HEN Dec 2021

EVENT SPACE IN THE HEART OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Situated directly across the street from St. James’ Park and with a capacity of up to 60 people, make planning your next event an effortless affair with Sandman Signature Newcastle Hotel.

From all-day corporate seminars and business breakfasts to private parties and cocktail masterclasses, your wish is our command. Our experienced meeting planners will guide you through the many options available and personalise a package to suit your budget.

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DEC’21 / JAN’22

As we slide in to 2022 – still feeling like it’s two steps forward and almost two back – next year is going to be a busy one for many event profs and we are feeling it here at H&E North HQ as we launch our new website! Our latest edition is packed with great content, and in conjunction with our Historic Venues feature we welcome 600-year-old Lumley Castle on to the front cover together with Lily, the resident ghost!

We take a look at some Team Building ideas, including wellness retreats, and you can win a stay in a TreePod at Wootton Park for your

team! Plus, venue trends, Wi-Fi, COP26, temporary structures, and a visit to NewcastleGateshead to see what the local area has to offer for your next event.

We’ll be seeing you at all the major industry shows next year. For all the dates see our calendar on page 34.

Meanwhile for all the latest news, new venues and refurbs, updates, and opinions that matter across the North, follow us on our socials! Elliot Landy.

New Faces

H&E North takes a look at the newly opened or renovated venues that opened this winter across Wales, Mid-England and Scotland.

WALES

The Parkgate Hotel

Housed in original heritage buildings that once housed the city’s head post office and county court, the 170-bedroom Parkgate Hotel marries stylish innovation with the elegance of yesteryear right in the centre of Cardiff.

The new hotel holds from two event spaces, The Postmaster Suite and The Telegraph Room, named for the building’s history. Holding up to 432 delegates, The Postmaster Suite is suitable for hosting larger meetings and dinners and benefits from its own private pre-event bar area. The room can also be divided into smaller spaces. The Telegraph Room is a private and elegant space perfect for intimate lunches, dinners and board meetings, and can host up to 50 people.

Theparkgatehotel.wales

MID ENGLAND

The Charlecote Pheasant Hotel

This Warwickshire-based hotel has newly reopened with a brand-new outdoor event space comprised of four giant interconnected tipis across five acres, of which the tipis are only a small part.

Inside, the hotel offers a choice of up to six meeting rooms with spaces suitable for events from six to 160 delegates, all with natural daylight and opening windows.

This includes the historic Hampton Suite, situated in the castle grounds, this hayloft dates to the 16th century. It is completely self-contained including a reception lounge, private outdoor seating, and function room with bar area.

Charlecotepheasanthotel.co.uk

HILTON BIRMINGHAM METROPOLE

THE PARKGATE HOTEL

Hilton Birmingham Metropole

Hilton Birmingham Metropole, one of the UK’s most expansive overnight meetings and events destinations, has opened its new and highly flexible conference and events facilities as part of a multi-million-pound refurbishment.

The new spaces are made up of 6,000 square meters of meeting and events facilities, with all 31 event spaces receiving a contemporary facelift that belies the venue’s 45-year tenure.

The hotel’s bedrooms and three new bars and restaurants complete the package, creating environments that celebrate Birmingham’s rich heritage and embrace its culture.

The conference and event space is easily divided into three separate and distinctive areas allowing delegates exclusive use of sections of the property. The hotel’s event and conference offering also remains diverse, ranging from intimate boardrooms to expansive ballrooms, the largest of which can host up to 2,000 guests. With the Birmingham NEC just a short walk away, the area is well suited for those attending conferences or expos.

Hilton.com

SCOTLAND

Bread Street Kitchen

Gordon Ramsay is bringing his popular premium casual dining concept, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar to Edinburgh. This new venue is Ramsay’s first ever restaurant in the city and has appointed the talented Dan Ashmore as Executive Head Chef at the new restaurant and bar in St Andrew Square. Though it operates as a regular restaurant, it is also available for private corporate bookings, and can seat up to 140 delegates. Gordonramsayrestaurants.com

Cocktail Mafia

The Cocktail Mafia, a new one-of-a-kind experience opened early in December on Charlotte Lane in Edinburgh’s West End. Owned by Pinnacle Hospitality, it fuses edgy glamour and elegance with theatrical flair.

The space can hold 160 delegates and offers an eclectic cocktail menu to delight attendees. Cocktails include ‘Citizen Cane’ made with Glenfiddich, served in a port sipper glass with a smoked bubble on top and the Roku Gin infused with basil, and ‘Millieu Vert’ that will be presented in a vintage 1924 coupe, with a sugared basil rim. Thecocktailmafia.co.uk

Sky Bar for Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course

Meldrum House Country Hotel in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire has a new event space – a dome bar.

Titan Sky Bar is the only one of its kind in the UK and hosts up to 40 delegates, offering a unique environment for guests. Based around a stars and moon theme, the new dome has been named after one of the largest moons in the solar system thanks to being more than twice the size of their largest dining dome.

Sitting outside the hotel’s 800-year-old Cave Bar, the Sky Bar measures 10 metres in diameter and has capacity for up to 40 people at stylish cocktail tables or up to 32 guests as an event space. Wired with a crystal-clear sound system, the dome is heated and has air conditioning to combat all weathers. The beauty of the dome will mean that delegates are bathed in natural light all day and then at night, the atmosphere will switch up as the bar will display coloured shooting lights as darkness appears and the stars come out. Meldrumhouse.com

Glasgow Courtyard SEC

Glasgow Courtyard SEC by Marriot has recently opened, containing five full meeting, conference and event spaces, holding up to 100 delegates on the first floor. The same floor also holds a 24-hour fitness centre for those staying over at the hotel. Delegates can relax in 216 thoughtfully designed bedrooms, including 16 family rooms and 44 superior rooms. The hotel brings its timeless classic style whilst meeting the needs of experienced travellers looking for space, great amenities, and the latest technology. Marriott.co.uk

COCKTAIL MAFIA

BREAD STREET KITCHEN THE CHARLECOTE PHEASANT HOTEL

North in Brief

Former mia Chief Executive Appointed to New Positions

Jane Longhurst has been appointed as a non-executive Director of the Meetings Industry Association (mia) and has also taken a position on the UK government’s Tourism Industry Council.

Jane recently stepped down from being mia’s Chief Executive, a position which she held for 16 years, and will continue to work for the association in her new position to work toward a brighter future for the event industry.

Her new role with the Tourism Industry Council will see Jane join other leading industry figures to ensure that the event industry’s voice is heard by ministers when considering tourism issues.

Jane said: “As I start my new chapter, I am delighted to be remaining on the board of the mia and honoured to be joining other industry leaders to act as a sounding board and offering guidance to the government to ensure the value, challenges, and opportunities for the events sector are continually highlighted and represented.”

Kerrin MacPhie, mia’s new Chief Executive, said: “Jane has incredible experience and knowledge, so we are thrilled that she will be continuing to offer her dynamism and expert counsel to the mia board alongside the insight from her continued regular dialogue with government ministers.”

Ulster Academy Launches Hospitality Centre

Ulster University Business School is set to launch Academy: the Centre for Food, Drink and Culture, an educational hub that will further strengthen hospitality and culinary arts management as two of the university’s flagship areas of provision, as well as making a significant contribution to the hospitality sector in the UK.

The new academy will incorporate a restaurant, culinary school, beverage school and conference and meeting facilities. As well as giving students hands-on experience, it will provide comprehensive practical support to entrepreneurs, be an open-access learning and cultural centre for the public and will contribute to the ongoing development of the UK as a food and drink destination.

Professor Una McMahon-Beattie, Head of the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Ulster University commented: “We have a long track record of excellence in hospitality education, with many graduates going on to work in some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants and hotels and setting up their own successful businesses. As we launch the academy as our new educational hub, we will have a renewed focus on equipping students with skills that help them progress in their careers and make a significant and positive contribution to society. Hospitality is central to our economy, culture and identity, and it is our talented graduates who will shape the sector’s character and success.”

New Carbon Neutral Logo Showcase Green Venues in Directory

Venuedirectory.com is helping planners with green wayfinding by showcasing venues that are working to be carbon neutral.

Planners can easily find venues who have achieved a recognised carbon neutral status by the new carbon neutral logo displayed on each venue profile on the site. To gain this accolade, venues have to demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability; prove that they completely understand their environmental impact and contribution

to global warming, and also offset their carbon footprint through recognised schemes.

“We’ve launched the new carbon neutral logo to showcase venues who have reached the next milestone in their sustainability journey”, Michael Begley, CEO of venuedirectory.com, explains: “A carbon neutral venue is one that takes significant steps to reduces its carbon emissions, resulting in no net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This can be achieved through using renewable energy, reducing waste, and carbon offsetting.”

isla Launches Guide to Sustainable Print

Event sustainability industry body, isla, in partnership with Print Working Group, have developed the Better Buying for Print - An Event Planners Guide. The free resource is available to the entire events industry to support planners in making better print choices for events.

The guide is designed to help event organisers offset the negative impacts printing (particularly with synthetic resins and harmful chemicals) has on the planet.

The project has been spearheaded by Laura Fell, isla Print Working Group Lead and Head of Graphic Production at GPJ. Laura says: “We recognise that wasteful graphics for one-time use needs to be a thing of the past. This re-think of event planning cannot fall only to print suppliers. With this guide, we're hoping to empower event planners across the industry to make better choices and educate their clients to make more informed decisions too. This will, in turn, enable large format printers to forge better relationships with the supply chain, and will one day eliminate really wasteful single-use signage materials.”

Diversity Ally Announce Awards Venue

Diversity Ally, the leading diversity and inclusion organisation for the events industry, has announced the Cutty Sark will play host to its first awards next year.

The awards, which take place on 26th April 2022, will celebrate and recognise equality, diversity, and inclusion in the industry. The Greenwich-based ship, which was built will in 1869 to carry tea back from China, will make for a unique venue to host the event.

Claire Bastin, Head of Events at Royal Museums Greenwich, said: “It is with great pleasure and pride that Venues at Royal Museums of Greenwich will host the inaugural Diversity Ally, Diversity in Events Awards in April 2022. As champions of diversity in the events industry, we look forward to celebrating the achievements and the talents of our industry peers.”

Gabrielle Austen-Browne, Co-Founder of Diversity Ally, added: “We are thrilled to announce that Cutty Sark will be our venue partner for our inaugural awards. We want to celebrate the best in our industry when it comes to diversity, and we know it’s something high on the agenda for the Royal Museums Greenwich, so it’s perfectly fitting for the venue for what will be a truly memorable event.”

Valor Hospitality Hires New Senior General Manager

Following the recent addition of 17 new hotels to its UK portfolio, hotel management company Valor Hospitality has made a series of senior management moves and promotions.

In a newly created position, Michael Falla has been promoted to Senior General Manager of Holiday Inn Aylesbury, overseeing both the Basingstoke and Farnborough hotels, having most recently managed Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow. Michael has worked for Valor since 2016 and was pivotal to the successful opening and early trading years of the AC by Marriott hotels in Salford and Birmingham, the very first two AC hotels to launch in the UK.

The appointments follow a year of significant growth for Valor, which saw its UK portfolio grow to almost 40 properties, taking the global total to well on the way to 100, despite the uncertainties caused by the pandemic. The UK expansion has enabled Valor to create new positions and promote some of its best talent, with longstanding employees that have been nurtured through the business moving up the ranks.

Race to Zero

Hi Anita! Tell us about your involvement in COP26?

We joined the UN, the UNFCCC, and the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) and brought a group of corporates up to a session at COP26. This was actually the result of us getting involved with the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, created prior to COP26. We wanted to make sure that corporate event organisers were represented at the summit. They really want to see the event industry become more sustainable, and to make sure we all move in the same direction and make that happen.

So, what’s the main focus within the events industry?

One of the things we’ve been talking about for a number of years is trying to get all parts of the event industry to come together, and for us all to have a common voice so we can

Anita Howard, Strategy Director for International Corporate Events, an event company specialising in high-impact event planning across the globe, discusses her time at COP26 and what the outcome of the summit means for the event industry.

start creating a roadmap to a sustainable future. There are so many initiatives out there that are absolutely amazing. You have all these different groups doing things, and I think it’s brilliant what they’re doing, but I just feel that we all need to join together now, to try and get this moving quickly. There is going to be a huge issue when events are fully back to normal after COVID, relating to events not being sustainable. We need to come together as an industry to tackle that.

Is there a long way to go?

Yes. Everyone talks about little steps, and we do all need to share those little steps. In some ways our industry is very sustainable. Venues are doing an amazing job of using renewable power. I think everyone is trying. We all need to start working in the same direction, which can be difficult when sustainability means so many things to different people, which is why we’ve gone for the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative. We think that’s achievable.

Are we in any different position than we were before the agreements at COP26?

This is an interesting question. I think ultimately the answer is, time will tell. On the plus side, there were over 1000 people signed into our session at COP26. Now is the time for us to actually do it. We all have to feed in to the roadmap that’s going to be laid out. It can’t just be the venues, or the advertising

agencies. It has to be the whole industry. I think we are in a better position, providing we all put aside our egos. We need to just crack on with it and not let politics get in the way.

Do y ou think that operating in a more sustainable manner is going to affect event professionals’ ability to turn a profit?

Everyone knows there’s a cost implication to being more sustainable. For example, if you want some beautiful red carpets for an event, you have to also deal with recycling them afterwards. There is going to be a cost, but you have to be creative about that. It’s all about how you budget for it. Instead of having 200 delegates at your event, why don’t you have 180 instead, and use the money you would have spent on those delegates to have a more sustainable piece of carpet, or graphic, or something like that. There is a cost, but it’s nothing compared to the cost to our planet and children if we do nothing.

Overall, should the industry be happy about COP26?

Yes. I’m always a positive person, so I think that the industry should be pleased. The future looks very rosy compared to where we were this time last year, when everyone was still talking, but nothing was being done. Now we have a plan to put into action.

ANITA (SECOND FROM THE RIGHT) WITH OTHER REPRESENTATIVES AT COP26

Northern Star

NewcastleGateshead

shows off the best spaces that the area has to offer event profs.

Despite the challenges business events and cities around the world have faced over the last 18 months, 2021 has been a year of major investment for NewcastleGateshead, which is set to build on the existing strong business events offer in the area.

The green light has been given to future building schemes, including the transformation of the city centre’s old fire station on Pilgrim Street into a five-star hotel – the first five-star in the city. Additionally, the proposed plans for a boutique Moxy Hotel, by international developer Vastint Hospitality, were also approved in summer 2021.

The hotel will be the first Moxy Hotel in North East England and is located on the Newcastle Helix site – an innovation hub where people and businesses from across the globe connect, innovate, and come together. These new investments will not only act as a catalyst for business events in the city, but they will also offer a superb citycentre location and accommodation for a variety of event requirements.

Located on the famous Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside, INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle is one of the city’s latest hotel assets. Since opening in summer 2021, the hotel has already proven to be a successful venue for hosting many business events in a variety of spaces. The Keelman suite offers 200m2 of event space, which can be divided into three separate sections, catering for breakout sessions or smaller meetings. They also have a wonderfully innovative Big Ideas Space, which is ideal for unleashing creativity and working collaboratively.

The Catalyst, located on Newcastle Helix, has gained traction throughout 2021, and boasts the highest spec audio-visual technology ready to impress delegates. The Catalyst offers state of the art event and conference spaces including a 172-seat bespoke theatre, ideal for showcases, talks and large-scale corporate conferences. A particular eye catcher in the Catalyst is The Boardroom, which offers breath-taking panoramic views of the city centre.

The Common Room of the Great North –formerly The North of England Institute of Mining & Mechanical Engineers, recently reopened after significant funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This unique heritage venue embodies its engineering history in its innovative exhibitions, events, and activities.

The Common Room of the Great North was established in 2017 to manage the redevelopment and refurbishment of the former Mining Institute building following an award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund of £4.1million towards the initial project costs of £7.1million.

Further funding to reflect the project costs due to the pandemic have seen a grant increase of £950,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £440,000 from other sources. The revised project costs due to COVID-19 now stand at £8.9million, of which £1.2million is left to raise.

The fully accessible venue has space for 325 delegates across three floors and multiple rooms, including top of the range AV facilities and a superb catering offer. A variety of spaces are available, including the Edwardian Lecture Theatre with tiered seating and The Wood Hall, the largest of the spaces with striking stained-glass windows and a vast glass ceiling, the perfect setting for conferences, awards, presentations, and dining.

Rich in history and situated in the heart of the city is Newcastle Cathedral which has towered over the city since the 14th century and has now been given a new lease of life following a £4.2 million investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Redevelopment of its building, grounds, and amenities makes the cathedral one of the largest historic venues in the city, with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 guests in an array of flexible seating configurations.

In May 2019, Sage Gateshead was awarded National Lottery funding through Arts Council England and received philanthropic support to make vital improvements – the first major refurbishment since the landmark venue opened in 2004.

These refurbishments make the world-class international venue an even more highquality host for conferences and events. Custom-made kiosks have been designed for high-traffic events and a designated co-working space added. The stunning concourse remains fully flexible for exhibitions. Furthermore, the addition of high-spec digital screens has diversified the sponsorship and branding opportunities available to clients.

Operated by ASM Global, NewcastleGateshead Quays, opening in 2024, will be the most sought-after event space for international meetings, conferences, and events. The £260 million development will include a 12,500 capacity state-of-the-art arena venue and an International Conference and Exhibition Centre, offering 5,700 square meters of exhibition space, and an abundance of flexible event space capable of hosting major national and international business events. There will also be two adjoining Accor branded hotels on-site bringing 327 new bedrooms.

With great variety, travel networks and accommodation visit Meetnewcastlegateshead.com to get planning your perfect event in the North East.

0191

sales@cpnewcastlehotel.co.uk

cpnewcastlehotel.co.uk

OUTSIDE THE BOX

We take a look at how R&B works to help its clients deliver the best events possible.

R&B is in the business of helping its clients produce events to remember. With help from its team of experienced project managers, R&B have produced thousands of conferences, award ceremonies, product launches, and staff update meetings across the UK and overseas. Its aim is to “take away your stress so you can focus on your conference delegates, sponsors, and presenters by providing the full 360° service.”

John Robinson, one of R&B Group’s project managers, who grew into the role after initially working as one of R&B’s creatives, wanted to do something a little different for the group’s client Insider Newsco, for whom R&B help produce over 40 events each year around the UK.

The initial concept discussed with the client revolved around creating a central stage for this award ceremony as increasing seating capacity was the prime objective for the event. When the client booked Colin Murray, a well-known Irish radio and television presenter as compere, R&B firmly believed he had the experience to work the room and engage the audience in a 360 degree setting, which is a little more difficult than presenting to one side, and so the organisation’s AV team set to work.

Similar events were previously played to one side of the room; however, the chosen venue didn’t lend itself to this format and the centre stage concept allowed the client

to maximise the space, increase the audience involvement and the resulting revenue income from sponsors and guests.

The challenge was in the mounting of the screens: R&B was facing a tight window for the install whilst meeting strict health and safety guidelines and the budget for the event. Time for install for events is often forgotten so the organisation worked with the client to ensure it had prompt access into the venue.

R&B’s set design and construction technicians built a screen box (now known as the video cube!), light enough to be suspended from the ceiling from a central rigging point with a maximum weight threshold.

To add the required stability and eliminate any movement, the video cube was discreetly secured using four separate rigging points. This cube’s surface allowed perfect projection from the four HD laser projectors mounted on the truss, together with the moving head lighting fixtures and sound system.

The event ran perfectly and achieved all the client’s objectives, so much so the same concept has been used again for the client’s subsequent events.

To hire R&B’s event production services, visit Rbgroup.co.uk

R&B Group is a ‘full service’ corporate event production supplier. For over 30 years our multiple award-winning AV teams have produced thousands of conferences, awards, product launches, event broadcasts and staff updates. R&B have extensive stocks of AV equipment, in-house set design and build facilities, video production and creatives that can help with your presentations, animation and graphics.

Talking Sense

Event sustainability organisation, isla, unjumbles carbon jargon to make sustainability more understandable.

Governments, organisations, and whole industries – including our own – are transitioning to net zero carbon emissions, but do we truly understand the road ahead? Sustainability is a complex topic and not a single company problem. It’s a world of acronyms, data, and politics which most of the time is overwhelming – but defining sustainability is critical for moving the dial forward.

Over the next few months, we’re going to build up your knowledge so you can confidently turn your sustainability ambitions into clear decisive action and overcome your pain points when delivering sustainable events. We will take a deep dive into actionable solutions across the core areas of event delivery – energy, travel and transport, food and water, and production.

First, let’s go back to basics and take the confusion out of all the carbon jargon.

What actually is CO2? Carbon dioxide is the most common greenhouse gas (GHG) which influences the balance of the earth’s energy, increasing the temperature of our planet and fluctuations in the climate. Over the last century, the proportion of GHG’s increased significantly due to human activity.

We need to limit, mitigate, and reduce the amount of CO2 and other GHG’s we are pumping into our atmosphere to curtail global warming. The climate ambition is to limit the earth’s warming to 1.5 degrees, by reducing our emissions by 50% over the next eight years. Events are at the intersection of industries supporting almost every single sector. This is why if you’re an event business transitioning to net zero carbon emissions, or supporting your clients to do the same, you need to measure and reduce the impact of your business operations and event deliveries in line with global goals.

Many companies are using carbon neutrality as a steppingstone to net zero. To be certified carbon neutral an organisation must

not increase the carbon emissions from its business activities and achieve carbon reduction through offsetting its activities. Offsetting schemes such as planting trees, habitat restoration, direct air capture and investing in clean technologies are all ways of balancing your emissions. Net zero is making changes to reduce carbon emissions to the lowest amount before considering offsetting. That’s essentially zero emissions! Which requires you to measure your scope three emissions.

Scopes are used to grade how you are capturing emission data, who ‘owns’ those emissions and the level of control applicable to changing those emission levels at each stage.

Scope one emissions are the direct emissions created from your controlled facilities like offices, warehouses, or your own venue, and your company vehicles. Scope two are your indirect emissions from the heating, cooling, and electricity for those owned assets. Finally, scope three emissions, the greatest share of emissions that lie within your operations and supply chain, are all the emissions that are a consequence of your activities from sources or assets not owned or controlled by you – business travel, catering, build materials and purchasing decisions. The space you occupy within the supply chain (venue, event organiser, supplier, client, or caterer) will impact what activities you have responsibility over and their associated emissions.

To drive the targeted action to meet the global goals for Net Zero by 2050 we need to understand how our business operations and event deliveries contribute to the global carbon footprint.

Sustainability isn’t just about carbon; there are lots of other models, literacy, and terminology that slot into the bigger picture. isla’s educational programme explores all these topics and more which equips your busy event teams with the skills necessary to translate intentions into actions. When you know better, you do better!

Find out more at Weareisla.co.uk

A Good

Challenges lay in wait for venues in 2022, from WiFi speeds to staff shortages, Andy Hirst finds out more.

If you don’t have a strong internet connection or invest rapidly in one then you’ll struggle to host successful corporate events.

The events world has undoubtedly changed as a result of COVID-19, with most involving some live streaming even if people are attending in-person as well. Hybrid events still abound with a frequency few predicted back in 2020.

Three organisations have worked hard to help venues get back up and running. Work done by the Association of Event Venues and its sister organisations the Event Supplier and Services Association and the Association of Event Organisers has been instrumental in reopening events through the All Secure Standard. The standard contains common standards of health, safety and operational planning, management and on-site conduct for the events industry, accepted by government as the roadmap back to a full reopening of events.

It also means off-beat venues - ranging from renovated barns to military dining halls - that have experience hosting the more unusual weddings are now looking for corporate clients if they meet the standard, which are met by any venue with a function room, kitchen, toilets, and good Wi-Fi.

AEV Project Manager Alden Arnold said:

“We’ve welcomed quite a few nontraditional event venues as new members and organisers are really making use of this expanding choice. Technology continues to shape events, particularly mobile tech and visitor registration, and, with the advent of

hybrid event platforms, some blurring of the boundary between live and virtual events.

“This is great news for accessibility and inclusion, but it’s clear that the thirst for faceto-face meetings and in-person events has been left undiminished by the pandemic.”

Katie Isaacson runs her own event management company, Cool Breeze, in Liverpool after working in events for media giant Reach PLC (formerly Trinity Mirror) where she became Head of Events for the north west, delivering a programme of more than 500 events including business and community awards, exhibitions, conferences, and corporate dinners in live, hybrid, and virtual settings.

Katie says live streaming will always play a part in events now, even if people are attending, so venues have to make sure, above all else, that they invest in a good internet connection: “I think, going forward,

no event will purely be a live event as every event will have an element of streaming. Every client I am working with at the moment has a virtual element to their live event so one big thing venues need to get right is a stable internet. I have worked with clients who have rejected some really good event venues because of internet connectivity.”

Katie also believes that venues must now be ultra-flexible as they face a range of varying demands from corporate clients with many still very nervous about the threat from COVID-19.

She added: “The events industry is very much coming back to real life from the virtual world, with businesses wanting to meet faceto-face again, whether that be for awards ceremonies, conferences, exhibitions or corporate hospitality.

“But it is still a very mixed bag. Some businesses are happy to host large scale events while others are taking a more cautious approach and adding layers of precautionary measures, from asking guests to provide evidence of a negative lateral flow test to colour-coded delegate badges or wrist bands to indicate how guests want to interact with each other.

“Many businesses are very much still operating in the virtual world – and will continue to do so – but this doesn't have to be a boring Zoom event. Working together with an event management agency and bringing together the right suppliers –including venues, presenters, audio visual, and production – virtual events can be TV

KATIE ISAACSON, FOUNDER OF EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY COOL BREEZE

Connection

quality engaging events, reaching wider audiences than a live event.”

She urged venues to think differently to get clients back through the door and compete with small studios that can produce good quality live streamed events over the internet: “To entice businesses back to live events venues need to think creatively about how their spaces can be used,” she said. “In an era of hybrid and virtual events, they are no longer just competing with other venues but some fantastic studios that have been set up during lockdown that can provide everything a client needs.

“Businesses aren’t just looking for a function room, but also spaces that can be used to host a smaller scale event that is then streamed out or quirky spaces that can be used as a backdrop for live streaming. This is the challenge for venues, as many businesses can, and are willing to, host hybrid and virtual events from their own premises.”

She added: “Businesses are looking for venues that will work flexibly with them should the event need to be rescheduled or if guest numbers change dramatically. There needs to be co-operation and understanding on both sides that things can change beyond control.”

Katie added that when it comes to food, the days of buffets may be over, with a move to pre-packed single portion containers that can be thrown away.

Katie’s thoughts are echoed by Sue Cooke, Chief Executive of the 3M Buckley Innovation

Centre in Huddersfield, which helps businesses to connect and grow, who said: “We are finding that people are wanting a blend of both virtual and face-to-face events post-pandemic. Online webinars and conferences still have some advantages over physical events, even though people can now meet up.

“Travel times and costs are significantly reduced, particularly for those travelling from afar, such as overseas. Carbon savings are also hard to ignore now that most people know how to use Zoom or Teams. We’ve certainly reported higher attendance levels online than for our physical events this year.” It means venues have had to ‘up their game’ to take virtual events to another level.

One of them is the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre and its Events and Programme Co-ordinator Jordan Furness said: “Venues are now having to offer a diverse range of

options and packages to secure bookings. People’s attitudes to the pandemic differ so it’s all about ensuring everyone’s needs are met. The primary change that we have made is the adoption of new technologies. We recently invested in a 360-degree conference camera for high quality interactive meetings, offering people the option of having blended virtual and face-toface events and meetings.”

He added: “The biggest change, however, has been in what clients are wanting from a venue. The focus for many clients is now finding a venue that has suitable facilities for hybrid meetings and events, whether it’s having several meeting participants calling in from a different location or live streaming larger events while still allowing the virtual attendants to interact in the event itself.”

JORDAN FURNESS, EVENTS AND PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR AT THE 3M BUCKLEY INNOVATION CENTRE IN HUDDERSFIELD

SUE COOKE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE 3M BUCKLEY INNOVATION CENTRE IN HUDDERSFIELD

Seeking Success

Check out our top tips for hiring the right suppliers for your event.

Working with the right suppliers is a key part of ensuring your event goes off without a hitch, yet sadly not every supplier is the right fit for your event. With a wealth of options out there, we tackle how to find the right suppliers to make your event something special.

Plan it out

Before you even begin looking for vendors, you need to know what it is you need from them. Figure out what you need for you event: catering, decorations, AV services?

Once you know what you need, get an idea of the specifics. What kind of theme do you want your decorations to follow? Are you catering? Once you have these fine details locked in, you can start looking for suppliers who can provide what you’re looking for.

Don’t just Google

The event industry is fully of dynamic and driven people with a wealth of expertise just

waiting to be tapped into. The beauty of an industry such as this is that it’s full of people who love to help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other event planners and ask for recommendations or advice, or pick up a copy of an industry magazine! Googling is quick and easy, and certainly good for getting a brief idea of what’s out there, but nothing beats the first-hand experience of people that know what they’re talking about.

Reputation is everything

Always look at the reviews. The last thing you want is to hire what you think is the perfect vendor for you, only to find out they aren’t suitable. Do your research, and remember that when it comes to reviews, quantity counts as much as quality. 300 four-star reviews tell much more about the consistent quality of the vendor than one five-star review. If you really want to be thorough, request a reference from a past client.

experience is much more likely to be able to circumnavigate any issues and will also have a better idea of any challenges to expect, will already know exactly what you need and have expertise in their field.

Expect experience

Experience is key to ensuring that your event is a success. Event planning is a tricky business, and problems often crop-up in the process. A vendor with

Be Thorough

Once you’d identified a supplier you think you want to hire, make sure they know their stuff. Think of it like making a new hire for your business. Ask questions and get them to tell you exactly what they can provide and how, ensuring they are willing and able to answer all your questions, and maybe even provide a presentation on what they can offer you.

Taste will tell

Ask for samples of everything your potential supplier will be providing, be that fabric, food, or tech. The only way to ensure the product is up to scratch is to personally sample it. Even one wrong detail can taint what otherwise would have been a perfect event, and you want your event to reflect the time and effort you’ve put into it.

Smart Tech

At this year’s UK Event Tech Live event, numbers were stronger than ever as visitors could get real-time information from every exhibitor without having to swap business cards, handover leaflets, or have an old-style badge scanned.

All they had to do was to pop their visitor badge close to a Konduko smart reader on any exhibitor stand, listen for a beep, and they would instantly collect any information they wanted – be that web pages, PDF documents or even spreadsheets. It also gave the exhibitors the visitors’ contact details.

The tech was a collaboration between analytics and lead generation company Konduko Intelligent Trade Shows and Klay Event Technology which provided every visitor with the high-tech smart badge using the Klay Contactless Badging Kiosk. Konduko was responsible for powering the contactless audience engagement experience and providing real-time access to show data.

Konduko Vice-President of Business Development Matt Wilson said: “It was the first roll-out of live real-time data at a major show in line with the launch of the Konduko Intelligent Trade Shows concept. Gone are the days when visitors had to wait for data to be downloaded – they now get it instantly.

“It also means the exhibitors could see who had taken an interest in their stand, even if they’d not spoken to them. If they were busy at the time with other visitors, they could then contact them to call them back to the stand for a chat.

“This system has taken interaction at events to the next level and is so sustainable. What Event Tech Live has done this year with visitor and exhibitor interaction has rewritten the rule book. Visitors didn’t have to touch anything, which makes everything safer, yet they could get information instantly, which they can share with colleagues no matter where they are in the world. It can massively reduce our carbon footprint in so many ways, from fewer people travelling, to going purely

digital and saving on paper and printing costs.”

Matt also pointed out how exhibitors benefitted from a far less intrusive way of getting information, adding: “People go to trade shows to buy, but from my experience they don’t want to be sold to and this avoids that. They can talk to exhibitors, but they can also get as much information as they want instantly. We live in a world where everyone wants everything here and now, and this is a way of doing that.”

Event Tech Live is a show with global significance – the London show makes way for the next edition in Las Vegas next June. “Movers and shakers in the industry worldwide travelled in-person to the London show despite all the hassle of the pandemic restrictions. They didn’t want to do it remotely, they wanted to be here. That says an awful lot about how important the live shows are in today’s high-tech world,” he added.

Two first time exhibitors were impressed with this year’s event. Stuart Mitchell is director at Manchester-based Catch the MICE, the business development partner for Intelligo, an award-winning UK-based events platform, and for Vii-Events who offer an immersive virtual event platform solution for event organisers. Stuart changed his business model from live to virtual events due to the pandemic and spoke at the Event Tech Live with the theme ‘Is it too late to jump into virtual/hybrid events?’

Stuart, who has worked with some of the most prestigious hotels, venues, and private islands worldwide was exhibiting for the first time and given recent travel restrictions, it was the international significance that jumped out at him.

“It’s a true global exhibition for everyone from small start-ups to the industry’s big players,” he said. “I’ve exhibited at three shows and attended two more since September and the clear difference with Event Tech Live is just how many global players travelled to London to exhibit and attend.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we are finding that it’s now essential for event planners to include a virtual event solution as part of their overall event strategy. Geography is no longer a barrier and that’s changed the way companies are engaging with their staff, clients, and suppliers.”

But he admitted he’s somewhat torn due to his live events background.

“In terms of sustainability, the move to virtual events is the best thing that could have happened as it has provided an opportunity for far greater global communication and market penetration without ‘costing the earth’ although meeting people face-toface still can’t be beaten,” he said.

Stuart also revealed there was clearly a lot of collaboration going on between companies at the show and he’s now following up several promising business leads. “I know there were some big deals signed at the event,” he said. “Visitors to this show are serious buyers looking for new products, new ideas, and innovations.”

Paul Richardson from events PR company Vivid Ink based in Hope, Derbyshire, was also a new exhibitor and experienced this first-hand.

He said: “A lady walked straight up to me and said, ‘we are looking to buy your services – talk to me.’ It took me back – I’ve never had such a direct approach, but it’s led to meetings and we’ve now submitted a formal tender. The visitors who came to the show came with the purpose to find new suppliers and they intended to spend.”

The show, which also included the Event Technology Awards, featured around 100 exhibitors, and was held for the ninth year at the Truman Brewery on Brick Lane in the East End of London, once home to London’s largest brewery before its 10 acres of space was transformed into office, retail, leisure, and event spaces.

Eventtechlive.com

THE KONDUKO TEAM WON THE ‘BEST USE OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY’ AWARD AT THE EVENT TECHNOLOGY AWARDS. PICTURED (FROM LEFT) ARE MATTHEW HARRIS, MATT WILSON, RAZVAN JANCSO, AND MATHEW JAMES.

Blue Sky Thinking

• Friendly and well established family run Yorkshi catering company.

• Corporate and private events with a range of options.

• Working lunch buffets delivered daily to your workplace.

• Formal dinners and canapés, hog roasts, bbq’s, chips, chocolate fountains and more.

• Bespoke catering packages, with our highly experienced team offering consultation on all aspects of your

So Dave, have you always wanted to be a chef?

No, actually! When I was younger, I wanted to be a car mechanic! But at a young age the family moved to Cornwall from Bolton where they purchased a small family run hotel in Falmouth, I worked alongside my father in the kitchen, this then set me on the cooking career pathway! – Later starting a two-year catering course at Cornwall College.

Tell us a bit about how your career has progressed?

After finishing my college course, I worked in a couple of local hotels and restaurants, I then applied for a commis chef position at Cliveden House Hotel in Berkshire, this was the biggest learning curve at the start of my career, working under Chef Ronald Maxfield in the main kitchen alongside 22 other chefs. I was later promoted with four other chefs to the high profile ‘Waldos’ restaurant and we went onto win a Michelin star for the restaurant!

After leaving Cliveden four years later I moved back to Cornwall to work in the Idle Rock Hotel in St Mawes. After working in different hotels and restaurants I moved back to my birth county of Yorkshire. I started work at The Bay Horse at Fairburn near the A1. As chefs do, I moved a couple times in and around the Leeds area in different restaurants, until I took a liking for event catering, this took me to take a position at the award winning Dine Catering.

From Dine I moved to the event space called Loft in Leeds city centre with a small private company. After three years at loft I took the leap and set up by myself! Blue Pepper Catering was born! And eight years on we now have a great team of nine people driving the business forward in many ways. #teamblue

How did the pandemic affected you at Blue Pepper Catering?

Who would have thought we would ever experience something like this! “The war with no actual bullets fired.”

We secured a contract with a corporate company to provide their staff with daily packed lunches; this kept a couple of us busy for a few hours a day!

Do not get me wrong we lost over 80% of business over night! Very scary times with nine families relying on Blue Pepper to keep a roof over their heads and food to feed their families!

Thankfully, furlough helped the staff which we had to place on the scheme. What did not help is the fact that because we are classed as “event hospitality” we did not qualify for any of the government help!

We are looking forward to increasing number in the future, so we can start with the bigger weddings and functions as this is what we do best.

#teamblue #pushingforward #events

Is there anything exciting coming up for Blue Pepper Catering?

We’ve got all sorts coming up. We have a lot of corporate events and weddings and had a lot of interest in our barbecues and hog roasts, as well as our fish and chips. Working with some of the new venues we have booked will be great. We’ve recently worked with places like East Riddlesden Hall and Fountains Abbey as a catering partner, which was great to get stuck into.

Each new opportunity the recovery brings is exciting for us in its own way!

Bluepeppercatering.co.uk

Friendly and well-established family-run Yorkshire-based catering company

Corporate and private events with a range of affordable options.

Working lunch buffets delivered daily to your workplace - individually boxed upon request.

Formal dinners and canapés, hog roasts, bbq’s, fish & chips, chocolate fountains and more.

Bespoke catering packages, with our highly experienced team offering consultation on all aspects of your event.

S A V E T H E D A T E

Business News

Green Thinking

International Confex announces two brand new content streams.

International Confex will return to ExCeL London between 8th and 9th March 2022 with the addition of two brand new streams: The Corporate Event Forum and the Sustainability programme.

“Mitigating the negative environmental and social impact at our events is now a very clear mandate. Mash Media has pledged to make all their events carbon neutral by 2025; including International Confex, The Event Production Show, The PA Show and The Publishing Show. Like many other organisers, what we really need now is an unambiguous route map with clear key performance indicators and measurables: the practical rather than the theoretical. This new sustainability programme is designed to do exactly that – cut through the noise and deliver clear actions,” says Portfolio Director Liz Agostini.

Confex ‘22 will also see the introduction of the Corporate Event Forum, with an agenda designed specifically for in-house corporate event planners, with experts uncovering the latest trends in events from an internal employee engagement and external brand reputation perspective, looking at ways of augmenting and future-proofing both the stakeholder experience and ROI.

Registration for International Confex 2022 is now open, with the full agenda being released imminently. International-confex.com

Cool Running

Newman Event Service’s hard work ensured that the 2021 London marathon went off without a hitch back in May. Newman Event Services have been involved with the London Marathon for several years, providing services such as staffing and managing the arrival route, crowd management, and security for the last mile, entry point, start pens, and grandstands. Our trained crowd management stewards assisted attendees in and around the location, providing directions from local transport hubs, giving early reminders of instructions, and undertaking counterterrorism observation. Meanwhile, a comprehensive security team ensured thorough searches at every entrance, performing ticket and bag checks, as well as friendly customer liaison.

In May, Newman Event Services played a critical role in the successful delivery of the London Marathon test event. The 5k run, held at Kempton Park, saw the company secure and staff arrival areas, check every attendee, and ensure a negative COVID-19 lateral flow test result was provided before entry.

Newman Event Services was proud to play an integral role in the success of this key UK government COVID-19 test event program.

Newmanevents.co.uk

Hatch Events

Offers award winning service, taking the stress out of event planning for its clients.

No matter the event you’re planning, be it a conference, meeting, expo, product launch, team building exercise, or something else entirely, Hatch Events is able to offer a

bespoke service to make your planning run smoothly. Their personalised and dedicated approach makes client needs the priority, putting your values, culture, and vision above all else.

The team, headed by owner Kerry Walsh, is dedicated to giving their clients the perfect event through their range of services. Hatch understands that the perfect setting creates the perfect experience. One of its key services is wielding the team’s collective expertise to find the right venue at the right price. But that’s not all that sits in Hatch’s impressive repertoire. It can also provide registration websites, group transfers, budget management, logistics, stage production, exhibitor liaison, equipment sourcing, and on-site management to make your event run smoothly.

All of these services are bespoke. Hatch doesn’t offer standard packages; everything is tailor-made to client requirements. Hatch will listen to your vision and provide innovative ideas and solutions, and work with its extensive list of trusted industry partners to help turn your vision into a reality.

Hatch will do all the heavy lifting behind the scenes, allowing you and your delegates to enjoy the end result of an engaging and successful event, produced with minimal stress.

Hatchevents.co.uk

Meet in Style

After a three-year-long period of restoration and refurbishment totalling £50 million, Studley Castle is now providing modern, forward-thinking events in a setting full of history.

Sitting just two miles from the picturesque village of Studley, and 30-minutes away from the historic Stratford-Upon-Avon, birthplace of Shakespeare, the magnificent Grade II listed structure offers 209 bedrooms and a perfect setting for an event delegates won’t soon forget.

Continued on page 56

At such a pivotal and exciting time for the industry, serving as the new chief executive of the mia presents many opportunities to bolster the determined work of the association, continuing to address the challenges facing the sector while also lobbying and manifesting its position as a trusted advisor to government.

Following my time as head of business events at VisitBritain and VisitEngland, I am proud to continue to represent a key sector and important economic driver for the UK. My many years of experience working within the sector will be put to good use and help me focus on the need of the moment, adapting as we move forward. While the sector has made great strides over the course of the last six months, supported by government’s green light to re-open the events sector, there is still a way to go. With a vision of prosperity, I also recognise the ongoing evolution required over the next year to ensure we can continue championing excellence, driving standards and providing our sector with first-class representation.

In doing that, it’s important that we continue to identify and address the latest challenges the sector is facing head on. Having issued

Looking Forward

Following her appointment as Chief Executive of the Meetings Industry Association (mia), writing in her first column Kerrin MacPhie shares her thoughts for the year ahead and the recovery of the business meetings and events sector.

our latest venue insight report in November, and as we continue to survey organisations spanning the entire supply chain, we are acutely aware that many venues are yet to experience any form of post-re-opening relief.

With nine in 10 venues currently recruiting, and struggling to do so, amidst additional supply chain issues and rising operational costs, the industry is under pressure. We must therefore continue to deliver timely and accurate data to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) to ensure they remain informed and advised on the sector’s position.

Speaking during his opening address at our Ignite conference in November, Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston acclaimed our industry surveillance as a pivotal player in driving government interventions, with consolidated and credible data critical for the UK treasury to understand the true economic value of the sector.

As in any turbulent period, communication is key, and I look forward to providing you with top-level insights as and when they develop. Our duty as your representatives is to ensure that we can provide you with insights,

Shining Light

Beckie Towle, Marketing Director of HBAA, announces the association’s transition into its new name, beam.

As many of you will have seen, HBAA is transitioning into a new name, identity, and a revived focus, which will be officially launched in January. Why? Our acronym stands for Hotel Booking Agents Association and our clients are no longer looking for us to only be a hotel booking agent. The name does not represent our industry today and neither does it represent our membership. HBAA has needed a revised and refreshed look and feel. As we approach our 25th anniversary next year, our association must lead into the next 25 years at the forefront of the business events, accommodation, and meetings industry.

The association will strive to be future fit in a plethora of ways. This includes championing change as a supporting line, creating the leaders of tomorrow’s future, and creating outward, as well as inward-facing,

communities to shine a light on our industry and our members, with a stronger and united voice into government. We will also lead and debate on key issues that will impact our industry, with macro-environmental issues at the heart. Collaboration across the sector will also be a core focus. We will continue to work for our members as we widen the membership, make our voice louder, ensure that the code of practice represents new ways of working, and promote best practices in the new world. Together we will navigate the future as our industry unfolds in a brave new world.

Our new name from 14th January will be ‘beam’. What does it stand for? Well, it stands for beam. If you would like words, it is business events, accommodation, and meetings. It truly represents the membership of today and helps us to create a wider

answers, and make your voice heard, and in utilising our connections and partnerships at government-level and beyond we remain committed to doing just that.

As we approach a new year full of new opportunities, we are also working hard to develop new initiatives that both add value to our membership while also contributing towards the ever-rising standards of the sector. We were delighted to reveal our new strategic partnership with Green Tourism at our recent conference, which will be announced in the new year to help support venues’ drive to net zero carbon.

While we work behind the scenes to implement exciting plans for 2022, which will also provide new regional focuses, I look forward to sharing further news and information in due course and wish you all a prosperous new year. We will be with you every step of the way.

For industry updates and the latest mia insights, follow the Meetings Industry Association on LinkedIn and Twitter.

membership for the future and gives us a bigger voice, a wider community, and takes us into the next stages of our planning of sustainable growth and longevity. It enables the association to be future-fit and to be repositioned for the future.

As my colleague, Sian Sayward, HBAA/beam Governance Director, said at our launch meeting in October: “We need to be clear on one thing – this isn’t a rebrand. This is a re-imagining of the association.” This period of transition will lead to an exciting and ambitious strategy for the association. We are looking forward to further developing this with our members as we move into 2022.

Lights,Camera,Action!

Lux Films tells us how it delivered the client’s needs as it filmed dōTERRA’s annual convention in the midst of the pandemic.

The essential oil company, dōTERRA, strove to continue to offer its wellness advocates an annual convention even though they couldn’t all be together in a traditional manner. dōTERRA brought Lux Films on board to provide TV production quality to dōTERRA’s corporate event to ensure the audience could still enjoy an inspiring immersive experience.

From the initial stages of the brief, Lux Films worked closely with the client to really understand and research its brand and history and determine the key components that dōTERRA wanted to communicate during the event.

The next step included experienced BBC Executive Producer, Nicola Fitzgerald, joining the project to add her expertise from many years of live TV studio broadcasting. Nicola guided dōTERRA through the scriptwriting process and was able to provide training and support to the presenters in weeks prior to arriving in the studio. The dōTERRA advocates were about to turn their hands to presenting in a studio for the first time so it was important for them to be comfortable and prepared.

The team at Lux Films then set out recording

and editing the content that was to be used as panel discussions, presentations, and training during the broadcast using high-quality home recording software with numerous speakers based all over Europe, in the safety of their own homes. While these virtual conventions have become commonplace over the last year or so, it’s important to remember that those who were taking part may not be used to talking on camera, so ensuring they are comfortable, well-informed, and supported is of utmost importance to provide high-quality footage that is engaging and interesting. A director from Lux Films was present in each recording to explain the tech and encourage the speakers to feel relaxed.

In the corporate world, branding is king. So, in order to establish the brand’s look and feel for a TV-style broadcast, Lux Films brought on board renowned Art Director, Catherine Land and RTS winning lighting director, Gurdip Mahal. They both worked their skills seamlessly to incorporate the client’s colour palette, event logo, and overall essence of the brand into the set. The set itself included LED screens to allow for content and interactivity, including a virtual audience video wall, seated areas for the presenters and room for movement to use the set to record a yoga session by one of the presenters.

Lux Films’ team of editors and animators also created bespoke stings, name graphics and titles pages giving a consistency throughout. The crew consisted of four camera operators, including a jib for some dynamic shots on the studio floor, as well as sound engineers and a full gallery team, including a highly experienced TV director. Based at Kennington Studios in London,

Lux Films provided green rooms, hair and makeup, and office space for the client, plus a crew on-set to film and edit a ‘best bits’ video package, which was broadcast at the end of the two-day event. Along with the photographer, Lux also recorded the backstage process for posterity and marketing purposes for the client.

The convention was viewed by upwards of 30,000 viewers and Lux Films facilitated the event to be broadcasted across 32 streams with live translation in over 15 languages. The expert team, including Europe’s leading live stream producer, assured the client a high-quality broadcast, not only from the content and studio output but through to the experience the viewing audience would receive too.

After the event, Lux Films worked quickly to provide dōTERRA with on-demand content which it could upload online – translated into 15 languages.

For more information about Lux Films’ services, visit Luxfilms.uk

History in the Making

Explore why you should consider booking a historic venue to make your next big event memorable.

Grand architecture, sweeping vistas, and many a tale to tell, venues rooted in history certainly add an air of glamour to any event. With the return of ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’ to Gwrych Castle this year, viewers are captivated by the Grade I listed 19th century country house, and the venue may have caught the eye of a few event organisers as well. That particular castle is available to hire on a case-by-case basis, though there are plenty of historic venues out there that are regularly used for corporate events.

Here at H&E North we like to give our readers different ideas and viewpoints, but historic venues really sell themselves, and here’s why.

Hidden pasts

There’s nothing like a scandal to get people talking, and a talking point to break the ice is always good at an event. Be it a secret love affair of years past, or the birthplace of a plot that changed history, every historic venue has its story to tell, and the staff are often eager to share them. Not to mention, walking the halls of somewhere with a long and rich history lends a distinguished feel to any event, and the venue’s claim to fame is a great draw to put on invitations.

Looking good

No matter your personal aesthetic preference, there’s little doubt that the historic buildings that have stood the test of time have done so because they’re spectacular. Be it a thatched-roof town hall, or a gothic cathedral, these buildings have been preserved because they have

something architecturally that most buildings lack: the ability to transport delegates to a different time. The antiquated and often stunning surroundings will have delegates flocking to get that perfect Instagram snap, making your event the talk of the town.

Showstopping

Many historic venues have a main showpiece which can serve as a focal point for an event. From magnificent fountains and glittering chandeliers to outdoor mazes, a showpiece gives event organisers something to highlight and show-off, as well as being a focal point to decorate around. Dazzling delegates with something awe-inspiring will improve their opinion of your event and your business from the get-go.

Eleganza

The feeling of walking down ageless halls while dressed in your best is a sensation beyond compare. Many historic venues have a distinct elegance that lends events an air of elite exclusivity. The right setting can make your occasion the most coveted invitation in town. Rubbing elbows with fellow delegates in

what was once a haven for the echelons of high society is a powerful feeling, and one attendees won’t soon forget.

Up to date

While the venue might be steeped in the past, that doesn’t necessarily mean that that it will be outdated. Most historic venues that host private events are fullyfitted with modern technology that will allow the sharpest of AV platforms for the new hybrid nation, without disrupting the gorgeous settings of your venue. Enjoy all the conveniences of any run-of-themill conference centre, in the illustrious surroundings of a real place of significance.

Hinsley Hall

A comfortable, cost-effective venue catering for a variety of requirements

Hinsley Hall is situated in extensive woodlands and gardens in the Headingley conservation area, just 2 miles from Leeds city centre. It originally opened its doors in 1868 as a theological college and shares the same builders as the iconic Leeds Town Hall. It was converted into a Conference Centre and Hotel in 1999 and today features 47 en-suite and 5 non-suite bedrooms, including 6 suitable for guests with accessibility needs.

It also boasts modern and bright Conference Facilities with our largest room suitable for meetings of up to 90 people Theatre style, and 30 people Boardroom style. All meeting rooms are equipped with state of the art AV equipment.

We offer a very competitive Day Delegate Rate which includes free car parking and secure Wi-Fi throughout the building. A delicious range of daily Dining and refreshment options are also available, along with a warm welcome and dedicated support from our professional Reception, Catering and Management teams.

Hinsley Hall, 62 Headingley Lane, Leeds LS6 2BX 0113 261 8000 • info@hinsley-hall.co.uk

-Events -Weddings -Parties -Teambuilding -Educational -Training

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Contact@culdeescastleestate.com

-Events -Weddings -Parties -Teambuilding -Educational -Training Contact@culdeescastleestate.com http://www.culdeescastleestate.com

http://www.culdeescastleestate.com

The Cutlers' Hall is without question a magnificent venue steeped in history and grandeur. This impressive Grade II listed building in the heart of Sheffield has excellent transport links, complimentary robust Wi-Fi and the flexibility to suit all types of events.

The main hall is perfect for events up to 550 guests, whilst smaller rooms are able to provide the ideal backdrop for a more intimate affair. With our winning combination of a spectacular environment, flexible room space, and outstanding service along with exceptional food and drink, we look forward to welcoming you and your guests to The Cutlers Hall.

7-15 Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HG 0114 276 8149 sales@cutlershall.co.uk cutlershall.co.uk

-Events -Weddings -Parties -Teambuilding -Educational -Training

-Events -Weddings -Parties -Teambuilding -Educational -Training

-Events -Weddings -Parties -Teambuilding -Educational -Training

Contact@culdeescastleestate.com

http://www.culdeescastleestate.com

Contact@culdeescastleestate.com

Contact@culdeescastleestate.com http://www.culdeescastleestate.com

http://www.culdeescastleestate.com

Contact@culdeescastleestate.com http://www.culdeescastleestate.com

King of the Castle

PHOTO: ASHLEY CORR

Gordon Cartwright, General Manager of Lumley Castle, tells us all about the history of this awe-inspiring venue, and what it has to offer event organisers.

Just a 15-minute drive away from Newcastle city centre, Lumley castle is a rising phoenix in the world of corporate events. Boasting grand meeting rooms and a newly renovated restaurant and bedrooms, as well as historic charm, and even an on-site theatrical company, Lumley castle has been a hidden gem for a while. That is about to change as Lumley castle’s General Manger, Gordon Cartwright is ready to shout loud and proud about what Lumley can offer event organisers.

Lumley has a long and rich history to offer, adding an intrigue lacking in most venues: “It was certified as a castle in 1389, after being converted from a manor house by Sir Ralph Lumley, after whom it’s named,” Gordon explains. “The castle has changed hands many times in its history, and even housed royalty for a night. Lumley castle is currently under the ownership of the 13th Earl of Scarborough. The lord of the manor when it was converted into a castle was involved in a suspicious murder, and it’s reputed that the castle is haunted by Lily of Lumley, the wife of Sir Ralph, who walks the halls at night. I can’t say it is definitely haunted, but during lockdown I lived in the castle on my own and… I’m sure everything that happened can be explained!”

If promises of ghostly happenings aren’t enough to draw you to the venue, then the opulent meeting facilities surely will. The

venue has 10 available meeting rooms of various sizes, to suit any kind of event. The largest is the Garter Suite, which can seat up to 150 delegates. The castle also has more intimate meeting rooms available for smaller events, with the Gilt, Sceptre, Cuthbert, and Bede rooms each being able to seat between eight and 14 delegates.

Meetings and conferences aren’t the only events that the castle is able to put on: “We hold Elizabethan banquets, murder mysteries, comedy nights, and magic shows. We’re completely booked all the way through December, because of all the events. We’re really able to adapt around any kind of event that event organisers want to put on.”

Despite its 14th century origin, Lumley Castle’s catering and communications are thoroughly modern. The catering team can offer sandwiches served with salad and crisps, as well as various bowl food, including a seafood medley, braised shin of beef, a Lumley house salad, and a cheeseboard, among other options, while the venue boasts free Wi-Fi and excellent business facilities. Lumley also offers a 24-hour delegate rate, with accommodation provided in one of the 73 bedrooms on the property: “The bedrooms are divided between the castle and an outside area called the courtyard. We have our classic rooms, which are perfect for one night stays. They’re very cosy inside with exposed beams, which really show the

age of the castle. Then there are our superior rooms, which are similar to the classic rooms, but with extra facilities. Then we have the state rooms. They are absolutely amazing: full of history, and they have four poster beds and complimentary luxury toiletries and facilities.”

When it comes to hiring the castle for events, the team at Lumley are happy to work to client needs: “We work with event organisers or agents on an individual basis. If we’re dealing with the company directly there’s always a discussion about the organiser having a complementary stay, and for large events which take over the castle for a few days, we’ll probably also invite them to stay for a couple of days beforehand and give them a nice experience.”

Lumley Castle is a truly stunning venue, which can offer an event experience like no other: “I’ve been the general manager for two-anda-half years and walking around the castle is still amazing. This is one of the few hotels in the country which is actually castle. I finish each shift thinking I’ve been on the set of Harry Potter. Our mantra for our events offering is: ’plan for your future at the seat of history.’

And it’s a really inspiring place to be.”

To book your event at Lumley Castle, visit Lumleycastle.com

Main Course

Located in St Andrews overlooking the breath-taking Scottish coastline, Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa has undergone a series of renovation works to the hotel, including the introduction of a penthouse, new guest rooms, an additional restaurant and bar, as well as refurbished events spaces, ahead of The Open in 2022 which will be held on the Old Course.

Renowned as Scotland’s home of golf, the historic hotel is set on the most iconic golf course in the world – The Old Course –overlooking the 17th Road Hole and next to golf’s most famous bridge, Swilcan Bridge.

Following renovations, the hotel now boasts 175 rooms, with the introduction of a third floor in the ‘Champions Wing’ and the addition of 31 new rooms, overlooking the Old Course. A penthouse has been added to the fourth floor, which is the only room with a private lift and balcony, outdoor seating and fire pit, with spectacular views overlooking West Sands Beach and the golf course. The luxurious interior features wood panelling, a central fireplace, a private dining area for eight guests, with parquet flooring throughout, and a free-standing bath in the bedroom.

There are six restaurants and bars of which

one has recently been added. This is a new 74-cover restaurant and bar, situated on the fourth floor and in the east side of the hotel called The Swilcan Loft. It provides all-day dining, serving international cuisine using locally sourced Scottish produce, and an extensive wine and cocktail list. With floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace, it is the new destination restaurant and bar in St Andrews offering unrivalled views of the town and golf course.

Explore the event capabilities of one of Scotland’s premier venues, Old Course Hotel.

Renowned as a wedding and events venue, the hotel has expanded its largest space, The Hall of Champions, to offer a new flexible space with natural light, complete with its own entrance, which is perfect for weddings and corporate events. It features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto an outdoor terrace, with views over the golf course, ideal for drinks receptions. The Hall of Champions seats 450 guests and can be used as one large venue or split into six smaller spaces, each with in-built technology.

Situated alongside the golf course, The Conservatory has also been extended and upgraded with newly renovated windows and roof. It also features glass doors at both ends with steps leading to the surrounding garden grounds for drinks receptions, making it the perfect setting for more intimate weddings and smaller events.

The hotel is also home to the awardwinning Kohler Waters Spa, featuring 13 treatment rooms, including two twin rooms for couples, a 20m pool, along with the Kohler Waters Thermal Suite, which includes a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and plunge pool. Guests can relax and enjoy an extensive range of waterbased treatments using the healing benefits of natural mineral rich water to leave them feeling rejuvenated,

from therapeutic massages and facials to body wraps and scrubs, as well as a range of unique wet treatments. Hotel guests also have access to the fitness centre and a range of classes, including personal training sessions available on request.

Within close proximity to and owned by Old Course Hotel, the Championship The Duke’s Course boasts panoramic views of St Andrews and the coastline. Available to play all year round, it is an 18-hole course, which is set up as two loops of nine holes. Five separate tee positions on each hole offers both flexibility in course length and appeals to golfers at all golf levels.

Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is located within walking distance of the historic town of St Andrews with excellent transport links, just a 20-minute drive from Dundee airport and a short drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Leuchars train station is a short 10-minute journey and Leuchars airfield is also available for private jet arrivals. Rooms rates start at £460 per night in high season.

For further information and to book your stay visit: Oldcoursehotel.co.uk or email reservations@oldcoursehotel.co.uk

On Track

Gardner, Head of Sales for First

Hi David! How does a typical day look for you?

I guess like most people, my days are now largely spent in my small office at home talking to clients by phone or online. Face-to-face meetings are still a bit of a novelty, and who would have thought that I’d be missing my regular trips to London to see clients? My work in sales is quite varied, but there’s also a pattern to our business – the December and new year period is generally the time that the leisure travel industry awakes and wants to start talking about vehicles for the summer. I quite like that, as it feels like spring is on the way!

What’s the best way to start?

Coffee.

Favourite part of your day overall?

It’s that time when the urgent jobs of the day have been done and the pace slackens off a bit, so probably what my grandparents used to refer to as ‘elevenses’ – time for a coffee and a think. Clearly a popular time, as I’m often joined by the cat, who insists on announcing his presence by meowing as he enters, claws at my chair or legs, just to make sure I know he’s there, and jumps on my desk or laptop to prevent me doing any work for a couple of minutes while I stroke him.

Tell us more about the job...

My job at First Travel Solutions is essentially to grow our business in what we refer to as the ‘private hire’ area of our activities. This involves the provision of vehicles and drivers for private clients. Our clients range from corporate companies and travel agents through to tour operators and schools, so my work has entailed grouping these clients into business sectors and producing a growth strategy for each one. It’s then a case of making contacts with the big players in each sector and introducing our services with the aim of winning business. Meanwhile I also have to ensure that our current clients are looked after. I guess that my most regular contact is with colleagues in our reservations team, on whom I rely to deliver the services that the client is expecting.

And the best bits...

I love learning about what our clients do and why they need our services. I suppose you could say that I’m nosey! However, every business has a story to tell and understanding your clients has always proven a useful habit to get in to. Of course, when a client opts to give you some business there’s a great deal of satisfaction, especially when you look back to that original contact that could have been months ago and all of the hard work in between.

Which part do you like the least, or slightly less?

The never ending stream of delivery people knocking at my door. I think my wife must be running some sort of import/export business in partnership with Amazon, judging by to coming and going of parcels. I’m just in the middle of a video conferencing call when ‘bing-bong’ –there’s another driver at the front door with another pile of boxes. Oh, for those days when it was just the post person that called.

And your work within our sector?

Events and hospitality is a sector where we would love to be doing more business. Strangely enough I get quite excited about transport planning, but equally I understand that this is not for everyone! That makes for a great synergy with event planners and hospitality providers as it would seem that they are generally not excited about making the travel arrangements for their events. Once I have the guest numbers and timings, I will provide a creative travel solution. In all seriousness, although often overlooked, as transport is at the start and end of all events, it is an important element to get right. My great desire is to see more venues actively engage in helping clients with their transport arrangements – even better if they recommend First Travel Solutions!

Finally, how do you unwind at the end of the day?

I don’t have a great deal of spare time since I also head up sales for another business called The Train Chartering Company. This business does pretty much the same at First Travel Solutions, moving people around the UK, but instead of coach, minibus and taxi the journeys are by privately chartered train or exclusive use carriage. This business I run generally in the evenings and at weekends. Fortunately, both businesses see the benefit of me working with the other, since the products often combine quite nicely. Finally, my curiosity had the better of me once again as I wanted to know more about how the railway operates – so I’m now a trainee signalman on my local heritage railway as well. Evenings are now spent reading manuals and learning rule books!

Firsttravelsolutions.com

Looking Forward

COVID-19 has left a mark on the events industry that could create more challenges ahead.

Clever use of technology is enhancing events, often mixing live with digital in so-called hybrid events and saving the environment at the same time. But staff shortages in critical high-tech roles and rising costs are causing concern, as demand for events is in danger of outstripping supply.

Lisa Richards, Director of Liverpool-based MSP Global which provides technical expertise and equipment for corporate events, said the pandemic and lockdowns has made the events industry think differently which has saved them money and made them far more environmentally friendly: “We have seen a massive shift in the way companies are now doing business as a direct result of 18 months in and out of lockdowns,” she said. “Virtual and hybrid events have been a fantastic solution to help businesses continue to trade while delivering key messages and events.

“As a result, there has been a reduction in international air travel, supplier transportation, delegate transport and accommodation bookings, all of which have had positive impact on our carbon footprint.

“Many companies have remodelled the way in which they do business as we look for smarter ways of working. Here at MSP, we expanded our services through the pandemic to include a broadcast studio at our HQ so companies could pre-record and live stream events safely.

LISA RICHARDS, DIRECTOR OF AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT HIRE AND STAGINGPRODUCTION SERVICES COMPANY MSP GLOBAL

“As a result, companies have saved on costs and reached a much larger audience, with minimal travel that has had direct environmental benefits. This continues to be an ideal choice for many companies we are currently working with.”

But it’s not all good news. The events industry is facing lingering challenges, none more so than the difficulty in getting and retaining staff along with the problem of ever rising costs: “In our tech industry all the top players have left, the reason being that our industry was not supported financially so the more experienced techs have either gone into retirement or taken another less stressful job with better working hours. This leaves us with now having to upskill the next generation. We are currently working with colleges and universities to

get students in for work experience and to see who is out there and trainable, but it’s going to be a slow burn.”

Recruitment isn’t the only challenge the industry is facing. Brexit is also having an impact along with spiralling costs caused by the pandemic. It means the costs of staging events will have to rise.

Lisa added: “Aside from this we have the supply chain on a go slowvery long wait times for stock and with Brexit there are no truck drivers, and the cost of materials is starting to climb. The kick-on effect is that prices to the end client will need to increase from next year.”

The other problem is that the demand for events is in danger of outstripping supply. Katie Isaacson runs her own event management company, Cool Breeze, in Liverpool after working in events for media giant Reach PLC (formerly Trinity Mirror). She’s facing an exceptionally challenging time to stage events with so many businesses wanting them and a shortage of staff to put them on: “At the moment businesses are still very much catching up with events that had to be cancelled during the lockdown, hosting rescheduled events which means pushing back the next event,” she said. “This should level out over the next year but for now this is resulting in short lead in times which can have significant impact on business planning for event management companies like myself and venues.

“With so many staff furloughed or made redundant during the last 18 months, there is a shortage of experienced staff in the industry, compacted by short lead in times to bring together the right team of people.”

The new way of thinking when it comes to staging events looks to be here to stay. One of the experts on this change is Jordan Furness, Events and Programme Co-ordinator at the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre in Huddersfield which helps businesses to connect and grow in the region.

Jordan, who has recently completed a master’s degree researching events, said change was already coming to the events world with live streaming being harnessed more and more, but it has now been accelerated by the pandemic: “Live streaming has been a key change to larger events, being able to stream the event as well as allowing the virtual attendee a chance to interact in it,” he said. “Although the industry has been slowly changing towards hybrid sessions for several years, many events organisers I spoke to as part of my master’s research were reluctant to lose the ‘personal touch’ of events as attendees often suggested that networking was one of their key reasons for attending events.

“The pandemic has forced these changes to become a necessity and I think the general public have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, the freedom that it offers, but also miss the face-to-face aspect of physical events.”

JORDAN FURNESS, EVENTS AND PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR AT THE 3M BUCKLEY INNOVATION CENTRE IN HUDDERSFIELD

Nice to See You

Check out the trade shows and expos 2022 has to offer, as the industry welcomes venues, suppliers and event planners back together, face-to-face.

JANUARY

Unique Venues Expo

Manchester/ Leeds/ Birmingham

The Unique Venues Expo offers several localised expos, all taking place on 12th January. The Leeds expo is set to take place in Horizon on Kendall Street, while the Manchester will be in Chamber Space on Deansgate, and the Birmingham event will take place at The Studio on Cannon Street. All three events will showcase a selection of impressive non-traditional venues in the local area.

Uniquevenuesofgreatbritain.co.uk

MARCH

8 & 9

The PA Show

ExCel London

The PA Show will take place at ExCel at the same time as Confex. The event will showcase the best of suppliers and services for support professionals and will offer CPD learning opportunities to ensure that those in the field can deliver their roles to the best of their potential. An entrance pass to the PA Show will also give you free access to International Confex.

Thepashow.com

8 & 9

MARCH

International Confex

ExCel London

Back for its 39th year, International Confex promises excitement and connections aplenty. This show is the largest gathering of event professionals in the UK and has a world-class conference programme which is central to the experience. There will be over 100 talks taking place across the two-days of the show and exhibitors from across the globe.

International-confex.com

MARCH

8 & 9

The Event Production Show

ExCel London

This show is dedicated to the live events industry across sports, music, and culture. EPS brings together event professionals from every sector to experience a showcase of the latest products and services and find everything they need to put on their future events. The show will take place across two days and is also taking place alongside International Confex.

Eventproductionshow.co.uk

13

19 & 20

SPRING

CHS Leeds

One of the few major events sector trade shows to take place outside of London, CHS Leeds will take place in spring 2022, back at the Royal Armouries International. The event’s sister show CHS Birmingham took place in October, after being moved twice, but dates for the 2022 show have yet to be announced. A full timetable of great speakers and the region’s best venues on show is guaranteed.

Chsgroupuk.com

The Meetings Show

ExCel London

Flagship industry event The Meetings Show will return for its 9th run in June, taking place at ExCel London. 2022’s dates were announced after the success of the 2021 show, which saw events professionals coming back together after over a year apart in a delayed September event. Thousands attended the 2021 show despite the situation, and organisers hope for more this year as the industry longs to come back together.

Themeetingsshow.com

EVENTIT: The Scottish Event Show

The EICC

EVENTIT is Scotland’s only trade show for business events, meetings, incentives, and hospitality professionals. The show provides delegates with the opportunity to connect with fellow event profs involved in delivering Scotland’s £3.5 billion business events and meetings industry. The exhibition also hosts an education programme which brings together experts from across the sector to teach and debate on a variety of topics.

Eventit.org.uk SEPT.

OCTOBER

Showman’s Show Newbury

Newbury Showground

The Showman’s Show was launched in 1984 and provided an exhibition of products and services for the outdoor, festival, and special event world. The 2022 edition of the show will return to Newbury Showground and host many suppliers and manufacturers, exhibiting their products and services relevant to the event industry.

Showmans-directory.co.uk

16 & 17

Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum

Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre, London Heathrow

Spread over the course of two mornings, the Hospitality Tech & Innovation Forum will run as a hybrid event for senior hospitality professionals. It will allow them to meet with innovative and competitive suppliers in order to form connections and network. The event will consist of pre-arranged meetings for maximum efficiency and convenience.

Htiforum.co.uk

NOV.

Event Tech Live

Old Truman Brewery, London

Event Tech Live will return in-person to London in 2022, taking place in Old Truman Brewery. Event tech live is the only hybrid show dedicated to event tech and aims to bring the global events and hospitality community together to make connections and share new technology.

Eventtechlive.com

Set in picturesque parkland the impressive Showground o ers an Epic experience for any event large or small. With over 270 acres of space we can hold events for 10 to 30,000 people within our indoor and outdoor spaces.

Introducing our recently renovated, modern and spacious event venue, EXO Centre

Risky Business

Sheena Wrigley, Venue Director for The Factory, tells H&E North why event organisers need to take risks to meet the needs of more demanding audiences.

People never realised how important live events were in their lives … until they couldn’t have them. That’s the view of one of the North’s leading venue directors, who says that now events are making a comeback there is a real hunger for live events – both corporate and cultural – but audience expectations have changed for good.

Sheena Wrigley’s vast experience includes being Chief Executive of Harrogate Theatre, the Palace Theatre and Opera House in Manchester, and Executive Director of Manchester arts venue HOME. Sheena has also been a Board Director of UK Theatre and worked for Arts Council England. Sheena is currently the Venue Director for a brand new event space being built in Manchester, The Factory.

Sheena said: “There is a collective sense that coming together for the experience of an event is incredibly important because we’ve not been able to do it for such a long time – and that’s the same for both cultural and commercial events.

“Perhaps in the past we’ve not realised or expressed how important live events have been in our lives until they were taken away and we’ve felt what it’s been like to not have them. Perhaps now we realise more than ever before, they are such an important way for us to not only access culture and arts but also do business together. Event venues need to be fleet of foot in how they operate

to keep people safe with flexible ticketing arrangements, especially when it comes to cancellations and refunds. That’s what people expect now.”

“Everyone has to be more audience-centric. Customers need to have these reassurances in place before they have the confidence to spend money, but it makes events so much harder to plan. It means that anyone who organises events has to carry more risk.”

Sheena added that continual uncertainty over COVID-19 means many people are not booking to attend events often until the 11th hour, however, there has a been a surge in positivity for live events again and hopes the new Omicron strain of COVID-19 doesn’t throw things off track.

“What is positive is that people are now spending money again and booking events – things have really picked up,” she said. “Yet what the Omicron strain of the virus has shown is that the events industry remains vulnerable. A few weeks ago, I would have been looking forward with more confidence than I do now that the new virus strain has been discovered and we are once again introducing stricter measures due to COVID-19.

“Again, this leads to uncertainty. Boris Johnson talked of people wearing masks in shops and on public transport but it’s less clear when it comes to major public events

CREDIT: MANCHESTER INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL

ranging from corporate conferences to music gigs. That also makes it difficult for events staff operating on the frontline.”

Sheena also took the opportunity to introduce Manchester’s newest event space. At 13,300 square metres, The Factory will be ultra-flexible. It will be able to host events such as conventions and product launches but will also produce a creative arts programme all year round which it describes as “bold new work from the world’s greatest artists, offering a space to create, invent, and play.”

The Factory is due to open in the early part of 2023 and more details will be released next spring about its programme. The scheme has been made possible with funding from the government, Manchester City Council and the National Lottery alongside private investment. The venue will be the base for Manchester International Festival, which will run every couple of years, bringing the best in arts and music into the city.

“Its remit is to bring exciting, of-the-moment international artists into the city alongside the best Manchester has to offer. It’s a city that has vision and never rests on its laurels, a city of ambition and the sheer audacity of some of those ambitions has paid off to date. The next stage of its innovation is now underway.”

SHEENA WRIGLEY, VENUE DIRECTOR FOR THE FACTORY IN MANCHESTER

IMAGE SHOWING WHAT THE FACTORY IN MANCHESTER WILL LOOK LIKE AT NIGHT

North in Brief

Don’t Cancel Christmas Parties

Scotland’s National Clinical Director has confirmed that people shouldn’t cancel office Christmas parties this year but urged Scots to practice caution following the emergence of the Omicron variant. Jason Leitch confirmed this stance after the Head of the UK Health Security Agency Jenny Harries said parties should not go ahead if they are not necessary.

Speaking on 1st December the Health Secretary Sajid Javid said people should not be thinking about cancelling events and Christmas parties. He urged that people should consider taking lateral flow tests before going to large-scale indoor events.

He urged people to “be sensible” and indicated that he himself would take a lateral flow test before attending any large gatherings.

“I don’t think people need to change their plans,” Javid said. “We should always be a bit cautious. It might be a bit sensible depending on the type of event you are going to and the setting to take a lateral flow test before you go but this is guidance that is already out there.”

De Vere Offers Instant Booking with Venuedirectory.com

De Vere has made it easier for event planners to access real-time availability of meeting spaces and to book instantly by digitally integrating its online meeting booking engine, Smart Booker with Venuedirectory.com.

Five De Vere venues can now be booked through Venuedirectory.com’s Instant Book, while three more properties will be live on the system shortly.

Alan Corlett, De Vere’s Chief Commercial Officer, explained more: “By digitally integrating our extensive collection of properties through the De Vere online meeting booking engine, event planners will have an even wider distribution platform with access to real-time availability and dynamic pricing across hundreds of De Vere’s meeting and event spaces. Venuedirectory. com’s customer base will now easily be able to search, filter, and book our event spaces in one simple process online, giving event planners greater flexibility.”

Michael Begley, CEO of Venuedirectory. com commented: “To offer live availability and instant booking for De Vere’s Grand Connaught Rooms and its many country estate properties is a wonderful addition to the increasingly large and wide range of meeting spaces that event planners can now access so much more easily. The movement towards digital integration of venues is gaining strong momentum.”

Events Research Programme Finds Unseated Outdoor Events Pose Biggest COVID Risk

The newly published Phase II and III findings from the government’s Events Research Programme (ERP) show little evidence for increased transmission by attendance at the indoor theatre events or outdoor seated events studied but found that outdoor unseated events were associated with a 1.7 fold increased risk of COVID-19 transmission among attendees.

The study notes that numerous factors were likely to have contributed to the higher transmission risk at these events, including high rates of unvaccinated attendees, community prevalence at the time of the events studied, the structure of the events, and the behaviour of attendees leading up to and after attending these events.

Comparably, indoor seated events at the Piccadilly Theatre, Leeds Grand Theatre and The Grange saw a 1.2-fold increased risk of transmission.

Vii-Events Scoops Top Event Tech Award

Award winning 3D virtual events platform Vii-Events, recently featured in H&E North,

picked up yet another trophy to add to its collection at the Event Tech Live show in November. The company won Best Exhibition Technology at the Event Technology Awards.

Stuart Mitchell, Managing Director of Catch the MICE, who head up Vii-Events business development and client support in the UK and Ireland, picked up the award on behalf of the Vii-Events team. Stuart said: “I think it was very clear to anyone that I was very pleased and excited to collect the award on their behalf at the show; the award acknowledges not only the outstanding product, but also the hard work and dedication continually delivered by the entire team.”

Stas Zaslavsky, Co-Founder and CEO of Vii Events who was unable to attend in person, due to Vii’s shortlisting for global start-up at Web Summit in Lisbon, said: “This is a pivotal moment in our history, to be recognised by our peers in such strong competition is an absolute honour and are delighted for the team, not least Stuart, our UK partner, accepting it on our behalf.”

See our round up of the event on page 19.

ESSA Announces Award Winners

The winners of Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) annual awards were revealed, as leading figures gathered to celebrate excellence in the sector. Now in their fourth year, the ESSA awards recognise those members who have demonstrated exceptional work during the previous 12 months, as well as a strong commitment to the sector through their advocacy within the community.

The ESSA Young Person Award was awarded to both Anna Bray of Cook & Associates and Tiylan Salih of 4Wall Entertainment. The COVID Hero Award was awarded to Iain Barley from The Event & Exhibition Partnership. Best Organiser was awarded to Reed Exhibitions while Best Venue went to Business Design Centre. The ESSA Member Company Award was awarded to GES. Finally, the ESSA Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award was awarded to Chris Simpson.

Come Together

Online team building is here to stay, and yet there’s a resurgence in outdoor team building as well.

Team building has been pushed into the digital world by the pandemic and is still very much there even though live corporate team building events are making a comeback, with some quite literally going back to nature.

When people were working in isolation many forward thinking company bosses kept an eye on the importance of teamwork and team spirit, with many searching for online team building experiences.

In short, businesses were and continue to think ‘out of the box’ when it comes to team building.

Zara Taylor from GOTO Events, which specialises in corporate team building events across the UK revealed: “This time last year live events weren’t a thing and we adapted to this by pushing remote team building events. The demand was so high that in November we had to declare ourselves fully booked for Christmas, with most team building events overflowing into the new year to fill the demand.

“This year, we are very much seeing that same level of enquiries for remote as we are live, if not more. It’s not only the pandemic

that is fuelling the rise in the remote team building, the increase in decentralisation and remote working means that businesses are not grounded by geographical borders when it comes to recruitment. So, inevitably, remote team building brings employees together.

“As businesses move into 2022, the way we all work is very different to the way we worked before the pandemic. Communication has switched from faceto-face to digital methods, but the need for teams to work simultaneously and in cohesion with one another remains the same.

“We’ve seen a significant switch in the way businesses are hosting their internal and external meetings, along with events. There is now a higher number of businesses wanting to incorporate some method of interactive team experience into their meetings, whether that be live or virtual. These range from halfday activities to simple conference energisers, to full-day events.”

In the past, the very mention of team building would spark groans of dismay in the office … but not now: “Looking back a fair few

years ago, the phrase ‘team building’ was often referred to as a taboo topic and highly associated with standing up and introducing yourself to your colleagues. Today, the foundation of team building is still the same, but the significant difference is the way it is executed. Team building has changed.

Continued on page 43

ZARA TAYLOR FROM GOTO EVENTS

And The Winner Is…

Claire

Fennelow, Executive Director of EVCOM, discusses how awards ceremonies can support team building.

Team building in this new world can look like a lot of things. From yoga sessions via zoom in the morning, to fully virtual conferences for internal teams, to in-person sessions. In the last three months we have held physical events for the first time in nearly two years. Most recently we delivered the EVCOM London Live and Film Awards ceremony at The May Fair Hotel. Teams arrived together, sat and celebrated together all through the evening. Senior colleagues and junior colleagues took pictures together with their awards and people who had worked on different award-winning projects for the same company met for the first time. The most common sound throughout the night was laughter.

A huge takeaway for us was how reward and recognition can be used as a vital tool for team building. Awards ceremonies give employees an opportunity to celebrate their success, and to understand their work within the context of the industry. It is always going to be encouraging to see your work measured up against the best of the best and to walk away with a trophy to prove it.

The National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Annual General Meeting & Convention took place a few weeks ago and set up some of the key talking points for both the association, and the wider outdoor events industry.

While the tone of the meetings was positive, very few across NOEA are under any illusions that 2022 will continue to be tough on meeting and event planners. The association was delighted to put both 2020 and 2021 behind it, but while new variants of coronavirus, and the increasing threat of other disease, continue to disrupt society, the outdoor events industry has a growing ‘to-do’ list.

Fortunately, it will attack these tasks with the support of the industry, its own members and its growing partnerships across the industry and within government circles. The NOEA membership unanimously agreed to a second two-year term for Tom Clements, Specialized Security, as President of the organisation. Tom has led the association over the last two years and has become a leading voice, across the UK, for those in the outdoor event community.

“It’s been a horrible time for the industry over the last two years and I sincerely hope my next two will be more positive,” commented Tom. “I have to say though, NOEA’s position in front of its stakeholders, our government, and our members, has never been stronger.

“It’s important that we use our growing reputation to help support our members through what could be an incredibly tough 2022, and I’m already delighted with the education and resources we’ll be offering them next year,” continued Tom. “There has never been a better time to be a NOEA

Interestingly, in the events sector we are seeing greater take up of celebratory and fun-focused events, over learning-based events. Awards ceremonies delivered well can be a lovely opportunity for a team to come together and just enjoy themselves. We held our ceremony earlier on in the evening at our own awards, following that with dinner and dancing so that attendees could relax by the time their starters were served.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, team building has been a focus for a lot of businesses, a focus which has gone hand in hand with supporting the mental health of employees and team members in these incredibly uncertain times. And I don’t see this changing anytime soon. Looking ahead to 2022, I think we can expect to see even greater emphasis on team building, with some of these activities transferring from a virtual space to an in person space, to suit people who are working remotely and those who are coming into the office.

But there are so many demands on people’s

time that it will be essential for these team building opportunities to add value, to support mental health, to celebrate the hard work of all the team members. We need to remember that the days of furlough are long gone, and the luxuries of spare time seem few and far between at the moment. Ensuring team building activities are both useful and enjoyable, will be essential for engaging and supporting teams as we move into the new year. And from what we saw at the EVCOM London Live and Film Awards, ceremonies certainly combine those elements.

Evcom.org.uk

To-do List

NOEA’s annual meeting provided a list of topics for the association to focus on in 2022.

member and myself, our Vice-Presidents and the rest of the NOEA Council will again be committing our time to do whatever it takes to support the industry.”

Tom referenced the continued quality of NOEA education, not just in the year to come – NOEA is launching two courses for members, one on Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, the second on Sustainability – but also at the NOEA Convention itself.

The event took place online in November and saw the association’s theme of #BuildBackBetter realised through another five sessions across the day, with specific talks around diversity, equality, and inclusion, the key trends affecting event decision making in local authorities, and a special session on looking to the past to build for the future.

The convention also gave members unique access to senior leaders in the industry, including Theresa Villiers MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, who answered questions from across the membership, and Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health Liverpool, who took questions from the delegation on how public health and events can work positively to create both

better and safer events. Between them, the two speakers committed well over an hour and a half of their time to speak to delegates.

Next year sees the Queen’s Jubilee, the Commonwealth Games (Birmingham) and the Rugby League World Cup, all come to the UK. The industry itself is still reeling from two years of disruption and is only now getting back on its feet again. Supply of people and resources are both at a premium and talent retains key to NOEA’s #BuildBackBetter strategy. In the meantime, major subjects like sustainability and DE&I cannot be allowed to wait any longer.

The outdoor events industry finds itself with a long to-do list, but also a positive one with opportunities for many. 2022 will be a great year, if the industry can tick off everything, it will emerge once again as a global leader in both quality and thought.

Noea.org.uk

Continued from page 40

“The need for businesses to know and understand their employee’s communication means, skill sets, and learning styles is imperative for teams to succeed. These are often overlooked, and, consequently, can be pushed aside with busy work schedules, increased workloads, and the way we now work. As a result, team building must be engaging and enjoyable and that’s what we strive to achieve.”

And it seems to be working. Zara said: “After a tough 18 months, businesses are wanting to bring their employees back together, whether that be virtually or in-person. We have most definitely have seen an upsurge in the demand for team building events. Our website traffic is nearly double compared to 2019 and both enquiries and bookings are also higher than those before the pandemic.”

Just some of the teambuilding activities GOTO Events offer include a soapbox derby where teams must design, build, decorate, and dress their own wacky racer car before teams battle it out in head-to-head races. Another is the crystal challenge, where teams compete against one another in an exhilarating mix of activities, dashing through Aztec, Medieval, industrial, and futuristic zones. They have just launched a brand-new event called Quid Games, based on the famous TV series Squid Game, consisting of fun children’s games adapted to adult size (but obviously without the violence!)

Companies have never been more mindful of the environment, sustainability, and social responsibility and one corporate venue where all this happens was inspired by one of the Beatles’ best-loved songs.

of Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing in nearby woods. One of the guides is Louise Yates from Clear Perspectives, which specialises in supporting leaders and teams to develop healthy relationships with themselves, each other, and the natural world.

Louise said: “More space is needed in venues to allay fears over COVID, but there is no bigger space than the outdoors. We look at nature in such an in-depth way it plays on all our senses and develops a natural sense of curiosity along with increased positivity and appreciation of the word around us. Nature helps people to relax, to be able to put aside their pressures and clear their minds.

“Shinrin Yoku helps people who have been apart for so long in the workplace to reconnect and the experience of being in nature makes them interact, behave differently, and really get to know one another. It means that when they return to work, they will work more effectively as a team. What we do is not team building, it’s team development based on mutual trust at a time when there is so much mistrust and uncertainty in the world.”

John Lennon penned Strawberry Fields Forever in homage to the grounds of a Salvation Army children’s home just round the corner from his Liverpool home. He’d hear the children playing, clamber over the wall to join in and then found solace in the trees and nature.

That’s all captured in corporate events at the Strawberry Field visitor centre, which features the Beatles story, along with the piano John was playing when he wrote Imagine. The social responsibility comes from fees from corporate events which go towards a scheme called Steps At Strawberry Field which helps young people with learning difficulties and other barriers to work learn job skills, get work experience and, ultimately, paid employment.

The centre gives corporate groups the chance to do art or woodturning sessions, but the unique corporate experience is outside where they do the Japanese practice

Greener Pastures

Nestled in the heart of Warwickshire, set in 350 acres of stunning rolling countryside, just six miles from Shakespeare’s Stratford Upon Avon and historic Warwick, is Wootton Park.

Once a working farm, Wootton Park has gradually developed into a multi-functional hospitality business, offering an amazing venue for weddings, quirky glamping pods, a wakeboarding and paddle boarding centre, an equestrian centre, and now the addition of a fabulous wellness yurt.

The TreePods are perfect for two, if you’re looking for a luxury escape into nature. Tucked up high in a wooded copse, with your own private hot tub on the decking and stunning Warwickshire countryside views. Think birdsong, barbecues, hot tubs, champagne, and stars.

The TreePods are ideal for a romantic getaway. They are fully self-contained with everything you need – kitchenette, TV, underfloor heating, double bed, and separate sofabed.

Back on the ground, there is also a choice of four MegaPods, again fully self-contained with private hot tubs.

For larger groups or families, there are four gorgeous WoodlandPods also available to hire. The pods themselves are one room only with a double bed, so these pods have shared facilities in a separate heated pod, just steps away. You will also have exclusive use of the recently renovated GastroPod, complete with a large hot tub, kitchen, sofas, log burner, Smart TV, and more. There is also a firepit, BBQ and pizza oven (available for hire) for WoodlandPod guests.

If you’re after more space, the two-bedroom SuperPod, Aquarius, complete with en-suite, hot tub, kitchenette, BBQ and fire-pit, is perfect

for a family or a couple planning a longer stay.

The newest arm of the business is focused on wellness, which has been a passion of founder Melanie McCall for many years. Following a visit to an ashram on the Ganges in India a couple of years ago, she was finally persuaded to follow this dream.

A fabulous large wellness yurt has now been constructed, with wonderful views of the hills and woods and is available for a multitude of uses.

Wootton Park Wellness is offering bespoke midweek retreats for companies wishing to bring their teams down as part of their corporate wellbeing focus. Programmes are

For your chance to win a two-night stay in a luxury TreePod, worth £410, simply answer the following question:

How many acres is Wootton Park Wellness set in?

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

completely flexible, and companies can choose from a range of exciting add-ons, including paddle boarding, horse riding, Nordic walking, Tai Chi, and face-to-face talks with an expert. Areas of specialism include nutrition, sleep, and the menopause.

The wellness yurt is also available to hire for company away days, team training, and more. Wootton Park Wellness can be as involved as the organisation requires, from just providing food, drinks, and accommodation, to incorporating some wonderful activities into the programme to help the team rebuild and recharge.

Wootton Park Wellness is also offering both ‘Self-Care Sundays’ and weekend retreats. Come alone, as a couple, with a friend, or in a group. Places are limited and early bird tickets are also available up until one month before the retreat.

A day retreat includes meditation, Pilates, mindful walking, forest bathing, dove release, feeding the animals (alpacas, goats, and chickens) and laughter yoga. A delicious breakfast and lunch is included, along with homemade juices and freshly baked cakes. All food is vegetarian and home-cooked using home-grown or locally sourced produce.

For those staying overnight, you will get the chance to enjoy music and mocktails, a three-course dinner, stargazing around the firepit (skies permitting), and yoga. You will stay in one of eight gorgeous en-suite rooms inside the characterful Tudor farmhouse.

Sometimes in our busy lives, we need time out to stop, reflect and reconnect with our senses and nature and Wootton Park Wellness is the ideal setting for this.

Woottonparkwellness.co.uk

number and email address. The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date: 4th February 2022.

Terms and conditions apply: Prize must be redeemed before 1st December 2022. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in H&E North Magazine and Wootton Park’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.

• @woottonparkpodsandretreats

Events and networking are fundamental to the Meetings Industry Association’s (mia) mission to support and grow the UK business events and meetings industry. One of the association’s key networking opportunities is mia Connect, an event series at various UK venues throughout the year that brings together venues and booking agents to create long-term mutually beneficial relationships.

For the August 2021 Connect Agent Day, the mia selected the Woodlands Event Centre at Wyboston Lakes Resort in Bedfordshire. The 380-acre resort was chosen for a multitude of reasons, explains Ellie Moore, Event Manager of the mia. She says: “Wyboston Lakes Resort has so much to offer. We are always looking for new, iconic venues that are aligned to our values and champion best practice, and the resort has a wide variety of modern and newly refurbished event spaces, as well as strong COVID-safe credentials and top technical expertise. The resort is also well-known in the industry for its sustainability credentials, which is also very important to the mia.”

COVID-safety

For the mia and Wyboston Lakes Resort, COVID-security and keeping all staff and delegates safe at the event was paramount. The Wyboston team had received thorough training in relation to COVID-19 and developed a COVID-secure policy early in the pandemic. In fact, the venue remained open to deliver essential training events for major organisations such the NHS. This meant the events team became highly experienced in delivering events with robust, yet unobtrusive COVID measures.

While the mia Connect Agent Day was the association’s first in-person member event since the COVID crisis began, it wasn’t the first time Ellie had worked with the Wyboston

Face to Face

With outstanding credentials in COVID-safety, Wyboston Lakes Resort was perfectly positioned to host the Meetings Industry Association’s first inperson event since the pandemic began.

Lakes Resort team. Back in September 2020, the venue hosted one of the government’s first pilot events in accordance with COVIDsecure guidelines. In partnership with the mia, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) chose Wyboston Lakes Resort to host a mock gala dinner for 120 people. Working to the mia’s Roadmap to Reopening and Operating Safely, which was published as part of the UK government’s Visitor Economy guidance, the event was observed by officials from the DCMS and Public Health England.

“Having already delivered a successful pilot event for the government with the Wyboston team, I felt confident that they could fulfil all the deliverables and service levels needed and deliver the best Connect Agent Day for our members. I believe this was also reassuring for our delegates because, for most of us, this was their first in-person event since the pandemic started,” Ellie stated.

Pre-event COVID-safe measures included using the association’s miaTrustedTrace tool to manage the tracking and tracing of delegates while lateral flow testing was also required. On arrival, table sizes were reduced while multiple sanitising stations and thermal imaging cameras to record temperatures were on hand. For the Crystal Maze-style teambuilding activity, organized by KDM Events, teams were also kept small.

Event safety measures were highlighted to delegates prior to attending and requirements and expectations of attendees were communicated in advance.

Undoubtedly, the resort’s multiple accolades for COVID-security were important for the mia and its delegates. In fact, the venue was the first to receive the mia’s new AIM Secure accreditation – featuring a range of enhanced safety and hygiene protocols. It was also one of the first in the UK to secure the ‘Safe, Clean and Legal’ accreditation from Quality in Tourism and has been accredited by the AA COVID-19 Confident

accreditation scheme. The venue is also a finalist in the category for ‘Best COVID Response in Hospitality’ at the COVID Response Awards 2021.

Sustainability factors

The mia was also attracted to the venue for its long and ever-growing list of sustainability achievements. For example, it achieved the mia’s #20percentless campaign for singleuse plastics last year and now uses 100% green electric energy, which has reduced its carbon footprint by more than 60%.

The resort has also been ‘Zero to Landfill’ for six consecutive years and projects are underway to remove all fossil fuels from the site. There is also now a total of 28 electric car charger points on the site.

These actions have been recognised by several prestigious organisations. Accolades include the platinum award in Greengage’s Eco-Smart scheme, and gold standards in the Green Tourism Awards, and the International Association of Conference Centres’ programme.

Post-event success

More than 60 delegates attended MIA Connect, which was regarded as a great success by all involved. Simon McMahon, General Manager of Woodlands Event Centre and Willows Training Centre at the resort, said: “It was an honour to be chosen by mia to host its first in-person event postpandemic. The event ran smoothly, and we were able to deliver high service levels with unobtrusive COVID-safe measures. This success is testament to the team’s hard work, experience, flexibility and dedication to delivering the very best safe and sustainable events for clients.”

Wybostonlakes.co.uk Mia-uk.org

IT’S BETTER Together!

‘‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.’’

One thing is for sure, we are all better when we are together and here at Wyboston Lakes Resort we're excited for a year of memorable events, building new relationships and re-kindling old ones!

We o er outstanding meeting and event facilities with two dedicated venues. With 403 bedrooms and 56 meeting rooms, the Resort o ers a huge range of spaces for showcases, product launches, events, training and Expo’s. Proudly independent, fiercely creative and driven by a conscience. Perfectly placed too with excellent road and rail links.

www.wybostonlakes.co.uk

sales@wybostonlakes.co.uk

Team Travel

As corporate adventure and wellness retreats are on the rise, travel expert Amanda Bower of Travel Councillors provides an insight on how going away can bring your workplace together.

Travel is making a comeback at rapid speed and many companies are bringing hybrid workforces together by organising corporate adventure and wellness retreats. It’s no secret that COVID-19 has had an impact on many businesses, some positive and some negative. Bringing your workforce together to learn, regroup and enjoy each other’s company can be a great way to promote your brand values and encourage employee satisfaction and wellbeing, whether its here in the UK or further afield.

Iceland, Rakyavik

Known as the land of ice and fire due to is contrasting terrain of geothermal springs and abundance of glaciers, Iceland is the perfect destination to combine adventure and relaxation. Iceland’s signature tour is the Golden Circle and is a must do for anyone visiting.

ICELAND OFFERS TEAMS THE CHANCE TO RELAX IN ITS FAMOUS GEOTHERMAL HOTSPRINGS.

Thingvellir National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site. Its beautiful landscape and fissures have been formed by the separation of the two tectonic plates of the Atlantic pulling apart over the ages. This is also the sight of where the Icelandic parliament, one of the oldest in the world, was founded in 930AD.

Your team can explore the glaciers of Mýrdalsjökull and Langjökull by snowmobile with friendly guides or take an exhilarating tour on a rib boat exploring the seas and searching for wildlife.

No visit to Iceland should be without a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Considered one of the New Wonders of the World where you can relax in its geothermal waters, rich in minerals and silica. Visiticeland.com

LISBON OFFERS AN UNRIVALLED RANGE OF COASTAL ACTIVITIES TO BRING DISPARATE WORKFORCES TOGETHER.

Portugal, Lisbon

The Portuguese capital of Lisbon is fast becoming one of Europe’s most popular destinations for team events and incentives. With its variety of cultural events, adventure team building activities and opportunities to relax, there is plenty to choose from both on and off site. The city offers an array of fun activities such as cycling tours, tuk tuk trips and sailing. While Lisbon’s stunning coastline is ideal for water sports, coasteering and paddleboarding.

The coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril are great places to stay close to the beach and are easily accessible by scenic railway to the city. Further south, Arrudiba Natural Park offers a great location for team building exercises from rock climbing to 4x4 tours.

Visitlisboa.com

Surrey Hills

You don’t have to travel overseas to build team moral. You can still refresh and recharge in beautiful surroundings in the Surrey Hills. Create your own retreat offering entertainment, activities, workshops and much more. Boasting exclusive state of the art activities, the experience is one of a kind. In a unique and inspiring outdoor venue comprising 10 acres of land, hire one or all three spaces depending on the size and nature of your group, and you can enjoy the entire site to yourselves. A combination of luxury glamping accommodation and first-class hospitality provides you and your guests with a truly inspiring trip.

Just because it’s in the outdoors, doesn’t mean you’ll be away from the mod cons. All accommodation has comfortable beds and mattresses, reading lamps, full size mirrors and a sofa – as well as much-needed power points, hot showers and real toilets. A magnificent giant tipi with a banquet table and games lounge are also part of the deal.

Surreyhills.org

For help booking your team’s next incentive trip, visit Travelcounsellors.co.uk/amanda.bower

THE SURREY HILLS OFFER SOME OF SOUTHEAST ENGLAND'S MOST ACCESSIBLE COUNTRYSIDE, PERFECT FOR TEAMS TO EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

In-tents Events

The sheer range of marquees, tents, and structures available on the market can be overwhelming. Dean Foster of MUTA, the UK’s only trade association dedicated to marquees, tents, and structures, discusses some of the latest products on the market and who to contact for your events.

Temporary structures come in all shapes and sizes and the past 24 months have proven just how flexible our products can be. Marquees were installed across the UK at a rapid pace for COVID-19 test centres, vaccination centres, and hospitals. Some businesses, restaurants and pubs also acquired structures to accommodate social distancing measures.

MUTA considers there to be eight main structure types. Relatively inexpensive and easy to erect, traditional marquees are a popular choice for private functions and traditional venues such as agricultural shows and village fetes. Frame structures are perhaps the most flexible because they have a solid frame which means they can accommodate more accessories, such as doors, windows, rigid side panels and sophisticated flooring systems.

Giant structures are generally defined as frame tents or traditional marquees that are more than 25m wide, while multi-deck structures can be either double, triple, or four level structures. The top floor is made up of a

standard clear span aluminium frame design and the lower floors are constructed from an integral steel upright and horizontal beam system. These take weeks to erect but are a popular choice for large sporting events. Nordic tipis were introduced to the market in 2005 and have become very popular. They are widely used for weddings, parties, and festivals, and increasingly for smaller scale corporate events.

Stretch tents come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colours. The fabric is anchored at its corners and sides, and then poles of different lengths are pushed up.

Often used for stage covers and audience shelters, saddle span tents are made from tensioned PVC and supported by architectural aluminium trussing.

Inflatable tents use air to support the structure. They might use air beams, tubular construction, or cellular walls; some have a supporting metal framework, and some use a single skin and rely on positive pressure inside the structure.

There are lots of other designs emerging too. Including the igloo, cruck and sperry to name just a few. All of which, like most temporary structures, can be adapted to suit specific requirements.

So what happens next, and who do you contact for your event, to ensure professional reliable and a quality product? Does the hirer have a good track record, and can this be proven by testimonials, references, or awards? Most unprofessional companies won’t survive more than a few years and MUTA members must be trading for two years and pass certain checks before being admitted so can give you some reassurance.

Unfortunately, not all temporary structures are inherently safe and there are many homemade varieties in the market. Poorly designed and built tents, coupled with inclement weather, present a significant risk.

For further guidance on the safe use and operation of temporary structures, visit Muta. org.uk.

Back Together

Alden Arnold, Project Manager of the AEV, gives a run-down of its recent conference at the Business Design Centre in London.

The Association of Event Venues (AEV) believes in the power of face-to-face and live. At our conference on 26th November, at the Business Design Centre in London, we found solid justification for that belief. More than 160 event industry professionals joined us, from across our diverse venue membership, for a full day of panel discussions and presentations, the perfect opportunity to catch up.

The event industry attracts irrepressible people, so we were confident that we could hold a live, in-person event in London instead of a virtual conference, and still attract delegates willing to take the small but measurable risks involved. We realised our members and allies couldn’t wait to get together again.

As with every conference, there is a pressure to exceed expectations and deliver a better, bigger, bolder event than last time – and an ambition to grow is no bad thing – but our focus this year was shaped by the pandemic and the ensuing economic and social effects. We designed an event that involved everyone in the room, instead of a string of listen and learn lectures. With a professional event industry emcee leading the conference, we created spaces for delegate comments and

questions throughout each session, avoided the stilted Q&A and let discussion flow towards the specifics that delegates wanted.

We explored the most important issues facing venues right now – skills and talent loss, security, and post-pandemic operations — all in the context of a future of more disruption. Our panel sessions brought together experts from member venues on all these topics, their conversations moulded by delegate questions and contributions. The security briefing came from the National Counter Terrorism Security Office and discussed the current threat level, severe, and what this means for venues.

As we had hoped, the atmosphere in the atrium was electric. It was clear that here was a large group of people with a history (and 1633 years of experience between them, we counted!), meeting up for the first time in over a year.

We partnered with EventWell for our conference this year, recognising that coming out of a long period of isolation has its issues.

Helen Moon, EventWell’s Founder and Chief Executive, set up The EventWell Hub, next to the auditorium where delegates could take

a break, escape from stressors, or talk to a qualified mental health first aider.

The new format and tightly focused content were well received, and I’m personally extraordinarily proud of the AEV team, our conference steering group, and all our members and guests for bringing it all together and making it such a success. Whilst we savour the success of this year’s conference, our minds have already turned to next year’s programme.

If you would like to discover the benefits of becoming an AEV member and how you can join the conversation, please drop me an email via alden@aev.org.uk.

A Guiding Light

The EIF hope to introduce a universal standard for outdoor events in the form of the Purple Guide.

Although the pandemic has been challenging for the events industry, one good thing that has come out of it is recognition that there needs to be greater understanding and consistency of approach between regulators and the outdoor events industry.

While the pandemic brought the events industry to its knees, it also led to much closer contact and understanding between industry leaders and government as both came together to get the industry restarted.

The outcome is that there is now general agreement that a more consistent approach is needed both from government and the industry. As a result, conversations are now taking place about how this might come about by making the Purple Guide the recognised standard for outdoor events.

The guide was first produced by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) in consultation with the industry in the early 1990s and quickly became established as a reference source for outdoor events nationally.

About 10 years ago, the HSE agreed that the industry should take over publication but in collaboration, and with the support of, the HSE. The organisation tasked with managing the project was the Events Industry Forum, a loose group of outdoor event industry bodies that met informally to discuss issues of common concern. To take on such a major project, the forum created a special entity, EIF Limited, as a not-for-profit enterprise and agreed that all the revenue generated from sales must be used in support of the outdoor event industry.

The guide has now evolved into a comprehensive source of guidance for outdoor events, comprising 34 chapters covering everything from crowd management to working with Safety Advisory Groups. It is also a living document, with all the chapters regularly reviewed and updated by specialist working groups, including enforcement agencies.

As a result, the forum is now in discussions with the Institute of Licensing, the Local

Government Association, DCMS, BEIS, and others, about how the guide can become the standard with the possibility that it could be brought within the Primary Authority scheme.

The adoption of one guide nationally would be a major step forward in achieving greater consistency as it would mean that organisers would have no excuse for diverging from standard practices and could expect the same rules to apply to their events wherever they were held.

Of course, it is recognised that there will always be individual circumstances to take into account but at least the core standard would be the same for everyone. These things are never easy to achieve but at least everyone is talking and there is general agreement that the ultimate goal is greater consistency of approach by all those involved in making outdoor events happen.

The guide can be viewed at Thepurpleguide. co.uk

North in Brief

COP26 Legacy Moves to Manchester

The UK Events Summit, taking place at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on 15th December, in the shadow of the COP26 summit, is placing a focus on the sustainability of major events. A survey, conducted by event organiser, Major Events International showed that 62% of UK event organisers and their suppliers felt that the industry was “behind the curve” when it came to addressing sustainability issues.

“This surprised me a little,” explains COO Andy Rice, “I’ve always felt that sports and music event organisers were ‘on the ball’ when it came to trying to be sustainable – perhaps they are more self-critical than I thought, or perhaps they are ‘aware’ of the issues but are unhappy about what the industry is doing to address them.”

The summit has a dedicated panel devoted to event sustainability, sponsored by Cube Modular. CEO Brandon Kelley explains: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the summit’s panel devoted to event sustainability. One of our company missions includes helping to find solutions for the events industry to reduce carbon emissions from travel and transport. We are continually focusing our activities on devising solutions to protect the environment, reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the challenges presented by climate change, thus making sustainability a natural and integral part of our business.”

mia Survey Discovers Challenges for Events Sector

The latest survey by mia has found that nine in 10 venues currently have vacancies, with more than three quarters seeking waiting staff. In addition, events organisations are experiencing a 17.5% decrease in the size of their workforce compared to pre-COVID levels. This is a positive shift from the 57% reduction recorded in July. However, fulfilling vacancies is still proving difficult for many as pay rises, bonuses, and other non-financial incentives have become rife as a means of attracting and retaining talent. Additionally, 90% of venues have reported increased operational costs, with more than half highlighting substantial increases.

Government Publishes Final Report from ERP

On 26th November the government published the findings of the Events Research Programme (ERP), which studied over 2 million delegates across 31 events, in order to investigate COVID-19 transmission at events. The programme has concluded that venues and event organisers should consider their ventilation strategy, space utilisation, and movement of people, as part of risk assessments for each event and venue.

The report concluded that: “While ventilation can reduce the

risk of long-range airborne transmission, it does not eliminate the risks posed by other modes of transmission amongst close contacts. Appropriate mitigations are best adopted as part of a hierarchy of controls such as an enhanced ventilation strategy, requiring the wearing of face coverings and reducing crowding. High resolution fixed monitoring of air quality and people movement can be used to determine ventilation effectiveness and identify areas of higher risk to prioritise their improvement. For complex or large venues or high-occupancy events, specific mitigations are best developed in consultation with ventilation and crowd movement experts.”

Scotland Loosens COVID Entry Regulations for Large Events

The Scottish government has voted against extending the COVID vaccine passport scheme, which required those attending large events and nightclubs to show proof of vaccination to enter. The new entry regulations will allow negative lateral flow tests as passes instead.

Since 6th December, attendees of large events and nightclubgoers will only have to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test to gain entry. The option to show a vaccination pass will also still be accepted.

First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, made the announcement during a statement to parliament. She said the cabinet had decided not to extend the scope of the scheme as the measures would not be proportionate to the risk COVID-19 presents.

“We must reach decisions based on our own circumstances and so I can confirm it will be possible to access venues or events covered by the scheme by showing either proof of vaccination, as now, or a recent negative lateral flow test result.”

Survey Finds UK In Favour of Vaccine Passports

A recent survey by YouGov revealed that 64% of UK respondents support the idea of showing proof of vaccination to attend large events. 26,000 people in 26 countries were surveyed, including residents of 10 European countries.

Support was also high in other European nations, including France, with 59% of respondents in favour, and in Germany 62% of respondents were in favour of a vaccine passport for large events, such as concerts and sporting events.

However, favour for vaccine passports fell across the board for activities such as travelling on public transport, eating in restaurants, going to bars or cafes, or for indoor exercise at gyms. The recent results come after the consistent rejection of the vaccine passport from the UK government.

Business News

Continued from page 23

The castle contains several event spaces, but the pièce de resistance is The Evesham at the heart of the hotel, which is one of the largest multi-functional rooms in Warwickshire and can accommodate 340 delegates. Purpose-built with sloped flooring, it’s pillarfree with a large stage and dance floor that lend themselves to presentations and live shows. The room contains up-to-date AV and lighting, in contract to its historic charm.

The three lounges in the original manor have lost none of their Victorian authenticity, but now marry period charm with eclectic cool. They’re a natural choice for collaborative brainstorming sessions as well as informal presentations and receptions, catered by a vintage afternoon tea. Nowhere brings the outdoors in more than the Garden Room, with walls of ethereal woodlands and flamingos, neatly paired with velvet swag. The Oak Room pays homage to its historic roots with dark wood panelling and leather sofas. Gargoyles moodily watch over proceedings. The most secret of the castle’s lounges, the Hideaway, has direct access to the grounds and features cosy seating and original timber floors. With red velvet seating, a giant screen, and accompanying bar area, the Picture Lounge is the hotel’s boutique cinema and available for screenings and presentations.

Studley Castle is available for residential exclusive use corporate events. Warnerleisurehotels.co.uk/discover/ conferences

X Marks the Spot

Discover Manchester’s culture and heritage with team building activities from Eventurous. Steeped in industrial history and renowned for its architecture, culture, and musical exports, Manchester is one of the UK’s most iconic cities. With over 124,000 businesses calling Manchester home, the meetings and events industry is one of the city’s biggest draws. Corporate events and team building company, Eventurous, has created the ultimate team activity to take advantage of everything Manchester has to offer. Explore the city and discover hidden

treasures, intriguing history, and breath-taking architecture as you discover clues on a GPS iPad Treasure Hunt.

Starting from a central location, delegates are split into teams and given an iPad with an interactive map, pinpointed with hotspots they need to find. As the teams make their way to these hotspots, they will be tasked with challenges and puzzles to unlock prizes. From taking silly photos to word puzzles and cryptic clues, everyone needs to get involved to score the most points and claim victory over their colleagues. Everyone then comes back together to share their photos and videos and find out who has triumphed.

From Salford Quays to the set of Coronation Street, Manchester has something to interest every group. A treasure hunt team building activity in Manchester is the perfect post-conference entertainment for delegates working or visiting the city, exploring this exciting location and learning all about Manchester’s culture and heritage.

Eventurous.co.uk

The Great Outdoors

Yorkshire Outdoors Owner, Richard Fawcett, shares what the company can offer event profs looking for some team building inspiration.

Yorkshire Outdoors offers corporate away days and team building activities with a difference. Take your team out of the office and into nature with the wide range of activities available. They can enjoy a 4X4 off-road experience, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking, and much more.

The extensive 4X4 course, set in huge acreage, is multi-level and multi-terrain, providing astonishing driving experiences with awesome hill climbs, jaw-dropping descents, side slopes, and plenty of mud and water.

The exceptional course won Yorkshire Outdoors the Best Track Experience in the UK in the 2019 Adventure Awards.

All activities operate under the guidance of Yorkshire Outdoors’s friendly and experienced team, dedicated to delivering the best experience possible. “The company is really based around customer service and providing an exceptional, quality experience for the client,” says owner Richard Fawcett. “From the outset we ensure that the customer is always given due respect and courtesy and subscribe to the core idea that the customer is king.”

Yorkshire-outdoors.co.uk

Divide and Conquer

Thoughts on the future of hybrid events by Stuart Mitchell, MD of Catch the MICE.

“Please don’t use your phone at the table.” How many times have you heard that? Not only is it common courtesy, but our in-person time is now so valuable and rare. Why would you miss out on precious personal interaction and real in-person networking when at a live event? Especially when you’ve spent time, money and valuable global resources traveling to the venue for the event… its bonkers!

That’s why more and more event planners are coming to the conclusion that hybrid events should not be delivered simultaneously. Not only does each delegate (virtual and in-person) want something different but sponsors also fail to effectively engage with their prospects when their attention is split between a live and virtual audiences. The solution: deliver events at different times and deliver them differently!

To find out more mail stuart@ catchtheMICE.com or join Catch The MICE’s free to attend conference A2Z Hybrid London 2022, where the organisation will provide tips for engagement and how to optimise your event’s ROI. Simply Scan the QR code and join us on-line on 20th January 2022.

The miaList 2021 roll of honour was announced on 4th November at a glitzy ceremony at Park Plaza Riverbank in London.

Celebrating the best and brightest of the events industry, the miaList 2021 honour roll recognises ten exceptional individuals who have directly contributed to the success of the organisation they work for. This year’s awards also saw several teams recognised in the ‘Team of the Year’ category.

Billy Harris - Head of Commercial Sales Edgbaston Park Hotel

Billy was recognised in this list for his passion and enthusiasm in his position. The judges noted that he has emotional intelligence, is exceptionally articulate, and has the ability to think strategically. Billy used these skills to help his employer survive to pandemic.

Bouchra Ennaciri - Sales Office Manager The Venues Collection

Bouchra has been recognised as an inspirational leader, who met the pandemic with a wealth of adaptability, despite having only arrived in the UK to take up her middle management role just four days before lockdown. Bouchra showed a willingness to roll up her sleeves and do whatever task was needed, and the judges admired the journey she has been on.

James Russ - Operations Director CCT Venues

When his employer needed him most, James stepped up to support not only his direct team, but also the leadership team and the wider organisation. His commitment and ability to throw himself into the business during the pandemic impressed the judges, who stated that James is on the top of his game.

Jan Denning - Owner and Director

The Hospitality Partnership

Jan’s drive throughout the pandemic was to support her industry colleagues, and she did so with unfailing enthusiasm and compassion, while continuing to support her own business and associate partners. Her passion, commitment, and professionalism earned her a place on list.

Badge of Honour

Jessica Southworth - Head of Sales Hotel Football

A pinnacle of focus, Jessica is being recognised for reaching out as a volunteer while on furlough, to offer support to those in the events sector. She did this initially to keep her own focus, but ultimately, through her volunteering work, she has helped in the industry.

Josh King - Sales and Marketing Director emc3

It’s Josh’s energy and enthusiasm that’s seen him recognised on mia’s honours list. His determination to drive emc3 forward has made them a more impactful and effective business, and his foresight during the pandemic ensured that emc3 could remain open for business.

Matt Merrick - Director of Sales Holiday Inn

Winning new business during the pandemic was an extreme struggle for most, but Matt prevailed and brought plenty of new business to his employer. All of this was done while leading and supporting his team throughout. The judges said that he should be very proud of his achievements.

Rachel Bradshaw - Front of House Manager Wyboston Lakes

Rachel is being recognised by mia for her resilience, adaptability, kindness, ceaseless energy, and enthusiasm for her role and for her venue. The judges praised her maturity, integrity, and capability in making decisions, and looked forward to her future in the sector.

Sam Morgan - Executive Chef The Venues Collection

Throughout the difficulties of the pandemic

Sam Morgan was creative, proactive, and solution focused. He consistently delivered

amazing results during an unprecedented and challenging time. Additionally, he has consistently energised his team and helped whenever needed. The judges asserted that Sam is a role model and has undoubtedly made a genuine difference to his colleagues and employer.

Sonia Jackson - Head of People Development The Grand Brighton

During lockdown Sonia took on the responsibility of keeping a large and diverse team motivated, safe, and totally engaged. Bringing her intuition, sensitivity, and her clear passion for helping others to the fore she made the transition from work to furlough and then back into work so much easier for so many.

Teams were also recognised in the awards, with Conference Leeds winning best destination team for adapting its services to meet its members’ needs. The Senior Operations team at Wyboston Lakes won best events and operations team, due to their commitment and loyalty. The Belfry Hotel & Resort team won best sales and marketing team for their creative and proactive approach, while ACC Liverpool’s Events Delivery Team won best venue’s team for their care for the wider community. Finally, the overall ‘Team of the Year’ award went to emc3 for its ability to get the whole business working together.

“People will never forget how you made them feel” Maya Angelou

To find out how to create unforgettable experiences for your delegates, visitors, trainees, shareholders, employees, members and the entirety of your community, come to International Confex

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