or Deluxe Pedicure. The spa also offers a Pre-Natal Massage (post 12 weeks).

Horwoodhouse.co.uk

Come and meet friends, dine in style, celebrate a special event, or do business.

Relax in the on-site H Spa with 15 metre pool and huge gym, and perhaps even enjoy a treatment or two.

COMPETITION

Whatever your reason to visit, Horwood

For a chance to win the luxury spa day, answer the following question:

In which year was Horwood House built?

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: 6th October 2023 Terms and conditions apply: Prize is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in H&E North and Horwood House’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. Prize must be redeemed Monday to Thursday and dates are subject to availability.

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CSR

Giving Back

We take a look at how and why to build CSR (corporate social responsibility) into the planning of your event.

As the industry recognises the importance of contributing to society, CSR has become ever more important.

Event planning presents a unique opportunity to showcase initiatives and make a positive impact on the community and the environment. By integrating CSR into event planning, you can enhance your brand reputation and create lasting value beyond the event itself.

No one can do everything in one day.

Start by identifying the specific social or environmental issues you want to make an improvement in and consider aligning your CSR goals with the core values and mission of your company.

Common causes include environmental sustainability, community engagement, employee wellbeing, and ethical sourcing.

and encourage, or even provide, sustainable transportation options for delegates.

These kinds of undertakings aren’t something that can be done alone.

Involve employees, delegates, vendors, and partners and encourage their input and participation in decisionmaking processes, seek feedback on sustainability measures and integrate their ideas into the plans. This will help engage everyone involved in the event from conception to realisation in putting your CSR initiatives into practice and ensuring they come to fruition.

Outside of sustainability, improving your local community is always a worthy cause and good for the rep.

Identify opportunities for volunteering or

organising charitable activities related to the event's theme or purpose. This can include donating excess food to food banks, partnering with local non-profits, or offering scholarships to deserving students. It may also be useful to contact local schools about work experience opportunities at your event for students hoping to go into the industry in the future. You can foster new talent and hit your CSR goals at the same time.

Be sure to assess the effectiveness of your CSR initiatives and measure the impact of your event. Tracking metrics such as energy saved, waste diverted, or funds raised for charity gives you something concrete to shout about!

CSR makes a great marketing point to drum up further business.

Sustainability is a popular consideration for CSR initiatives, as it is one of the leading challenges facing our modern world. Assess the environmental impact of your event and identify areas where improvements can be made.

This includes energy consumption, waste management, water usage, and transportation. Set targets to minimise your event's carbon footprint, promote recycling, reduce waste,

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

MEET THE CHEF

QUALITY CONTROL Cedar Court Hotels’ new Executive Head Chef, Steve Collinson, tells us all about taking on the monumental role of overseeing the food offering of four different venues.

Before taking on his current position as the Executive Head Chef at Cedar Court Hotels, Steve Collinson had had a long history in prominent culinary positions: “I’ve been in hospitality for the last 30 years.

Prior to Cedar Court I’d done 20 years with Oulton Hall hotel. At the age of 24 I was doing the Executive Chef job there, so I was fairly young to be in such a good position. After that, I had my own business for a while, and then went into contract catering as a general manager, before going back to Oulton Hall for another five years. After COVID I set up a small wedding venue before coming in here.”

We’re starting afresh and basically, it’s a brand-new offering for all areas of the business, including the restaurant and the lounge menus.”

Taking on the Executive Head Chef position, Steve set about revamping Cedar Court Hotels’ culinary offering: “It’s all been about change. The reason that they brought someone with my background into a position that they hadn’t had before was all about improvement, setting standards, and changing the offering during a period of substantial amount of investment into the hotels. We’re starting afresh and basically, it’s a brand-new offering for all areas of the business, including the restaurant and the lounge menus.”

There were some changes which Steve knew he wanted to make as soon as he took over the position: “I’ve worked in the

September 2023

area and I know the group, and I knew that each of the venues were different. My overall intent was about improvement, of both the menus and the standard of what we put on a plate. And we’re adding all the time to what we can offer.”

Steve takes a personal approach when planning the catering requirements of an event: “People are looking for flexibility in this day and age. I sit with people, be they delegates or conference organisers, just to make sure we’re actually delivering what these important meetings are needing out of the events. So, we spend a lot of time speaking to the event organisers to make sure that we nail it on the day.”

When it came to reimagining the food offering, Steve wanted to produce something different than the norm: “You’ll always find a roast beef dinner or grilled salmon with potatoes and veg. We’ve moved away from that. All our dishes are bespoke. There’s no old fashioned standardisation, like there’s a protein, potato, two veg, and a sauce. Those days are gone. It’s about making sure there’s plenty of choice, making sure it’s seasonal, and making sure that the standard is right.”

When it comes to putting a dish together himself, Steve prefers quality ingredients over showmanship: “I enjoy cooking with fish, a really good quality piece of fish, whatever’s good in the market at the time. Or a really nice piece of cheese.

If the quality’s good, whether it’s English asparagus or salt marsh lamb, it doesn’t always have to be about price. It’s about the quality of the product.”

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ON LOCATION

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

TOP CAT BIG TOPS manufacture and hire out colourful Big Top style marquees.

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Something Different...

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YOUR FAVOURITE

NORTH WALES EVENT VENUE Overlooking the Bay of Llandudno with 82 bedrooms and 7 versatile function & event spaces for 2 - 250 delegates.

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September 2023

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North in Brief Events Industry Alliance Responds

The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) recently submitted a response to Westminster’s Business and Trade Committee’s inquiry on export-led growth. The cross-party committee of MPs is using the inquiry to examine how well equipped the UK is to achieve the government’s target of £1 trillion exports by 2030.

The EIA’s response offered an introduction to the business events sector and outlined the ways in which the industry is a British success story fuelling travel, tourism and hospitality while acting as a catalyst for growth by bringing together investors, innovators, and customers from around the world.

The response also featured more detailed insight into the opportunities for growth that already exist due to the large number of trade shows that cover key policy areas of interest to UK policymakers.

Chris Skeith, Director of EIA said: “We were glad to have an opportunity to reiterate the importance of the industry to the Business and Trade Committee and emphasise the huge potential it has to contribute positively to the government’s aim to reach £1 trillion worth of exports.”

Kenwood Hall Adopts Dining Domes

Conference and event planners can now take advantage of a new outdoor dining space at the Mercure Sheffield Kenwood Hall Hotel & Spa, as this popular Sheffield hotel and events venue has unveiled three new private dining pods this month.

A unique al fresco break-out space for delegate networking or a team building lunch, or an alternative to restaurant dining for a post-conference or event meal, the domes host up to 24 guests sharing round tables of six or eight. There is the option to hire one, multiple, or all the domes exclusively, depending on the size of your event. Those with a larger corporate event in mind can hire the domes for the entire day and evening, scheduling different dining options for delegates throughout the conference timetable.

Domes come fully airconditioned and lit in the evening. Delegates can enjoy delicious sharing charcuterie boards starting at £13.99 per person, a selection of succulent roasts from £17.00 per person

and the ultimate dessert sharing platter at £10 per person.

Unique Venues Birmingham Award

Unique Venues Birmingham has been awarded the Greengage ECOsmart 2023 Silver Award in recognition of their work towards achieving greater sustainability.

To achieve this award, businesses undertake an extensive accreditation process.

Greengage ECOsmart is a business travel and events industry certification that recognises organisations who can demonstrate a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability within their business and who promote a green approach with their clients.

It is increasingly recognised as the credible and affordable marque that organisations can display to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and achievement of recognised standards.

ESSA Sees Boom in Numbers

Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) celebrated success at its AGM, reporting substantial growth in membership numbers which have significantly surpassed the previous prepandemic benchmark level.

ESSA Director, Andrew Harrison, said: “We are at a significant point in the history of ESSA and our membership. We are leading and representing on more topics than ever before. We are holding the sector to account, when appropriate, more than ever before. ESSA is more focused with a clarity of vision for its members’ future and is set to continue the delivery of incredible outputs in the coming months and beyond to represent suppliers’ best interests.”

Greengage Data Shows Demand

Environmental sustainability specialist, Greengage Solutions, has found that hotels and meeting venues are accelerating their sustainability efforts in response to customer demand.

Greengage has analysed searches conducted on its ECOsmart database of hundreds of accredited venues and compared them to searches in 2022. It found significantly more searches for venues with a sustainability policy or plan.

Increasingly bookers will not even shortlist venues without established sustainability policies or plans.

Greengage has identified five key trends from analysing the searches made on its ECOsmart database:

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• Energy monitoring – unsurprisingly given the big energy price increases in the past 18 months, over 80% of ECOsmart venues are actively monitoring their energy usage and devising plans to reduce usage wherever possible.

• Water usage – just like energy, venues are realising that water is an expensive commodity. And many more organisations are now looking at how they can reduce their water usage without affecting customer satisfaction.

• More EV chargers – with 17% of vehicles now being electric, there is a greater demand for EV chargers especially for large events.

• Social welfare – bookers are increasingly considering how well venues look after their staff and contribute to their local community. For example, many venues are reducing food waste by offering excess food to staff to take home or donating it to local good causes.

University of Edinburgh Announces New GM Today, the University of Edinburgh Hospitality & Events Collection has announced the appointment of a new Group General Manager, Gavin MacLennan.

Equipped with over 30 years of experience, Gavin will become the strategic lead of hotel operations across the University’s four hotels and serviced apartments: The Scott, The Scholar, KM Hotel, and KM Apartments. His role will focus on developing a culture of continuous improvement, guest experience and employee satisfaction, furthering the success of the collection.

Commenting on his new position as Group General Manager, Gavin said: “The University of Edinburgh is a globally renowned brand synonymous with excellence, which is also mirrored through its commercial activities. I am thrilled to be part of its hospitality collection and have the opportunity to contribute to its success. One of my key priorities is to deliver outstanding customer service and foster a culture of staff engagement and empowerment to ensure that every guest interaction is a memorable one.

I am looking forward to being part of a team that places such a strong emphasis on customer engagement and we will continue to enhance our service.”

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Formerly the home of the remarkable Armstrong-Jones family, we offer you ten individually styled bedrooms with five star comforts, in an historic yet relaxed surroundings. Featuring beautiful grounds, the award-winning Gunroom Restaurant that features a monthly changing dining experience, delicious afternoon teas as well as a charming, two bedroom self-catering cottage on site and 2 unique holiday cottages located at Foryd Bay. Nestled between the Snowdonia mountains and the Irish Sea, the idyllic setting and stunning views are not to be missed.

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

INDUSTRY OPINION

Safety First John Robson, MD of Aztec Event Services, Alexandra Bailey MD at Creative8, and Mark Clayton, MD of InEvexco, discuss tackling health and safety issues.

Health and safety at events remains top of the agenda. Everyone – organisers, venues, suppliers and contactors – is under a spotlight when it comes to ensuring that the correct procedures are followed at all times.

The fact that every venue and event is different makes implementing health and safety measures that much more challenging, but not impossible. The core focus of Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA), which represents the best suppliers of goods and services to the events industry, is to drive excellence across the industry through sharing best practice and providing a platform for education and training to maintain high health and safety standards in the events sector.

ESSA board members share their insights on key health and safety essentials to prioritise:

Risk assessment and management Identify potential hazards, assess associated risks and implement measures to eliminate or control those risks.

Compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) is crucial in effectively carrying out risk assessments and management processes.

Potential risks to consider include height limitations, checking stands and equipment are secure, for loose carpets to avoid trips, for loose electrical wires, bending and lifting for heavy items and spillages for slips and trips. It’s also important to consider how time pressures can impact contractors being able to complete jobs safely.

Communication is key Effective cooperation, communication and coordination between all parties

involved in projects pre-, on-site and post-event is paramount for ensuring that work can be done safely and without risks to health. Establish communication channels, share important information, ensure teams are fully briefed and have read and understood the risk assessment, address concerns and maintain a proactive approach to health and safety throughout. Crucially, ensure that emergency procedures are disseminated to all workers.

Competence and training Contractors are responsible for ensuring that they and their workers possess the necessary skills, knowledge, training, and experience to carry out work safely and without risks to health which means providing clear instructions, staying up to date with industry guidance and regulations, attending relevant training and continuously developing.

Essa.uk.com

Intelligent Talk Claire Fennelow, Executive Director of EVCOM, explores what AI could mean for the events industry.

Last week we gathered senior leaders from across the events and film industries to discuss the burgeoning topic of artificial intelligence and what it could mean for our industry.

The group discussed everything from creativity and data risks, to upskilling, accessibility and client relationships in the context of AI. Some shared their concerns, while others advocated for the events industry embracing the new technology.

September 2023

How are people using it at this point? Our members shared their experiences of using AI in the pitching and presentation stage, as a starting point for idea generation and for initial marketing copy. It’s use in the finished product was limited for example being able to turn an image given to you by the client from a landscape one into a portrait one. The human touch is still very much required if you want to put on an event, and surrounding campaign, that is both accurate and original.

One of our member companies DRPG have recently entered into a partnership that will allow them to pick up event attendee data by analysing engagement, demographic and sentiment. Importantly they have chosen an AI partner who pride themselves on ethical behavioural

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mapping, protecting the privacy of all event attendees by collecting no personal identifiable information. Ethics, it seems, are going to continue to be a central part of conversations around AI usage.

Whatever your feeling is about AI, it’s coming in some form or other. These developments might be small and unnoticeable, an update to the Microsoft product you don’t even realise is embedded in AI. Or they could be big, industry changing, role redefining. Either way, this is our opportunity to get ahead of it, to learn how we can put it to use.

But we need to explore it carefully, to be aware of its risks and limitations alongside its possibilities.

Evcom.org.uk

SUPPLIER FOCUS

Get in Touch We all now live in a digital world, with touchscreen order points and digital displays in retail and restaurants, and, of course, the ubiquitous smartphone in our pocket. Today’s tech savvy customer has higher expectations than ever before, demanding instant access to information and the ability to make choices for themselves. The old days of ‘death by PowerPoint’ and slapping a video on a TV screen have now been superseded with interactive technology which puts the user in control and, in doing so, delivers a far better visitor experience – a key business driver in today’s competitive world of events.

With almost every company today having a suite of digital assets provided by their sales and marketing teams, interactive digital displays allow for the ideal presentation of personalised branding to wow your clients. One perfect example was the deployment of interactive displays

as a presentation tool for the sales teams in Volkswagen car showrooms. The sales

Interactive technology puts the user in control and in doing so, delivers a far better event visitor experience. H&E North investigates the digital world for our latest suppliers’ feature teams are now able to access and present all the apps and other digital content that had already been created for the smartphone and which could now be repurposed for presentation in their own showrooms to wow their customers and improve sales.

It is always better to leave a lasting and memorable impression on delegates, supported by statistics like 82% of B2B event personnel believe that attendee engagement is an important KPI for event success (Bizzabo). If you can deliver better experiences by marketing your key messages, branding or presentation using event tech, you’ve bridged a gap between your event visitor and your marketing. This personal touch is why 90% of event marketers believe that technology can have a major positive impact on the success of their events (Bizzabo) and why 54% of event planners are spending more of their time and

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attention on the attendee experience rather than logistics (AMEX).

Of course, digital is a far more sustainable alternative to printed materials. With 80% of respondents saying their organisation takes sustainability into account when planning meetings and events and over three quarters (76%) of them having a defined sustainable programme strategy in place already (MICEBOOK), its looking like the old show guides and literature will be left behind.

For live events, digital gives you the ability to update content live so when things change, as they do, digital tech can facilitate live feed updates and provide content which is accessible and relevant all the time. Increasing ROI, bettering visitor engagement using renewable energy and less waste, interactive event tech is the way forward.

63% of event respondents believe tools to engage event attendees will play a key role in their future event strategies (Bizzabo). And if there is one thing the events sector does very well is acting on feedback. Digital event tech is therefore no longer a preference, it is now a necessity.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

PROMOTION

15 Years in the Making

Exhibit 3Sixty Co-Directors Alan Craner and Andy Pearce explain how they started the business to make a difference in the events industry.

Exhibit 3Sixty is one of the UK’s largest exhibition suppliers that still retains a full manufacturing capability, delivering to 50+ exhibitions and events every year in the UK and abroad. So, it’s no surprise that Co-Directors Alan Craner and Andy Pearce are considering a celebration for the 15th anniversary of the business they started together.

Alan and Andy first met in the late nineties, working in the exhibitions industry, but found themselves becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the practices around them, so they simply rolled up their sleeves and decided to do it their own way, founding Exhibit 3Sixty in August 2008.

We asked them how and why it all began.

Andy said: “Alan and I both felt that customers weren’t being treated well and that the stands and shows lacked

September 2023

quality. Designs were compromised to cut costs, and clients were treated simply as income sources. It just seemed wrong to us, to promise so much and deliver so little.

There was just so much disappointment everywhere.”

Alan added: “The crazy thing is that the whole industry was suffering as a result.

Visitors were unimpressed with exhibitions, exhibitors were underwhelmed by their stands and shell scheme, and organisers would take their shows elsewhere and try to revive them.”

The pair decided to tackle this issue headon, as Andy explained: “We wanted to create a business we could be proud of, that would create good jobs, and deliver on the real needs of organisers and exhibitors. We were determined to treat our suppliers and customers with the same kind of transparency and honesty we wanted for ourselves, and above all, we wanted to build a successful business by delivering great exhibitions and events.”

They opened their first HQ and workshop in their hometown of Coventry, starting out with a handful of design and build customers. Over the next decade and a half, Alan and Andy worked ceaselessly to build their client base, and Exhibit 3Sixty steadily won its enviable reputation for quality and customer satisfaction, growing year on year in size and scale.

Alan: “We knew that the key to success

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was to win long-term clients and that the same was true for our suppliers and supply chain. We put a lot of effort into developing our relationships with people, whether they’re clients or suppliers, because they matter to us, and their success is our success. And it makes working with everyone a real pleasure.”

Andy: “For us, the joy of the exhibition industry has always been about the people. We couldn’t have built Exhibit 3Sixty up to what it is today without our wonderful customers and suppliers. We do our best for each other, and it reinforces the virtuous circles we’ve built over the years. There’s nothing better than watching the delight on clients’ faces when they see their exhibition stand for the first time!”

As this Coventry business looks forward to its next decade and a half, Alan Craner and Andy Pearce show no signs of letting up on their quest for better exhibitions, delighted organisers, and happier exhibitors!

Exhibit3sixty.co.uk

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EVENT TECH

The Future Is Now Henri Scott, Founder of digital marketing agency KlickSense, discusses AI and how it can be used in the events industry.

AI is a hot topic that has forced many of us to reassess the future of our careers alongside the latest technological advancements. How advancing technology will affect the hospitality and events industry, and our jobs, is on everyone’s minds. Henri Scott, Founder of the boutique digital marketing agency KlickSense, has had a passion for the industry since graduating from the South African Butler Academy, and has been able to see firsthand how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting hoteliers and event hosters.

to provide your target audience with.

Henri comments: “If it is a commercial hotel chain, or a motel, where people come in sleep and go out again, frequent interaction with AI may work for them.

However, if you stay in a luxury resort, it’s about the experience and people provide that experience.”

Henri predicts that AI would be better used in the events industry when directed to do tasks such as gathering information, responding to frequently asked questions, and handling redundant administrative jobs. Henri gives an example: “For something like booking a session at the spa, you can ask the chatbot to give you available times, and handle that task, instead of your reservations or concierge’s desk.”

Many people think that AI is an unstoppable force which can replace us in our roles at a moment’s notice. But the reality is that AI has a recognisable tone and methodology which customers will begin to pick up with exposure. Henri says: “There’s a kind of rhythm that you can pick up when you read through any AI content.

I can pick up if an email’s been written by ChatGPT early on. But if you don’t mind it, obviously it’s much better than normal chatbot assistants that say: ‘I’ll get back to you shortly’.”

Henri says that AI is already embedded into his everyday operations. He uses the tech for scheduling, creating voice over content, and even at home in his security cameras.

There’s high value in integrating AI into the events businesses. “AI isn’t something to worry about. It’s competitors who know how to use AI that you need to watch out for,” he adds.

He believes that AI will become a necessary part of the events sector, it just depends on what service you want

September 2023

Being spoken to directly in a language you’re comfortable with when visiting an event can also make your delegates feel more integrated among their peers and relaxed in when navigating an event.

AI also benefits the events industry as a translation tool Henri says: “I use Revoicer, (a text-to-speech AI software), which sounds very human, for some of our clients’ ads. You can choose the accent, and the language, so it can be written in Chinese or French or whatever language your target audience speaks.”

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PROMOTION

First Travel Solutions is a front-runner in corporate travel, providing you with a bespoke travel plan which will ensure your delegates’ comfort and punctuality.

Getting You There First Travel Solutions understands that transport is what begins and ends your event and should be achieved as easily as possible for your delegates.

Its corporate travel options range from complete transport plans to one-off hires which are expertly executed by its dedicated team, experienced in providing transport for MICE events.

find the right vehicle which fits your event’s unique needs. Is your event in a hard-to-reach place? Try a one-off hire to save your events from crammed car parks and save on carbon emissions in the process. Hires can be made for parties as small as one or two people in a taxi and as large a whole coach full of delegates.

First Travel Solutions’ first step is always understanding the client’s vision before moving on to create a bespoke operations plan. This plan will contain locations the transport will need to visit, which routes will work best, and the most appropriate and safe place to load and unload the vehicle. It also works with clients to allocate space for park and ride facilities and ensuring there are enough staff on hand to point people in the right direction.

First Travel Solutions is pushing hard to decarbonise the public transport sector and reduce emissions by using electric vehicles and clean diesel. By providing its high-quality executive coaches, complete with quilted leather seats, First Travel is also helping the planet by ensuring there are fewer cars on the road cutting down on traffic and gridlock around events. Importantly, First Travel Solutions covers the due diligence and duty of care responsibilities that are incumbent upon travel organisers. They do this through holding three times ISO accreditations for quality environmental and health and safety management.

Due to its experience with festivals and large-scale events such as the London 2012 Olympics, Leeds Festival, and Newquay Boardmaster Festival, First Travel Solutions often provides complete transport plans for major events, this has previously included shuttling your guests in a tailor-made network between train station to the event site, campsite, and more to facilitate the day with ease. The firm recently provided transport for the UIC Road World Championships 2023 for which it transported the relevant referees and media all over Glasgow to witness the sporting event, pulling out all the stops to ensure their prompt and safe travel.

Working with its trusted network of 1,200 operators across the UK will ensure you

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Seeing possibilities, not problems when curating your bespoke plan means that before go ahead First Travel Solutions has dotted all the i’s an crossed all the t’s for you. This also means helping you prepare for the worst with contingency planning; it’s around the clock emergency travel services in conjunction with its 24 hours a day, seven days a week Control and Management Centre will ensure that you get where you need to be safely, in comfort and on time.

To find out more search: Firsttravelsolutions.com or call David Gardner on 07718862490

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

LEADING PROVIDER OF TEMPORARY WATER SUPPLIES & WELFARE SOLUTIONS FOR LARGE SCALE EVENTS Wicked Event Water Services provides quality assured water solutions.

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COMPETITION

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

COMPETITION

Win a team building treasure hunt for up to 20 people, explore your city while solving puzzles and taking photo highlights to share at the finish line.

Adventure Awaits photo and video opportunities. Practice your acting skills or brag the brainiest bunch with a broad selection of cerebral puzzles and fun team challenges.

Snow ordinary Christmas party

Studies show that getting teams active outdoors can help improve mood, productivity, and wellbeing. GPS Treasure Hunts are an innovative and sustainable way to encourage fun and develop teams outdoors.

Our GPS Treasure Hunts are a popular team building event for those based in urban areas and cities UK wide. Popular locations include Edinburgh, Glasgow, York, Sheffield, Manchester, and Birmingham. Using an iPad, teams are sent exploring their chosen city, passing famous landmarks, in the pursuit of hotspots, unlocking hilarious and brain tantalizing challenges to win points.

Teams battle it out to collect as many points as possible in the time given, all while keeping in touch with other teams using the chat function on their device.

For the finale, teams reconvene at their chosen venue for a presentation of the funniest moments and prizes followed by some well-deserved refreshments.

Why not send your team to discover your chosen city during the most magical time of year? Search across Christmas markets and stop by Santa’s grotto to find his lost presents, what better way to get your team bonding, working together, and really feeling the Christmas spirit! Finish at a local bar, restaurant, or hotel and enjoy a festive feast and one too many egg nogs.

Our venue finding team will help find the perfect spot to host your hunt.

Sustainable team building Team Treasure Hunts are our most sustainable event and a firm favourite of our clients. All iPads are charged using solar power at our head office and just one event manager is required to travel via public transport to host and run the event to reduce our carbon footprint.

Better yet, all participants are required to take part on foot throughout, eliminating the need for multiple vehicles – as an ECOsmart agency, that’s what we like to hear! eventurous.co.uk

An urban adventure awaits Get teams away from the day to day and out in the fresh air exploring and enjoying time together in a different environment.

Meet new people and find new places along the way, as you discover hilarious

September 2023

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COMPETITION For a chance to win a team treasure hunt for up to 20 people, please answer the following question:

What type of power are the Eventurous iPad’s charged with?

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: 6th October 2023 Terms and conditions apply: Prize is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in H&E North Magazine and Eventurous’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. Prize must be redeemed by April 30th 2024 and dates will be subject to availability. Treasure Hunts are only suitable for cities. For larger group bookings you can purchase additional spaces beyond the 20 free awarded as a prize. Speak to our sales team via sales@eventurous.co.uk

TEAM BUILDING

Team Spiritual

Get to know yourself and your peers with yoga, combining wellness with cost-effective team building. creating divisions between work and rest.

There are very few people who can say they have no qualms about dividing themselves between their work and personal life, it’s a balance which needs constant effort and mindful attention to keep it steady. Corporate yoga can help this balance by making a clear transition between work and rest time for the body and mind. By moving your body and focusing on your breath participants are actively shifting their focus away from work and onto themselves.

Encouraging constructive thinking Irritations can hold us back at work tremendously, for many this can start as early in your day as the morning commute.

Though irritations are completely normal and are the minds way of defending itself, they can cause us to be closed-minded, hostile with our peers, and restricted in our attitudes to self-care. A yoga practice shifts your attention from the outside world inward, to how you can look after yourself and be non-judgemental of your thoughts and feelings.

The benefits of team building and regular wellness habits are numerous, so why not combine the two? Corporate yoga could be a great change of pace for your employees or team and whether you have in-house sessions, or you put on a YouTube video for staff at lunchtimes, the practice can be endlessly beneficial to office culture and boosting team morale,

Develop a creative mindset Many mindfulness practices encourage creative thinking through their ability to develop what is known as your cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility happens when you are able to increase ideas by inspecting thoughts from a stance of awareness and non-judgement. If you can practice inspecting ideas without

50

attaching them to feelings of stress, self-doubt, or failure you are more likely to have a more positive attitude to brainstorming sessions and thus more creative ideas. So why not exercise your cognitive flexibility and physical flexibility at the same time to see benefits in your creative pitches and problem-solving meetings.

Inclusive for all employees Many team building exercises can be excluding of certain individuals, but yoga is a self-directed activity which can be done companionably in groups, introverted team members can receive the same enjoyment out of the activity as their extroverted peers and everyone, however healthy can take part, a good teacher will be able to suggest amendments to postures for those who range from beginner to advanced in ability or for those who require specific needs due to pain and injury – no one is left behind!

Introduce an everlasting experience It’s not everyday that you can introduce your team to a team building activity which they may wish to continue in their daily lives. Whether you decide to do a regular yoga practice with your team or just a one-off session, yoga can become a vital component of work life to many, providing them with the downtime they need to perform better at work.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

CASE STUDY

Festival Fun The Hive Network’s RetailFest turned out to be the event of the season with its barrier-breaking festival format. Here’s what we learned from its experience.

The Hive Network is a networking community separated into two halves, one of which is The Retail Hive for which RetailFest was planned. RetailFest was an outdoor, festival-inspired event which aimed to bring together retail professionals from all over the UK to engage in networking activities and to learn about its industry while having some fun. Katharine Rowney, Marketing Director at The Hive Network says: “We didn’t want to fall into the trap

at the event was manageable, so each ticket was tracked and the tents’ capacity sizes were adjusted accordingly so there wasn’t any queuing and the value of the event programme wasn’t lost.

In honour of The Hive Network’s name, the event was separated into four ‘hives’ which each had a different agenda for the day, the categories were Sustainability, Ecommerce, Digital Marketing, and Customer Experience. This where inviting the whole team came in handy, each representative of an attending company

The outcome

could select a different hive and then report back at the end of the day, encouraging networking between your team and beyond in the event’s design.

On the day

of large-scale events where you sit in a chair for most of the day, eat bland food, and then are forced into networking, usually in a hotel with no natural light.

So, we thought there must be a good way to get value from an event without doing that.”

Planning and logistics

The Hive Network aimed for RetailFest to be a fun-filled away day for the whole team, but at the same time it wanted to ensure that the number of delegates

you could determine who was supposed to be where. Then for example if digital marketing were at the innovation stage watching a digital marketing panel, then sustainability may have been in the Tea Tent doing roundtables. Everyone was free flowing.”

At the site of the event there was a tent each for roundtables, workshops, and an innovation stage for speakers. The festival theme didn’t stop at the outdoor venue at Oakley Hall, but continued as delegates were welcomed by a flower wall and stilts walkers, got serenaded by a roaming walking band at lunch which took their requests, and got to eat at food trucks which served dim sum, pizza, and tacos.

Though The Hive Network was nervous to see the reaction of RetailFest’s first few visitors, Katharine said: “People came in and we’re just like ‘Oh, this is lovely’ and relaxed into it pretty much immediately.

The feedback for the event has been phenomenal. People really felt it was such a good atmosphere which was a great environment for learning.” The Hive Network is currently planning a RetailFest 2024 which will be bigger and better and are even thinking of extending the event format to its second hive, The Finance Hive, adapting the template where it sees fit for its more formal audience.

Thehive-network.com

Roundtables ran in rotation throughout the day depending on your selected hive while speakers and workshops, such as an online content management workshop hosted by TikTok, worked on a first come first served basis. Katharine says: “Everyone had coloured lanyards so

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

THE ULTIMATE EVENT DESTINATION

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September 2023

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TRAVEL

Prime Location Jo Joshi, Founder of DMCFinder. com, lays out the best destinations in Europe to hold your next get-away conference.

Perfect Location

Portugal is a prime destination for MICE events, attracting companies and associations from around the world.

Its unique combination of stunning landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, friendly people, perfect weather, and excellent infrastructure makes it the perfect choice for hosting unique, successful, and memorable events.

Portugal has attracted conference organisers with its strategic geographical location. It is easily accessible from major international cities, with numerous direct flights to Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports.

From the sunny white-sand beaches of Algarve, the restful Alentejo, the gorgeous sceneries, art and culture from greater Lisbon, the Centre and the North of Portugal, to the tropical Madeira Islands and the one-of-a-kind Azores Islands, each region offers a unique experience.

Portugal’s hospitality industry is wellprepared to cater to MICE events, with a wide array of options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Furthermore, Portugal’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing focus on responsible and eco-conscious event planning. Many venues and suppliers in Portugal adopt sustainable practices, which resonates well with businesses aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.

Whether it’s a corporate conference, an incentive trip, or a congress, Portugal’s allure will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on attendees and make any event a resounding success.

Charm and Ambience

Amsterdam, the enchanting capital of the Netherlands, offers a unique and captivating experience that will leave a lasting impression on your attendees, offering a perfect destination to host MICE events.

Charming Ambiance: Picture-perfect canals, historic architecture, and charming streets set the scene for a truly magical event. Amsterdam’s romantic ambiance creates an unforgettable backdrop for your gatherings.

Cultural Richness: Immerse your attendees

It’s reputation, diverse culinary scene with world-renowned wines and local experiences contribute to a memorable MICE event. Attendees are warmly welcomed and appreciated, creating an atmosphere conducive to networking and collaboration.

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in a world of art, history, and innovation.

With a wealth of world-class museums and cultural institutions, Amsterdam promises to add depth and fascination to your event.

Versatile Venues: Whether you’re planning an intimate conference or a grand exhibition, Amsterdam boasts an array of diverse and versatile venues to suit your needs. From modern conference centres to historical landmarks, we have you covered.

Connectivity and Accessibility: Easy access from major international airports and a well-connected public transportation network ensure smooth travel for your guests. Getting around the city has never been easier!

Sustainability and Innovation: Embrace eco-friendly practices and forwardthinking concepts. Amsterdam’s commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with the growing demand for responsible events.

Vibrant Social Scene: Beyond formal gatherings, attendees can network and socialize in charming cafes, lively bars, and exciting entertainment venues.

Compact and Convenient

Copenhagen, a pocket-sized metropolis that has everything you need for a successful event. Whether you’re searching for the perfect venue, top-notch hotels, or new and inspiring incentive ideas, Copenhagen has it all.

Just 20 minutes from Copenhagen Airport, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the city.

With its clean and safe environment, sustainability is a top priority here, making it an ideal destination for you and your delegates.

Speaking of accessibility, Copenhagen Airport is Scandinavia’s main traffic hub and home to the national carrier, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). Along with their Star Alliance partners, they offer an extensive network of flights, ensuring excellent access from anywhere in the world. Getting to Copenhagen has never been easier or faster.

It’s compact size makes it incredibly convenient. Within walking distance, you’ll discover a myriad of hotels, venues, buzzing and trendy neighborhoods, green parks, and charming inner-city canals.

Explore the cobbled streets and admire the colorful houses while experiencing the relaxed atmosphere among the friendly locals.

Copenhagen is also renowned for its culinary scene. With an impressive 24 Michelin stars at 14 restaurants, it has earned its title as a gastronomic capital. From budget-friendly eateries to innovative fine dining, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Discover the magic of Copenhagen and create unforgettable memories with your colleagues, employees, or clients.

History Meets Modern

Picture this: a sun-kissed paradise nestled along the azure waters of the Mediterranean, where ancient history blends seamlessly with vibrant culture, and every corner is a treasure trove of wonder.

November and March are the months when the Bay of Naples truly shines.

As the rest of the world succumbs to harsh weather, this idyllic region boasts an inviting climate, perfect for your unforgettable rendezvous. The temperatures are mild, the skies are clear,

and the cool sea breeze envelops you in a comforting embrace.

But that’s not all – this time of year also offers the added advantage of finding ample hotel space. No longer will you have to fret about overcrowded accommodations or hustling for reservations. Your comfort and relaxation are guaranteed, allowing you to focus on soaking in the myriad experiences that await.

Stepping back in time, you’ll have a chance to explore the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum – cities immortalized by the infamous eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

But that’s just the beginning. The Bay of Naples boasts an awe-inspiring UNESCO heritage collection. From the historical center of Naples, teeming with captivating stories of the past, to the majestic Royal Palace of Caserta, a true regal marvel, you’ll be immersed in a world of historical grandeur.

Brace yourself for a whirlwind of diverse experiences that are sure to leave you awe-inspired. From the enchanting island of Capri, with its rugged coastline and breathtaking views, to the picturesque Amalfi Coast, where quaint villages cling to the cliffs – every moment will be a feast for your senses.

Indulge in the region’s gastronomic wonders, savoring the delectable tastes of Neapolitan cuisine. Bite into the famous pizza Napoletana or relish the freshest seafood caught right from the bay. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to explore the local handicrafts, a testament

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to the region’s artistic heritage.

The Bay of Naples offers a truly fulfilling experience, a journey deep into the world’s most famous attractions. From nature’s allure to cultural richness and gastronomic delights, this destination weaves a spell of magic that will forever remain etched in your heart.

So, if you’re seeking a place where history and modernity dance together in perfect harmony, where every moment is a symphony of joy and discovery, look no further than the Bay of Naples.

Island Dream

Cyprus offers a dreamy island setting, in a strategic location between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, making it the ideal destination for UK businesses looking to expand their operations throughout the world, but not have to travel too far afield to do so.

Karpaz Gate Marina Resort, located in the tranquil Kapaz Peninsula in North Cyprus is the perfect location for a company retreat or team event.

Boasting an impressive array of event spaces, from private meeting rooms to the resort’s Beach Club and Wellness Centre, it is the remote location in this undisturbed corner of Cyprus coupled with the luxury design-led resort which sets the venue apart. The hotel’s concierge team is experienced in hosting events from 10 through to 200 people.

DIRECTORY

CW Event Hire

All Souls Bolton

Specialist Hirers of Plant and Equipment to the Events, Sports and Entertainment Industries. For more information contact Gary Shaw on:

All Souls’ is a beautiful historic church (Grade II*) that has been converted for use as a conference, office, learning and community space. As part of this work, the original building was carefully restored.

01582 763122 | 07779 341859 garyshaw@cwplant.co.uk

Renovation work began in September 2013 and was completed November 2014. Why not book your meeting or event with us?

Chiya and Chai - LUXURY Tea & Accessory Gifts Personal and Corporate, Say Thankyou, Celebrate Special Occasions, Recognise Successes.

Unique & Memorable. Subscriptions. One-Offs & Programmes. UK Wide Delivery

All Souls-Bolton, Astley Street, Bolton, BL1 8EY 01204 385868 | info@allsoulsbolton.org.uk www.allsoulsbolton.org.uk

07917 340339 | sandra@chiyaandchai.com www.chiyaandchai.com | @chiyaandchai

Adrian Salamon Magic

Discovery Point

Yorkshire’s corporate event magician.

Entertainment at awards, parties, & events.

Stunning close-up magic that will leave you with a lasting impression.

Discover your perfect conference space at Discovery Point in Dundee. Our venue offers flexible room configurations, modern technology, and stunning views of the River Tay and RRS Discovery. Book now for your next event and impress your guests.

Call: 07849 123560 Email: contact@yorkmagician.co.uk Website: www.adriansalamon.co.uk

Art by Vanessa provides engaging art and craft experiences for team building, wellbeing and empowerment. Get your team together and experience the magic of creativity.

Discovery Point, Discovery Quay, DD14XA 01382 309060 | conferences@dundeeheritage.co.uk www.rrsdiscovery.co.uk

info@artbyvanessa.co.uk | 07941 289761 www.artbyvanessa.co.uk

Bala 4x4

Fellicis Ice Cream

Bala 4x4 off-road site overlooks the Welsh mountains and lakes and is the perfect location for a group activity including 4x4 Driving Experience and other available activities catered to your needs. A popular film and photoshoot location with added excitement.

Offering Training Courses, Corporate Events, Team Building and group activities.

Award winning Italian gelato and sorbet served in style, at your event from our handmade carts and authentic Italian trike.

Book us in at…

fellicisicecreamcarts@gmail.com 07931278444

Lighthouse Venue

A hidden gem near Media City - Salford Quays. This venue hosts three suites with the largest suite capacity ranging from 300 – 900 dictated by event type. With in-built PA, AV & lights, we can host your next business lunch, cooperate meetings, weddings or concerts. Onsite parking for over 100 cars.

info@bala4x4.co.uk | 07896545945 www.bala4x4.co.uk

www.lighthousevenue.co.uk

Chocolate Falls

Olympus Crew

Entertain your guests whilst ensuring your venue looks how you’ve always dreamt it with our Treat Displays, Venue Dressing & Prop Hire we provide across North Wales.

Jenny Morgan Chocolate Falls 07720783366 Chocolatefalls13@aol.co.uk

A crewing company based in Leeds and London. We provide services such as general crew, carpenters, av technicians, forklift/ipaf operators. Enquire for more details

Dom@olympuscrew.co.uk 07904 903452 www.olympuscrew.co.uk

Bolton Castle

National Whitewater Centre

Historic Surroundings, Exclusive use available, Conference space for up to 120, Banqueting for up to 120, Grounds for team building, Experienced in hosting film and location shoots.

Embrace getting soaked at the UK's original and best whitewater rafting venue. With 40 years experience, we offer fantastic whitewater rafting adventures on stunning natural rapids.

01969 623 981| info@boltoncastle.co.uk www.boltoncastle.co.uk

01678 521083 | info@nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk www.nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk

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DIRECTORY

Seren Ventures Seren Ventures provides adventure activities, outdoor skills courses and guided mountain walks in Snowdonia, The Lake District and Scotland. Our guides at Seren Ventures are highly experienced instructors who work, play and live in the outdoors.

Our approach is relaxed but professional, whichever adventure you choose, you’re guaranteed to be safe, learn and have FUN!! Whether you have experience already or you’re starting from scratch, we have something for you. andy@serenventures.com 01690 710754 www.serenventures.com

Verdant Works A unique conference space in Dundee.

Our historic mill offers a range of flexible modern amenities in a historic setting, and a fascinating glimpse into Dundee’s industrial past.

• Events that get people talking • Marketing and promotion specialists • Expert venue finding • Full guest and supplier management • Over 10 years’ exhibition experience

0790 342 2325

Verdant, Works, West Henderson Wynd, DD15BT 01382 309060 | conferences@dundeeheritage.co.uk www.verdantworks.co.uk

www.strelitzia-events.com

The Racquet Club Hotel City centre venue - 8 Bedroom hotel with 2 separate floors dedicated to hosting bespoke customised events and celebrations.

0151 236 6676 | info@racquetclub.org.uk www.racquetclubhotel.co.uk

The Industry’s Leading Corporate Hospitality Magazine in Your Area

Tourguide systems for tours, presentations, interpretation Headsets for silent meetings with talkback for every delegate

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CORPORATE HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE FOR THE MIDLANDS, NORTHERN ENGLAND, NORTH WALES & SCOTLAND

Audioguides for self-guided tours & exhibits

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com Follow us

/HospitalityNrth

01244 456899

/hospitality-and-events-north-magazine

SALES, HIRE and EVENT SERVICE

www.applesound.com @tourguideSYS September 2023

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SOCIAL MEDIA

Going Viral Social media mogul Jonny Ross tells us the tips and tricks for crafting viral social media content that leaves a lasting impression for event organisers.

interactive contests, polls, or quizzes that keep them engaged and excited. Spark their competitive spirit and encourage them to share their results.

Embrace failures with grace Mishaps happen, so embrace them with humour and grace. Learn from your mistakes and share relatable stories.

Showing your human side will foster a stronger connection with your audience.

Power of influencers As event organisers, you have the power to captivate audiences, attract attendees, and create a buzz that spreads like wildfire. We explore practical tips to help you craft compelling content that stands out and goes viral. Let's dive in!

Know your audience Understand your audience like a best friend. Discover their preferences and online habits to tailor your content accordingly. This knowledge will be your secret weapon for creating a connection that resonates and compels them to share.

Visuals that wow Make your content visually stunning. Use captivating images, engaging videos, and eye-catching infographics. Inject creativity and humour to grab attention and encourage shares.

Collaborate with influential personalities in the industry. Find individuals who align with your brand and have a relevant following.

Partner with them to co-create content that resonates with their audience and expands your reach.

scheduling tools to ensure your content appears at the right moment and think about customising your content to suit each platform's unique characteristics for maximum impact.

Remember to understand your audience, leverage visual appeal, embrace trends, foster engagement, learn from failures, collaborate with influencers, spark conversations, and optimise timing. Infuse your unique personality, and watch your content take off like a rocket. Get ready to make a splash in the social media realm, one viral post at a time!

Jonny Ross is the Founder of Fleek Marketing and has his own Podcast "Jonny Ross Fractional CMO” JonnyRoss.com

Spark conversations and laughter Make your content a source of laughter and conversation. Ask thought-provoking questions, share funny anecdotes, and let your personality shine through. Engage your audience and make them feel like they're part of an exciting community.

Timing and platform strategy Optimise your content's timing and platform selection by publishing when your audience is most active on social media.

Utilise

Ride the trend wave Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, hashtags, and memes. Seamlessly integrate them into your content to create a viral concoction that blends your event's awesomeness with what's hot.

Interactive engagement Involve your audience in the fun. Create

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