H&EN July 2024

Historic Venues Conference Centres

We believe we have created a setting that will surpass anything you could begin to expect from a corporate events venue

To us, every function is a bespoke event. We will deliver to your individual, exacting requirements

CONTENTS: JULY 2024

FRONT COVER FEATURE

The Vinery at Solberge Hall

Solberge Hall offers a historic and prestigious venue for any event, nestled in its own beautiful private estate in North Yorkshire. Page 11.

AND MORE

Pound Wise

We speak to Stacey-Rebekka Karlsson at GoHo, about how planning ahead can alleviate the challenge of shrinking budgets. Page 9.

Knowledge is King

Claire Drakeley, Senior Lecturer in Event Management, on the research she is undertaking through the Event Industry Insights App. Page 10.

Be Well

As corporate wellness activities continue to generate buzz, we speak to Julia Green, Head of Corporate Events at Center Parcs Conferences & Events, about their increasing demand. Page 13.

Fit for Purpose

Purpose-built conference centres offer flexible and dedicated spaces for any event. Page 16.

Creating Value

We chat to The Meetings Show speaker Taylor Smith, VP and Executive Creative Director at BCD Meetings & Events, about under-utilised tech in the events industry. Page 23.

And the Winner is…

Welcome to our July issue, out just in time for The Meetings Show!

We look forward to seeing you there and catching up: one of the many talking points I’m sure will be the general election as we wait to see how the elected governance will support the industry going forward.

A summer of great sport is upon us, and with that comes great sporting hospitality, if you are taking your team or clients send us a pic! North Wales is known for some spectacular team building locations, enjoy the beauty of some of our area’s top historic event

Food for Thought

Regenerative agriculture offers a way for event caterers to meet the growing demand for sustainable events. Page 30.

Jet-Setters

Lucy and Alex, Founders of Sandbank Jets, describe a typical day chartering private jets. Page 42.

Up to Speed

Take a look at how your organisation should already be using AI in your daily operations. Page 47.

Christmas Cheer

Christmas bookings are rolling in, so we take a look at what clients are looking for this year. Page 48.

spaces, and see just why purpose build venues are such a good choice.

Event tech covers smart glasses and AI, and we check out budgeting and sustainable catering, plus some useful news, views and insights from key shakers including Yorkshire Agricultural Society CEO Allister Nixon, overseeing one of the largest iconic events this summer.

There’s sustainability, Christmas (yes its time) and two great competitions to enter, so read and enjoy! Follow us on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates or visit Hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

AEV

Allister Nixon

Beam

Claire Drakeley

EIF

ESSA

EVCOM

Jack Sheldon

Where Mountains Meet the Sea

Go North Wales shines a spotlight on the venues and suppliersdrawing event organisers to North Wales. Page 52.

History Lesson

Historic venues are a great way to introduce some class and interest to your event, helping to engage your delegates and add value. Page 56.

Competitions

Win a team building experience for 10 with Climb Wales or an overnight stay for two including breakfast, drinks, and dinner at The Grand Hotel Birmingham. Pages 54/58.

Contributors

Jodrell Bank

Julia Green

Julie Burinston

Justine Meek

Ken Loades

Lick Me I’m

Delicious

Louisa Watson

Taylor Smith Publisher

Photographers

Katerina Hough

mia

NOEA

Sandbank Jets

Stacey-Rebekka

Karlsson

STAR Your World

Stuart Mitchell

Chris Coe Colin / Wikimedia Commons

Congrats to Julie Salter who won a table for 10 at one of The Coniston Hotel’s fabulous Christmas party nights!

The corporate events landscape is continually evolving, with venues across the UK upgrading their facilities and launching new spaces to meet the demands of modern businesses.

Orega Ingenuity House | Birmingham

Located in one of the UK’s best commercial hubs, with excellent transport links, the sleekly designed Orega Ingenuity House in Solihull is a state-of-the-art venue which has recently opened its doors to corporate clients. This modern space is designed with flexibility in mind, offering purpose-built meeting rooms equipped with modern technology. At Orega Ingenuity House, there are a variety of interview, conference and training rooms equipped to handle any type of gathering. The venue features high-speed internet, video conferencing capabilities, and ergonomic furniture, ensuring a comfortable and productive environment. There is also a range of catering options to keep guests energised throughout the day.

Orega.com/serviced-offices/birminghamingenuity-house

NEC Campus | Birmingham

The NEC Campus in Birmingham has undergone significant refurbishment, adding a new dimension to its already impressive facilities. The refurbishments include upgraded meeting rooms, enhanced audio-visual capabilities,

and improved amenities, making it a top choice for large-scale conferences and exhibitions. Additionally, the NEC has introduced a new outdoor space designed for corporate events. This versatile area can accommodate outdoor exhibitions, team-building activities, and networking events, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional indoor venues. With 18 halls, 32 conference suites and 186,000 sq. metres of covered space, these blank canvases are flexible, and a perfect fit for events big or small.

Thenec.co.uk

Holt Lodge | North Wales

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of North Wales, Holt Lodge has recently undergone a refurbishment to offer a charming yet contemporary venue for corporate events. The venue features a variety of meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology, including highspeed Wi-Fi and modern presentation tools. The Garden Suite is suitable for up to 110 guests in theatre style, 48 in boardroom, 36 in U-shape, and 63 in cabaret. Located on the ground floor with natural lighting, air conditioning, bathroom facilities, and access to the beautiful grounds. The Orchard Suite can host up to 50 people - 30 in boardroom, 26 in U-shape, and 24 in cabaret. Located on the ground floor it has natural lighting, disabled access, and a private terrace. The smaller Meadow Suite is perfect for up to 14 delegates, located on the main floor with natural lighting and a quiet space for focused work.

Holtlodge.co.uk

The Glasgow Marriott Hotel | Glasgow

The Glasgow Marriott Hotel has undergone a comprehensive revamp to include luxurious upgrades, state-of-the-art

Introducing a selection of the best new and reshaped corporate venues across the area, by Julie Burniston.

facilities, and contemporary styling, transforming the hotel into a modern, stylish destination for business events and conferences. Located in the heart of the city’s financial district, the venue is perfectly positioned to host corporate

gatherings, with cutting-edge meeting spaces, advanced technology, and enhanced amenities designed to meet the needs of business professionals. Attendees will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), including The OVO Hydro and SEC Armadillo, as well as easy access to world-class dining, entertainment, and transportation options.

Marriott.com/en-us/hotels/gladt-glasgowmarriott-hotel

Llandudno Theatre | North Wales

An historic venue in North Wales, the Llandudno Theatre has undergone a significant renovation to enhance its appeal to corporate clients. The theatre now offers state-of-the-art conference facilities and 28 separate spaces which include advanced audio-visual equipment and flexible seating arrangements. Its unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities makes it an ideal venue for conferences, product launches, and large-scale presentations. The recent upgrades ensure that the theatre can accommodate a variety of corporate events with style and sophistication.

Venuecymru.co.uk

LUMLEY CASTLE, COUNTY DURHAM

GLASGOW MARRIOTT

LLANDUDNO THEATRE, NORTH WALES

NEC CAMPUS, BIRMINGHAM

Blackstock Market | Liverpool

Blackstock Market is a vibrant, 60,000 square foot space in the heart of Liverpool which houses a prohibition-themed whisky bar, a cocktail bar, and is a go-to spot for live sports with screens located throughout. The entire venue can be hired for 1,600 people, or for smaller events chose from a myriad of spaces within the building, including the mezzanine, top floor, studios or Liverpool’s biggest rooftop terrace, providing an unmatched setting for guests to enjoy.

Blackstockmarket.co.uk

Lumley Castle | County Durham

Lumley Castle, a historic venue in County Durham, has recently undergone extensive refurbishments to enhance its corporate event offerings. The castle now boasts modern meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology, all set within the grandeur of a 14th-century fortress. The refurbishment includes updated accommodations and improved amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests. Lumley Castle’s unique blend of history and modernity provides a stunning backdrop for conferences, executive meetings, and corporate retreats, offering an experience that is both memorable and productive.

Lumleycastle.com

Coats Venue, Paisley | Scotland

Coats Venue, located in Paisley, Scotland, is a refurbished historical building that now serves as a versatile corporate venue. The refurbishment has transformed the space into a modern event location while preserving its architectural beauty. The venue offers several meeting rooms, a large hall for conferences, and breakout spaces for workshops. Equipped with the latest technology, Coats Venue can host a range of corporate events, from small meetings to large conferences. Its historical charm combined with modern amenities makes it a unique and appealing choice for event planners.

Coatspaisley.com

Garrion Tower | Scotland

Garrion Tower, an historic castle near Wishaw, is currently undergoing a transformation into a luxury hotel and wedding venue. The project was set in motion after Nicole Rudder purchased the property in 2022. Planning permission has been granted, and the renovation is described as a “labour of love” with the aim to welcome guests by 2025. The venue will feature several meeting rooms, each equipped with cutting-edge technology to support presentations and video conferences. The surrounding gardens and scenic views provide a serene backdrop, perfect for corporate retreats and executive meetings.

Garriontower.co.uk

Fresh Spaces

COATS VENUE, PAISLEY, SCOTLAND

BLACKSTOCK MARKET, LIVERPOOL

PHOTO: COLIN / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Corporate and private events with a range of affordable options

Working lunch buffets delivered daily to your workplace

Formal dinners and canapés, outdoor events, fairs and parties, hog roasts, bbq’s, chocolate fountains and much more Bespoke catering packages with our highly experienced team offering consultation on all aspects of your event

info@bluepeppercatering.co.uk www.bluepeppercatering.co.uk

A1 Loo Hire is the portable toilet division of the A1 Group of Companies - one of the UK’s leading integrated Waste Management Suppliers. Our Extensive range of units are available for hire from our depots in Essex, Wokingham, Portsmouth, Oxford, Coventry, Bridgend and Taunton, for any outdoor event.

Website: www.a1groupuk.com

Email: loohire@a1groupuk.com

NorthinBrief

Mia Seeks New Chief Executive

The Meetings Industry Association (mia) is seeking a new Chief Executive, following Kerrin MacPhie’s decision to pursue a new venture.

Since her appointment in 2021, Kerrin has significantly elevated and transformed the trade association as well as its work advocating best practice and championing the business meetings and event sector.

Under her leadership, Kerrin has restructured the mia team appointing Sandra Eyre as business development director and promoting Katie Cotton as operations director – strengthening its foundation for further growth while developing a clear value proposition, ensuring the benefits of membership are both well-defined and impactful.

Other key initiatives introduced by Kerrin, who will leave her current role in December 2024, include reinvigorating the mia’s busy programme, making its events highly sought after by both members and the wider industry. This has seen the miaList excellence awards being revitalised to record-breaking levels, the creation of peer-to-peer groups, offering members a platform for discussion, collaboration and mutual support, and the launch of monthly miaMeets giving members a regular voice within the association.

Speaking on her time as Chief Executive, Kerrin said: “I am proud of the achievements we’ve made at mia during my tenure as chief executive, ensuring that this long-established association maintains its leading position in the industry. The future is exciting, and I am confident that the mia community will continue to grow in strength and influence, supporting an industry that I love.”

Catch The MICE Owner Becomes CoOwner and Director at Intelligo

Stuart Mitchell, Director of the Manchesterbased consultancy Catch the MICE, has recently been appointed Co-Owner and Director at Intelligo, a UK-based virtual and hybrid events platform solution. Catch the MICE joined Intelligo as a Strategic Partner at the start of the pandemic. Since then, they have been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategy, marketing, and product enhancements.

“Confident in its potential, I am proud to be a co-owner and fellow director, committed to driving continued success in the virtual and hybrid event space,” said Stuart. He also highlighted that Catch the MICE will continue to promote Intelligo alongside its portfolio of event solutions, utilising the platform to support partners and the wider event sector. Intelligo offers its services without an annual license or

monthly subscription, paired with exceptional support. Stuart expressed gratitude to the staff, team, and customers who have supported the business from the outset and looks forward to the next phase of Intelligo’s journey with excitement and optimism.

The Meetings Show Exhibitor Line Up

The Meetings Show 2024 exhibitor list yet again features the best hotels, venues, convention bureaux, DMCs and more from all four corners of the globe.

The show, at ExCeL London on 19th and 20th June, boasts a strong international presence with Atout France, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Catalan Tourist Board, Destination Vancouver, Meet in Ireland, Destination DC, Gibraltar Tourist Board, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Istanbul CVB, Meet Riga, Zagreb Tourist Board and Convention Bureau and Zimbabwe Tourism Authority among the destinations confirmed.

Exhibiting for the first time is STAR Your World, which will be joined by six DMC partners; the Greek National Tourist Office, VisitDetroit CVB, Casa de Campo, Visit Faroes, Hyatt Hotels and The Hoxton.

Wyboston Lakes Double Finalist

Award winning conference, training and leisure venue Wyboston Lakes Resort has again been recognised as one of the best conference venues in the country and among the most sustainable.

It has been shortlisted as a finalist for both Best Venue and for the Sustainability Award for Venues at the highly coveted Conference & Events Awards in July.

Marketing Director and Sustainability Lead Louisa Watson said: “It is so exciting to be recognised as a finalist for two such prestigious awards and it is wonderful testimony to the superb quality of our facilities and to the continuing commitment of all our team to our mantra of ‘More Sustainable, No Apology.’”

The resort’s Woodlands Event Centre was transformed in 2019 to meet the needs of the latest generation of delegates and event organisers. With a variety of rooms fully equipped with the latest technology, it is highly popular and busy with conferences and events for many sectors including financial services, pharmaceutical and associations.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability has been independently accredited by earning gold awards from the Green Tourism Awards

and the IACC, and EcoSmart Platinum Venue Award from Greengage Solutions. All electric energy on-site now comes from renewable resources, reducing the resort’s carbon footprint by 65 percent and a total of 3065 solar panels are currently being installed across the site.

AEV Renews Partnership

The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has announced Momentus Technologies has renewed its technology partnership for the second year.

The partnership has enabled the tech company to work with AEV members through the event managers and finance working groups over the past twelve months and will continue to do so in the coming year. Momentus has also contributed into the crossassociation technology working group.

A long-standing supporter of the AEV, the business has sponsored the annual conference and icebreaker events for a number of years and the agreement will maintain sponsorship of the annual AEV conference in 2024.

Steve Mackenzie, chief innovation officer, Momentus Technologies, said: “We are delighted to continue our support of AEV, such an important association to our industry. The events that AEV put together are always a highlight for our team to attend, with great networking and education for the members.”

Rachel Parker, director, AEV, commented: “We’re pleased Momentus Technologies will continue as AEV technology partner. Our industry is constantly changing; and the partnership will lead to the provision of event and venue management products to many of our members, supporting them with their expertise and enabling them to remain current in their technological provision.”

Pound Wise

We speak to Stacey-Rebekka Karlsson, Founder of event planning business GoHo, about how planning ahead can alleviate the challenge of shrinking budgets.

The ever-present refrain on event profs’ lips when we get together – that client budgets just seem to be getting smaller and smaller – is just one of the major challenges facing our industry. It’s time to face facts: clients are

demanding more for less, and it can be hard to meet expectations without overreaching your budget.

Stacey-Rebekka Karlsson has been producing stand-out events since 2019, when she founded GoHo. She pointed out that even if you’re not facing shrinking budgets, clients are still looking for more value: “The clients that we’re working with don’t necessarily have smaller budgets, but they do seem to want more for their money.”

The question then, is how to provide extra value without incurring extra cost: “One of the things that we do – which was really hard after COVID – is planning things far in advance. If you can plan in advance then you can negotiate better deals for everything from room hire, to bands, to caterers, because you’re securing it so far ahead. You can do this with merchandise as well. The further in advance you can do that, the better. You can get cheaper deals and you’re also not paying for quick turnaround and fast delivery.”

Staying organised and planning for things to not quite go to plan can also save your budget in the long run: “It’s really like that old adage: ‘Prior proper planning prevents poor performance.’ The more intricate you are with your planning, it really does help you keep costs down. I always try to plan for every eventuality and then plan risk management around that. That way

you can avoid any unforeseen costs or things going wrong. Which tends to be things getting stuck in customs or not being delivered on time. It’s a bit doom and gloom, but it works.”

Generally, people are more comfortable booking in advance, especially if you can show how much more you can get for the money.

Since the pandemic, lead times have been much shorter, making it difficult to plan ahead but thankfully, Stacey is seeing a turnaround in this trend: “The last few years, lead times have been ridiculous. Like have a couple of weeks to do a company off-site for 300 people! This year people have relaxed a lot more. Generally, people are a lot more comfortable booking in advance, especially if you can show them how much more you can get for the money.”

Trying to cut down costs is all well and good, but there are some aspects of an event which Stacey thinks are worth splurging on to maintain quality: “Don’t cut costs on entertainment. If your entertainment is poor, it turns your event into a bit of a farce. When organising what you want, if you need to reduce the budget, think about the things that are most important to you and ensure these are not compromised.”

Knowledge is King

Claire Drakeley,

Senior Lecturer in Event Management

at University of Northampton, tells us about the research she is undertaking through the Event Industry Insights App.

The Power of Events, in collaboration with Claire Drakeley at the University of Northampton, recently announced the deployment of a pioneering pilot research project through the recently launched Events Industry Insight App. The pilot research project will take place fortnightly until mid-July. Each deployment will take less than five minutes to complete, providing industry professionals with an accessible opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research. Users of the app will receive notifications, alerting them to the availability of the research on their app.

The app has been designed to make crossindustry research easier, as Claire explains: “This is very much the first test, so it’s a learning curve for all of us. We will be doing a comparative study; I’ve already had my survey out via traditional methods. We’re trying a very different approach with the app of deploying different scenarios each fortnight and then following up with a little snippet of results.”

The initial focus is on the challenging issue of ad-hoc and subjective decision-making processes prevalent within the event management sphere: “My research is about decision making, which is common across the sector though in different context. We all have to make those difficult, critical decisions at various points, and so part of the reason for using my research to test the app was because of that breadth of reach across the sector.”

Claire feels that snap decision making is something that the industry lacks

methodology for: “There are some things where we refer to emergency services models or military decision-making procedures. However, events are a very different context because we’ve got potentially hundreds and thousands of stakeholders who are engaged in that decision and lots of different factors that influence that choice. It’s not just about achieving one objective. So my research looks into how we make that decision.”

This project will hopefully produce a tangible guide which can help event professionals tackle high pressure decisions in the future: “There is a broader strategic element to this research, and that’s where the Power of Events came into play, recognising that this research does have that potential reach and the value and impact it will hopefully have on the sector. We’re engaging people in a topic that is relevant to everybody and has longer term value. And will, in 18 months, hopefully result in something tangible and useful.”

The app isn’t only for long term research topics either: “For example, the app gives Power of Events the opportunity to be able to ask questions of the industry about relevant current topics. It doesn’t have to be a full research paper, it can be preparation for a whitepaper, or simply an area of interest we want to provoke discussion about. It’s about bringing the events industry and academia closer together.”

Download the app at Thepowerofevents.org/ industry-insight-app

Solberge Hall offers a historic and prestigious venue for any event, nestled in its own beautiful private estate.

The Wharfedale Group Proudly Presents: Solberge Hall.

After an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment, Solberge Hall has been transformed into an exclusive-use luxury country house events venue. The new Solberge Hall beautifully marries traditional architecture with European romanticism. Each room, from the chandelier-bedecked Vinery to the cool and quirky Garden Bar and Drawing Room, immerses you in unparalleled luxury.

As you approach, the sleek wrought iron electric gates gracefully swing open, revealing the entrance to your private haven.

The Vinery at Solberge Hall

Inside, you will find a selection of rooms ideal for different-sized events and corporate functions, along with 25 bedrooms, including classic, superior and luxury suites. Dining options are extensive and we are happy to discuss your specific requirements.

Set within a breathtaking panorama that spans the scenic North Yorkshire countryside for miles, Solberge Hall is situated on a picturesque private estate nestled between the historic market towns of Thirsk and Northallerton. It is conveniently located near local transport links, with a direct route from London Kings Cross station. Guests

and delegates will appreciate the ample car parking, large outdoor patio area, landscaped gardens, mature ancient woodland and far-reaching views. Privacy is assured throughout your stay.

The all-new Solberge Hall is wonderfully unique, offering lashings of luxury and exceptional service.

For more information and bookings, contact us at:

- Email: events@solbergehall.co.uk

- Phone: 01609 779191

- Website: www.solbergehall.co.uk

A truly unique alternative for corporate events and team building with everything you need to create memorable experiences at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest and Woburn Forest.

Be Well Be Well

As corporate wellness activities continue to generate buzz, we speak to Julia Green, Head of Corporate Events at Center Parcs Conferences & Events, about their increasing demand.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d no doubt seen tonnes of headlines discussing mental health at work over the last few years. Work wellbeing is an issue which came under discussion heavily during the pandemic and has gone nowhere since. It’s no surprise then that this interest has spread into our industry, with corporate wellness experiences as part of an event – or even for team building – having experienced a massive surge in interest lately. This increased interest has led to Center Parcs Conferences & Events announcing its Twilight Spa Package for business clients, available as an add-on to any corporate event at the Sherwood Forest or Woburn Forest venue.

Julia Green, Head of Corporate Events at Center Parcs, tells us why this topic is on event organisers radar at the moment: “We’ve seen a real shift in events having a wellbeing element included in their agenda,” Julia explains. “From talking to companies and asking them why, they are taking stock of their work-life balance with many people working remotely, and they’ve said that attending a corporate event should be no different. So if the company ethos is that wellness is important, they want to bring that to their events as well. I think that remote and dynamic working means that people aren’t always together, and there is a big focus on reconnection.”

Offering wellness aspects to events is something that many event organisers can benefit from as it makes a great client incentive. Center Parc’s decision to lean into this aspect stems from client feedback received after an event: “We had a client recently at Center Parcs who came for a festival-style event. They did several mindful activities such as forest bathing, breath work, and mindful walks, as well as the spa. Their feedback was really key and it helped us drive this forward. They said that it fostered a sense of unity and inspired teams to connect in nature and strengthened their relationships with each other.”

Nowadays, a wide variety of different kinds of wellness activities are available, from more traditional offerings such as meditation and yoga, to the more unusual puppy rooms or flaneuring, and many of these are able to be incorporated into an event. However, having a wellbeing activity with a specific corporate focus may be the best way to entice clients and engage with delegates: “We had general wellness offerings already but we were finding that people just weren’t picking it up as a key element of their event. So we wanted to do something that shows our commitment to our corporate offering. We’re also looking into having smaller bitesize wellbeing options that we can bring into the venue.”

In today’s fast-paced business world where most of our day-to-day tasks are online, The Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa provides a nourishing getaway for your team to bond with a much-needed digital detox. Nestled in the heart of the idyllic Yorkshire Dales, the venue offers the perfect setting for corporate retreats and team building days which make a difference to your team’s collective and individual health and wellbeing. Designed to boost productivity and strengthen team bonds, there are luxurious spa treatments, invigorating outdoor activities, energising exercise facilities, and nourishing nature experiences.

Organise your ideal team building day with unique activities to choose from such as

The Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa provides the perfect productive reset for your team.

dragon boat racing and raft building on its picturesque lake, entertaining outdoor circus activities, or test your aim at the shooting ground. Grab the wheel during the Land Rover experience or practice some mindful fishing – the day is yours to design.

At the fully equipped award-winning spa and fitness centre focus on yourself while being social with your team by taking a yoga or Pilates class, ideal for building strength and gaining mental clarity. Spa treatments from muscle-releasing massages to soothing facials and holistic treatments are tailored to each individual’s needs allowing your team to really get some me-time. Or just soak in the peaceful surroundings with mindful woodland walks, and forest bathing. Let The Coniston

Sustainability Is Your Superpower

Rob Wicks, Managing Director, P&J Live, Aberdeen, and AEV board member shares the importance of sustainability being at the forefront for venues.

A council-owned venue operated by ASM Global, P&J Live is committed to being an environmentally and socially responsible business. Ensuring your venue stays up to date with current sustainability standards is essential, not only to meet the expectations of delegates and stakeholders, but also for our planet.

We have set up dedicated teams based on our key sustainability pillars (environmental sustainability, community, and people) each driving actions to achieve set objectives, our strategy focusses on a series of commitments: our energy strategy, transportation, food and marketing, as we feel the biggest impact can be made here. Energy at the site, (including two on-site hotels), is supplied by a multi-technology, low-carbon energy centre, along with a state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion plant that produces gas from local food, distillery, and crop waste.

On the transport front, we work closely with the city council and later this year expect to see the energy centre exporting hydrogen to power the city’s fleet of hydrogen buses that in turn bring guests to the venue – a perfect circular economy. We’re also a key stakeholder in a major regional EV infrastructure feasibility study.

We’re making some decent inroads on the food front as an active participant in the ASM ‘Guardians of Grub’ initiative, championing a reduction in food waste. The building has separate waste segregation for recycling and food. All food waste is processed and composted locally, menus are based on seasonality and local suppliers are used wherever possible, helping reduce food miles.

We have several other initiatives forming part of our sustainability strategy, but one we’re especially proud of is promoting the use of new, environmentally-friendly display

Hotel be your guide with its well-traversed walking map made from its expertise of the area and how best to spend your day in the beautiful surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales.

Treat your team to a retreat at The Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa and discover a sanctuary which combines relaxation with adventure, offering a team building experience which strengthens productivity long after your visit has ended.

Theconistonhotel.com events@theconistonhotel.com 01756 637057

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boards for our conference organisers and exhibitor clients – rather than ending up in landfill, these can be recycled and offer clients lower costs and improved logistics.

We’re obsessive about tracking data and use it help develop our strategy. Being part of the AEV sustainability working group, signing up to the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge and getting close to securing our Greener Venue certification help us maintain focus.

We also appointed Net Zero consultants, Positive Planet, to enhance and accelerate our sustainability journey. First up they have helped us measure our scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions to establish this all-important benchmark.I believe we are on the front foot when it comes to sustainability and setting a strong benchmark for the industry.

Aev.org.uk

HIRE BIRMINGHAM’S BIGGEST SCREEN

Accommodating up to 354 delegates, our AUDITORIUM is the perfect location for conferences, lectures, product launches, AGM’s, award ceremonies and film screenings. Featuring a 30m2 stage and a giant screen, this space is perfect for making a big impression.

SCAN ME TO LEARN MORE 354 tiered seats with clear sight lines 14m x 8m screen with up to 4K projection Hybrid event and live streaming capabilities City centre location

Fit for Purpose

Purpose-built conference centres offer flexible and dedicated spaces for any event.

In today’s fast-paced business world, the importance of effective communication and networking cannot be overstated. Events such as conferences and seminars are critical to fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation for your clients. As an event organiser, choosing the right venue for these events is paramount, and purpose-built conference centres offer a range of distinct advantages that make them the optimal choice for hosting successful business events.

State-of-the-art facilities

Purpose-built conference centres are designed with the specific needs of

events in mind. They are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced audiovisual systems, high-speed internet, and cutting-edge presentation technology. These features ensure seamless presentations, interactive sessions, and realtime connectivity, enhancing the overall experience for both speakers and delegates.

Flexible spaces

Conference centres are designed to offer flexible spaces that can accommodate a variety of event sizes and formats. Whether you are hosting a large international conference with multiple breakout sessions or an awards dinner and reception, these

venues can adapt to your needs. Movable walls, modular furniture, and a variety of room sizes allow for customisable configurations that suit specific event requirements.

Enhanced comfort and accessibility

Purpose-built conference centres prioritise delegate comfort and accessibility. These venues often feature ergonomic seating, ample natural lighting, climate control, and well-designed layouts that reduce fatigue and enhance concentration. Additionally, they are usually fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and compliance with accessibility standards.

Continues on page 26

SCOTTISH EVENT CAMPUS, GLASGOW

SCOTTISH EVENT CAMPUS, GLASGOW

We are a UK leading conference & events team with a reputation that has been built on a breadth of knowledge, experience and an understanding of what our clients need for the ideal event.

Conferences, banquets, exhibitions and events from 20 to 2500 delegates

2707m2 flexible exhibition space

Two theatres & multiple break-out rooms On site parking for 1650

850 Hotel rooms within 5 minutes’ walk

Five airports under an hour away and great motorway links

Get The Hype

Justine Meek, Agency Relationship Manager at Warwick Conferences, talks about generating buy-in on your sustainability journey.

“Unprecedented circumstances” have been the norm in the hospitality sector in recent years. During my varied career in hospitality and conferences – from my first role as a hotel receptionist to now entering my 16th year at Warwick Conferences – I have seen firsthand how innovative this industry can be. Climate change represents one of the next biggest threats, and as a sector, we undoubtedly have a duty to minimise our environmental impact.

Setting goals effectively

Having clear targets – with set deadlines –is critical in any collective endeavour. We created our Sustainability Roadmap, an essential blueprint to meet our overarching goals; net zero carbon emissions from direct emissions and the energy we buy by 2030, and net zero carbon for both direct and indirect emissions by 2050. Building a robust plan allows everyone – colleagues and customers – to understand why change is needed, what will be different and how they can play their part.

Part of goal-setting should be regular progress checks; these will provide the opportunity to celebrate successes and correct course if progress is not being made in particular areas. We are developing our own Carbon Calculator to help our team and our customers to track and understand their carbon footprint when they use their venues. Demonstrating impact to customers is vital; particularly as procurement decisions are increasingly driven by alignment with sustainability values.

Balancing leading and listening

It can be tricky to get this balance right, but it’s critical to be able to both lead from the front and take a step back to listen to others’ feedback.

Creating working groups or subcommittees internally will spread the workload and allow you to tap into a broader variety of viewpoints and experiences, ultimately helping chart the right course along the sustainability journey.

Tapping into wider sector organisations and professional networks can provide invaluable support and advice. Connecting with like-minded organisations streamlines problem-solving through sharing insights and best practices, acting as a sounding board for ideas.

Getting everyone involved

At Warwick Conferences, we’re part of a broad community – encompassing our Conferences and Catering teams, but also colleagues and students connected with the University of Warwick. The wider community network has been crucial in our sustainability journey, giving everyone a sense of involvement.

For us, a particularly memorable example is last autumn’s tree planting event. Our team members, students and university staff came together to plant nearly 200 tree saplings to support biodiversity on-site. Events like these have been pivotal in generating collective commitment within our community.

Though the specifics of each organisation’s journey will vary, as a sector we must continue to place environmental concerns at the heart of what we do. Prioritising involvement from all corners of your organisation and its operations will be key; from colleagues to customers, everyone has a part to play.

Warwick.ac.uk/services/conferences

A WINNING VENUE

Renowned racing venue set in magnificent countryside First-class corporate hospitality suites & restaurants

Competitive conference Day Delegate rates & packages

Manchester city centre’s versatile conference and meeting venue, with excellent public transport and ample local parking. The fully equipped Auditorium is perfect for conferences for up to 400, exhibitions, exams and more. We also have seven smaller rooms.

Manchester city centre’s versatile conference and meeting venue, with excellent public transport and ample local parking. The fully equipped Auditorium is perfect for conferences for up to 350, exhibitions, exams and more. We also have seven smaller rooms.

Ideal location - close to A1(M) with links to M1 and M62

Flexible conference, exhibition and events space

Acres of outdoor event areas and FREE on-site parking

Our friendly team look forward to welcoming you.

Our friendly team look forward to welcoming you.

0161 276 8194

0161 276 8194

King’s Church, Sidney Street, Manchester M1 7HB enquiries@kingshouse.co.uk | www.kingshouse.co.uk

King’s Church, Sidney Street, Manchester M1 7HB enquiries@kingshouse.co.uk | www.kingshouse.co.uk

IET Birmingham: Austin Court offers the convenience and efficiency of a state-of-the art venue with the charm and character of a historic building.

Located in the heart of Birmingham’s trendy Brindleyplace 14 event spaces

Groups of any size - from 2-150 delegates

1 staff contact from enquiry to invoice

Sustainable and accessible

High-tech auditorium, with HD projection in all rooms

Expert video and webcasting solutions from iet.tv

WiFi (100mb)

IET Birmingham: Austin Court, 80 Cambridge Street, Birmingham, B1 2NP

T +44 (0)121 600 7500

E austincourt@ietvenues.co.uk

W austincourt.theiet.org

IET Venues @IETvenues

IET = The Institution of Engineering and Technology. IET Services Limited is registered in England. Registered Office: Savoy Place, London, WC2R 0BL. Registration Number 909719.

IETvenues

Yorkshire Event Centre and Pavilions of Harrogate are award-winning venues located on the Great Yorkshire Showground.

Show Time

The events team at The Great Yorkshire Show are masters at hosting a large-scale event. CEO of hosts The Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Allister Nixon, tells us more prior to this year’s July edition.

2024 will mark the 165th Great Yorkshire Show, an annual celebration of agriculture and so much more, hosted by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate. Utilising indoor and outdoor event space of over 6,300 sq. metres at the venue and attracting 35,000 guests each day for the show’s four-day run, the Great Yorkshire Show is now an event of epic proportions. We asked CEO Allister Nixon about hosting such a long-lasting large-scale event.

Hello Allister! Tell us more about the planning process like for an event of this scale?

Hi! Not everyone is aware it’s the Yorkshire Agricultural Society that puts on the show which is a charity. We have around 110 permanent staff who cover events and a broad range of businesses which are part of the charity like our farm shop Fodder. But, for the majority of the year, the events team is very small: we’ve got four people in our livestock section, two on trade stands, and an operations manager.

But by the time show comes, we will have brought in around 300 temporary staff and over 600 volunteers who support the show including 250 judges and 360 stewards.

How

important is the flexibility of the venue?

The Yorkshire Event Centre was built to support the show, it is the food hall for the show, with fantasticindoor and outdoor spaces, and it’s also an amazing facility to use throughout the whole year – it’s a great rural setting for events.

We keep the map of each area largely the same which gives us an initial template. Otherwise, we use an architect design programme which means we can be flexible. Having a really accurate piece of software means we can move things about on screen and get a good understanding of what will work. We recently introduced a sheepdog trial section for the first time which led to some changes.

Has the show evolved over the many years?

It’s not about making big changes for us; it’s about looking at things every year and keeping agriculture at its core. The big thing for us is improving the engagement for the public when they’re walking about. This year we’re reintroducing the People’s Choice which is a way of getting the public involved with judging the livestock in a fun and interactive way so they can hopefully come away with a genuine improvement in their understanding of farming and the rural community.

Another thing we try and do is improving experience year on year. The capacity for the show is 35,000 visitors daily, we could go to 55,000 but we put a limit on it because we believe it’s better for the visitor experience that way. We’re all about ensuring a great day out for everyone, we’re not chasing headline numbers anymore.

Tickets for this year’s show on 9th to12th July 2024 at Greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

TRANSFORM YOUR EVENTS FROM THE MUNDANE TO THE MAGNIFICENT

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

BOOK ROTUNDA & BASKERVILLE

• Iconic setting for gala dinners and drinks receptions.

• Amazing backdrop for dinners up to 500.

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

STUDIO THEATRE

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

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

HOUSE THEATRE

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

• Dine on the stage up to 240 guests.

• Host events on top of theatrical sets.

0121 245 2066 enquiries@uniquevenuesbirmingham.com uniquevenuesbirmingham.com

Creating Value

With 20 years in creative production and events, working with big name brands such as Apple, Toyota, and Uber, Taylor Smith knows the ins and outs of using technology to enhance your event. He’s worked with tech start-ups to mega corporations, designing and delivering hundreds of highly successful events within a range of budgets. As the VP and Executive Creative Director at BCD M&E, Taylor leads the production and content team and all elements of creative, content, and live event experiences.

Something which is often on event organisers minds since the pandemic forced both event profs and delegates to rely exclusively on technology for experiences, as Taylor explains: “In terms of technology, I think the pandemic was a big reset for a lot of people, and everybody though we were going to do virtual forever, which didn’t happen. But there are some things we’re working on with customers which still apply postpandemic.

“The Metaverse is a good example. When the pandemic hit, everyone transferred their events budget to that

Ahead of his talks at The Meetings Show, we speak to Taylor Smith, VP and Executive Creative Director at BCD Meetings & Events, about under-utilised tech in the events industry.

and spent tonnes of money on these highly immersive platforms but weren’t really willing to spend the time developing them. I think there’s a place for that kind of technology post-pandemic to continue the conversation and feed content to your attendees year-round, so it’s not just, ‘see you next year’.”

Everybody is talking about it, but not everybody knows how to use it properly.

AI has dominated headlines this year, but most event professionals are still not using this tool to its greatest potential: “Everybody is talking about it, but not everybody knows how to use it properly. It’s good at being an assistant for more of the logistics side of things, but on the creative side it’s a whole different world using AI to write scripts, or to create storyboards or visuals. Just as with any other technology, it’s important to approach it with caution and research, and test ways of slowly incorporating it into your workflow. AI is only as good as the people using it and that’s the same with any technology. It’s a really powerful tool, but if you don’t know how to use it you’re going to break something, or not get the most out of it.”

Many larger events are using showstooping bits of technology as a talking point or marketing device. From projection mapping over a venue’s exterior, to holograms of long-dead celebrities, there’s no shortage of wow-factor moments modern tech can produce, but Taylor believes that few event profs are truly exploring what can be done: “I think there’s this common theme of using technology just for the sake of saying that you’ve used it. Ten years ago, at Coachella there was the Tupac hologram, and everybody lost their minds and thought ‘this is what we need at our sales kick-off’. So they took an amazing piece of technology that took years and years and millions of dollars to build in a oneoff controlled setting, and then tried to recreate it without any thought or budget or effort in their own space.

“Projection mapping isn’t new to events for some of the more highly experiential uses either. But in order to properly projection map on to something and get the angles and lines correctly, it requires an entire team of highly skilled people and special equipment software. I’ve seen attempts at it which were basically using a standard slide projector.

“In the end, the way to incorporate a jaw dropping tech-based experience to your event is to invest the time and money and expertise to make it truly unforgettable.”

Check out Taylor at The Meetings Show Themeetingsshow.com

Experience is Key

Louisa Watson, Marketing Director and Sustainability Lead at Wyboston Lakes Resort, discusses the increased importance of the delegate experience.

The landscape of events is undergoing a significant transformation, with a heightened focus on delegate experience and wellness. In an era where personal wellbeing is paramount, the events industry is responding by integrating experiences into the core of event planning. Venues that will thrive are those that recognise the inextricable link between delegate experience and wellness, creating environments that cater to both.

Delegate experience is no longer just about the content delivered; it’s about how attendees really feel throughout the event. People will forget most things about an event, but they won’t forget the way you make them feel. This shift is driving venues to innovate and incorporate diverse experiences into their offerings.

Outdoor activities and natural surroundings are becoming essential components of event programmes, providing attendees

with much-needed fresh air and a break from traditional indoor settings. The Nature Reserve at Wyboston Lakes, a hidden gem for 40 years, is now part of the resort’s offerings, providing a serene escape and enhancing the wellness experience for delegates.

Socialising has also evolved, with competitive socialising emerging as a popular trend in corporate events. Gala dinners are being reimagined with experiences built in, transforming standard networking opportunities into memorable, interactive experiences. Meetings are no longer confined to boardrooms; they now include areas for calm and relaxation, as well as vibrant social hubs where delegates can connect informally.

Food, a critical aspect of any event, is also seeing a revolution. Attendees expect food that is not only different and tasty but also contributes to their overall wellness. Venues that offer nutritious, diverse, and

As whispers of a General Election quickly emerged into its calling last month, our latest mia insight survey hadn’t yet been live for a week. Looking at our findings and it’s hard to argue that the call for change hadn’t been coming.

Tellingly, just 4% of 157 business meetings and events professionals feel the sector is supported by the UK government. With many feeling disgruntled, the sector has pinpointed the stabilisation and improvement of transport infrastructure, the supporting of skill development and the enhancement of international exposure and recognition as welcome support that we would benefit from.

visually appealing menus are setting themselves apart and enhancing the overall delegate experience.

Looking ahead, the future of events will likely see an even greater integration of technology to personalise and enhance delegate experiences. Virtual and augmented reality could become standard tools for creating immersive experiences, while data analytics will help tailor events to individual preferences and needs.

Venues that continue to be bold with innovation and prioritise the wellbeing of all their attendees will not only succeed but set new standards in the events industry.

Wybostonlakes.co.uk

Seeking Support

Kerrin MacPhie, Chief Executive of the Meetings Industry Association, highlights the lack of government support for UK business meetings and events in the association’s pre-election insights.

This feedback and insight provides pertinent ammunition to support our lobbying efforts, which has been at the forefront of our work in recent years. We’ve continued to nurture strong and effective relationships with key government departments, notably the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport who we hosted alongside VisitBritain at IMEX. These relationships have proved essential as we inform government of the key challenges and opportunities that are facing the sector, and more importantly discuss ways to overcome and leverage these respectively.

With potential changes in store, it is paramount that we are primed and ready

to paint a picture of the sector to those that remain in or enter into government roles of influence. As we strive to drive our sector up the government agenda, we plan to meet with officials over the coming months following the election, and look forward to providing further insight into our discussions in an upcoming issue.

Readers can follow the Meetings Industry Association on LinkedIn to keep up to date with its guidance and advice, as well as accessing its quarterly mia Insight reports online.

Mia-uk.org

Feel like being more sociable?

Feels like Wyboston Lakes Resort

Come and have a chat with us at The Meetings Show! Our team will be on The Delegate Wranglers stand ready to talk all things conferences, training & events.

At Wyboston Lakes Resort, it’s all about experience. Giving you inspiring choices to bring people together, in a vibrant environment.

WE DO IT DIFFERENTLY AND WE DO IT SO WELL

Continued from page 16

Prime locations

Conference centres are typically located in areas easy to access by public transportation and close to accommodations, dining, and entertainment options. This convenience reduces travel stress for delegates and provides ample opportunities for networking outside the formal event setting. Moreover, being situated in vibrant business districts or scenic locations can add to the appeal of the event, attracting higher attendance.

Security and safety

Security and safety are paramount concerns

for any event, and measures are always in place at a conference centre. Equipped with robust security systems, including surveillance cameras, secure access points, and professional security personnel ensure the safety of all participants and the confidentiality of sensitive information. Additionally, compliance with health and safety regulations, including fire safety and emergency response plans, provides peace of mind to organisers and delegates alike.

Sustainability initiatives

Many modern conference centres are designed with sustainability in mind.

Features such as energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction programs, and the use of environmentally friendly materials contribute to the venue’s green credentials. Hosting an event at such a venue aligns with corporate social responsibility goals and can enhance the organisation’s reputation as an environmentally conscious entity.

If you’re looking to deliver a seamless, impactful, and memorable event, a purposebuilt conference centre is the ideal choice.

MANCHESTER CENTRAL

NEC, BIRMINGHAM

Creating a memorable event requires more than just impeccable planning and execution; it calls for a unique setting that captivates and inspires. Hosting any corporate event at a unique venue provides an unparalleled opportunity to create impactful experiences. By integrating the venue’s unique characteristics into the event theme and ensuring the catering and atmosphere align with the overall concept, you can elevate your event beyond the ordinary to ensure your event is truly unforgettable.

Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, Jodrell Bank stands as a beacon of scientific discovery and a prime location for special events. After major investment in 2022, Jodrell now offers a full-service corporate offer, attracting worldfamous businesses from across the world.

Using an extraordinary location

The foundation of a standout event begins with the venue. Opt for a location with inherent uniqueness, whether that be its history, architecture, captivating decor or calming natural surroundings. Set the stage for an exceptional experience and do your research about your venue. Consider places that offer more than just a space; seek venues that evoke curiosity and wonder in your clients.

Famous as the home of the UK’s largest radio telescope, Jodrell is synonymous with new scientific discoveries; so the venue was handpicked to be the host of the ‘Time is Running Out’ Exhibition, a poignant display about climate, CSR (corporate social responsibility), and environmental awareness

Above and Beyond

A recent event at Jodrell Bank shows us how to use a venue’s unique selling points to elevate an event.

by the Institution of Civil Engineers. The goal was to blend these themes with the venue’s astronomical significance to create an event that would be both impactful and memorable.

Creating an inspiring theme

Harnessing the venue’s distinctive features created an inspiring event theme. For the exhibition, interactive pods and mechanical interactives were brought in to educate attendees on climate change and civil engineering. This interactive aspect not only aligned with the event’s theme, but also related to the impressive backdrop of the 292ft Lovell Telescope – built by leading British engineer Sir Henry Charles Husband.

Out of this world catering

Of course, creative catering plays a crucial role in reinforcing the event’s theme. For this event Jodrell created a space-themed afternoon tea, the menu featured galaxythemed pastries, star-shaped sandwiches, and cosmic cocktails served in scientific testtubes! Each item was creatively named and presented, adding a fun and immersive twist that delighted guests.

Building the atmosphere

Dramatic lighting and sound are powerful tools in transforming a venue by engaging the senses of your clients. Jodrell Bank has a unique nine-projector curved space dome which can transport guests into a virtual reality with 3D immersive experience, surround sound, and VR headsets.

Jodrellbank.net

NorthinBrief

First Reusable Zero Waste Exhibition Stand

A world first zero waste, reusable exhibition stand made from event waste carpet will make its global debut at The Meetings Show.

Thanks to a collaboration between creator Paradigm and partners isla, The Bulb, Informa and The Meetings Show, a prototype of the innovative reusable zero waste stand will be revealed to the world’s meetings and events community at the show.

The walls and floor of the truly circular and sustainable stand are built out of Reform, a ‘game-changing’ recycled plastic tile made from old exhibition carpet, with the flooring made using post-consumer ocean plastic fabricated using renewable electricity in the UK. The substructure of the stand is built out of repurposed metal from disused shell scheme, meaning the structure of the stand is made from 100% post-consumer materials.

Creator Lee Cooper of Paradigm designed the curved stand to represent the circular economy. He said: “Traditionally there’s been a stigma that sustainable stands are compromised by their design and quality, particularly for smaller stands and shellscheme. Until recently, the options have been largely limited to recycled cardboard and using unfinished ply and pallets for furniture, which is a very specific aesthetic. However, with Paradigm’s approach, this is no longer the case. We’re using end-oflife event materials to offer an alternative solution with circularity at the core – and it looks amazing.”

Emirates Old Trafford Wins Major Conference

Destination Emirates Old Trafford has secured the Hospital and Specialty Optometrists Conference, organised by the Association of Optometrists, a leading UK membership organisation for professionals in the optical sector.

More than 300 hospital and specialty optometrists will head to the venue for a two-day conference, featuring a range of CPD-accredited education and workshops, from 21st to 22nd September 2024. The gathering will include an exhibition to provide delegates with the opportunity to meet representatives from industry, as well as an evening dinner.

The Association of Optometrists will use a wide range of the venue’s spaces, including The Point, which offers enormous seven-metre windows with panoramic views of the legendary pitch, the vibrant 1864 Suite, Members Lounge, Library Suite, Honours Suite, Emirates Lounge, and Executive Boxes.

For delegates staying overnight, the venue’s newly extended onsite hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, will provide 200 bedrooms, many of which look over the famous Lancashire Cricket pitch.

This event is one of a raft of new wins for the business, following a £75 million investment project, including a hotel extension, to transform the iconic cricket stadium into a world-class, multi-purpose venue in Manchester.

ASM Global Europe to Launch New UK Venues

ASM Global Europe, a leader in venue management, has announced plans to open four state-of-the-art venues across the UK (in London, Newcastle Gateshead, Derby and Southport) by 2027, further solidifying its position as one of the top venue operators.

The new venues, which will be opened between spring 2025 and spring 2027 will provide spaces for a wide range of events including exhibitions, congresses, conferences, hospitality and meetings. In addition, they will offer significant new entertainment and consumer event spaces for thousands of live event attendees. The openings, which include Olympia, London and The Sage ICC on the Newcastle Gateshead quayside, will confirm ASM Global Europe as one of the world’s leading event space providers, with 15 venues ranging from Aberdeen, Scotland to London, England. ASM Global Europe has extensive knowledge and expertise delivering best in class events and experience for both consumers and commercial clients, which includes corporates, association, not-for profit and charity sectors.

‘Strong Growth Trajectory’ Reports

Manchester Central

One of the UK’s largest event venues – has said it ‘remains extremely confident in its growth trajectory’ as quarterly figures show a strong business performance ahead of new CEO, Lori Hoinkes.

Figures from its latest Economic Index covering the first three months of the year (1st January – 31st March 2024) revealed the venue welcomed over 123,600 visitors to 41 events in the quarter (an increase of over 8,440 on the same period last year) once again signalling the region’s economic strength and organiser appetite to host large-scale events outside London.

Events held at the 10,000-capacity venue in the quarter included LEGO’s Bricktastic, the acclaimed Northern Restaurant and Bar exhibition and elite global sports event HYROX. The quarter’s events brought the total number of conferences, exhibitions and events held at the venue in the financial year to 152.

Shaun Hinds, who recently left to take up the role of Chief Executive at Newbury Racecourse, said: “I’m extremely pleased with how the venue has performed through this quarter. With an incoming change in leadership, it can be easy to assume a period of instability, however these figures not only demonstrate the strength of the venue and our ability to host large events, but also the expertise of the leadership team we have in place.

“We have put the necessary plans in place to ensure a seamless transition as Lori comes on board, and together with the team, we are confident of the strong trajectory we are on.”

Daniel Thwaites Hotels’ ECOsmart Certification

Nine Daniel Thwaites Hotels have been awarded the prestigious Silver ECOsmart certification, highlighting the strong commitment to sustainability and ecofriendly practices. This accolade reflects the significant strides made by the hotel group in various environmental initiatives. Key efforts include robust recycling and waste reduction strategies, with membership in WRAP since 2019. The hotels have eliminated single-use plastics, replacing plastic bottles with glass alternatives and installing refill stations in corridors. Innovatively, the venues repurpose brewing waste to feed horses, ensuring minimal waste.

Energy efficiency is a top priority, with significant investments in renewable energy, including solar panel installations. The hotel group also focuses on local sourcing, procuring products from regional suppliers to support local businesses and reduce their carbon footprint. To further support sustainable travel, EV chargers have been installed at their brewery and hotels.

Regenerative

agriculture offers a way for event caterers to meet the growing demand for sustainable events, as Julie Burniston reports.

Food for Thought

Sustainability is often at the forefront of modern business decisions, driving a growing concern for our planet and a push for ecofriendly practices. People are now more aware of the environmental impact of their food choices. They want to know where their food comes from and if it’s produced sustainably. For event caterers looking to ease these concerns, regenerative agriculture might be the answer.

Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving soil health, boosting biodiversity, and enhancing the water cycle. Unlike traditional farming, which often depletes resources, regenerative methods aim to restore them.

Consumers actively seeking information about their food’s origins want to support farming methods that are good for the environment and fair to workers. By using regenerative agriculture, caterers can offer food that’s not just delicious but also planet friendly.

Plus, regenerative farming can be economically beneficial for farmers. Healthier soil means stronger crops and potentially higher yields, which can reduce the need for expensive fertilisers and pesticides. This can lower costs and boost profits in the long run, meaning a steady supply of top-quality ingredients which align with sustainability goals.

Bringing regenerative agriculture into the

food supply chain is a step towards a more sustainable and ethical food system. It shows a commitment to taking care of the environment and meets the growing consumer demand for transparency and sustainability. By adopting these practices, caterers can not only meet their clients’ expectations but also help create a greener future for the food industry.

Regenerative agriculture methods

• Healthier Soil and Carbon Capture: By using methods such as cover cropping and minimal tillage, regenerative farming keeps soil healthy. Healthy soil is better at holding water and nutrients and acts as a carbon sink, helping to reduce greenhouse gases. For caterers, sourcing from regenerative farms can lower their carbon footprint, which is a big plus for eco-conscious customers.

• Boosting Biodiversity: Regenerative practices create diverse ecosystems both above and below the soil. This reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilisers, protects pollinators and other beneficial insects, and makes the farm more resilient to pests and diseases. Caterers can offer a wider variety of fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients, which is a big draw for health-focused clients.

• Saving Water: Water scarcity is a growing issue, and regenerative agriculture helps by improving soil’s water retention. This means less need for irrigation and fewer problems with runoff and erosion. Caterers can highlight these water-saving benefits

to appeal to environmentally aware customers.

• Supporting Communities: Regenerative farming often involves local, small-scale farmers, which strengthens ties between consumers and producers. This local focus can boost local economies, support family farms, and foster a sense of community. Caterers can emphasise these social benefits, attracting customers who care about ethical and communitydriven businesses.

To make the most of regenerative agriculture, event caterers can take a few key steps:

• Connect with local farmers: Building relationships with local regenerative farmers ensures a steady supply of sustainably produced ingredients. Plus, these connections provide great stories and insights to share with clients, building transparency and trust.

• Educate and market: Use marketing materials, menu descriptions, and events to educate clients about the benefits of regenerative agriculture highlights environmental and health advantages which can set them apart from their competition.

• Innovative menus: Create menus which feature seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from regenerative farms. This not only supports sustainability but also enhances the culinary experience for clients.

TWO-WAY RADIO HIRE, SALES AND SERVICE

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Delivery

On-site

The day after tomorrow. Not to be confused with an apocalyptic future, more of a metaphor for planning ahead and being aware of all that the (very short term) future could bring to all of us in the events community.

Also, not intended as a way of distracting all of you professionals as you execute your current plans at events across the country, bringing joy, cultural enrichment, and escapism to millions. But, like many promoters, producers, and organisers, we do need to keep an eye on next year, and the year after that… and beyond.

2024 is no different. Globally, the collective populations of over half of humanity will be in countries having elections this year. We now have a date for the UK election, and we know when the big one – the US – will take place later this year. Like any major event, we need

Adaptability is essential for survival in an ever-changing world. We have recently opened the EVCOM London Live Awards for entry, but this year they look a little different.

Since the pandemic we have seen falling numbers of entries to our live awards. It’s pretty obvious where the entries went during the pandemic, but why haven’t they come back?

We canvased our members and found that they are continuing to feel the impact of the pandemic, Brexit and the cost of living crisis on the way that

Planning Ahead

Susan Tanner, CEO of the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA), discusses the need to plan ahead in uncertain times.

plans, and contingency; no matter how large or small, these changes will affect us all.

How they’ll affect us, we just don’t know. We can speculate, everyone will have an opinion, but at NOEA we prefer to gauge our own opinions and conclusions from within our community. So, its perfect timing that it just so happens that our own convention takes place on 26th November. By then most of these world changing events will have happened and we’ll be seeing the first hints of the micro and macro impacts they will have. As this happens, we see it as a great time to collaborate as an industry.

The NOEA Convention has a great reputation for open discussion, and everyone usually inputs into the many conversations that take place. This year we’re packing the agenda full so we can have more of these forums, but we’re also extending networking

opportunities; people are coming to talk. At the same time, and excuse the shameless plug, we’ll be having our Awards, later that evening. We’re encouraging members and non-members to put forward events, partners, people that they feel best reflect the best of this industry. This is important, for us we need to acknowledge an uncertain future, but also celebrate the continuous excellence of who we are and what we do.

Regardless, it’s time to plan ahead. To think about the consequences of what is happening now and for the rest of the year and to get talking. Collaboration, networking, and shared thinking are all by-words of the events industry.

Noea.org.uk

Times Are Changing

Claire Fennelow, Executive Director of the Event & Visual Communication Association (EVCOM), explores changing in the industry and how we have to adapt to survive.

they are working. On the financial side, clients are expecting more for less which makes it more of a challenge to deliver the sort of events that usually go on to be decorated in awards schemes. Plus, during the pandemic, we saw a huge uptick in internal comms and with so many people still working from home, this is still a booming part of the industry. It’s exciting work, but hard to get client permission to share externally and so work that is a clear award-winner remains stuck behind closed doors.

Agencies don’t always have control over the events that they work on, and whether they can get client permission to enter

them. But what they do have control of is how they treat their staff, build their culture and champion diversity and inclusion. Agencies are making really exciting strides in these areas and we thought it was time they were rewarded for the work they are doing to support the growth of their agencies and the wellbeing of their staff.

Given the changing landscape for clients and for agencies, we believe that a pivot towards agency-focused awards seems like the best way to celebrate the passion and innovation in our industry. We are really excited to see the results.

Evcom.org.uk

New Tricks

In the fast-paced world of event planning where time is of the essence, new tech to improve our lives is coming thick and fast. Event Technology Expert, Stuart Mitchell, Managing Director of Catch the MICE, gives his insights on why event planners need to embrace it.

Hi Stuart! How important is investing time in learning new event tech?

The day-to-day tasks of booking venues, coordinating with suppliers, and managing client expectations leave little room for learning new tools. However, investing time in learning new event technology can free up their schedules significantly. Once planners start using these tools, they often find they save more time than they imagined.

Can you give us some specific examples of how event tech can save time and money?

Absolutely. Here are a few key areas:

• Automating Repetitive Tasks: Event tech can handle tasks like sending reminder emails and processing payments automatically, saving hours each week.

• Streamlined Communication: Centralised event management platforms keep everyone, from team members to clients, in the loop, reducing miscommunications and last-minute changes.

• Real-Time Analytics: Immediate insights

into registration numbers, attendee engagement, and feedback allow planners to make informed decisions quickly.”

What about the cost? Is new technology often too expensive for small agencies?

While some software can be pricey, there are many affordable and scalable solutions available. Many providers offer tiered pricing or even free versions that small agencies can start with. For example – one of our clients, Joi, an event planning & scheduling tool, starts from as little as £30 per month.

What are your thoughts on subscription-based software versus paying on a per-event basis?

Choose subscription-based software for cost efficiency if you’re planning multiple events annually. For fewer events, a payper-event model is more viable – the key is to consider how many events you’re delivering and never over-invest in features you’ll never use! many platforms try to

upsell these. Ensure the provider offers excellent customer service and training resources. Both our clients Intelligo (for virtual/hybrid events) and Eventene (event management software), offer planners a solution on an event-by-event basis.

Any tips for planners who are looking to transition to using new event tech?

Start small and focus on tools that address your biggest pain points. Take advantage of training resources like free tutorials and webinars. Also, connect with peers through online forums or local groups to share tips and experiences. Prioritising and investing time in the right tech and training will deliver long-term benefits that far outweigh the initial time costs.

In summary, “the short-term pain is worth the long-term gain”, with upsides of reduced labour cost, increased productivity, efficiency, and additional commercial event margins.

For more details contact: Stuart@ catchthemice.com

Reduce noise, improve communication, accessibility & engagement with Silent Seminars.

Perfect for delivering the audio on exhibition stands, in seminar theatres, walking tours, for language translation and immersive experiences.

Smart Glasses are a cutting-edge wearable gadget which combine augmented reality (AR) with real-time data displays, giving you interactive experiences right in front of your eyes – and they’re already making waves in the events sector by simplifying tasks and boosting efficiency.

How they work

Smart Glasses use advanced technology to show information in your field of vision. They usually have a small display screen, camera, microphone, and built-in sensors. The display projects so you can see notifications, navigation directions, and other useful data without needing to look at your phone. The camera and sensors analyse your surroundings for AR overlays and gesture controls. Better still, Smart Glasses connect to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, giving you access to apps, calls, messages, and more on the go. You can even use voice commands or gestures to interact with the glasses and get things done effortlessly.

The benefits for event professionals

Smart Glasses are set to revolutionise event management in many exciting ways. Finding your way around big event venues is super easy with real-time directions and virtual signs guiding you to conference rooms or exhibition spaces. Interactive presentations and demos keep everyone engaged, and real-time product showcases offer immersive experiences. Large venues such as convention centres or trade shows can be confusing, but Smart Glasses offer

Get Smart!

Julie Burniston explores how smart glasses look set to revolutionise the events industry.

virtual arrows and signs to guide you, reducing the need for physical signs and staff directions.

Upgrade your presentations

Presentations get a major upgrade with Smart Glasses too. Imagine a keynote where stats, videos, and images pop up as the speaker talks. For product launches, the Glasses offer interactive demos and immersive AR experiences in a virtual space which can be explored at the guest’s own pace. Perfect for when space is tight and a fun and easy way to provide detailed product info.

The way forward for networking

Smart Glasses take the stress out of networking. With facial recognition and social networking features, you get realtime info about the people you meet - their name, job title, and company – which makes conversations more productive and way less awkward! Plus, Smart Glasses can keep track of your schedule, send notifications for upcoming sessions, and

remind you of meetings, helping you to stay organised and get the most out of the event.

Making events more accessible

Inclusion is an important buzz word across all industries, and Smart Glasses are a great way to make events more accessible, helping visually impaired attendees with real-time visual descriptions, reading assistance, and navigation support, while features such as object and facial recognition make sure that everyone has a great, inclusive experience.

Real time notifications

Finally, for event staff, Smart Glasses can streamline many tasks, providing realtime updates and instructions through the Glasses, thus improving response times. If there’s a schedule change or an urgent issue, notifications go straight to the glasses, allowing for immediate action so your team can keep everything running smoothly.

• Professional flight provider: project assistant and trusted partner

• Any size and type of group: from economy to business class, from easyJet to private jet

• Destination advice: find the perfect location for your event

• Personal point of contact: friendly and dedicated Carter Groups consultant

Go Global

Andrew Harrison, Director of Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA), discusses guidance for the UK events industry on working abroad.

Brexit may seem like a long time ago, but for those in the UK events industry, its ramifications when it comes to working abroad are still being felt. The withdrawal from the EU naturally brought about a lot of change which impacted the processes required for the UK events industry to continue to legally work in the EU.

The main difficulty many workers find is not in understanding the information, but in sourcing it in the first place, leading to a lack of clarity and confidence when it comes to taking their skills and expertise abroad. The UK government has been slow to provide clear and concise guidance, leaving many UK workers confused and believing that working abroad is far more complicated than it actually is, and therefore not worth the effort.

Looking for a group travel management specialist to handle your delegate transport needs? Look no further than Carter Groups! With an innovative consultative approach and extensive global reach, Carter Groups is a leading light in the industry. As an independently owned entity under the Uniglobe Travel umbrella, Carter Groups leverages over 100 years of collective experience to deliver bespoke travel solutions tailored to your needs.

What sets Carter Groups apart is its consultative approach, which prioritizes active communication and collaboration between travel experts and event professionals. This method acknowledges that each group has unique dynamics, goals, and needs, and through open conversations, travel consultants gain invaluable insights into the group’s expectations, interests, and limitations. This thorough understanding allows the team to produce a customized itinerary based around your needs, ensuring a seamless booking and reconciliation process.

It’s why a big part of our work at ESSA has been helping companies identify, access, and understand the information they need to successfully work abroad to restore trust and confidence both in themselves and in the wider market. We launched our in-depth working abroad resource for our 300+ members which comprises hundreds of hours of research and information gathering in partnership with visa consultancies, country consulates as well as using our vast member network. Our efforts have always been to provide a breakdown for a specific country’s requirements for working abroad from an events supplier perspective.

However, we still need the government’s support to help further simplify the process. The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) –

comprising ESSA, Association of Event Organisers (AEO), and Association of Event Venues (AEV) – has been lobbying the UK government to secure greater clarity on the issue – it’s one of the key areas of our manifesto.

We don’t want Europe or the rest of the world to get the impression that the UK is shut for business. However, with the right support, we can empower UK event professionals to continue to do so with ease and ensure the UK’s expertise remains an invaluable contribution to global events.

Essa.uk.com

Fly With Us

Carter Groups is the stand-out group travel management specialist to help you wrangle delegate travel logistics.

Carter Groups manages travel for a wide array of group sizes and purposes, from arranging a private jet for a board meeting of five VIPs to coordinating travel for 600 people from 30 global origins to a single destination. Whether you’re organizing team sports tours or handling conference delegate management, you’re in safe hands with Carter Groups. Their expertise extends beyond air travel, encompassing national and international rail groups, including private train carriages.

With the ability to manage multi-origin departures and efficiently handle travel logistics from Africa, America, and Australia to Europe or Asia, Carter Groups ensures a smooth process from investigation to reconciliation. Its robust network and relationships with over 100 airlines and multiple air charter operators guarantee access to the best group rates available, from budget airlines like easyJet to private jets. Choose Carter Groups for all your group travel needs and experience the difference a consultative approach can make!

Carter Groups’ expert coordinators excel in advance registration for events, helping organizers secure group flights and charters early to increase delegate engagement and attendance. Their management of airline contracts includes negotiating extra baggage allowances, managing seat lists, and arranging group check-in desks, taking the complexities and potential costs off your plate.

In addition, clients receive comprehensive reporting and delegate management services, including budget control through pre-event costing and post-trip refund management for no-shows. Plus, sustainability is always on the agenda: after your event, you’ll receive an itemized CO2 report and offset options to help you achieve carbon neutrality.

Choose Carter Groups for all your group travel needs and experience the difference a consultative approach can make!

Cartergroups.co.uk Groups@cgtravel.co.uk

Treat-tastic

Invite your delegates into a world of pure imagination with the taste-bud tingling creations from Lick Me I’m Delicious.

As an event professional, you’re no doubt constantly on the lookout for a standout experience to wow your clients with. How about instant ice cream? Lick Me I’m Delicious, so named for the wonderful inventions that make an astounding array of astonishingly tasty delicacies – which everyone wants to lick! But that’s not all, each of its amazing, Willy Wonka-inspired machines is a spectacle to behold – a wonder of the modern world designed to delight the senses and promote their brand.

Experience true child-like wonder with contraptions such as its Edible Balloon Factory that creates helium filled edible balloons – each balloon comes in a range of delicious flavours, and everything is edible, even the string! Or witness the Chocolate Selfie Station that scans your head to create a perfect 3D replica in delicious milk chocolate to give your delegates a delightful personalisation experience. On show at CHS was the Nitro Pod, a contraption which makes an array of flavours of ice cream right in front of your eyes. Liquid nitrogen is used at -196°c to instantly freeze the ice cream in a theatrical puff of smoke.

The wonderful world of inventions from Lick Me I’m Delicious can bring joy and laughter to corporate events, awards-evenings, and parties. But it can also use its inventions to attract guests to your stand and drive interactions at exhibitions, provide great networking opportunities and a welcome bit of fun during break-out time.

NorthinBrief

Sustainability Simplified Client Wins

Sustainability Simplified has announced a new raft of client wins, following on from the consultancy’s successful launch in January. The business is now working with Set Creative, Spiro, Ecoform, and Good Festival.

The agency has also expanded its work with Westfield Rise, as well as successfully setting up an in-house team within Nteractive. The new client wins underline the broad spectrum of work being delivered across the industry, and throughout the events and media supply chain. Sustainability Simplified continues to focus on simplifying workflows and messaging whilst being able to perform complex carbon audits, enabling clients to set realistic targets and plan for the future.

Consultant Poppy Stephenson, commented: “Working directly with clients, we are able to create bespoke solutions to enable them to put the more general guidance into practice, in a way that works for them and their business. It’s so great seeing real changes being put into action.”

Sustainability Simplified has already delivered workshops for global experiential agency Set Creative, resulting in a new Sustainability Policy and a playbook of practical measures for the business’s teams across all the areas of events they specialise in. Meanwhile, the work for Spiro consists of creating a carbon emissions baseline for the 1,000+ person global agency and helping them set Science Based targets as part of their Net-Zero commitments.

GBTA joins Net Zero Carbon Events

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organisation and the voice of the industry, has joined Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE), the worldwide events industry initiative to address climate change as a supporter of the campaign.

Since its launch at COP 26 in Glasgow in 2021, Net Zero Carbon Events has developed a wealth of resources to support events industry organisations on their journeys to net zero carbon emissions. These include a Roadmap and advisory reports on Venue Energy; Smart Production and Waste Management; Logistics; Travel and Accommodation; Food and Food Waste; Offsetting and Measurement.

With the campaign now focused on implementation in each of these areas, GBTA and NZCE will be working together with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) on implementing the Travel and Accommodation element.

James Rees, President of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), which is driving the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative for the industry said: “We could not be happier than to have GBTA as a supporter. GBTA

has unparallelled expertise and experience in the technical aspects of business travel and sustainability, especially through the Sustainability Initiative of the GBTA Foundation. We are delighted to be working with both GBTA and ICCA on this and looking forward to aligning our work and developing common ground for all stakeholders in future.

New Addition to NOEA Council

NOEA has announced that Bev Osbourne, Founder of Training 4 Resilience, and one of the leading and most respected event professionals in the industry, has been coopted onto its council.

Bev brings decades of experience to the board, having been integral in the training of thousands of industry professionals, and behind the safety and logistics of a number of high-profile events, not least working collaboratively alongside other leading event professionals at the world famous Glastonbury festival. Bev is also a long standing NOEA member and collaborator, bringing her experience into both the curation of the association’s convention, and as a host of its hugely popular SAG Live! series.

Commenting on her appointment, Bev said: “It is a huge privilege to be co-opted to the NOEA Council and I am thrilled to be joining such an important organisation for the Events Industry. I believe passionately that we should share our knowledge and experiences within the events industry to try and ensure every event, regardless of its size, can be the best it can possibly be. I feel there are opportunities to work with NOEA to deliver training and tabletop exercises to support event owners and teams to create better plans and bolster their knowledge and skills in incident management, so they are better prepared for when the unexpected happens.”

New Survey Sees Growing Demand

A new survey from Barbican Business Events revealed that an overwhelming 77% of the respondents have incorporated elements of culture and the arts into their conferences or events, with 20% of them integrating these elements either significantly or completely. These figures highlight the increasing importance of cultural elements in commercial, association, charity and not-for profit conferences and meetings.

Additionally, 61% of respondents observed that including cultural content led to an increase in registrations, with 9% noting a significant increase in registrations. Looking ahead, 89% of the respondents expect to incorporate arts and culture into their future events, which is a 12% rise on those already doing so.

“It’s truly inspiring to see the depth and creativity with which culture and the arts are being integrated into events and

conferences. These elements are not merely additions; they transform events into vibrant, immersive experiences that engage and inspire attendees,” commented Jackie Boughton, Barbican’s Director of Commercial. “By embracing arts and culture in their events, organisations are not only enhancing the attendee experience but are also tapping into the profound impact that creativity has on communication and learning. As a creative catalyst, the Barbican is perfectly placed to showcase the most exciting art from around the world alongside being a hub that creates connections and convenes critical business thinking.”

The Venues Collection Showcase Sustainability

The Venues Collection (TVC) is the first UK venue chain to remove dairy ingredients from all dessert menus across all its five venues. The alternatives offer a delicious selection of classics including sticky toffee pudding, cherry trifle, Biscoff mousse with raspberry compote, seasonal berry cheesecake, and salted caramel panna cotta with flapjack crumble.

TVC’s sustainable credentials also include attaining the ‘silver’ level in the Green Tourism ‘Green Meetings’ Standard, the world’s largest sustainable certification program, achieving Venue Directory’s Green Accreditation and the installation of solarpowered EV charging points to be rolled at all venues. Furthermore, compost made at Eastwood Hall’s static aerated compost system transforms the venue’s raw organic materials into biologically stable, compost suitable for growing plants. Plans are also progressing to roll out this initiatives across the other venues.

Joanne Barratt, Managing Director of The Venues Collection, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting sustainability across our industry. By introducing a number of industry first initiatives and eco-friendly alternatives, we empower event organisers and venue bookers to make environmentally conscious choices.”

• Private chefs for all occasion

• Castles, lodges and estates

• Locally sourced, sustainable

• Bespoke menu designed to every clients requirements

Ready, Steady, Cook

Hi Ken! Tell us about your background?

Hi! I started as a Commis Chef in the prestigious Culloden House Hotel in Inverness. I then went to college at the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland, where I graduated with honours, following which I worked in Australia for a year before returning and helping a friend open a hotel in Inverness. I moved to Edinburgh where I opened a restaurant on the Royal Mile before moving back to Inverness to develop a company caned Cru Holdings with a friend, which had 11 venues under it. After 16 years, last October I took over Ghillies Kitchen from a chef who was actually my Head Chef back when I was a Commis Chef.

How did you get into cooking in the first place?

I didn’t love school, so cooking was an option to get out of that. But I always watched my mum and grandparents in the kitchen. My grandfather was famous for cooking a bit of rabbit casserole. I think eating rabbit at the age of six, that sparked my interest in food from an early age.

What dishes are trending for corporate events?

There’s one that’s been very popular this year, an individual beef wellington with a mushroom dhal, wrapped in wild garlic weeds. I also do a Cullen Skink risotto which is pretty popular. That’s a traditional Scottish soup made of smoked haddock, potato, and leeks, so I took

those ingredients and developed it into a creamy risotto, which tends to be a crowd pleaser.

I specialise in seafood and game, so we’re doing a lot of seafood boards. Events have gone away from the more traditional sit down, three course menu to more family-style sharing boards. We get fresh seafood here daily; beautiful big langoustines and lobsters and oysters, all that sort of good stuff.

Do you have a favourite ingredient?

I cook with garlic a lot. And because we’re based in Scotland, I’ve tried to incorporate whisky into most of my dishes. I’ve taken a great liking to Bruadar Single Malt. I call it a dessert whisky because it’s infused with honey.

What’s the most memorable event you’ve catered for so far?

I was lucky enough to cook for Prince Charles and Princess Diana when I was in Australia.

Outside of work, what’s your passion?

I’m part of the DYW, which is Developing the Young Workforce. And I’m working with Quality Meat Scotland as well, to try and train up kids and get them interested in catering and food production. I think that hospitality needs as much help as it can get to get new blood into it. We’ve all heard the problems that everyone has had over the last few years with staffing, so we really need to encourage young people to come into the industry. Ghillieskitchen.co.uk

We speak to Ken Loades, Owner of Ghillies Kitchen, bespoke event caterers in the Highlands, to find out about his career, popular dishes, and favourite ingredients.

We speak to Lucy and Alex, Founders of Sandbank Jets, about a typical day chartering private jets!

Jet-Setters

Hi! So what does a typical day chartering jets look like?

The thing about our business is that every day is different. We work 24/7 and can work from anywhere and we often do! Different destinations in the UK and abroad, from our office, on the road, loading bags for large charters or at private terminals ensuring our clients departures go smoothly with the added little touches we like to provide to make our clients experiences that extra bit special. Our clients are at the centre of our business. If its within our power, we always say yes! Lucy heads up our Charter Sales, negotiating the best aircraft solutions and price, then Alex heads up our operations department, taking over for the client experience, customer service, ensuring everything goes smoothly. We like to offer a door to destination experience for our clients.

How did you get into the industry?

We had known each other for years. During COVID we discussed setting up a business together and after an underwhelming experience booking a private Charter for a family member Lucy thought: ‘Why not give it a go for ourselves?’ Lucy comes from an aviation background and Alex from a business ops background. It was really that simple, and Sandbanks Jets was launched. We spent every day learning the industry, meeting people and submersing ourselves in all things private aviation. It has gone from strength to strength over the last four years we have been trading and keeps growing. We love what we do, passionate to create something we are proud of and something exceptional for our clients.

What makes Sandbank Jets stand out?

We want to be different – people ask what sets us apart from other private charter brokers and its simple. We are honest,

transparent and work tirelessly to ensure our clients are given the best experience possible. We will never promise something we can’t deliver; we will always give you the best possible pricing and service and we will do everything we can and more for customers.

Can you tell us about any memorable experiences since starting the business?

We had a call from a family whose father lived in Europe but had come over to stay with them during the Christmas period. He was unfortunately taken ill during the visit and was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a few weeks to live.

All he wanted to do was return back to his home abroad and have a beer by the pool but he had a very limited budget to do this and couldn’t travel on a commercial aircraft as he was so poorly.

We managed to find him an empty leg (this means the aircraft is travelling empty to the destination to perform its next flight) and we got him home with his family and they managed to spend some really important time together.

Not all flights are glamorous, exciting holidays, or business trips – some of the work we do can be quite difficult at times and for important urgent reasons.

At Sandbanks, our entire team shares the same values – we will look after every client if they fly once in their lifetime or 10 times a month with exactly the same care and attention to detail. We strive to make things as easy as possible for clients who are experiencing a very difficult situation and with 24/7 support available to our clients we feel we can do exactly that.

Global Superstar

Explore destinations for events across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for an event to remember.

The global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry continues to evolve, offering diverse destinations that cater to an array of professional needs and experiences. Selecting the right destination is crucial, not only for logistical conveniences but also for the enriching cultural interactions it can provide attendees. Europe, Africa, India, and the UAE stand out as prime choices due to their accessibility, favourable climates, and exceptional culinary offerings.

EUROPE

Europe’s strategic importance in the events sector is unparalleled, offering logistical ease and a rich tapestry of cultural and sustainable experiences. Short flights between major cities and an array of venues ranging from ultra-modern conference centres to historic sites make Europe a top choice for event planners.

Spain: vibrancy and variety

Spain stands out as a dynamic and versatile event destination, combining vibrant local culture with excellent conference facilities and a rich historical backdrop, making it an attractive hub for any event. From the central capital of Madrid to the coastal charms of Valencia and the historic richness of Andalusia, Spain offers a variety of settings for all tastes and event requirements.

Canary Islands: a year-round paradise

The Canary Islands offer a perfect mix of year-round sunshine, diverse landscapes, and comprehensive event facilities. With

activities ranging from beachfront team building to vibrant local cuisine, these islands are ideal for blending business with leisure in a spectacular natural setting.

Balearic Islands: business and leisure in idyllic settings

Mediterranean charm blended with topnotch event amenities in the Balaerics.

Famous for their beautiful beaches and rich history, destinations like Mallorca and Ibiza provide unique venues for conferences and corporate retreats, combining professional settings with relaxation and entertainment in Spain’s scenic archipelago.

Portugal: traditional yet modern

Portugal provides event venues that

perfectly blend traditional charm with modern amenities. Lisbon and Porto, known for their rich historical heritage and contemporary hotels, cater well to large – and small – scale events, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.

Greece: where history meets hospitality

Greece captivates delegates with its blend of timeless historical sites and unmatched hospitality. From Athens’ rich historical tapestry to Santorini’s stunning vistas, Greece offers diverse, state-of-the-art venues that enhance any event with scenic beauty and cultural depth, ensuring a uniquely memorable experience for all participants.

Slovenia: green and innovative

Emerging in the event scene, Slovenia is recognised for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Ljubljana, the capital, offers a range of eco-friendly venues that maintain modern technological needs without sacrificing environmental consciousness. The country’s dedication to green practices, extensive cave systems, rich beekeeping traditions, and the unique culinary delight such as the Bled Cream Cake, further enrich the event experience, making Slovenia an excellent choice for those seeking a sustainable and culturally rich venue.

Italy: luxury and cultural immersion

Italy stands as a premier destination combining luxury with deep cultural immersion. Iconic cities like Rome and Venice showcase Italy’s rich history with landmarks and picturesque canals, offering unparalleled settings for meetings and incentives. Every event benefits from Italy’s celebrated charm and grandeur, making it a top choice for an unforgettable experience.

AFRICA

Africa is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for events, thanks to its unique landscapes and robust infrastructure.

South Africa: a confluence of business and beauty

South Africa excels in hosting international gatherings, providing sophisticated infrastructure and a variety of activities. Venues in Cape Town and Johannesburg are particularly capable of accommodating large-scale meetings, complemented by stunning vistas and outdoor adventures. The country’s rich biodiversity, adventure sports, cultural diversity, and gastronomic excellence, combined with its role as a gateway to other African adventures, make it a compelling choice for any corporate event looking to offer something beyond the conventional, connecting the hearts of the participants to the destination.

Morocco: exotic and captivating

Morocco entices with its mixture of Arabic, Berber, and French influences, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Marrakech and Casablanca offer worldclass facilities against the backdrop of vibrant markets and majestic palaces, providing a stimulating environment for events. The opportunity for outdoor lunches, exploration of medinas, and desert adventures around Agafay and the Atlas Mountains makes Morocco a uniquely immersive destination.

UAE

The UAE epitomizes the fusion of modernity and tradition, establishing itself as a powerhouse for business events and incentives. Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead in the events industry with their luxurious amenities and cutting-edge facilities.

Their strategic locations and perpetual sunshine make them ideal for hosting large-scale conventions and exhibitions. Emerging destinations like Qatar and Oman offer unique experiences that blend modern facilities with authentic local culture, enhancing their appeal as event destinations.

Oman: tradition meets modernity

Oman offers a unique blend of ancient heritage and modern luxury, making it an excellent destination for events. With its stunning landscapes, from desert dunes to

lush mountains, and world-class facilities, Oman provides a distinctive backdrop for conferences and corporate events that promise both adventure and tranquillity.

India: A Mosaic of Cultural Experiences

India’s diversity offers a vast array of cultural experiences that can transform corporate events into extraordinary adventures. From the architectural wonders of Rajasthan to the peaceful backwaters of Kerala, India offers a rich palette of destinations. The integration of local traditions and festivities adds an unforgettable dimension to events, allowing attendees to engage deeply with India’s rich cultural heritage.

Choosing the right event destination is crucial for ensuring success, offering environments that inspire and motivate. Event planners can elevate ordinary events into transformative experiences, creating lasting impressions for all participants.

Explore these vibrant locations with STAR Your World and its trusted Destination Management Companies and upscale Hotels to ensure your next event is not only successful but unforgettable. Create an event that perfectly aligns with your vision and goals exceeding your expectations.

STAR Your World is exhibiting at the meetings show stand E41 with its many destinations.

With AI dominating headlines lately, it’s easy to feel like you’re being left behind, so Julie Burniston takes a look at how your organisation should already be using AI in your daily operations.

Up to Speed

From chatbots to data analytics and process automation, AI offers a wide range of tools that can significantly enhance efficiency and engagement. Many event businesses have already integrated AI into their day-to-day tasks, saving time and manpower. So how should you be using this powerful tool to stay up to speed?

Aid client queries

Chatbots are a super practical use of AI in the event world. These smart assistants can handle tasks such as answering common questions and managing event registrations. By adding chatbots to your website and social media, you can offer round-the-clock customer service, and free up your employees’ time to deal with more complicated matters. Plus, advanced chatbots can personalise interactions based on user data, making the experience even better for delegates.

Data-based decisions

AI-powered data analytics tools can quickly process huge amounts of info, giving you deep insights into delegate behaviour and trends. By looking at data from past events, social media, and registrations, AI can spot patterns and predict future trends. This helps you to make smart, data-driven decisions about everything from marketing to event logistics. For example, AI can help you figure out the best channels for promotion, the perfect times to send out emails, and the best layout for your event space. These insights can make your planning more efficient and your events more successful.

Streamlining operations

AI is great for automating repetitive tasks such as scheduling, invoicing, and data entry, reducing human error and allowing you to focus your attention elsewhere.

AI can automate sending reminders to attendees, manage ticket sales, and coordinate with vendors. Automation tools can also connect different event management systems, making communication and coordination smoother. This boosts operational efficiency and lets you focus more on strategic planning and creativity.

Personalising experiences

Creating personalised experiences is key to memorable events, and AI can help you do just that. By analysing data from various sources, in much less time that it would take you to do manually AI can help tailor experiences to individual delegates, such as personalised agendas, targeted networking opportunities, and customised content. On-site, AI can enhance experiences with facial recognition tech for quick check-ins and personalised greetings, reducing the number of venue staff needed to man the check-in area. AI-driven recommendation engines can also suggest sessions, activities, or products based on a delegate’s interests, boosting engagement, and satisfaction.

Better marketing and outreach

AI can transform your marketing efforts by providing insights into customer behaviour and preferences. AI-driven email marketing tools can analyse open rates, clicks, and other metrics to optimise your campaigns. Social media algorithms powered by AI can help you figure out the best times to post, the most engaging content, and how often to post. Plus, AI can help create more engaging and targeted content by analysing how your audience interacts with your posts, making sure each of your posts achieves its maximum impact and reach.

Christmas Cheer

Is it that time already? Christmas bookings are rolling in, so we take a look at what clients are looking for this year.

Yes, Christmas is on the horizon, meaning businesses are already turning their attention to organising memorable Christmas parties. New trends are emerging that planners should be aware of to ensure they meet client expectations and capitalise on early booking opportunities.

Jack Sheldon, Managing Director of VenueScanner provides, valuable insights into the current booking patterns and preferences. According to Jack: “We’re already getting a lot of bookings through the platform for Christmas dos – we usually find the bigger enterprise size companies book first, with smaller ones leaving it until later in the year. This typically means the bigger businesses get better deals. But given our data shows the average Christmas party costs businesses over £12,000, we always advise customers to book early to secure not just the best and most appropriate venues, but also at the best price too.”

Early booking

One of the key takeaways from Jack’s observations is the importance of early booking. Large enterprises tend to secure their venues early, reaping the benefits of better deals and availability. Smaller companies, on the other hand, often wait until later in the year, which can limit their options and potentially increase costs. For event organisers, this underscores the need to encourage clients to plan and book their Christmas parties well in advance.

Shift towards activities

While traditional bars and restaurants remain popular choices for Christmas parties, there is a noticeable shift towards more activity-based events and unusual venues, Jack notes: “While the most popular venues still tend to be bars and restaurants, we are seeing an appetite for more activities-based Christmas parties in a move away from ones solely focused on drinking, and a bigger focus on lower waste too. For example, we’ve already had bookings for the likes of shuffleboard, axe-throwing, and mini golf, with more unusual spaces including warehouses and galleries getting booked up too.”

A green Christmas

As companies become more environmentally conscious, they are seeking ways to reduce the environmental impact of their events. This can include choosing venues that prioritise sustainability, opting for reusable or biodegradable decorations, and minimising food waste through careful planning and portion control.

For event organisers, this means incorporating sustainable practices into their planning process and offering ecofriendly options to clients. Highlighting venues that have strong environmental policies or providing suggestions for reducing waste can appeal to clients...

Creating a memorable experience

Ultimately, the goal of any Christmas party is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for delegates. What about a theme, where dress code, gifts, drinks and food can make things fun. Get some great entertainment and a photo booth for some great keepsakes and social media posts.

With the current trends leaning towards early booking, activity-based events, and sustainability, event organisers have the opportunity to design innovative and impactful celebrations.

Book Early Think Engaging Activities Get a Theme

Make it Fun Go Green

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Walk the Plank’s Fire Garden

Captivate your audience with a spectacular Fire Garden, turning a dark space into a mesmerising landscape of fire and light. Perfect for parks and gardens, stately homes, weddings and festivals. Tailored to your theme, special occasion, or local story.

“The Fire Garden felt so beautifully delivered for our site. Audiences were mesmerised. Brilliant!”

Bradley Hemmings MBE, Artistic Director, Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

Create unforgettable night-time experiences with stunning fire sculptures. Contact us today to learn more!

Group is a ‘full

For over 30 years our multiple awardwinning 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.

Fire Garden, Brentford Lock, Vipul Sangoi,

Fire Garden, Compton Verney, Cliff Armstrong, 2020

Fire Garden, Bournemouth by the Sea, 2020

There is growing concern across the outdoor events industry over the number of events being cancelled this year, with knock-on implications for suppliers and wider business communities.

The festival sector alone is reporting some 40 festivals not taking place, with other events – including point-to-points and horse trials –similarly seeing cancellations.

While the continuous wet weather is partly to blame, with local authorities and farmers concerned about the damage to land, there are also other factors at play, not least the increasing move to last minute ticket bookings. Coupled with the fact that many organisers are still recovering from the consequences of the pandemic and the subsequent cost of living crisis, many smaller organisers are not in a position where they can afford to take risks.

Cancel Culture

Jim Winship, Secretary of the EIF (Events Industry Forum), discusses the recent spike in outdoor event cancellations.

With local authorities also strapped for cash and taking the knife to some of the events they have supported in the past, there are also consequences for local communities and businesses in particular. A recent report by Barclays on the peripheral spend at Taylor Swift concerts estimated an average spend of £121 on accommodation and £60 on a meal and another £216 on other costs including alcohol. This gives an indication of the potential revenue losses that local businesses face if an event is cancelled.

While some say that we are now seeing rebalancing of the market following years of growth, particularly in terms of festivals, there are real concerns about the knock-on effects this could have on the supply chains that service outdoor events – the equipment suppliers, caterers etc. – many of whom are equally impacted by the liquidity implications hanging over from COVID.

Data Driven

Julie Shorrock, Managing Director of HTS and beam Chair, shares what recent data shows are the biggest challenges facing the industry.

At beam, the association for business events, accommodation, and meetings, we are committed to providing our members with access to data insights. These insights, which include information on revenue opportunities, segmentation possibilities, and cost implications, are of utmost importance in today’s complex business landscape, where staying informed is critical to success.

So, at our recent Finance Forum — for members and their senior finance colleagues — we hosted a session examining Q1 performance and potential outcomes for the remainder of 2024. The session, which took place against a backdrop of global emergence from the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, uncertainty in the Middle East, inflation, and costs, proved a real benefit to those who could join us on the day.

The data presented by HotStats clearly showed industry-wide constraints and challenges, which is crucial for understanding what corporate clients need to see. The highlights for many people on the day were increased costs and the overall outcomes resulting in client rates increasing when profit for venues is either decreasing or marginal. This included the cost of acquisition, with agent commission sitting at the lowest cost of acquisition, which was between 15% and 20% of the cost of other areas.

Although there is underlying optimism that things will get better in 2025, there is a fear that survival cutbacks this year, particularly in staffing, could result in shortages next year.

There are also questions over whether the changing consumer habits this year might result in longer term changes in the way people book tickets and their expectations from events going forwards. Certainly, event organisers are going to have to pay more attention to weather contingencies.

There is no simple panacea for the difficulties the industry is facing other than the need for everyone to work together to come through this. Importantly, there needs to be trust between suppliers and event organisers which can only come with communication.

Eventsindustryforum.co.uk

An interesting look at revenues by key segment, alongside occupancy, potentially showed that hoteliers are trying to push corporate business out of the cheaper negotiated segment by making it more expensive so companies don’t contract at increased rates. With this approach, corporate clients will be seeing even sharper rate rises in the discount segment, and this may be a sign that dynamic pricing and untrackable spend isn’t working for corporate clients.

However you interpret the data, it’s essential to assess where value sits – the benefit of getting the balance right in total revenue management across your business is clear.

To request a copy of the post-session data overview for this Finance Forum session or to enquire about beam membership and our forthcoming events, contact our membership@beam-org.uk.

The ISO Event Sustainability Standard, an international guideline which was first introduced in 2012 in line with the London 2012 Olympic Games, has recently received an update (entitled ISO 20121:2024) in time for the Paris 2024 games. The standard was initially put together with the goal of having a universal and international guideline for sustainable operations within the events industry. The newly updated version still exists with this goal in mind, while placing greater emphasis on social legacies, inclusivity, and the diverse means of demonstrating compliance.

So, what’s changed?

It’s unsurprising that 12 years after the original document was written, an updated version has become necessary. Our industry, and indeed the world around us, is everchanging, so our guidelines for navigating it need to be equally as adaptable. The new version of the ISO’s guidelines features two major changes, as per the document itself:

• The text, clause sequence and relevant definitions have been aligned with the harmonized structure for management system standards in the ISO/IEC Directives, (Part 1, 2022, Annex SL, Appendix 2)

• The text has been reviewed and improved to take into consideration: the enhancement of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements; a reduction of negative impacts and maximisation of positive ESG impacts; making the standard more user friendly and accessible.

Why now?

The new update has been released in time for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games next month to follow the new standards, creating a high-profile flagship event for event professionals globally to follow in the footsteps of.

Ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the ISO Event Sustainability Standard has been given an update. We find out what has changed and also look at some corporate hospitality to enjoy the games in style.

New and Improved

Wow your staff or clients with some top notch sporting hospitality at the Games!

Event only

This is the most affordable option for a corporate hospitality package, coming in at just €85. At that price, you get to attend a single event as well as having lounge access to an exclusive lounge Clubhouse 24 in the iconic Palais de Tokyo, set against a backdrop of the Eiffel Tower. There are plenty of events to chose from at this price: golf, football, and race walking.

The full package

At the other end of the spectrum, a full six-night travel package will put you out €14,300 but is well worth the price. This package is a full six-night experience with tickets to the Opening Ceremony, Tennis, Volleyball, Artistic Gymnastics, and Rugby Sevens. Accommodation is also included in the price and will find you set up at the five-star Molitor Hotel & Spa Paris.

Hospitalitytravelpackages.paris2024.org

Where Mountains Meet the Sea

Go

North Wales shines a spotlight on

the

attractions drawing event organisers to North Wales.

With versatile venues and accommodation for conferences and meetings, rugged landscapes and breath-taking coastlines as backdrops, coupled with adrenaline fuelled activities North Wales offers unforgettable experiences for team building and incentive groups.

With beautiful surroundings close to nature and offering competitive pricing and increased value for money, North Wales is easily accessible from the north of England, by rail in under two hours from Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham and under three hours from London.

The area is home to the Snowdonia National Park, The Clwydian Range (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), 250 miles/402 km of coastline, natural lakes, around 50 islands – and not forgetting its fair share of the country’s 600 castles including Caernarfon, where the Prince of Wales (now King) was invested in 1969.

North Wales has become the Adventure Capital of Europe the perfect environment

to challenge, reward or incentivise teams –whether venturing 1,300 ft. below ground or flying down the fastest zip line in the world or travelling on a high-speed rib.

The area has plenty to offer those with calmer tastes too with an enviable reputation for locally produced food and drink. Find top-class chefs proudly showcasing local produce at their restaurants all adding to the very special experience North Wales offers its guests.

The two universities in North Wales – Bangor and Wrexham Glyndŵr are not just great examples of how academia and key sectors work together on innovation and excellence but are also great venues to hold events.

With an excellent selection of venues, accommodation and experiences, North Wales will truly inspire your delegates. A renowned area of outstanding natural beauty, with mountainous backdrops and sweeping bays, this rich natural landscape provides the most tranquil yet exceptional setting for our venues and activities.

These natural features stand alongside ancient world heritage sites that are truly inspirational. The myths and legends that enrich the North Wales culture can be seen everywhere from the service to the food and even the greetings at a hotel. Enriched by these legends make it a destination like no other.

The team at Meet North Wales provides expert knowledge and work closely with you to understand your requirements and source the ideal location, accommodation, and experience for your next business event, providing a timely response to enquiries. Why not choose North Wales as your next location for your business event?

Email contact: info@meetnorthwales.co.uk

Website address: Meetnorthwales.co.uk

Achieve peak performance in your team with this team building competition giveaway!

Climb Wales stands at the forefront of outdoor adventure team building opportunities with its bespoke corporate climbing packages. What elevates Climb Wales above the rest is its commitment to giving each climber a foothold on success, ensuring every team member reaches their peak potential.

In just three years of helping new climbers find their footing, Climb Wales has ascended to the pinnacle of success, being voted Snowdonia’s Best Outdoor Activity provider in both the 2023 and 2024 Welsh Enterprise Awards. Their stellar reputation continues to climb with nothing but five-star reviews.

Proud of its commitment to fostering camaraderie and resilience in corporate groups, past climber Sara notes: “We were a large group walking four different routes. Feedback from every group was that the guides were amazing. Climb Wales had been incredibly helpful with the planning and logistics in the months before, and on the day they were knowledgeable, supportive, encouraging and enthusiastic. Of our group of 70+ people with an age range 14 to 60 everyone made it up and down with their help. It was an immense day out and we’re already looking forward to our next adventure with Climb Wales!”

Every climber who has left a review with Climb Wales has noted the friendly and patient guidance they received which helped give them the strength and enthusiasm to go on.

Imagine the thrill of summiting the highest mountains in North, Mid, and South Wales in a single day - all while bonding with your team and pushing each other to achieve greatness! Climb Wales’ expert team will guide you every step of the way on a thrilling adventure that will test your limits, build unbreakable team spirit, and leave you feeling exhilarated and empowered.

With coaches to navigate from one mountain to the next, refreshments to fuel your adventure, and accommodation for extended trips, we’ll ensure your experience is as smooth as it is challenging. Whether you’re seeking to conquer the business world or build unstoppable team synergy, Climb Wales is your ultimate guide to the top. Book now and unleash your team’s potential!

To create your corporate package, go to ClimbWales.co.uk for more information.

COMPETITION

To be in a with a chance of winning a summit experience for up to 10 people on Wales’ highest mountain, answer the following question:

What is the name of Wales’ highest mountain?

Enter online at Hospitalityandeventsnorth.com/ competitions-5 or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date: 30th July 2024

Terms and conditions apply: Prize is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in H&E North Magazine and Climb Wales’ databases in order to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s decision is final.

The Wilds of North Wales!

Whether soaring through the skies on a zip line, navigating coastal cliffs, or conquering mountain peaks, shared experiences will bring your team closer together. So, gear up and get ready for an unforgettable team building adventure in North Wales!

As summer approaches, it’s the perfect time to take your team out of the office and into the great outdoors. North Wales, with its stunning landscapes and variety of outdoor activities, offers the ideal backdrop for team building. Whether your goal is to strengthen communication, boost morale, or simply enjoy some fresh air together, here are some fantastic team building activities that will break the routine while making lasting memories.

But North Wales is not just about its stunning landscapes; it’s about the rich culture and the welcoming spirit of its people. The variety of activities available means there’s something for every team, whether they prefer high-adrenaline adventures or more relaxed, nature-focused experiences. Summer is an ideal time to explore this beautiful region, as the warm weather and long days provide the perfect conditions for outdoor activities.

Climb Wales

Climb Wales stands at the forefront of outdoor adventure team building opportunities with its bespoke corporate climbing packages. Climb Wales can guide your team on a climb for small groups with two to three participants, or larger groups, to achieve great feats such as the Wales three peak challenge. On this challenge your team will reach the peak of three of Wales’s greatest mountains, you take care of your technique, connecting with and motivating your team members, helping others reach the top, while Climb Wales takes care of the rest with coaches to get you from one mountain to the next, refreshments during a well-earned rest, and even accommodation when you want to split up your adventure.

Climbwales.co.uk

Zip World

Kick off your team building adventure with a high-flying experience at Zip World Penrhyn Quarry. Home to the fastest zip line in the world, Velocity 2, this thrilling activity will have your team soaring over breathtaking scenery at speeds of over 100 mph. The adrenaline rush and shared excitement of this adventure make it a fantastic bonding experience. Plus, it’s a great way to push personal limits and encourage team members to support one another through exhilarating challenges.

Zipworld.co.uk

Coasteering

For a more rugged experience, coasteering along the stunning coastline of Anglesey is an activity which combines swimming, climbing, and cliff jumping. This team-building exercise requires participants to work together to navigate the rocky shorelines and crashing waves. It’s a thrilling way to build trust and foster a sense of teamwork as everyone helps each other through the natural obstacles. The beautiful marine wildlife and dramatic coastal views add to the appeal, making it an unforgettable experience.

Coasteering.co.uk/coasteering-anglesey

Mountain climbing

Snowdonia National Park offers numerous climbing opportunities suitable for all skill levels. Whether your team members are seasoned climbers or beginners, scaling the peaks of Snowdonia is a rewarding challenge that promotes resilience and teamwork. The sense of achievement upon reaching the summit is unmatched, and the panoramic views of the park are a spectacular reward. This activity

encourages goal setting, perseverance, and mutual support as team members help each other conquer the heights.

Snowdoniamountainguides.com

Raft building and racing

Head to one of North Wales’ many lakes or rivers for a raft-building and racing challenge. Teams must collaborate to construct a raft using limited materials and then race their creations against each other. This activity is excellent for developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and cooperation. The friendly competition and the fun of splashing around in the water make it a lively and engaging teambuilding exercise.

Adventuresinwales.co.uk/raft_building.html

Bushcraft and survival skills

Learn essential survival skills with a bushcraft course in the woodlands of North Wales. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, your team will learn how to build shelters, start fires, and find food in the wild. This hands-on activity fosters teamwork and communication, as participants must work together to tackle each challenge. It also provides a unique opportunity for team members to bond over shared discoveries and accomplishments in a natural setting.

Wildbushcraft.co.uk

History Lesson

Historic venues are a great way to introduce some class and interest to your event, helping to engage your delegates and add value.

Organising an event involves making numerous decisions, and one of the most crucial is choosing the right venue. For those looking to make their event truly memorable, historic venues offer a plethora of plus points that go beyond mere aesthetics. These venues, with their unique charm and storied pasts, provide an unparalleled backdrop for a wide range of events.

Unique ambiance

Older venues such as castle or manors are steeped in character and charm, offering a unique atmosphere that modern locations often lack. The architectural details, vintage decor, and historical significance of these sites create an ambiance that can transform an ordinary event into an extraordinary experience.

Delegates will be more engaged and impressed by the distinctive setting, which adds a layer of sophistication and elegance to the occasion.

Storytelling

and emotional connection

Hosting an event in a historic venue allows organisers to weave the site’s history into the event’s narrative. This storytelling aspect can enhance the overall experience, creating a deeper emotional connection for delegate. Whether it’s a castle, a manor house, or a historic theatre, each venue has its own stories and legends that can be incorporated into the event, making it more meaningful and memorable.

Photographic opportunities

The aesthetic appeal of historic venues provides a stunning backdrop for Continues on page 60

STIRLING CASTLE, SCOTLAND

WORTLEY HALL, SHEFFIELD

Grand Designs

Win an overnight stay for two including breakfast, drinks, and dinner at The Grand Hotel Birmingham.

A gorgeous Birmingham landmark, The Grand Hotel originally opened in 1879, and underwent a fabulous £50 million renovation in 2020. With 185 guest rooms and suites, the hotel stands as an inspiring venue in the heart of the city, with event spaces for every requirement in a central location.

The stand-out space is The Grand Ballroom. Originally known as the Grosvenor Room, the Grand Ballroom is an architectural and engineering masterpiece: almost 30 metres long and 10 metres high, it is decorated with ornate plasterwork, elegant cartouches, and original Art Deco electric chandeliers. Entering the ballroom through the impressive mahogany double doors, guests cannot fail to be impressed: for many, their first sight of the space is literally breathtaking. This gorgeous space has a capacity for up to 300 delegates, making this venue a go-to for largescale events in Birmingham.

The entirety of The Grand Hotel’s first floor is also dedicated exclusively to meetings and events. The space consists of eight boardrooms and multifunction rooms; all of which combine original period features with modern technology, offering natural daylight and a generous sense of space. Shared breakout spaces are dotted around the first floor, including a large co-working and “grab and go” station, as well as access to the outdoor terrace.

For dining options, the hotel has several. Isaac’s is a neighbourhood restaurant with a New York vibe. Tucked around the corner and with its entrance on Barwick Street, the restaurant brings in Birmingham’s foodie scene. Or get a breath of fresh air in The Garden Terrace. This delightful outdoor space in the heart of this great city is a summer oasis for hotel guests and the public to enjoy a glass of something cold, delicious – and English – courtesy of the venue’s partners, Gusborne Wines. Finally, add a touch of elegance to your day with a drink in Madeleine’s: its double-height windows, sparkling chandeliers, and rich soft furnishings an homage to the tradition of grand hotels with luxurious cocktail bars, complete with a French history inspired cocktail menu.

You can check out this fantastic venue, which is offering our readers the chance to win an overnight stay for two in one of its Grand Junior Suites, including breakfast, and dinner and drinks at Isaac’s.

Thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk/meetingsevents

COMPETITION

To be in a with a chance of winning an overnight stay for two in one of its Grand Junior Suites, including breakfast, and dinner and drinks, just answer the following question…

How many guest rooms does the hotel have?

Enter online at Hospitalityandeventsnorth.com/ competitions-5 or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date: 30th July 2024

Terms and conditions apply: Prize is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in H&E North Magazine and The Grand Hotel Birmingham’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.

The Company of Cutlers, the historic group which lends the renowned venue Cutlers’ Hall its name, celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2024. Formed by Act of Parliament on 23rd April 1624 to control the trade of cutlery within Sheffield, Hallamshire, and “six miles compass” (effectively the S postcode) the company has moved from being exclusively about cutlery to now include tools, steel, advanced manufacturing, and innovative industries such as robotics and digital engineering.

The Master Cutler is the Voice of Manufacturing for Sheffield, Hallamshire, and South Yorkshire. The Cutlers’ Company

represents the region’s manufacturing industries locally, nationally, and internationally, stressing the importance of manufacturing to the nation’s resilience and its value to the economy. To be a Freeman of the company is to be an active manufacturer from this distinct region, long associated with quality.

The Act of 1624 also encompasses education, skills and charitable relief in its aims which all continue in 2024 through the Company’s Charitable Trust and education schemes like “Better Learners Better Workers” and its work on apprenticeships.

Cutlers’ Hall is this year celebrating the 400-year anniversary of the historic company which gave the venue its name.

listed building which reflects the company’s long history. It is not a museum but a vibrant events space catering for events as diverse as dinners and conferences, boxing weighins and weddings, business meetings and the Goldsmiths North Jewellery Fair, along with DOCFEST.

It is a space that’s buzzing with life and evidence of a long history and the power to make your event a truly unique experience.

Cutlershall.co.uk

T H E C U T L E R S H A L L

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 backgrop of a more itimate affair. With our winning combination of a specacular 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 www.cutlershall.co.uk

CELEBRATING OUR 400TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR

Continued from page 56

photographs and videos. For events such as weddings or gala dinners, the picturesque settings can significantly enhance the quality of event photography and social media opportunities. The timeless elegance of the architecture and decor can make every photo a keepsake, adding value to the memories being created.

Prestige and exclusivity

Historic venues carry a sense of prestige and exclusivity. Hosting an event in such a location can elevate the perceived status of the event, where impressing clients and stakeholders is a priority.

Preservation and local heritage

By choosing a historic venue, event organisers contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage. Many historic sites rely on income from events to maintain and restore their properties. Supporting local history will ensure that these sites remain accessible for future generations, adding an ethical dimension to the event.

Versatility and flexibility

Despite their age, many historic venues are surprisingly versatile. They often have a range of spaces that can be adapted to suit different types of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences. Furthermore, many have been updated with modern amenities and technologies, ensuring that event organisers do not have to compromise on functionality.

KNOWSLEY HALL, KNOWSLEY

STIRLING CASTLE, SCOTLAND

In Conversation With…

Hi Maria, so what drew you to Hyatt Hotels London Stratford?

I am from Cadiz in Spain but I’ve lived in East London for 25 years; I remember Stratford shooting to fame during the 2012 London Olympics. My background is in hospitality and events, and I was invited to see the new Hyatt Regency and Hyatt House London Stratford Hotels, immediately I fell in love with them and their location.

Travelling here is effortless too, Stratford is connected to London’s underground and overground stations and so travelling across the city is easy; for example, Kings Cross and St Pancras stations are only an eight-minute train ride away.

We are proud to have been officially recognised for having outstanding MICE spaces, we were shortlisted in the AHEAD Awards in November 2023 in the category for Best Meetings and Events space in Europe!

What kind of event spaces does the hotel have?

Hyatt Hotels London Stratford has two floors of meetings spaces spanning more than 8,000 sq. feet (757 sq. metres), and we cater for everything from small, private meetings, to big parties and awards events.

The third floor has a total of 3,758 sq. feet (349 sq. metres) of events spaces, and is home to the largest space, the Stratford Suite, which has a floor space of more than 2,000 sq. ft, it’s ideal for an awards dinner or a conference. The Bow and Poplar Suites are also on the third floor and are perfect for meetings, breakout sessions, or private dinners.

We unveiled the 12th floor in May 2023 – it is a stunning new meetings venue located

on the top floor of Hyatt Regency and Hyatt House London Stratford. Three Kingsland suites, two Dalton Suites, and an openair terrace and two Lea Suites bring an additional 4,392 square feet (408 square meters) of flexible working, meetings, and events spaces.

One of my favourite things is that The Lea Suites on the 12th floor feature an eyecatching, decked open-air terrace with panoramic city views, making it the premier choice for a drinks reception or party.

What

aspects really wow clients when you’re showing them around?

For the wow-factor, it has to be our two open-air terraces – they each have their own magic. The views from the 12th floor are breathtaking, on a calm evening in London, there’s no better place to be. Both outdoor

terraces add a touch of glamour to any preevent drinks, private parties and dinners.

Our guests love our amazing food – thanks to the fantastic efforts of our F&B Director Tommy So and Executive Chef Alessandro Femino.

Something I also enjoy is the walk through, en-route to the function rooms on the third floor, we pass by the opulently styled Elondi Restaurant with its floor-to-ceiling

Maria Martinez Servan, Events Sales Manager at Hyatt Hotels London Stratford, gives us a peek inside the iconic venue for delegates visiting London.

windows, and richly upholstered chairs and banquettes – clients always want to stop and look around here, it’s easy to envisage delegates dining there before, during or after an event.

What’s your favourite part about your role?

Working on events is my passion. Most recently I’ve been working increasingly with sporting organisations. From boxing press conferences to swimming training. I love the change of pace – it’s a different clientele, different market, different demands.

And finally, why does Hyatt Hotels London Stratford stand out for a stay in the capital?

I love that our team is very flexible with our clients’ needs and you can trust our team to give the best service – we all undergo thorough quality training conducted by industry experts.

We offer everything, all in one place. We have the world on our doorstep and it can reach us easily, we have two beautiful hotels onsite (with a total of 352 rooms) for hosting delegates, spectacular food and beverage and two floors of world-class meetings spaces. But more than anything, we offer a personal connection. Our work goes beyond the sales-client relationship. We want to make our guests genuinely happy in everything we do.

Hyatt.com

PHOTO: CHRIS COE

All Souls Bolton

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

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

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

Events

Olympus Crew

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

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

Paint Party Social Club

Transforming team events and private celebrations into vibrant, creative experiences with mobile art parties across London. Unleash creativity, and build connections! 07525 242095 | hello@paintpartysocialclub.co.uk www.paintpartysocialclub.co.uk

By Tamara

We provide planning and design for discerning clients in the London area. We curate meaningful connections through sophisticated and elevated celebrations for social, and corporate events.

07931 753149 | tamara@eventsbytamara.co.uk www.Eventsbytamara.co.uk

The Haycock Manor Hotel is one of the finest hotels in Cambridgeshire. our hotel offers the best of breathtaking scenery and With direct access to the A1 motorway and only 80 miles from London, our hotel is a popular destination to meet, stay and dine. T: 01780 782223 | E: hello@haycock.co.uk W: www. haycock.co.uk

261 8000 | generalmanager@hinsley-hall.co.uk www.hinsley-hall.co.uk

National Whitewater Centre

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

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

Pullman Liverpool is located on site with ACC Liverpool, offering 216 bedrooms, bar, lounge and restaurant, fitness lounge and 3 flexible meeting spaces.

Sandpit Creations is a company of designers, fabricators, and makers. Our background is in immersive theatre events, live interactive gameplay, and set design and build. info@sandpitcreations.com | 07547352391 www.sandpitcreations.com

Marketing & Events saward-me.com | jack@saward-me.com 07788 660996

Pullman Liverpool www.pullmaliverpool.co.uk | H9227-SL@accor.com 0151 945 1000 Saward Marketing & Events combine the core skills of marketing and public relations with exhibitions, trade fairs and outside events.We aim to provide innovative solutions to facilitate the growth and development of companies, charities, and organisations across the market place.

S eren Ventures

Seren Ventures provides adventure activities, outdoor skills courses and guided mountain walks in Snowdonia, The Lake District and Scotland. Our guides at Seren Ventures are highly experienced instructors who work, play and live in the outdoors. Our approach is relaxed but professional, whichever adventure you choose, you’re guaranteed to be safe, learn and have FUN!! Whether you have experience already or you’re starting from scratch, we have something for you.

andy@serenventures.com 01690 710754 www.serenventures.com

Ltd

Exhibitions can be a stress-full environment and are a large part of any exhibitors marketing budget. With our in-house sales and operations staff we are dedicated to the smooth running in the planning months to maximising the potential of the exhibition insitue.

Hinsley Hall

Haycock Manor Hotel

Sandpit Creations

The Grand Hotel Birmingham

Experience elegance at The Grand Hotel Birmingham.

Elevate your events with 9 versatile meeting spaces, a stylish breakout area, and a charming garden terrace.

Unwind in one of our 185 luxurious bedrooms, and enjoy unforgettable dining and drinks at our on-site bar and restaurant. Make your stay grand at The Grand Hotel Birmingham.

1 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2FE | 0121 827 9600 www.thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk

The Racquet Club Hotel

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

Centrally located in Liverpool, the Racquet Club can cater for small meetings up to larger conferences, canapé parties, sitdown buffets or formal dinners. No matter what your requirements, we shall try our very best to meet any special requests. Conference and Events Pack Dinners, Corporate Parties, Buffets and Canape Receptions.

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

Ty Pawb

Host your event at Tŷ PawbWrexham’s multi-award winning arts centre. Ideally located, just a few minutes walk from the centre of North Wales’ largest city, Tŷ Pawb offers a unique, versatile and adaptable venue capable of hosting events of all shapes and sizes, from private meetings and workshops to full conferences, craft & trade fairs, public consultations, music concerts, film showings and much more - all set against the vibrant backdrop of the bustling market, food court and gallery.

Market St, Wrexham LL13 8BB | 01978 292144 www.typawb.wales | typawb@wrexham.gov.uk

ClientNews

Exceptional Event Space in North Wales

St. George’s Hotel in Llandudno boasts a stellar reputation for its exquisite function and event facilities, setting the stage for unforgettable gatherings against the picturesque backdrop of the North Wales coast. Nestled majestically along the promenade, this historic hotel seamlessly blends Victorian elegance with modern sophistication, providing a distinctive ambiance for any occasion.

From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, St. George’s offers a range of versatile spaces designed to accommodate events of all sizes. The famous Wedgwood Suite, adorned with ornate chandeliers and intricate detailing, exudes timeless charm, perfect for large events and formal banquets. For more intimate affairs, the Terrace Lounge provides a cozy setting with panoramic views of Llandudno Bay, creating an enchanting atmosphere for cocktail parties or corporate receptions.

Complementing the stunning venue is a dedicated team of event professionals committed to ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly. Whether it’s customising menus with locally sourced delicacies or arranging bespoke décor, their meticulous attention ensures each event exceeds expectations.

Moreover, the hotel’s central location offers easy access to local attractions, allowing guests to explore the beauty of Llandudno before or after their event. With its unparalleled blend of elegance, charm, and service excellence, St. George’s Hotel stands as the premier destination for unforgettable functions and events.

Stgeorgeswales.co.uk

Honour Black History Month with Evolve

Evolve Talent and Speakers connects you with keynote speakers, celebrities and influencers for corporate events and beyond. Whether you’re looking for an awards evening host, an expert speaker, or entertainer, Evolve Talent and Speakers connects you with keynote speakers, celebrities and influencers for corporate events and beyond. Whether you’re looking for an awards evening host, an expert speaker, or entertainer, you can choose a high-profile personality for whatever sector or specialism you’re looking for. Popular speakers and hosts include TV presenter, Lorraine Kelly CBE; Comedian, Jason Manford; Rugby World Cup Winner, Mike Tindall MBE; TV Presenter, Davina McCall MBE; and Explorer and Adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

Inspire your delegates during Black History Month by booking a speaker to connect with your delegates. Make this October a special occasion to appreciate Black talent and raise awareness of cultural diversity in the workplace. Speakers for Black History Month events include Olympic Boxer, Nicola Adams OBE; renowned British sport personality, Dame Kelly Holmes; former England and Liverpool legend, John Barnes MBE; and Entrepreneur and winner of The Apprentice, Tim Campbell MBE.

Evolve-agency.co.uk

Wortley Hall Offers the Full Package

Set in 26 acres of beautiful South Yorkshire woodland, Wortley Hall is the perfect location for your next event. With stunning gardens, as well as delectable food and drink, everything you need is on-site. The venue holds two large conference rooms, and seven fully equipped meeting and training rooms, all housed in a beautiful historic building, the conference facilities are sure to leave a lasting impression on your delegates. The space can accommodate up to 250 delegates, and is known for its high-quality conference spaces, accommodating residential courses, day courses, meetings, and training.

There are also top of the line team building activities on offer. From an inflatable challenge to games of skill to test your employees both mentally and physically, or treasure hunts, Wortley Hall works with some of the best team building companies in the UK to give your team an experience to remember.

Wortleyhall.org.uk

TRANSFORM YOUR EVENTS

with

our

exceptional venues in Manchester, London Stratford & Heathrow

Hyatt Regency, House, & Place: Designed for successful meetings & memorable events

Plan your next event at Hyatt Regency Manchester, Hyatt Regency London Stratford, or Hyatt Place London Heathrow. Conveniently located, our stylish venues and experienced teams guarantee a successful and memorable meeting or event. You can enjoy tailored menus to suit any occasion. With the added benefit of Hyatt House Manchester and Hyatt House London Stratford for group stays, your next meeting or event is sure to be a success with us.

Hyatt Hotels Manchester

55 Booth St West

Manchester M15 6PQ

Tel: +44 161 359 5550

E: events hrmanchester@hyatt com

Hyatt Hotels Stratford 10a Chestnut Plaza

London

E20 1GL

Tel: +44 20 3814 1234

E: events hrlondonstratford@hyatt com

Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport

The Grove, Bath Road

West Drayton

UB7 0DG

Tel: +44 208 759 7777

E: lhrza meetings@hyatt com