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THE MAG A ZINE FOR UK E VENT PL ANNERS ACROSS THE NORTH ISSUE 114 • SEPT 2026

Manchester’s Big Ideas Glorious Glasgow Unique Venues No.10’s North

Chester Racecourse The Home of Unforgettable Events

Plus

Win!

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

IO IT

INDUSTRY NEWS & FEATURES, EXPERT OPINION, VENUES & SUPPLIERS, TEAM BUILDING, COMPETITIONS & MORE...

Dine & View at Wetherby Races Luxury Stay at Swinton Park

The Recruitment Challenge Experiential Events Safe & Secure All Ears Sustainable Future

DELIVERING YOUR EVENT, EVERY TIME Olympus Express is a distinguished courier service for the events industry with roots deeply embedded in the north of England but serving the whole of the UK. For many years, we’ve been the go-to choice for businesses seeking reliable and efficient courier solutions. Our mission is simple to provide unparalleled courier services that blend efficiency with a personal touch. We value reliability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction, ensuring every delivery is not just a transaction but an experience. Call us now for a FREE QUOTE

07904 903452 www.olympusexpress.co.uk

Christmas at Clayton Hotel Bristol City Make this Christmas magical with our range of festive packages Christmas dining – enjoy a festive 2 or 3-course meal in Everards Restaurant from £28 per person Indulge in canapés, sharing platters and cocktails in Everards Bar, from £25 per person Festive afternoon tea – relax with a cup of tea from our speciality range, accompanied by a selection of seasonal sandwiches, cakes and scones, served with jam and cream, from £22 per person Make a night of it – however you choose to celebrate this Christmas, whether with us or elsewhere in the city, take advantage of our discounted bedroom rates

Receive 10% off your party booking if you book with us before 30 September. Simply quote Secretary when booking to claim your exclusive discount Terms and conditions apply. Minimum numbers apply

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+44 (0)117 345 9401 events.bristolcity@claytonhotels.com

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Yorkshires Trusted, Award winning Commercial, Catering & Hospitality Staffing Agency

Consistency Across the Calendar From summer festivals to winter galas, our flexible staffing model ensures top-tier talent is always available, whatever the season.

Beyond the Shift We invest in our people with training, feedback and career growth—creating motivated teams and future leaders in hospitality.

Diversity That Delivers We champion a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the audiences we serve—bringing energy, empathy and fresh perspectives to every event.

Award-Winning Excellence Led by Founder and Managing Director, Paul McCallum, PJ Staffing is one of Yorkshire’s leading agencies-trusted by clients, respected by staff and powered by people.

Retention Through Recognition Our seasonal staff return year after year; not because they have to, but because they choose to. That loyalty means trusted faces and consistent service for every event. Reward and recognition are central to this. Agency workers can sometimes be overlooked at venues, but to us they are an integral part of the team. From regular “Racing Star” and “Festival Star” awards to our Annual staff award and thank you celebration, we make sure every team member feels valued and celebrated.

0113 450 8505

Ground Floor, 5 Park Place, Leeds, LS1 2RU

info@pjstaffing.co.uk www.pjstaffing.co.uk

CONTENTS : SEPTEMBER 2026

FRONT COVER FEATURE... Racing Ahead

Chester Racecourse’s multi-million pound transformation is set to revolutionise Cheshire’s events and hospitality scene. Page 25.

...AND MORE On Location: Manchester and Glasgow

Find out why some of our region’s cities are ideal locations for your next event and we preview CHS Manchester. Starts page 10.

Feel the Impact

We talk to Andrew Orr about the power of the experiential and how it points to the future for brands and events. Page 9.

Moving North

Voices from across the industry weigh in on new Prime Minister

Win,Win,

Win!

Andy Burnham’s appointment and what it means for events in our region. Page 16.

Safe and Secure

As the industry continues to grow, so do our security considerations. We check in with some industry experts to see where things stand. Page 43.

Distinctly Different

Event professionals are always striving to create memorable experiences, and the right venue can make all the difference. But what makes a venue truly unique? Page 20.

Stay on Track

Asset protection is a crucial component of event supply chain and logistics management according to Joanna Latkowska, CEE Sales Manager at mobile print company BIXOLON Europe. Page 48.

Going Green

Claire O’Neill of A Greener Future gives advice for turning climate action into workable event strategy and Change Rebellion’s Millie Bushill’s dos and don’ts of carbon offsetting. Starts page 29.

All Ears

An immersive media format perfect for deep-dive conversations, podcasting is catching on across the industry and becoming a feature of events themselves. Page 50.

Missing the Point(s)

BHW Hotels on why venues are overlooking the most commercially powerful lever: rewarding planners directly. Page 39.

Wetherby Racecourse is giving one reader the chance to win a ‘Dine and View’ Hospitality Package for two, which includes VIP hospitality tickets, a private table in a trackside viewing suite, a four-course chef’s buffet, and more! Page 22.

One reader can win a one-night stay for two at Swinton Park Hotel with a three-course dinner and spa access included. Page 26.

We’ve got a packed edition for you with fabulous features, industry opinion, two great competitions, and so much more! We can’t wait to meet old and new friends at CHS Manchester, come and say hello!

more inclusive and secure, find out how you can incorporate a podcast, or even add some pizazz to your events with festivalisation. Plus, take a look at how going greener needn’t be cost prohibitive, and for a bit of fun team building, what about a Highland fling?!

Our Manchester feature discovers more about the great city, and together with Glasgow, we champion the best in northern venues and suppliers.

It’s all here for event planners across the North and we hope it helps, give us a like and share on our socials!

How are we feeling about the new PM’s effect on the industry? We find out from some key players. There’s a look at unique venues, making your events

One For All

Accessibility expert Amy Wood of Salesforce discusses what planners and venues can do to ensure events are more inclusive through steady progress. Page 56.

All Abroad

Once one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, Curaçao is now rightfully stepping into the spotlight following the recent FIFA World Cup with its postcardworthy beaches and excellent events offering for international conferences. Page 60.

Highland Fling

The appeal of some traditional Scottish outdoor team building activities is worth a look. Page 68.

The Recruitment Challenge

Rita Kastrati of staffing platform Pioneering People on recruitment trends, the skills gap, and how to staff a major event well, even on a budget. Page 74.

And the

Congratulations to

Winner is…

Tracey Molloy

who won a luxury overnight stay for two at The Milner York.

Publisher

Design

Elliot Landy

Craig Shaw

Editor

Photographers

Ellie Tyson

Alistair Kerr Andy Mallins Photography Dylan Drummond Mike Caldwell Photography

Senior Account Manager Adam Freedman

Writer

Brendan Campbell Abigail Chew Adam Bennett Al Turner Amy Matthams Amy Wood Andrew Harrison Andrew Orr Chantal Mendes Claire O’Neill David Watt Donald Kinross Helen Sharland

Technical Support for Exhibitions and Conferences

Contributors

Jack Saward Joanna Latkowska Joe Gilliver Jon Shone Karen Edwards Leanne Collins Louisa Watson Mark Lewis Matthew Li Michael Constantine Millie Bushill Millie Kileen

Nathan Angus Nick Wagg Nicola Wood-Hill Paul McCallum Richard Ellis Richard Wear Rita Kastrati Shonali Devereaux Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva

AV, SOUND, VIDEO AND LIGHTING HIRE for Exhibitions, Conferences and Events

NATIONWIDE & INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

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September 2026

New Venues

New Turf

Explore one of these new and remodelled spaces as a potential venue for your next event. IXL Events Centre

IXL Events Centre | Warwickshire Open now Dallas Burston Polo Club has recently unveiled a £1 million transformation to enhance its capability to host a wide range of events through new, state-of-the-art production infrastructure, IXL Events Centre. The investment includes a new LED wall, a star cloth ceiling installation, an upgraded intelligent lighting rig, redesigned reception facilities, a new bar, premium wall cladding, and new flooring throughout. The venue offers multiple flexible suites with the ability to host up to 1,000 delegates as well as nine meeting rooms. Specialising in a diverse range of world cuisines, the in-house experts deliver event catering and bespoke menus that celebrate authentic flavours from Asia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and beyond. Ixleventscentre.com

Dakota | Manchester Airport Open now Luxury brand Dakota has recently expanded its presence in the city with the opening of its second Manchester location at Manchester Airport, billed as the UK’s ‘first luxury airport hotel’. The hotel offers four private event spaces, including intimate dining rooms for up to eight delegates and a larger private dining room accommodating up to 16 and each space can be equipped with highquality AV technology. Event organisers can also choose from day delegate, 24-hour delegate, and private dining packages to suit their requirements. Complementing the meeting facilities are 154 luxurious bedrooms, a premium bar and brasseriestyle grill, and a dedicated shuttle service providing transfers to and from the airport terminals, making it an ideal choice for business events before or after a flight. Dakotahotels.co.uk/manchester-airport

Dakota

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Gisborough Hall Hotel | North Yorkshire Open now Country house hotel Gisborough Hall has just opened its newest offering, Sakura Spa wellness retreat. The space features a range of six tranquil treatment rooms, relaxation lounges, an extensive thermal garden with a vitality pool, saunas, steam room, garden relaxation rooms, and a dining space exclusive to spa guests. Designed to reflect the beauty of nature, the serene escape invites you to slow down and feel truly grounded – an excellent addition to any events held at the hotel. The calm countryside setting of the hotel also makes for a great event atmosphere, the fresh air and open space being ideal to encourage creativity and productivity. The collection of versatile rooms ranges from private boardrooms to a larger suite that can accommodate exhibitions and theatre-style conferences. Gisborough-hall.com

Daresbury Park Hotel | Warrington Open now After being closed to the public for more than five years, Cheshire’s Daresbury Park has reopened following a multi-million-pound refurbishment. The transformation includes all 228 bedrooms and bathrooms, a stylish new restaurant and bar, and a brand-new health club. For event organisers, the hotel offers seven versatile function rooms that can be configured to suit a wide range of events, accommodating up to 350 delegates in a theatre-style layout. With its newly upgraded facilities and modern amenities alongside comfortable accommodation and great transport links, Daresbury Park is well equipped to host everything from training sessions to large-scale conferences. Harrogate Convention Centre

Gisborough Hall Hotel

Dunglass Estate | East Lothian February 2027 Expanding its events offering with the addition of a striking new glass atrium, designed by Scottish architects Mozolowski & Murray, Dunglass Estate has secured a six-figure funding package from the Bank of Scotland to create a weatherproof space above its historic courtyard. When works are scheduled to be completed in February next year, the glass roof will provide uninterrupted views of the sky while allowing events to take place year-round. It will be able to be used for ceremonies, receptions, and celebrations, complementing the estate’s 15th-century collegiate church, landscaped grounds, and accommodation. This new offering will be available alongside the estate’s existing spaces, including a pavilion that can cater for up to 200 and a barbeque tent available for up to 80. There are also plenty of outdoor activities ideal for adventure seekers and team building – think clay pigeon shooting, archery, air rifle shooting, owl handling, and much more!

Dunglass Estate

Marine Lake Events Centre | Southport | April 2027 This £73 million development which has been funded by Southport Town Deal is set to feature a 1,500-seat theatre with a sprung dance floor, a 2,400-capacity exhibition hall that can be split three ways, a signature restaurant, a lakeside café with 180-degree views, multiple meeting rooms, and the UK’s first water and light show seven nights a week to wow delegates that little bit more. At the heart of Marine Lake will sit a state-of-the-art flexible theatre and auditorium capable of hosting West End touring productions, concerts, comedy, ballet, opera, and cinema-scale screenings with leading digital AV technology throughout.

Harrogate Convention Centre | Spring 2027 In July this year, Harrogate Convention Centre began a £9.4 million redevelopment project that will increase breakout capacity, improve accessibility, and upgrade the venue’s sustainability infrastructure. The project will reconfigure Studio Two using soundproof demountable walls to create up to eight breakout rooms for up to 1,200. An escalator will also be installed between Studio One and Two. When work is complete, the venue will offer breakout capacity for 2,600 delegates alongside its 2,000-seat auditorium. It’s also upgrading its energy and climate control systems alongside smaller refurbishment works, with the improvement expected to cut energy bills by almost £150,000. Harrogateconventioncentre.co.uk

NorthinBrief ESSA Board Announced

Cvent Announces AI Investment

A Firm Grip

The Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) has announced its new board lineup following its 2026 annual general meeting. The board is made up of elected representatives from the event supplier and services community. Members act on behalf of the wider membership, giving their time voluntarily to support ESSA’s strategic direction, strengthen suppliers’ voice, and help shape activity around the issues that matter most to members.

Cvent is to invest more than £750 million in AI, product innovation, and technology over the next three years, in what the company describes as the largest investment in its history.

Event technology platform Grip has launched a new tool that connects AI applications directly to live event data, saving organisers an estimated 10 hours per event on configuration tasks.

New Chair Rob Brackstone said: “Serving on the ESSA board is about giving something back. It’s about listening to members, understanding the pressures and opportunities our sector faces, and helping ESSA stay focused on the work that genuinely makes a difference. We’re fortunate to have a board made up of people who bring such a strong mix of experience, honesty, and practical industry knowledge. I’d like to thank everyone who put themselves forward, and all my fellow board members for the time and commitment they continue to give.” The board will continue to support ESSA’s strategic priorities, including industry representation, health and safety, sustainability, skills and workforce development, international trading support, accreditation, member services, and collaboration across the sector.

Scaling Up SCALE, the platform for growth-stage businesses, has announced the launch of SCALE Manchester, a new event landing in the city in November that’s designed to celebrate and accelerate the growth of scaleups across the North West. Built for the region’s most ambitious founders, investors, and leaders, SCALE Manchester will take over Freight Island on 25th November for a day built to connect founders with people who can genuinely help. The event follows the success of SCALE EXPO and SUMMIT in April where thousands of founders, investors, and ecosystem partners came together at the Business Design Centre in London for panels, roundtables, networking, and introductions to dozens of growth partners providing the products and services needed to scale. Access to growth capital will be a key theme at the event. The North West’s scaleup ecosystem is growing fast, with more angels, more early-stage VCs, and more capital choosing to stay in the region. SCALE Manchester exists to cut through the complexity and connect the right people at the right moment and turn ambition into action.

The announcement was made at Cvent CONNECT in Nashville, where the company also unveiled a new brand identity centred on what it calls the ‘Presence Premium’ – the idea that as AI-generated content becomes increasingly commonplace, the value of face-to-face experiences is rising. Cvent Founder and CEO Reggie Aggarwal said: “In a world where AI can generate almost anything, people are craving something real. When the world around us is so noisy, choosing to be present is the rarest signal in modern business.” The investment will accelerate development of AI capabilities across Cvent’s platform, alongside wider product innovation designed to help organisations plan, manage, and measure business events. Alongside the investment, Cvent unveiled a refreshed brand identity designed to reflect its focus on helping organisations deliver high-performing events.

Government Urged to Rethink Cuts The government is being urged to reverse cuts to business events support and develop a dedicated national strategy after MPs warned the sector risks losing ground to international competitors. A recent report from the Culture, Media, and Sport (CMS) Committee concludes that the UK’s £33 billion business events industry is being held back by a lack of strategic government support, despite its significant contribution to economic growth, trade, and employment. The cross-party committee has called on new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his colleagues to treat business events as a distinct, trade-focused sector rather than subsuming it within tourism and major events policy. Among its recommendations are maintaining funding for promoting business events overseas, reviewing the recent reduction of VisitBritain’s business events team, simplifying visa processes, and developing a long-term national strategy for the sector. The report follows an enquiry launched in 2025, during which industry representatives argued that business events are frequently overlooked in wider discussions around major events despite generating more than £33 billion annually for the UK economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP), the tool allows AI applications to connect to external data sources in real time and lets organisers make queries about their event setup through tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Copilot. Rather than switching between platforms, an organiser can ask questions directly, such as whether welcome emails are configured, which integrations are active, or whether a particular feature is enabled. The MCP is the foundation of a broader agentic layer Grip is building for organisers. Planned capabilities include an automated event setup agent that reviews your current configuration and produces a setup plan with an order of priorities, a launch readiness score against a full checklist, auto-generated guides for internal teams, exhibitors and attendees, and post-event summaries.

New Appointment at Wildfire Sheffield-based events specialist Wildfire has expanded its leadership team by appointing Ian Brown as its new head of sales and business development. With more than 15 years’ experience in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions industry, Ian will lead Wildfire’s sales team, driving revenue growth, and shaping the agency’s sales strategy. The appointment comes after the recent announcement that Nathan Angus has taken over as CEO, showing a strong configuration in the senior leadership team. Wildfire offers one of the widest ranges of corporate event experiences, with one of Europe’s largest collections of party props and equipment, and Ian said he was drawn to the company’s ambitious vision set out by CEO Nathan.

COMING UP Midlands Special AI and Event Tech Sustainable Venues

OUT NOVEMBER 2026 For more information contact Adam Freedman 0845 052 2911 www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Interview Andrew Orr

FEEL

THE IMPACT

Ahead of his session at CHS Manchester, we talk to “We used creative technology to make an incredibly Andrew Orr about the power of the experiential and memorable, deeply emotional, moment of interaction how it points the way to the future for brands and events. visceral with the car. But we also used Andrew Orr has been building brand experiences for 20 years, beginning with a summer job in his student days: “I wasn’t really looking to go into marketing, but I got a job as a brand ambassador – one of those promotional people on the street, in bars, or at festivals – to earn extra money, and absolutely loved it.” That job became a springboard to a career: first with a small, guerrilla-marketing Glasgow agency, then a move to Manchester, and in 2006, joining TRO, the agency Andrew now leads as MD.

Founded in 1982, TRO has evolved along with the industry, foregrounding experience and emotional impact: “We’re an end-to-end agency which is quite unique in the experiential world, we handle everything from the strategy, concepts, design, and delivery. Those in-house capabilities are great, but they’ve also demanded that we keep innovating as the channel itself evolves, going from events to event marketing, experiential to brand experience.” In the events world, experiential is currently a ubiquitous buzzword, but for Andrew its roots reach back into history: “The first officially recognised experiential campaign was P.T. Barnum in the 1880s. He’d go to cities and drum up interest through PR stunts. The most famous was at the newly built Brooklyn Bridge. Everyone was afraid to walk over, September 2026

thinking it might collapse so Barnum walked his elephants across it and got on the front page of the New York Times.” Those early stunts were followed by campaigns like the ‘Pepsi Challenge’ and supermarket sampling stands, and the concept has developed considerably since: “At the beginning, it was that promotional marketing, product sampling, or an event marketing activity, but it’s far more sophisticated now. You’re thinking about it as a bigger idea. The creative process isn’t just ‘what does the event look like?’ it’s about thinking ‘what’s the idea that could come alive for a brand?’” That pursuit of connection beyond the event itself is likely to resonate with event professionals: “A one-off moment has got to have some longevity. It’s got to go further and reach wider audiences to justify the investment, particularly with all the various channels out there, but the smart move is working in concert with those. I’m not a fan of trying to compete with other channels, we all lose that way.” A current focus for Andrew and TRO is ‘experience impact’, developed in response to that ever-recurring question ‘can you measure it?’: “There are so many different event, experience, and activation formats out there, it’s not as simple as measuring a TV ad. Most briefs are written quite poorly, and brands often chuck the kitchen sink at it: ‘I want lots of awareness, lots of engagement, and lots of ROI’. What we try and do is get super clear on the impact the client’s looking for and build around that, rather than ‘I just want everything’, because that never gets the right answer.” Andrew points to a recent project for BMW at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, built around the launch of the new M series:

tech for emotional recognition tracking – reading people’s feelings and emotions through cameras at the point of contact when people interact with it. Those experiences and points of connection, that CRM ability, the data capture, the lead gen, there’s real value in that.”

Experiential has always driven emotional engagement, but the problem has always been how you actually capture and track it. That’s what this technology is starting to do. Despite its obvious usefulness, such tech is still catching on: “I don’t think it’s widespread, but I think it’s certainly what’s round the corner. Experiential has always driven emotional engagement, but the problem has always been how you actually capture and track it. That’s what this technology is starting to do.” Andrew is excited by the potential for crossover between industry strands: “B2B is becoming a really exciting space for experiential. It’s typically been shell schemes, conferences, and exhibitions, but some of the brands we’re speaking to really want to think about how to turn up differently. Experiential has already excelled in the B2C world, and I very much expect that to be coming through in B2B significantly in the next few years.” Catch Andrew at CHS Manchester on 30th September! | Tro.com

MANCHESTER

On Location: Manchester

marketingManchester MANCHESTER

Manchester continues to prove that it’s a natural home for creative events.

Big Ideas When CHANEL transformed Manchester’s Northern Quarter into a global catwalk, it demonstrated what event organisers across the creative industries are increasingly discovering – that Manchester can deliver world-class creative experiences. From securing the BRIT Awards and the TV Festival to opening landmark venues such as Aviva Studios, Co-op Live, and Soho House, the city has become one of Europe’s most exciting destinations for creative sector events. At the heart of this evolution is St. John’s, one of the most ambitious projects in the country and a growing hub for creative production. Home to a cluster of creative businesses and venues, the district in central Manchester is cementing the city’s reputation as a place where ideas are shaped.

with a venue capable of bringing their visions to life. Just a short walk away, VERSA Studios is further strengthening the city’s creative credentials. Formerly the iconic home of Granada TV, VERSA is bringing the next generation of British TV and film culture to Manchester.

Yet Manchester’s creative events story is not defined solely by headline-grabbing global events.

Beyond the city centre, MediaCity offers another distinctive home for creative sector events. Home to major broadcasters like the BBC and ITV, the waterfront destination has become one the UK’s leading hubs for media, digital, and creative businesses. It’s mix of event spaces across venues such as The Lowry, IWM North, and the Piazza add another dimension to Greater Manchester’s wider offering.

The city hosts a thriving programme of specialist events that bring together industry professionals, emerging talent, and global brands throughout the year.

What makes Manchester a particularly special space for creative sector events is the surrounding ecosystem that supports them. The city-region is home to an ever-growing community of creators, producers, broadcasters, designers, and entrepreneurs. Global brands sit alongside independent studios, and universities collaborate closely with industry to nurture talent.

Photo credit: Aeroflair

This concentration of expertise creates opportunities for event organisers to connect their delegates with influential speakers and leading experts from across the region. The Manchester Convention Bureau, part of Marketing Manchester, hosts a wide network through its ambassador programme, helping to bridge the gap in accessing resident experts and industry leaders.

Leading the way is Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International. Since opening in 2023, the venue has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s most distinctive event spaces. Designed to accommodate everything from international festivals and exhibitions to conferences and symposiums, Aviva Studios embodies Manchester’s creative confidence and provides organisers

The city’s momentum continues to grow. Manchester hosted the BRIT Awards in 2026, the first city outside of London to host the iconic British music awards and will continue this into 2027. The city also recently secured the prestigious TV Festival, which will relocate from Edinburgh to Greater Manchester from 2027 and be staged across the St. John’s creative district.

Festivals and conferences focused on film, television, design, gaming, animation, and immersive technology regularly draw creative professionals to Manchester while events such as Beyond the Music, SCENE LGBTQ+ Film and TV festival, and MAD// North have established themselves as important forums for discussion within the creative industries and a key part of their success is through being immersed in what Manchester has to offer. The breadth of activity demonstrates one important strength, that the city helps to write the full story. Manchester offers the venues, expertise, and community needed to make an event in this field successful. Supported by a collaborative network of organisations, universities, businesses, and venues, events of all sizes can tap into a long-established ecosystem that is built on Manchester’s unique creative and collaborative spirit. Marketingmanchester.com

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

MANCHESTER

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MANCHESTER

Promotion

On Stage For more than 30 years, the AO Arena has been at the heart of Manchester’s story. As one of the world’s most iconic live entertainment venues, it’s welcomed millions of visitors through its doors. From bringing world-famous artists to the stage or hosting international sporting events, it’s been woven into the defining moments of Manchester’s cultural story. But beyond the stage and spotlights, another story has been unfolding. Today, AO Arena is home to an extensive portfolio of flexible event spaces capable of hosting intimate board meetings and networking receptions through to large-scale conferences, exhibitions, awards ceremonies, and gala dinners. As the business events industry continues to evolve, the AO Arena caters to organisers looking beyond traditional conference venues in search of something more. With greater flexibility, stronger connectivity, and more space, it can accommodate events from a handful of delegates to several thousand attendees, offering organisers the freedom to create experiences that simply aren’t possible in conventional conference venues. This flexibility is underpinned by an operational team skilled in delivering exceptional events. Highly qualified event managers, award-winning hospitality, in-house production expertise, and industry-leading security combine to deliver seamless experiences, whatever the scale. The venue’s recent investment has further strengthened this proposition. Contemporary hospitality spaces, enhanced catering options, and upgraded facilities now complement the arena’s larger event capabilities, allowing organisers to combine conference sessions, exhibitions, networking, and evening entertainment within a single destination. It’s a venue where every event can be tailored around an organiser’s vision rather than confined by traditional venue limitations.

Manchester’s most versatile events destination, AO Arena is redefining the landscape. Directly connected to Manchester Victoria Station, the venue offers unrivalled accessibility for delegates travelling from across the UK. With national rail services, Metrolink trams, major road networks, and Manchester Airport all within easy reach, organisers can offer delegates a straightforward, stress-free journey from arrival through to departure. The venue’s location also places delegates within walking distance of Manchester’s vibrant hospitality offering, including hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and cultural attractions, making it an attractive destination for multi-day conferences and events. AO Arena is already trusted by some of the UK’s leading organisations. Herbalife selected the venue to deliver a high-energy corporate conference, combining inspirational presentations with immersive production to create an experience that reflected the scale of its global brand. The prestigious This is Manchester Awards has also chosen AO Arena as the backdrop for celebrating the city’s business community, transforming the venue into an elegant setting worthy of one of Manchester’s most anticipated evenings. Meanwhile, the North of England Dentistry Show has demonstrated the arena’s ability

to accommodate large exhibitions, educational seminars, and networking opportunities under one roof, welcoming thousands of professionals from across the region. These events highlight the breadth of what’s possible. Whether it’s an exhibition requiring expansive floor space, a conference demanding state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities, or an awards dinner looking for impact and atmosphere, AO Arena delivers a solution that adapts to every brief. Few venues can claim over 30 years of history at the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. Fewer still can combine that heritage with the flexibility, accessibility, and operational expertise required by today’s event organisers. AO Arena may be best known for the iconic moments that unfold on stage, but as Manchester’s conference and events landscape continues to grow, the venue is proving that its greatest strength isn’t simply hosting unforgettable shows, it’s creating exceptional experiences in whatever form they take. AO-arena.com

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SISTER MOON

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MANCHESTER

CHS Manchester

THE

BIG EVENT On 30th September, event planners, venues, destinations, hotels, and suppliers from across the UK will arrive at the AO Arena for the first edition of what is already shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated industry gatherings. For Manchester, it’s another milestone in the city’s remarkable events story. For CHS, it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter. And for event professionals across the North, it’s an opportunity to help shape a show from its very first edition. The role of trade shows has changed, event professionals don’t have days to spare. They need to source venues, compare destinations, discover new suppliers, learn something genuinely useful, and reconnect with colleagues, often in a single visit. Every conversation has to count. Every meeting should move a project forward. That’s the environment CHS Manchester has been built to create. The exhibition brings together an exceptional mix of venues, hotel groups, destinations, and suppliers, allowing planners to achieve weeks’ worth of meetings in a matter of hours. Established brands sit alongside new destinations and fresh ideas, creating an exhibition floor designed around productive conversations rather than simply collecting brochures. Equally, the education programme reflects that same thinking. Across three live stages, more than 30 speakers will share practical insight, fresh perspectives, and honest experiences through concise sessions that fit the pace of modern event planning. Delegates can build their own agenda throughout the day, moving between leadership, creativity, destination insight, career development, sustainability, event

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The countdown to the inaugural CHS Manchester is well underway and, judging by the momentum behind it, it’s set to be unmissable.

delivery, and emerging technology, leaving with ideas they can put into practice immediately rather than pages of notes they’ll never revisit. Artificial intelligence will naturally feature prominently, but with a practical twist. Working alongside technology partner Zoby, delegates will help build a new AI resource live during the show, identifying genuine industry challenges before watching practical solutions develop throughout the day. It’s a collaborative approach that reflects the wider ambition of the event: bringing the industry together to solve real problems. That collaborative spirit extends well beyond the exhibition halls. Manchester Calling – the opening night welcome reception hosted by Manchester Central – gives exhibitors, hosted buyers, and attendees the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, and begin conversations before the doors even open. Throughout the week, a growing fringe programme will take delegates across the city, with networking events, creative experiences, and informal gatherings creating opportunities to experience Manchester’s renowned hospitality alongside its thriving events community. From Marketing Manchester and the AO Arena to Manchester Central, Aviva Studios, hotels, venues, and hospitality partners, organisations across the city have embraced the opportunity to help create something special. More than just hosting the event, Manchester has become part of the experience, showcasing the creativity, confidence, and warmth that have made it one of Europe’s leading destinations for meetings and events.

Finally, running through the entire programme is a philosophy inspired by Unreasonable Hospitality. It’s reflected in thoughtful touches, carefully curated experiences, and an emphasis on making every visitor feel welcome, valued, and connected. Whether it’s a helpful introduction, an unexpected recommendation, a memorable networking opportunity, or simply ensuring delegates leave having made the most of their time, the focus remains firmly on creating positive outcomes for the people the industry serves. The response from across the sector suggests that approach is resonating. There is always something special about a first edition. The energy is different. New ideas are everywhere. People arrive curious, optimistic, and ready to contribute. That’s exactly how CHS Manchester feels as September approaches. The exhibitors are ready. The speakers are ready. Manchester has thrown its arms around the event. Now it’s over to you. Because the first chapter of any successful industry gathering is written by the people who choose to be there, and CHS Manchester promises to be a show that leaves businesses stronger, people better connected, and the industry excited about what’s next. Hello-chs.com/manchester

Industry Debate

Voices from across the industry weigh in on new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s appointment and what it means for events in our region.

MovingNorth Paul McCallum | Founder and MD at PJ Staffing The North has heard ‘levelling up’ before, so a little scepticism is healthy. Andy Burnham inherits a Downing Street that’s had seven occupants in a decade, and that instability alone has made it harder for small businesses to plan. Cutting VAT on household energy bills and capping bus fares at £2 are welcome first moves. They ease pressure on ordinary people like us and the staff our clients rely on. But the real test is what comes next for the businesses themselves. Events across the North have been squeezed for years by rising costs and shrinking margins. If this government truly wants to prove the hype is more than rhetoric, it needs a plan that speaks directly to the sector. I’ll be watching closely to see if that happens.

been the reality for outdoor events where local collaboration, shared responsibility, and community engagement are fundamental to successful delivery. The association welcomes the government’s focus on greater coordination across public services. Safe and successful events rely on close collaboration between organisers and public sector partners, and our industry has long demonstrated the benefits of joined up working in delivering positive outcomes for communities. As the new government develops its programme, NOEA looks forward to continuing its constructive relationship with ministers, officials, and local authorities, as it has with successive governments.

Richard Wear | Founder of recruitment service Interfacio

NOEA has welcomed the new government’s commitment to greater devolution, regional growth, and stronger partnerships between national and local government. These are ambitions the outdoor events industry has championed for many years.

Andy Burnham has long championed vocational and technical education. As Mayor of Greater Manchester, he pioneered the UK’s first integrated technical education system, giving young people a genuine alternative to the traditional university route, and he’s been a vocal backer and active participant in Production Futures, which does brilliant work opening up careers and supporting young people as they explore and look to establish themselves in the live events and production industry.

The government’s commitment to devolving power recognises that the best decisions are often made closest to the communities they affect. That has long

His pledge to bring technical subjects into schools from age 14 builds on that record, and it matters specifically to our industry. Careers in live events and broadcast

NOEA (National Outdoor Events Association)

production and technology have not always had good visibility or recognition in schools, nor have they been seen as serious options. If this policy gets more young people thinking about technical routes early, it’s a real opportunity for sectors like ours that are in serious need of educated, motivated and well-trained talent.

Nick Wagg | Director of destination management company All Points North (APN) I think generally we will see certain elements on all sides of business feeling empowered now Andy Burnham has arrived at number 10. APN was founded over 20 years ago and it was like banging our heads against a brick wall as the North had not enjoyed the renaissance it has today. Manchester’s image changed significantly when the BBC moved to Salford and in a relatively short space of time, it has been transformed. The arrival of MediaCity, The Lowry, and Imperial War Museum North, as well as a growing cluster of television and media companies, has completely reshaped perceptions of the area. Of course, the North is much bigger than Manchester. Last year, Bradford was the UK City of Culture, helping to change how many people view the city. After all, this region was once the beating heart of Britain’s industrial economy, and for a time Manchester was widely regarded as England’s second city. Even so, the North can still be a harder sell to overseas clients than London or Edinburgh. I remain optimistic, though, that this will continue to change as the region receives more attention and recognition.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Industry Opinion

Building Confidence Louisa Watson, beam’s ESG Director, on why industry professionals should be more forthright when talking about environmental, social, and governance initiatives. There was a time when talking about sustainability was relatively straightforward. Organisations proudly shared their progress, from switching to LED lighting and reducing single-use plastics to introducing recycling initiatives. Today, something has changed.

perfect risks overlooking one of ESG’s most important principles: transparency. Being open doesn’t mean claiming to have all the answers. It means being honest about what you’ve achieved and where you’re still learning.

Many organisations are making significant progress on ESG yet are increasingly reluctant to talk about it. Not because they aren’t doing enough, but because they fear saying the wrong thing or being accused of greenwashing. I often hear: “We’ll talk about it once we’ve got it all figured out.”

The business events industry has come a long way. ESG now extends far beyond carbon emissions and recycling. Clients and stakeholders are asking about social value, governance, supply chain transparency, employee wellbeing, and ethical business practices. This growing complexity can feel daunting, leaving organisations unsure where to begin or whether they’re doing enough. But progress doesn’t require perfection. It requires commitment, honesty, and a willingness to improve.

But ESG isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every organisation is at a different stage, shaped by its size, resources, customers, and priorities. Waiting until everything’s

That thinking is at the heart of this year’s beam and MIA ESG Summit. Using a practical basic, better, best framework, the day will help businesses understand where they are now and identify their next step. Delegates will explore changing legislation, social value, governance, supply chains, and measuring impact, with advice suited to organisations at every stage. Perhaps we should stop asking whether we’re ‘good enough’ to discuss ESG and ask instead: are we making progress? If the answer is yes that’s a story worth sharing. Join us on 14th September at BMA House, London, and leave with new ideas, practical actions, and greater confidence to share your progress. Beam-org.uk

Telling Our Story Shonali Devereaux, CEO of the Meetings Industry Association (MIA), sees Andy Burnham’s appointment as prime minister as an opportunity for the sector – but only if we tell our story better. A change of administration is a chance to reengage, refocus, and refresh. Andy Burnham has spoken of giving Britain the ‘circuit breaker’ it needs, and if that means a different approach to how government interprets our business, then our sector needs to be ready with something clear to say. That work is underway, with trade associations and industry bodies collaborating to sharpen how we articulate our contribution to the UK. It’s no longer just about business events generating £33.6 billion a year for the economy, but about the practical solutions our sector can offer this government and how we can help tackle the challenges faced by people all over the country.

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Take unemployment, sitting at its highest level in over a decade. We’ve always offered some of the most accessible routes into work, which makes us part of the answer rather than simply a sector asking for support. But a statistic alone won’t make that case for us. A conference filling a city hotel, local restaurants, and the train station’s taxi rank for a week will. So will a young person finding their first job at a venue, or a local supplier winning work because an exhibition came to town. These are the things that show what business events actually deliver, and they’re the things a government focused on growth and living standards will recognise. This is where every one of us has a part to play.

Those stories exist in every venue, agency, and supplier across the country, and they only carry weight if we tell them together. The more consistently we tell our story, the harder we are to overlook. If you can help us show what business events deliver for your local economy, I’d love to hear from you. Mia-uk.org | shonalid@mia-uk.org

Welcome to Moddershall Oaks. A modern, flexible space in a stunning location. Set in 72 acres of Staffordshire countryside, the beautifully landscaped grounds include award winning spa facilities, fully refurbished meeting spaces, a stunning lake and private woodland that will help provide the space to focus without distraction or interruption. The perfect environment for your next event. 01782 399000

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MEET. STAY. UNWIND. More than just a meeting. Conveniently placed just off the M1 with ample free parking, we offer flexible, contemporary meeting and event spaces for everything from team catch-ups to large conferences. When the work is done, make a stay of it with stylish overnight accommodation, great dining and relaxing spa access. Chat to the team and start planning today! conference@thorpeparkhotel.co.uk | 0113 264 1000 www.thorpeparkhotel.co.uk

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Industry Trends

Best of the Fest

Client Services Director at The Chameleon Agency, Millie Kileen, connects the trend to broader questions about how people want to work and live: “I think the festivalisation trend also reflects what people are looking for in their working lives generally. Organisations are constantly striving to create a better balance between work and wellbeing, and festival-style events naturally support that by blending learning, networking, and downtime into one experience.” Rather than eight hours of presentations, delegates are given the freedom to explore, recharge, connect, and engage in a way that suits them:

The trend of ‘festivalisation’ is gaining popularity as planners look to innovate with new formats, according to industry experts. The boundaries between the conference hall and the festival field are dissolving. Across the events industry, organisers are borrowing ideas from live music, theatre, and exhibitions to create formats that feel less like a corporate agenda to endure and more like a cultural experience to explore. The trend reflects a wider industry shift: people no longer want to simply attend an event – they want to feel part of it.

Jon Shone

Jon Shone, Creative Director at Goho and a live events expert who has curated stadium concerts for more than two decades, has watched festivalisation spread through the industry, with mixed results: “I think ‘festivalisation’ has become one of those interesting buzzwords in the events world. I hear it crop up all the time, and it’s often used as shorthand for ‘we want our conference to feel less boring and more original.’ Usually that translates into ‘let’s get a food truck, put on some live music, and create a different vibe.’ But in my experience, companies don’t always stop to think about what festivalisation really means in the broader sense.”

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For Jon, the real substance of the trend goes beyond stages or street food: “I believe that festivalisation is about designing events that bring people together in a more human way. They come to connect, to feel part of something bigger than themselves, and to experience moments that simply can’t be replicated through a screen.” Festivals, he argues, have always understood how to build that togetherness while giving people the freedom to explore, discover, and engage in ways that feel personal. Joe Gilliver, Founder and Executive Producer at The Chameleon Agency, agrees that the freedom to explore options is key: “The festivalisation format is definitely becoming more popular, especially when you consider the demographic shift to more gen zs in the workplace – they want choice instead of a structure dictated to them. Creating different stages, breakout areas, and exploration zones means people can journey through content that resonates with them.” Joe sees the same principle extending into staff family days and company parties, where a festival-style structure gives attendees room to do what they enjoy: “It’s fun and unstructured, an escape from the normality of day-to-day work.”

Millie Kileen

“It feels more human, and mirrors how we consume content in everyday life.” In Millie’s view, the most memorable corporate events stop feeling like work altogether, and delegates leave having learned something and strengthened their connection with the organisation. Beyond the agency world, multi-purpose venues hosting gigs, exhibitions, and brand activations alongside corporate work are increasingly acting as creative partners, feeding ideas from one discipline into another. These events deliver much more personal, memorable experiences which encourage networking, socialising, and peer-to-peer sharing and learning. Perfect for events that span many different industries and disciplines, the festival format is a powerful way to deliver diverse programmes. The key point for event planners is appreciating festivalisation as more than mere spectacle. The food trucks and live stages are the surface detail; the substance is in designing an environment where people feel comfortable enough to let their guard down and experience the event, rather than simply attending it. For an industry which thrives on engagement, the festivalisation model represents a people-centred approach which allows organisers to be more creative while arranging events which involve delegates on many levels. Thisisgoho.com Thechameleonagency.com

Joe Gilliver

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Unique Venues

Distinctly Distinctly Different

Event professionals are always striving to create memorable experiences, and the right venue can make all the difference. But what makes a venue truly unique? We find out from three key industry voices. Most planners and delegates have seen most of what a standard conference room has to offer. For today’s organisers, the venue is now a higher priority – not as a backdrop, but as one of the key features available for making an event stick in the memory.

Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva

Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva of Unique Venues Birmingham believes that the venue becomes part of the event itself: “A unique venue creates experiences that delegates remember long after the event has finished.

While hotels and conference centres are designed specifically for meetings, unique venues provide a sense of place, character, and authenticity that can transform a straightforward conference into something memorable.”

Pursuing that memorable impact leads event organisers to focus on the emotional experience of attendees and the setting is a central element, as Nathan Angus, CEO of Wildfire Events Agency, acknowledges: “People remember how an event made them feel and a distinctive setting becomes part of the experience, sparking curiosity simply because it’s somewhere delegates might otherwise never get to visit.” The term ‘unique’ can cover a lot of ground and Suzanna points out how broad the category really is: “The beauty of the unique venue sector is its diversity. A unique venue could be a historic castle, museum, gallery, botanical garden, sports stadium, university, library, theatre, or even a heritage attraction. Each offers its own personality and story that can’t be replicated.” That can mean dining on a working theatre stage at Birmingham Repertory Theatre, gala dinners in the Library of Birmingham’s Book Rotunda among a million books, or private meetings in the historic Shakespeare Memorial Room. Abigail Chew, Operations Director at Department at Bonded Warehouse in Manchester, feels the appeal of such venues is evident in an increasingly competitive field: “Organisers are under

Nathan Angus

growing pressure to make every in-person experience feel worth the journey and the right building can establish the tone before anyone takes the stage.” Of course, what gives a venue its unique character goes beyond the aesthetic, as Nathan explains: “What makes a venue unique isn’t just its appearance. It could be its location, heritage, or even an unexpected use of the space. For event planners, these venues unlock creative possibilities. Rather than having to create an atmosphere from scratch, the venue already provides a strong sense of place, helping to immerse guests and elevate the event with a genuine ‘wow’ factor.” ...continued on page 32

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

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THE AT WYBOSTON

WHERE BIG IDEAS TAKE CENTRE STAGE Our all-new event space is built for bold events. It’s a large-format, flexible space spanning 900sqm. From gala dinners and large conferences, to exhibitions and product launches, The Box is here to allow you to say yes more. Want to find out more? Think big and chat to our team: sales@wybostonlakes.co.uk Or call 0333 7007 667

Or visit our website!

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Competition

Unbridled Excitement, Unforgettable Moments Corporate hospitality is about creating memorable experiences, and few settings offer the unique blend of excitement, first-class dining, and outstanding service quite like Wetherby Racecourse. Recognised as one of the North’s leading jump racing venues, Wetherby combines the charm of a traditional Yorkshire racecourse with modern hospitality facilities, making it an ideal destination for entertaining clients, rewarding employees, or celebrating with colleagues and friends. Conveniently located just minutes from the A1(M) it’s easily accessible for those travelling from across Yorkshire and beyond. Wetherby’s race programme features 19 fixtures, providing a variety of opportunities to entertain throughout the year. Jump racing starts in mid-October swiftly followed by one of the highlights of the National Hunt calendar – the prestigious bet365 Charlie Hall Meeting. This flagship two-day fixture attracts many of Britain’s leading trainers, jockeys, and horses as they begin their campaigns towards the Cheltenham Festival. The jumping action continues throughout the winter, including the ever-popular Yorkshire Christmas Meeting on Boxing Day and 27th December, before concluding in March. Flat racing fixtures between April and June provide additional opportunities to enjoy the racecourse in a different setting.

While the racing provides the backdrop, Wetherby’s hospitality experience is what keeps people returning year after year. From private suites overlooking the winning post to shared hospitality experiences and stylish restaurants, every package is designed to combine exceptional food, attentive service, and unrivalled views of the sporting action. Private hospitality suites offer an exclusive environment for entertaining, complete with panoramic views of the track and bespoke menus created by the racecourse’s experienced catering team. For smaller groups, the popular Dine and View package includes a reserved table in a trackside restaurant, a four-course chef’s buffet, and expert insights from a professional racing tipster, adding an extra dimension to the day’s entertainment. Enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning this package! The White Rose Restaurant provides a relaxed dining experience and an excellent base from which guests can enjoy both the racing and the vibrant atmosphere around the course. For larger corporate events, the racecourse’s marquee can accommodate between 100 and 350 in a private setting overlooking the Parade Ring, making it ideal for company celebrations and client hospitality.

Win a Dine and View Hospitality Package for two at Wetherby Racecourse – where business meets sporting excitement.

Outside of race days, all of these areas are available for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and events in an easy to reach location offering unlimited free parking. If you’re hosting a boardroom-sized gathering or a large-scale corporate event, Wetherby Racecourse offers flexible hospitality options backed by an experienced team dedicated to delivering outstanding service throughout. Many hospitality packages can be booked online, or the dedicated hospitality team can help create a bespoke experience tailored to your event. For more information, visit Wetherbyracing.co.uk, email hospitality@wetherbyracing.co.uk, or call 01937 582 035.

COMPETITION To win a Dine and View Hospitality Package for two – which includes VIP hospitality tickets and access badges, reserved parking permit, race programme, private table in a trackside viewing suite, tipster talk, four-course chef’s buffet, and a bottle of wine – simply answer the following question…

Which month does Wetherby start its jump racing season? Enter online at Hospitalityandeventsnorth. com/competitions/ or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winner will be randomly selected on the closing date: 2nd October 2026. Terms and conditions apply: A voucher will be provided to be redeemed on selected race days between October 2026 and June 2027. Non-transferable and subject to availability. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in H&E North Magazine and Wetherby Racecourse’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.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

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Corporate Venue in North Wales

Unbridled Passion. Exceptional Experiences.

Looking for an inspiring business venue in Anglesey to host a meeting or hold a conference, look no further. At Château Rhianfa, we invite you to try something different to accomplish your business objectives.

01248 880090

chateaurhianfa.co.uk/corporate/

Behind the thrill of racing is an experienced team delivering memorable corporate hospitality, sponsorship, meetings and events.

View our Brochure!

Host your next winning event at Wetherby Racecourse.

www.wetherbyracing.co.uk Email: hospitality@wetherbyracing.co.uk Tel: 01937 582035

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MEETINGS IN THE FOREST A truly unique alternative for corporate events and team building, offering everything you need to create memorable experiences at Center Parcs Sherwood Forest and Woburn Forest. Set within stunning forest surroundings, it’s the perfect escape from the everyday, inspiring connection, creativity and collaboration.

MEET

INSPIRE

CONNECT

CONNECT WITH US centerparcs_events | Center Parcs Conferences and Events ENQUIRE ABOUT YOUR NEXT CORPORATE EVENT www.centerparcsevents.co.uk |

03448 267715 |

centerparcs.events@centerparcs.co.uk

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Promotion

RACING AHEAD Chester Racecourse’s multi-million-pound transformation is set to revolutionise Cheshire’s events and hospitality scene. Louise Stewart, CEO of Chester Race Company, tells us about the details.

A landmark development project begins this autumn at one of the UK’s best-known racecourses. Chester Racecourse is about to undergo a huge transformation, replacing its temporary tented facilities with a permanent, modern venue space, creating a site that can deliver exceptional race day experiences as well as distinctive, high-quality conferences, hospitality, and major events all year round. The new hospitality building is central to that vision: a modern, flexible space that honours the unique location and near 500-year history. Designed to accommodate up to 1,300 delegates across approximately 5,000 sq. metres, the result will be first-class facilities, modern infrastructure, and sustainable design. This will ensure the racecourse continues to thrive, providing a spectacular backdrop for race days, while also strengthening its appeal as a distinctive venue for conferences and events.

The biggest change is the move to a permanent, purpose-built building. This will fundamentally change how the experience looks and feels. The venue will be able to deliver a greater sense of occasion, new dining concepts, and a fabulous rooftop terrace, while maintaining the atmosphere and excitement that it’s known for.

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The new building will replace the temporary tented festival village with a new space to host banquets for up to 800. Chester Racecourse is already a popular location for events across multiple spaces, indoor and out, but there’s increasing demand to accommodate larger events in a single space. The new building helps address that requirement, creating a permanent, flexible venue for organisers, delegates, and private-hire guests in a fabulous setting. The Chester business community continues to build momentum as it grows across sectors such as professional services, energy, creative, digital, manufacturing, and health. The new building gives those organisations, and the wider regional market, a place to bring people together in the heart of a beautiful historic city, with the racecourse and city walls as its backdrop. The proposal incorporates a series of infrastructure improvements with the aim to achieve a ‘BREEAM Excellent’ sustainability rating, reflecting Chester Race Company’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. The company has a dedicated strategy to become climate positive by 2039, marking the racecourse’s 500th anniversary, with sustainability embedded into long-term plans for the business. Delegates and organisers are looking for more than a venue. They want distinctive and memorable experiences, exceptional food and service, flexible spaces, and strong sustainability credentials.

This development will enable Chester Racecourse to meet those expectations, offering premium race day hospitality, conferences, private events, and major occasions in a venue that combines contemporary facilities with the character, heritage, and unique setting that have defined the racecourse for nearly 500 years. The impact also reaches beyond the racecourse. Major events support local hotels, restaurants, and suppliers, and strengthen the city’s reputation as a place that can host high-quality hospitality and business events. As the local economy continues to grow, this type of investment gives the city and the wider region more capacity, more choice, and a stronger platform to attract influential organisers and businesses. This is the most ambitious transformation of the racecourse in modern history. The project is part of a long-term vision to keep Chester Racecourse at the forefront of racing, hospitality, and events, while contributing to the future prosperity and profile of the city. Construction is expected to begin this autumn and officially open in time for the Boodles May Festival in 2028. Racing and other on-site events will continue through 2027 as normal, with construction taking place around the events calendar. Chester-races.com

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Competition

Photo: Mike Caldwell Photography

Lap of Luxury

Win a one-night stay for two at Swinton Park Hotel, including a three-course dinner and access to Swinton Country Club’s spa facilities and acres of parklands and gardens! Swinton Park Hotel is a magnificent Grade II* listed castle set within 200 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens at the heart of the 20,000-acre Swinton Estate on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Combining historic grandeur with modern comfort, it offers an inspiring setting for conferences, meetings, incentive trips, and corporate retreats. Owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family since the 1880s and the ancestral seat of the Earl of Swinton, the hotel provides an exclusive backdrop where heritage, exceptional hospitality, and contemporary facilities come together to create memorable business events. The hotel offers 42 individually designed bedrooms and suites, providing spacious accommodation for delegates and overnight guests, with many rooms enjoying views across the Deer Park and surrounding estate. A collection of distinctive indoor and outdoor spaces cater for everything from board meetings and executive retreats to conferences, gala dinners, and team celebrations for up to 100 delegates. Choose from the grandeur of the Ballroom and Panelled Room at Swinton Park Hotel, the relaxed setting of

the Deer House, or the rustic charm of the Tipi at Swinton Bivouac, each offering a unique environment to inspire collaboration and connection. Dining is at the heart of the Swinton experience. From modern British cuisine in Samuel’s Restaurant and relaxed dining in The Terrace Restaurant & Bar to bespoke private dining experiences, every menu reflects the estate’s celebrated estate-to-plate philosophy. Seasonal dishes showcase produce from the four-acre Walled Garden alongside ingredients sourced from tenant farms and trusted local suppliers, delivering an authentic taste of Yorkshire. Beyond the meeting areas, Swinton offers an exceptional range of experiences designed to reward, motivate, and bring teams together. Delegates can enjoy axe throwing and escape rooms with Live for Today, clay pigeon shooting with E.J. Churchill, fly fishing with Northern Fishing Company, or the immersive Saboteurs at Swinton experience, inspired by the intrigue of The Traitors. Whether building stronger teams or entertaining clients, every activity is tailored to create lasting memories.

For those seeking relaxation and wellbeing, hotel residents enjoy complimentary access to Swinton Country Club & Spa, featuring an indoor pool, outdoor natural pool, hydrotherapy pool, thermal suite, outdoor wellness area, and wild swimming lake. Bespoke spa experiences and wellness activities can also be incorporated into corporate programmes and incentive itineraries. Whether hosting a strategic planning session, rewarding high-performing teams, launching a new product, or celebrating business success, Swinton Park Hotel combines distinctive venues, exceptional dining, inspiring experiences, and personalised service to deliver corporate events that leave a lasting impression. Swintonestate.com

COMPETITION To win a one-night stay for two at Swinton Park Hotel, including a three-course dinner in a restaurant of your choosing and access to Swinton Country Club’s spa facilities and the 200 acres of parklands and gardens, simply answer the following question…

How many acres is the Swinton Estate? Enter online at Hospitalityandeventsnorth. com/competitions/ or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winner will be randomly selected on the closing date: 2nd October 2026. Terms and conditions apply: Accommodation is based on a suite for two guests. All reservations are subject to availability. Non-transferrable. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in H&E North Magazine and The Swinton Estate’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.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

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AWARD WINNING ACTIVITY CENTRES

Embark On A Life Of Adventure Unforgettable Yorkshire adventures with expert guidance in the heart of Swinton Estate

Our conference hire options include access to the Pitman’s Parliament and the Banner Room, offering a blend of historical grandeur and modern convenience.

AXE THROWING - ARCHERY - CROSSBOWS ESCAPE ROOMS - DISC GOLF - LOW ROPES PADDLE BOARDING - TEAM EVENTS AND SO MUCH MORE

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Our versatile spaces can accommodate events of up to 300 delegates, providing a distinctive backdrop that inspires creativity and collective endeavour.

State-of-the-art facilities. Historic grandeur.

A place where 21st century needs are met, in surroundings that reverberate with the ambience of six centuries of history. At Lumley Castle, our experienced coordinators will listen to your brief and assist you as required to deliver a successful event, meeting or conference in our varied and well-equipped event spaces.

0191 389 1111 | www.lumleycastle.com

Flexible spaces for ambitious minds • Choose your venue: Purpose-built conference facilities and historic venues • Edinburgh: Easy access and iconic sights on your doorstep • Flexible and inspiring: Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large conference, we’ve got a space that fits • Accommodation: Make the most of the University of Edinburgh hotels and campus accommodation • Expert support: Our event experts handle everything from catering and technical requirements through to event management

www.uoecollection.com/conferences-events/

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Industry Opinion

The £1.5 Million Paradox Hospitality Action’s latest impact report is both a cause for celebration and a call to reflect. CEO Mark Lewis explores what the numbers reveal about the people behind the industry. When it comes to reviewing the numbers of our annual impact report, there is always a mix of emotions, and this year is no different. There is pride due to exceeding £1.5 million in financial impact in a single year, which is an incredible achievement. It represents the largest level of support we have ever delivered in our 189-year history, which is only possible because of the generosity of our supporters and the incredible way our industry comes together to help its own. However, the uncomfortable truth is that a figure like this is also a reminder of the challenges many people across hospitality continue to face. While our industry remains full of talented, passionate, and resilient people, many are carrying pressures that are not always visible.

A financial worry can quickly become a wellbeing worry. The stress of struggling to make ends meet can affect someone’s mental health, relationships, and ability to feel secure about the future. To help combat this, we provided more than £1.05 million in grants to support hospitality people and their families in 2025, helping with everything from rent and utility arrears to rehousing costs, essential equipment, and support for industry retirees. We also helped unlock £537,000 in previously unclaimed benefits, giving people access to money they were entitled to but didn’t know how to obtain.

Last year, we delivered almost 3,000 counselling sessions, a 16% increase on the previous year, while our employee assistance programme continued to support more than 200,000 hospitality workers across the UK. The £1.5 million figure represents two sides of the same story. It shows the incredible generosity and compassion that exists across hospitality, but it is also a stark reminder why that vital support continues to be needed. Hospitalityaction.org.uk

But people’s challenges are not solely financial, which is why our work must go beyond providing monetary support.

Heatwave Hacks Michael Constantine, Head of Operations at Harrogate Convention Centre and Association of Event Venues (AEV) Venue Strategy Working Group Member, shares viable cooling hacks to keep a Grade II listed venue comfortable during a heatwave. Few event venues blend heritage and versatility quite like Harrogate’s Royal Hall. Designed by renowned Theatre Architect Frank Matcham, the Edwardian ‘Kursaal’ (Cure Hall) was built in 1903 to entertain affluent visitors to the Harrogate spa. Today, the Grade II listed venue is managed as part of the Harrogate Convention Centre complex and remains a firm visitor’s favourite, hosting concerts, conferences, and banquets. However, operating a listed venue presents unique challenges – such as during the recent heatwaves, when temperatures in North Yorkshire exceeded 30°C. As with many listed venues, installing modern air conditioning is a challenge as we need to avoid altering the historic structure. Instead, we’re exploring creative ways to maintain guest comfort while respecting conservation requirements.

Our cooling strategies focus on making the most of the building’s existing characteristics and adopting low-impact solutions, namely carefully managing airflow, opening highlevel ventilation points, and mechanically drawing in cooler night-time air. We’re fortunate enough to have an adjoining exhibition hall to use as a cooling resource. Doors can be opened between buildings

and extractor systems activated, drawing cooler air through the historic venue. Also being explored is modification of the existing air handling unit – designed for heating the spaces – with a cooled water chiller coil, providing cooling but avoiding permanent alterations to the historic structure. Results on the night-time chilling have been promising, however it’s only useful when cooler outside and the difference between inside and outside is narrowing, meaning active chilling will be the answer. The key to success is balancing preservation with practicality. With creative engineering, careful stewardship, and a willingness to adapt, historic venues can continue delivering memorable experiences while safeguarding their heritage for future generations. Aev.org.uk Harrogateconventioncentre.co.uk

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Claire O’Neil

Sustainability

Green Shoots

Claire O’Neill of A Greener Future talks about turning climate action into workable event strategy, from grid power to what’s on the menu. This summer’s heatwaves have pushed climate change further up the agenda for anyone running an event, and people are finding that the infrastructure we rely on isn’t always built to cope. Claire O’Neill, Founder and CEO of A Greener Future (AGF), has seen the realities of what the sector is dealing with – not just higher physical safety risks, but higher financial and reputational ones too. Practically, that means building extra time into schedules, adding shade and water provision for delegates and crews, keeping programming flexible in case of disruption, and preparing welfare provisions on-site. Transport networks are increasingly a source of disruption. Extreme winds, floods, and heat shut down dozens of events this summer, pushing up the cost of cancellation insurance and weather cover, and putting more pressure on contracts between planners and suppliers.

Claire believes adaptation only goes so far if it isn’t paired with reducing the underlying causes: “Energy‑hungry cooling systems and bottled water might treat the symptoms, but without addressing dependence on fossil fuels and the impact of industrial animal agriculture, many of the events people love today risk becoming untenable as temperatures keep rising.”

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AGF’s certification process is designed to make that underlying work assessable. Venues and events complete a self‑assessment across 11 areas, including energy, food, transport, waste, water, and social responsibility, before AGF assessors visit to test claims on the ground. A report follows, scoring the organisation and placing it at one of four levels, from Improvers to Outstanding, with top performers shortlisted for the International AGF Awards. AGF recently collaborated with Massive Attack on Act 1.5 Climate Action Accelerator, billed as the greenest show of its size ever staged. A 3MWh battery, the largest of its kind used at a music event, powered the main stage entirely on green energy without a recharge, while smaller batteries around the site were topped up by electric trucks charged off-site. It worked, but Claire is clear that it was resource‑heavy to run, and the better long‑term fix is direct grid access at event sites, something AGF has since helped establish at a permanent charging location in partnership with local authorities. The event was also 100% plant-based which was a massive benefit for water, emissions, and land-use impacts as well as biodiversity and animal welfare. Food was listed on menus by ingredient rather than by the word ‘vegan’ and proved so popular that demand outstripped what organisers had planned for. Extra trains and electric shuttles were arranged with GWR, and a strict waste management plan pushed recycling to 87%, a rate AGF hadn’t seen in 18 years of assessing festivals worldwide.

Elsewhere, Claire sees the same mistakes and sustainability shortcomings happening repeatedly: “Organisations underestimating the systems needed to capture good data, overlooking food and beverage – which can account for up to 40% of emissions – and fixating on carbon while ignoring water use, wastewater, and biodiversity. Biodiversity is fundamental to sustainability – it’s why we reduce carbon and prevent waste in the first place. Biodiversity equates to life, and sustaining life is what all of this is about.” Genuine sustainability shows itself in the lived experience of an event or venue, which is why AGF’s assessors work to independently verify what happens before, during, and after, rather than take claims at face value: “Another problem we experience is ‘greenhushing’ as opposed to ‘greenwashing’, where people are fearful of speaking about their sustainability actions or objectives due to potential backlash or getting it wrong. Again, having independent verification to qualify claims can really help.” A common point of resistance is the assumption that sustainability accreditation is only viable for big-budget events and larger venues: “Cost needn’t be the barrier smaller operators assume it is. Certification is priced on a sliding scale by capacity, and AGF has introduced a streamlined assessment and a standalone gap‑analysis option for those not yet ready for full certification.” Asked for the single highest‑impact change available to any operator this year, Claire doesn’t hesitate: “Cut red meat from the menu or go fully plant‑based. It costs nothing, and the impact is immediate.” Agreenerfuture.com

VenueNews Top Rated

Heritage Meets Hospitality

Château Rhianfa has been awarded TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award 2026, placing it among the top 10% of hotels worldwide. Formerly the Certificate of Excellence, the award honours travellers’ favourites based on reviews and opinions over a 12-month period, recognising hotels that earn consistently great reviews for location, rooms, value, cleanliness, service, and sleep quality.

Offering a truly unforgettable venue for events and hospitality, the SS Daniel Adamson – affectionately known as The Danny – combines over 120 years of maritime heritage with exceptional delegate experiences on the waterways of North West England.

Renowned for its grandeur, history, and elegance, Château Rhianfa is a captivating retreat in South Anglesey. A private home until 1955, the estate has been transformed into a luxurious haven. Guests can explore the Grand Hall, music room, drawing room, and dining room, all exquisitely refurbished with Lady Sarah Hay-Williams’ restored painted ceilings. The magnificent banqueting hall is perfect for grand events with its elegant wooden flooring, panelled walls, and breathtaking views. Award-winning restaurant, Le Dragon Rouge, offers gourmet dining with stunning vistas of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia. For relaxation, take in the wine cellars and tasting rooms or unwind in the lounge bar, and a private beach offers a serene escape. Château Rhianfa exudes regal charm, making it ideal for business conferences, events, or product launches. Chateaurhianfa.co.uk

Big 30 As The Bridgewater Hall celebrates its 30th anniversary, we’re proud to reflect on three decades of bringing people together through world-class conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events, alongside our internationally renowned concert programme. Purpose-built to inspire, it has evolved into one of the UK’s most distinctive event venues. Its striking architecture, central Manchester location, and exceptional in-house technical expertise provides organisers with a venue that combines prestige with practicality. Whatever your event, every occasion benefits from the same attention to detail that underpins performances in one of Europe’s finest concert halls. The past 30 years have seen the venue welcome hundreds of thousands of delegates, creating lasting partnerships with universities, professional associations, charities, and leading businesses. As Manchester has grown into a globally recognised destination for events, it has grown alongside it, continually investing in customer experience, innovation, and service excellence. Celebrating our 30th anniversary is an opportunity to look back with pride, and also to look ahead. We remain committed to delivering memorable experiences, supporting Manchester’s visitor economy, and providing and iconic setting where organisations can connect and inspire for many years to come. Bridgewater-hall.co.uk/conferences-events

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Built in 1903, it’s the UK’s last surviving passenger-carrying, coal-fired steam tug. Rescued from the brink of extinction by volunteers and restored with National Lottery Heritage funding, she now welcomes thousands of visitors each year on public cruises, private charters, corporate hospitality events, and celebrations. Operate by the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society, the vessel provides a distinctive setting that cannot be replicated by a traditional venue. Whether entertaining clients, hosting networking events, rewarding employees, or celebrating special occasions, attendees enjoy a memorable journey along the River Weaver, Manchester Ship Canal, or Liverpool waterfront while experiencing authentic steam-powered travel. Beyond creating exceptional events, The Danny contributes to the region’s visitor economy by encouraging people to explore local hotels, restaurants, and attractions before and after their cruise. Every booking also helps preserve one of Britain’s most significant historic vessels.

Where Ideas Shape the Future Following a major restoration, Redhills Durham Miners’ Hall is now one of the North East’s most distinctive venues for events. Opened in 1915, this Grade II listed building was the headquarters of the Durham Miners’ Association. At its heart is the Pitman’s Parliament: a debating chamber where mining communities gathered to discuss the issues affecting their lives. The Pitman’s Parliament and Banner Room can accommodate up to 300 people. The chamber is a powerful setting for keynote speeches, panel discussions, presentations, and debates, while the flexible Banner Room can be configured for registration, catering, exhibitions, networking, or additional event space. Distinctive rooms range from the historic Committee Room, seating up to 30, to more intimate boardroom spaces for around 12. A purpose-built cinema provides another option for presentations, screenings, and smaller sessions. Integrated audiovisual technology, Wi-Fi, modern lighting, and sound systems sit alongside restored architectural details and the building is accessible across all floors. The venue can host a national conference, organisational away day, strategic planning session, or small leadership meeting. Spaces can feel grand and ceremonial, warm and sociable, or quiet and focused, depending on what an event needs to achieve.

For those looking to create unique memorable experiences, The Danny offers the perfect blend of heritage, hospitality, and destination appeal.

Redhillsdurham.org

Thedanny.co.uk | andrea.ward@danieladamson.co.uk

Manchester Cathedral is a Grade I listed building which has been a place of welcome and hospitality for over 1,300 years. The current medieval structure built by Henry V dates from 1421. This stunning venue is set in the very heart of the city, surrounded by shops and offices where thousands of people meet for business, work, shopping, and leisure. The ethos of the cathedral is guided by a vision to build a community that makes a difference in society and the wider world.

Christmas Sorted The National Football Museum is celebrating the festive season in style this winter and inviting businesses to give their Christmas party that extra kick. Celebrate the festive season at the home of football history, surrounded by striking exhibits, iconic memorabilia, and the rich history of the beautiful game. With many different options for hosting your event, this year the museum team will take care of your booking from start to finish – making sure your Christmas party is one to remember. What’s more, by booking your party at the National Football Museum, you’re helping the museum deliver educational and community programmes. Christmas dates are limited, so book now to secure your place! Nationalfootballmuseum.com/venue-hire | events@nationalfootballmuseum.com.

Manchester Cathedral

With a number of versatile rooms, organisers can utilise this medieval space for an array of events. The public realm together with the interior setting of the cathedral offer an ideal place to host fashion shows, brand launches, fine-dining events, gala dinners, and concerts. Chapman Holmes Catering has long-standing relationships with local suppliers. This means that Manchester Cathedral can help equip your event with AV facilities, projectors, lighting, PA, staging, LED screens, marquee lighting, dance floors, catwalks, and production design. The cathedral is easily accessible from Victoria and Picadilly train stations, has a direct link from Manchester Airport via the Metrolink, and is served by an excellent motorway system. Manchestercathedral.org

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Unique Venues ...continued from page 20

It’s possible for a conventional venue to become more unique but, as Suzanna says, it takes more than just a rebrand: “You can’t simply label a venue as unique – it needs to be reflected in the experience, service, and atmosphere. The most successful venues combine excellent operational delivery with a genuine sense of place and personality.” She points out that hotels and traditional conference venues are increasingly investing in immersive technology, creative event design, wellness programmes, and bespoke delegate experiences, some partnering with local attractions and cultural organisations: “It’s the people, creativity, and flexibility behind a venue that create the greatest sense of distinctiveness.” Many unique venues are working cultural, heritage, or public buildings which can mean navigating opening hours, productions, or conservation requirements. Suzanna’s advice is to involve the venue team early: “Experienced teams are highly skilled at finding creative solutions that allow extraordinary events to take place while respecting the primary purpose of the building.”

Naturally, unique venues come with their own specific advantages and challenges. For Abigail, the challenge is that character alone doesn’t run an event:

Event planners still need dependable technology, straightforward access, and adaptable spaces that can move between keynote sessions, smaller discussions, and recorded content.

Abigail Chew

That’s where an experienced in-house team comes in, anticipating pressure points and adjusting quickly when things shift: “That support eases the pressure for organisers. Instead of coordinating several disconnected suppliers, they can access a team that understands the programme, the building, and the standard of experience being created.” Uniquevenuesbirmingham.com Spreadlikewildfire.co.uk Departmentuk.com

Different

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We offer the ideal flexible space, catering options and an experienced team ensures every event is a success. We are located in the Vale of Evesham - minutes from the M5 and M42. We cater for small and private working spaces such as business meetings, right through to large conference events for single or multiple days. Our 4 function rooms offering inspiring and engaging options suitable for up to 200 people per room. Talk to us today.

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A STEAMSHIP

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Unique Story • Host Events with a Difference A truly unique floating heritage venue • Exclusive Hire For corporate hospitality, networking & client events • Private Charters – Static or cruising for celebrations, parties & special occasions • Cruising options - On the River Weaver, Liverpool Waterfront or Manchester Ship Canal...static options available • Every Booking – Helps preserve Britain’s Maritime Heritage For more information, email: andrea.ward@danieladamson.co.uk

WWW.THE DANNY.CO.UK

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Promotion

Millennium Point in Birmingham offers a standout venue with top facilities to ensure every event delivers maximum impact. Choosing a unique venue can transform an event from ordinary to unforgettable, offering memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on delegates. From striking architecture to versatile layouts and built-in features, they can be tailored to match the goals of any event. Using a venue with unusual character also helps event bookers distinguish their event from competitors and create talked-about moments, offline and online, while elevating the experience for delegates and strengthening the organisation’s reputation and encouraging attendees to return time and time again. Millennium Point is a great example of how a unique venue can make an event shine. Located in the heart of Birmingham city centre, the landmark building offers a range of versatile event spaces designed to suit gatherings of all sizes. A variety of spaces can be adapted to suit different formats, giving organisers greater flexibility when planning their event, with numerous activities accommodated under one roof to create an enhanced experience, as well as dedicated areas for presentations, breakout sessions, catering, and social activities. Its impressive auditorium is truly showstopping, featuring 354 tiered seats all with clear sightlines to a large stage and an even larger screen; the space is ideal for conferences, presentations, screenings,

Memorably and award ceremonies. Alongside this space, organisers can choose from a variety of flexible rooms for exhibitions, networking, or breakout sessions, creating a seamless experience for attendees.

Unique

Another advantage of hosting an event at Millennium Point is the added value it provides beyond the event itself. Revenue generated through venue hire helps support STEM projects, initiatives, and opportunities across the West Midlands, meaning impactful events don’t stop at the end of the day but continue to effect positive change for years to come. Booking a unique venue delivers more than just a space; it creates memorable experiences, keeps delegates wanting more, and can even support worthwhile causes, making Millenium Point a smart choice for event organisers wanting to make a great impression. Millenniumpoint.org.uk

Industrial, Reimagined

Once at the heart of Sheffield’s steelmaking legacy, Magna now offers a setting like nowhere else for events that stand out. Once one of the largest steelworks in the world, Magna now stands as an award-winning venue that blends steel heritage with unique experiences. With 4,000 sq. metres of flexible space on offer, clients have the opportunity to shape events to their exact needs. At the centre of the offering sits the Big Hall, a blank canvas capable of welcoming up to 3,000 delegates for conferences, with a

dedicated kitchen on-site. Magna’s in-house catering team are able to draw inspiration from global cuisines and are known to produce superb bespoke menu choices depending on the client’s needs.

Looking for something smaller or extra space to run alongside the Big Hall? Fuel provides a striking glass terrace with sweeping views across the former steelworks, while the Face of Steel offers a dramatic, multi-storey backdrop complete with captivating customisable screens and sound. Original features, industrial hooks, and cranes remain exactly as they once were, adding a real

depth and atmosphere you simply can’t create elsewhere. Just by the main entrance, the Red Hall glows in striking programmable lights, setting the tone for drinks receptions of up to 600. Add further conference rooms and breakout spaces, and Magna has a venue to suit almost any event, which earned it the CHS Award for Best Unusual Event Space. Beyond the event spaces, guided ‘steel tours’ bring Sheffield’s industrial story to life, and The Big Melt, one of Magna’s signature experiences, reignites the site’s remaining arc furnace in a genuinely spectacular pyrotechnic show. Centrally located and just minutes from the M1, Magna also offers a large free car park, strong rail links, and a new on-site tram stop, meaning reaching South Yorkshire’s sleeping giant has never been easier. To find out more, contact events@magnatrust.co.uk or 01709 723 112.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

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ONE VENUE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES SET IN A VAST FORMER STEEL WORKS, AN EVENT HOSTED AT MAGNA IS GUARANTEED TO LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION ON YOUR DELEGATES

BESPOKE EVENTS RANGING FROM PRODUCT LAUNCHES TO CONFERENCES AND PARTIES OVER 300 FREE PARKING SPACES AND ON SITE CAR PARK QUALITY IN-HOUSE CATERING DEDICATED TO YOUR EVENT FLEXIBLE MEETING SPACE FOR UP TO 3000 DELEGATES

01709 723112

September 2026

EVENTS@MAGNATRUST.CO.UK

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Following a major investment and complete refurbishment, TESTBED Leeds is preparing to relaunch this September as one of the North’s most exciting new live music and cultural destinations. With enhanced production, a brand-new mezzanine level, upgraded guest facilities and the flexibility to host everything from conferences, exhibitions and awards dinners to live music, brand activations and large-scale events, TESTBED Leeds has been designed to inspire creativity and deliver unforgettable experiences. TESTBED Leeds has a full venue capacity of 2500 guests. Come and visit us on stand: A22 - CHS Manchester Show, 30th September to discuss your next up coming event.

0113 4034463 | hello@testbedleeds.com | www.testbedleeds.com |

@testbedleeds

An historic place to meet

Come see us at CHS Manchester - Stand A22

• The site of Manchester Cathedral has been a place of welcome and hospitality for over 1,300 years.

• The current medieval structure built by Henry V dates in 1421. • The surrounding public realm together with the interior setting of the cathedral offers an ideal place to host your event which may include concerts, brand launches, intimate fine-dining and grand gala dinners.

0161 789 3262 | 07831 502 088 | events@chapmanholmescatering.co.uk

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

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Day in the Life

Moby, Marie-Claire, and Izabella (L-R) from Millennium Point’s event sales team.

On Point

The sales team at Millennium Point shares a typical day in the Birmingham venue’s busy events office. Behind every successful conference, awards dinner, exhibition, or film screening event at Millennium Point is a dedicated team working hard to make it happen. For Events Sales Team Members Marie-Claire, Moby, and Izabella, no two days are ever the same, and their shared passion for delivering amazing customer experiences keeps them motivated. In the morning, it’s straight into a team catch-up, meet and greets for in-house clients, and reviewing new enquiries. With 17 event spaces to look after, including the iconic Auditorium, the team is constantly balancing new sales opportunities with ongoing client support. Throughout the day, the team works closely with clients, helping them find the perfect space and tailoring bespoke packages to suit their needs. Whether it’s a corporate meeting for 20 people or a major event for hundreds of guests, attention to detail is key. Site visits are a regular feature of the team’s daily schedule. Prospective customers are guided through Millennium Point’s versatile event spaces while discussing layouts, catering options, and technical requirements. The team also works closely with operations, catering, and AV teams to ensure every event runs smoothly. Marie-Claire loves the variety of clients the team gets to work with: “There’s always something new and different. On any given day, I could be speaking to someone from the healthcare sector, a film director, or a charity, each with different goals and ideas. I really enjoy hearing about their plans and understanding what they’re trying to achieve because it allows us to create those moments in

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this great venue.” For Moby, building relationships is one of the most rewarding parts of the job:

We’re not just selling a venue; we’re helping clients bring their vision to life. Seeing an enquiry go from an initial proposal to a successful event on the day is incredibly satisfying.

“You spend so much time with clients during planning that you genuinely want their event to be the best it can be.” As the day progresses, emails, proposals, and follow-up calls keep the team busy. For Izabella, organisation and communication are essential: “We pride ourselves on being responsive and supportive throughout the whole booking journey. Clients need to know they’re in safe hands and we’re here to put them at ease.” While much of the team’s work takes place behind the scenes, their impact is visible in every event hosted at Millennium Point. From first enquiry to the feedback call, Marie-Claire, Moby, and Izabella help create showstopping moments that keep clients coming back. It’s a fast-paced, busy environment, but for the event sales team, the opportunity to connect with people, problem solve, and deliver fantastic events makes every day worthwhile. Millenniumpoint.org.uk

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UNIQUE Q EVENTS AN ICONIC VENUE

B O O K YO U R E V E N T N O W

SCAN ME

TO FIND OUT MORE

Feature

Missing the Point(s)

BHW Hotels on why venues are overlooking the most commercially powerful lever: rewarding planners directly. Nicola Wood-Hill

By any traditional measure, the UK meeting and events market appears subdued, and it’s changing rapidly, putting even greater pressure on the one professional at the core of the booking process: the planner. Nicola Wood-Hill, Head of Sales at BHW Hotels GB, explains: “Enquiry volumes are softer, lead times are longer, and buyers are scrutinising spend more closely than ever. Industry-wide data shows an 8.5% year-on-year drop in events booked compared to 2025. Yet delegation size grew 27% and revenue per delegate was up 5.1%. So, the industry isn’t declining, it’s changing – fewer events, larger groups, and ultimately higher stakes. “Whether they’re in-house, agency, or operating as an EA or PA, event planners are no longer simply sourcing venues and booking rooms. They manage risk, compliance, budgets, and stakeholder expectations. Their decisions will have far-reaching commercial influence, whether that’s catering revenue, AV spend, or repeat bookings. However, despite this level of influence, much of hospitality’s loyalty infrastructure still only revolves around the guest. The individual controlling significant revenue often receives little more than a thank you.” Leanne Collins is the group’s Events Team Manager and understands how undervalued event organisers can often feel: “I speak to dozens of planners every week and I feel the frustration in the

September 2026

industry where loyalty just isn’t rewarded as it would be in the consumer space. This is about trust and building a strong relationship with our planners, so they keep seeing the reward in repeatedly booking with us.” BHW Hotels GB has a dedicated feature in its loyalty programme that’s designed especially for event and group bookers called Planners Advantage, something Nicola and the team have seen make a real difference: “Our venues desk conversion rate climbed to 17% (up from 14% the previous year) after Planners Advantage launched. Despite a 15% drop in enquiries, this statistic is testament to the fact that rewarding loyalty is working and is something progressive venues and hotel chains are adopting more frequently. “Planner loyalty programmes are commercially powerful because they can influence behaviour long before an event is even considered. When structured effectively, these schemes will shorten the shortlist of venues, encourage repeat bookings, and strengthen long-term venue relationships. Crucially, loyalty schemes recognise the planner personally as an individual with real influence, not just a cog in the corporate booking machine. When rewards are tangible – whether that’s points, free night stays, vouchers, or donations to charity – loyalty shifts from passive to proactive.”

Nicola argues that a venue is no longer simply available; it becomes an advantageous choice for the planner themselves: “If two venues meet the brief on price and product, the one that offers structured and meaningful rewards for repeat business wins. For the venues, the return is equally clear with improved retention, smoother rebooking cycles, and a reduced reliance on discounting. “This is also about behavioural economics as well as personal perks. Recognition creates bias, encouraging planners to trust what they know. For those managing multiple events annually, consistency and trust in the product on offer will result in measurable value.” The industry is recalibrating and growth will not belong to those that chase enquiry volume, Nicola believes: “It will belong to professionals on both sides who understand that fewer events and larger groups means greater pressure on planners. Recognition can influence booking behaviour, and if you’re not rewarding the planner, you’re missing the point.” Bestwestern.co.uk/business/plannersadvantage

Sustainability

Carbon Copy once which leads to overstatement of the benefits. Not all credits are created equal!

Millie Bushill

Carbon offsetting is the process of investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere to compensate for emissions that can’t be eliminated. For events, this could mean supporting reforestation, renewable energy, clean cooking projects, or carbon removal initiatives. Offsetting should be the final step, not the first, according to Millie Bushill, Chief Sustainability Officer at Change Rebellion: “A credible event sustainability strategy follows a hierarchy: measure emissions, reduce them as much as possible, and only then consider offsetting the unavoidable remainder. Offsetting doesn’t make an event carbon neutral in the everyday sense; it helps take responsibility for residual emissions while longer-term reductions are being made.” In recent years, offsetting has been subject to some scrutiny: “The controversy stems from the fact that not all offsets deliver the climate benefits they promise. Some projects have been criticised for overstating their impact, lacking permanence, or failing to prove they wouldn’t have happened anyway. Double counting has been an issue too; credits are essentially counted more than

“At the same time, offsetting has sometimes been used as a marketing shortcut. Organisations have claimed to be ‘carbon neutral’ without making meaningful efforts to reduce their own emissions. That has understandably led to scepticism from regulators, the media, and consumers. This issue isn’t offsetting itself – it’s using it as a substitute for reducing emissions rather than as a complement to genuine climate action” Planners can sometimes unintentionally fall into greenwashing, focusing on offsets before understanding where emissions are coming from and making broad claims like ‘carbon neutral event’ without explaining what was measured, what was reduced, what was offset, and what emissions weren’t included: “Transparency builds far more trust than ambitious marketing language, though it can be a longer process than stamping an unsubstantiated claim on the marketing materials. Greenwashing often isn’t intentional but is usually the result of oversimplifying a complex issue.” Delegates aren’t expecting perfection, they expect honesty and transparency about both achievements and limitations: “Rather than saying ‘our event was sustainable’, explain what you measured, what actions were taken, how much emissions were reduced compared to previous events, what remains challenging, and whether any residual emissions were offset. Demonstrating year-on-year improvement is often far more credible than making absolute environmental claims.”

The dos and don’ts of carbon offsetting for more credible and sustainable events even when on a budget, according to Change Rebellion’s Millie Bushill.

Offering her advice for those with a limited budget, Millie says: “The biggest opportunities are usually surprisingly practical. This includes reducing attendee travel by choosing accessible venues and encouraging public transport, working with local suppliers to reduce transport emissions, designing out any unnecessary materials, signage, and giveaways, and working with venues that already have strong sustainability credentials and renewable energy where possible. These measures often reduce costs as well as emissions, making them a much better investment than spending limited budgets solely on offsets. “Measure your impact, prioritise reductions, be transparent about what you haven’t solved yet, and share your progress openly. Delegates, clients, and stakeholders are increasingly sophisticated, and they value authenticity over perfection.” Some have argued that reducing emissions will completely outweigh offsetting, but Millie believes it will always have a place: “Reducing emissions will increasingly become the primary focus, driven by regulation, client expectations, and science-based climate targets. However, I think offsetting will continue to have a role for genuinely unavoidable emissions, particularly in areas where low-carbon alternatives don’t exist yet. The emphasis is shifting from using offsets to balance ongoing emissions towards using them only for a shrinking residual footprint. Ultimately, success will be measured by how little you need to offset, not how much you do.” Changerebellion.com

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Meet the Chef

Food

Matthew Li

t h g u o h T For

We meet The Municipal Hotel and Spa in Liverpool’s new Head Chef, Matthew Li, to get the lowdown on setting the standard for corporate events and inspiring future stars. Hi Matthew! Give us a bit of background about your career and your new role at The Municipal.

Tell us about some of the memorable events you’ve catered for so far.

Since being at the hotel, two spring to mind instantly. The first being the CEO of a company buying exclusive use for two days during Aintree Festival because both days were totally opposing. Day one was a five-course gala dinner, and the next day was a canape and bowl food event with the whole place buzzing after a day at the races – what an atmosphere to be among.

I have worked in hospitality since I left school at 16-years-old and have been in love with the industry ever since, working in multiple five-star properties around the North West before arriving at The Municipal Hotel and Spa in Liverpool. My new role includes a lot of the previous with the additional responsibility of leading the team in and out of the kitchen, focusing on the numbers side of our business, and being influential in the direction of our offerings to come.

Can you add your own style to help an event stand out?

There are so many events that feel the same and can become quite monotonous, so it is a real ambition of mine to personalise each event to the client to give it more of a tailormade, bespoke feel. I think this has become a big deal as there is so much competition out there!

Chef’s Favourites

The second was for a Premier League football team who had just secured the league title. Catering this level of celebration does not come around very often, and it was an extremely exciting event to be a part of.

Finally, how do you help to inspire the next generation of chefs?

Before the cooking, supporting the next generation of chefs starts with the fundamentals that they will later build their career upon. From timekeeping, respect, ambition, and the way they carry themselves – I am a firm believer that without these crucial skills, it will be hard to reach the goals you’re capable of.

Ingredient to cook with...

How do you put together a great menu for a corporate event?

First and foremost, communication with the client is key. Setting clear expectations and discussing what is viable is the most crucial stage. Once this is clear, it is our turn to get creative on how we can match briefs while maintaining our sky-high standards and hitting the client’s expectations. I truly thrive in events that are quirky and unique that are very different from the norm – it keeps me on my toes. It all comes down to the client and how they would like the event to feel. Whether this be a dress to impress, all suited and booted affair to a casual, relaxing event… it really depends on the brief.

September 2026

Any seafood – being brought up in a Chinese household from Hong Kong, seafood is a massive part of our diet, and the sheer variety is a joy to work with. No two seafoods are the same therefore cooking methods and flavours vary drastically. Dish to cook at home... Steak and eggs – simple but hits the spot every time. Hot sauce is also a necessity with this dish. Comfort food... Beef ho fan – a dish consisting of velvety soft beef, bouncy rice noodles, spring onions, beansprouts, dark soy, and Shaoxing rice wine. A real taste of my childhood… I urge anyone to try this!

Andrew, the Executive Chef here, and I work closely alongside colleges in the region bringing students into our kitchen and allowing them to fully immerse themselves in our world. As it was for me, opportunities like this ignite a fire within and is very contagious. In addition, I also work with The Chef’s Forum which supports the growth of future superstars by holding events such as masterclasses, restaurant take overs, and much more. Municipalhotelliverpool.com

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Event Security

Safe

and Secure

As the industry continues to grow, so do our security considerations. We check in with some experts to see where things stand. Expectations placed on venues have changed significantly, with operators expected to create spaces that are secure without making delegates feel like they’re entering a fortress. Events must now balance increasing security without limiting the delegate experience while organisers want people to move through venues quickly and securely, while still knowing exactly who is on-site and where access should be restricted.

Richard Ellis

Part of the challenge faced by security companies is that the scope of an event has expanded beyond a single venue, as Richard Ellis, Managing Director of ATG Access, explains: “One of the biggest developments we’re seeing is the move away from viewing event security as something that starts at the entrance. Today’s conferences and exhibitions have delegates moving through transport hubs, hotels, public squares, and hospitality areas before they ever reach registration. That means security planning needs to consider the entire delegate journey rather than focusing solely on what happens inside the venue.” Greater collaboration between venue operators, local authorities, and security professionals can help to bolster safety protocols: “Rather than relying on standalone physical measures, successful events are increasingly built around layered security strategies that combine hostile vehicle mitigation, operational planning, technology, and real-time communication. September 2026

It’s about understanding how people and vehicles move through a space to create environments that are both secure and welcoming.”

are incredibly useful at helping staff and delegates identify authorised individuals at a glance.”

Technology is playing an increasingly important role:

Integrated access control systems, CCTV analytics, and real-time monitoring are helping security teams make better-informed decisions during live events, enabling them to respond quickly without disrupting operations. “At the same time, physical security measures are becoming far less intrusive, with protective infrastructure designed to blend into the surrounding environment rather than dominate it.” Adam Bennett, Head of Marketing at Digital ID, agrees that technological advances improve aspects of security while working in tandem with traditional methods: “One major change is the introduction of facial recognition. We’re seeing the use of touchscreen kiosks combined with a facial recognition provider to create a smoother entry system that removes the need for manual issuance. At the same time, custom printed lanyards and clearly branded accreditation passes and badges remain an important part of event security and

Adam Bennett

As with many elements of the industry, flexibility is key. One week, a venue could be hosting an international conference, the next a trade exhibition or corporate convention, each with very different security requirements. The most effective venues are investing in adaptable security infrastructure that can scale according to risk while maintaining smooth operations for exhibitors, suppliers, and delegates. Changes in legislation have also caused venues and organisers to adapt, says Richard: “The introduction of Martyn’s Law has reinforced that security can no longer be considered in isolation or added at the last minute. Instead, it needs to be embedded into planning from the earliest stages, helping conference and exhibition venues build resilience while continuing to deliver the welcoming, accessible environments that delegates, exhibitors, and organisers expect.” As with many elements of event planning, when systems are working well, they should be almost invisible to attendees: “If delegates can network, exhibitors can do business, and organisers can deliver a successful event without security becoming an obstacle, that’s usually a sign the planning has been done well. The industry is increasingly recognising that the best security solutions aren’t those that are most visible, but those that are intelligently integrated into the overall event experience.” Atgaccess.com Digitalid.co.uk

SupplierNews ABPCO’s New Co-Chairs

For 30 years, ABPCO has been providing a voice to professional conference organisers by helping to facilitate conversations, learnings, new opportunities, and lasting working relationships for its members, with a focus on excellence and a want for everybody to succeed. Led by Executive Director Matt Stalker and advised by an executive board, ABPCO is steered by its co-chairs, and it’s appointed two new people into this position: The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Jess Letters and Bright Events’ Karen Edwards. Karen said: “I can’t wait to get started. We’re joining the association at an exciting time and we’re passionate about building on the fantastic work already underway, strengthening our educational offering and supporting event professionals as they continue to raise standards across our industry.” Jess added: “I’m really excited about the opportunity. I’ve seen first-hand how much amazing work is undertaken by ABPCO members and I’m keen for us to continue supporting our member groups and the wider membership.” The pair are already getting stuck in, and with the ABPCO Excellence Awards nominations now open, there’s lots in the works for the organisation Abpco.org

Purpose-Led Blackberry Events Champions Younger Generations Having gained a reputation for planning and delivering events with purpose, Blackberry Events accelerates its long-standing focus on championing future generations and young professionals in their industry and community.

Each team member consistently goes above and beyond their day-to-day roles to support others – providing mentorship, work experience, volunteering, and a voice for young people.

Nourishing Edinburgh

Over the years, Director Georgie Butler and Event Manager Becci Picketts have mentored young professionals. Following on from success in her mentorship, Becci was highly commended for Rising Star Mentor at the Fast Forward 15 Mentor Awards in April. Event Manager Rae Rodien has now joined the Future Faces committee to extend this contribution further. As part of her role, she will be involved in the planning and delivery of events and initiatives for young professionals in Greater Birmingham. In June, the team raised funds and volunteered for two days for Titan Partnership, a Birmingham-based charity supporting primary school children in disadvantaged areas.

15 Years In Looking back over the last 15 years, it’s amazing to see how far Wedding Venue Lighting has come. Back when I was DJing weddings, couples would ask if I could help add some colour and atmosphere to their venue and before long, what started as a few uplighters had grown into Wedding Venue Lighting. As couples wanted more ways to personalise their wedding venues, we continued adding new products and became one of the first companies in Yorkshire to offer LED starlight dance floors. As demand increased, so did our offer – festoon lighting, flower walls, photo booths, audio guestbooks, and so much more. Today, we’re proud to be one of Yorkshire’s largest stockists of portable LED starlight dance floors, with sizes ranging from 12ft x 12ft to an impressive 60ft x 60ft.

Nourish Event Catering has launched in Edinburgh with a simple ethos: start with the occasion and the people, then create food that belongs to it – thoughtful, distinctive, and made for the moment. Backed by Levy UK and drawing on the experience of delivering hospitality at EICC, Wimbledon, The O2, and ExCeL London, Nourish knows how to turn a creative idea into thousands of beautifully finished plates, adapt when plans change, and keep everything moving when the pressure is on. Around 80% of its produce is sourced locally and seasonally from within 100 miles of Edinburgh, supporting Scottish farmers and growers while keeping more value within the surrounding communities. Think peas over avocados for guacamole or venison over beef. These aren’t sustainability stunts, but creative choices made by chefs who are curious about what grows locally and ambitious about what they can do with it. Menus carry climate information, dishes suit a range of dietary needs without duplication or waste, and every event closes with a sustainability report setting out what was delivered and its impact. No vague claims, no greenwashing. Nourisheventcatering.co.uk | sales@nourisheventcatering.co.uk | 0131 519 4089

See the latest news online Hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

We’ve been privileged to work alongside some of Yorkshire’s finest venues and built many trusted relationships. We’ve transformed thousands of venues, supplied countless events, and built a reputation for attention to detail and exceptional customer service.

As part of the team’s increased focus on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) impact, they are proud to use their position as a successful events agency to provide opportunities and education for young people.

September 2026

While the business has changed enormously since we started, some things remain the same: we still care about every installation, still believe the smallest details make the biggest difference, and still get as much satisfaction watching clients walk into their venue and seeing the smile on their faces. Wedding-venue-lighting.co.uk

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10:07

Feature

Action

Plan

Karen Edwards

Industry Freelancer Karen Edwards from Bright Events gives us her thoughts on the art of planning and ponders if there’s a secret formula. Imagine you have agreed to enter a 10k run. It’s a flat, even-surface run but when you get there, the course is hilly, uneven, muddy, and full of potholes… Sounds crazy? This is exactly what it’s like when you approach an event without a solid plan. The plan you develop gives you confidence, a strategy, contacts, and the ability to tackle any obstacle that comes your way. So, how do you develop this plan? To start with, you need to spend time understanding the client, the brief, and the objectives. What is the event about? What does it need to achieve? What expectations does your client have? If the event has been held previously, how did it go, what worked, and what didn’t? What was the client impressed with and what do they want to improve? Taking time to research will help you plan effectively and meet the needs of the client.

suppliers, and team members to ensure they are fully briefed on the plan and are aware of their responsibilities. During your planning, always anticipate and prepare for risks – start your contingency plan as soon as you have a conversation with the client. What happened last time? In your experience as a planner, what should you be looking out for, preparing for, and anticipating? Starting this from the outset will help to further your belief that you can tackle any issue that comes your way. Gathering feedback at the end of an event is as important as the event itself. A survey at the end of an event can provide valuable insight and help shape the event, the planning, and the delivery in future years.

Next, you need to create a comprehensive plan covering all aspects of the event. There’s no set way to do this, it’s how best it suits you, your style, and one that the client can review and understand. The client needs to be able to see that the plan you have written will deliver the event they want. A spreadsheet will give you the ability to break down the areas of your event, create timelines, detail project plans, invite collaborators, and provide a budget. Use bold headings, coloured tabs… anything to make the spreadsheet your own and easy to follow. Communication is key when planning. Use a collaborative platform to ensure all documents are live, up to date, and accessible to those who need to see them. Hold regular meetings with stakeholders,

September 2026

Now it’s time to implement the plan… with energy, belief, and always a sense of humour. All the hard work is done, now it’s time to follow your plan, react when things change, and enjoy observing the fruits of your labour! I don’t know if there is a secret formula. What I do know is that successful planning is all about preparation, hard work, and a desire to deliver the best event you can. Brighteventsltd.com

Event Tech

Stay on Track

Joanna Latkowska

When events run smoothly, delegates rarely consider the logistical operation required to make them a success. Depending on the event, they will see the stage, lighting, screens, and catering. They seldom pay attention to the pallets, flight cases of equipment and tools, and various control units that arrived days or weeks earlier. However, this movement of goods and the tracking of these assets play a vital role in the setup and success of the event. Often, large events function like supply chains. Assets and equipment travel from warehouses to trucks, venues, and between various areas during event setup. And then, when an event is over, everything has to be packed down, checked, and retuned back to their warehouses or moved onto the next event.

Asset protection and theft If we take the view that event organisation functions like a supply chain, it’s worth considering the similar typical problems around asset theft and loss that supply chain managers face across their warehouses and distribution centres. Recently, TAPA (the Transported Asset Protection Association), recorded over 137,000 crime incidents across more than 110 countries, including 5,865 in the UK. While actual loss values were only recorded for 9% of UK incidents, this still equated to losses of goods worth over £70 million from supply chains. In addition to this, the European Rental Association says that more than €500 million worth of rental equipment disappears each year – the equivalent of 30,000 heavy machines and hundreds of thousands of smaller tools.

Enabling traceability More effective traceability of goods and equipment passing through events is key. Take a rigging and lighting subcontractor in the industry – they often provide all kinds of equipment for events. For example: plant hire, crew, structural engineering services, sound equipment, staging, generators, stretch tents, and more.

When the list of assets to track is almost endless, how can this be managed efficiently and reduce theft? In some cases, paper-based systems are used. However, in an era of digitisation and AI, this kind of approach is dated and prone to error. Humans make mistakes and these can lead to accidental equipment loss, or worse, deliberate theft. A more effective answer lies in developing a digitised inventory management system that makes use of barcode scanning and labelling technology. This kind of asset tracking enables event planners and producers to improve their stock and equipment identification, traceability, and delivery systems across their operations. It also enables them to understand what their pool of assets looks like.

Asset protection is a crucial component of event supply chain and logistics management according to Joanna Latkowska, CEE Sales Manager at mobile print company BIXOLON Europe.

At the heart of it, label printers are the enabler of traceability. They must print labels clearly with appropriate supporting barcodes for application to their appropriate assets. Naturally, the label substrate, adhesives, and inks used need to withstand hardwearing situations experienced across the industry. This is because event equipment and assets travel across the country and globe across an array of landscapes and conditions, making it important that labels can withstand their rugged requirements and that they’re easily replaced in the field with mobile printers. In some instances, RFID-enabled labels are used and connected to digital networks. These labels provide organisers with more accurate, real-time traceability as part of wider systems. Ultimately, asset tracking in events is about clarity and accountability. Knowing what is on-site, where it is, and what condition it’s in. Durable labels and reliable printing support asset traceability at every stage, from warehouse preparation to final pack-down. Timelines are fixed and expectations are high, so small operational improvements can make a significant difference. Bixolon.com

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Podcasting

All Ears

An immersive media format perfect for deep-dive conversations, podcasting is catching on across the industry and becoming a feature of events themselves. Podcasting has been a significant format in the contemporary media landscape for some time and has been steadily growing its presence in the events industry. Now, this popular medium is becoming a feature of events themselves – factoring in planning, networking, marketing, and even venue design. Events teams do all they can to ensure a packed and engaging agenda but often the magic takes place between the keynotes and Q&As, as Amy Matthams, General Manager at podcast studio and event space Department at Leeds Dock, attests: “Some of the best moments at events are the conversations that happen around the main programme, but they’re also the easiest to lose once everyone leaves the room.”

Amy Matthams

Podcasting is a natural fit for an industry built on people and conversation, giving organisers a cost‑efficient way to capture that value and turn it into something lasting and shareable. Jack Saward has hosted The Events Insight podcast for nearly seven years and believes the appeal runs deeper than just gathering and generating content.

The show set out to celebrate the different routes people take into the industry and has become something of a networking tool as a result: “Business has come about through guests recommending clients, though that was never the intention – it’s a byproduct of building trust with people over time.” Many people who began working with Jack as volunteers have gone on to work with guests they met through the podcast or into event manager roles themselves. Amy points out that podcasting only adds real value at an event if it’s planned rather than improvised: “It should be built into the event plan rather than added as an afterthought on the day. Organisers need to know in advance which conversations are worth capturing, when recordings happen,

how people will move between the main event and the podcast space, and how the content will be shared afterwards.” Jack makes a similar point about format discipline – podcasts that try to capture everything tend to capture nothing well: “We’ve done walk-and-talk recordings around events, and there’s value in it, but podcasts can work as part of a wider marketing strategy as long as they’re not overused to the point where people switch off.” The media format event planners choose for messaging varies depending on the nature of the content and the intended audience. On The Events Insight show, Jack records guests over video call but publishes audio only: “People have different learning styles, and as a sector, we need to keep hitting those different touch points rather than assuming one format works for everyone. Podcasts work because they’re something people can listen to while driving, cooking, or on a train, and it should stay true to that rather than chasing whatever else is trending.” Amy distinguishes between using a dedicated studio, better suited to longer, repeatable, or more polished conversations, and a pop‑up space that sits closer to the main programme and captures the energy of the day as it happens. At Department, a panel can lead straight into a recorded follow‑up conversation, or a speaker session can become a short content series. That flexibility is increasingly built into the wider market too, with specialist operators offering mobile recording setups, complete with studio‑grade microphones, cameras, lighting, and an on‑site technician, so a podcast studio can be dropped into a conference, exhibition, or brand activation without needing a fixed venue. For event planners considering incorporating podcasting into conferences or exhibitions, there are clear advantages. Done well, it goes beyond just a recording and becomes a valuable resource that connects with almost every aspect of event planning and production. Theeventsinsight.com Departmentuk.com

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Industry Opinion

Aiming High The Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) has refreshed its existing aims charter for 2026 and is reflecting on the realities facing today’s exhibition industry.

Since 2015, ESSA has developed a sustained, long-term effort to drive meaningful and lasting improvement across the exhibition supply chain, a key component of which is its aims charter. The refreshed aims aren’t a new direction – they’re a future-proofed evolution of ESSA’s work to define ‘what good looks like’ across the exhibition supply chain and help raise the operational baseline for event delivery. The updated charter focuses on four connected priorities: earlier information transfer, stronger gangway management, smarter scheduling, and fairer build and break times. Together, these areas directly affect how safely, efficiently, and sustainably exhibitions are planned, built, managed, and broken down.

Andrew Harrison, CEO of ESSA, said: “Exhibitions are complex operational environments, and the way we plan, build, manage, and break them must keep pace with the realities our industry faces today. The refreshed ESSA Aims are not about blame. They are about raising the baseline, making responsibilities clearer, and helping organisers, venues, suppliers, contractors, and exhibitors work together to deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable events. There’s excellent practice across the industry. The opportunity now is to make that good practice more consistent.” Key recommendations include wider support for read-only open access exhibitor manuals, a shared approach to gangway management, smarter scheduling frameworks, and best practice guidance for equitable build and break times.

The refreshed aims also build on ESSA’s continued investment in raising standards across the supplier community, including health and safety accreditation, sustainability accreditation, certificated training, and Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) training access. Essa.uk.com

Outdoor Learning Al Turner, Marketing Counsel at the National Outdoor Event Association (NOEA), talks about the need for ongoing training to keep pace with industry developments.

The outdoor events industry is a sector built on practical knowledge, collaboration, and people willing to share what they’ve learned. But today, experience alone is no longer enough. New legislation, evolving security requirements, increasing operational complexity, and changing audience expectations mean organisers, suppliers, and venues are all being asked to adapt faster than ever before. Professional development has become an operational necessity. Recognising this, NOEA has launched its new training day – a practical learning initiative designed for professionals working across the outdoor events sector. Taking place in spring 2027, the programme will bring together experienced practitioners to share

September 2026

knowledge on subjects including event safety, resilience, procurement, operational planning, medical provision, and emerging legislation. GL events UK, Qdos Event Hire, and The Showman’s Show have all joined as founding partners. Their backing reflects the understanding that better informed professionals make stronger operational decisions, build resilience, collaborate more effectively, and ultimately deliver safer, more successful events. This year’s Showman’s Show will also host a special education session delivered in partnership with NOEA. Focusing on Protect, Martyn’s Law, and the evolving role of Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs), it will bring together leading specialists to discuss significant changes in the outdoor events sector.

Taken together, the training day, the support of its founding partners, and the new education programme at The Showman’s Show represent a commitment to raising standards, strengthening professional capability, and ensuring the outdoor events industry continues to evolve with confidence. As the sector responds to new challenges, investment in knowledge is becoming just as important as investment in infrastructure. By creating more opportunities to learn, share best practice, and develop practical skills, NOEA and its partners are helping ensure the industry is prepared not just for today’s challenges, but for those still to come. Noea.org.uk

Case Study

Silent Treatment

Event audio business Silent Seminars is working with the AWS European Summits to put accessibility first.

Accessibility has become one of the most talked about topics in the events industry, yet it’s still too often viewed as a final consideration rather than a fundamental part of event design. Once the venue is booked, the speakers confirmed, and the production signed off, organisers often begin asking how they can make the event more accessible. The better question is: ‘Why wasn’t accessibility part of those conversations from the very beginning?’

originally designed to support. Delegates remain engaged for longer, speakers know their message is being heard clearly, and organisers can create open, vibrant event spaces without compromising the quality of the learning experience. Accessibility becomes something that enhances the experience for everyone, rather than a feature reserved for a small number of attendees. headset, allowing them to focus entirely on the speaker while remaining immersed in the atmosphere of the event.

Perhaps most importantly, the technology placed control in the hands of every attendee. Today’s delegates are more diverse than Each delegate could adjust their own ever before. They arrive with different needs, listening volume, creating an experience expectations, and ways of engaging with tailored to their individual needs. For those content. Some may have hearing impairments. with hearing impairments, this provided Others may be neurodivergent or simply find greater clarity and confidence throughout busy event environments overwhelming. every session. For neurodivergent Some may not speak English as their first attendees, who may find busy conference language and require language interpretation. environments overstimulating, the ability to Designing an event that works for everyone filter out competing sounds and focus solely is not about adding specialist solutions for on the speaker helped reduce sensory a handful of attendees. Instead, it’s about overload, making educational content more creating an experience where every delegate comfortable and accessible to engage with. has the opportunity to engage confidently from the moment they arrive. This simple level of personal control is one of the reasons wireless audio has become The AWS European Summits demonstrated such an important accessibility tool at live exactly what happens when accessibility events. As Orla Pearson, Director of both is considered from the outset. Across four AccessLOOP and MyClearText explains: European cities, Silent Seminars partnered “There are so many different people in every with AWS to deliver wireless audio technology room and the Silent Seminars headsets across 77 stages, deploying more than 24,000 allow people to take in sound as they wish, wireless headsets to support hundreds of and for me they are a keynote sessions, presentations, and live huge accessibility aid. discussions. Rather than expecting delegates to adapt At first glance, the headsets might appear to the environment to simply improve audio quality. In reality, around them, the they transformed how delegates experienced technology allows the the event. In environments where thousands experience to adapt of people move between exhibition spaces, to each individual. networking areas, and conference sessions throughout the day, clear communication The outcome is an becomes essential. Rather than competing accessibility solution with background noise, delegates received that benefits far more crystal clear audio directly through their than the people it was

The AWS European Summits demonstrated that accessibility is not an additional layer added once an event has been designed. It is a fundamental part of creating exceptional events where every delegate can participate with confidence. As expectations continue to evolve, the most successful events will not simply accommodate different audiences. They will be designed around them from the very beginning. Silentseminars.com AWS European Summits

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NorthinBrief beam Shortlisted

beam has been named a finalist in the Best UK Association (up to 1,500 members) category at the 2026 Association Excellence Awards – which will be held on 13th November. The shortlisting recognises beam’s continued development as a member-led association and its contribution to the UK business events sector through advocacy, collaboration, professional standards, and member engagement. David Tremmil, Chair of beam, said: “This shortlisting belongs to everyone who gives their time and expertise to beam. Our directors take on considerable commitment alongside their day jobs, supported by members who contribute through our working groups and initiatives. That willingness to step forward and play an active role is what keeps beam relevant and responsive. Being named a finalist is a proud moment for the whole association and recognition of what can be achieved when an industry works together.”

LVP Operating United Events Lime Venue Portfolio (LVP) has announced a new relationship with Manchester United, further strengthening its collection of major UK event venues and reflecting the continues strength and growth of Manchester’s business events industry. The new relationship means LVP will operate United Events – the dedicated non-matchday events division for Manchester United – that manages conferences, exhibitions, gala dinners, and corporate meetings across the club’s iconic stadium, Old Trafford. Jo Austin, Sales Director at LVP, said: “Old Trafford is one of the UK’s most iconic venues, set within one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing events cities. Manchester continues to strengthen its reputation as a powerhouse for conferences, exhibitions, and international business tourism, and this relationship reflects that momentum. “For LVP, this is also a meeting of two great event brands. We are bringing together the scale and heritage of Old Trafford with the reach and expertise of LVP, expanding what’s possible for our clients. As demand grows for venues that can deliver both impact and operational excellence at scale, Old Trafford is a perfect addition to our portfolio.” Marc Armstrong, Chief Business Officer at Manchester United, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with LVP as we continue to grow the profile and scale of non-matchday events at Old Trafford. Beyond match days, Old Trafford is also a highly versatile and established choice September 2026

for conferences, exhibitions, dinners, and large-scale corporate events. Through this relationship, we’re looking forward to introducing even more organisers and brands to the breadth of experiences we can offer.”

continues immediately afterwards on demand where they can efficiently watch the recordings in segments with AI summaries and download the content as a handout with their personalised notes.

ECOsmart Gold Accreditation

CEO of NoteAffect, Jay Tokosch, says: “We’ve eliminated the economic and operation complexities of livestreaming so events can significantly reduce expenses and simplify delivery to generate new revenue without additional production costs or changes to their tech stack.”

The Venues Collection has achieved ECOsmart Gold accreditation across all five of its venues – including Sedgebrook Hall in Northampton, Nottingham’s Eastwood Hall, and Yarnfield Park in Stone – providing event organisers with the assurance of independently verified sustainability standards across its entire portfolio. Awarded by Greengage, ECOsmart Gold recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence across environmental and social criteria, including energy and water management, waste reduction, responsible procurement, and community engagement. Joanne Barratt, Managing Director of The Venues Collection, said: “Our Future First Charter has always been about turning ambition into action, creating meaningful improvements that benefit our customers, our people, and the communities around our venues. Achieving ECOsmart Gold across every venue is independent recognition of that commitment and gives organisers confidence that sustainability is embedded throughout our operations, whichever venue they choose.” The Future First Charter has driven a series of sustainability initiatives across the collection, including zero waste to landfill, carbon labelling across menus, a plantforward food offer, 100% of food waste being diverted to anaerobic digestion, renewable electricity generation, biodiversity projects, and investment in solar-powered EV charging. The group has also embedded sustainability into its people strategy through apprenticeships, leadership development, and diversity and wellbeing initiatives.

onboard:earth Launches New Programme Advocate for sustainable travel in events, onboard:earth, has unveiled Canopy and Coast, a high-impact environmental programme designed for event organisers who want to fund local and UK-wide nature restoration and support climate justice internationally, without the administrative headache of carbon auditing. The Canopy and Coast nature restoration programme includes UK tree-planting projects that can be chosen locally to the event, ensuring a visible, lasting legacy in the region. The programme also helps to restore the UK’s marine ecosystems and protect international rainforests. The programme costs organisers nothing and makes climate action effortless for audiences. By adding small donations to tickets or car passes, from 25p to £5, every delegate helps protect nature – with no extra clicks, choices, or admin. For event organisers on the path to net zero or requiring verified carbon offset, onboard:earth’s existing ‘Trees+’ scheme will continue to run alongside the new initiative.

See the latest news online NoteAffect Reaches Remote Delegates Hospitalityandeventsnorth.com NoteAffect has announced that its AI-powered in-person learning experience can now livestream to remove attendees. Reaching remote audiences with live session content typically requires a complex and expensive production consisting of cameras, techs, and a separate virtual platform. NoteAffect’s software integrates with the event’s existing registration, AV setup, and mobile app to simultaneously record and broadcast to in-person attendees, and now optionally livestream the personalised interactive learning experience to remote audiences. Delegates can engage directly with the live session content through interactive notetaking, multilingual captioning, and Q&A in real time. The momentum

Accessibility

One For All Accessibility expert Amy Wood of Salesforce discusses what planners and venues can do to ensure events are more inclusive through steady progress. Amy Wood

At our huge annual conference, most people see the keynotes, packed sessions, and larger-than-life activations, but behind the scenes another operation is unfolding – making sure every delegate can fully participate, including those with disabilities. It’s about thinking beyond ramps and sign language interpreters and considering the experience of someone who is deaf, blind, uses a wheelchair, is neurodivergent, has a chronic illness, or is recovering from an injury. Every touchpoint – from registration and transportation to session rooms and networking events – is an opportunity to remove barriers before attendees ever encounter them. One thing I’ve learned is that accessibility problems usually aren’t complicated; they’re cumulative. An attendee might arrive at a venue where the accessible entrance isn’t obvious. They finally get inside, only to find the registration screen difficult to read because of glare or small text. Another attendee with hearing loss might miss an announcement, or a person with low vision is directed to accessible seating where they can’t sit with colleagues. None of those barriers seem major on their own, but by lunchtime these delegates have already spent hours solving problems that no one else noticed. That’s why our conversations rarely start with accommodations; they start with questions – how will someone know where to go? Can they hear what’s being said? Can they read what’s on the screen? If they’re using a wheelchair or mobility device, can they move through this space independently? Where can someone get away if they’re overwhelmed by noise or crowds? Those questions come up repeatedly throughout planning.

Sometimes the answer is straightforward, sometimes it means redesigning a floor plan, changing signage, rethinking a queue, or working with a venue to adjust something that seemed fixed. I’ve learned that the people with the best accessibility ideas are often those who rely on them. No checklist can replace lived experience. We’ve changed processes because someone who’s deaf told us they couldn’t hear the announcements, we’ve adjusted spaces after hearing from attendees with sensory sensitivities, and we’ve improved wayfinding because someone who is blind described the challenges of navigating independently. Those conversations are some of the most valuable planning meetings we have because they reveal barriers the rest of us simply don’t notice.

used by those who are neurodivergent; they’re also appreciated by someone managing a migraine, recovering from illness, or simply needing a moment to recharge after a long day. That’s the beauty of universal design – when you remove friction for one group, you usually make the experience better for many others. Looking ahead, I think we’ll see accessibility become more personalised. AI is already making captioning, translation, and session summaries more useful. Digital event platforms are becoming better at helping attendees identify accessibility resources before they arrive. Instead of requesting accommodations one by one, attendees will increasingly expect experiences that adapt to their needs from the start. The biggest lesson, though, has nothing to do with technology. Progress doesn’t happen overnight. No event gets everything right, and that’s okay. Accessibility is built over time by listening, testing, collecting feedback, and making improvements year after year. Every event planner, regardless of budget or venue, can start that process today. You don’t have to solve every barrier before your next event. Pick one part of the delegate journey and go through it as if you couldn’t hear the announcements, couldn’t see the signs clearly, or couldn’t use the stairs. You’ll almost certainly find something worth improving.

One surprise has been how often accessibility improvements end up helping everyone else. Clearer signage reduces confusion for first-time attendees and captioning helps people following along in a noisy hallway or watching a recording later. Quiet spaces aren’t only

That’s how accessible events are built – not through one grand initiative, but through a series of thoughtful decisions that help more people participate independently. Salesforce.com

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Interview

Making an Entrance

Founder and Executive Producer at The Chameleon Agency, Joe Gilliver, on why first impressions are so vital.

Joe Gilliver

According to research, it can take as little as seven seconds for people to form a first impression. In those first few fleeting moments, delegates will often decide whether your event feels worth their time, so it’s crucial that every initial touchpoint counts. Joe Gilliver, Founder and Executive Producer at The Chameleon Agency – a full-service creative, events, and experiential agency – believes that first impressions set the tone for the entire event, sometimes before it even starts: “It’s worth asking: how good is the pre-event information we’re providing? Can delegates find what they need easily on the website? Do we have accessible, in-depth FAQs? Do they know how to get there, have they been updated on any planned or potential travel disruptions? If life is made difficult for attendees before they even arrive, their opinion will be formed before they’ve walked through the door. “The ease of arrival experience on the day is crucial too. For example, delegates at larger scale events should receive their tickets or QR codes in advance so they can quickly print off their badge and get into the event without hassle. There should also be enough staff around the entrance area to help without making them wait too long – this should scale with the number of expected attendees. “These might seem like small things, but they have the potential to set moods for the entire day. Delegates should feel a sense of ease when entering, which means a lot needs to happen behind the scenes through meticulous planning. First impressions don’t need to be massive or swanky; they need to be functional and aimed at streamlining the experience.

September 2026

The best events don’t just welcome delegates, they immerse them from the moment they arrive and often before they even arrive. This immersion is rarely around one big theatrical moment – instead, it’s lots of thoughtful details working together to make people feel excited, comfortable, and confident that they’re exactly where they need to be.

First impressions don’t need to be massive or swanky; they need to be functional and aimed at streamlining the experience.

“You want attendees to feel that your event will be valuable to them from the outset. Our team often jokes that if people only remember the coffee or the room temperature, we’ve probably missed an opportunity.” At The Chameleon Agency, Joe and the team’s main aim when designing events is to make delegates’ lives as easy and convenient as possible: “The main thing they should be feeling about the event experience is ease. Rather than worrying about logistics or finding information, attendees can focus on seeing the content they want to see and networking with the people they want to meet, rather than

wasting time in queues or hunting for rooms due to poor signage. Regardless of the event’s theme, it’s really about making people feel engaged, connected, and excited for what’s coming up. People have busy lives and if they’re going to give up their time, they need to feel they’ve got a lot out of the event or they’ll be less likely to turn up next time.” Offering his advice to event professionals looking to create a great first impression, Joe says: “Design for emotion, not just logistics – lighting, music, scent, visuals, and the energy of the team working at an event all influence how people feel within seconds. “It’s also important to give people something to talk about immediately. Whether it’s an immersive entrance, an unexpected interaction, or a beautifully designed space, create an early moment that people remember. If delegates leave talking about the atmosphere rather than just the coffee, you’ve probably got it right!” Thechameleonagency.com

Industry Opinion

Selling Ourselves Short? Louisa Watson, Marketing Director and Sustainability Lead at Wyboston Lakes Resort, wonders if the industry has a self-confidence problem. My first major industry event after the pandemic was the miaList Awards in London, November 2021. There were still reminders about COVID guidance and the occasional awkward elbow bump, but something else happened that evening. People hugged, and conversations continued long after the awards had finished. After months of virtual meetings, it was a powerful reminder that business events are about connection, relationships, and creating opportunities that simply can’t happen through a screen. Business events is one of the UK’s most influential industries, yet we often describe ourselves in the smallest possible terms. We talk about hotels, venues, and meeting rooms, when the real value lies in what happens when people come together.

deserves to be recognised – and we should be the first to champion it.

The sector doesn’t simply support business – it enables it. That’s why I think we’re guilty of selling ourselves short. We’re exceptional at delivering memorable experiences, but less confident when it comes to explaining the wider impact of what we do. It generates more data and insight than ever before, measuring economic impact, knowledge exchange, productivity, and delegate engagement. That needs to become part of the story we tell every day.

That evening in London, it wasn’t the venue or the production that stayed with me. It was seeing people reconnect, celebrate each other, and rediscover the value of being in the same room. If we continue to define the industry by what we provide, others will too. But if we start talking more confidently about the impact we have on businesses, communities, and people, we’ll begin to change the conversation.

Success in business events is rarely measured by what we achieve ourselves. We don’t launch the new product unveiled at the conference or sign the partnership agreed over dinner. But we create the environment where those moments happen. That contribution

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Battle

...of the Budget

Interview

Following a successful session at The Meetings Show, HeadBox’s Chantal Mendes reveals how collaboration can stretch event budgets further.

At The Meetings Show this summer, Head of Client Services at HeadBox, Chantal Mendes, created ‘Event Fortunes: Battle of the Budget’ where two teams – venues and event planners – were pit against each other to discover how the industry can successfully bridge the gap between champagne dreams and lemonade money: “We’re in quite a unique position at HeadBox as we work with both corporate clients and venues, so we wanted our session to allow each side to hear insights from each other. “We took the concept of Family Fortunes and adapted it to discuss one of the biggest constraints everyone is facing in our industry: budget cuts. Using live polling, each team battled over where to cut costs and add value. Each question had four options for the audience to vote which would be the most effective solution.” Collaboration was the key takeaway from the event, as Chantal explains: “The thing that was most surprising to me was how much everyone agreed and the key theme that came out of it was partnership. Venues and planners all have the same goal and passion of wanting to deliver great events for delegates and when both sides lean on each other to adopt a collaborative nature, this goal is achieved so much easier.” Discover the hot topics from the session opposite…

September 2026

25% Name the top way to cut catering costs by a diet. on e they’r like feel ates deleg without making 1. Grazing stations over a sit-down lunch 2. Go completely plant-based to lower ingredients cost 3. Partner with street food vendors for a festival experience 4. Switch from a free-for-all bar tab to a curated ‘beer, wine, and mocktail’ menu

g “The majority of people leaned towards havin g cuttin as well as use street food vendors beca – budget, it also means there’s not much waste delegates can choose to eat what they want, and dishes are being made to order.”

best “I think working with a caterer would be the that ely, tunat unfor but world ideal an in n solutio et. The would actually probably inflate your budg venue the what g utilisin that ed majority decid has in-house is the most beneficial thing. There were arguments that the digitalisation of swag as and programmes sometimes doesn’t work from some people do still like to take things away e of rtanc impo the asised emph an event, we just use lly actua l they’l thing some ates deleg giving that won’t end up in landfill.” high How do you keep audience engagement talent? line head nsive expe without the budget for with tise exper nce’s audie the age 1. Lever structured peer-to-peer workshops lighting, 2. Use high-impact room design, dynamic and immersive tech that already exists within

a What is the most effective way to manage core your when rience expe dee seamless atten the venue team is lean? s Create panel sessions featuring top-tier client 3. kiosks k-in chec ated 1. Deploy self-service/autom gamification -wide event ctive, intera an n Desig 4. 2. Negotiate ‘add-on’ hands-on venue staff challenge to drive competition and support into the space contract engagement e 3. Recruit university students looking for cours credit or mentorship the options are and “Everyone was torn on this as all 4. Negotiate with key event sponsors to co-br swayed by usly obvio were s venue Team ! great the information desks or breakout tracks, using event team and , using what they already have their staff to help manage those specific as nge challe n ficatio gami the for planners went activations to they felt it would be a great digital-first thing add to really drive engagement.” one. “There was quite a lot of debate about this Team event planners favoured the sponsorship than uncovering new solutions, Chantal ment Rather option, seeing it as an effective way to supple es the real value of the session lay in validating believ would your team by assigning roles to people who d challenges being faced in the industry: team the share s venue the ver, Howe ding. already be atten ugh this session didn’t cover anything new “Altho small preferred the self-service approach with a and most of the industry already knows these me welco the e ensur to give the number of staff on hand solutions, I think it was an important tool to same experience was as seamless as possible.” reassurance that we’re all experiencing the e bridg ct perfe the As et.” things in terms of budg goals Box Head s, client How do you deliver on strict sustainability rate corpo and s venue een betw alist success, without paying a premium price on speci fosters the collaboration needed to drive t. even per 20% eco-vendors? of ge avera clients an swag saving 1. Go digital for signage, programmes, and g et 2. Utilise the venue’s existing unbranded stagin Visit HeadBox.com to make your event budg and décor 3. Establish waste reduction and plastic-free guidelines for all suppliers and delegates arbon, 4. Partner with a caterer to design a low-c sustainable menu

work harder for you.

Conferences Abroad

Small But Mighty Once one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, Curaçao is now rightfully stepping into the spotlight following the recent FIFA World Cup with its postcard-worthy beaches and excellent events offering for international conferences. With a population of approximately 160,000 and a land mass smaller than the Isle of Man, Curaçao recently surpassed Iceland as the smallest nation to reach a FIFA World Cup. This achievement certainly got people talking and has put this tiny Dutch Caribbean island firmly on the global MICE map. Beyond football, Curaçao is one of the Caribbean’s most compelling destinations; pastel-coloured Willemstad, UNESCO-listed architecture, and crystal-clear bays meet a laid-back culture that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Taking a southern position in the Caribbean Sea, the island is around 40 miles north of the Venezuelan coast. Along with Bonaire, it makes up one third of the trio known as the ABC islands. The Netherlands ruled over these islands for more than three centuries, leaving them with a combination of Caribbean and Dutch influences. It’s most noticeable in Willemstad – the island’s capital and colonial old town – where buildings look as if they’ve been plucked

from a canal side in Amsterdam and given a tropical lick of paint. Willemstad became listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and its four historic districts – Punda, Otrobanda, Pietermaai, and Scharloo – are bisected by the deepwater channel of St Anna Bay. What strikes most visitors are the pastel-coloured buildings that line the sunny streets. It’s thought that this practice began in the early 19th century after one governor claimed that the bright sunlight reflecting off the previously white lime-washed facades was giving him migraines. Apparently, he ordered the buildings to be painted in different colours, and the tradition continues to this day. At the heart of Willemstad is Capital Ç, one of the island’s newest and biggest offerings in the corporate events space. The state-of-the-art venue has a capacity of up to 4,500 delegates, indoor-outdoor flexibility, and the versatility to host a wide range of events, from a black-tie gala to a large-scale conference. Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao offers a variety of indoor and outdoor locations accompanied by an extensive and carefully curated menu of catering and beverage options. The resort is home to seven meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 450, a particular highlight being the Flamingo Beach Bar with its stunning ocean view and opportunity for delegates to feel the sand beneath their feet. There’s also Dreams Curaçao

Resort, an oceanfront sanctuary that has everything you need for an unforgettable event. This features five outdoor venues, including a 16th century Dutch colonial fort and two unforgettable white-sand beaches. Combine tropical Caribbean flavours with tantalising European sophistication, add in a heaping helping of stirring history, and you get Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort. There are 11 meeting rooms at this resort, all with capabilities for video and teleconferencing for those who couldn’t make the trip, an AV technician, photographer, and much more! It isn’t all just business on this picturesque island; there’s plenty for delegates to do in their down-time, whether they prefer to kick back and relax or go on an adventure. It’s home to over 35 of some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean so it delivers on plenty of options for fans of the sandy stuff. Animal lovers will also be right at home as there’s

the opportunity to see lots of wildlife along the coast, including flamingos, wild goats and pigs, iguanas, and many beautiful species of birds. The shoreline that wraps around the south coast is given special protection as part of the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park and the sea is at its clearest along this cut of coast, making it a hotspot for delegates who are more at home in the sea than on land. Top dive spots include the Mushroom Forest, known for its unique coral formations, and Tugboat, a shallow wreck teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to see reef fish, sea turtles, moray eels, and even eagle rays. www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

As it’s located off the coast of Venezuela and was once a Dutch colony, the island offers food that is the result of many years of influence – not only by Dutch colonisation, but from Creole, Spanish, French, Indonesian, and Portuguese settlements, among others. Curaçao combines business with breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of events. Small in size but big on experience, it’s a destination that deserves a spot on every event planner’s international shortlist.

May to November is the recommended time to dive here, during the off-peak season, when you’ll find lower prices and fewer crowds. Nevertheless, conditions are good all year round, as unlike many other Caribbean islands, Curaçao lies safely outside the primary Atlantic hurricane belt. If you’re looking for a fun yet educational activity for delegates, be sure to check out Free Walking Tours. The company’s tour takes around 2.5 hours and will be led by an expert as they take you around the famous sites while discussing the island’s discovery, its role in the slave trade, its role in World War II, its economics, and the importance of tourism today. Once your tour has finished, the company can create a bespoke experience to cater to your needs, ranging from a simple quiz or scavenger hunt across Punda, all the way to a high-end Champagne night. Foodies will be right at home here as there are a huge range of restaurants ranging from beach shacks selling delicious street food to fine dining establishments that showcase the best of the region’s rich culinary heritage.

September 2026

On Location : Glasgow

Built to Meet

VisitScotland shares what makes Glasgow a standout event destination.

Underpinning the city’s success is the collaborative Team Glasgow approach. Led by talented and passionate professionals, this coordinated network brings together venues, hotels, universities, civic partners, and the Convention Bureau, and supports successful events from bid stage through to delivery and legacy.

The expectations of what defines a successful conference have evolved significantly. Event planners are increasingly expected to deliver memorable experiences, organisations want measurable impact, and sustainability has become a central consideration. Glasgow is one city that continues to deliver on all three, pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable event experiences.

Built for success

Leading the way Scotland’s largest city has a long-standing reputation for delivering outstanding events and has the accolades to prove it. Glasgow Convention Bureau has been named the UK’s best convention bureau for 19 consecutive years and offers extensive complimentary services to help organisers deliver exceptional events. Glasgow also has clear sustainability ambitions, reflected in its ranking as the fifth most sustainable conference destination in the world in the 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index. While the city works collectively towards shared environmental objectives, many individual hotels, venues, and suppliers also hold recognised sustainability certifications.

From international congresses at the award-winning Scottish Event Campus to academic conferences within worldleading universities and innovation hubs like the University of Strathclyde to exclusive executive meetings in luxury hotels like Crossbasket Castle, the city and its surrounding regions offers venues for every event format and size. And with more than 13,000 city-centre hotel bedrooms, Glasgow has the capacity to comfortably accommodate everything from small incentive groups to major international conventions.

Getting around Glasgow is easily accessible from the rest of the United Kingdom and overseas. The city is served by three international airports – Glasgow Airport, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, and Edinburgh Airport, which has a direct bus route getting travellers to and from Glasgow in under an hour. Scotland’s international connectivity continues to grow, with new and expanded air routes strengthening links to key European, North American, and Asian markets.

For organisers looking to reduce delegates’ carbon footprint, Avanti West Coast and the Caledonian Sleeper provide direct rail connections between Glasgow and London, offering a practical, lower-carbon alternative to air travel. Once here, the city is easy to navigate on foot or by public transport and getting to Scotland’s other cities and beyond is straightforward and well-connected via train and bus.

A city delegates want to visit Named the World’s Friendliest City by Time Out in 2022, Glasgow is known for being a city full of warmth, character, and culture, with many ways for delegates to spend their time outside of conference hours. The cultural scene offers planners options for social programmes and incentive activities. The city has a range of attractions including many museums and art galleries such as the Riverside Museum and the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. 2026 also sees the anticipated reopening of the Paisley Museum, only a 10-minute train journey from the city. Delegates can also explore the works of Artist and Architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, walk the city centre Art Mural Trail, or take a stroll through one of the many parks and green spaces. The food and drink scene offers something for everyone, from traditional whisky pubs to fine dining in a variety of lively neighbourhoods including Finnieston, the West End, and Merchant City. ...continued on page 65

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On Location : Glasgow

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These help organisers create memorable programmes that extend well beyond the conference agenda. For event organisers seeking itineraries that embrace outdoor adventure, Glasgow provides easy access to some of Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. From hiking and wild swimming to kayaking and scenic incentive journeys, Scotland provides a vast, inspiring natural playground.

Lasting impact Organisers are increasingly looking to create positive change through their events, and Glasgow has established itself as a leader in delivering meaningful legacy programmes. Helped by organisations like the VisitScotland Business Events team and the Convention Bureau’s

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Positive Impact and Legacy Team, planners are encouraged to design purposeful programmes that deliver measurable impact beyond the conference room. In 2025, this impact work included engagement and education programmes with over 680 young people and engagement with over 4,000 members of the public to amplify the reach of conference themes across the city.

Supporting visitor economy Business events attract high spending delegates, support year-round demand, and generate repeat leisure visits – all of which help sustain jobs across Scotland. This impact is recognised within Scotland’s National Events Strategy, which highlights business events as a driver of both economic impact and knowledge exchange.

For planners seeking a destination that combines infrastructure, accessibility, and expertise with culture and creativity, Glasgow presents a compelling proposition. It’s a city where events can inspire delegates, contribute to local communities, and leave a positive legacy long after the closing session. Visitscotland.com Visitglasgow.org.uk/convention-bureau

Why Glasgow Caledonian University? Located in the heart of Glasgow, GCU offers flexible spaces for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, networking, training and events, accommodating up to 500 delegates.

• Glasgow city centre location within walking distance of central train and bus stations, hotels, restaurants and city attractions.

• A range of event capacities accommodating events

from as little as 10 delegates to larger conferences of up to 500 delegates.

• Flexible event spaces including conference, meeting, breakout, banqueting and exhibition areas.

• Flexible catering options to complement your event. • Sustainability credentials ranked among the world’s

top 100 most sustainable universities, with Platinum EcoCampus accreditation and a Gold Green Tourism Award.

As the University for the Common Good, we’re committed to creating a positive impact for people, communities and society, bringing purpose to every event we host. Contact us today to start planning your next event.

Email: events@gcu.ac.uk Tel: 0141 331 3011

gcu.ac.uk/conferences

Feature

Thinking about the future? Kershaw Partners’ David Watts discusses how a merger or acquisition can offer events businesses new routes to growth and exit.

David Watt

As business owners look for ways to accelerate growth, create value and, in many cases, plan for life beyond the business, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are becoming an increasingly important part of the events industry landscape. According to David Watt of event industry business consultants Kershaw Partners, the motivations behind an acquisition or merger can vary significantly. The common thread, however, is that business owners are increasingly recognising M&A as a strategic option rather than simply an end-of-the-road solution. David and the Kershaw team are currently working with two businesses considering acquisitions or mergers, each for very different reasons: “The first because they have grown quite quickly organically, but to reach the next level they need to boost revenue and profit quickly. Obviously, the best way to do this is to ‘buy’ another company’s turnover/profit and once the two entities come together to trim overhead and therefore increase profit. This would then increase the value of the acquiring company because their profit would be larger. The caveat to this is the ‘integration’ of two companies which can cause short-term problems and affect performance, but this can usually be sorted out so long as you have an experienced outside resource to help. “In scenario two, the owner of company one is approaching retirement age and thinks that it would be better to find a ‘home’ for her, thus protecting her team (to a degree), and securing some sort of pay out down the road rather than just letting the company fold.”

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ExitRoute These examples reflect a wider shift in the industry, according to David who believes M&A activity is becoming more common, partly because business owners are increasingly aware of the possibilities available to them: “Previously, event entrepreneurs didn’t realise the art of what was possible. And with a great deal of them now in their 50s, many are worrying about what happens next. “I also think that creating value is much better understood now than it was 20 years ago, and that people understand that teaming up with another business – whether it be a competitor or a complimentary business – can be advantageous and gives them a route to exit. There’s also a lot more advice on how these deals can be structured and delivered nowadays.” For businesses considering M&A, David’s advice is to start with the owner, rather than the transaction.

The first thing we always ask when approached about M&A is ‘what do you want out of this both personally and professionally’?

“Without a clear understanding of the desired end result, it can be difficult to determine whether a merger, acquisition, or sale is the right route.” That means moving beyond the familiar ambition to ‘grow and become more profitable’. While growth and profitability are important, David argues that they are not necessarily a sufficient end goal. Owners need to consider what they personally want from the business, what they want for their team, and what their eventual exit might look like. And M&A is not the only option. For an owner looking to step away while handing control to the senior team, alternatives such as a management buyout (MBO) or an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) may be more appropriate. Whether the goal is to grow a business more quickly, strengthen its position in a competitive market, or create a route to retirement, the right approach will depend on the owner and their ambitions. With relationships and reputation at the heart of the industry, any decision around the future needs to consider more than the numbers. Understanding the options early and taking advice before a transaction is on the table can help ensure the eventual outcome protects what they have built, while creating the right foundations for the business, its clients, and team to thrive. Kershawpartners.co.uk

Team Building

Highland With a plethora of team building activities available to companies and planners, it can be tricky deciding on what will truly engage a group, bring them closer together, and help them achieve their very best. Donald Kinross, who runs The Highland Games Events Company from a base near Perth, says clients are increasingly looking for physical, competitive outdoor experiences that get people moving and interacting in an energetic way and has seen how the kind of activities he specialises in can enliven groups: “People have a certain idea of what conventional team building is like – overly concerned with insights, psychometric profiling, and intensive debriefs – but fun, team-based, competitive experiences like caber tossing, weight over the bar, tug of war, and more light-hearted things like welly wanging and haggis hurling, alongside strongmantype events like tyre flipping and the farmer’s dash can create a much better result. It’s all scaled down to make it safe and achievable for our age range of participants, which runs from about six to 96.” The events are steeped in tradition and the history of the Highlands: “Take caber tossing, for example – it’s believed to have originated from clans chasing each other around the mountains. When it came to river crossings, they used cabers (a Gaelic word for a beam) to cross from one side to the other, which is why you’re looking for that straight flip. Hammer throwing actually originated in Ireland and was originally a chariot axle and wheel which developed into something closer to the Highland games hammer throw you see today.” That heritage plays well when attracting foreign delegates to international conferences. Donald finds that people

Fling

The appeal of some traditional Scottish outdoor team building activities could be worth a look. are drawn to the history behind the events, often tracing Scottish ancestry or travelling over with their families to experience it first‑hand. And another great advantage of Highland games activities is the stunning natural surroundings they take place in, adding an invigorating sense of occasion. Of course, many companies specialising in Highland games are based in Scotland, but operations are mobile and events can be staged anywhere in the UK. As Donald says: “We’re happy to operate almost anywhere there’s a suitable patch of grass, as long as the venue is happy for us to leave a few dents in the lawn by the time we’re finished.” Naturally, when south of the border, there’s some playful ribbing of English clients:

We often joke about bringing the lighter weights for the English! Highland games as corporate team building exercises are great for getting groups out of the office or boardroom and into nature to participate in fun physical tasks which emphasise cooperation and problem solving over athletic skill.

The light-hearted nature of many of the games breaks down awkward social barriers and helps colleagues bond in a genuine way, regardless of company hierarchy. Team building is about getting everyone involved and feeling they’re part of something together, so inclusivity and accessibility are important concerns. With a Highland games set up, scalable equipment such as lighter implements and adjustable weights and heights can flex for a wide age and ability range, but there are limits – running‑based events are harder to adapt for mobility issues, and soft or wet ground can restrict wheelchair access. Operators plan around this, warming up with lighter implements and briefing instructors to adjust facilities on the day. When it comes to engendering esprit de corps among a workforce, Highland games events offer something unique: “A lot of our instructors are ex-army, and we always say the best way of bringing a team together isn’t through the highperformance approach that usually comes with corporate team building. It’s about giving people the time and opportunity to have fun and do something constructive together. That’s the key thing – a couple of hours outdoors at a beautiful venue, activities delivered with a real sense of humour, and if we can tie that into a whisky tasting or a bottle of champagne at the end, even better! The feedback we get is that it’s been fun, well organised, and that clients have enjoyed having the opportunity to really enjoy time with each other away from the office.” Thehighlandgameseventscompany.co.uk

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Bring the energy, tradition, and thrill of the Highland Games to your next event.

From intimate gatherings to exclusive celebrations and corporate retreats, we craft unforgettable experiences that unite and delight. • Fully mobile and flexible - We bring the Highland Games to you • Professionally delivered - Our team takes care of everything • Tailored to you - Every event designed around your vision • No rigid packages - Just recommendations shaped by our experience

07822 882693

donald@thehighlandgameseventscompany.co.uk thehighlandgameseventscompany

September 2026

www.thehighlandgameseventscompany.co.uk

NorthinBrief AEV Emerging Talent Award

Walk for Wellbeing Returns

Entries Open for Sustainable Agencies

The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has launched its Emerging Talent Award, new for 2026. Created to recognise outstanding emerging talent within the AEV membership, the award will be granted to individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise, creativity, and commitment to the industry.

Hospitality Action’s annual fundraising event Walk for Wellbeing will return in October for its biggest year yet, bringing together hospitality professionals in support of wellbeing across the industry.

event:decision, in partnership with micebook, is delighted to announce that entries are open for the 2026/27 Power 30 Most Sustainable Agencies UK, an annual ranking of the top 30 most sustainable event agencies in the country. Now in its third year, the programme is open to UK-based event agencies of all types and evaluates on both sustainable internal business practices and the ability to deliver responsible, sustainable outcomes for clients.

The award is open to those in the first five years of their career, operating in all venue departments. This includes but is not limited to catering, commercial, event management, finance, guest experience, HR, operations, security, sustainability, and venue production. AEV CEO Rachel Parker said: “We are really excited to introduce the Emerging Talent Award – it’s a new venture for us at AEV and we are looking forward to celebrating members who are demonstrating the best in the venue sector.” The closing date for entries is 18th September, and the class of 2026 will be announced at the AEV annual conference being held at ICC, Olympia on 26th November. Rachel added: “The winners will receive a complimentary pass to join us at our conference in addition to access to a mentor from our board or conference steering group and special board and venue visits. Our members always enjoy the strong networking connections and valuable learning opportunities our association brings, and this award takes it even further.” Find out more at Aev.org.uk/emerging-talent-award

New MIA Vice-Chair The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has announced the appointment of Jessica Southworth, Cluster Sales and Marketing Director at Hotel Football and Stock Exchange Hotel, as its new vice-chair. Jessica joined the MIA board in February 2024 and has since played an active role in drawing on more than two decades of hospitality experience. Working closely with Chair Andrew Mosley and Chief Executive Shonali Devereaux, she will help drive the board’s strategic priorities, champion the interests of members, and strengthen the association’s representation across the business meetings and events sector. Speaking on her appointment, Jessica said: “Having spent my career in hospitality, I’ve seen first-hand the impact this industry has on people, businesses, and destinations. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for others, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring our sector continues to evolve. I‘m excited to take on the role of vice-chair and work with Andrew, Shonali, and the board to represent our members and help drive the MIA’s ambitions forward.”

Participants can choose from 10km and 20km walks at locations across the UK throughout October, kicking off in Glasgow on the 10th to mark World Mental Health Day, followed by walks in Liverpool and York on the 11th and in Manchester on the 18th. On the 19th, Newcastle will host the penultimate walk before culminating in Birmingham, Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, Cornwall, Edinburgh, Hampshire, London, and Suffolk on 25th October. Since launching in 2020, Walk for Wellbeing has grown into a nationwide industry initiative. Last year alone, more than 1,400 participants raised £170,000 for Hospitality Action’s wellbeing and support services. Those unable to attend hosted city walks can ‘Walk It Your Way’ any time from 10th to 25th October, providing the flexibility to create a route and distance which best suits them. For more information and to register, visit Walkforwellbeing.org

IBTM World Expands Offering

Entrants are assessed across two core areas: company accreditations and processes – covering sustainability certifications earned in the last three years, how the agency measures its own carbon footprint, and initiatives with positive social impact – and event case studies, in which agencies submit up to three third-party events broken down by ESG channels. The process is designed to move beyond marketing claims to recognise tangible results. “The journey towards a more sustainable events industry is ongoing, and every step forward counts,” said Matt Grey at event:decision, congratulating the agencies recognised on this year’s list. For those not yet on the list, the campaign is intended to serve as both a benchmark and a motivation to continue advancing sustainable practices.

IBTM World is expanding its event tech and services offering for this year’s show on 17th to 19th November at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona. This includes a larger technology showcase, a new AI demonstration programme, and the return of its startup initiative, IBTM Ignite.

Recognition in the Power 30 allows agencies to showcase commitment to ESG responsibility and attract clients who value stewardship and ethical delivery. Deadline for entries closes on 23rd October and recognised winners will be celebrated at micebook EXPO in London on 1st and 2nd February 2027.

The expanded event technology and services zone will include event management platforms, matchmaking solutions, delegate engagement tools, analytics platforms, hybrid event technology, and immersive experience providers, giving planners the opportunity to compare solutions and watch live demonstrations.

Agencies interested in entering can apply at app.eventdecision.com/msa/start

See the latest news online Hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Claudia Hall, Show Director of IBTM World, said: “Event professionals are being asked to achieve more, from creating stronger attendee connections to proving event impact and delivering more personalised experiences. Technology has an important role to play yet knowing where to start and understanding what solutions can genuinely make a difference is often the biggest challenge. Our aim is to bring together the people, partnerships, and practical innovation to help event profs create stronger events and deliver greater commercial value.”

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Event Branding

On Brand now operates a substantial digital Helen Sharland, Founder Cutture arm alongside its physical print work giving flexibility on the brief, whatever the of event branding business full event. The first questions are rarely about format, the starting point is always the Cutture, on why the same: who is this for, and why does it matter? most effective solutions “If it’s a brand celebrating its 50th anniversary, we go deep into that brand and really tell are about so much their story. We use their current branding as more than aesthetics. a visual identity, but the actual project is about the event and what it means. There might be a hidden thread in the design connected to brand values or a point in their history that people don’t even notice consciously, but it creates something that feels right.”

That approach applies equally when working alongside an event planner rather than directly with a client. The goal is always to find the essence – the feeling delegates leave with – and build the design outwards from there: “It’s about making attendees embody the brand almost by default. Without even realising it, they’re getting that connection.”

Helen Sharland

For Helen Sharland, conveying the essence of a brand or an event is about understanding the story it wants to tell. And all the details matter. Cutture, the bespoke design studio she founded with her husband, Dominic, began by specialising in beautifully crafted invitations for high-end events before expanding to incorporate more aspects of event branding: “Every project we do is a mini branding project. When it’s done well, there’s a deep concept behind it. It’s not just about the colour scheme for the event – it’s about what the brand actually is and why it exists.”

September 2026

Maintaining brand identity and message throughout an event can be challenging when coordinating the myriad elements at play, and Helen recognises inconsistency as a common pitfall in event branding – often the result of different suppliers handling different parts of the same project: “We really like to see consistency throughout. When we design an invitation, whether digital or physical, the two need to be coherent with each other and with everything on the day. It’s a shame when there’s a disconnect – when people have done one part elsewhere and come to us for the main thing. It makes much more sense to use the same designer throughout.” Helen points out that lack of communication between suppliers can undermine even the best-planned event. Catering, floristry, and paper design all contribute to an event’s overall feel, but they rarely talk to each other. A gap, she suggests, that planners are well placed to close.

On how event branding is evolving across the industry, Helen highlights how technology is increasingly embedded in the work – augmented reality, animated digital invitations, QR-linked personal messages – but also notes an increased fondness for physical media: “People want digital for convenience, but it doesn’t cut through the noise. So, the digital needs to be really special. And I think physical print is coming back in quite a big way. People are craving it. There’s an interesting dilemma between keeping up with digital and AI versus this longing for human connection that’s happening right now.” For planners looking to create an effective piece of event branding, Helen’s advice is to build a strong creative brief and ask curious questions to get there: “The more you know about why a company is what it is, the better the design will be. Tell us who we’re doing this for and why. In that story, there are usually amazing nuggets that you can build a whole identity from – and it’ll be something people pick up on.” Cutture.com