Showcase Issue 2 2025

showcase ISSUE 2 / 2025

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THE LATEST NEWS FROM NORTH SCOTLAND'S LARGEST LIVE EVENTS VENUE

20,000 FANS WELCOME LEWIS BACK TO ABERDEEN INTRODUCING OUR NEW PREMIUM BRAND SERVING DINNER UNDER THE STARRY NIGHT SPE Offshore Europe WELCOMES thousandS of InternATional visitors

n renna om G s T m a Ad nd a n l a b y u r l B di C Capal urs rds Olly M ies Lewis eRries Awa ations u H ix The c mmer Grad The P u S RGU

Gogh ce d Van e Experien n o y e v B 25 i s 0 r 2 e m pe m o I r u e E h inner T e ffshor Year D SPE O yer of the walk/Brave la at AFC P e on the C g a r Cou

WHAT’S ON AT P&J LIVE / 2 THE BIG INTERVIEW / 4 PREMIUM EXPERIENCES / 5 A DAY IN THE LIFE / 6 PARTNER SPOTLIGHT / 8

Welcome

to the second edition of SHOWCASE, keeping you up to date with everything that’s been happening at P&J Live over the summer months.

F&B FEATURE / 9 BANQUETING / 10 SUSTAINABILITY / 12 EVENT FOCUS / 16

It’s been a busy one with some incredible events, and we’ve got even more to look forward to as we head into the remaining few months of 2025.

Happy reading!

Rob Wicks Managing Director – P&J Live

PHOTO CREDITS: Sam Sharp / DM Captures Shot by Dusk / Katy Mitchell Matt Jolly / ByRhea Dod Morrison

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OCT 25 - DEC 25

Thur 16 OCT Sat 18 OCT Thurs 23 OCT Fri 24 OCT Fri 24 OCT Sat 25 OCT Fri 31 OCT Sun 2 NOV Fri 7 NOV Fri 14 NOV Sat 15 NOV Sat 15 NOV Sat 22 NOV

2025

DINO TALES

- JURASSIC RESCUE*

LONDON SYMPHONIC ROCK ORCHESTRA* 80s LIVE!* MICHAEL STARRING BEN* THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW BONGO’S BINGO - CARNEVIL ROGUE INVITATIONAL JLS - THE CLUB IS ALIVE: 2025 HITS TOUR

STEALTH COMPETITIONS

SCOTTISH MASTERS 2025 THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN - 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR* FIVE - KEEP ON MOVIN’ 2025 TOUR

THE DUBLINERS ENCORE - OFFICIAL STAGE SHOW*

*HALL C SHOWS

Thu 27 Sun 30 NOV Sun 30 NOV Sat 6 DEC Sun 7 DEC Tue 9 DEC Wed 10 DEC

DISNEY ON ICE

- PRESENTS FIND YOUR HERO

THE PRESS & JOURNAL AND EVENING EXPRESS CHRISTMAS CONCERT JIMMY CARR - LAUGHS FUNNY MADNESS PRESENT HIT PARADE UK TOUR

STEREOPHONICS

- WINTER ARENA TOUR 2025

LOVE ACTUALLY IN CONCERT

- FILM WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA

Fri 12 DEC Sun 14 DEC

THE BIGGEST PARTY IN TOWN 2025 TAYLORMANIA: TAYLOR SWIFT ERAS - THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE*

Sat 20 DEC

BONGO’S BINGO

- CHRISTMAS CRACKER SPECIA

L

JAN 26 - SEP 26

Sat 17 Sun 18 JAN Tues 20 JAN Mon 2 FEB Sat 7 FEB Sat 7 MAR Sat 14 Sun 15 MAR

Sat 15 MAR Sun 22 MAR Sat 28 MAR Sun 12 APR

2026

YOUR WEDDING EXHIBITION BIFFY CLYRO

- THE FUTIQUE TOUR 2026

TWILIGHT IN CONCERT JAMES ARTHUR - THE PISCES TOUR

PETER KAY LIVE COMIC CON SCOTLAND - ABERDEEN 2026

QUEENZ

- DRAG ME TO THE DISCO*

Tues 7 APR Thur 30 APR Sat 2 MAY Sat 5 SEP Wed 9 SEP

JAMES

- LOVE IS THE ANSWER TOUR

BETMGM PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS 2026 STRICTLY COME DANCING - THE PROFESSIONALS

THE DRIFTERS* ANDRÉ RIEU

Book tickets at pandjlive.com

P&J Live ’s Offic ial Tick etin g Part ner

AUTOFEST ABERDEEN TITANIC EXHIBITION ABERDEEN

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The

INTERVIEW

No. of Years in the Marketing / Ticketing Industry: 20 years or so - across ticketing with AXS, but also in venues including the legendary OVO Arena Wembley and Ireland’s National Event Centre in the beautiful location of Killarney.

Favourite Artist: Friends and family continue to look at me in a state of shock at the love and support I give to New Model Army - a band whose music has carried me along from a teenager to now - I’ve four of their gigs lined up for the rest of the year.

Best Thing About Aberdeen/P&J Live:

Great people in a truly special space. Ever since working with the team there, each one of them has been engaged, thoughtful and positive.

I really rate the building as well fantastic main hall with opportunities across smaller rooms. We’re very proud to be their ticketing partner.

Best Piece Of Advice For Your Younger Self: Back yourself, keep learning and say yes to new experiences.

First Show / Last Show / Bucket List: First show was 90s indie legends Carter USM with Sultans of Ping FC in Reading Rivermead - I was very young and learned their mosh pit needed to be treated with respect! Last show - Matthew & The Atlas in London - great songs with a voice for the ages. Bucket list….. this is a bit harder - I’d like to see a show in Red Rocks at some point – which seeing as we are the official ticketing partner there should be doable?!

Describe Yourself In Three Words:

Friendly, positive and organised

(the last two more so after coffee)

Future Artist: I caught Amble at BST Hyde Park this summer and can see them gaining a sizeable following in future years…Folk Bitch Trio as well.

Currently Listening To: The last few years I’ve been doing a project to listen to one new album a day - which has its benefits and its challenges - some recent good ones include Eve Adams, Robert Forster, Big Special, Hammock, and Scotland’s own Sorren Maclean.

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Claim To Fame: Struggle to think of one here….though when he passed this summer, I did think back to a photo I had taken with Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys at Wembley years ago….where straight after he immediately turned to his manager and said “Can I go now?…” and walked off… don’t blame him.

Rob Lievesley Director of Marketing – AXS Europe

PREMIUM EXPERIENCES

We’re delighted to unveil our new premium brand, which will see us deliver tiered premium packages at a range of price points, meaning more people can enjoy the perks that come hand-in-hand with our premium experiences.

This lounge bar experience includes early venue access, a premium bar, complimentary drink on arrival, plus more.

This New York loft style suite is a favourite, whether that’s for you and a friend or for a whole suite buy-out, we have you covered.

Enjoy a sumptuous pre-show dining experience in our signature restaurant.

With its private bar, luxurious surroundings and incredible views, book one or two seats for a show or why not buy-out the full suite.

Brand your private suite and make it yours for 12 whole months. An unmatched corporate hospitality offering.

Two seats guaranteed for every arena show. With luxurious surroundings, a private bar, host, early access and more, it makes for unforgettable experiences.

Our mission is to make every moment extraordinary, delivering exceptional premium experiences to guests, from annual premium membership to single event experiences.

For more information or to book a premium tour, please contact SARAH STEPHEN, PREMIUM SALES MANAGER: premium@pandjlive.com

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A THE

IN

with the venue n e e b as h ly il e R e n Lyn and expl ains s ar ye 14 st pa e th r fo a live show what it’s like to run 7:00am: I’ll listen to my ‘happy playlist’ before work, which is a broad mix of BTS, Elton John, Taylor Swift, and Simple Plan - it just sets me up nicely for the day! Meanwhile, the operations team will be overseeing the load-in of the event’s production, ensuring everyone is following the technical rider, which is submitted and agreed in advance of show day.

Lynne Reilly Event Manager 6

12 Noon: I arrive at the venue and collect my radio. My first task would be to speak with the operations manager to discuss how load-in had gone that morning, before catching up with the artist’s promoter and asking how the load-in had gone from their side and a general check-in and introduction as their event manager for the day.

2:00pm: This is usually when we hold a pyrotechnics test in the arena. Any flame effect, cold spark, or firework effect that will be used during the show is set live and tested for safety.

3:00pm: It’s time for the promoter briefing alongside the second event manager, box office manager and security. During this meeting, the promoter will go through the event schedule, including timings of soundchecks, when there might be any pyro or SFX during the show, they will provide a setlist and we will discuss security, for example, if the artist moves from the main stage to a B stage we need to discuss any potential risks and liaise with security.

If the artist wants a fast exit after the show ends, we’ll discuss the logistics of this, and if there are any special requests, for example, no photography, we will put those measures in place.

We’ll also discuss various procedures such as what happens if there is a fire alarm or any other security procedure.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

3:30pm: We will then hold a venue briefing where representatives from all departments working the event including food & beverage, marketing, audiovisual, electrical, box office, security, premium and cleaning all attend. This is to provide an overview of the event, final tickets sold numbers, go over the show set up, the audience demographic, strategies for managing busy car parks and bars, and answering any questions that might arise.

4:00pm: Coffee break! I tend to get myself ready for the show, gather my laptop and everything I’m going to bring down to the control room for use over the course of the evening. I then have a catch up with the Executive on Duty, who is the overall person in charge during the event.

5:00pm: A security briefing is called for all security supervisors and our own security team. At this we cover queuing strategies, when and how to assist ticketholders to seats or standing areas, cover safe egress strategies and safe car park clearance.

5:30pm: I now make my way to down to the control room, which is the hub of activity on a show night. Only certain personnel are permitted in here, including the event manager, first aid leader, head of security and the Executive on Duty. This looks out onto the arena bowl so that we can see what’s happening on stage and is where we can see what’s happening both inside and outside of the venue. I will radio the operations team and the promoter to find out if we are all set for the public doors to open.

6:00pm: This is when ticketholders are allowed into the venue before the show starts. During this time, I keep an eye on the team and ensure everyone is carrying out their individual roles to keep the event on track. Sometimes we have to plan for ingress diversions and full car parks, but it’s all about getting everyone into the venue on time and safely.

8:00pm to 10:00pm: My focus is then turned to the live show. I maintain radio contact with both the promoter and venue team, ensuring everything is operating as smoothly as possible. In rare instances we might have to cater for a slight show start delay should the artist not be ready, or if there has been any incident that has prevented ticketholders from arriving on time, but it doesn’t happen often. I then start preparing for show down and egress of fans, with the second Event Manager on duty holding a meeting to discuss this.

Catering outlets are advised to close 30 minutes prior to the end of the show so that

it’s an amazing perk to be able to work alongside promoters and some of the biggest artists in the world

we can ensure security can change positions and we can completely clear the concourse for everyone leaving.

10:30pm – 1:00am: I will go and speak with the promoter when the show has ended to gain any valuable feedback from themselves and from the artist’s point of view. We’re really lucky to have a fantastic team around us, so promoters tend to love the venue and tell us that we are easy to work with. This absolutely matters as we always want them to come back in the future. I’ll then create my show reports, which detail the event, any successes and any issues. These are sent on to the Senior Management Team as well as other venues in the National Arenas Association. It just gives other venue teams insight into what they might expect when the tour gets to their venue. I usually stay for some of the load-out and then pack up my things to head home around 1am.

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COMPANY NAME: Baker Hughes PROFILE: Baker Hughes is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide.

Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner, and more efficient for people and the planet.

PARTNERSHIP ROLE: Exclusive sponsor of the Exhibition and Conference Hub

BEST PERK OF PARTNERSHIP AND WORKING WITH THE P&J LIVE TEAM:

WORKING TOGETHER, we’ve been able to deliver truly memorable experiences for our customers John Morrison / UK Country Director

Visit us at bakerhughes.com 8

F&B FEATURE

Sasha Hay is a prime example of one of the many P&J Live staff members who have forged a career path within the events industry.

Having begun working at P&J Live back in 2021, Sasha joined as part of the venue’s event crew while she studied sports coaching at Aberdeen college. To begin with, Sasha took on ad-hoc hours around her studies, working during conferences to serve tea, coffee and lunches to delegates visiting Aberdeen. She also worked during live entertainment events, assisting the chefs within the venue’s food and beverage kiosks to build burgers and load the fast-food shoots, ready for hungry ticketholders to sink their teeth into.

In 2022, Sasha increasingly favoured her time at P&J Live and made the decision to leave college and work full-time at the venue. It was then that she became a food and beverage team leader, predominantly working within the venue’s coffee shop, ‘The Mill’. This meant that Sasha was responsible for briefing and leading the team on duty, ensuring a smooth coffee, breakfast and lunch service was delivered.

Having demonstrated strong initiative and a hard-working ethic, Sasha was promoted again in 2024 to Food and Beverage Assistant, working full time IN THE VENUE AT various events.

From bringing teams in and overseeing dinner set ups including the venue’s largest ever banquet, The Aberdeen FC Player of the Year dinner for 1,365 guests, to leading private suite hosts on a show day, Sasha has taken on much greater responsibilities in her role while completing an SVQ in supervision and leadership.

t t Sasha!

SASHA HAY FOOD & BEVERAGE ASSISTANT 9

A IMMERSED IN 10

We were lucky enough to host the incredible Beyond Van Gogh immersive experience this summer, with the exhibition taking over one of our halls for a month-long residency.

While almost 20,000 fans came to see the incredible exhibit, around 80 invited guests got to experience the famous artist’s work as part of a unique immersive dining experience.

P&J Live’s culinary team worked on a bespoke menu, pulling inspiration from the Dutch Post-Impressionists’ life using local, seasonal ingredients that would have been common during the 19th Century. The three-course banquet was a feast for the senses, where breathtaking artworks such as ‘The Starry Night’ and ‘Sunflowers’ were celebrated as part of this sensory dining experience.

BANQUETING

Van Gogh expert, Professor Frances Fowle also guided guests through each course with A fascinating insight into the artists’ life and works.

HERE’S WHAT WAS ON THE MENU: ARRIVAL DRINK: Absinthe, ginger beer, lime and angostura bitters.

STARTER: Salted cod, potato & leek croquette with herb oil and roasted onion ketchup.

MAIN: Slow braised daube of Scotch beef brisket with garlic & herb fondant, roasted carrot, bacon & red wine jus.

DESSERT: Van Gogh’s pink lady entremets: cinnamon & vanilla bean whipped mascarpone, spiced apple compote, Calvados glazed sponge, custard shortbread, Calvados apple gel.

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WILDFLOWER

AT

P&J LIVE

as several h ve Li J & P at th t e cr It is no se ich guides our h w ts n e m it m m co y it sustainabil e region. th in x le p m co t n ve e practice as the l argest In accordance with such, there lies a responsibility to ensure we maintain and preserve strong biodiversity across all areas of our site. Over the past few months, our very own venue-based Green Team have been conversing with local wildlife experts and groups to not only safeguard the existing species but proactively seek the introduction of lost native features.

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Scotland is home to a rich array of wildlife and natural habitats which enable our ecosystem to thrive - with the P&J Live site being no exception. As Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts, put so powerfully -

The decline of our beautiful native plants is heart-breaking and has consequences for us all.

The loss of natural habitats due to modern farming methods over the last 70 years has been an unmitigated disaster for wildflowers and all the species that depend on them including insects, bats, and birds.

A collaborative effort from The Green Team, our Health and Wellbeing Cohort, and volunteers spanning across departments oversaw the planting of 900 wildflowers onsite; inclusive of the following species: Hybrid Avens, Knapweed, Cuckoo Flower, Tansy, and Red Clover – just to name a few.

Each wildflower brings a unique package of benefits, evidencing the need for the range implemented. We hope to reap a few of these positives • New sources of nectar and food for our insects to thrive on.

• Enhancements to overall soil health and lessened erosion across land.

• A primary aim being to attract bees, butterflies, and moths, all of whom are integral to a strong biodiversity.

Our neighbours at the Aloft Aberdeen TECA have kindly agreed to provide the water supply for our newly planted wildflowers, while Aberdeen City Council are going to tend to them and ensure they are watered. A lovely little partnership to help them grow!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all who participated throughout the initial research to their eventual planting. This is only the beginning of this journey, but it is one to watch closely. New planting can be seen if you walk the footpaths around the P&J Live site - make sure to come and visit!

MEN’S SHED

masterpieces Bucksburn Men’s Shed have been busy crafting a number of bird boxes for the venue’s nature trail.

This is to encourage the nesting of our local bird population who might be facing habitat loss or who are simply looking for a cosy home over the winter.

These birds will foster biodiversity and control insect pests, so it’s a winning combination for our site. Bucksburn Men’s Shed have also made us a new live edge bench for our nature trail, where visitors are welcome to sit and watch the wildlife roam.

Thank you Men’s Shed!

BUZZING ABOUT OUR BEE HOTEL

The steps to enhance our site’s biodiversity continued with the official unveiling and opening of a new bee hotel, aptly named P&J Hive.

Made from a large log with various sized holes drilled within it, this provides nesting for solitary bees. This also encourages and supports our local pollinators who will encourage the spread and pollination of our wildflowers.

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P&J LIVE

WORKING TO IMPROVE OUR

P&J Live’s team continuously work to improve each visitor’s customer journey so that when they arrive and experience our venue, it’s as easy and as seamless as possible.

Recently, our team met with local charities to walk round the venue and re-assess our spaces from different perspectives - through the eyes of our visitors with various accessible needs.

From this visit, we were able to gain insight into any potential flaws in our accessible customer journey and receive invaluable advice on what we could do to improve.

As a result, we discovered that we had a few areas of improvement to make.

These included: • The purchase of brand-new headsets to enable the venue’s induction loop to comply with all new hearing aid types.

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• A detailed review of the venue signage revealed that certain contrasting colourways proved difficult to read by individuals with visual impairment.

Larger font and specific colourway choices will be chosen going forward.

• The production of new accessible guides and joining instructions which provide more detailed information on what to expect when visiting the venue from an accessible perspective.

Together with these charities, we strive to make sure the accessible customer journey is the best it can be.

If you have any further feedback, or if you would like to send us some recommendations, please contact us at info@pandjlive.com.

SUSTAINABILITY

PARTNERING WITH PERFECTHYGIENE & UCAN Did you know that 1 in 5 men in North Scotland will be diagnosed with a urological cancer? This significantly

increases the likelihood that there are men visiting our venue who may be undergoing treatment and potentially silently suffering with a urological condition.

To help maintain the dignity of those living with these conditions, we have partnered with PerfectHygiene to install Wee Cans in our venue’s toilet facilities - a unit for the discreet disposal of male incontinence product waste. Bins have been placed in clearly signposted toilet cubicles and are widely available around the venue. For every unit that PerfectHygiene places, they donate to UCAN, Aberdeen’s local urological cancer charity.

UCAN has the aim of funding a urological cancer rapid diagnostic centre at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to enable more patients to be seen quicker and have all scans and diagnostic procedures during a single visit. If cancer is caught early, the patient is three times more likely to be cured.

Not only does P&J Live support this initiative, the team also hopes that this will help to improve the overall experience of those affected when visiting our venue.

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SPE

2nd - 5th sept.

The team at P&J Live is very proud of the part we play in enabling the conversations that will help to accelerate the transition to a better energy future.

We had senior political figures, including Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the opposition, and thousands of energy professionals through the doors, setting out their views and plans for the North Sea and showcasing all that is driving the future of energy both globally and in the region.

MICHAEL SHANKS, UK MINISTER FOR ENERGY delivered a keynote speech on the opening day of SPE Offshore Europe.

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Following feedback from 2023, the F&B team developed and produced some excellent new products which were a real hit with delegates including a fish and chip bar, a bao bun offering, a pasta selection, sub sandwiches, baked potatoes and a salmon and prosecco bar.

2025

EVENT FOCUS

SPE Offshore Europe proved that it remains the place to be for anyone invested in the future of energy.

With powerful conversations, meaningful political engagement, and an industry united under one roof. Exhibitors and delegates alike have told us the quality of conversations and business opportunities have been exceptional.

we’re already seeing many rebook for 2027.

David Ince, EVENT DIRECTOR OF SPE OFFSHORE EUROPE 2025

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P&J Live, East Burn Road, Stoneywood, Aberdeen, AB21 9FX +44 (0) 1224 824 824 info@pandjlive.com