H&EN Jan 2020

THE CORPORATE HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE FOR THE MIDLANDS, NORTH OF ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & NORTH WALES

WIN A Stay Over and Five Course Taster at Wynyard Hall

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND LOOS STADIA SPACES ON LOCATION: NORTH WALES

One of the Best Connected Rural Event Sites in the UK

PLUS

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O N ED FE ITI X O 20 N 20

Tradeshow Schedule Furnishing the Mood Women to Watch Let’s Do Lunch

ISSUE 76 • JAN 2020

HOSPITALITYANDEVENTSNORTH.COM

NEWS, FEATURES, VENUES, IDEAS, COMPETITIONS & LOTS MORE 1

January 2020

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A Warm Welcome

Contents

JAN 2020

Welcome to 2020! The world of hospitality and events is certainly moving quick. The north has some fabulous sporting stadia venues and hospitality opportunities and we focus on beautiful North Wales, with the excellent venue Royal Welsh Showground taking our front cover. Flexibility is the key, so you may want to look at more temporary structures, such as a marquee, which can be tailored to suit. We also take a look at adaptable event furniture, so important but often the key to the mood.

The team here at H&E North look forward to another round of tradeshows and meeting our lovely readers! Starting with Confex we’re previewing the industry staple and getting your diary populated with all the key dates. We have a variety of expert opinions and trends designed to help you be great #eventprofs! And as a reward you can also win a stayover at Wynyard Hall with a five-course taster menu. So much in such a small package!

Enjoy!

H&E North front page feature:

High Society

H&E North chats to Steve Hughson, Chief Executive of The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, about how the Showground in the heart of Wales is drawing in the crowds.

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Focus on: North and mid-Wales

Explore the untapped potential of Wales, featuring five minutes with the Culinary Director of the stunning new ICC Wales.

Elliot Landy.

HOSPITALITYANDEVENTSNORTH.COM @HOSPITALITYNRTH

Publisher

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Winning Goals

Sporting venues of all kinds can make sure your company remains at the top.

Design

Elliot Landy

Ada X m GreX asley

Features Editor

Zoë Green

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Senior Account Manager

Evangeline Spachis

Adam Freedman

Editorial Assistant

Competition

Win a stay for two at Wynyard Hall in County Durham!

James Wilson

Contributors Stadium Experience Visit Wales Angie Mason Jonny Ross

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Food for Thought

Jane Longhurst Laura Kelly Gerard Lennox

H&E North reflects on the power of a good lunch to help employees feel appreciated and get those ideas flowing.

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

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Show Must Go On

2020 is another bumper year for MICE tradeshows…check out the guide plus our preview of International Confex.

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

Printing

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THE ULTIMATE

ROOM WITH A VIEW

Teambuilding in the Trees Treat your team to something really different by hosting your event in our stunning new Treehouses, opening early 2020.

Contact our dedicated events team for information about our Treehouse packages call 0191 3865282 or email events@ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

20% off any of our day delegate rates This offer is valid for events taking place between January 2020 and April 2020.

Call now, please quote reference 20-20A.

Ready to shape your next event? www.newarkshowground.com t 01636 705796

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

NORTH IN BRIEF

North

In Brief Hallmark Hotels Simplifies Meeting Booking System Hallmark Hotels has introduced a new online system seeking to expedite conference and meeting room bookings for up to 20 delegates following a 15% increase in online enquiries.

Commenting on the launch, Debbie Neate, Head of Marketing said: “Many meeting organisers told us that, although more detailed online meeting booking systems have their place and value, they can take a lot of time to complete, especially when the organiser is time poor.

“Our system has been designed to simplify this process for the organiser and our teams, saving the organiser time in the enquiry process.”

Users can select between ‘room hire only’ or ‘delegate hire rate’, which includes refreshments and AV equipment as standard.

The Hallmark Hotels event team will then follow-up the booking to ensure requests are tailored to requirements.

Warwick Conferences Rethinks Workplace Learning Learning and Performance Institute (LPI) has accredited Warwick Conferences for achieving a benchmark for workplace learning facilities.

In a bid to increase its learning and development offering, the venue has transformed traditional meeting rooms into creative spaces. In addition, it has developed its new outdoor meeting space, The Wellness Retreat, working with a local training provider to give the conventional boardroom with a modern twist.

The accreditation follows a report launched

by Warwick Conferences discussing the role learning and development can take in tackling economic uncertainty faced by businesses.

Andrew Taylor, Head of Conference Centres at Warwick Conferences, said: “We are continually looking at new ways to deliver an experience rather than just a space, to make training more memorable and effective for businesses large and small.

“In addition to the recognition of our facilities, our accreditation with the LPI will help with our own learning, giving us greater insight into the changing needs and trends to enable us to deliver the perfect learning environment.”

January 2020

Ricoh Arena Completes Six-figure Makeover Ricoh Arena has completed renovations of The Legends Lounge following funding from its home rugby union team Wasps, catering provider Delaware North and club partner Purity Brewing Company, which recently struck a five-year deal as the Wasps’ Official Ale artner.

The lounge can now accommodate up to 250 delegates, and boasts a bar, large projection screen and communal benches.

Stuart Cain, Chief Executive at Wasps Group, said: “Purity has poured a lot of effort into making the Pure Legends Lounge a standout feature for both Wasps supporters on matchday and those visiting the venue for conferences and exhibitions.

“Having companies such as Purity Brewing Company and Delaware North investing in the club and the venue is a massive vote of confidence and reinforces our strong presence within the region’s business community.”

Harrogate Convention Centre Builds Strong Future The Homebuilding & Renovating Show has struck a three-year deal to continue hosting its annual exhibition at Harrogate Convention entre.

The show, dedicated to consumers seeking new products and expert advice for home improvement projects, has been hosted in Harrogate since 2003, welcoming a record 12,400 visitors last November.

Paula Lorimer, Director of Harrogate Convention Centre, said: “This event has evolved tremendously during it’s time with us in Harrogate and it brings thousands of visitors to town. I’m really pleased with the deal we’ve just reached.

“This is a big vote of confidence in Harrogate Convention Centre and the town itself. I know that many of the visitors make a special trip to Harrogate especially for the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, so this is brilliant news for the local economy too.”

ACC Liverpool Raises Curtain on Flexible Partitioning System A new draping system devised by ACC Liverpool has increased its flexibility for event layouts. Installed in M&S Bank Arena, part of the event campus, a system of drapes provides configurable layout options, potentially separating the upper-tier seating and dividing the arena in two.

Adrian Evans, Assistant Director of Conference And Exhibition Sales, explains the new feature: “An upper drape track masks all the upper tiers of the arena which creates a more intimate feel for conferences with a plenary, an exhibition, a banquet or an experiential element.

“The second part of the system is a tracking drape line that divides the space into two separate areas, running up and down the arena floor to enable a variety of different configurations so we are not restricted to one location.”

Layout options now include tiered seating available for 600 to 3,000, cabaret meeting space for 350 up to 1,140 and banqueting from 500 to 1,400 guests.

Manchester Central Launches Food Waste Initiative Manchester Central is working with not-for-profit food waste initiative Open Kitchen MCR to repurpose its unused ingredients.

The venue donates fruit, vegetables and pre-packaged food to chefs at Open Kitchen MCR, who creatively use the food otherwise destined for landfill to cater meetings and events, the income generated subsidising work with the local community. The scheme is one of two initiatives at Manchester Central, introduced alongside its regular sandwich donation to the Homeless Project Manchester.

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NEW VENUES

Making Room All the new openings and breathtaking refurbishments as spotted by the H&E North team…

Hampton by Hilton Leeds

YORKSHIRE

Construction work has begun on the £25 million Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly hotel in the heart of York city centre. Avantis Hotels, which already owns and operates the Hampton by Hilton York in nearby Toft Green is developing the Piccadilly site.

Due for completion in the first quarter of 2021, the hotel will generate more than 50 full and part-time jobs. In addition to its 143 guest bedrooms, the site will also include eight luxury private residences all enjoying uninterrupted views of Clifford’s Tower, going on sale in late 2020. The scheme is designed to the latest BREEAM standards and will boast cycle parking bays and a number of electric vehicle charging points.

This development follows the opening of the 14-storey Hampton by Hilton in Leeds city centre on Bridge Street. Situated near to the entertainment and theatre areas, the 121 modern guest rooms will serve the nearby arena quarter surrounding the first direct arena and other city centre hotspots. Hilton already has two properties in the city – Hilton Leeds City and DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre – but this is the first Hampton to arrive in West Yorkshire.

SCOTLAND

Hilton Aberdeen TECA, the city’s only Hilton property, has opened its doors to guests for the first time. Located on the site of the multimillion-pound P&J Live on The Event Complex Aberdeen, it is the latest addition to the growing Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

With 200 bedrooms over four floors, including nine suites named after the region’s most famous sons and daughters – and a presidential suite with exclusive outdoor terrace space – Hilton Aberdeen TECA offers facilities for residents and non-residents.

Market Street Hotel in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre opened its doors late last year. The hotel has 98 urban boutique style rooms and suites, a vibrant new reception up on the seventh floor with views of landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, The Scot Monument, Princes Street Gardens and Calton Hill and a stylish lobby area punctuated with interiors that pay homage to the site’s historical roots. Said to have cost around £20 million, the hotel is run by the Carlton Hotel Collection, part of Hotel Management International, which owns, operates and manages 10 hotels across Europe with one in the UK, the Carlton George in Glasgow.

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LANCASHIRE

The team behind the award-winning The Woodland Spa and Bertram’s Restaurant in Burnley opened its latest project, Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort. Crow Wood is located just off the M65 and is set within 40 acres of private parkland with ample car parking and a great choice of restaurants, the health club and the award-winning Woodland Spa. The new hotel contains 76 guestrooms, including six suites along with a large function room capable of seating 350. Guest rooms are complemented by a lobby bar, which is open to both residents and the general public, as well as dining options. A venue capable of delivering excellent service for a large corporate, Crow Wood enjoys a brand new and exclusive function room at the hotel. With a pre-function area, large function room bar and gorgeous extensive patio area and formal gardens surrounding the lake, you need look no further for your next venue.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Wychwood Park Hotel and Golf Club

Ziferblat Manchester

CHESHIRE

Crewe-based Wychwood Park Hotel and Golf Club has unveiled its brand-new look after undergoing a £3 million refurbishment project. Among the renovations, which kicked off in early 2019, was a full refurbishment of the hotel’s 110 bedrooms, with brightly coloured interiors replacing the former décor and a new lock system being introduced to increase efficiency. The bar and restaurant areas were also given a complete overhaul, while the hotel’s atrium and public areas were rejuvenated with new furnishings and layouts.

Set in 200 acres of Cheshire countryside, Wychwood Park features a PGA European Tour-standard 18-hole golf course, 110 bedrooms and 27 function suites and multipurpose meeting rooms, as well as a restaurant, bar and clubhouse. The hotel welcomed more than 400 guests to a special launch day, offering the chance to sample themed cocktails, try out team-building activities in the meeting rooms, including a special Crystal Quest game, and get an exclusive first look at the refurbished areas.

January 2020

Carden Park has confirmed that its upcoming £10 million spa, The Spa at Carden Park, will open its doors in early 2020, and has opened a hotline to accommodate early bookings.

The spa, which is located on the grounds of the privately-owned hotel, is housed in a 4,500 sqm standalone facility that boasts a wide range of experiences such as a vitality pool, ice fountain, foot baths, snow shower, thermal cabins and heated loungers. Other facilities include a spa garden – planted with fresh herbs that will be incorporated into some of the treatments – and a Bollinger champagne bar.

next to them. Manchester is home to two other Ziferblats: one housed in the Northern Quarter on the 1st floor at 23 Edge Street and a meeting room only venue in Oxford Court, next to Manchester Central.

MANCHESTER

“There’s unlimited free food and drinks including 23 different types of tea, special Ziferblend Fairtrade organic coffee, vegan and vegetarian goodies, a selection of soft drinks, breakfast, pastries, toasties, sweet treats, salads and most importantly – super fast Wi-Fi. People can hire the meeting rooms, book the venue for events, use the space to co-work or just enjoy the sitting room at their leisure. We are so excited to be able to contribute to the community in this part of town.”

Ziferblat has opened a new branch in the heart of Manchester’s thriving student area.

The pay-per minute co-working, meeting and event space launched another venue in the city at Tresco House, 149-153 Oxford Road.

The comfy sitting room and meeting room space takes up the whole of the first floor and offers guests a space where they can work, study, relax, hold a meeting or workshop, hold events, make new friends, read a book or just chat to the person

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Gareth Harold, Head of Operations of Ziferblat UK and Ireland, said opening on Oxford Road was the natural “next step”: “Ziferblat Oxford Road is a unique offering to the hub of students, faculty, businesses and hospitals in one of Manchester’s most bustling areas and really complements the branches in the other parts of the city,” said Gareth.

LOCATION

01492 353 123 WWW.ADVENTUREPARCSNOWDONIA.COM

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Focus on:

North & Mid-Wales

With discussions for The North Wales Growth Deal underway, now is the time to start thinking about North and mid-Wales as the next destination for business events.

The North Wales Growth Deal has passed an important milestone, with talks which set a clear way forward for the deal and a focus on low carbon energy, digital connectivity, as well as land and property. Both the UK and Welsh Governments have agreed to provide £240 million of funding for the deal.

The spread of industries and economic activity in Wales provides many opportunities for synergy with business events. In 2016, 27.9% of Welsh economic output in 2016 came from water, energy, manufacturing, production and construction – the highest proportion of any UK nation. Events of this nature, and many of Wales’ sectors, can look for support from those involved in the sector and potential partners and sponsors from each industry.

Venues such as Bounce Below and Surf Snowdonia provide spaces for meetings as well as expert-led activities in unique locations. While, with a fully supported service across North Wales, including transport, accommodation, guiding and activities, Adventure Tours UK make it easy to take business out of the boardroom and deliver the wilder side of a business event.

It offers a range of tailored adventure experiences set in the rugged coastline and mountains, such as a two-day team building finale including activities ranging from wild water rafting, precarious river crossing, to hiking in Snowdonia.

As well as stunning landscapes, North Wales boasts a range of accommodation, from four to five-star luxury hotels to purpose-built events accommodation. The Waterloo Hotel

in Betws-y-Coed is currently developing its new and sustainable spa and exclusively designed rooms to reflect the areas’ rich natural beauty and heritage. The new development brings a dynamic venture that adds to Betws’ incredible location as the gateway to Snowdonia.

For five-star luxury, Plas Dinas has a reputation for excellence. Specialising in the smaller, more sophisticated gatherings in a historical yet friendly and relaxed atmosphere, the hotel is hidden away down a sweeping driveway. The luxury country house offers exceptional hospitality, ideal if privacy and confidentiality are called for, while helicopter landing facilities are available too. Conveniently located off the main A487, you’ll enjoy a personal service tailored to your needs.

Continues on page 13

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

GATHER YOUR TEAM: IT’S TIME FOR AN ADVENTURE. OUR MAGNIFICENT, AWARD-WINNING ADVENTURE PARC OFFERS A WHOLE BUCKETLOAD OF INDOOR, OUTDOOR, ANY-WEATHER ACTIVITIES. Ideal for team away days, show-stopper events, meetings, rewards and conferences. Our outstanding natural environment will thrill and re-energise your colleagues and clients. Expect quality hospitality with an emphasis on great service and best-of-Wales produce. A 106-bedroom Hilton Garden Inn with conference and spa facilities will welcome its first guests in Autumn 2020. Will you be amongst them?

We’re in the beautiful Conwy Valley, North Wales, just 60 minutes from Chester and 90 minutes from Liverpool & Manchester.

For more information contact Tansy Rogerson on t.rogerson@adventureparcsnowdonia.com or call 01492 35 123

ADVENTUREPARCSNOWDONIA.COM

January 2020

ADRENALINE INDOORS CLIMBING WALLS ARTIFICIAL CAVING EXTREME SLIDES AERIAL ASSAULT VIA FERRATA

EXPLORE OUTDOORS SURFING ZIP WIRES GORGE WALKING MOUNTAIN BIKES

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FRONT COVER FEATURE

A Royal Affair From sheep shearing to superfast 5G, Steve Hughson, Chief Executive of The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) reveals how rural charm combines with cutting-edge technology to offer event planners the UK’s best-connected countryside escape Hi Steve, tell us about The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS).

We’re a showground in Llanelwedd, located in an idyllic setting in the heart of mid-Wales. From a wellbeing perspective, there’s no finer place to be! As part of our many charitable objectives, we host the annual Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, the largest event of its kind in Europe, with over 1,000 tradeshow stands in attendance, not to mention 8,000 livestock! We also host a smallholding and countryside festival in May, raising the awareness of agriculture to a wider audience. This forms part of the role we play when it comes to educating the public as to where their food comes from and the value of supporting our local economy. We don’t only have the best lamb in the world, you can get a lot of good Welsh wine, beer and gins too these days! We’ve held the finishing stages of the men’s and women’s Tour of Britain, the National Urdd Eisteddfod, the Wales Rally GB and weddings that have featured on The One Show – so anything you can dream up, we can probably host!

Did you have a connection to the venue prior to landing the role?

I was born here in Builth Wells where RWAS is located and grew up with the Royal Welsh Show. After I’d retired as Head of Territorial Policing following a 30-year career, a job came up here. I thought I’d have no chance of getting it, but the rest is history, and I’m back here where I started.

It’s useful to have a local heading up the place, because you have a great empathy of the impact of large-scale events on local communities. We take our responsibility very seriously and giving something back is a big part of our ethos – we estimate that RWAS annually contributes £50 million to the midWales economy.

What can the site offer our northern event planners?

We’re not all about agriculture! Out of all the showgrounds in the UK, we probably have the most permanent infrastructure on-site, offering a diverse range of venues we can combine with all sorts of hospitality

packages. Outside of show periods, all our venues are available for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and more. You can have an intimate meeting in our President’s Pavilion, a lovely little wooden space overlooking a pond where we welcome royal visitors, right through to our Member’s Centre looking out onto the show ring and our impressive food halls where we can accommodate 300 delegates.

The biggest challenge when attending events in the city is parking your car, so our free, secure car parking is a breath of fresh air. We also offer 150 acres of rolling greenery for event planners to do anything they please, whether that’s hosting team building events such as mountain biking or off-roading, or simply relaxing by our freshwater pool where guests can fish after a hard day’s work.

Tell us about your investment in connectivity.

We’re in the heart of the Welsh countryside, but don’t for one moment think this is a sleepy hollow backwater – this is a cuttingedge venue where you can count on staying connected in the modern world. We have the facilities to enable you to do what you could do in the city, without the urban pressure.

One of things delegates look for these days is connectivity – it’s not just about getting somewhere, it’s about doing what you need to do when you get here. When I took over seven years ago, we had complaints about how you couldn’t get a phone signal.

We’ve since invested in a permanent EE 5G phone mast on-site and have plans for a 5G Vodafone/O2 mast in the pipeline.

One of the first in the UK available outside a major city, this was a massive achievement.

5G signal for public use was switched on here last July – that was before it was even switched on in China!

autonomous vehicle manufacturer, Westfield Pods showcasing its driverless pods running on our 5G. That couldn’t be done anywhere in the UK outside of Heathrow, showing we’re the best-connected rural event site in the UK.

So, how can your team help organise a successful event?

We’ve become incredibly well connected within the world of Welsh agriculture, entertainment, food and drink. When clients approach us asking for catering, entertainment, or staging, our dedicated events team put them in touch with the best in the business, negotiate an extremely competitive price, and match you with the venue we think would best suit your vision.

You’re not paying London prices here.

We don’t provide catering ourselves, but we can recommend and arrange the services of local companies that offer anything from three course meals for 300 to a finger buffet for 30. But we do encourage you to use our fantastic Welsh produce! We’re also very keen to promote our sustainability agenda, encouraging recyclables, minimising plastic and carbon neutrality.

The VIP guests we’ve welcomed over the years, from Boris Johnson to The Prince of Wales, are always pleasantly surprised about how large and vibrant we are. There’s a fantastic opportunity for northern events to be part of what we do. rwas.wales

We’ve got superfast Wi-Fi and are working on a model to offer 1GB speeds across the site, which has a huge knock-on effect for the wider community as they benefit from this connectivity. Last summer, we had

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Meet North Wales Showcasing North Wales As A Business Events Destination.

Over 20 Team Building & Leadership Development Activities on Site

North Wales is fast becoming the adventure capital, perfect for those incentive days.

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01492 531 731 meetnorthwales.co.uk

Set in a stunning 25 acres of forest, a perfect location for corporate events, leadership development training & team building days and residentials The Centre has its own natural cave on site & the River Elwy running through its grounds Dormitory style accommodation is in the former mansion house, Dolben Hall (catered or selfcatered options)

Located just 3 miles from the A55 trunk road into North Wales:

Email to be included on our mailing list: info@meetnorthwales.co.uk

Open Door Adventure Ltd, Dolben Hall,Bont Newydd, St Asaph LL17 OHN www.opendooradventure.co.uk Email: web@opendooradventureuk.co.uk / Phone: 01745 585535 Gal-88x129-v1.pdf

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Prif leoliad cynadledda Caernarfon…

Caernarfon’s premier conferencing venue…

Ready to go wild with your out-of-conference experience?

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January 2020

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MOUNTAINEERING ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES • ROCK CLIMBING • ABSEILING • GORGE WALKING • HIKING • ORIENTEERING MATT JONES MCI APIOL www.greatormevertical.co.uk E: matt@greatormevertical.co.uk T: 07956 004 002 Great Orme Vertical, Llandudno, Conwy LL30 1LZ

• Unique outdoor team building activities • Suitable for all adults & abilities • Set in North Yorkshire and North Wales • Hilarious fun with activities done nowhere else • A brilliant taste of farming with a twist!

Tel : 01765 689 007 Email : info@farmadventure.co.uk Instagram : www.instagram.com/FarmAdventure Facebook : www.facebook.com/FarmAdventure

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

01492 353 123 WWW.ADVENTUREPARCSNOWDONIA.COM

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Continued from page 8

The Imperial Hotel, Llandudno’s largest four-star hotel, boasts stunning views across the bay and a choice of eight excellent conference and banqueting suites which cater for up to 150 guests. With tailored delegate packages, the hotel is perfect for mixing business with leisure in team building or post-conference activities; within 40 minutes of the hotel are some of the best coastal golf courses in the country, and other unique activity nearby.

North Wales also has larger venues including Venue Cymru, a modern, purpose-built conference venue for anything from five to 5,000 delegates. It’s recently undergone a £3 million redevelopment, which includes a new conference centre adding to its existing 1,500-seat theatre, 1,500 capacity arena and conference rooms.

Nearby, mid-Wales has more than 2,000 sqm of breath-taking scenery, making it the perfect place to bring your group for a conference or event, with space to breathe, think and focus. The Royal Welsh Showground is located in picturesque surroundings and as part of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society, it is a multipurpose event space designed to cater for exhibitions and trade fairs, conferences and business meetings in prestigious exhibition halls and pavilions.

Gunroom for meetings & private dining up to 18 people Dining Room for conference or private dining up to 26 people Drawing Room for "breakout sessions", morning coffee, drinks & canapé reception or larger meetings Our terrace and grounds are suitable for outdoor activities and team building Accommodation for up to 26 delegates on an Exclusive and Non-exclusive use basis

info@plasdinas.co.uk | +44 (0) 1286 830214 Plas Dinas Country House, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon, Gwynedd,LL54 7YF

January 2020

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The region is also home to Europe’s foremost eco-centre WISE, an award-winning ecobuilding set in the grounds of the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), which makes for an ideal venue for any meeting in the sustainable and green industries. CAT’s newly developed group travel packages are perfect for businesses looking for something a bit different; expert tutors can guide visitors through unique experiences such as sustainable building, clay oven building, nature connection walks and building pallet wood furniture. CAT has impressive facilities for meetings and events, and accommodation of 24 rooms.

Listed as one of Lonely Planet’s Best Places to Travel in 2017, North Wales is known as the adventure capital of Wales. Along with the region’s stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites and the history of Conwy, Beaumaris, Harlech and Caernarfon Castles, it’s now also home to a vast range of unique, worldclass attractions which offer spaces for events.

Visitwales.com/businessevents

MEET THE CHEF

Welsh Wizard Peter Fuchs, Culinary Director at ICC Wales talks designing Europe’s largest banqueting suite, tackling the skills crisis and making feeding the 5,000 easy.

Austrian-born Peter Fuchs has enjoyed an illustrious career as a chef and culinary director in hotels and restaurants across the globe. Peter’s first Welsh connection was forged during a 12-year stint in South Africa, where he met his wife hailing from the town of Abergavenny, 20 miles north of ICC Wales in Newport. Peter went on to open a resort in Mauritius, spend time in kitchens in Dubai, and move across to corporate food and beverage in Crete – his first time catering for 3,000 people in one sitting – before joining

Boasting the largest pillar-free banquet suite in Europe spanning 4,000 sqm, ICC Wales was designed from the ground-up for scale, with the potential to feed 3,600 people in one room. The design even incorporates a dedicated plate up room with two conveyor belts. When catering for such large numbers Peter reveals that nothing is left to chance: “Cooking for 5,000 people is easier than cooking for 50 people a la carte – for the 5,000, you’re ready! The way we deal with the food, from working with suppliers, to

issue for the hospitality sector and is only set to intensify with a looming Brexit reducing key immigrant workforce numbers. “It’s an international crisis – I hear it from my colleagues in America, Europe – it’s the same everywhere. Because we are so large and still growing, it’s still a challenge to fill all our positions. I’m very lucky I have a great team around me to help fill them – we go to schools, colleges, job centres, you name it we do it to try and attract staff.”

Peter believes grassroots development is key to tackling the issue, spearheading a range of training initiatives: “We’re all passionate about growing our own workforce in-house.

A few years ago, we approached a catering college in Malta. We put 15 students through their paces every year as part of their overseas work experience. We’re offering second year students from a Birmingham college the chance to put their skills to the test, and we’re now taking on local teens as part of their two-year apprenticeship to acquire their industry qualifications.

“It’s good to have outsiders coming in with a fresh perspective, but it’s difficult for youngsters to become chefs. It’s unsociable hours, and for me, many youngsters don’t have the hustle – they don’t want to work weekends or late into the night.”

Celtic Manor Resort in 1999 as Executive Chef. Eager to take on new projects, he left to oversee a number of high-profile ventures, not least enjoying a spell with Harrods, looking after all 27 of its kitchens.

Settling down with his two children in his wife’s hometown, the prodigal son returned to Celtic Manor in 2011 as Culinary Director, tasked with developing catering at ICC Wales: “I worked with architects to design my kitchens – that’s the way I like it! It’s a once in lifetime opportunity to be involved with a project on this scale. We didn’t have any outside influence, it was all designed by us. There are the big things, like designing the space to flow correctly and installing the correct equipment, but then you have to ensure the small details are taken care of – I was lucky enough to design our cutlery!”

Peter worked alongside ICC Convention Centre Director, Nancy Mollett to embody the concept of the restaurant: mind, body and soul food: “We try to reflect what the client wants from their event, so at the moment we’re getting a lot of requests for healthy vegan and vegetarian food. We incorporate elements like superfoods within our dishes, but we’re not a health club! We create food that makes people happy.”

storage, to prep, to plating up means we’re designed for this. We could hold three functions with three different menus in three different rooms.”

In the first week of its September launch last year, Peter’s design was put to the test, as he was tasked with catering for An Experience With Arnold Schwarzenegger: a gala dinner for 1,200. “We had a few small challenges, but the client loved it and will be returning next year. We then welcomed the UK Space Conference – considered the most influential event for the space community, where we welcomed around 2,000 clients over three days.”

Peter is eager to work with local suppliers to take advantage of the wealth of worldbeating Welsh produce on his doorstep: “We’re an international venue, so we want to give travelling guests the opportunity to experience the national cuisine. We’re using chicken reared in North Wales, local jam and chocolates, and soon all our coffee will be roasted here. Of course, we use a hell of a lot of Welsh lamb, which everyone knows is the best in the world.”

The skills shortage has always been a big

14

Having enjoyed a varied career, Peter is keen to stress the rewards of toughing it out in a challenging industry: “It’s a fantastic way to travel and meet people – if you stick it out, you can earn a hell of a lot of money. It can be very glamorous, but it’s a demanding job and you’ve got to knuckle down to get to the top. But if someone wants to make money, then we’re the place to come!”

three ourite his fav nu… ts c le e se Peter corporate m e cours Cotta Panna e, pepper lad rl Las s e e sa P e h h alnut Wels lue c and w elsh b Mild W nnel, celery fe r. relish, ad cracke re e b d n oulad a ken R h Chic mushroom m, ls e W lle d ha Roaste ith chantere elsh cured w d in W e Filled p p , s and , wra farce otato cake mushroom p us, g ra chive a p ed as sauté . ira jus e d a M orte pple, pple T and a Taffy A f caramel , apple o e d Layers t frangipan cream an u on hazeln te, cinnam o comp e gel. ffe o n a b

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WELL-CONNECTED EVENTS

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Nestled in the beautiful Shropshire countryside, Harper Adams boasts not just a stunning location for your conference or event, but all of the facilities and services you would expect from the Best Modern University of the year 2020.* With venues ranging from smaller meeting rooms to a 260-seat lecture theatre and the Queen Mother Hall ballroom, Harper Adams can host a variety of events, including meetings, conferences, product launches, functions, team-building and residential courses.

There are 420 en-suite bedrooms on site with accessible rooms available. Visitors with spare time on their hands can use our outdoor leisure facilities including a heated swimming pool. Indoors you will find squash courts and a multi-purpose sports hall.

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NORTH IN BRIEF

North

In Brief Academic Venue Awards 2019 Winners Announced Imago Venues were the big winners at the 2019 Academic Venue Awards, scooping three gongs including Best Conference Venue (under 250), Best Training Venue and Best Residential Conference Venue.

The event, which took place at Victory Services Club, Marble Arch in London, provided guests with a performance of The Greatest Showman before the awards were handed out. Conference News Editor Martin Fullard, who compered the event, said: “I believe it’s far more impactful to recognise specific sub-sectors of our industry rather than shoehorn them into a broader awards campaign. I am assured by the judges that the calibre of entry this year was very high, certainly the comments noted specific achievements rather than just broad observations.

“One thing that was apparent was that investment reaps rewards. We know academic venues work in testing environments and face challenges which other venues do not, so to invest is a big deal as those above will want to see returns.

Our winners here tonight represent what can be achieved.”

Northern and Midlands-based recipients were Lancaster Conferences for Best Sustainability and Best Event Management Team, while MEETinLEEDS scooped Best Accessibility. The Technology & Innovation Centre at University of Strathclyde was named Best Conference Venue (over 250). Staying in Scotland, Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh pipped all others to win Best Non-Residential Conference Venue.

Finally, Conference Aston in Birmingham took home Best Catering Service.

AEV Catering Working Group Hires New Chair and Vice-Chair The Association of Event Venues (AEV), has announced the recruitment of Amy Chong, as Chair and Natalie Kendall as Vice-Chair of its Catering Working Group.

Chong has previously worked as Head of Food and Beverage at ExCeL London, while Kendall has gained experience as the General Manager of Events and Hospitality at Centreplate UK, ACC Liverpool.

AEV Catering Working Group regularly meets throughout the year to examine the needs and provision of venue catering and auxiliary activities. Recently, the group has revised the catering section of its eGuide.

January 2020

This aims to ensure the latest regulatory and legal changes are embedded in best practice.

Chong said: “It’s a privilege to chair the AEV Catering Working Group, which has gained quite a bit of momentum over the last 12 months, working cross-association with the Association of Event Organisers, and also between working groups, discussing key topics that are important to the industry.”

Kendall said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been elected vice-chair of the AEV Catering Working Group. I am looking forward to working alongside our new chair Amy to drive the group forward; promoting best practice, innovation and sustainability across all our wonderful venues. I cannot wait to get started.”

Event Company Employees Share in its 25 Year Success In preparation for its 25th anniversary in 2020, North West-based events management and production company, the Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC), has made key changes within its team structure.

TLC founder Liz Taylor has introduced changes to the roles of key personnel to establish a stronger and more flexible framework for future growth.

This sees Liz moves to the role of Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director, while Ellie Barnes returns to TLC from maternity leave in her capacity as Operations Director. Jess Randall has been promoted to the post of Events Director and Lauren Worsley to Business Development Manager. The entire team will also benefit from the launch of a new performance related profit-share scheme.

Liz Taylor, CEO of TLC, explained: “The team has demonstrated a high level of skill, creativity and passion for our events, and I felt that the time now was right to invest in their immense potential by offering them more responsibility within the company, and a share of the rewards.”

“In spite of difficult economic conditions post-recession, and with uncertainty around Brexit, the business is continuing to grow.

Retaining great talent is a hallmark of a great company, and a constant challenge in our industry. The profit-share is TLC’s way of both rewarding the team while also motivating them to be an active partner in securing future business and expertly delivering our events.”

Malmaison Birmingham Welcomes New Management Team Malmaison Birmingham has appointed two new senior managers alongside the launch of its all-new Mailbox location.

Following the completion of its multimillion-pound redevelopment scheme in 2016, team recruitment drives and 3% increase in revenue year on year, the award-winning hotel owned by Frasers Hospitality and renowned for daring to be different, is continuing its growth ambitions with a suite of new managers.

At the helm is General Manager, Emma

17

Morgan, who brings over 15 years’ hospitality experience; joining from IHG Group in Elstree and Borehamwood. In her new role, Emma oversees daily management of the hotel, which employs 160 team members, driving the overall strategy as well as day-to-day service delivery. In addition to Emma’s appointment, Malmaison Birmingham also welcomes Luke Gallimore as Deputy General Manager; bringing a further 12 years of industry experience to the boutique hotel.

The new senior managers have already set the tone for 2020 business growth with the launch of MalBox; transforming the existing deli and bar space in the Mailbox’s Urban Room into a brand-new service delivered by the hotel. Serving up the best of Chez Mal, the new hotspot offers a selection of cakes, pastries, salads, soup and baguettes, alongside a variety of hot and cold drinks, and even alcoholic beverages.

The hotel has appointed a brand-new team to oversee the deli space, which will be managed by Sandrine Reid, Work+Play Manager, who has been delivering a stellar guest service at Malmaison for over 15 years and overseeing its unique meeting and events space.

Luke Gallimore and Emma Morgan

Casa Hotel Named Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year Derbyshire’s Casa Hotel has been awarded the title of Conference and Banqueting Venue of the Year at the 2019 Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards.

The four-star Chesterfield-based venue has become known for its quality corporate facilities in the town, with its sixth-floor meeting rooms boasting floor to ceiling windows and larger conference rooms for bigger events.

Accepting the award, Maroslava Hanatova, Conference Manager at Casa Hotel commented: “We’re delighted to win the award. It is well deserved by all the team – from sales to operations. We offer the whole package, from food, passionate staff and accommodation, and I believe it is this which really sets us apart from other venues in the area.”

Casa Hotel was one of 14 bars, restaurants, food producers, cafés and individuals to scoop an accolade across 15 categories in this year’s awards, organised

by Destination Chesterfield in association with the Chesterfield College Group.

PROMOTION

King of the Jungle Blue Lion Band have roared onto the corporate events scene, tearing up dancefloors across the UK with a fully-customisable performance, tailored to hit the right note for your event.

Specialising in high-energy musical entertainment for corporate events, Blue Lion Band are a premium, customisable ensemble, always at the ready to put on a world-class show at everyday prices.

Infusing every event with energy and fun, the Manchester-based band pride themselves on filling dancefloors across the north and beyond. Using different combinations from the collective, the ensemble can appear as anything from an acoustic duo to a 15-piece big band, supplying musical arrangements to suit any event at any budget.

From small dinner events, to grand ballroom galas and multi-day conventions, top-tier musicians can tailor their performance to match the individual style and requirements of your event, whether you’re looking to throw a roaring 1920s extravaganza or a 90s throwback party or anything in between.

Band members are full-time professional musicians, with a repertoire ranging from the classic hits of Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and Whitney Houston to the contemporary pop favourites of Beyoncé, Daft Punk and Bruno Mars. The roster of talented musicians have performed alongside some of the world’s biggest artists such as Ellie Goulding, George Michael, Robbie Williams, Alicia Keys and Mark Knopfler and boast an illustrious track record of performing on behalf of leading corporate brands including Sky, ITV, Emirates, McLaren, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, to name but a few.

Damien Eldridge, producer of Blue Lion Band, said: “It's exciting to perform for so many recognisable faces from both the entertainment and football world to help them throw beautiful, extravagant and fun events – which will always stick in our memory. All of the trimmings make a great night all the more fun, especially when the clients are so lovely and supportive of the band.”

Performances are fully customisable, the band adapting everything from their

18

presentation to their playlist to fit the theme, whatever the occasion. “One of many memorable gigs was the Midsomer Murders end of season party at Pinewood Studios,” continued Damien. “The party had a Halloween theme and all of the cast and crew had a lot of fun in costume. The band had a great time giving the repertoire a Halloween theme and dressing up to help the mood along.”

Event planners have access to Blue Lion Band’s unique online planning platform, where they can outline their event schedule, submit special song requests, and include important details. You can even make updates to an event without scheduling a phone call or waiting on an email confirmation. A couple of weeks before the event, Damien will schedule a final phone call to review any updates. “We know how often details can change over the course of planning an event,” said Damien, “and this system allows planners to make changes with confidence.”

If you’re really looking to put on a show, you can even call on the band’s in-house production crew including PA, staging, sound and lighting technicians, to help you put on an event of epic proportions: “Our team can liaise with the venue and their AV team to bring about the best results possible”, said Damien. “We go out of our way to accommodate whatever is necessary to make your event a resounding success.”

Even if you’re looking to fill a last-minute no-show, Blue Lion Band are available at short notice and have earned a trusted reputation for never cancelling. Priding themselves on professional presentation and flawless performance – methodical preparation combined with a genuine love for what they do, ensures delegates will have the night of their lives.

Bluelionband.co.uk

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THINK BOLD. THINK STAND OUT. THINK EYE CATCHING. HEADTURNING. THINK BUSY ROOM. THINK OUTSIDE OF CLICHÉS, NAME BADGES, LANYARDS. THINK ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE AND NOT ABOUT YOU. THINK LESS ABOUT WHAT HE’LL THINK AND MORE ABOUT WHAT THEY’LL THINK. THINK ABOUT THE FOLLOW UP. THE LONGEVITY. THE TALKABILITY. THINK, DO PEOPLE REALLY CARE?

Whatever your business message, we’ll make sure it’s heard through expert creative and marketing collateral.

Oh, and we can organise the whole thing for you if you’d like?

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January 2020

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TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

Ac c e s s i bl e f or A l l An event in an idyllic marquee or temporary structure in the middle of a field might sound like a brilliant idea, but what should event planners do to make sure their event is welcoming to those with additional accessibility needs?

Simply put, brands wish to reach as many people as possible, that of course includes those who might have a disability or those who are part of an increasingly aging population. Doing very little or nothing at all is simply not possible for event planners who are representing the reputations and ethos of a myriad of different businesses.

Distressing reports of a speaker at a national disability conference in Melbourne being carried onto the stage because it was not wheelchair accessible, cannot be repeated.

Selecting a suitable venue for an event might seem straightforward but it is, in reality, much more complicated than it first appears. If you do wish to utilise a temporary structure, using contractors that are qualified and insured in erecting temporary spaces that adhere to basic accessibility

considerations is a must. Whether it’s a Nordic teepee, stretch tent or inflatable, MUTA members are generally the way to go. MUTA members must be trading for two years before being admitted and have to pass a credit check – so asking to see the hirer’s current MUTA membership certificate is a good start. Members also sign up to a code of practice requiring them to be legal, decent, honest and truthful, as well as hitting a professional standard of workmanship.

Accounting for almost half of the temporary structures that are referred to English Heritage for comment – which goes some way to understanding the popularity of marquees – they can vary from marquees erected for a one-off event to more substantial structures such as those used by hotels for seasonal hospitality. For heritage properties, it can keep hordes of attendees away from historically conserved areas while letting private hire use the property

as a spectacular backdrop for an event.

It is at these locations that the setting up and breaking down requires ultra-sensitivity to preserve the venue as agreed with the venue’s host. For multiple events, this can result in a long-term conservation plan being drawn up between the site and event providers, as well as local authorities.

For example, Bramham Park near Leeds, a registered historic landscape, is the venue for a major annual music festival. A conservation management plan was an important tool in a case like this to ensure that areas of sensitivity are protected from damage.

Then there’s the toilet issue. Many events have been caught out by either not hiring enough temporary loos or expecting attendees to trudge all the way back to the main permanent building in order to spend a penny. By spending actual pounds on additional and accessible bathroom provisions from companies like Mobiloo, Continues on page 24

An inflatable structure created by Tectoniks.

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Inspired Event Structures has over 15 year’s experience in the Events and Marquee Industry.

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We offer a variety of yurts, marquees and tents to hire for all types of events.

With our collection of furnishings and extras, we’ll create a bespoke floor plan for each event to ensure we create a spectacular venue, exclusive to each client.

Our yurts provide a truly unique outdoor space. We can pod our yurts together, so there really are no limits on creating a venue that works for you.

January 2020

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

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We provide top quality on-site catering for business lunches, corporate events and charity balls around the UK no matter how large or small. We work alongside event companies and venue management teams to ensure your business or charity puts its best foot forward at all times.

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NORTH IN BRIEF

North

In Brief mia’s miaList Ends The Year The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has revealed the names on its prestigious 2019 miaList roll of honour.

Designed to celebrate outstanding and passionate members of the meetings, hospitality and events industry who go above and beyond the call of duty, this year’s miaList, sponsored by Epson, features 10 names, dedicated ‘Leadership’ and ‘One to Watch’ honours, as well as two team titles, which were revealed at an awards lunch at the Park Plaza London Riverbank.

The 10 names among the coveted 2019 miaList included many northern winners, such as chef Andrew Dixon and Jessica Winskill, Events and Group Sales Executive of The Grand York, Sales Manager Ben Chatburn from Pavilions of Harrogate, Lucy Ann Clarke, Services Manager at Manchester Central, James Hunter, a Project Director at event production company Hawthorn and Jo Kenny, Lime Venue Portfolio’s Head of Central Sales.

Jane Longhurst, Chief Executive of the mia, said: “We are thrilled to once again be commending the outstanding talent we have working in this wonderful industry.

As we celebrate the eighth year of the miaList I’d like to congratulate everyone who has secured their name on this year’s prestigious roll of honour and extend my greatest thanks to our partners, judges and supporters for contributing to the ongoing success of the miaList.”

Liverpool’s World Museum Unveils New Event Spaces Venue hire team hosted by National Museums Liverpool, a collection of eight museums and art galleries in Liverpool, has announced the launch of its two new events spaces in the World Museum.

The two event spaces include a 20-capacity boardroom and the Lower Horseshoe, an exhibition gallery space which spans 93 sqm. The Lower Horseshoe can be used for private events ranging from conferences to weddings, with the capacity for up to 600 guests. The team has been granted use of the two spaces for a three-year period.

“We are so excited to welcome two additional events spaces in one of our most popular venues, World Museum.

Located in the heart of the city centre, it’s already home to some fantastic locations including the ground floor Sir Richard Foster Wing, a newly refurbished aquarium

January 2020

and a planetarium,” said Katie Roberts, Head of Events at Hosted by National Museums Liverpool.

“These two new spaces will allow us to host more events annually as part of World Museum’s next chapter, which is particularly important to us as any revenue generated goes back into National Museums Liverpool to support the amazing work that it does.

It’s fantastic to be able to show these historic spaces in a different light, and a testament to the diversity of our museums and galleries.”

are excited about taking UKIFDA Expo to Glasgow and to the SEC.” Breda Cruickshank, Head of Exhibition Sales at the SEC, added: “We are really looking forward to hosting UKIFDA EXPO in 2021 and 2022. Glasgow is a natural fit for this show, as, the city has been ranked as the fourth most sustainable event destination in the world.”

The NEC Saves a Nearly a Billion Litres of Water The NEC Birmingham has announced it has saved 927 million litres of water during 10 years of NEC Sustain – the venue’s allencompassing environmental programme.

This news follows the venue’s launch of Prevent, the latest campaign for the programme that focuses on how waste management supports the development of greener events.

One of the first initiatives under NEC Sustain was the adoption of a washroom water conservation system developed by Derby-based HSG. In the first year of its installation, the system saved 82.5m litres of water – enough to fill 33 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Steve Cartmell, NEC Group FM Contracts Support Manager, said: “With upwards of 2.4 million visitors coming through our doors each year, working with HSG UK on our bathroom provisions has been a simple and effective way to help meet our sustainability commitments and helps us on our way to achieving greener events.”

SEC Secures Two-Year Deal with UKIFDA Expo The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has secured a deal to host the UK & Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) Expo from 2021 to 2022.

The venue will welcome visitors from across the world to the 41st and 42nd editions of the show which brings together over 100 exhibitors, individuals and organisations within the fuel distribution industry. The 41st edition will take place from 19-20th May 2021.

The UKIFDA team decided on the SEC as it “met the criteria of excellent access for exhibitors, close to amenities and the provision of flexible exhibition space”, in addition to feedback from exhibitors suggesting “the event could be well received in other parts of the UK and Ireland”.

Dawn Shakespeare, UKIFDA Membership and Events Manager, said: “It is 20 years since Expo was last in Scotland, so we

23

NOEA Awards

2019 NOEA Awards Winners Announced The outdoor events industry organisation, the National Outdoor Events Association celebrated the best of outdoor events recently at its annual awards.

The event recognised the very best of event companies, support services and people and saw Exclusive Ballooning pick up the Event of the Year Award for its Sky Safari.

Geoff Ellis, CEO of DF Concerts & Events scooped the Lifetime Achievement Award and Gill Tee, Managing Director of Entertee Events picked up the President’s Award.

Also among the awards was Event Supplier of the Year – Services going to Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental, while English Heritage Events was awarded the Event Team of the Year Award. Event of the Year Award went to Public Culture Liverpool, with Small Festival of the Year going to the Underneath the Stars Festival in South Yorkshire.

The NOEA Awards also recognised everyone from production teams to medical providers, caterers and event innovation during the exclusive gala dinner in Bath’s Pump Rooms. The panel of judges was led by Alistair Turner, Managing Director of EIGHT PR and Marketing and was supported by representatives from across the industry.

Tom Clements, President of NOEA said: “Once again, the awards have picked out some of the biggest names, and some of the hidden gems, that this great industry seems to bring up every single year. It was a brilliant night, and every winner should be justly proud of their achievements.”

Alistair Turner: “Winning a NOEA Award really means something and is a hallmark on the website of every winner this evening.

To get onto the shortlist alone is a great achievement, the competition is incredibly tough, and the judges only recognise the very, very best.”

TEMPORARY STRUCTURES

Continued from page 20

which works to make sure events or venues are accessible to the quarter of a million disabled people, those who would otherwise be stuck at home simply because of a lack of adequate facilities, are not ignored.

Ensuring level access might seem obvious, but the entrance itself should be level or ramped, and if there are steps as well these need to have a handrail and clearly marked step edges. Portable ramps can be acceptable for a few steps, but ensuring they are out when needed constantly makes them undesirable. Revolving doors are not suitable for wheelchair users, guide dog owners and many with walking difficulties.

The position of the entry door needs to be clear for people with a visual impairment and glass doors should be well identified with bright markings on the glass to be safe.

For temporary structures that might have different sections or break-out areas such as multi-deck constructions, ensure that the corridors are wide enough and that entranceways are extensive for wheelchairs to enter or to manoeuvre within. As a rule of thumb, if two wheelchairs can pass each other, then the access is sufficient. Designer and manufacturer of inflatable buildings, Tectoniks, has entered the event rental market, creating unique inflatable and portable pavilions.

By making them bespoke, it was able to fulfill a brief from Hewlett Packard

recently which required a wide access to the temporary structure for an event.

Lighting is also a major consideration.

Companies like Yorkshire Yurts include a variety of lighting as an added extra to its vast variety of themed yurts. Ensuring that an event is appropriately lit will have an impact on how those with additional needs can make use of the facilities without fear of tripping in darker spots. Another point to consider might be to find out if anyone attending has light sensitivity issues or a visual impairment that will be affected by your themed ambience. While natural light is always preferable for daytime events, direct sunlight, particularly on a bright day, is generally uncomfortable. The venue should be well lit with no changes in light levels in different areas, so that delegates are not required to constantly move to avoid harsh beams of light.

It’s easy to see why alternative temporary structures are a popular choice for both venues and event producers – they can be an important source of income and add a ‘wow’ factor to the event, but consider whether the diversity of clientele you are hoping will attend need extra consideration.

If an outside structure is necessary for the mood you are trying to create, make sure your attendees are safe and welcomed first.

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January 2020

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EVENT HIRE

Feeling Flush Don’t get caught short when planning loo hire at your next event. H&E North’s pick of portable solutions are anything but bog standard.

Bob Harris, Founder P-Minus-Q P-minus-q.co.uk Toilets can make or break a delegate experience. With women usually having to queue longer than men, who can use urinals, there can never be enough portable toilets!

If well-designed, women do use female urinals, offering a quick, clean, odourless and cheaper alternative to WC cabins. With nothing to touch, they are more hygienic and crucially, shift queues faster.

One of our SheWee-inal female urinals provides 16 to 24 curtained berths where women can stand in complete privacy. With the aid of a disposable funnel, they need not remove clothing. The facility can be erected in a hirer-supplied corral or plumbed inside the event-supplier’s marquee. Urine is gravity-fed to lay-flat tanks, and no electrical power is needed. Designed to be manually demountable, no component is heavier than a two-person lift and everything arrives on-site in a single van, reducing the carbon footprint.

Audiences are demanding sustainability, so we’re seeing a trend towards eco-friendly products and waste streams. A urinal that dispenses with the toxic biocide, Saurol used in recirculating portable WCs has to be good news. 10 years ago, I campaigned to get female urinals mentioned in the sanitation chapter of the revised Purple Guide. Their day is now coming with MadamePee and LaPee launching at the Showman’s Show last month.

Michael McBain Allan, Director Fortis Hire Fortishire.co.uk Despite being one of the few necessities of any event, toilets are often the last part of your planning. Although not as fashionable as table centres or quite as important as a fully stocked bar, luxury toilets are crucial in ensuring your event makes the right impression and can be an unexpected way to inject some ‘wow’-factor.

At Fortis Hire, we provide some of the very best portable solutions on the market, all designed to complement your event. We focus on the finer details, providing luxury toilets with hot water, mood lighting to match the theme and friendly customer service to help you with your booking.

With a shift in expectations away from plastic construction toilets, the UK summers becoming hotter and the move away from traditional venues – event planners seeking blank canvases to host experiential events that only a marquee can provide – requests from planners looking to provide delegates with luxurious lavatories are becoming increasingly prevalent.

P-Minus-Q

Bridget Roberts, Director Classical Loo Company Classicalloocompany.com When organising your corporate event, choosing the right type of toilet facilities is vital in ensuring your guests remember the day for the right reasons. Try not to fall into the trap of thinking the loos can be the obvious facility to cut back on if your budget is tight – your guests will notice!

The choice of toilets will be governed primarily by your budget, but there are two options to consider – luxury trailers with a choice of decor, or a temporary modular vacuum toilet system specifically designed to be plumbed into your marquee. The latter concept, our Moduloo system, transforms a normal lined and floored area into a luxurious facility with the opulence to match a toprated hotel.

Classy lighting and tasteful furnishings will make your guests feel well and truly pampered. Little fineries can be added which your guests will appreciate – white cotton hand cloths, quality soaps and hand creams, toiletry baskets both for ladies and gents and male and female attendants on hand to discreetly keep the facilities pristine. Why not ask your event florist to add some floral arrangements to match your marquee theme?

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Fortis Hire

Classical Loo Company

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

PART OF

A1 Loo Hire is the portable toilet division of the A1 Group of companies – one of the UK’s leading integrated Waste Management Suppliers. Our extensive range of units are available for both hire and sales from our depots in Wokingham, Coventry and Bridgend, South Wales for any outdoor event or construction project.

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A1 Wet Waste embrace new technology and the very latest equipment available in order to deliver real added value to our clients. As well as working extensively on events for our Loo Hire operation, we also work closely with many other leading toilet and water companies throughout the event industry, meeting our client’s individual needs with

January 2020

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EXPERT OPINION

Move On Up Thinking about moving onto pastures new? Nadia Johnston, MD at Live Recruitment helps potential jobhoppers navigate the tricky territory of candidate buy-back.

The market is increasingly buoyant now and very much candidate-led, so that when employees come to move on, they often have several offers on the table as well as a counter-offer from their current employers. At Live Recruitment, we deal with these situations day-in-dayout, so hopefully we can share some insight to help you on the right track.

but requests to extend notice periods in order to fulfil current projects and maintain key relationships for the agency.

Counter Offers

Decisions Decisions!

A counter-offer occurs when a candidate has an offer from a company and their current employer tries to get them to stay with the business. This usually occurs at the point of the employee handing in their notice and is increasingly common in the events industry.

Often this is a company’s knee jerk reaction to a candidate handing in their notice to the business; while it can seem flattering, on the flip side why did it take you handing your notice in to get that pay rise or promotion that you have been promised all year?

Counting the Cost

On the Up

Counter offers have always been around; especially in times of skill shortages, however in the current marketplace as the niche for skilled event candidates tightens, it is increasingly common for companies to want to retain their existing talent.

It is really important to stay strong when you hand in your notice; we always advise candidates to remember why they wanted to leave in the first place. Promises of more money, different projects or a better role are easy to make when a company is worried they are losing someone – however 90% of those who choose to

We have known candidates to only embark on the interview process in order to get a better package from their current company – this is not good form and could burn bridges with both companies. The events industry is small, and word does get around!

Get Prepped

In the current market, as a counter-offer is very likely, it is more important to make sure that you are really sure of the reasons why you are looking to leave your current role.

Make sure your reasons are valid and if you are after more money, a promotion or a new skill set, then you should explore whether your current company is able to offer this to you in the time frame that you want.

Use your appraisals and reviews to ask about progression, salary increase, different accounts, changes in your role – also make sure your employer is aware of areas you might be unhappy in or wish to develop further so they can have a chance to rectify this. A counter-offer conversation is often started with ‘why didn’t you tell us you weren’t happy?’

It is a lot cheaper to keep someone in the business with a small pay rise than to recruit someone new

It is also a lot more economical to keep someone in the business with a salary increase than it would be to have to recruit someone new – regardless of whether using a recruitment agency. It is still a costly process and can add stress to the current team during handover periods and training expense. Keeping the employee in situ is definitely the easier option for the company for sure!

Resource planning is another reason; often when a key member of the team hands in their notice, the impact if they are running events for a key account can be massive.

We will often get not only counter-offers,

stay are back on the market in less than six months due to empty promises.

On occasion, the counter-offer is something that really does address the key reasons a candidate is looking to move. Perhaps plans for a merger with another agency will create a new role or give them a team to manage, and this wouldn’t have been something the candidate would have known about before embarking on their job search. These candidates do feel it is the right option to stay, and sometimes it does work out, but be super diligent when considering this.

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Handing in your notice is tough, so make sure you re-familiarise yourself with your reasons for moving on before you have the conversation so you are fully prepared.

Counter-offers may seem flattering, but are a double edged sword. Before you go out to the market, make sure you have scoped out the opportunities at your current company so that you are really sure you are ready for a move.

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large or small party numbers and also the superior flexible modular style system units know as flexiloo.

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SPORTING VENUES

Be a Sport Across the city, the celebrations for Leeds United’s 100th birthday included its centenary celebration dinner in late 2019 in the Centenary Pavilion at Elland Road.

Dubbed ‘A Night of Legends’, the evening brought together the biggest cohort of Leeds United luminaries ever seen together under one roof with iconic players spanning the 1950s to present day in attendance along with 750 guests.

Elland Road Stadium venues are unique and prestigious settings suitable for any occasion. The venues can offer both small and large adaptable rooms and spaces, on-site catering, and breath-taking pitch views to add that wow factor to any event.

The exciting variety of different meeting spaces, from intimate boxes to large suites, make stadium venues a great option for all meetings, conferences, events, dinners, awards evenings and exhibitions.

These stunning venues are also ideally located and can offer well-established transport links with ample parking, dedicated reception areas and enthusiastic events teams there to help at every stage. You could even add a rare behind the scenes stadium tour, or player visit to give your event that special touch.

Lounge provides a unique TV studio feel, ideal for board meetings or private dinners.

The Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds has recently completed a £45 million two-year renovation programme. The new Emerald suite can take up to 500 people, offering views of both the cricket and rugby pitches, while for the first time the stadium is also able to offer outside terraces suitable for barbeques, hog roasts or summer networking events for 30 and 100 guests. The venue can also now host large scale exhibitions.

Corporate boxes have also had a complete refresh with a stylish new make-over.

The home of Newcastle United, St James’ Park, offers a variety of flexible spaces suitable for team meetings, conferences and events for up to 1,000 people, with an overall capacity of 6,542 guests over 11 suites and 72 executive boxes. They have specially created menus, designed to showcase the fantastic diversity of produce from our region, along with a convenient central location with excellent transport links and free on-site parking, subject to availability, makes the stadium the ideal venue no matter the event.

Work on the four-star Hilton Hotel at St George’s Park, the national football centre is now complete following an extensive £4.2 million refurbishment programme.

The upgrade began in 2017 with a soft refurbishment of the 500-seater Sir Bobby Robson Ballroom, together with its reception area and education wing – with 19 meeting rooms and 90-seater lecture theatre. Next came improvements to the executive lounge, hotel bar area, restaurant, revamp of the hotels 100-seater executive drum events space and new luxury mattresses

Stadium Experience is a marketing collaboration of around 50 major UK football and rugby clubs, working together to raise the awareness of these unique venues. So, what’s the latest updates from just some of these stunning northern venues?

Perfect Pitch

All nine of the stadium suites and event spaces of Everton FC’s Goodison Park have been transformed in a multimillion-pound investment to improve facilities. The Alex Young Suite offers an elegant setting for up to 250. Enhanced mood lighting creates an ambience that can be altered to suit different events and includes integrated audio-visual technology. The club’s more informal event spaces; The People’s Club, The Captains’ Table and Joe Mercer Suite now feature contemporary warehouse décor, with raised ceilings. The Sponsor’s

St James’ Park

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

01937 582 035 EVENTS@WETHERBYRACING.CO.UK WETHERBYRACING.CO.UK

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Choose a unique stadium venue for your next event. Stadium Experience’s guide to choosing front row seats to all the action.

Emerald Headingley Stadium in all 228 bedrooms. The upgrade ensures the hotel remains the leading venue for conferences, events and leisure travellers to the Midlands.

While with 46 flexible event spaces all under one roof, Hampden Park, Scotland’s own national stadium, is one of Glasgow’s most

Hampden Park

January 2020

iconic and unique conference and events venues.

Worth a Try

St Helens Rugby Club’s stadium has unveiled a unique and newly renovated Home Dressing Room, where you can now hold your special event, meeting or wedding in the ultimate behind the scenes location.

Be it a drinks reception, small meeting or private dining you will be able to walk in the footsteps of the players and experience the incredible surrounding of this hidden gem at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Worcester Warriors Rugby Club’s Sixways Stadium is completing a stadiumwide investment. The stadium has installed an

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industry leading LED floodlight system and big-screen TVs which has greatly improved the matchday experience. The Mercian Suite and Executive boxes have been refurbished and new state-of-the-art AV equipment has been installed, including new projectors, screens and PA system.

Stadiumexperience.com

Worcester Warriors

SPORTING VENUES

Sporting Venues In Brief

Stadium in York Gets a Name

The new Community Stadium in York is set to be sponsored by rail operator LNER, with the name rumoured to be the LNER Community Stadium.

The new stadium, which broke ground in 2017, is set to be shared by York City FC and York City Knights RFC. The east stand at the stadium will also be named by the company - to be called the LNER Azuma Stand after the operator’s newest train which was unveiled at York Station earlier this year.

LNER also sponsors Doncaster Rovers FC. Cllr Nigel Ayre told the York Press newspaper: “York has a proud connection with the rail industry, and it is entirely fitting that such a large rail company based in the city would put themselves forward to sponsor the Community Stadium.”

“With just months to go until we begin holding test events for the venue, I am delighted that LNER have put their name forward to be considered as the main corporate sponsor of the stadium.”

“Looking forward, securing sponsorship for the stadium will ensure that this fantastic venue remains financially sustainable to the benefit of our residents, communities and visitors in the city.”

Aston Villa Suite Named Venue of the Year The Holte Suite at Aston Villa FC was named Venue of the Year at the Birmingham Awards recently.

The Villa Park hospitality area came out on top against high-quality venues from across the city, with staff on hand to accept the award on stage at the Library of Birmingham.

Edgbaston, Resorts World Arena, The Birmingham Conference & Events Centre, the ICC, the National Motorcycle Museum, The Vox and Unique Venues Birmingham were also shortlisted for the award.

Laura Johns, Head of Sales for Conference and Events at the club’s catering partner Levy UK, was delighted to see the venue recognised. She said: “We work hard to deliver an excellent experience at Villa Park all year round, so I’m thrilled that our efforts in the Holte Suite have been rewarded.

“This award is for the staff who work tirelessly on every matchday and at every event to ensure that the venue is a great place to be.”

Head of Hospitality, Laura Worsey, was thrilled that the Holte Suite was chosen ahead of prestigious competitors: “We were up against some excellent venues from across Birmingham, which makes winning this award even more special.

“We see Villa Park as the premier venue in the region for both football supporters and corporate clients, and this award is justification of that.”

Multimillion Project Opens Up New Suites at Murrayfield Stadium BT Murrayfield, the home stadium of Scottish Rugby has reopened its refurbished 1925 suites thanks to its partnership with its hospitality partner Elior.

Events Advert.pdf

1

02/12/2019

The refurb coincides with a new fiveyear extension to the existing agreement through to 2031 and includes a seven-figure contribution from Elior to the refurbishment.

The 1925 Suites have had a significant refit to ensure a more dynamic area for hosting guests and has improved the flexibility 15:12 in hosting groups of different sizes and in

C

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Function rooms with capacity of 300.

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Concert venue.

CM

Boxing and sporting venue.

MY

CY

Awards nights, Conferences, Team Building, Training events and Exhibitions

CMY

Meeting rooms to hire from £50 ex VAT.

K

Banqueting menu starting at £6.95.

wider variety of presentation formats.

The suites, which will now be known as the Scotland Suites, have been renamed to honour Scottish Rugby’s history, while the Centenary Club is named to acknowledge the imminent 100th anniversary of BT Murrayfield due in 2025.

The renovation has also allowed for the two main function rooms, the Presidents and the Thistle Suite, to have new bars installed to enhance the match day and non-match day experience for guests.

Emerald and Sodexo Serve Up First Class Experience Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) and Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletics (LCF&A) has awarded a 15-year contract to Sodexo, a leading global services company.

The contract will see Sodexo build on its eight-year partnership with YCCC and LCF&A to provide world class hospitality and public catering at the Emerald Headingley Stadium – home of Yorkshire Cricket and Leeds Rhinos. A full-time team of 14 and more than 1,000 temporary staff will provide catering and hospitality services for all matches at the stadium.

Emerald Headingley Stadium has completed a £40 million refurbishment and now offers the new Emerald Suite comprising a 450-person lounge overlooking both the cricket and rugby pitches. The new corporate boxes, the Director’s Lounge and the Emerald Suite have all benefitted from a high specification fit out.

Sodexo has also won the contract for non-match day sales to help drive additional revenue for the stadium, drawing on its expertise in the sports and leisure sector.

Stadium Experience Expands its Leadership Team Stadium Experience, a non-profit marketing collaboration of 50 football and rugby clubs across the UK and Ireland, has announced the recruitment of Aimee Richardson as its new Development Manager.

She will join the leadership team which meets regularly to discuss the strategic direction of the association, which aims to promote the use of stadium venues for conferences, meetings and events.

Her main focus has been to increase the stadiums exposure online and via social media and to drive new agency business.

Her previous experience includes working at Allianz Park, home to Saracens Rugby Club, the O2 Arena with Levy Restaurants and Compass UK & Ireland, Virgin Limited Edition at the Kensington Roof Gardens, Individual Restaurant Group and Taj Hotels.

Richardson said: “I’m really excited to be given the opportunity to join the Stadium Experience leadership team. It will be great to further represent the world of rugby and stadia, to help promote the unique venues Stadium Experience collaborates with.”

Hull College Craven Park | Hull | HU9 5HE 01482 716550

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35

PROMOTION

yccc

From End to End Claire Hughes, Director of sports hospitality provider En2End details her journey into the sporting events industry and a life creating unforgettable memories.

What is En2end?

En2end provides bespoke event and hospitality services specifically for the sports sector. We turn standard sports tickets and hospitality inventory into bespoke – exclusive and impactful prospect – customer or client branded entertainment programmes.

How do you start your working day?

Well! There are no typical days! Event planning is one of the rare jobs where no two days are the same. Each event that En2end organises can be vastly different! But I would say my morning routine where possible, starts with a strong coffee and probably like most people, checking my emails to see if anything urgent has come in. I’ll then check the diary to see what is on for the week and decide a plan of action for the day. Working for myself means I have to be super organised, giving myself deadlines to get each task done. Working in this way also allows me to be reactive to any last-minute requests clients often have!

How did you set up En2End?

I’ve worked in the sports events and hospitality sector for over 10 years. After a life-changing moment in my personal life, I knew I needed a new challenge. I had always wanted to run my own business and late last year I decided now is as good a time as any!

things a bit differently, we are actively seeking opportunities. We are frequently getting shortlisted to pitch against the establishment and so more exciting news will follow on this shortly!

What does your role involve day-to-day?

We look after the corporate hospitality at Liverpool FC for one of their principal partners, a global multi-national insurance brand, so I am regularly liaising with the global sponsorship team to establish which guests they have booked in for home and away games and how my team can maximise their matchday inventory by helping them come up with ideas for how to best use the access they have.

My team and I make sure the brand’s core partnership objectives are weaved into the overall guest programme, delivering to VIP guests the best possible matchday experience. This involves creating bespoke itineraries taking care of all the detail from booking cars, recommending and securing restaurant reservations and accommodation or creating a tailored weekend of sightseeing activities. To achieve this, it’s also important I am up to date with the latest events and the coolest things going on within the cities I work in.

How does working directly with a club ensure a smooth running of an event?

I had worked for Liverpool Football Club as Head of Partners Events and VIP Hospitality for almost five years, and before that for an agency as UK Client Account Manager for Aon’s Manchester United shirt sponsorship programme. Leaving to go on your own after working for two strong establishments was daunting but exciting.

The secret to our success is great teamwork and good relationships. Anyone who has been to a football match knows that it’s a tight turnaround, and things wouldn’t go to plan if everyone didn’t pull in the same direction. Everyone is involved in making that happen, from the floor manager to the security staff.

My experience from working with or directly for some of the world’s largest brands and football clubs means that I can understand the client’s needs from both sides of the fence. We turn our insider knowledge and network into our client’s unique sporting advantage. The contacts I’ve made over the years have helped me to pick up my first few accounts and the rest is history!

Ultimately for my clients, it is of course, the pre-match planning that En2end specialises in that allows the smooth running of an event. Managing events is all about seeing into the future to plan for the best and against the worst. It’s about using all the resources you have available to you. The real difference between a novice and a pro is in the details.

En2End is doing well and clients include a principal partner of Liverpool FC, a Manchester United global partner, an American college Alumni HNWI events programme, and the Ian Rush Foundation!

As a young and dynamic business doing

Why do you enjoy working in the sports side of the events industry in particular?

I love what we do but being a sports event manager isn’t all plain sailing – it’s full-on! It can be tiring, challenging and frustrating, but when you work with an amazing team

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and have great feedback from the client and guests, it makes it all worthwhile! It’s a challenge at times but means you can be creative. Sports event management is a unique niche that blends the excitement of sports with the hard work of business and strategic planning. Sporting event planners manage every little piece of the puzzle that goes into preparing a facility for a big game or match.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

I think it is important to keep things fresh and to keep coming up with new ideas, especially with the matchday services we offer as some of our guests may have visited before. Staying on top of trends and the latest tech is the key to being successful. It’s great to be able to wow a guest and new technologies can help with this.

An effective event manager should not only be fully trained, skilled and experienced but also fully prepared to expect the unexpected and know how to deal with it! I have learnt that no matter the level of planning, some things are out of your control and you have to be able to think on your feet, use your resources and roll with it! It’s how you manage these situations that can set you apart from everyone else. Sports event planners must have solid critical thinking and problem-solving skills to devise creative solutions whenever emergency strikes. Sports business is fast-paced, and just like the players on the pitch, we must also stay calm and perform under pressure.

What have been your standout moments?

My standout moment so far is seeing my ideas for En2end come to life in my logo and company philosophy. It is a dream and an ambition I’ve had for a long time, which makes me even more determined for the company and the events we create to be the best in the industry. I’ve only been operating since June – but hitting the ground running with three events in my first month was quite the baptism of fire! But I would say flying to Paris and winning the Liverpool FC Principal partner contract is my highlight so far!

To find out more, email claire.hughes@ en2end.com or call 07788 665 579.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

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January 2020

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SPORTING VENUES

Par for the Course Mark Twain famously called the sport a good walk spoiled, but why do golf courses remain top corporate events and hospitality venues throughout the world?

Think of a casual business meeting or a corporate get-together, and a business deal over the freeway usually comes to mind. While more energic activities like Land Rover driving or clay pidgeon shooting are muscling in on golf’s popularity, the stroll around the clubhouse and a few rounds remains a classic alternative to the imposing boardroom or meeting space setting.

It’s well known a golfing day can make a real difference to a client relationship.

Moving away from the impersonal sales calls or emails, for those that need to nurture a connection with a potential business partner or thank a longstanding colleague for their valuable contribution, a turn on the green is a world away from the daily office grind. Whittlebury Park, which has recently announced that it will be investing £1 million in upgrading its spaces for its conference and events guests, offers first-class golf facilities include a 36-hole Championship course, a driving range, simulators, PGA professional coaches and an award-winning clubhouse within its grounds – indicating how venues understand the importance of a comprehensive corporate offering.

On the team building side of things, there are plenty of ways you can utilise the sport of golf to encourage some workplace bonding, reward personal targets or offer incentives. From taking turns on the driving ranges, investing in coaching and even capitalising on the crazy golf trend, event planners and organisers can tick plenty of boxes by choosing a golf course as their next adventure. The joy of golf is that whether you can easily sink an eagle or struggle to even tee off, everyone in your group can have a go, safe in the knowledge that they are covered by a professional setting and helped along by plenty of on-hand experts.

The UK has a wealth of golf courses to choose from, from St Andrews or Carnoustie in Scotland to the North West of England with the likes of Royal Birkdale on Merseyside.

Championship and player-approved courses are geared up for experienced putters as well as those more used to a spot of crazy golf near the Blackpool pier.

Major tournaments like the 149th Open, due to take place in July this year at Royal St. George’s in Kent, provides an unmissable opportunity to lavish your team or your clients with a sumptuous hospitality package. As

the world’s best players battle it out, differing tiers of experiences from the ‘Champions’ package which offers unrivalled access for golf fans and premium dining and drinks throughout the day, right through to the popular Links Club, which guarantees a reserved seat in the 18th green grandstand, as well as access to The Links Pavilion.

It’s not unusual to see businesses combine their charitable activities to play a few rounds for a good cause too. For the last 20 years, Iceland Foods, one of Britain’s fastest growing retailers, has chosen the north’s Carden Park Hotel as its hospitality partner for its biggest fundraiser – a charity golf day and gala dinner. Carden Park, home to two Championship golf courses and recent winner of England’s Best Golf Hotel at the World Golf Awards, offers a variety of packages to help event organisers at favourable rates for those that want to give a little back. Doing all of the organising and management in-house, Carden Park can make an event that will be remembered by guests, orchestrating charity auctions, serving three-course dinners, offering accommodation and further facilities away from the course. Though golf sometimes has a reputation of being an exclusive playground of the super-rich and work-shy US presidents, it seems many major companies are choosing the sport to dabble in corporate social responsibility.

Outside companies can also take the time and effort needed to create golfing experiences off your hands, so you can just focus on getting your swing right before that big meeting or that competitive game. Staben, for example, hosts a series of sport-based small to large scale personal and corporate events throughout the year, designing bespoke events with a personal touch. Events such as the prestigious Rose & Thistle Trophy (Scotland v England Legends of Sport Golf Event) takes place annually at Trump Turnberry and sees a select number of guests play alongside sporting legends on Turnberry’s iconic golf fairways overlooking the Ayrshire coastline. The event in spring 2019 saw high profile guests take part, including Harry Redknapp, Steve Davis and Shaun Murphy.

World class golfing competitions have always been a part of the UK’s sporting calendar, meaning that expertly ran, high-end facilities are scattered across the country, ready to be used by those looking for an impressive venue and grounds that will wow clients and revitalise colleagues.

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

SPORTING VENUES

2020 Sports Bulletin Whether it’s witnessing a super over or an against all odds final, treating your team or clients to an unforgettable sporting experience will ensure you finish in first place.

January

June

4th – 12th

29th June – 12th July

BDO World Darts Championship Indigo at the O2, London

12th – 19th

Wimbledon All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London

Snooker Masters Alexandra Palace, London

February 1st February – 16th March

Six Nations Rugby Championship Venues including BT Murrayfield, Twickenham, Millennium Stadium

July 7th – 8th

UEFA Euro 2020 Semi-finals Wembley, London

Open Golf Championships Royal St George’s Golf Club, Sandwich

18th

9th

Rugby League Challenge Cup Final Wembley, London

23rd

British Grand Prix Silverstone, Northamptonshire

Women’s FA Cup Final Wembley, London Emirates FA Cup Final Wembley, London

19th

30th

UEFA Champions League Final Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul

January 2020

19th – 22nd

Yorkshire Ebor Festival York Racecourse, York

September 5th

Vitality Blast Finals Edgebaston, Birmingham

12th

UEFA Euro 2020 Final Wembley, London

16th – 19th

May

August

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October 10th

Betfred Super League Grand Final Old Trafford, Manchester

PROMOTION

Crystal Clear Mark Kisby, Managing Director at AV Department reveals the trending conferencing services AV suppliers simply can’t afford to get wrong.

We’ve seen online platforms create an absolute nightmare for event profs. We employ a far more robust solution using voting keypads with dedicated software, rather than relying on venue internet. Our offering can be entirely branded with seamless integration into presentations through the vision mixing, which we can also supply. So the rest of the presentation isn’t jeopardised if the plugin doesn’t work – the speaker can just smoothly fade back and carry on.

Hi Mark, tell us all about AV Department.

We started the company to support a single customer’s AV needs back in 2005 and since then we’ve evolved into a specialist third-party supplier, trusted by AV companies to provide solutions including audience response and simultaneous interpretation systems at a competitive price.

Based in Fife, we’re Scotland’s number one supplier, but operate UK-wide, willing to go wherever the customer wants to take us.

We’re a preferred supplier to most of the large major convention centres in Scotland from the SEC, EICC and the AECC. If you’ve watched any Scottish parliamentary coverage, you’re seeing our microphones in action, with integrated voting and interpretation systems.

How do your audience response systems work?

Audience response allows you to ask questions and for an audience to respond in real time. We were the guardians of that technology, but now many events go down the free app route. However, we’re seeing an uptick with those who’ve suffered technology issues and low-response rates.

When you field keypads to an audience you expect to get a 95% response. Get a delegate in a room and ask them to download an app and you’ll be lucky if you hit 10%. That’s if they can get on the Wi-Fi in the first place!

What about simultaneous interpretation?

We’re seeing the rise of Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) – the process of broadcasting human interpretation to delegates in real-time, facilitated by specialist audio equipment within sound attenuating interpreter booths, which we can provide. It is typically reliant on the delegate downloading an app and logging-in. But we offer a hybrid solution – instead of putting the ownness on delegates, we supply infra-red language distribution systems – and there’s nothing to prevent you from streaming it via the internet to allow those not in attendance to access the feed, bearing in mind all the caveats this entails.

We’ve never (touch wood!) had a complete system fail on-site when the equipment has been in our control. All the systems we provide are ‘in the room’. When you’re offering a high-priority service like interpretation, sending things over the internet opens up a can of worms.

Tell us about your range of microphone discussion systems?

We dry hire our systems up and down the country to leading AV companies seeking flexibility, reliability and value. We can have the equipment on your doorstep within 24 hours anywhere in the UK and always get great feedback on the way it’s prepared and presented. We provide a price per microphone, and make sure when you

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open the box – it’s all there and ready to go. There are no hidden fees – if you only need six microphones for a top table system, that includes the controller, the cables and the laptop to operate in an all-inclusive package.

We’re a Shure conference network partner, so we’re in a great position to offer the best price on the latest microphone systems. We have their flagship MXCW wireless push talk microphones and the wired 5900 Series – our rental workhorse! We also offer a great mid-price choice in the G3 Televic wireless microphone discussion systems; while the Taiden Multimedia Microphone system makes an ideal top table solution. You can put all the content that’s being projected on the screen behind them on their built-in 10-inch screens, and if one half of your top table is French, the other English, you can display the respective language versions.

How does your knowledge and expertise ensure clients can save money while getting the right equipment for the job?

We offer a range of products tailored to different niches so we can suit all budgets taking time to discuss the environment in which the equipment will be used. We get a lot of clients looking to hire top-of-the-range wireless systems, and when they tell us it’s for a simple boardroom-style setup, we advise them to go wired and save themselves a third of the price.

You always try to ensure the customer understands the limitations of wireless, but also its advantages. If it’s a cabaret style setup, wireless is great for avoiding trip hazards. But the reliability of the setup should be the main focus – so if you’re only going wireless because you want to be seen using the latest tech, it’s a vanity exercise. We’ve talked clients down on a fair few occasions, advising them to go for the product that’s right for them. But that honesty is what keeps our customers coming back.

Avdept.co.uk

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

With a fantastic range of entertainers, Spot On Entertainment Ltd is the company to contact when planning an event. As seen on TV. FESTIVAL PERFORMERS CLOSE-UP ENTERTAINMENT THEMED NIGHTS

DINNER SPEAKERS SINGING WAITERS TRIBUTE ACTS

Our musical performers range from a solo singer or musician to a full band or orchestra.

Choose your favourite look-alike to meet and greet or mix and mingle. A close-up magician, caricaturist, hypnotist or mime artiste always adds a touch of class to any event and a bespoke after dinner or motivational speaker will bring attention to any topic of your choice.

Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, outdoor festival, product launch or exclusive party, we will work with you for success.

Call the office on 0161 374 5398 or text 07757 890 154 spotonentertainment.co.uk • bookanentertainer.co.uk @SpotOnEntertain

January 2020

/SpotOnEntertainmentLtd

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COMPETITION

Win a Stayover and Enjoy a Tasting Menu for Two at Wynyard Hall!

Situated on the outskirts of Durham in the Tees Valley, the four-star Wynyard Hall provides an exceptional experience – where exquisite charm meets contemporary comfort.

Surrounded by 150 acres of historical landscape, you’ll find it hard to escape the sense of tranquillity that encompasses Wynyard Hall. Its proximity to some of the north’s most popular attractions – such as Durham Cathedral – makes Wynyard Hall the ideal base from which to explore the region, or to simply retreat from the demands of everyday life.

With spectacular function rooms that can seat up to 240 guests, it can cater for special occasions of all sizes. For exclusive

COMPETITION

Fancy scooping an overnight stay for two in a classic double room, as well as sampling a sumptous five-course tasting menu with wine pairings in the evening? Simply answer the following question…

What is the name of Wynyard Hall’s event marquee?

accommodation, the hall’s grounds include five elegant cottages alongside 19 bedrooms and suites; each one complete with a bespoke design, perfect for unwinding in magical surroundings after the excitement of your day.

The Grand Marquee in particular, is one of the North East’s premier event spaces.

A blank canvas, with panoramic views of the hall and parkland, the structure can accommodate up to 650 guests for a dinner dance, or 1,000 for a conference

Enter online at Hospitalityandeventsnorth. com/competition 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 the first randomly selected on the closing date: 24th January 2020.

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and exhibition. With free parking for 400-plus cars and an entrance through the exquisite Walled Rose Garden, there is no better way to impress guests.

From its renowned two AA rosette restaurant, The Wellington, offering an ever changing menu of modern British dishes created with only the finest local ingredients, to the lakeside Spa, where you can indulge in a variety of beauty and body treatments, it is easy to see why Wynyard Hall is a most loved North East destination.

Terms and conditions apply: Maximum one entry per person. Times and dates remain at the discretion of management. When entering the competition online, you have the option to not be entered into H&E North Magazine and Wynyard Hall’s databases in order to be contacted about news, promotions and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. The winner’s name may be printed in a future edition of H&E North. Publisher’s decision is final.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

BACK COVER FEATURE

Manor Makeover

Laura Ashley’s love of creating beautiful spaces within the home has now been extended to Corus Hotel’s Burnham Beeches Hotel.

Burnham Beeches Hotel near Windsor is well on its way to being transformed into a Laura Ashley Hotel. Currently part of the Corus collection of hotels, it joins The Belsfield in Windemere and The Iliffe in Coventry as the latest in the iconic retailer’s venture into the hotel industry, bringing its instantly recognisable style and British chic to the events market.

Burnham Beeches is another example of the collection’s careful selection of properties throughout the UK, opting for unique country manors that will fit with the Laura Ashley makeover that ensues.

The 82 newly refurbished bedrooms at Burnham Beeches currently feature Laura Ashley Elmley Steel wallpaper, complemented by a contemporary colour palette of tones of cool grey and deep charcoal with pops of striking red and turquoise. The rooms are decorated with accessories from the Laura Ashley home furnishings range, including large gold circular mirrors and antique-style brass glass frame pendant lights, while retro-style radios and telephones in each room give a nod to the building’s history.

The joy of joining up with Laura Ashley is that everything you see is available to buy from Laura Ashley directly, so the designs of the hotels will periodically change through the seasons…no more tired and bland hotel venues that fade into the background and in the memory. Guests can live the interior design dream, savouring the very best of great British design in every room or suite.

Richard Holdaway, National Account Manager for Corus Hotels, enthused: “The Laura Ashley hotels really have a home from home feel, you walk into a reception and there’s always a real ‘wow’-factor to behold. All the hotels can be hired for exclusive use, perfect for making you and your guests feel instantly relaxed.”

“We’re a trusted UK brand and feedback from clients has been fantastic. Our service is really important

January 2020

43

to us and we really push all our team to make every effort, from a seated check-in experience when they first arrive.” Richard explains.

Corus and Laura Ashley Hotels will be heading to International Confex for the first time this year too, ready to regale the MICE industry with the Slough-based hotel’s abundance of features: “It’s only 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport while still set in 10 acres of ground, so it’s ideal for an idyllic location just out of London.”

Richard adds.

Of course, it’s important to get across how well Burnham Beeches manages to get the balance of Laura Ashley’s distinctive flair alongside any potential theme for an upcoming event. The events team can assist in every brief, utilising the hotel’s main eight function rooms. The Windsor Suite is the largest and most versatile function room, able to seat up to 120 guests for a seated meal, or 150 people for a theatre style meeting. Use of the Chiltern Lounge, located just outside, is a break-out space for meeting guests during the day while used as a private function bar in the evening.

Team building and corporate entertainment is a major part of the offering, whether you are visiting for the day or staying as part of an exclusive use package. Lush outdoor areas and meeting rooms that enjoy terrace break-out spaces are available and arranged by the on-site conferences and events team. The refurb is also hot on the heels of the installation of the first Laura Ashley Tea Room in the south of England at the hotel, which provides a further luxurious space for session breaks or casual meetings in a sumptuous setting. Tea and scones anyone?

Get in touch today to chat to our events team and choose a package that’s right for you, by emailing meetings@lauraashleyhotels.com or calling 0330 058 3858.

IndustryOpinion

Looking Back to Look Ahead As the Meetings Industry Association (mia) celebrates its 30th anniversary, chief executive Jane Longhurst, takes some time to reflect on the association’s achievements.

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020!

Not only does this year mark the start of a new decade, but it is also an exciting and significant one for the mia as we celebrate our 30th anniversary.

While I look forward to sharing details of our celebration plans with you in due course, at this juncture I’d like to reflect on and highlight some of the mia’s achievements.

When reaching a landmark year, it can be tempting to look forward and set goals for the next decade, but it is also important to look back at how far you’ve come and remember your accomplishments.

We have achieved a huge amount for the industry. One of the initiatives I’m most proud of launching is AIM, the industry’s first, and only accreditation scheme. AIM, with its rigorous auditing process, assures buyers of quality, professionalism and credibility, which is so important.

AIM gives buyers peace of mind, but it has also helped improve the offering across

the industry. Today, more than 500 of our 800-plus members are AIM accredited and a growing number are now AIM Higher venues, meaning they have silver or gold level accreditation.

In 2011 we launched the miaList, our awards designed to shine a spotlight on the industry’s greatest talent. The industry has such a wealth of talent that it is only right to recognise and reward those who go above and beyond the call of duty. We have commended some wonderful individuals and teams over the years, and we plan to continue to do so as we move forward.

Alongside accreditation schemes and awards we have run successful campaigns to help improve mental health in the workplace and inspired members to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, but above all we have delivered on our aim to support and grow the business and meetings industry by hosting events which bring the industry together and improve learning.

There have been many more achievements for which the mia can be genuinely proud, and I am sure there will be many more to come. Right now, we are working on legacy projects that will modernise the AIM system and a host of other initiatives that will improve areas like gathering customer feedback and service benchmarking.

It’s always been a great time to be an mia member and 2020, being the year in which we celebrate the mia’s 30th anniversary, will be one of the best!

Climate Control

Angie Mason, HBAA Chair argues why making your events more sustainable is as much of a necessity for your bottom line as the environment.

I was delighted to speak at a recent HBAA members meeting with the content built around the subject of sustainability and CSR. This is a topic which has been making some noise for many years, but it always seemed to be ‘nice to have’ rather than ‘absolutely must do’. How things are changing at last.

Thanks to the regular media coverage of global issues such as plastic waste and climate change, public awareness around the future sustainability of our planet is higher than ever. We not only need to be responsible humans, but responsible industry professionals too.

The hospitality and events sectors create a lot of waste and are responsible for a mega size 13 carbon footprint! Buyers and planners

are increasingly aware of their responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of their events, which means sustainability is moving right back up the agenda to become a key focus.

61% of UK event professionals have seen a rise in the importance of sustainability as a buying criterion over the past 12 months – and this continues to grow. Why? Because our audiences are changing. Millennials make up more than 17 million of the UK workforce alone, and this hyper-socially aware generation is a huge driver behind the changing mindset of consumers.

As well as looking for ways to reduce waste, buyers and planners are actively looking to work with partners in their supply chain who can help them meet their sustainability goals.

Going paperless, banning single-use plastics, switching to more sustainable products and materials, using local suppliers, minimising

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food waste and reducing, re-using and recycling are all becoming standard practise now.

Today, 86% of business customers expect companies to act on social and environmental issues, and they are more than willing to vote with their pounds, euros and dollars in order to align themselves with like-minded businesses.

Hopefully all your businesses are leading the way, putting sustainability front and centre and shouting very loud about it. Do this and you will get more business. If you don’t, you will begin to lose ground more rapidly than you would believe.

Go on, make a difference!

Hbaa.org.uk

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

need more room for

big ideas?

Bring your dream team to thestudioleeds…

The natural place to do business Brockholes is an award-winning, floating conference and events venue set in the heart of a Lancashire nature reserve.

Our purpose-built Meadow Lake Suite floats on the lake within a cluster of eco-buildings, nestled amongst the reeds.

Welcome to thestudioleeds with 9 vibrant event spaces accommodating up to 185 guests. With all-inclusive delegate rates from just £29.50 per person, plus VAT

www.brockholes.org

Big ideas can be great value too.

Junction 31, M6 Preston

For further information visit us at: www.studiovenues co.uk call us on 0800 028 6694 or tweet us @studiovenues

Brockholes

@visitbrockholes

The hotel is located in a quiet village location situated close to the historic city of Carlisle, only a few minutes drive from the M6 corridor, and a few yards from Wetheral train station which is on the main Carlisle to Newcastle line, giving us superb transport links from all over the UK. We have a complimentary on-site car park Our rooms are suitable for all types of events, from 2 to 140 delegates, from training to exhibitions to product launches.

All meeting rooms offer free wi-fi connection and all have natural daylight, with the main room opening up to our beautiful landscaped gardens, ideal for team building or refreshment breaks.

The hotel has 61 bedrooms, including Executive Rooms and Suites.

We have a newly refurbished Leisure Club on site which delegates can take advantage of, including a 12 metre deck level swimming pool, sauna,steam room and 2 gymnasiums.

We offer two dining options, either our AA Rosette Conservatory Restaurant, overlooking the gardens, or our traditional village pub, Waltons Bar.

01228 561 888

January 2020

sales@crownhotelwetheral.co.uk

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www.crownhotelwetheral.co.uk

Providing high calibre event staff, ranging from Brand Ambassadors to face painters

Covering most geographical areas of the UK Extensive database of over 500 staff Competitive, flexible and adaptable, according to your requirements 0121 572 0480 www.ctagencyltd.co.uk carmellam@ctagencyltd.co.uk CTAgency LTD, Suite 3 The Gate House, 27 Gate Lane , Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5TR 46

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

EVENT TRENDS

This Woman’s Work Women account for 47% of the MICE workforce, a greater proportion than ever before, but statistics show that men still take up most high-profile jobs. Only 6% of executive positions in the FTSE 100 are held by women. It’s a familiar statistic across many industries.

The stats don’t get much better globally.

The World Economic Forum in 2018 reported that the UK had not even reached the top 10 of the gender-equal countries and dropped to 52 in economic participation and opportunity. We are moving in the right direction, however.

The events and hospitality sector needs to be leading the way in making sure qualified women get a seat at the table. The WiH2020 is paving the path…

The first ever Women to Watch Index in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure Index (WiH2020) was released last year, highlighting female leaders ready to step into executive committee and board positions at the helm of large and small organisations either now or in the future. Tea Colaianni, Founder and Chair of the index, introduced the first report by offering some insight to some of the women who feature in the list: “The index has unearthed a monumental wealth of experiences, personal and professional stories, successes, tips and lessons learnt.

These women are inspiring role models with diverse backgrounds, nationalities, educations, race/ ethnicities, experiences and ages.

“Some joined the industry as soon as they finished their education, others joined the industry after having worked in different sectors. Some of them work flexibly, others hold roles managing teams across several different continents. They all share a desire to support other women in their aspiration to grow, learn, contribute, and have fulfilling careers within the sector.”

According to WiH2020 however, only 10% of CEOs across hospitality, travel and leisure are women, though 36% of board members are female, representing a promising pool of future leaders.

Louisa Watson

January 2020

Louisa Watson, Director of Marketing at Wyboston Lakes Resort, was named in the first ever index. Louisa has worked in the sector for the last two decades, leading marketing and PR operations within multiple

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businesses. At Wyboston Lakes, she focuses on B2C and B2B marketing in the UK and internationally. Asked about the current gender disparity, she shared: “While there is still a long way to go for women occupying the top positions in the industry, we should acknowledge the progress that has already been made. At Wyboston Lakes Resort for example, 60% of the senior management team are female and, looking at employees by pay, 49% of staff in the upper quartile are women. By signing the Diversity in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure Charter, we remain committed to ensuring everyone is rewarded equally for their work regardless of gender.”

The Diversity in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure Charter is rightly becoming something of a badge of honour for many venues and companies in the industry. The Charter encourages companies to set their own objectives and priorities, whatever they may be, in the Diversity and Inclusion space, be it gender, LGBT+, age, ethnic minorities and disability. Making a public commitment to the Diversity and Inclusion agenda removes optionality: once you have committed publicly to the charter you have to take action. UKHospitality is a key signatory, and its CEO, Kate Nicholls praises the events industry as a whole for its varied workforce: “Diversity at a senior level can only be a good thing, not just in hospitality, and there are promising signs that we are heading in the right direction.”

UKHospitality and others are throwing their full weight behind the Women in Hospitality Travel and Leisure 2020 initiative to achieve the goal of 33% representation by the end of this year (2020). As the third largest private sector employer in the country, providing employment for 3.2 million people, the industry simply cannot afford to let untapped talent and skills go unrewarded or unused.

For some companies, this means there are opportunities galore with a number of existing senior male leaders set to retire in the coming years and a strong pipeline of female talent coming through behind them.

The question around gender inequality becomes more alarming when we look at harassment and how women are widely more vulnerable in the workplace. A 2018 survey among female event professionals showed that more than half of respondents have encountered inappropriate behaviour since working in the events industry. Of these, 19% have experienced inappropriate behaviour within their workplace and 34% working on-site at an event. The rise of the #MeToo movement means that with a more diverse workplace, these issues will no longer be brushed under the carpet. Companies need to be held to the highest of scrutiny in how their teams are treated, either in the office or at an event.

However people get into the industry, it’s just common sense that the greater diversity of talent recruited, the better choice of future leaders the sector will have. The next generation is waiting in the wings.

EVENT FURNITURE

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

EUROPAINTERNATIONAL.COM

Bend the Rules As meetings and events become less formal, flexible furniture is on the rise. We asked industry experts about how moving away from traditional setups can help you set the mood and influence how delegates interact.

Helen Lowe Europainternational.com Europa International A chair is a chair, a table is a table, and a display stand is a display stand, right?

Well, at Europa we like to think not! And increasingly our clients are starting to explore new ways of doing things and taking advantage of ever more innovative and flexible stock.

Now don’t get me wrong, the many rows of conference linking seating that can seat around 800 delegates, and the traditional 4ft rectangle folding table that can serve as a place setting for your many corporate brochures, will always have their place.

But there are some new event furniture hire kids on the block, so to speak! There are chrome frame stools with comfortable padded seats that come in an array of colours, there’s on-trend industrial-vibe furniture such as our tolix bar stools and tables with stunning distressed wooden tops, there are delightfully squidgy bean bags that can help to create a dedicated chillout zone, and charging benches that mean your guests can stay switched on and online!

With so much to choose from, the furniture at an event isn’t just a matter of practicality anymore. It’s much more influential and can set the tone and the mood. And while it’s important to understand the audience in question, and of course look to accommodate the needs of

attendees and the restrictions of the venue, what works doesn’t have to be boring.

Increasingly event organisers are tuning into their options and looking to see how they can make the furniture a core part of the day, not just a necessary add on.

Chloe Rowlands Century Office Century-office.co.uk With millennials set to take over the workplace, the need for modernised events and workplace furniture is more crucial than ever before. Not only do flexible meeting spaces allow for improved collaboration, but they also encourage a more relaxed and positive environment which as a result, enhances creativity and workflow.

Traditional event spaces and meeting rooms tend to have a very restricted, dated and dull atmosphere, leaving workers and attendees uninspired.

Investing in multi-functional furniture that offers optimal comfort and provides plenty of space to interact will benefit your event massively. Focus on adding sleek, stylish pieces which act as focal networking points for people to relax and discuss ideas, ensuring you compliment the venue and don’t try to overdo it.

Open plan also works well in events, as it allows people to easily mingle without

Europa International

wasting time looking for certain rooms or spaces, and also allows for better networking. Opting for a variety of different seating in an open space with natural lighting can help create a positive and calming environment while adding colour can reduce stress, enhance morale and increase creativity.

Implementing ergonomic furniture into your conference rooms or meeting spaces will also hugely benefit attendees as providing them with the appropriate seating required for proper posture will ensure comfort for the duration of the event or meeting.

Noel Reeve Rocket Exhibition Services Rocketpp.com Space is your most valuable commodity when you have a stand at an expo, and the smallest change could make a big impact for a visitor to see your product.

Flexible folding furniture can help us rethink the concept of traditional meeting spaces, especially when space is at a premium. For example, a stool that can transform into a small table with two seats is an ideal portable solution for one-to-one conversations with a personal touch. Hanging cabinets which fold out can showcase more products, inbuilt lighting helping catch the attention of passing delegates.

Even something as simple as a wall divider can split off an expo stand, so one part can be for a visitor, and the other can be to perform admin tasks throughout the day, especially if there’s a selling-variant at this stand.

Flexible furniture can adapt to many needs, so use it to your advantage!

Century Office

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Make a S TAT E M E N T .

Furniture on the Move Beautiful furniture hire

We are a design-led furniture hire company that shares your passion for creating beautiful and memorable events. With over 350 ranges of furniture, we can make any concept come to life. tel. 0845 459 9875 w. furnitureonthemove.co.uk

HIGH QUALITY HOTEL AND RESTAURANT FURNITURE

SALES OF VENUE, HOTEL AND RESTAURANT FURNITURE HIRE OF VENUE FURNITURE REFURBISHMENT OF ALL HOSPITALITY FURNITURE

January 2020

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TEL: 01462 811 166 WWW.ROSETONE.CO.UK

WELLBEING

Asleep on the Job

Keep awake through this helpful guide about improving your…

We spend about a third of our lives asleep, and for good reason: sleep is vital for maintaining good health as it helps us to recover from mental as well as physical exertion.

Though event professionals aren’t known for having the healthiest of work schedules, a good night’s sleep and being healthy go hand in hand. Common mental health problems like anxiety and depression can often underpin sleep problems too, so it is important to pay attention to your sleeping.

Speaking out about our mental health, an important aspect of our daily lives, is something many people will have to face at some point in their lives. We’ve all heard the unhelpful advice of ‘getting out of bed and pulling yourself together’. Lethargy, tiredness, and disturbed sleep can be part of having a mental health issue and reducing the stigma of mental health for everyone will go some way to realising what factors can cause or exacerbate certain symptoms.

Don’t Sleep on It

We can all benefit from improving the quality of our sleep. For many of us, it may simply be a case of making small lifestyle or attitude adjustments.

Especially challenging in shift-based work or where safety is critical – such as the long hours of an event prof! – it’s even more important to make sure we get the right amount of good quality sleep. We’re said to need at least eight hours sleep a night, but the truth is that it varies for everyone. What matters is that you find out how much sleep you need and then try to achieve it. As a rule, if you wake up tired and spend the day longing for a chance to have a nap, it’s likely that you’re not getting enough kip.

Up to one third of the population may suffer from insomnia (lack of or poor quality sleep) or other sleep problems. These can affect mood, energy and concentration levels, our relationships, and our ability to stay alert and function at work during the day.

worries that might keep you awake.

Eating healthily and getting regular exercise are great ways of helping yourself sleep better. However, doing either of these too close to your bedtime can stop you from sleeping.

Everyone’s experienced the fatigue; short temper and lack of focus that often follow a poor night’s sleep. An occasional bad night makes you feel tired and irritable the next day, but it won’t harm your health. After several sleepless nights however, the mental effects become more serious. Your brain will fog, making it difficult to concentrate and make decisions. Your risk of injury and accidents at home, work and on the road also increases.

Environment

Shockingly, sleep deprivation is proven to be just as dangerous as drink-driving. Research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in Washington D.C. found that drivers who reported having slept for less than four hours had “crash risks” similar to what’s been documented in drivers with blood alcohol concentrations. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence takes this further, finding that driver drowsiness may contribute to around 20% of accidents on long journeys.

How to Sleep

If you don’t get enough sleep, there’s only one way to compensate – getting more! The Mental Health Foundation states that there are four simple things to consider you to help ‘HEAL’ a period of poor sleep:

Health

Mental health problems like depression and anxiety often go hand in hand with sleep problems. It’s important to get any health concerns addressed both for helping physical symptoms and for addressing any

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The bedroom and bed should be the place you associate with sleep. Watching TV, playing with phones or screens, eating in bed, temperature, noise levels and light all affect our sleep. If you find yourself experiencing poor sleep, try keeping a sleep diary to see if there are patterns which can help identify a problem.

Attitude

It is easiest to nod off when we can relax and let go of concerns. We’ve all had a night where we lie awake and worry. In the time before we go to bed, we should try and wind down and be less stimulated.

These days this can be harder than ever, but relaxation techniques, a warm bath or mindfulness practice can all help. If you find you can’t get to sleep, it is always best to get up, perhaps make a warm milky drink, and then try again when you feel sleepier.

Lifestyle

What and when you eat and drink can affect your sleep. Stimulants like caffeine can make it harder to sleep, and a heavy or sugary meal close to bedtime can make sleep uncomfortable. Alcohol might seem to help you get to sleep, but it reduces the quality. Taking exercise during the day is good, but releasing adrenaline s during the evening may be less helpful.

Information taken from Mentalhealth.org. uk and Nhs.co.uk/live-well. Visit these sites to find out more or contact your doctor if symptoms persist.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

Don’t pack your guests in like sardines, Event Profs!

With nearly 60 years’ experience and more than 30,000 pieces of kit there ain’t nothing fishy about our event furniture hire advice!

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Popkakery - Quater page V2.pdf 1 18/11/2019 09:13:21

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Want to make a big impact at your next event?

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PopKakery™ brings delicious ideas Want a big impact to life into themake confectionery industry.

With aat variety of next flavours we make the your event? most delectable gluten free and vegan products and the tastiest of sweets, PopKakery™ brings delicious ideas chocolates, cookies, marshmallows and to life in the confectionery industry. a wide range of other treats.

With a variety of flavours we make the most delectable gluten free and vegan Allproducts our products aretastiest highly customisable and the of sweets, perfect for cookies, brands who want to make chocolates, marshmallows and a big impact or for consumers who a wide range of other treats. want to mark a special occasion with a unique twist. customisable All our products are highly perfect for brands who want to make WWW.POPKAKERY.COM a big impact or for consumers who want to mark a special occasion with a unique twist.

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

Our friendly team look forward to welcoming you.

King’s Church, Sidney Street, Manchester M1 7HB 0161 276 8194 enquiries@kingshouse.co.uk | www.kingshouse.co.uk

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CONTACT US CONTACT US

Email: info@popkakery.com Email: info@popkakery.com Tel: 0203 397 0529 Tel: 0203 397 0529 Unit 4, Capitol Works Unit 4, Capitol Works Station Road Industry, Station Road Station Road Industry, Station Road Winslow, Buckinghamshire MK18 3RQ Winslow, Buckinghamshire MK18 3RQ

AV, Sound, Video and Lighting Hire for Exhibitions, Conferences and Events

@ Popkakery @ Popkakery

Nationwide and International Service Offices in the UK and Netherlands

@ Popkakery @ Popkakery

Press Red Rentals Limited Unit B10 Court 2000, Bridgnorth Road, Madeley, Telford, TF7 4JB Tel 01952 587049 Fax 0872 110 6038

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PopkakeryHQ PopkakeryHQ

Isn’t it time you served exceptional coffee, delivered to your own high standards?

We’re a team of event baristas with unforgettable coffee and service to rival it

Fancy a coffee at International Confex?

Find us on

stand K20C

 Increase visitors  Share your branding  Make an impression  Fuel conversation  Create a buzz

Social icon

Rounded square Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

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| thebarista.co.uk | 0845 257 5900

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

TEAM BUILDING

Lunch On TOP TIP Make company lunch a priority and try scheduling one day a month for a long lunch event.

Source one hour for simply eating and use the next hour for a team status meeting. People will be more supportive and excited about work with food in their stomachs and your company productivity will start reaping the benefits.

If we look at the working population, the biggest segment is made up of the millennial generation. The growth of this workforce has meant that employee expectations have also shifted. With more focus placed on work-life balance, employers are faced with creating positive working environments to attract and retain the best talent.

Gone are the days when employees were satisfied with a simple wage at the end of the month and pat-on-the-back for a job well done. These days, companies need to stay competitive by building up their employee benefit offerings. In fact, ‘better workplace benefits’ is among the top reasons why millennial workers change jobs.

It’s one of life’s simple pleasures, but the act of sharing food has the power to bring people together. It can help play a vital role in the business world by enhancing workplace cultures. It helps make staff feel more part of a team, and ultimately helps retain the company’s most valuable assets – the employees themselves.

Turn to Food

Lunch. It’s most people’s favourite time of day because it signifies that the morning rush of emails is finally over. But best of all,

January 2020

All too often the annual Christmas meal is the only ‘relaxed’ time that colleagues get to spend together…time that doesn’t involve white-water rafting or building a tower of chairs. It doesn’t have to be that way. there’s food! It also gives you an excuse to get away from a screen, talk to a real person, and hopefully develop new relationships with people you spend upwards of 40 hours a week working right next to.

But are lunches with your co-workers or team worth it to your employer? It’s a good chunk of time where you aren’t responding to emails, phone calls or being productive with projects after all. Even though company lunches have been proven to increase productivity and team building, according to a survey from US online food ordering service, Seamless, 78% of employees reported providing food for meetings with clients, while not providing that same level of service for their own meetings. Sure, it’s important to cater to clients, but it is also important to keep your employees happy.

meetings and staff team lunches, letting workplaces choose meals from a whole host of high-street restaurants and eateries – claims that 60% of employees say sitting down for a meal regularly helps positive work culture. Employees also place food as third most-valuable workplace benefit, behind flexible working and corporate discounts.

The act of sharing food has the power to bring people together

Companies like City Pantry – which works with over 1,000 companies each month across the UK to provide food for client

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While groups of colleagues do often benefit from adrenaline-fueled team building tasks, the likelihood of you recreating that rush is pretty scarce. How about just harnessing the daily goodwill that comes with a decent meal instead?

Even just providing a separate shared eating space and time do it will encourage better habits in your workplace. After all, employers set the pace. By building this perk into your companies’ mindset or including lunch in a rigorous session of meetings, the skipping of meals and break times in fastbased industries will be discouraged too.

NORTH IN BRIEF

North

In Brief Red Rose Fire Solutions Celebrates Successful Event Season Red Rose Fire Solutions is celebrating a busy event season, with several new contracts in 2019. Following a restructure at the beginning of the year, the company has provided fire safety services to a wide variety of events across the country and is seeking to expand its events portfolio in 2020.

“Every event poses a unique set of risks which require a tailored fire safety solution”, says Director Tom Meller. From looking after the

150,000 strong crowds over two separate sites at Victorious Festival, to managing the fire safety and rescue provision at CarFest North – with camping, music venues, food village, motorsport events and water-based activities – no two events are the same.

“As the preferred fire safety provider for VWMusic we also manage the unique fire safety risks of a 3,500 capacity music festival at the end of a Grade II listed pier, which required us to develop an innovative response plan to satisfy the Safety Advisory Group” explains Tom.

YurtBar Sets Up Camp Across the North Yorkshire Yurts has taken corporate festivities off-piste this winter with its après-ski pop-up experience, YurtBar. The North Yorkshire-based marquee hire company brought its new brand of festive parties to Leeds and Cheshire for 2019, offering live music, hearty alpine three-course meals, mulled wine, steins of beer and late-night cocktails.

For a fourth year running, it constructed its handcrafted yurts at Moor Allerton Golf Club, Leeds and its new site in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, decking them out with sheepskin rugs, fur throws, pine trees and roaring log fires, while staff dressed in lederhosen made sure the infamous ski-shots were flowing.

An unforgettable way to celebrate with the whole office, YurtBar will be popping up across the north for Christmas 2020, and is now taking bookings.

Yurtbar.co.uk

Angie Mason Shortlisted for English ExecSpace Secures Four-Year Contract with Scottish Government Women’s Awards Venue finding agency ExecSpace has The second annual English Women’s Awards celebrated female talent from across the UK following the regional northern ceremony.

The awards took place in Birmingham’s Holiday Inn Airport (NEC) Hotel, acknowledging the achievements of women in different roles across diverse industry sectors, including hospitality and events, business, sport, tech, management and charity.

Angie Mason, HBAA Chair and Chair of Absolute Corporate Events was nominated as a finalist for Social Leader of the Year.

The category recognises industry pioneers who have introduced significant societal change through outstanding contributions and innovative initiatives in their respective sectors. However, she was narrowly pipped to the post by Aysha and Kiran Iqbal, the sisters behind Birmingham women’s support network, Odara.

Commenting on her shortlist, Mason said: “The hospitality and events industry provides unique opportunities to create significant change in communities across the UK and I am passionate about using my wealth of industry knowledge to mentor and empower the next generation of female professionals.”

The Edinburgh-based agency has secured the contract for the next four years. Under this agreement, it will continue to provide a booking service to the Scottish public sector for meeting, event and conference requirements and expects to hire more staff over the following months to service the uplift in business.

Pamela McCaw, Emma Little and Kristin Lamb

Lumley Castle Looks to the Future with Two New Appointments

Event and exhibition organisers have a responsibility under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to manage fire safety risks at their events and venues – this includes the provision of appropriate fire safety equipment and, crucially, suitably trained and experienced staff.

For an indoor exhibition this could just be the provision of fire extinguishers and a fire marshal, but larger events could require several fire appliances and 24-hour firefighter provision.

“What sets Red Rose Fire Solutions apart is the skills and experience of our staff” says Tom. “Unlike many fire cover providers, Red Rose Fire Solutions only provides fully-qualified firefighters who are currently serving in the fire service. This means that not only do our firefighters have the right qualifications to carry out their role, most importantly they have a vast amount real-world experience in dealing with real emergencies.”

secured sole supplier status for the provision of sourcing meeting rooms and conference venues on behalf of the Scottish government.

Lumley Castle has made two senior appointments following recent investment in the 73-bedroom four-star hotel in Chester-le-Street near Durham which dates back to 1389.

Gordon Cartwright was appointed as General Manager, while Craig Sherrington has been tasked with the role of Executive Head Chef.

Sherrington was part of the team at The Capitol Hotel, helping the restaurant gain its second Michelin Star, going onto work at Storrs Hall in Bowness and the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel in Barrow, before taking over The General Burgoyne in Ulverston.

Gordon Cartwright and Craig Sherrington

Cartwright has been brought over from Macdonald Hotels and Restaurants where he was Group Quality Director to oversee Lumley Castle’s ongoing transformation, which includes the major refurbishment of eight bedrooms, the library bar and lounge.

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

The Bridgewater Hall

CONFERENCES & EVENTS The Bridgewater Hall is Manchester’s iconic and prestigious concert venue; built to provide the best possible space for live music, whilst also offering a unique and exciting venue for a range of conferences, events and exhibitions. The Hall also offers three different levels of membership providing companies and individuals with the opportunity to entertain clients and staff, engage with the Hall and take advantage of various marketing opportunities.

Liquid nitrogen ice cream bar Mini cones • Branded tubs • Popcorn Cake pops and other sweet treats All products can be branded and produced in high volumes – perfect for any event, from private functions and promotions, to black tie awards dinners and product launches

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

January 2020

020 3538 2202 • iceangels.co.uk enquiries@iceangels.co.uk

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Let’s be social

TRAVEL

On the Rails

With HS2 on the horizon, H&E North explores the impact of the nation’s most ambitious transport infrastructure upgrade on the northern events industry.

The largest (and perhaps most controversial) single public infrastructure project of modern times, HS2 rail is capable of the highest speeds in the world and aims to connect eight of Britain’s 10 largest cities: London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The scheme was due to roll out in phases, with the final sections from Leeds to Birmingham and Manchester to Crewe completed by 2033. However, recent assessments have suggested the project won’t be up and running until as late as 2040, while projected costs have risen by £26 billion to £88 billion before a single metre of track has been laid.

But the question on every event planner’s lips, is will the investment bridge the north-

south divide that still looms large over the industry? While northern venues will be waiting with bated breath in the hope the scheme will attract more events to their doors, there’s widespread fear it could just as easily draw existing business down south.

Gary Masters, NEC Campus General Manager, has pledged his support to the project which will see the Birmingham venue, attracting over seven million delegates annually, accessible from London in just 38 minutes: “HS2 isn’t integral to, but does support our ambitious plans to transform the NEC from a venue into an entertainment destination. Axing it at this stage would be felt by us, as it presents an opportunity to drive economic growth, but the impact on

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transportation plans for the wider region would be greater.”

Liz Taylor, CEO of Taylor Lynn Corporation, is positive about the potential impact for northern event planners: “If it does come to fruition, then the more efficient and speedy service, combined with the unique venues we offer, should encourage more events to take place here. If nothing else – it will place us on a more level playing field and ensure that it is a far more attractive option for event planners. If HS2 flies the flag for a better, more modern rail service, ensuring that companies think seriously about holding more events outside of the capital, then a growth in events will follow.”

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

WWW.STARYOURWORLD.COM DMC REPRESENTATION

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Although based in Manchester, like many planners and suppliers, Liz’s work takes her across the whole of the UK, proving the north-south connection a vital network for transporting both event goods and delegates. But just as crucial a factor, is the lack of transport infrastructure within the north itself.

Thousands of rail commuters endure unreliable services prone to delays and cancellations on a daily basis. Last summer, a timetabling debacle plunged Northern Rail into chaos, all the while passengers were forced to contend with weekly strikes. An unreliable and underfunded rail network undoubtedly disincentivises planners from taking advantage of the wealth of northern event spaces, while attendance numbers inevitably take a hit from the reluctance of delegates to travel further than their nearest major city.

For Liz, this current lack of connectivity coupled with skyrocketing fares affects where she recommends events should take place: “Transport from London to the north tends to be reasonably good, however the poor state of local trains doesn’t help when attracting clients to hold their events past Birmingham.

January 2020

“We want everyone attending the events to be able to get to their destination as quickly, easily and cheaply as possible. At the moment, the rail infrastructure is riddled with problems – not least the cost of travel and the journey times. When companies are scrutinising event budgets, offering a transport option that is both cost effective but also time efficient is crucial.”

The Conservative general election manifesto pledged £39 billion to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), serving the eight million commuters within the M62 corridor. The primary stages of the scheme will implement a high-speed line running between Leeds and Manchester, before focusing on Liverpool, Tees Valley, Hull, Sheffield and Newcastle.

Henri Murison, Director of Northern Powerhouse Partnership is keen to emphasise the knock-on effects NPR will have on education and skills, which he believes will prove key to unlocking untapped northern potential: “The main issue faced by businesses in key high growth sectors is recruiting people with experience and high-level skills. As long as we’re not taking advantage of talent on our doorstep, there is significant room for growth in our economy we’re not exploiting, which disadvantages businesses as much as communities.”

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With news that 20% of hospitality and events employers report their current staff do not have sufficient skills to meet their needs, NPR and HS2 could go a long way to ameliorating the skills shortage faced by the sector. As Brexit uncertainty exacerbates the issue, improving the commutes of our events workforce is more crucial than ever to help the industry attract the best and brightest from a wider pool of homegrown talent.

Most importantly, at a time when events professionals are increasingly being asked by clients to make their events more environmentally-friendly, a public transport infrastructure that can offer a cheaper, more reliable alternative to a fleet of private vehicles is crucial to our industry setting the bar for sustainable credentials.

Perhaps the best argument in favour of the controversial HS2 plans; Liz highlights that investment in rail infrastructure will not only benefit the events industry, but the positive repercussions will be felt across the wider economy: “Every hotel, taxi company, restaurant and event supplier will have the opportunity to increase trade from a growth in events in the north of the country – strong rail infrastructure benefits all.”

GIVING EVENTS THE ‘SILENT’ TREATMENT

Seminars, conferences, talks, panel discussions where audiences listen and engage using our wireless headset technology.

REDUCE NOISE, IMPROVE COMMUNICATION & ENGAGEMENT Our wireless audio headsets are helping to reshape the way that audio is presented within the conference & exhibition industry

why use headphones?

Run multiple seminars/ breakouts in 1 room Maximise space & deliver more content Improve audio quality Save time, space & money Increase engagement Stream content in multiple languages

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25+ years of experience Industry leading technology Product development Qualified audio technicians

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

EVENT TECH

Data Diving Event tech expert Gerard Lennox explains how to put event data to work to improve your delegate experience.

Gerard Lennox has years of experience in events, marketing and IT. As part of the team at Xitagy that developed BookMeIn2.com, he is always looking at ways to improve the techniques used to market and manage events – in particular the registration, delegate handling and check-in process.

Data analytics is the study of how your digital advertising is working and who is registering.

For most of us, this means using tools such as Google Analytics to see which email, advert, social media and direct mail shot campaigns are hitting home with delegates.

However, a data-driven delegate experience is quite different, because it helps us shape their impression of the event. The internet retail giant Amazon has perfected the art of responding with targeted engagement based on your purchasing habits. In the same way, by using the data we collect about the delegate, we can affect their experience before, during and after the event.

But how do we make sure we are not overstepping the ‘Big Brother’ line in these days of heightened privacy concerns? The answer is to make it easy for the delegate to see and change the data you have on them and tell them what you are planning to use it for. Transparency is key, as is giving them the option to opt out.

Delegate data starts with the registration process – we have all seen the dreaded cards from exhibition organisers with a hundred fields determining what you might be interested in, how much budget you

have and where in the buying decision tree you sit. This is all designed to create a marketing profile, great for selling on, but not really helping the delegate when they get to the event.

Perhaps now is the time to re-think our approach? If the delegate has been to a previous event, could we encourage them to visit similar exhibitors or sessions or offer them a face-to-face with a speaker they showed interest in? For VIP guests, we could prompt check-in staff to introduce them to a reception team, who can greet them with their favourite coffee, based on previous refreshment stand purchases.

As a delegate, especially at a large exhibition, I spend a lot of time wandering around trying to get a feel for who is offering what on the different stands. It would help me if I could be prompted about the stands I want to visit and have a sensible route map for doing so. I would be much happier filling in a profile if it was used to match my interests to exhibitors. If I could rank them in importance and see them on a map of the event, so much the better.

If we know where delegates are coming from and how they’re travelling, we can use location data to shape the event timetable so that the majority get the best of the sessions. For events in central London – many northern delegates will travel by train, but they may prefer to arrive after 10am and leave before 3pm to get reduced rail fares. So how about skipping lunch and concentrating the sessions between 10.30am and 2.30pm? Anyone who can get there

earlier or stay later can visit the exhibitors.

If delegates are based far from the event, how about offering them a link to a recording of sessions they missed? In the same way, if they attended a session, they could be sent a link to a recording as a reminder of what they heard.

Data insights companies such Tamoco can provide very detailed information about your delegates during an event using biometric wristbands and mobile phones. If a delegate has pre-registered for a session, you could potentially send them an alert before it starts.

At big events you could use location data to monitor bottlenecks for sessions or food lines and move staff around or change the timetable in real-time.

Particularly at consumer-targeted events, real time data can be used to actively change the event as the audience responds. In 2014, Pepsi organised a dance party at SXSW festival, where dancers wore wristbands that measured body and ambient temperature, the volume of music and body movement. This information helped the DJ to choose what music to play and informed the volume, lighting and other effects.

The beauty of using delegate data is that with a little imagination, you can collect data that will benefit your marketing, while improving the delegate experience – a two-pronged approach to increasing the likelihood they will return.

Product of the Month

The Evoko Pusco public space communication tool guides delegates with upto-date information in sleek Scandinavian form.

Evoko.se

January 2020

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TRAVEL

Travel Smart From bags you can roll up stairs to cases that carry you, we profile the smartest luggage around to inject some tech into your travels.

Modobag

Ovis

We’ve all been late for that crucial business flight. Now you can make the last minute dash through the airport without breaking a sweat.

Instead of lugging around your heavy suitcase, let your luggage do the work for you. Beijing-based brand ForwardX has unveiled the latest version of its innovative smart suitcase, Ovis. Built-in sensors allow the carbon fibre case to follow its owner up to a speed of almost 7mph while avoiding potential pileups with inanimate obstacles and unsuspecting travellers. The sensors use artificial intelligence to ensure the bag stays by your side, a smart wristband vibrating when it strays more than 2m.

Modobag is a revolutionary piece of motorised carry-on luggage you can hitch a ride on. The idea struck its Chicago inventor Kevin O’Donnell as he was pulling the kids on his suitcase at the airport. With 32 litres of packing space, the Modobag can accommodate riders up to 18 stone and is controllable with a steering pole and brakes.

The bag comes equipped with a GPS tracking module and can be switched to “manual mode” by grabbing the handle. Battery rules have seen smart luggage banned by a number of major airlines, so by installing a removable battery, Ovis ensures nothing can come between you and your luggage.

The suitcase can travel up to six miles on a single charge at an impressive 8mph and can be easily converted from motor to pull-behind. Optional GPS tracking means your luggage is never truly lost, while dual USB charging fuels your gadgets as you leave fellow travellers in your dust.

£625 Forwardx.com

$1,500 Modobag.com

G-Ro

Space Case

Looking like something straight out of Tron, the G-Ro’s huge gravity-defying neon wheels make it stand out from the crowd. An all-terrain suitcase, you can roll it over any type of ground in all weathers, whether you’re lugging it up or down stairs, or through the sand and snow.

US smart luggage firm Planet Traveler has taken its Space Case where no suitcase has gone before. Through the companion app, you can track your bag’s location from anywhere in the world, use the digital self-scale to weigh the contents, and unlock your valuables with a fingerprint scanner.

‘GravityRoll’ technology shifts the weight to the bottom of the case, making it feel lighter as you tackle bumps, puddles and steps. The wheels are side mounted to ensure maximum packing space, and described as “indestructible”, so you can keep on rolling.

The audiophone feature allows you to take your business calls or listen to music through a built-in Bluetooth speaker, which can also sound a clever anti-theft alarm. When armed, the case will alert you through the app if moved to a different location while the attentiongrabbing siren wards off the culprit. It also includes a turbo-charge USB port hooked up to a whopping 15,000 mAh battery to keep you connected all the way to your event.

The ultra-durable shell hides a removable power band and Bluetooth luggage tracker for an added layer of security, as well as a removable 10,000 mAh power bank and luggage strap for any extra event baggage.

$799 Planettravelerusa.com

£399 Uk.g-ro.com

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

January 2020

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Showtime!

FEBRUARY 25th - 26th Feb

International Confex The leading exhibition for the UK’s live event sector, International Confex takes place at its new location at Excel London on 25th and 26th February. Turn to page 64 for a full preview of what to expect!

International-confex.com

MARCH 3rd March

Green Events & Innovations Conference The 12th edition of the Green Events & Innovations Conference returns to the Royal Garden Hotel in London on 3rd March. Presented by A Greener Festival in partnership with the International Live Music Conference, it’s set to welcome over 200 industry leaders working to bring environmental and social sustainability to live events.

The conference mixes practical case studies, discussion panels and presentations, alongside networking coffee breaks, a complimentary lunch, and closing party, Including the International AGF Awards.

Some of the top events from across the globe and their innovators will be sharing knowledge and experience, which previously have included Royal Albert Hall, Glastonbury Festival and NEC Arena.

Agreenerfestival.com

3rd - 5th March

Hotel, Restaurant & Catering (HRC) The UK’s largest hospitality and foodservice event will see 21,000 food professionals descend on ExCeL London from 3rd-5th March. Reinventing its annual Hospitality Show, organisers Fresh Montgomery are now offering four shows in one, HRC (formerly Hotelympia) encompassing The Foodservice Show, The Professional Kitchen Show, the Interiors and Tabletop Show plus the Hospitality Tech Show for three days of sourcing and networking opportunities. 600 suppliers will showcase catering equipment, food, drink, technology, interior design and tabletop solutions and deliver 80 free-toattend talks and workshops, live cooking demonstrations and tastings.

Speakers will tackle key topics including sustainability, staff retention, health and wellbeing, alternative revenue streams, restaurant design, branding and the great British drinks movement. And once again, HRC will host the UK’s most prestigious chef competition, International Salon Culinaire, comprising of 1,000 chefs competing across four categories: Live Theatre, Skills Theatre, Sugar Craft and Salon Display.

Hrc.co.uk

19th March

EVENTIT One of the largest Scottish events shows, EVENTIT is back for its annual gathering of meetings and events professionals at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on 19th March. The tradeshow is co-located with the bi-annual Business Events Leaders' Summit which will map out how business events create lasting economic and social impacts.

Celebrating its fifth year, it will present its biggest ever education programme with five workstreams and over 40 practical workshops. Promoting networking and face to face interaction between 800 event profs with 80 exhibitors from across the MICE supply chain.

Eventit.org.uk

26th March

Academic Venue Showcase University of London’s Senate House plays host to the 2020 Academic Venue Showcase on 26th March, marking a change of venue and date for the ever-popular exhibition.

Around 40 academic venues from across the UK will be exhibiting from the Midlands, North East, North West and London, including The Royal Society, Conference Aston, University of Manchester and the Royal Agricultural University. One-to-one meeting appointments are available for all visitors to book with exhibitors, with a VIP Meeting Hub especially created for quieter discussions and meetings.

Looking to ma and tradesho

APRIL 28th April

The Conference and Hospitality Show The largest show outside London for venue finders, event organisers and PAs, CHS returns to Leeds’ first direct arena on 28th April. Over the last decade, the event has connected exhibitors with more than 800 key buyers from across the UK, its 2019 show selling out stands six months before its doors opened.

Now in its 11th year, the show will attract exhibitors from the UK’s top venues, hotels and meeting suppliers while offering a range of educational sessions and networking events. After seeing a 16% increase of hosted buyers in 2019, which means its 220 exhibitors were seeing more quality buyers with purchasing power, CHS Group’s flagship show is reportedly set for its biggest year yet. The one-day event seeks to maximise exposure while limiting time away from the office, introducing prescheduled appointments and combining the hosted buyer and exhibitor party the night before the show for increased networking opportunities.

Chsleeds.com

JUNE 24th - 25th June

The Meetings Show Another top platform for meetings and events businesses, The Meetings Show is back for another round on 24th and 25th June at Olympia London. The event brings together over 5,000 meetings and events professionals from agency buyers, media, in-house and associations planners, with 750 exhibitors from around the world including hotels, luxury hotels, destinations, destination management companies, conference centres, venues and technology suppliers.

The free to attend seminar programme will feature bitesize, 20-minute sessions that will offer updates on events innovations and ideas for creating purposeful events that engage audiences, helping you stay ahead of emerging trends.

Launched in 2013, The Meetings Show is the only UK event offering a fully-hosted buyer programme. 2019 saw over 12,000 pre-scheduled meetings taking place on the show floor, alongside 40 hours of educational content, featuring workshops from ‘Sharpening Your Event Skills’ and ‘Creating and Communicating the Vision’, to ‘Making Your Events Memorable’ and ‘Getting People There’.

Academicvenuesolutions.co.uk

Themeetingsshow.com

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www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

ake waves in the industry? Here are the must-attend conferences ows to pencil in your diary for the year ahead.

SEPTEMBER London 23rd - 24th Sept Manchester 29th Sept

Venues + Events Live Headed up by Ocean Media Group, Venues + Events Live is one of UK’s biggest events exhibitions, attracting hundreds of venues, restaurants, hotels, bars, blank canvas spaces and event suppliers. Following the success of its London exhibition, welcoming upwards of 5,000 event professionals every year, 2019 saw the launch of Venues + Events Live Manchester.

Organisers reported a successful first year with over 1,000 event profs in attendance and a programme of 20 prominent industry experts including ‘millionaire party planner’ Liz Taylor, Mike Blake-Crawford, Director of Strategy Social Chain, and Shaun Hinds, CEO of Manchester Central who spoke on everything from styling advice for creative corporate events, to tips on finding the perfect venue.

This year’s show will take place from 23rd to 24 September at Old Billingsgate, London, while its sister show comes to Manchester Central on 29th September, with some of the industry’s top exhibitors and a variety of content including workshop sessions and hands-on masterclasses.

Venuesandevents.co.uk

with expert insights from the seminar programme and networking opportunities.

Now in its eighth year, the event will bring together over 6,500 hotel owners, general managers and key decision-makers to explore creative solutions from 350 hotel suppliers, designed to help transform the hotel guest experience. From high-end interior designers to leading technology suppliers, exhibitors will showcase new products and services which share the aim of helping hoteliers improve their business.

2019 highlights included the release of a report detailing consumers’ attitudes to wellness travel, a futuristic hotel bedroom, ‘The Conscious Bedroom’, modelled on the show floor and a discussion with Britain’s most influential hotelier Robin Hutson, CEO of acclaimed Home Grown Hotels.

The Showman’s Show

Eventtechlive.com

The Showman’s Show will return to Newbury Showground on 21st-22nd October offering its annual exhibition of products, services and entertainment for the festival, outdoor and special event industry. The show attracts an average of 4,500 visitors and over 350 exhibitors from manufacturers, contractors and suppliers.

23rd - 25th Nov

ICC plays host to the inaugural CHS Birmingham this October

Independent Hotel Show A firm fixture in the calendar of independent hoteliers and industry professionals, Independent Hotel Show takes over Olympia London from 5-6th October. The show welcomes product and service providers from across the hotel supply chain, together

January 2020

Europe’s only show dedicated to the world of events technology, Event Tech Live takes place from 4-5th November at The Old Truman Brewery, London. In its seventh year, 2019 was the most successful show to date, attracting a record 2,500 visitors, generating over 15,000 leads.

21st - 22nd Oct

Independenthotelshow.co.uk

OCTOBER

5th - 6th Oct

4th - 5th Nov

Event Tech Live

To accommodate growing demand, organisers of the show have incorporated more content, educational sessions and space. The addition of Hall 4 includes a new stage – the MarTech Stage – to offer a dedicated area for event marketing technology. The 70 educational sessions that run across the two days focus on a broad range of relevant topics such as GDPR in live events, outdoor events, future trends, sustainability and wellbeing. 75% of exhibiting opportunities have already been sold ahead of the 2020 date.

Showmans-directory.co.uk

Venues + Events Live relaunches its Manchester arm following a successful first year

NOVEMBER

27th Oct

Event Buyers Live Having secured exclusive access of Nottingham’s EMCC and The Orchard Hotel, Event Buyers Live is back for its eighth instalment on 23rd-25th November. Winners of the Best Large Conference Space and Best Sustainable CSR Venue Practice at the 2019 CHS Awards, the venue will host only 100 event organisers who are in a position to review their supplier chain and event location.

The event is designed to facilitate prearranged one-on-one meetings between live event organisers and suppliers, while offering an educational programme that promotes opportunities to exchange best practice.

Eventbuyerslive.com

CHS Birmingham CHS Group recently announced the launch of CHS Birmingham, bringing the Midlands its very own hospitality and events industry exhibition, set to take place on the 27th October at the iconic Birmingham ICC. The announcement comes as part of the group’s new two-year development strategy which includes the development of a brand identity, CSR commitment, and plans to grow the group’s portfolio of events.

Chsbirmingham.com

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Four shows now combined in one, Hotel, Restaurant & Catering is the premiere event for food professionals.

SHOW PREVIEW

International Service H&E North lists 14 reasons why you need to get to International Confex 2020!

International Confex 2020 will return on 2526th February in a brand-new venue, the ExCeL London! Visitors are set to discover another showcase of event service suppliers, event technology, venues and destinations as well as five theatres of free to attend seminar sessions to help them stay ahead of the trends and challenges impacting the events industry.

1. Delegate Wranglers

As event planners become more and more adaptable and multitasking the Delegate Wranglers group has become such an integral part of the event planners day-today ‘swiss army knife’. Originally a Facebook group for event planners, the founders of Delegate Wranglers (DW) will be hosting a pavilion session with some of their supplier and venue partners, giving visitors the opportunity to discover how DW can make your life as an event professional easier while becoming part of a fantastic networking community.

2. Speed Networking

How about speed networking in partnership with Blue Hat Team Building, Kyvha Hampers and B1G1 Charity? This is an exciting opportunity for 80 senior delegates from agencies and corporates to take part in a speed networking opportunity that will not only expand their knowledge and contacts but also generate meaningful charity impacts across the globe.

3. Bongo’s Bingo

A new exhibitor for 2020 that’s sweeping the nation, Bongo’s Bingo will be popping up to do some fun, immersive, engaging sessions for visitors to get a taste of this global bingo phenomenon currently taking 35 countries by storm.

4. eventTech Zone

Confex’s regular showcase of the latest technology to service the events industry, this year you will be able to discover technology providers ranging from augmented reality and virtual reality, event management software, registration

providers, apps, audience engagement and holograms.

5. Academic Venue Pavilion

Academic venues have continually evolved to offer the quintessential environment for learning, networking and knowledge transfer.

These three components are what place these institutions among the most desired spaces for hosting events, discover why an academic venue could be the perfect solution for your event.

6. Beyond London Pavilion and Northern Venue Pavilion

For those hunting diverse venues within an hour of the capital, these stand partners are a range of exciting, classic and grand venues with team building, conference and accommodation facilities.

Looking to meet venues of the north without the travel? The Northern Venue Pavilion pop-up is an opportunity to meet some of the north of England’s most diverse and interesting venues for your next event. H&E North agrees – that you cannot miss this!

7. Hotel Pavilion

Head to the specially dedicated Hotel Pavillion to meet independent and boutique hotels groups are shaking up the hotel market. Confex’s venue partners will also be holding talks in the Exclusively London pavillion alongside Q&As on topics such as sustainability and CSR, immersive events and venue booking tips.

8. Exhibition Zone

The exhibition zone is the heart of the Confex tradeshow floor and will once again feature suppliers and venues specifically for exhibition organisers, with a presence from stand builders to tech and temporary structures across the UK.

9. Keynote Theatre

The keynote programmes this year be looking are looking at creating at creating experiences experiences that immerse that immerse your your attendees. attendees.

The Keynote The Theatre main Keynote Theatre stage main at stage Confex atwill play host Confex will toplay a series hostof tolive a series debates, educating of live debates, and inspiring educating visitors andon what thevisitors inspiring futureon of the what events the future industry holds of theand events how industry to successfully holds and tackle key challenges how to successfully suchtackle as sustainability, key crisis management challenges such as and sustainability, CSR. crisis management and CSR.

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10. eventTech The popular technology stream 10. hugely eventTech

offers two full days discussing latest trends, The hugely popular technology stream emerging as well as the offers two technologies full days discussing latest trends, practical application of as technologies emerging technologies well as the for events of application all types. Augmented reality,for practical of technologies virtual reality, blockchain, facial reality, recognition, events of all types.

Augmented artificial intelligence (AI) and therecognition, internet of virtual reality, blockchain, facial things (IoT) are just some of the topics thatof artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet will be (IoT) explored in the eventTech theatre. things are just some of the topics that will be explored in the eventTech theatre.

11. Association Events Forum Supported

by ABPCO and The Association 11. Association Events Forum

of Association Executives, Supported

by ABPCO andthe TheAssociation Association Events Forum will be a one-day programme of Association Executives, the Association offeringForum compelling specifically Events will be content a one-day programme designed for association event professionals offering compelling content specifically – event planners, managers, executives and designed for association event professionals PCOs. – event planners, managers, executives and PCOs.

12. Sales Academy In with the Association of Event 12.partnership Sales Academy

Organisers (AEO), academy returns In partnership withthe thesales Association of Event with a plethora of the takeaways to improve Organisers (AEO), sales academy returns your a sales performance, whatever your level with plethora of takeaways to improve and experience, with new and innovative your sales performance, whatever your level toolsexperience, to build powerful networks and and with new and innovative generate sales leads. networks and tools to build powerful generate sales leads.

13. Marcomms Theatre This programme will capture 13. one-day Marcomms Theatre

imaginations with the knowledge needed to This one-day programme will capture maximise event awareness acrossneeded all typesto of imaginations with the knowledge events.

The Marcomms Theatre willall cover maximise event awareness across typesthe of full spectrum of event marketing, including events.

The Marcomms Theatre will cover the thespectrum future of event registration, brand full of event marketing, including experience, and social media. the future of PPC, eventSEO registration, brand experience, PPC, SEO and social media.

14. Come and Meet Us! Don’t forget and to come and say hello to the 14. Come Meet Us!

H&E North team at stand to get your Don’t forget to come andM20C say hello to the free copy toat find out M20C how you canyour H&E North and team stand to get showcase yourto venue or event product free copy and find out how you can to thousands of readers theproduct north! to showcase your venueacross or event thousands of readers across the north!

Register to attend for free here: Confex-2020.reg.buzz/website.

Register to attend for free here: Confex-2020.reg.buzz/website.

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

HAMPTON BY HILTON LONDON DOCKLANDS Your best choice business hotel within walking distance to Excel Complimentary buffet breakfast Complimentary WiFi

Access to onsite fitness room 1 mile from London City Airport

www.londondocklands.hamptonbyhilton.com Tel: 0203 002 2960 and Email: reservations@hbhlondondocklands.co.uk

January 2020

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New Year, New Digital You Jonny Ross, founder of Fleek Marketing, discusses the digital marketing trends every event planner should watch in 2020 As we bring in another New Year, our attention usually shifts to what’s coming next. For me, it’s following the latest trends in digital and how they can help events businesses. Here are my top three things to watch when it comes to digital marketing in 2020…

Use Video 2020 is all about video. It’s one of the most effective media in a digital marketing strategy. In fact, it’s thought that by 2022, an unbelievable 82% of all consumer internet traffic will be made up of online videos. Only two years ago, that figure was 15 times lower.

So, if you’re using social channels such as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to promote a big event or venue, remember that live video posts keep audiences watching up to three times longer.

Be Conversational High-quality content is what separates a good website from a poor one. It also shows off your expertise on a subject,

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professionalism, and allows you to have a conversation with your customers.

A massive increase in the use of smart speakers, AI and voice search is driving this trend for a conversational tone. Google likes conversational content on websites, such as questions and answers, so produce the right hospitality or events text, and you could positively impact your business’s search engine optimisation (SEO).

Ask Questions On the subject of conversations, in 2020, interaction will be critical. Last year, over a quarter of consumers used social media to communicate with a company, which is likely to rise to 30% very soon.

More and more people realise the potential for 24-hour customer service using social media. Regularly ask your customers questions online, give swift responses to logistical queries, get their event feedback, and basically treat them like celebrities!

See more digital tips at fleek.marketing

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com

DIRECTORY

Lyons Nant Hall

Abstract Events Based in Nottingham, Abstract Events deliver successful, profitable and memorable events in the UK and Worldwide.

Venue Sourcing|Event Design|Event Planning|Event Management

Conveniently situated just off the A55, The Lyons Nant Hall is a stunning Grade II listed country house hotel offering a choice of meeting rooms and luxury accommodation. The hotel is ideal for conferences, business meetings or company away days.

0115 972 8198 | info@abstract-events.co.uk www.abstract-events.co.uk

Bach Ventures A family run business in Snowdonia offering fun and adventurous outdoor activities, coasteering, gorge scrambling, mine exploration, rock climbing kayaking for corporate/ teambuilding, schools youth clubs stags & families.

Discover. Explore. Care Adventure Activity Providers in North Wales

The Lyons Nant Hall Hotel, Prestatyn Road, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, LL19 9LD, North Wales 01745 886 766 | functions@lyonsnanthallhotel.co.uk www.lyonsnanthallhotel.co.uk

01286 650 643 | bachventures.co.uk pentrebachbunkhouse.co.uk | Follow us on Facebook

Nant Gwrtheyrn Bala Lake Foreshore

Nant Gwrtheyrn offers facilities for a range conferences, meetings and events. With plenty of onsite accommodation options it’s the perfect location to inspire, relax and learn.

Bala Watersports offers the adventure and excitement of outdoor pursuits, to individuals, families, schools and groups.

Our highly skilled and qualified instructors will ensure you have a fantastic time.

01758 750 334 | nantgwrtheyrn.org FB & Twitter @nantgwrtheyrn1 | Insta @nant_gwrtheyrn

01678 521615 |hello@balawatersports.com www.balawatersports.com

Ty Pawb

Château Rhianfa

Wrexham’s multi-award winning arts, markets and community facility offers a unique, vibrant setting for your event. We can offer private rooms, function space, sound and lighting, a great food/ drink offer and much more.

Tŷ Pawb, Market Street, Wrexham, LL13 8BB

Nestled away in Anglesey with breath taking views looking over Snowdonia, our stunning Grade II-listed French-style Chateau is full of stories and surprises, where exciting things happen.

01978 292144 | typawb@wrexham.gov.uk www.typawb.wales/venuehire @typawb

Secluded, peaceful, and full of unique fairy-tale charm with 30 bedroom, and an award winning restaurant.

Chateau Rhianfa is the perfect location.

Waterloo Hotel & Lodges The perfect base to explore & discover Snowdonia.

Hotel & Lodge style rooms with on-site spa facilities, restaurant & Bar Holyhead Road, Betws-Y-Coed, LL24 0AR

01248 880 090 | hello@chateaurhianfa.com chateaurhianfa.com

01690 710 411 | waterloo-hotel.info reservations@waterloo-hotel.info

Gloucester Rugby As the home of Gloucester Rugby, Kingsholm Stadium, prides itself on treating all of its clients like VIPs and offers a wide range of facilities, most of which have pitch views, for up to 350 people.

IN YOUR MARCH ISSUE:

01452 876561 | gloucesterrugby.co.uk | @gloucesterrugby Conferenceandevents@gloucesterrugby.co.uk

• Yorkshire – Leeds, Sheffield, Hull • North East

Glyndwr University Conferences

• Green & Sustainability

Flexible meeting spaces for up to 880 in Wrexham, North Wales. Dedicated Conference Centre. Free parking, near major road and rail networks.

• Conference & Hospitality Show (28th April)

01978 293 494 │ conference@glyndwr.ac.uk conferencevenues.glyndwr.ac.uk

January 2020

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Coming Soon

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www.lauraashleyhotels.com

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Warm, friendly service High-speed Wi-Fi Excellent range of food & drink Convenient locations Meeting & conference facilities Free on-site car parking*

*Subject to availability. Excluding London

the hillcrest hotel, widnes

the regency hotel, solihull

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the st james hotel, grimsby

corus hotel hyde park, london 68

www.corushotels.com

www.hospitalityandeventsnorth.com