Prestige Events winter 15:16 edition

WINTER 2016 EDITION WWW.PRESTIGEEVENTSMAGAZINE.COM

PRESTIGE

EVENTS

COOL Venue Awards

COOL VENUE AWARDS 2016 NOMINEES LIST MERCEDESBENZ GLOBAL FASHION WEEK EVENT HUDDLE: ARE APPS INNOVATING OR CASHING IN? TOP BARS IN SOHO CHRISTMAS REFLECTION GLOBAL VENUES TOP 10 MYSTERIOUS BUILDINGS TOP 10 MISTAKES BY EVENT PLANNERS WHERE WE VISITED VENUES WITH LAWNS

CONTENTS Welcome to our COOL Venue Awards nominees edition….. which coincidentally happens to be our biggest ever edition.

Inside your find the definitive list of the industry’s COOLest event venues, put together by a council of judges representing the a wide range of opinions from globally recognised corporations and the UK’s leading agencies…and also our little editorial team. And not just one or two choices, but a top 10 (or dozen where tied) in all the main categories…for your benefit so you’re never stuck for choice!

We also focus on the recent Mercedes-Benz global fashion week campaign featuring supermodel Natasha Poly in Berlin. Events are supposed to be memorable and strive to achieve a form of allegory. The occasion proved extremely enlightening. And if you’re an event organiser seeking the contacts at the most charismatic venues to achieve the best dates and the best rates, get yourself down to a themed 20/20 Speed Networking event. If you haven’t been to any of the 68 in the past 4 years, you must fall into the 1% of jammy-gits who have God’s fortune on their side when it comes to executing the perfect event. Get down to 20/20 and meet suppliers who won’t leave you in the desert and want you to look like an event genius.

Enjoy the edition, Wes

Prestige Events team:

Publisher / Founder: Wesley Mendy Head of Client Relations: Dan Bearpark Senior Sales Consultant: Mukesh Shant Editor (Print & Online): Hope Mendy Head of Database Administration: Joy Mendy Head of Social Media: Asif Mirza Head of Registrations: Michelle Barclay Design Director: Saroj Patel Design Editor: Errol Griffiths Contributing editors: Jacqui Partridge, Jason Scott, Will Broome Financial controller: Siobhan O’Dwyer Prestige Events magazine (est.2003) is a MX4 Ltd publication.

Prestige Events, 108 Clydesdale Road, Hornchurch Essex RM11 1AJ t:01708 737393 wes@prestigeeventsguide.com www.prestigeeventsmagazine.com

Executive producer of :

And : PRES TI G E

EVENTS

Official partner of :

CONTENTS P8 17 Things You Didn’t Know P11 Readers Letters P15 In The Trade P19 Out and About with Paul Neal P23 Eventhuddle P27 In Where We Visited: Warwickshire P30 Where We Visited: London Edition Hotel P32 FRONT COVER FEATURE: Mercedes-Benz Global Fashion Week P36 Christmas Reflections P42 Global Venues P46 Agency Focus – Chew P47 Venues Near The Water P48 Supplier Focus: Zap Magic P50 Supplier Focus: Ravenous P52 9th Annual COOL Venue Awards Nominees P74 Our Awards Top 3 P76 20/20 ‘Conferencing’ Photospread P78 20/20 ‘Suppliers Meet Agents-Only’ Photospread P80 20/20 ‘COOL Venues’ Photospread P82 20/20 ‘Meetings, Training and Seminar Venues’ Photospread P84 20/20 ‘Venues With 500+ Capacity’ Photospread P86 20/20 ‘Corporate Dining’ Photospread P88 20/20 ‘COOL Events’ Photospread P90 Confex 2016 Preview P96 Venues With Lawns P102 Top 10 Mysterious Buildings P104 Venue Focus: Canal Mills P106 Venue Focus: Wembley Stadium P108 Venue Focus: Icetank P110 Venue Focus: Imago P112 Top 10 Mistakes P114 Useful Websites FRONT COVER IMAGE - Photographer Jeff Bark, Model Natasha Poly Outfit By Atsuko Kudo

Official 20/20 events

Official events video

Official events

Official event backdrops

registration partner:

photography partner:

production partner:

partner:

COOL Venue Awards

All views, opinions, and content, both text and images, expressed within this edition remain that of the individual contributor and neither MX4 Ltd or Prestige Events magazine accept responsibility for any liability. All content in this edition remains the intellectual property of MX4 Ltd and MX4 Ltd holds copyright and cannot be reproduced, replicated, lent, or publicly displayed without prior permission from MX4 Ltd. MX4 Ltd 2014 prestigeeventsmagazine.com

17 THINGS

17 THINGS (ABOUT EXHIBITORS AT CONFEX) YOU DIDN’T KNOW!

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Butlins (stand H70)

Butlin’s has been bringing out the best in people since 1936 – now we can do the same for your business. Investing over £175 million, we’ve been busy transforming our three seaside resorts (Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness) into energising environments full of unique event spaces and fantastic facilities, modern accommodation and a host of quality dining options. We have everything you need for a successful event, all in one location.

Cvent (stand B49)

Utilized by over 157,000 event and marketing professionals, Cvent is a leading meetings and event management technology company and mobile event applications provider. With over 1,740 employees worldwide, Cvent offers web-based software for meeting site selection, online event registration, event management, e-mail marketing, ticketing and web surveys. Additionally, Cvent develops cutting-edge native mobile apps for business (CrowdCompass), taking the attendee experience to the next level.

Cvent’s client base ranges from small non-profits to large corporations, and includes over 50 companies from the Fortune 100. .

Conference Plymouth (stand 48)

Conference Plymouth is a organisation that offers a selection of superb and diverse conference and meeting venues that can cater for up to 2500 delegates in one of the finest waterfront cities in the country.We are a combination of local hotels, venues and tourist organisations with a vested interest in offering high quality event organisation that has been developed to offer a complete booking service. Whether you are a national organisation looking for a conference destination or a local company arranging a large meeting, we can offer our expertise.

ConfrenceExpo from Nimlock (stand C68)

ConferenceExpo is a prescribed stand package for organisers of conferences or events with 5-50 exhibiting sponsors.

It’s uniform and professional, maximises use of space, eliminates organisational stress and can provide an additional revenue stream.We also offer solutions for venue branding including signage, graphics and registration counters.

5. Eventbrite (stand F69)

Eventbrite is the world’s largest self-service ticketing platform, hosting a vibrant collection of live experiences to fuel people’s passions and enrich their lives. For organisers, Eventbrite provides a seamless solution to create compelling event pages, sell tickets, promote and manage events, and analyse results from the web or any mobile device. For attendees, Eventbrite offers access to a wide variety of live experiences, from small photography and yoga classes to large concerts and festivals with tens of thousands of people.

6. DoubleDutch (stand C60)

DoubleDutch is an award-winning provider of mobile event applications, with a unique focus on capturing and surfacing data from live events. The first to bring a data-driven technology approach to the event industry, DoubleDutch excels at processing vast amounts of mobile app engagement data into unique, actionable insights to better serve customers, partners, and other event stakeholders.

7. Glasgow City Marketing Bureau (stand D59)

Glasgow: the perfect partner for your conference Award-winning Glasgow City Marketing Bureau is here to make hosting a conference in the UK easy. With the conference organiser at the heart of the Glasgow ethos, the city is one of the best equipped and most competitive business tourism destinations in the world thanks to its compactness, ease of access and can do culture.

Farnborough International Venue & Events (stand C71)

Farnborough International Venue & Events is a 3,000 sqm permanent event venue on a 100,000 sqm site run by Farnborough International Ltd, the company who also organise the famous biennial Farnborough International Airshow. The venue and site are available for hire year round outside of airshow time, for public and corporate exhibitions and events.

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17 THINGS

Kent Event Centre (stand F81)

The Kent Event Centre is the largest conference facility in Kent, offering 7,000sqm. There are three main exhibition halls, ideal for creating stunning exhibitions, trade fairs or public shows. Our unique selling point is our size and location, between two major motorways and within 50 minutes by car or train from London. We have an excess of 200 acres of outdoor space and a private woodland at organisers disposal.

Jury’s Inn (stand E60)

Jurys Inn hotels are ideally situated across the UK, Ireland and the Czech Republic. Jurys Meetings offer perfectly located, stylish, comfortable meeting places for your seminar, conference, training days, workshops and more.

Rooms are naturally bright and comfortable, equipment is first class and we guarantee that the service from our core Jurys Meetings team is always dependably excellent. Jurys Inn is a member of the Meeting Industry Association (MIA) and is AIM accredited

Hilton Worldwide (stand: Association Events Forum)

As an Association, you need a meetings and events partner that really knows the specific requirements of your business. You need someone like Hilton Worldwide. Known for our hospitality, service and emphasis on exceptional quality, we are proud of our existing partnerships with over 1,500 of the UK’s leading Associations, providing unrivalled support and expertise whether it be an AGM, large annual conference, exhibition, annual dinner, or simply just incomparable hotel accommodation. (MIA) and is AIM accredited

Meet in Ireland (stand K52)

Ireland is an accessible, compact, unique destination with a cutting-edge infrastructure, a vibrant culture and warm, hospitable people. A hub for the technological and pharmaceutical industries, Ireland has the infrastructure and experience required to deliver first-class business events, while its rich cultural heritage means that there is plenty for delegates to do outside of the conference centre. Boasting cosmopolitan cities and pioneering technologies alongside spectacular scenery, inspiring culture and a thriving gastronomic scene, Ireland covers all the bases as a business tourism destination. Its corporate support programme provides financial and practical assistance for corporate buyers.

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition (stand B49)

The Malaysia Convention & Exhibition (MyCEB) was established in 2009 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, to further strengthen the country’s business events brand and position as one of the world’s leading international business events (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) destinations. MyCEB serves as a central hub to assist meeting and event planners bid for and stage international as well as regional business events in Malaysia, and act as a catalyst for national product development. In 2011, MyCEB established the International Events Unit, which is now known as Malaysia Major Events.

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts (stand G49)

At Macdonald Hotels & Resorts we are in the precise and exacting business of making time for you, our valued meeting and conference bookers. We know you have relatively little of it and so much to do in it.

We promise that we will make time for your business. By offering a dedicated booking consultant and providing everything you need to fully understand our product. We’ll give you the best rate first time, every time in 30 minutes or less and promise to deliver your clients every expectation.

Poken (stand B10

Poken is revolutionizing the event industry with its innovative and simple solutions that generate high quality leads, get unprecedented insight into people’s interests, and boost networking between participants. Over 1’600 events and exhibitions have used Poken’s 360° Event Platform. From 200-person networking events, to trade shows with over 65’000 visitors and 1’500 exhibitors, Poken’s modular tool chest is proven to boost your event’s effectiveness.

SECC (stand D59)

The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) is a purpose-built and highly flexible space for conferences, exhibitions and live events. Ideally located in the heart of Glasgow, the venue features the iconic conference facility the Clyde Auditorium interlinked with 22,500m2 of exhibition space. This sits beside the newly launched 12,000 capacity live entertainment arena the SSE Hydro.

Southport Conferences (stand G48)

Southport is a destination that has stood the test of time. In fact, the resort has risen to the challenge and with multimillions of pounds of investment into the facilities and infrastructure ... Southport is definitely worth a closer look. The resort’s flagship venue, The Southport Theatre & Convention Centre, underwent a £40m investment programme which resulted in extended conference and exhibition space. Call onto our stand to see what Southport can do to help you ensure that your next event is not just successful ... but spectacular too!

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READERS LETTERS

LORD KNOWS! Lord Jason Scott is possibly the most connected man in the UK event industry. Also the most dapper man in the industry, who else could we appoint to answer your ‘event-fashion/ grooming/style’ questions!

Ask Lord Jason a question and win a fantastic Montblanc Pen. Thank you to Montblanc Corporate Gifts for the fantastic prize of a timeless Meisterstuck Platinum Ballpoint Pen (www. montblanccorporategift.co.uk). Email your questions to us at enquiries@prestigeeventsguide.com for a chance to win next time and to receive another piece of writing culture from Montblanc Corporate Gifts. A time honored tradition.

See more of Lord Jason Scott’s sartorial style her – http://pinterest.com/lordscott/this-is-my-style-lord-it/

‘throw in the washing machine’ variety for those messy mishaps (see our recommended high street brands in the question below).

That said, a quick visit to a local tailor will help ensure these off-the-peg versions fit you perfectly, instantly upgrading your appearance without having to spend the earth.

For off-duty or dress-down work days, I would go for a classic

navy slim-/straight-fit jeans, white Oxford shirt and crew neck jumper (in something like charcoal, burgundy or forest green)

combination, finished with a pair of desert boots/brogues and blazer/biker jacket, depending on the occasion. These are all

simple, unfussy elements in their own right which will work together to create a classic and practical look that complements

WINNING LETTER Q/ I’m an event manager and a proud father of two but finding it

increasingly difficult to stay stylish. What advice can you give me to keep me looking my best while caring for my kids?

Richard, Milton Keynes

Ever heard of the acronym, K.I.S.S? The best thing you can do is keep it simple: opt for neutral items – no logos, no slogans

– in a timeless palette of grey, navy, brown and white, which can be mixed and matched effortlessly. You’ve probably heard

it hundreds of time before, but a ‘capsule wardrobe’ is exactly what you need. By building a capsule wardrobe, you can rest

assured that every piece you own goes with everything else, so you don’t waste valuable time figuring out outfit pairings and combinations.

You say you work as an event manager, so I’m guessing you wear a suit? If your current tailoring collection is looking a little dated, then consider investing in a new slim-cut version in navy, mid-grey or charcoal to ensure you look your best in the office.

I wouldn’t blow the budget on high-end tailoring – let’s face it, being a father you probably have other more pressing financial

commitments – but rather shop around for the minimal care,

your body shape.

QUALITY LEATHER BELTS

Q/ I’m looking to invest in some quality 100 per cent leather belts; where can I find them? – Paul, Islington

Belts have fallen out of favour over the last few years, so it’s best to keep them matte and minimal – i.e. avoid large, shiny or ‘look at me’ branded buckles. I have a irish four clover one that says

rub below for luck BUT the wife made me throw it away. May I suggest supporting British manufacturing while also supporting

your waistband? Try The British Belt Company, a small brand that is part of the Arnold Wills & Co Ltd, founded in 1946. Made

in Rutland, England’s smallest county, their belts are traditionally crafted using the finest English and Italian leathers: Recommended

I particularly like this Benscliffe Reversible Leather Belt in brown & black, priced £60. Being reversible, you’re getting even more bang for your buck:

Thank you for your questions and your time. Stay stylish and do tweet me your ideas and style suggestions @Penthouselord Jason Allan Scott

Author/Speaker/Starter/ Impresario

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IN THE TRADE

IN THE TRADE WITH TONY LINCOLN, PLANET HOLLYWOOD

Q/ What preparation goes into your service?

Listening to the client requirements and ensuring everything requested has been taken on board and fully understood and following up within the experienced venue team so that operationally all expectations are managed and executed perfectly Q/ How important a role does ‘COOL’ play in events?

TONY LINCOLN :

Cool is in our DNA at Planet Hollywood as it’s an iconic well

A ‘stalwart’ of the travel

known brand and an already themed venue giving the immediate

industry with over 35 years’

WOW factor to guests arriving – far removed from a ‘blank

experience in working for

canvas’ event space.

various tour operators and travel companies for whom

Q/ How do you prepare for a big event day?

the leisure sector was the

We have an internal event form which details every requirement

primary target market and

for the event from start to finish which is shared with the Executive

yet still had a significant level

Chef and the bar, maintenance, technical, security, hostess

of ad hoc MICE business.

and Management teams, with regular meetings to go over the

After 17 years at Disneyland Paris based in the London Sales

details until I’m satisfied our plan matches exactly the client’s

Office the move to Planet Hollywood in December 2011 meant

requirements. Each event is a team effort and on the day itself the

a hands on involvement in corporate events planning and

pre-shift briefing to the whole team here is critically important so

execution as part and parcel of the job for Planet Hollywood in

that everyone knows their role in making the event a success, and

both the London and Disneyland® Paris.

the fact that we have experienced, long serving team members is an added bonus.

Q/ What was the inspiration behind you getting involved in corporate events?

Q/ What have experienced at any event in the past 12 months

A passion, enthusiasm and love of the product I sell and desire

that has really got you excited?

to deliver great events, an amazing guest experience and

The London Marathon After Party held for sponsored runners

outstanding guest service – plus a penchant for meticulous

of a large corporate client and their families never fails to excite

attention to details an essential part of making this happen.

me. Seeing the runners arrive at our door after their incredible efforts, their run time announced, and to be greeted by their

Q/ You have a varied client portfolio. Care to name a

proud families before taking an ice bath, massage and any physio

few? And what do you feel was the defining factor in

needed before tucking into the delicious bespoke buffet and start

establishing your relationships?

of their recovery process! After 5 years of arranging this event the

A wide variety of clients from all sectors and of differing sizes

excitement is still as strong and fresh as ever.

including Coke, Tesco, Heineken, major financial institutions, West End shows, Cinemas, tourist industry partners and

Q/ What would you like to see happen in the corporate

even other restaurants companies! A commitment to listen

events industry in the next 12 months?

to the client, be flexible and adaptable and establish a strong

I’d like to see more business for Planet Hollywood for sure! With

understanding of the clients’ needs and delivering them are

many new venues in London it’s important to ensure that we keep

critical defining factors in establishing relationships.

on our toes to keep our name out there in an ever increasingly

Q/ What’s it like working with such big-name clients?

competitive market chasing after a relatively static sized cake. As

I love working with all my clients however large their name.

long as we all act professionally and deliver amazing events the

It’s all about establishing a working relationship, rapport and

clients will come back for more and also recommend our venue

understanding of their needs – it’s hard work, always great fun

by word of mouth which can only be good for us and the corporate

and highly rewarding to work with all my clients

event market as a whole. prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH PAUL NEAL

MY TOP THREE RECENT HANGOUTS AROUND SOHO

RUSTIKO, 37 OLD COMPTON STREET, W1D 5JY

but with subtle hints of ginger and cinnamon. Furthermore, the

www.rustikosoho.com

bar has a really interesting and growing range of Proseccos to choose from too.

This Italian restaurant and Prosecco bar is an exciting new addition to Old Compton Street. Reminiscent of Soho’s old

The bar also plans to open a second bar in its basement over

past, RustiKo offers up that privately owned feel to a street that

the next coming months for private hire, events and late night

has long forgotten what made the area so exciting and versatile

drinkers. Keep an eye out for this place, it really is offering up

in the first place. On the ground level you will find a warm

something very different to Old Compton Street and has a great

and welcoming Prosecco and Cocktail Bar, perfect for private

charm about and vibe about the place different to anywhere else

parties and date nights.

within the area.

RustiKo actually opened its doors at the end of summer 2015

100 WARDOUR STREET, 100 WARDOUR STREET, W1F

without barely a squeak, a rare feat for any new central London

0TN www.100wardourst.com

venue, let alone one taking up a prime spot in the heart of Soho.

You can tell the bar staff have worked endlessly to come up with

100 Wardour Street is familiar not only due to its prior incarnation

some really exciting Prosecco based cocktails and some great

as the hot spot Floridita; but due to its original Sixties casting,

twists on classics too.

as The Marquee Club – otherwise known as, “where The Rolling Stones first played”. The Space is now being run by D & D

My favourites have to be the Berry Sangria (a mix of fresh

Restaurants, who are fusing Soho’s clubby culture with all-day

berries, liqueurs and Prosecco) and their own variation on the

and all night food.

classic Negroni (featuring Italian artisan gin, sweet vermouth and Campari) Slightly sweeter than your regular Negroni

Downstairs a late-night food spot, open till 3am equipped with prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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OUT AND ABOUT WITH PAUL NEAL D.J; while upstairs you’ll find lighter, shareable food from chef Liam Smith-Laing of Le Petite Maison.

My favourite drink of the night, White Dove – Bulldog Gin, Crème de Peche, Lemon Juice, Sugar Syrup, Rose Water and Egg White. This place looks set to offer us all a fabulous place to simply chill into the late hours to suit all; breakfast, games of poll and late night drinking. Man I love London!

NEW VODKA TO OUR MARKET VINTAGE VELVET CHARDONNAY VODKA www.vintage-velvet.com

Here’s a new one for you all!

Unique and stylish, Vintage Velvet Vodka offers a new vodka branch to the vodka tree, starting a whole new concept in flavoured vodka from vineyards. Double distilled and flavoured with real Chardonnay grape juice, this sexy little vodka takes your palate and senses on a wonderful journey through two great alcohol styles with real delight.

If you love things English, or are a keen vodka or wine enthusiasts then give this a try. It certainly got me interested when I first heard it was going into production.

Tasting Notes: Nose – Smooth with sweet yet cool notes Palate – Sweet tones of butter with a hint of spice Finish – Medium length with subtle tropical tones

Their signature cocktail is their Vintage Tea Party: 50ml Velvet Vodka, 15ml Lemon Juice, 20ml Fig Syrup, 50ml Green Tea and a pinch of nutmeg. Perfect for any outdoor parties planned over the busy summer period!

At present you can find Vintage Velvet Vodka from Master of Malt www.masterofmalt.com. Or you can contact them directly – gabriella@vintage-velvet.com | 07760352823

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EVENTHUDDLE: ARE APPS INNOVATING OR CASHING IN?

Are event apps INNOVATING, OR CASHING IN? Industry discussion forum EventHuddle recently delved

whole host of new apps appearing and within a year they have

into the world of event apps with a provocatively titled

disappeared.

event; ‘Are event apps innovating or just cashing in’?.

Hosted by Kevin Jackson, director of innovation and

ASM - As a marketplace I would argue it is largely people trying

ideas at Experience is the marketing. The panel was

to do things cheaply and undercut the competition – although

made up of senior event industry personalities all well

there are a select few companies innovating, the fault when it

respected in the field of event tech, who for the most

comes down to lack of innovation lies with the event organisers

part all shared differing opinions:

which is down to tight budgets -without large budgets it’s difficult to innovate especially when most of your competition is going

Jamie Vaughan - MD EMEA, Eventbase = JV

down the same route.

Jason Allan Scott - CEO and Founder, VenueMe = JAS Iain Wallace - Head of Innovation, Lumiinsight = IW

JV - We are very fortunate as we deal with large events so

Andrew Spode Miler – Director, ThinkWall = ASM

budgets aren’t as much of an issue – our platform is being pushed forward quarter on quarter by virtue of funding from

The event kicked off with Kevin Jackson asking the question:

different enterprises. It is largely down to event organisers to innovate and bring energy to an event - although a lot of

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Are event apps Innovating or cashing in?

innovation is evolution - if tech can encourage the traditional

IW – It’s a mixture but I think people are indeed cashing in – a

features of an event and change audience participation through

lot of companies out there are doing the same thing and it’s

the use of beacons for example then we are constantly innovating

very easy for people to create a simple HTML app - you see a

and enhancing ‘traditional’ elements to make them smarter.

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EVENTHUDDLE: ARE APPS INNOVATING OR CASHING IN?

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EVENTHUDDLE: ARE APPS INNOVATING OR CASHING IN? How do we keep event apps from being a distraction?

registration – if it contains social and visual content to engage

ASM – That’s a problem full stop. People are always distracted

will use it. We have features in our apps that use algorithms for

by their phones but the difference is with an event app it’s related

matching – it all aids the ability to push content and find digital

to where they are and what they are doing.

relevance.

JV – Relevance is the correct word. If you apply relevance then

How do we increase tech adoption at events?

it’s not a distraction it’s an aid. Apps and technology need to fit

IW – Why do we use tech in the first place? It’s there to make your

the pocket of the person using it meaning they should behave

life easier– there has to be something in it for the attendee that

better through that use of technology.

enhances their experience. If you look at Facebook they have split

visitors before they arrive it becomes their guidebook and they

out their apps, messenger is a different app – you have to use the JAS – You need to control the room and the event – explain the

right technology for the right reasons to get the right results.

technology, how it is used and how it benefits the user ahead of

Do you feel event apps are taking away the direct communications

the event and this will only add to the engagement.

that meetings are for and the ability for people to just say hello to each other?

IW – Look at the psychology of consumer behaviour and the expectations. Common distractions we all already have such as

IW – Yes. The greatest environment for networking is still the coffee

Facebook - so if you can take that behaviour we already have

stand – nothing beats a 1-2-1 meeting and you need face to face

in our personal lives and mould it into the event space it’s not

from time to time. Sometimes there is too much pressure on the

a distraction it’s an enhancement – focus on user experience.

technology to make things happen.

How do we innovate to create real engagement?

ASM – Not everyone is a natural networker – the hardest part is the

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JV – Relevance creates engagement. Pre-event technology

icebreakers. Tech gives you that initial common ground you may

creates engagement. An app should deploy at the point of

need to start the conversation.

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EVENTHUDDLE: ARE APPS INNOVATING OR CASHING IN?

JV – No it doesn’t. Correct tech will only enhance this – through

they were paying the expense of the Wi-Fi and taking a cut of ticket

icebreaking and certain algorithms to match you with people

sales and within 4 games they had made a profit.

that are relevant. Using beacons for networking can create communities within communities through app messaging which

ASM – If you’re paying £800 then you won’t be innovating you are

should only encourage communication.

simply tick-boxing and therefore cashing in.

Can you build an event-app on a pre-determined budget? If so what is it?

JAS – If you can see an ROI it’s easier to spend upfront. Speaking

There seems to be a resistance to embrace new tech not just event apps – why and how does the industry overcome this?

to people at Las Vegas event tech awards – a lot of them said

ASM – Offer a fall-back. It’s all about knowing your audience and

in beginning they created a minimum viable product (a smaller

what is right for them. Have SMS and MMS as a back-up as most

app to get money in) and in turn build a bigger app using existing

people are comfortable with these long standing formats.

algorithms to bring costs down.

In summary it’s really about knowing your audience and making sure it is right for them, the user experience is the important factor.

IW – Yes. It depends what you want to achieve – the cheapest

It can be affordable if you have the budget, but it really comes down

you can do is £800 - £3,000 for a decent event app. But for £800

to whether it is right for you and your brand or event.

functionality won’t be great and it will all rely on HTML. I worked with start-ups building event apps for football stadia in Germany –

Check out other episodes at www.eventhuddle.co.uk prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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WHERE WE VISITED: WARWICKSHIRE

SCOOBS! SHIRLEY ALL ROADS SHOULD LEAD TO WARWICKSHIRE?

In mid-December 2016, the Prestige Events gang pointed the

whilst being catered) , we watched a jaw-dropping theatrical

Range Rover north-west and put the metal to the floor in time

performance from row 3 that made a total mess of emotional

for a 24-hour burst of authentic ye olde Christmas nostalgia,

strings. The venue’s technical production standard was at such

catch up with some old friends and clients, to see a play at

an immensely high level. As publisher’s of who and where to

the world’s most famous theatre, and stay overnight at the

use for events, I can honestly say that I have never seen such a

country’s most haunted hotel. Where on earth would you find

positive reaction to a theatre as a possible event venue.

all of those qualities outside of London you’re asking yourself,

www.rsc.org.uk

yes? The answer is our editor’s favourite county, Warwickshire.

Yes, that place near the Cotswolds, home to the most famous

WHERE DID WE STAY?

author of all-time and a family whose uninterrupted male

If you want class, stay on this page. If you want charisma, stay

descent can be traced back over a thousand years to the

on this page. IF YOU WANT LEGEND, STAY ON THIS PAGE.

Domesday Book of 1086 and beyond.

All roads should lead Warwickshire’s most celebrated hotel, Ettington Park, (a member of the Handpicked Hotels portfolio)

WHERE DID WE VISIT?

The original villa dates back to Roman times and has been in

The world-famous RSC Stratford-Upon-Avon for a seasonal

the Shirley family, a family whose uninterrupted male descent can

blast of Wendy & Peter Pan. Following an amazing 3-course

be traced back over a thousand years to the Domesday Book

meal in the venue’s Rooftop Restaurant (in which your group

of 1086 and beyond. Apparently this is the most haunted hotel

sit in awe alongside the interior walls of the original stage

in the UK too. prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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WHERE WE VISITED: WARWICKSHIRE With huge gothic architecture that looms over the sweeping countryside, Ettington Park is one of the truly stand-out hotels.

Located just off Fosse Way (a road that dates back to the Romans) and just six miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, this amazing hotel is set in 3,000 acres of the most beautiful English countryside. The reception lobby, oh the reception lobby! Try to imagine arriving in mid-winter, driving through the estate’s pitch black country lanes to be greeted in the cold air by up-lit gothic exteriors, collecting your luggage and heading inside to a lobby with a glorious dark oak staircase and being greeted by Herman Munster. Only joking, our receptionist Darren was the complete antithesis of our icon with a neck-bolt, as were all the staff who made you feel like it was a home from home.

We stayed in the extension to the main house. The room facilities were as you’d expect to find in a luxury hotel for your conference/ hospitality group. Free wi-fi, satellite TV, etc. The all-white bathroom facilities our room were pleasingly a combination of traditional and Victoria Plumb, as much as you’d hope to expect from a flagship hotel and strong contender in this year’s COOL Venue Awards.

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WHERE WE VISITED: WARWICKSHIRE

NOTABLE SUPPLIERS (AND FRIENDS)?

We couldn’t visit Warwickshire without visiting our dear friends at Special EFX - Bespoke Awards & Trophies. If you have never met EFX’s chief Melanie Osborne, you have yet to meet the nicest the person in the industry and producer of designer trophies that everyone wants. They create not only our COOL Venue Awards, but also the trophies for the legendary GQ awards, the British Comedy Awards and British Grand Prix .

Each visit I make to EFX’s office’s which are also in the grounds of Ettington Park, reveals something new and highly unique; whether it be doubling the size of their studios due to demand from new contracts or the installation of their amazing 3D machining, UV print and Laser engraving facilities- their state of the art equipment is second to none.

Further exploration of their rural site reveals more innovative businesses housed inside a converted grain store and granary studio that each respectively produces wind turbines, bespoke silver jewellery and even a chance to throw your own ceramic pots!So the next time you bump into Mel and the gang from EFX, remember that Wes said “if you go down to their woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise!”

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WHERE WE VISITED : LONDON EDITION HOTEL

COOL EDITION WHERE WE STAYED:

WHERE WE ATE/PARTIED:

One thing that always gets me out of a hole with the wife is a trip

We took a table at Berners Tavern and ate their finest steak. I

up to London’s West End. And boy, did I need to come up with

know that sound’s like Delboy’s night-out, but a good steak can

something special for a very deep hole that I was in. There’s an

easily be undone through sloppiness. We like rare, and it’s rare

old saying, ‘treat your client like you treat your wife’.

that that a chef gets it just a s we like: it was perfection.

And in that train of thought, one hotel screamed like an ABC track

Embodying Ian Schrager’s ‘new kind of gathering place’, Soho’s

‘Who’s Got The Look?’, The London Edition.

Berners Tavern is among the most sought-after restaurant

A luxury hotel designed by the legendary hotelier Ian Schrager

reservations in London. Under the direction of Michelin-starred

which occupies a row of Georgian townhouses in Fitzrovia, 2

Executive Chef Jason Atherton, this all-day dining destination

minutes’ walk from Soho and Tottenham Court Road station.

offers seasonal, contemporary British cuisine in an inviting

The British Museum is a 10-minute walk away, another great

space that highlights its historic charm.

attraction for someone you’re trying to impress.

Later threw some shapes night at the hotel’s club, BASEMENT.

The London EDITION, blends groundbreaking innovation, great design, outstanding dining and entertainment with personal,

WHERE WE DRANK AND CHILLED:

friendly, modern service. this luxury boutique hotel preserves

Eclectic art and iconic British and European design elements

the finest aspects of an iconic landmark building (formerly The

intertwine at the Lobby Bar. Conceived for both work and play,

Berners Hotel), but re-invents the spaces within to create a

the venue’s twist on this traditional space offers complimentary

dynamic fusion of old and new, past and present.

Wi-Fi, a black-walnut communal table and Apple desktop computers, as well as intimate seating areas with tufted sofas

WHERE WE SLEPT:

and a snooker table. We sunk into the sofas and ploughed

Following a visit to Book of Mormons in Piccadilly, we slept in

through the huge almanac of rare Marvel Comics front covers.

a superior room. Cosy, sophisticated and flooded with natural

A stainless steel orb, designed by Ingo Maurer, allows a

light, rooms exude a yacht cabin-like feel with oak floors and dark

discreet glimpse of all the action. The cocktails, oh the many

walnut wood panelling, a desk and table cantilevered off the walls,

wonderful cocktails, from the signature Clearer Colada to the

luxurious linens, a tufted George Smith lounge chair and Hendrik

Rums ‘n’ Roses, conceived by the talented Davide Segat.

Kerstens photograph set in a gold-leaf baroque frame. The five

30

star hotel has 173 unique guest rooms and suites. Our bed was

OVERALL OPINION:

large enough to fit a 5-a-side football team.

Probably the COOLest hotel in the UK.

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WHERE WE VISITED : LONDON EDITION HOTEL

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EVENT SHOWCASE: MERCEDES-BENZ, BERLIN FASHION WEEK

EVENT UNFORGETTABLE!

THE COOLEST BRAND JUST GOT COOLER

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EVENT SHOWCASE: MERCEDES-BENZ, BERLIN FASHION WEEK

Berlin/Stuttgart. The protagonists of the current Fashion Campaign – model Natasha Poly, photographer Jeff Bark and latex designer Atsuko Kudo – gave interesting insights into the making of the spectacular campaign on the third day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin. The campaign image shows the top model alongside the new Mercedes-Benz SL, both dressed in high-shine, blue latex.

Wolfgang

Schattling,

director

of

Motorsport

Marketing

Communications and Branded Entertainment at MercedesBenz, welcomed the protagonists to the lounge of the official venue at Brandenburg Gate. “The Mercedes-Benz SL is an icon of sports car history since the debut of the 300 SL in 1954.

That’s why the campaign image with the new SL had to be remarkable. We created something that has never been done before; we covered the whole car in latex.”

Difficult but exciting, the unique processes were then explained

by Jeff Bark, Atsuko Kudo and Natasha Poly. 130 squaremeters of latex, an area the size of a tennis court, were needed to cover the SL completely. “Atsuko worked three whole days on the cover and when we created the vacuum to suck out the last bit of air on the day of the shoot at 4am, we were all speechless.

It was an amazing moment when the lines of the SL became visible 1:1 beneath the latex,” said Jeff Bark. “I completely illuminated the car to highlight its three-dimensionality. Colour and light were not retouched but were created on set during the shoot. My excitement transferred to the whole team despite temperatures over 40 degrees and an extremely tight schedule,” he added. prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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EVENT SHOWCASE: MERCEDES-BENZ, BERLIN FASHION WEEK It was also a completely new experience with latex for Natasha Poly. “Three people were needed to get me into the outfit.

Everything had to fit perfectly. The result turned out amazing. I have never seen such an incredible car before, and of course not in latex.”

It was a new challenge for Atsuko Kudo who has previously designed outfits for Beyoncé, Kate Moss and Lady Gaga. “I am obsessed with latex and immediatly saw the incredible silhouette of the Mercedes-Benz SL – similar to my designs. To customize the cover from handmade latex panels was something completely new and the moment when the vacuum showed the curves was unforgettable.”

After the Fashion Talk, where the Fashion Film was also presented, the protagonists and Wolfgang Schattling attended the show of Xavi Reyes, presented by Mercedes-Benz and ELLE. The emerging Spanish designer impressed with his unisex creations, where the lines between femininity and masculinity were blurred and future and tradition were united.

Imagery of the Fashion Talk can be downloaded from the following link: www.mercedes-benz.com/fashion-newsroom.

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EVENT SHOWCASE: MERCEDES-BENZ, BERLIN FASHION WEEK

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CHRISTMAS - A REFLECTION

10 Funniest Christmas Party Disasters

by Will Broome of Londonlaunch

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CHRISTMAS - A REFLECTION January is a good month for reflections on Christmas. Part of the fun of the Christmas party season is that it’ll all go horribly wrong! I mean, that’s partly the point of the Christmas party isn’t it? There’s nothing like a legendary story or two to pass down from generation to generation about how, in 1996, Charlie from Marketing ended up in Bedfordshire without any trousers on and a fragment of dinosaur rib in his jacket pocket.

‘Dippy’ now has an artificial rib and there’s a sign saying ‘Don’t touch the dinosaur!’

2. Sexy Secret Santa! We’ve all been there - tempted to go for either the most insulting or the most erotic gift we can anonymously give, without repercussions! The more adventurous amongst us have given something wildly inappropriate in the vain hope that someone else will get the blame, whilst we all benefit from the hilarious consequences! This never works though. Just ask the boss who bought someone a prosthetic penis (sounds softer that the actual word for it (no pun intended!)) who’s gift

Or how Jayde had a fight with a bouncer, put a traffic cone on

was treated with universal tumbleweed before said gift (we’ll

her head, crashed a Boris bike whilst shouting random Welsh

call it ‘exhibit D’) mysteriously went missing and so was clearly

words at the top of her lungs and fell asleep in a pool of her own

appreciated by someone...! Secret Santa indeed...!

sick in the middle of the road (that one’s true). Gone are the days of over-emphasised HR pampering and strained political

3. Boss’ Speeches about Success. These would be great, even

correctness which seems to have been designed exclusively

motivational, if we didn’t all get such shit pay! Mixed messages

to suck the joy out of Christmas. With classic 80’s notions of

don’t work well at the best of times but at the Christmas party

inequality and systematic surreptitious inappropriateness in the

where drinks are involved? Not a chance. This is similar to the

City generally consigned to the past, I believe that we should

notion upheld by ‘jobsworths’ the world over - those who are

cast aside our intrinsic fear of consequential retribution and

somehow offended by being invited to a mildly imaginative

get on with having some good old fashioned fun. Plus, there

Christmas party because it looks like it cost quite a bit to produce.

never seems to be a photocopier around when you need one

It’s almost as bad as saying “Don’t do a Christmas party this year

anyway...

Ok, so not everyone’s going to push the festive boundaries quite as far as Jayde did, but hopefully my overly graphic description (of the quintessentially inevitable Christmas party experience) has de-sensitised you a little as to what’s coming next?!

Here are ten (true) things that have gone wrong in the past, on your behalf, so you don’t have to do it this year!: 1. Don’t break the Dinosaur! As possibly the most famous Christmas Party story in London’s glitteringly fabulous festive event history, the Natural History Museum’s prize centrepiece, ‘Dippy’ the Diplodocus (discovered in the USA in the late 1800’s) came face to face with its fiercest adversary for 60 million years - a bad boy City banker! A few drinks later and this adventurous ‘pisshead-entologist’ spontaneously leapt from his table and started to ascend the dinosaur’s gigantic frame (well, it’s ribcage anyway). It turns out, though, that 60 million year old dinosaur ribs aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. A rumoured thirty thousand pounds and an almost certain sacking later,

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CHRISTMAS - A REFLECTION - just give me the equivalent money”. This annoys me because we obviously all like money but it defeats the entire purpose of Christmas not to celebrate in style. Except for the Jesus part maybe. So it’s either shit pay and a great party. Or you’re fired!

4. Drink. Drink. And just one more drink. We’ve all been there. Crawled into the office the morning after and groaned the enduring mantra - “Uurgh - I’m never drinking again, ever!”. Well, as it turns out, you are. Just give it a day, maybe two and you’ll be back! In fact, chances are that you’ve probably had way more than ‘one too many’ because the illusive art of ‘knowing when to stop’ is more difficult to perfect than an actual Jedi mind trick.

Just remember, drink is the route of all evil. And much fun. Find that balance... about this is that I have absolutely no recollection of how I pulled 5. Being sick on your boss. This one happened to a school

this off. None whatsoever. Goddammit!

friend of mine, obviously! Whilst working for a major City Bank he climbed up on to the dining table in a very public place, attempted

7. Photocopiers. If there’s one anywhere near your office party

singing, reverted to general drunken wine glass kicking boss-

then it’s going to be done. It’s as simple as that. If you’re a boss

abuse before bringing forth the perfect ‘Chunder Storm’. All

who doesn’t like butt and boob prints (loser!), don’t throw a party in

over his formidable CEO. He was fired but it was totally worth

your actual office. Ever.

it. Apparently.

8. Live Twitter falls (fails!). This is a first world problem and it’s 6. Ending up in bed with your boss. Years ago, before I was

brilliant sport. Last year I attended a major 1,000 person shared

the boss of anything, I somehow ended up in bed with four of my

party in one of London’s most prominent large scale venues. It

(really attractive) PR bosses after our Christmas party, who had

even has indoor bumper cars! One of the many fun features was a

stripped down to their underwear. I know this because I still have

gigantic real-time Twitter wall whereby revellers were encouraged

photographic evidence, somewhere. The really annoying thing

to contribute positive tweets about the event. What could possibly

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CHRISTMAS - A REFLECTION

go wrong? Well, in fact, nothing because a clever 30 second

lady who boarded a train at Victoria and woke up in the middle

‘approval delay’ policy was in place whereby the designated

of the night, locked in her overland carriage with all the lights off,

‘Twitter police’ could vet controversial tweets following the

parked in a siding at a railway depot somewhere near a freezing

previous year’s real time exposé of a high profile corporate

cold Southampton. The end of the line for that particular Christmas

affair - in giant format! Come to think of it, we had a hilarious

party then...!

situation at the last Crowdfinders Summit where a delegate tweeted that one of our keynotes was “smoking hot” (during

And, finally, just to take it back to the Old School (literally)

her keynote). Which she is. A righteous lady delegate then had

10. The school Christmas Party. The one where I got drunk,

a very public Twitter-fit (like a hissy fit but on Twitter) until the

climbed up a drainpipe onto the roof of School House, painted a

keynote replied and favourited the tweet because, think about

gigantic obscenity, stumbled around a bit, fell down a gaping gulley

it, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being called “Smoking

and spent much of the next morning hanging in my study trying

hot!”. Whoever you are. Jeez...

to convince my mum to look at naked pictures of Madonna when I was supposed to be collecting the PE prize in front of the entire

9. Falling asleep on the tube...This is an occupational hazard

school in the Speech Room. Soon after, I was expelled. Stay off the

and happens all the time. The best example I know of is the

drugs kids....! Seriously. prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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GLOBAL VENUES Red Bull’s Copper Recording Studio

5

Best

Of The Worldwide Event Venues 1. Lappia Hall, a significant public building by Alvar Aalto in

Red Bull’s international network of state-of-the-art studios, offering

the Finnish capital of Lapland has reopened after an extensive

a creative space.

but sensitive renovation. The building holds Rovaniemi Theatre – the northernmost theatre of the European Union – the Finnish

4. The very recent addition of the Broad Museum – now the

Broadcasting Company, and the Music School of Lapland.

LA’s largest free contemporary art spot, opened in September

They are all housed under a distinctive wavy roof, which was

– has confirmed the Downtown neighbourhood’s status as a

intended to reference the mountains nearby.

permanent cultural destination for Angelinos and visitors.

2. Ramp House in Sao Paulo’s decor and interior design

5. Matheson Whiteley’s Hackney Artist Studio is

– here, the wonderfully intimate but spare mood is the work of

immaculate. The team identified the original envelope’s rawness

Diana Radomysler and was conceived as a fundamental part

and scale as its most striking feature and worked to keep this,

of the architecture, creating a dramatic sense of completion.

avoiding excessive lining or fake ceilings. ‘This meant that the existing service pipes from the apartments had to be carefully

42

3. Red Bull’s Copper recording studio is creating

incorporated, almost in a compositional way, into the design, giving

works of art inside and out. Wrapped in over a kilometre of

them a kind of logic,’ explains Matheson. ‘We tried to keep things

undulating copper bands that mimic the natural flow of sound

as direct as possible and to maintain an ambiguity about what was

and music, the new music hub in Berlin is the twelfth addition to

original and what is new.’ Go. See. Now

prestigeeventsmagazine.com

GLOBAL VENUES Broad Museum

Ramp House

Matheson Whiteley’s Hackney Artist Studio

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SUPPLIER FOCUS: CHEW EVENTS

Event Agency With Real Bite Chew- corporate hospitality and events worldwide - is giving the industry something unique to bite on since its official launch just over two years ago. The brainchild of former Imagination project manager Richard Brown and Chillisauce business development manager Matthew Curran, Chew most definitely epitomises the charisma of its two founding fathers. Indeed, Brown says: “Chew is a reflection of our business ethos and personalites; it’s a vibrant, personable, creative and reliable event agency.”

The collective minds of these two bright sparks makes them a force to be reckoned with. Brown explains the two make for a formibable team due to their extensive combined experience within the corporate and private events sphere and Curran agrees adding: “We have delivered events for clients all over the world from incentive trips and conferences to parties, product launches and roadshows. It’s something we do well and this is at the core of our agency. Although boutique, we have the flair and ability to host great events at home and internationally.”

With 20 years combined experience under their belts organising a plethora of events the duo decided the time was right to go it alone. The timing of the decision couldn’t have been better as corporate budgets were returning following the adversities of the recession. Everything appeared to align and with little to no marketing the agency had clients coming to them for recommendations. Not long after, the agency had confirmed business from clients including Twinings, Google, Pearson, Aitch and Investigo.

To boost the reach of the business Brown and Curran officially launched the agency to the industry with an internationally themed party (inspired by the company’s tag line) for corporate clients, venue agents and press. The Earlham Street Clubhouse in Covent Garden played host to the celebratory event attracting representatives from Barclays and Sony. The party atmosphere was intentionally laid back and fun with guests first welcomed by a Chew air hostess and pilot. Revellers sipped on world cocktails 44

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and tucked into canapés, New York style thin pizzas, branded Chew cupcakes and barbeque, jalapeno, chilli salt and cheddar flavoured popcorn. Entertainment included the Just Dance Nintendo Wii game and a prop box with wigs and glasses for those wanting to take the ubiquitous selfie.

Since its official launch Chew has proved it has real bite and carved out an impressive reputation in the industry. The agency is growing, taking on an enviable list of new clients and creating slick event experiences around the globe in destinations including Dubai, New York, Madrid, Malta and the UK. Taking the agency to new heights, Chew partnered with REVIV Wellness Clinic to bring its unique IV infusion treatments and wellness booster shots to the events industry for the very first time. Chew organised previews for corporate clients to experience the treatment properties first-hand with great success.

What does the future hold for Chew? “Excitingly we have 40% more overseas events in a number of exotic locations including South Africa, Ibiza, Kuala Lumpur, Croatia, Vietnam and cutting-edge Berlin,” says Curran. The agency has also taken on two account executives that will assist with events and be a point of contact for all clients. Chew is looking to further expand the team with two or three more people. Although expanding, the duo is keen to keep their boutique status with global reach. “There’s no use in growing too quickly and finding it unsustainable, we want to create a strong brand loyalty with our clients, that’s really important to us,” says Brown.

Chew can advise and direct clients to countries, venues and activities that suit them best creating bespoke event experiences that really deliver. With Brown and Curran at the helm, clients benefit from a personable, creative and reliable agency committed to producing the most unique events around the world.

SUPPLIER FOCUS: CHEW EVENTS Get in touch

B-12 ENERGEY BOOSTER - increases natural energy levels and

Telephone: 01371 873 006

helps to boost the immune system.

Email: info@chewevents.co.uk Website: chewevents.co.uk

IV treatments take between 30-45 minutes and are designed to hydrate, restore vitamin levels and energy. Effects are felt

AGENCY GIVES INDUSTRY SOMETHING TO CHEW ON Event agency Chew has partnered with REVIV Wellness Clinic to bring its unique IV infusion treatments and wellness booster

immediately, developing fully over a few hours and booster shots only take a few seconds to administer. Containing vitamins the booster shot restores energy working instantaneously and typically lasts for a few days.

shots to the events industry for the very first time. With clinics in the US, UK and more recently the Netherlands; REVIV Wellness

REVIV was founded by a group of board certified emergency

offers a selection of IV treatments which help to restore hydration

room physicians, with a combined 40 years of medical experience

and energy. Fans of the treatments include Millie Mackintosh,

treating dehydration and low energy levels. REVIV Wellness Spas

Simon Cowell, Rhianna and Madonna.

are staffed with board certified physicians, registered nurses and trained paramedics. REVIV’s doctors and trained medical staff

Chew co-founder Matthew Curran says: “We are excited to

take great care to ensure the REVIV customer experience is quick,

work with REVIV and bring their product range to the industry.

efficient and relaxing.

Pampering treatments are readily available at events from massages to manicures. As an agency we want to be at the

Want to REVIV your next event? Contact Chew on telephone:

forefront of innovation and see the potential of offering REVIV

01371 873 006 or email: info@chewevents.co.uk

treatments to event organisers and corporate buyers who want to add a new, alternative element to their events. With REVIV

For further press information or images please contact Sharon at

treatments attendees can enjoy an enriching event experience

Big Wednesday PR on:

as their energy levels get a boost. It’s a great way to incorporate

T: 0208 560 0550 E: sharon@bigwednesdaypr.com

a feel-good sensory guest experience.”

Chew will roll out REVIV’s specialist treatments through mobile units and pop-up centres, making them a VIP feature at various types of events including VIP lounges, premieres, parties, festivals, exhibitions, launches and conferences. The menu will be available for organisers to choose from prior to their event, with fully trained REVIV physicians administering treatments on the day.

REVIV treatments and boosters include: MEGABOOST IV- restores the body with minerals, different antioxidants and electrolytes to bring the body back into equilibrium, maximising productivity, giving a healthy and refreshed feeling.

ULTRAVIV IV - refreshes the body to help it recover from the toughest of days and nights.

VITAGLOW IV – reverses the effects of free radicals, rejuvenates the skin and cleanses vital organs.

SLIMBOOST BOOSTER - maximises energy and fitness; contains vitamins, amino acids and anti-oxidants to keep the body active and productive. prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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VENUES BY THE WATER

Venues Near Water

Sage Gateshead is an international home for music and musical discovery. It houses two main stages of acoustic

excellence, a 26-room music education centre, a music information resource centre, four bars, a brasserie and a café.

The building itself is spectacular and entry is free, so pop in and have a look around for great views of the Quayside next time you’re near the River Tyne.

country house hotel accommodation has received raved reviews of late for it’s simple and classic perfection. Oh and it’s only about two hours from London!

The Mermaid is well located next to Blackfriars station with sweeping views across the Thames. It ticks some important boxes for organisers with room for 500 guests on the upper level and 300

The Jesmond Dene is in an enviable location; almost in

on the lower. The refurbishment in 2013 resulted in the river rooms

the country yet still in the city near the Tyne. Passionate that the

being restyled with an open-plan layout, contemporary furniture,

guests are well looked after and this independent hotel makes its

LED lighting and dark wood floors.

own rules. Whether you come to Jesmond Dene House to meet a friend for coffee or for an indulgent weekend away, they look after you in exactly the same way. Your comfort is their priority.

Beechfield House is nestled close to the River Avon, a

wonderfully relaxing luxury hotel near Bath, the comfortable

Namco Funscape is… well it’s Namco. It’s awesome and we can wholly guarantee one thing at this venue above all others.

FUN. Oh and it’s by the Thames on the Southbank so you really couldn’t get a better location. prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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SUPPLIER FOCUS: ZAPS MAGIC

MIND IS THE MAGIC So, Zap, how did you get into the position you’re in today?

weird sensations. I like my performances to be “experiential”,

I was studying for a Maths Degree and joined the English Civil

which means that the guests will actually be involved with the

War Society where I realised I have a talent to entertain. I honed

performance and will feel the magic happening in their own

this through intensive training and performance all over the UK

hands. When guests feels a coin bending in their hand, and

with a Commedia Dell’Arte troupe called “The Gobbi Players”

when a signed note is found in the middle of a kiwi fruit that they

where all my creativity was pushed into the spotlight performing

were holding the reaction is amazing, and the rush I get from

as ‘The Magic Cavalier’. I was then the resident magician and

knowing I created that moment for them is amazing

sword fighter at ‘The Shakespeare Tavern’ in London and it didn’t take long for word-of-mouth to spread! Management at a

What’s a promotional tactic you love to use?

number of Prestigious Venues, together with ‘Event Management

Magic is one of those activities that needs to be seen to really

Agencies’ began calling upon my expertise. This led to weekly

appreciate what is going on. I am not the typical magician

performances as a resident magician at such notorious and

with tattoos and who barely has a command of the English

legendary venues like Peppermint Park and Coconut Grove.

language, there is a different energy when I perform. I like

Being seen in all the right places got me to perform at the Roof

my work to be engaging and very interactive, so I use any

Gardens in Kensington, which soon turned into me becoming the

networking opportunities to get the chance to demonstrate what

“In Flight” entertainment for Virgin Atlantic for all the inaugural

I do in a live environment, without the aid of camera tricks ( as

flights.

used by many TV Magicians ) Once my performance gets my foot in the door, I follow up with some email marketing

What has been a career highlight for you so far?

Have you got any mentors in the biz? Or mentored anyone?

Performing in Cyprus ( where I come from ) alongside Tom

I spent years watching all the acts performing in and around

Jones, Rod Stewart and Earth Wind and Fire for Sir Philip Greens

the Covent Garden Piazza. I also watched a lot of Paul Daniels

Birthday Party was amazing.

back in the day. His people management is amazing. I spent a lot of time with and old school friend of mine call Fay Presto

What are some upcoming projects you’re excited about?

and I got a lot of inspiration from her, and I still do to this day.

Every year, I am responsible for putting entertainment

Right now I really like a young magician called Jonny Driscoll. I

proposals for graduation balls and corporate parties. This year

predict he will be a big part of the future of magic

is no exception! I am excited about putting a proposal for the prospective client, then once confirmed, I love scheduling the

Where trends do you see evolving over the next five

event, then finally running the event on the night. My best party

years?

ever was a function at the Grosvenor Hotel and I hope that this

Seeing a lot of magic on TV has made magic quite cool now,

year’s projects will be bigger and better!

but there is nothing like performing to a live audience. Magic is a cool way of entertaining at an event in a very cost effective

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Why is magic so exciting in event entertainment?

way. I think the trend will be for more close up magicians, unlike

Magic has a capacity to provoke feelings, emotional reactions and

the stage magicians who can have expensive production costs.

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SUPPLIER FOCUS: RAVENOUS

TIME2GET

Ravenous@Loft Studios

The Loft has entered into this exciting new relationship with

so this is another string to our bow and perfect for corporate

Ravenous - what was it that got you so excited about the

clients wishing to add more emphasis in a unique and social

venue and organisation?

way at mealtimes

Loft Studios is very close to our offices and therefore a part of

2. Weddings

our community. Furthermore Loft Studios have spent the last 7

Loft host magnificent weddings and we take the wedding

years building up their business and have invested hundreds of

catering to a different level. Together with the Loft management

thousands of pounds into the studios including a state of the art

and stylists, our catering planners and chefs; these combined

kitchen. We spoke with them during a period when their event

skills are the crucial difference that makes LOFT one of the

side of their business was already peaking and they foresaw the

best and most unique venues in London. When our team meet

advantages of taking on an in house caterer.

the client we become involved, we are interested in everything from their favourite food as an adult, as a child, restaurants,

How do you see Ravenous’ role in this relationship?

holidays, memories - everything that expresses the wedding client’s personality. We then go on to design an inspired menu

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Ravenous and Loft Studios now work together on many types of

with engaging presentation thereby creating a personal and

events and we combine perfectly on every level.

memorable service for their special day.

1. Photography Shoots, Conference Days and PR Launches

3. Abundant Feasts

Our wheat and dairy free High Energy Catering is perfect for Loft

Our abundant Feasts are perfect for special birthday parties -

daily photography shoots, the photographers and models love

and there are many of these at Loft Studios. Fabulous hosts

our food! Our High Energy Catering is also perfect for conference

looking for that unique style and menu that reflects their

days and PR launches - we enhancing brand message with food

eclectic and often international lifestyles. Our presentation

prestigeeventsmagazine.com

SUPPLIER FOCUS: RAVENOUS

is “out of the box” and a popular style we do is a multi levelled

Our diversity and ability to provide specialist catering within all the

food table covered with grass, foliage, wild flowers and herbs.

areas Loft Studios specialize in themselves and of course it’s all

The abundant feast is presented within the “garden” on huge

about people. We work well with the Loft management who are

earthenware platters.

all as inspired and enthusiastic about events and food as we are!

4. Street food

More and More venues are being sucked up into big

Our Street Food concept and delivery consists of 5 key

portfolios such as Lime Venues and Concerto. How do

elements; Installations, service, food presentation and great

you see the future for the independent venue/caterer

tasting, appropriate but innovative food. Our ethos and

relationship?

approach to Street Food is to bring together a variety of perspectives with an emphasis on matters of provenance and alternative food production, consumption practices, Fairtrade, local and farm sourcing. We have a beautiful wood fired oven installed in Daylight Studio at Loft Studios; perfect for roasting succulent meats for kebabs or firing our famous pizzas. We have our own Smoke House and make our own DOGS

The only answer is to be as diversely specialist as possible without losing the unique quirkiness and flavour all clients are looking for these days.

Because we have remained “relatively” small despite many offers to dilute and expand we are able to connect with every one of our clients and get fully involved - once we establish a Ravenous client

and sliders, our own Artisan breads, fermented relishes and

the rest is easy; using our natural creativity we listen hard and align

chutneys. Street food is arguably the best service we provide.

the client with the right idea enabling personal touch and vibrancy to be maintained.

What are the factors that make Ravenous so unique and attractive to The Loft?

www.wearervenous.co.uk prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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COOL Venue Awards Nominees Party 2016

Well, that was a helluva COOL Venue Awards nominees party at EGG London and a great way to get Christmas started! A small group of 300 carefully selected people danced the night away on a Saturday Night Fever style dancefloor to DJ Peter Poyton’s floorfillers (we don’t do cheesy!), whilst sipping Legend of Kremlin vodka, and Sprizatto, and uploading their comments and photos onto social media via the wicked Giant Itabs.

NOMINEES 2016 Simply put, one minute you are cool, the next minute you may not be. COOL is a matter of opinion.

It is perhaps the greatest currency you can possess; whether you are running for president, or pitching for the next big event!

It is what gives an events venue the position of strength when negotiating with an event organiser.

The COOL Venue Awards, an entirely unique and defining accolade, were developed in 2007 by Wesley Mendy of Prestige Events magazine to recognise an unsung, but probably the largest influential element that emerges in the process of planning a corporate event – how exciting is the venue? Will the invitees rsvp? Will they turn up? Inthe current economic climate, the pressure on an event organiser is even more apparent. The need for an event venue to gain the chance to position itself aside form it’s rivals has more emphasis than ever before. every corporate event organiser strives to ensure their next event is the hot ticket. Over the past 14 years, Prestige Events magazine (est. 2003) has tried to identify for its readers, venues which will make the difference and set its editorial compass on what’s COOL for the benefit of its UK readership of event organisers.

The barometer should not be biased towards all that is ‘new’ in our opinion. There is always a place for the classic / heritage venue. They often possess a character, charisma, and class that many ‘newer’ builds cannot yet match.

So what is the criteria used to determine who is COOL? A COOL venue should have: charisma, originality, style, innovation, sex appeal, authenticity, aspiration, and uniqueness. COOL is a very personal opinion. Therefore, a panel of judges was selected to form a judges council. Each understood the intrinsic factors, elements and characteristics that deem a venue to be cool. the judges council represents a diverse collective; writers, industry figureheads, and event organisers / specialists. They have applied the strict guideline that each nominee should not be selected as a result of its technical capabilities, since many of these facets (lighting, av, etc) can be imported. We have continued to decide against giving you a couple of ‘runners-up’ iin each category.

Firstly, it gives you – the event organiser – no wide scope of alternatives, and secondly, as a magazine we are supposed to be giving you advice and guidance. Creating a large judging panel allows for a democratic process to take place and produces a true gauge on the event industry’s coolest venues.

This is part of what makes the awards unique and generates the immense currency value so engaging within the industry.

Happy reading!

Wesley Mendy, CEO/Publisher, Prestige Events magazine and the COOL Venue Awards

COOLest Hotel Chain

COOLest Venue Portfolio

Dorchester Collection

Late Night London

Maybourne Hotel Group

Concerto Group

Rosewood

Lime Venue Portfolio

Firmdale

ITA Venues

Crazy Bear Group

Searcys

Elite Hotels

De Vere Venues

Red Carnation Hotels

Crown Group

Millennium Hotels

Merlin Entertainments

Handpicked Hotels

Historic Royal Palaces

Radisson Blu Edwardian London Hilton

COOLest Boutique Hotel Hotel Café Royal

COOLest Historic Venue

Ham Yard Hotel

Blenheim Palace

The Ampersand

Somerset House

The Athenaeum

Tower Bridge

Malmaison London

Tower of London

Hotel Gotham

Churchill war Rooms

Old Swan and Minster Mill

Chandos House

Mallory Court

De Vere Holborn Bars

The Wellesley

RSC Stratford Upon Avon

London Edition

Halle St Peters

Courthouse Hotel

116 Pall Mall

Somerset House

Saatchi

COOLest On-Water Venue

COOLest Conference / Exhibition Centre

Spitbank Fort

Barbican

Tower Bridge

Congress Centre

Pig on the Beach, Dorset

The Crystal

HMS Belfast

Alexandra Palace

The Yacht

Imperial College

Bateaux London

IET Savoy Place

Thames Luxury Charters Sunborn London

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel BMA House 30 Euston Square

Cutty Sark

116 Pall Mall

Royal Caribbean

Kings Place

Royal Yacht Britannia COOLest Sporting Venue Emirates Stadium Wembley Stadium Goodwood Twickenham Chelsea FC Lord’s Snozone Ricoh Arena Emirates Old Trafford

COOLest for Film Premiere After-Parties Café de Paris The Roof Gardens The Playboy Club Aqua - Facebook Freemasons Hall The Trafalgar Hotel / Visa Rooftop Bar Vauxhall Arches Warner Bros Studio Tour London The London Edition Hippodrome CasinoHard Rock Café

Kempton Park Silverstone COOLest Spa COOLest Museum / Gallery

Shangri La London

Science Museum

Chewton Glen

The V&A

Four Seasons Hampshire

British Museum

Celtic Manor

Imperial War museum

Langham

Natural History Museum

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel

Museum of Brands

Corinthia

National Portrait Gallery

The Berkeley

Saatchi Gallery

The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall

Museum of London

The Grove

Wellcome Collection

The Belfry

Whitechapel Gallery

New York edition

COOLest for Corporate Fun

COOLest for Small Meetings

Warner Bros studio Tour london

Ice Tank

Alton Towers

De Vere Venues Holborn Bars

Go Ape

The Connaught

Mercedes Benz World

White Rabbit Studios

Bounce Ping Pong

ETC Venues / 155 Bishopsgate

Top Golf

Wallacespace

Kidzania

Wellcome Collection

Brooklyn Bowl at the o2

The Lanesborough

Bear Grylls Academy

Cavendish Venues / America Square

Kempton Park

1 Wimpole Street Studio Birmingham

COOLest for Awards Ceremonies The Hurlingham Club

COOLest for AGM’S

East Wintergarden

The Royal Exchange

Roundhouse

QEII Centre

The Bloomsbury Ballroom

Mermaid Theatre

Café de Paris

Tate Modern

AEG Live at the o2

Painters Hall

The Savoy

Central Hall Westminster

Freemasons Hall

London’s Living Room

Battersea Evolution

Freemasons Hall

Banqueting house

Royal Hortcicultural Halls

Hilton Bankside

Sadler’s Wells 1 Wimpole Street

COOLest for Gala’s Middle Temple Hall

COOLest for Product Launches

Banking Hall

Sky Garden

OXO 2

Arcelor Mittal Orbit Tower

The Ivory Vaults

The Sorting Office

LSO St Lukes

Old Billingsgate

Dutch Hall

Saatchi Gallery

Gibson Hall

Altitude 360

Old Billingsgate

The Roof Gardens

Victoria Warehouse

London Edition

Plaisterers Hall

National Centre for Circus Acts / Shoreditch Electric Light Station

Grand Connaught Rooms

Blenheim Palace

COOLest for Receptions

COOLest Country House

The Deck

Weston Park

The Roof Gardens

Luton Hoo

Hurlingham Club

Ettington Park

Sky Garden

Fetcham Park

Steam & Rye

Ashridge House

One marylebone

Aynhoe Park

View From The Shard

Gleneagles

Sunbeam Studios

Ellenborough Park

EGG London

Cliveden

Inn The Park

Cromlix House

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge COOLest Temporary Structure COOLest for Outdoor events

Serpentine Pavilion

The Roof Gardens

The Deck

Top Golf

Bloomsbury Big Top

Borough Market

Selfridges Roof Gardens

The HAC

The Pavilion at the Tower Of London

Somerset House

Battersea Evolution

Mercedes Benz World

HAC Artillery Gardens

Center Parcs

EGG London

St Pauls Cathedral

Dine in the Sky

Kia Oval

Optix

Bruntingthorpe

York and Albany - Winter Chalet

Heart of England COOLest Overseas Venue COOLest Members Club

Sheraton Huhzou Hot Spring Resort

The Playboy Club

Burj Khalifa

Mortons Club

Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza

The Groucho Club

JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai

The Roof Gardens

The Rockefeller Building, New York

No.5 Cavendish Square

Grand Excelsior Malta

Soho House

National Centre for Performing Arts, Thailand

41 Mayfair

The Esplanade, Singapore Theatre

Home House

Antique D’Orange, France

Adam Street

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Hospital Club

The Edition, New York

ITA

Ettington park

COOLest On-Water Venue

COOLest Conference / Exhibition Centre

Spitbank Fort

Barbican

Tower Bridge

Congress Centre

Pig on the Beach, Dorset

The Crystal

HMS Belfast

Alexandra Palace

The Yacht

Imperial College

Bateaux London

IET Savoy Place

Thames Luxury Charters Sunborn London

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel BMA House 30 Euston Square

Cutty Sark

116 Pall Mall

Royal Caribbean

Kings Place

Royal Yacht Britannia COOLest Sporting Venue Emirates Stadium Wembley Stadium Goodwood Twickenham Chelsea FC Lord’s Snozone Ricoh Arena Emirates Old Trafford

COOLest for Film Premiere After-Parties Café de Paris The Roof Gardens The Playboy Club Aqua - Facebook Freemasons Hall The Trafalgar Hotel / Visa Rooftop Bar Vauxhall Arches Warner Bros Studio Tour London The London Edition Hippodrome CasinoHard Rock Café

Kempton Park Silverstone COOLest Spa COOLest Museum / Gallery

Shangri La London

Science Museum

Chewton Glen

The V&A

Four Seasons Hampshire

British Museum

Celtic Manor

Imperial War museum

Langham

Natural History Museum

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel

Museum of Brands

Corinthia

National Portrait Gallery

The Berkeley

Saatchi Gallery

The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall

Museum of London

The Grove

Wellcome Collection

The Belfry

Whitechapel Gallery

View from the Shard

COOLest Venue Architecture

COOLest Bar / Club

Shangri-La hotel at the Shard

Shaka Zulu

Royal Opera House

Gilgamesh

The Crystal

Ministry of Sound

Blenheim Palace

Radio Rooftop Bar

Banqueting House

Egg LDN

Somerset House

Café de Paris

Arcelor Mittal Orbit

Hotel Gotham

View from the Shard

Bounce Ping Pong

Roman Baths, bath

Barrio East

Victorian Bath House, London

Village Underground

Hotel Gotham

Steam and Rye

Searcy’s at the gherkin

Gotham

Shaka Zulu

1 Wimpole street

COOLest Restaurant, per se

COOLest meditteranean Restaurant

Duck + Waffle

Sarastro

Hawksmoor

Iberica

stk at ME by Melia

Beach Blanket Babylon

The Chiltern Firehouse

Copa de cava

Heddon Street

Apsleys

Mint Leaf meat liquor

COOLest American Restaurant

Sky Garden

Christopher’s

Sexy Fish

Steam & Rye

Gilgamesh

Meat Liqour

German Gymnasium

The Big Easy Red Dog Saloon

COOLest Oriental Restaurant

Hard Rock Café

kenza

The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch

Hakkasan Bonedaddies Sushisamba Gilgamesh COOLest Italian Restaurant Theo Randall ,Jamies Italian Restaurants, The River Café, Novikov London, San Carlo Cichetti

The Dorchester Champagne Afternoon Tea on The Promenade

COOLest Latin American Restaurant

COOLest French Restaurant

Ceviche

Brasserie Zedel

Wahaca

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Gaucho

Sketch

Floridita

Galvin at The Windows

Barrio East

Les Trois Garcons

The Cuban

Le Gavroche

La Bodega Negra

Clos Maggiore

Coolest Indian restaurant Dishoom

COOLest British Restaurant

Mint Leaf

Roast

Veerashwamy

Tudor Barn Eltham

Cinnamon Kitchen

Dinner by Heston

Gymkhana

London Edition - Berners Tavern Wright Brothers

COOLest Middle-Eastern Restaurant

Holborn Dining Rooms

Kenza

Drake and Morgan at Kings Cross

Yalla yalla

smiths of Smithfield

Moma’s Haz

Mercedes Benz World

COOLest Afro-Caribbean Restaurant

COOLest South American Restaurant

Shaka Zulu

Sushisamba

Caribbean Scene

Cabana

Mango Room

Cerviche

The Rum Kitchen

Rodizo Rico

Mango Shack

Guanabara

Three Little Birds, Brixton Turtle Bay

KENSINGTON ROOF GARDENS

S

SPONSORS

#

# COOLVENUEAWARDS

SPONSORS

9th Annual COOL Venue Awards 2016 3rd March 2015 6.30pm-12am Cafe de Paris, Coventry Street, DRESS CODE: DARE2BDIFFERENT

#

# COOLVENUEAWARDS

OUR AWARDS - TOP 3

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OUR AWARDS - TOP 3

OUR AWARDS – TOP 3 When it comes to Awards we like to think we know what we’re talking about. You don’t top trend in one of the biggest cities in the world unless you know what you’re talking about and if you’re looking for our word on the subject, these three get our full backing.

1. KUDOS London based, Kudos AV promises to make your corporate events and conferences sophisticated and memorable with our high quality Audio, Visual, lighting and stage solutions. Catering for the UK and European markets we can offer your event, no matter how big or small, a bespoke and ultimate AV experience tailored to suit your business event requirements. www.kudosav.com

2. EFX Special EFX is the leading British design and manufacturing company of high quality, contemporary styled awards and trophies. Each one is custom made to reflect clients’ award events and special occasions, from prestigious corporate awards to affordable acrylic trophies and stunning glass awards to engraved metal plaques. The options are limitless. Oh and the Customer service is 10/10, always a must in our books. www.awardefx.co.uk

3. CLASSICO Classico is a renowned event planning and creative production company catering for both private and corporate sectors. With over 20 years experience, their success lies in their ability to help you realise your vision, fostering longterm relationships with clients and venues alike. Classico’s team offer qualified, impartial advice and their creative team will work tirelessly to provide an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests. www.classicoproductions.com

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20/20 ‘CONFERENCING’ SPEED NETWORKING THEME: CONFERENCING DATE: 22ND JANUARY 2015 HOST VENUE: FREEMASONS HALL http://www.richmondcaterers.com SYNOPSIS: 20 buyers met 20 Suppliers in the beautiful Barbican centre in central London. In a light garden environment we had one of our most successful events that saw the true harmony of 2020’s reflected within the environment it was held in.

SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: IET VENUES, SHEFFILED UNI / HALIFAX HALL, SAID BUSINESS SCHOOL, BOUNCE PING PONG

WARWICK CONFERENCES, ONE WIMPOLE STREET, CONFERENCE ROEHAMPTON, VINOPOLIS, IMPERIAL COLLEGE CHARLTON ATHLETIC FC, THE DRUM, HAWTHORNS, HURLINGHAM CLUB, RICOH ARENA, IDENTILAM, THE GRAND BRIGHTON FREEMASONS HALL, DESIGNER FLOWERS, BH LIVE

THE BUYERS INCLUDED: HSBC, DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, CRAZY COW EVENTS,

MELON EVENTS, EVENTWORLD, HAYMARKET, EDF ENERGY, CLASSICO PRODUCTIONS, LYNCHPIN COMMUNICATIONS MAZARS, EASTVILLE ASSOCIATES, RM EDUCATION, DINNER DATES, THEMED EVENINGS, ZIBRANT LIVE, ALMAGHRIB INSTITUTE VERY CREATIVE LTD, EUROPEAN TOURISM ASSOCIATION

20/20 ‘SUPPLIERS-MEET-AGENTS-ONLY’ SPEED NETWORKING THEME: SUPPLIERS-MEET-AGENTS-ONLY DATE: 5th FEBRUARY 2015 HOST VENUE: DUTCH HALL http://limone.events SYNOPSIS: A wide-range of 20 different event agencies requiring senior contacts at the UK’s most charismatic event venues and services.

SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: IVENUE MASTERS, ONE WIMPOLE STREET, CONFERENCE ROEHAMPTON, HEYTHROP PARK LANCASHIRE CCC, SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY, LEEDS CASTLE, SARACENS / ALLIANZ PARK, DE VERE VENUES, HAWTHORNS ASHRIDGE HOUSE, BLENHEIM PALACE, THE DRUM, DESIGNER FLOWERS, DUTCH HAL, IMPERIAL COLLEGE LICK ME I’M DELICIOUS, SEARCY AT THE GHERKIN, SHAKA ZULU, 10-11 CARLTON HOUSE TERRACE, DONINGTON PARK BOULEVARD EVENTS, CONGRESS CENTRE THE BUYERS INCLUDED: ,JAM EVENTS, BANKS SADLER, CRAZY COW EVENTS, RSSB, DPT LEGAL TRAINING AND EVENTS, DRP, LONDON CORPORATE EVENT SOLUTIONS, YON EVENTS, SHOUT ABOUT LONDON CASBAH PROMOTIONS, SHEEPISH PR, VIVID EVENTS, CLASSICO PRODUCTIONS, E2E EVENTS, INCOM TOURS & EVENTS, XCLUSIVE TOUCH, ULTIMATE GLOBAL MEETINGS, WRG LIVE , 12 DEGREES,LOCATION WORKS, THEMED EVENINGS, LOCATION WORKS

20/20 ‘COOL VENUE AWARDS NOMINEES’ SPEED NETWORKING THEME: COOL VENUE AWARDS NOMINEES DATE: 26th FEBRUARY 2015 HOST VENUE: SHAKA ZULU http://www.shaka-zulu.com SYNOPSIS: A wide-range of 20 different event buyers requiring senior contacts from just 20 of then many nominees that feature in the top-trending COOL Venue Awards for their upcoming events.

SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: BARBICAN, EGG LONDON, BLENHEIM PALACE, MINISTRY OF SOUND, SHAKA ZULU, TOPGOLF DESIGNER FLOWERS, CONCERTO, VICTORIA WAREHOUSE, SAATCHI GALLERY, DEMONWHEELERS, SOMERSET HOUSE IMPERIAL COLLEGE, ARCELOR MITTAL ORBIT TOWER, BOUNCE PING PONG, KUDOS AV, SUPERSTARDJBOX, LIFE’S KITCHEN GO APE, HURLINGHAM CLUB THE BUYERS INCLUDED: BUSS PEPPER EVENTS LTD, CHANNEL 4, BLUE ICE MANAGEMENT, PEARL, ROCK & RAVEN BEYOND CERTAINTY, BARCLAYS, BLUEHAT GROUP, DESIGNERS EYE, WRG LIVE , DRINKING WATER SOLUTIONS LTD POWER 2 CREATE, UK- ASEAN BUSINESS COUNCIL, LEGALEASE, DYNAMYK EVENTS, FIONA PAWLEY, LYNCH-PIN COMMUNICATIONS LTD, HIGH 5 EVENTS, ICONIQUE EVENTS, STANDARD CHARTERED

20/20 ‘MEETINGS TRAINING AND SEMINAR VENUES’ SPEED NETWORKING THEME: MEETINGS, TRAINING, AND SEMINAR VENUES DATE: 26th MARCH 2015 HOST VENUE: CCT SOUTH QUAY http://www.cctvenues.co.uk/venues/canary-wharf-south-quay SYNOPSIS: 20 event organisers reaching out to meet with 20 charismatic venues for their meetings, training, and seminarsreflected within the environment it was held in.

SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: BARBICAN, HEYTHROP PARK, LANE END, IMPERIAL COLLEGE, MACDONALD HOTELS CCT VENUES LEEDS CASTLE, DESIGNER FLOWERS, ORTUS LEARNING CENTRE, DEMONWHEELERS, NOTTINGHAM CONFERENCES ONE WIMPOLE STREET, IMAGO, YAHIRE, CROWNE PLAZA DOCKLANDS, C3 IMAGING, ONE GREAT GEORGE STREET LONDON EDITION, ARCELOR MITTAL ORBIT THE 20 BUYERS INCLUDED: CRAZY COW EVENTS, EASTVILLE ASSOCIATES, ENERGY UK, RSSB, POWER 2 CREATE,

CLASSICO PRODUCTIONS, LYNCH-PIN COMMUNICATIONS LTD, ALMAGHRIB INSTITUTE, EDEN ESSENTIAL EVENTS, EVENTSTAR UK LTD., EDF ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, PROJECT-4, UK COUNCIL FOR PYSCHOTHERAPY HILLGATE SOLUTIONS, F&B, LONDON CORPORATE EVENT SOLUTIONS, IMPERIAL COLLEGE, PRINCIPAL GLOBAL EVENTS

20/20 ‘VENUES WITH 500+ CAPACITY’ SPEED NETWORKING THEME: VENUES WITH 500+ CAPACITY DATE: 8th APRIL 2015 HOST VENUE: BLOOMSBURY BALLROOM http://www.thebloomsburyballroom.com SYNOPSIS: 20 event organisers with a need for larger event venues meeting with likeminded venues.

SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: EGG LONDON, MINISTRY OF SOUND, LEEDS UNITED, BLOOMSBURY BALLROOM, HURLINGHAM CLUB, DESIGNER FLOWERS, HAWTHORN, CONCERTO, CAFÉ DE PARIS, SAATCHI GALLERY BH LIVE, DEMONWHEELERS, LANCASHIRE CC, MESSE GRAZ, OLYMPIA, YAHIRE, OLD BILLINGSGATE PARK PLAZA WESTMINSTER BRIDGE, BARBICAN, GILGAMESH, C3, BOULEVARD, MACDONALD HOTELS THE BUYERS INCLUDED: CAXTON MANOR, BLUEHAT GROUP, HUB42, CCD GLOBAL EVENTS, YELP

MY BEAUTIFUL CITY, ETOA (EUROPEAN TOURISM AUTHORITY), THE FEATHERS ASSOCIATION, CLASSICO PRODUCTIONS EIT ICT LABS, HILLGATE SOLUTIONS, MELON EVENTS, DUKE OF EDINBURGH, POWER 2 CREATE, D&D EVENT MANAGEMENT ASIAN MEDIA AND MARKETING GROUP, LOCATION WORKS, CHEW, TIGERLILLY EVENTS, MELON EVENTS, ACCOR HOTELS UK

20/20 ‘CORPORATE DINING’ SPEED NETWORKING THEME: CORPORATE DINING DATE: 23rd APRIL 2015 HOST VENUE: GILGAMESH http://www.gilgameshbar.com SYNOPSIS: 20 event organisers speed networking with a variety of the UK’s COOLest venues and caterers for corporate dining

SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: THE LONDON KITCHEN, BLENHEIM PALACE, GILGAMESH, DESIGNER FLOWERS, HEDSOR HOUSE ONE GREAT GEORGE STREET, KINGS PLACE, CONCERTO GROUP, BOULEVARD EVENTS, LONDON EDITION, GORDON RAMSAY RESTUARANTS, SEARCYS AT THE GHERKIN, STEAM AND RYE, CAFÉ DE PARIS, ZAPS MAGIC MINISTRY OF SOUND, TOP GOLF THE BUYERS INCLUDED: ENERGY UK, HOSPITALITY LINE, NUK PHANURAT LTD, MOFILM, FYH SOLUTIONS, THE CITY UK PANACEA PUBLISHING INTERNATIONAL, D&D EVENT MANAGEMENT, OMFIF LTD., EASTVILLE ASSOCIATES, AXA CORPORATE SOLUTIONS, EIT ICT LABS, THE POSITIVE SOCIETY, MUSE PRODUCTIONS AND SPOON PRINT PRESS CAXTON MANOR, SCM WORLD, CHEW EVENTS, TEAMROCK.COM, THE GUARDIAN

20/20 ‘COOL EVENTS: TEAMBUILDING, AND OUTDOOR EVENTS’ SPEED NETWORKING THEME: COOL EVENTS: TEAMBUILDING, AND OUTDOOR EVENTS DATE: 21st MAY 2015 HOST VENUE: TOPGOLF CHIGWELL http://topgolf.com/uk/chigwell/ SYNOPSIS: 20 event organiser’s speed networking with a variety of the UK’s COOLest venues for their teambuilding and outdoor events.

SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: CENTERPARCS, EGG, DESIGNER FLOWERS, GO APE, MERCEDES-BENZ WORLD, HEDSOR HOUSE KIA OVAL, DEMONWHEELERS, GILGAMESH, PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK, THORPE PARK, SNOZONE, ALEXANDRA PALACE ITA, ZAPS MAGIC, TOP GOLF CHIGWELL, TOP GOLF WATFORD, TOP GOLF SURREY THE BUYERS INCLUDED: CLASSICO PRODUCTIONS , AEG EUROPE, TRUFFLE SOCIAL, MOFILM BLUE ICE MANAGEMENT, BESHAY LUXURY OCCASIONS, MASH MEDIA, F&B, HUB 42, AXIS TRAVEL MARKETING HIPSTERS, HACKERS & HUSTLERS LTD., D&D EVENTS MANAGEMENTS COMPANY, SAM JONES CONSULTING SILVER AND WHITE OCCASSIONS, THE CITY UK, THOMSON REUTERS, VENUE RESERVATIONS, GLOBAL VENUES

INTERNATIONAL CONFEX

IF THERE’S ONE EXHIBITION TO ATTEND….

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INTERNATIONAL CONFEX

Welcome to international Confex; our ideas Factory for the event industry.

Foreword by Liz Agostini

When we open the doors of Olympia London

We’ve also once again enjoyed magnificent partnership support

on the 2nd – 3rd March it will be the 33rd

from the industry and with them, alongside our exhibitors and

International Confex. Every year we talk to you

many others outside the events industry, we have created an

about what you want from the show and every

outstanding educational programme. This is curated to help event

year you ask us for the right mix of education,

organisers and industry professionals become stronger in their

inspiration and networking; all within a fun and

profession.

engaging business environment.

This year was no different. So we’re presenting to you our Ideas Factory. We know that in 2016 it will be the events that inspire, create engagement and excite delegates that will have the most impact. Ideas shape this industry and are the driving force behind it.

We couldn’t create this environment without the excellent support, enthusiasm and involvement of our exhibitors; they are crucial to the look, feel, energy, and quality of our show and

This is all complemented by the first ever UK Events Week; a festival of events that will promote our industry and help us grow the market in which we and our exhibitors work in. I encourage everyone to get involved in UK Events Week, the content is amazing and it’s a great way to see the very best celebration of events.

Thanks for once again choosing to come to International Confex, take your time, take it all in and let us know what you think so we can keep the show evolving in the years to come.

without them we wouldn’t have the ideas factory we will present in March. prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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INTERNATIONAL CONFEX

Confex: THE IDEAS FACTORY This year’s International Confex will be themed ‘Ideas Factory: Innovation that Shapes the Industry’ with the educational programme, event branding and exhibitor marketing all promoting the importance of ideas and innovation in shaping the look and feel of events to come.

The theme will be visible across the show, with EvenTech16 showcasing tech innovations for the future, with ISES UK Chapter creating a welcome and orientation area for the zone. Equally, existing plans from exhibitors will showcase the innovations being made at venue and destination level, as well as throughout the event support chain.

Meanwhile, Mastercard has confirmed one of the stand out sessions of UK Events Week, with their Head of European Marketing flying in from Italy to host a question and answers session for event organisers. Other significant events of note will include a CEO Dinner hosted by Nick de Bois and attended by some of the leading CEO’s in London, discussing their vision of the events industry, and a gathering of Senior Management from some of the biggest event agencies in the UK, to discuss how events can take their place at the boardroom table.

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There will also be two breakfast sessions before International Confex on the Wednesday and Thursday, the first looking at technology innovation and showcasing some of the future tech on offer for 2016 and beyond. The second session will look at the latest new private dining and restaurant venues event organisers may want to consider for the coming year.

The Association programme is also looking strong again this year after the show delivered over 350 association buyers in 2015 through its partnership with Association Network.

Tourism Ireland will be supporting a pre event dinner before the show, and Southport Conferences will be sponsoring the day’s content, including the latest in its discussions on business extension, and how to incentivise the organiser market to embrace this trend.

Confex continues to develop its partnerships within the industry.

Following on the tail of the excellent partnership with MPI UK&I and its CMP programme, the show has confirmed a partnership with ISES UK to support the event tech hub with a ‘sign posting’ activation that helps event organisers find the creative solutions they need for their events. The MIA will once again host its AIM Pavilion and EVCOM will host its annual board meeting and a membership refresh seminar during the show.

INTERNATIONAL CONFEX Organisers are expecting well in excess of 12,000 event

new ideas,” comments Liz Agostini, Event Director. “We’ve brining

professionals at the show. Visitors continue to return to Confex

in speakers from outside the events industry and seeing what we

because the environment is exciting, innovative and dynamic;

can learn and share with other markets and sectors that also care

ideal for events people.

about creativity, innovation and communication.”

International Confex: EDUCATION PROGRAMME

The Associations Network will lead on the educational content for association meeting buyers and are working in partnership with International Confex to deliver the Association Events Forum on

International Confex is looking to create an Ideas Factory

day one of the show. For organisers looking at experiential events

environment at the show this year, with ‘innovation that shapes

and brand activations there will be a series of sessions that look to

the industry’ the theme for all content, but most visible through

understand the new Millennial audience, the behavioural trends of

another exceptional programme of education.

delegates in 2016, and how creativity can be captured, enhanced and evaluated in meetings and events of the future.

The content has been curated to deliver advice and information immediately relevant to the event organiser of 2016, addressing

Meanwhile Event Tech 16 will take centre stage in the technology

subjects such as security, technology, audience profiling

zone, and include sessions from thought leaders both within and

governance, all amid a series of live examples and speakers from

outside the events industry.

within and outside of the events industry. The programme will also look to the future and provide new ideas across operational,

The EIG group will be conducting the finals of its MyEvent.Vision

technological, venue and catering streams.

competition live on stage with the support of its advisory board of leading event personalities. It will also be launching details of its

“Our visitors see huge value in our educational programme and

winning entry for 2015, the first of a number exclusives at the show.

we’re once again delighted to produce a programme of unique,

There will also be sessions on sponsorship, event marketing and

relevant and inspirational content that will inspire our visitors with

operational learning ahead of the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

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INTERNATIONAL CONFEX

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INTERNATIONAL CONFEX

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT CONFEX 1.

With International Confex, Event Production Show and the PA Show all located at London Olympia, this will be the biggest and most inclusive gathering of event professionals in the UK

2.

Confex is 33 years old this year, making it one of the most established events brand in the UK events industry

3.

For the last 5 years of the event; professionals have consistently rated ‘inspiration’ as the primary reason for coming to Confex

4.

For the first time ever, Confex is embracing the many events that take place around the event through UK Events Week; a festival of events of the industry

5.

There are over 350 buyers of association meetings at International Confex

6.

Confex has more speakers from outside the events industry than ever before; a request from many visitors who want new voices and opinions on events

7.

Confex is one of the most inclusive events for the industry’s trade associations; the show works with everyone of them to bring their content and partnership to the show

8.

Over 12,000 event professionals will visit Confex in March this year

9.

This year Confex is branded The Ideas Factory, a chance to underline the importance of innovation in driving the events industry forward

10. Over the last 33 years it is estimated that over 100 businesses have launched into the events industry 11. There will be visitors from every continent on the globe arriving at International Confex this year 12. Over 15% of the shows visitors will be government meeting planners, and there will be at least 2 MPs in attendance as well!

13. The team at Confex have been supporting the events industry consistently over the last year since its 2015 outing, the show regularly supports associations, new businesses and actively promotes the events industry in the UK and abroad 14. This will be the third outing for the show in Olympia London, a lays it now calls home 15. There will be over 50,000 meetings taking place at Confex in the two days the show runs in March 16. The Confex educational programme is one of the most intensive CPD programmes available in the UK 17. Confex loves the events industry, always has done, always will do …

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VENUES WITH LAWNS

10

LONDON LAWNS FOR

Summer Parties

by Will Broome, CEO, Londonlaunch

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VENUES WITH LAWNS

There’s something distinctly British about a lawn - an expanse of beautifully manicured and glaringly green grass, which does absolutely nothing but provide a comfortingly and reassuringly uncomplicated space with no particular purpose whatsoever.

I remember when my dad developed a golf resort in Cheshire

(don’t ask me the science bit) indoor turf, lawns are kind of a big

and despite the five star hotel lodges (at least twenty years

deal this summer. Festival culture has swept the UK and we’re

before their time), the spa in which my mum once found herself

seeing more and more events embracing this bohemian, all

in the Jacuzzi with David Beckham and Michael Owen, the

inclusive, more relaxed approach - street food, deckchairs, game-

world’s most dramatic and over the top shooting lodge and

stalls, live jazz, Pimms tricycles, even bunting - they all combine

several other earth shattering USPs, his pride and joy was

to create the ultimate new-age village fete atmosphere resulting

still ‘the world’s biggest croquet lawn’. In reality it was a huge,

in a calm, tranquil and peaceful summer environment in which

ridiculous and exceedingly high maintenance way of making a

your guests can immerse themselves...

gloriously pointless statement - mainly because hardly anyone cares about croquet. It was all about the aesthetics though - a

But above all, there’s something distinctly British about a party on

vast expanse of several acres of spirit-level-flat and impossibly

a lawn. Come rain or shine. Few scenarios beat the sweet scent

green billiards table baize lawn. Immaculate for the sheer hell

of freshly cut grass and the cool, crisp taste of Champagne in a

of it and underscoring a magnificent view towards the Welsh

gentle and reassuringly warm summer breeze...

hills beyond. Of course, the world’s largest croquet lawn wasn’t viable and when it was sold the new owners did the obvious

So, taking all that on board, think ‘Henley Regatta’ without the

thing and built another hotel on it. But there was something

boats. In other words think ‘Henley Regatta’ (because unless

magical about this vast and simplistically beautiful lawn and, in many ways, that tranquil four-acre green sea (ocean) of grass was the defining and enduring symbol of the entire resort. And the England football team practiced for Euro ’96 on it!

Indeed, the resurgent craving for lawn culture is finding its way into London’s event-land too. From secret courtyard gardens to the most sophisticated soil-less (and therefore dry) felt fuelled

you’re a hard-core enthusiast, you’ll barely see a boat!). There’s a trend in London this year for recreating the distinct nuances of Leander or the Stewards Enclosure, which is, if you think about it, the pinnacle of sophisticated British summer parties.

Why not celebrate the only upside of global warming and embrace the Great British Summer on one of our top 10 London lawns? prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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VENUES WITH LAWNS 1. The Lawn at the Tower Hotel.

Palace is undoubtably one of the finest private residences in

As one of London’s newest event spaces, the Lawn at The Tower

the world. Everything about this sensationally beautiful and

is a ‘must-see’ location for two reasons. Firstly, it’s a wonderful

manicured estate will fill your guest’s hearts with inspiration

riverside event space for a barbecue for up to 150 guests and,

whilst associating your brand with somewhere almost

secondly, it has the most dramatic and iconic backdrop of any

impossibly majestic. Their beautiful lawns and the magnificent

event location, anywhere in the world - Tower Bridge. (Beat that!).

Orangery event space will combine to ensure you achieve the

With retro camper van food stations, live music and a beautiful

most memorable of corporate summer parties. If it’s style you’re

lawn, this venue really is almost unbeatable for your corporate

seeking, then Blenheim is the ultimate place to be.

summer party - check it out and be one of the first to enjoy it!

About half way to Blenheim along the M40, there’s another

This huge London lawn is a large secret garden oasis of calm just

Stately Home, made famous by the world-class E.J Churchill

off the bustling Crowmwell road in Kensington. With enough lawn

shooting ground, which is based on the estate. With sweeping

space for a game of 5 a side football and an open sided tented structure for shelter, this large scale walled garden is a gem well worth discovering this summer...(and you can do just that at our Sumer Showcase on June 3rd!)

3. Blenheim Palace.

A little further out of town than Hampton Court (but not as far away as you think at just over an hour on a clear run), Blenheim

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4. West Wycombe Park.

2. Crowne Plaza Kensington.

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lawns and a stunning neo-classical backdrop, just outside the M25, West Wycombe Park serves up all the attributes of a splendid summer event. What’s more, the (distinguished and dashingly named) owner, Sir Edward Dashwood, once told me “You can do anything you like with my house - you can even paint it pink! As long as it’s not pink when I wake up the next morning!” Alright then!

VENUES WITH LAWNS

West Wycombe Park

Blenheim Palace prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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VENUES WITH LAWNS

The Drum

Ravens Ait Island 100

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Harrow School

Osea Island

VENUES WITH LAWNS 5. Gilwell Park.

behind the great lawn just beyond the beach and the crystal clear

Set in over 100 acres on the edge of Epping Forest, Gilwell Park

waters beyond...

is owned by the Scouts Association and so is the ideal destination for both indoor and outdoor summer events and team-building

8. Nazeing Park.

activities. With the central White House as the magnificent

A stately home in miniature, Nazeing Park is a beautiful Georgian

backdrop, a summer reception on the lawn preceded by a

house on a manageable scale, which is perfect for Champagne

wide variety of world-beating team-building activities (from rock

receptions on the sweeping lawn as well as team-building,

climbing to raft building) is possibly this summer’s ultimate event

weddings and corporate summer parties. Owned by the famous

at London’s most professional and affordable outdoor adventure

Billy Smart’s Circus family, Nazeing Park is full of surprises, from

centre.

carousel horses to oil paintings of circus acts - the perfect location for circus themed summer parties on the lawn. You could even

6. Harrow School.

Harrow is famous for a lot of things and there are so many

pitch a tent in the garden (I mean a Big Top, of course!)

reasons to host a summer event at this internationally renowned

9. Ravens Ait Island.

and globally revered heritage destination. One such reason

There’s something magical about discovering a little island in the

is that it’s the summer holidays so the Schoolboys won’t be

middle of a river, which is only accessible by boat, but Raven’s Ait

there! Another is their elevated lawn, which has one of the

is a whole new league of awesome! It’s a beautifully summery and

most magnificent views of the London skyline. Perfect for

picturesque (not so little) hide-away, nestled in the middle of the

summer drinks receptions and weddings, this commanding

Thames between Kingston and Hampton Court, shrouded in its

and immaculate lawn sits dramatically in the Harrow hill-side

own secret oasis, shielded and secluded in its own little luscious

overlooking the valley golf course directly below, with Wembley

world. With a capacity of up to 400 guests, Raven’s Ait has

Stadium in the foreground and the towering Cityscape exactly

extensive internal space as well as expansive front lawns, making

ten miles beyond...

it the perfect place to surprise and delight your (utterly spellbound) guests!

7. Osea Island.

A truly magical and still delightfully secret hideaway just north

10. The Drum at Wembley.

of the Thames Estuary near Malden and just beyond the M25.

Located within London’s greenest building and situated in the

Osea Island is the event industry equivalent of Narnia. It’s not

sparklingly new Wembley village (if you haven’t been there, check

so much a magical place as it is a magical world, seemingly un-

it out!) The Drum is an inspirational new venue with an impressive

spoilt since the US Navy built the world’s most aesthetic torpedo

6000 square metre garden and, with its dedicated spherical event

base there during the Second World War (check out their new

spaces, it’s definitely worth considering for hi-tech events of all

bomb factory event space). The timeless American style colonial

kinds. What’s more, with such a lovely modern lawn and garden

timber-framed village at the heart of the island provides plenty of

area, The Drum combines the best of both indoor and outdoor

accommodation, as does the historic Manor House, which sits

worlds, in dramatic (actually Drum-atic!) style.

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10 MYSTERIOUS VENUES

The

5

most mysterious

venues in London

By Will Broome, CEO, Londonlaunch

Everyone wants to be different but not many people dare

alone product launches, corporate away-days and Christmas

to be different. It’s very important to stand out and stake

Parties (the rubber-chicken dinner had its day long ago, in case

your claim to possibly the only thing that’s rightfully and

you missed it?!) It’s a double edged sword though because now

unequivocally yours - your unique character. “Today you

that events are officially back on the agenda and have been

are you, that is truer than true, there is no-one alive who

proven to be the best way to promote a brand or product in

is ‘you-er’ than you” said the most philosophical man ever

the digital age, it also means there’s a lot more competition out

(and my anapaestic tetrameter spouting hero, Dr.Seuss).

there. On any given night, Monday to Thursday, there are at

We all have one but sometimes we choose to suppress

least three different events that the Londonlaunch team are

it, which is a great shame because in many ways it’s our

expected to be at. That’s fine but the interesting dynamic is the

most powerful asset. I actually quite like hanging out with

behind the scenes squabble that goes on in our office daily, to

myself because I’ll always find something to be excited and

determine who gets to go to what. This is a great barometer as

enthusiastic about. What’s more, childhood daydreams

to what’s cool and what’s decidedly run of the mill...

have become day to day reality because, as long as it doesn’t harm anybody, I’ll do what I want to do without

So, if you’re staging events (which you absolutely should be)

any fear of the consequences. I Live by the sword, Die

then for God’s sake make sure you do something that stands

by the sword because I regret not doing things instead of

out, even if it seems like a massive risk at first. Remember

regretting doing things. Try it, it’s refreshing, liberating and

what I said about regretting not doing something as opposed to

sometimes a little bit scary all at the same time!

regretting doing something? Well, your event needs character and the more bold, ambitious and unique it is, the more

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Events offer the perfect solution to this dilemma though because

memorable, tweetable, commendable and attendable it will be.

they represent an opportunity to do something different in a safe,

I promise. Now that you’re primed to do something different, I’m

controlled, professional and sometimes magical environment.

going to strike whilst the iron’s hot. Here are our ten weirdest

In my opinion, even content-heavy conferences should be fun

London venues which are a great way to start (and maybe work

(check out the video of the Crowdfinders London conference we

back from to a point where you’re comfortable) when planning

were involved in from earlier this year if you don’t believe me!) let

your next, memorable, event...

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5 MYSTERIOUS VENUES 1. ESCAPE HUNT EXPERIENCE. If you’re looking for

to offer this long forgotten network to corporate explorers...

something completely different to engage your audience with,

Three more weird things to look out for the next time you’re walking

then why not lock your guests in a secret room with no obvious

round town:

way out and let them try to solve a Victorian style murder mystery in order to escape?! It’s the ultimate ‘gameification’ and it’s an intensely fun-filled unique 90 minute experience that no-one will ever forget....

NELSON’S ‘SPARE NOSE’. If you walk through the right hand arch of Admiralty Arch looking towards Buckingham Palace, high up on the left hand wall you’ll see a protruding piece of stone which was put there when it was originally built. It’s a spare nose for

2. THE OLD OPERATING THEATRE. This has to be London’s

Nelson on top of his column incase it’s ever knocked off...

creepiest events venue, bar none. Accessed by a small and rickety spiral staircase in a tower opposite St.Thomas’s Hospital (at least that’s how I remember it), the Old Operating theatre is as authentic as it gets. At the centre of the old medial centre’s theatre is the original operating table (or slab) complete with saw marks from the days when amputations were a little more B&Q than NHS...A fascinating, intriguing and historic event space with all sorts of gruesome medical artefacts to chill the spine. Amazing for Halloween (or pharmaceutically inspired events!)

3. HORNIMAN MUSEUM. In a way, their world class Natural History Gallery is similar to the aforementioned Old Operating Theatre’s bell jar adorned ante-room but there’s just so much more to this wonderfully eclectic and fascinatingly diverse museum. From their aquarium to their music gallery and even their sixteen acre gardens, the Horniman is a versatile (and gloriously weird) events location.

THE ‘OLD’ OLD COMPTON ST. If you walk to the large traffic island in the middle of Charing Cross Road at Cambridge Circus and look down through the sewer grill, you’ll see the original Old Compton Street with its original road sign several feet below from the days when this famous street was on an entirely different level...! It’s a genuine lost street of London and harks back to the pre-Charing Cross Road era of Crown Street, which no longer exists...

BRITISH MUSEUM TUBE STATION. If you cup your hands over your eyes and peer out into the blackness between Tottenham Court Road and Holborn, you’ll just be able to make out the lost British Museum Station in a surprisingly well preserved state.

Rumour has it that there are still original 1930’s posters on the Art Deco ceramic tiled tunnel walls....

Will Broome, CEO

4. WELLCOME COLLECTION. The essential destination for ‘the incurably curious’, this fabulously inspiring venue celebrates and explores the connection between medicine, life and art with some suitably weird stuff to get stuck into. Sort of similar to the more ‘themed’ Ripley’s Believe it or Not! in Piccadilly Circus. The real deal for all things surreal...

5. MAIL RAIL AND THE ABANDONED TUBE STATIONS. I’ve written about one of the 46 abandoned tube stations in the past because it was proposed that the long disused Brompton Road station was to be developed as a restaurant, bar and event space. Funnily enough, I bumped into the developer in Pret the other day and he informed me he’s back on the case with another ghost station, so watch this space. You may, however, have heard of ‘mail rail’ - the secret underground mini-tunnel network under London which was originally designed to shuttle mail around the capital (it’s redundant now because the Post Offices they were delivering to above ground have all but gone!)

Well, word has it that a major events company may just be about prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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VENUE FOCUS: CANAL MILLS

NORTHERN SOUL

Canal Mills is an 18th century textile mill in the heart of Leeds, which re-opened in 2012 as a creative art, food and music events space with a maximum capacity of 1600 people. The venue was brought back to its former glory after a refurbishment project; all the walls have been sand blasted to expose the beautiful red/gold Victorian brick work and you can now see the venue’s heritage throughout the space with high ceilings, exposed beams and brickwork, making it a truly charismatic and flexible venue, capable of hosting a wide range of events.

Since its inception Canal Mills has acted as one of Leeds’ best creative and cultural hubs; hosting some of the top live acts in the world, a popular monthly street market event and an annual craft beer festival amongst many other things.

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VENUE FOCUS: CANAL MILLS Outside of music, food and drink, Canal Mills has set itself

venue hire includes certain staging with a hi-tech AV production

as the place of choice for a fashion show, product launches,

and complimentary wifi throughout. Canal Mills has a maximum

conferences and exhibitions, special occasions, wedding

capacity for 1,500 standing for a party night, 300 people seated

receptions, film festivals and theatre projects – showcasing

dinner on round tables or 350 people on long trestle tables setting

its ability to be an unbeatable setting for any event. Previous

the scene for an amazing back drop for any event. You also

clients include Red Bull, Spotify, the Northern Film School, Rent: the Musical, Noise of Strangers and Beatfood.

There are fewer spaces in the north as diverse and distinctive as Canal Mills; as you enter the building there is a cloak room on the left hand side with a private area for drinks receptions and registration for delegates if you are having a conference or event.

With a licence from 11am – 6am you can have an amazing all day event running into the early hours allowing your guests

have the option of upto 6 street food vendors inside the venue as well giving you the option to create a unique environment for alternative solution for catering at your event.

There is also a large outside area which includes wooden decking and seats, the space can also accommodate a marquee or upto 7 – 10 street food vendors depending on your particular requirements and event brief.

Please contact Joanne Penney on 0800 1601138 to discuss your requirements

or employees to party into the night; there are a whole host of famous DJ’s and bands at your disposable through the Canal Mills portfolio and links to the Music and Festival industry. The

Canal Mills, Brandon Street, Leeds, LS12 2ED www.canalmills.com

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VENUE FOCUS: WEMBLEY STADIUM

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VENUE FOCUS: WEMBLEY STADIUM

THE LEGEND CONTINUES Stadium

North. The global catering leader in hospitality and food service

Connected by EE is the home of World class events

operates in some of the coolest venues and play a major role

and the largest entertainment venue in the UK. From

in some of the top ‘I was there’ events on the world stage.

playing host to the greatest ever achievement in

Wembley has the impressive Craft Guild Banqueting Chef

English football history in 1966 to the wonders of Live

of the year, Mark Reynolds at the helm, creating incredible

Aid in front of a 1.9 billion global audience in 1985,

innovations in food and regularly pushing the boundaries to

Wembley attracts the best and continues to push the

exceed client expectations. Mark and his team serve over 5,500

boundaries for modern stadia. With the Wembley arch

covers in an extensive Club Wembley hospitality operation on

forming one of London’s most iconic landmarks, the

match days which includes the largest “to order” restaurant in

stadium is a global phenomenon.

Europe across 2 levels in the Bobby Moore Suite. Non match

With

a

capacity

of

90000,

Wembley

On non-match days it provides an equally fitting destination for businesses aiming to make themselves stand out from the crowd. Fantastic spaces are available to hire for all types of events ranging from small executive board meetings in a private box, to large conferences and exhibitions in the impressive Great Hall or an elaborate cocktail reception and gala dinner in the

day clients have the assurance that service standards for a meeting for 8 people or 3000 will receive the same experience.

Wembley as a destination is currently involved in one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK. With fantastic transport links from Heathrow Airport, over 3000 car park spaces and

exclusive Bobby Moore suite. There are other special ways to

only 11 minutes from central London by train, the stadium is

wow delegates including hosting your event in the

easily accessible. The development of the area around the

Royal Suite, where many famous faces have passed through,

stadium has also brought with it over 1400 bedrooms across 6

fully guided behind the scenes stadium tours, views and access

hotels and delegates can also enjoy the capitals only designer

out to the stadium bowl and the opportunity to have the Emirates

outlet shopping centre with a 9 screen cinema.

FA Cup in attendance for your event.

One of the world’s most iconic venues, why don’t you In all of Wembley’s spaces, delegates are guaranteed state of

put your business on the world stage and take your

the art facilities and world class cuisine provided by Delaware

team to Wembley! prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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IN THE TRADE

IN THE TRADE WITH‌..

AMELIA DONKOR @ ICETANK

ICETANK STUDIO AND KITCHEN Icetank is a blank canvas studio in the heart of Covent Garden and Holborn. White walls, modern technology and Danish design make it the ideal space for press days, private dining and corporate events. Icetank Kitchen offers food workshops and demo’s focusing on a healthier, happier life. From vegetarian to locally produced, new food styles & celebrity chefs, Icetank Kitchen plans to inspire the foodie in everyone.

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IN THE TRADE

Q/ What was the inspiration behind you getting

Q/ How important a role does ‘COOL’ play in events?

involved in corporate events?

We have always thought of ourselves as the ‘coolest’ place in

The space was originally built as a photographic and film

town! Our clients are cool, our space is cool, and our staff are

studio and is still used in this function by our parent company

pretty darn cool too! Icetank Kitchen is all about healthy living and

Packshot Factory. Many of our original clients asked if they

we think that’s the new ‘cool’…

could hire the studio for events and a new element of the business was born!

Q/ How do you prepare for a big event day?

Lots of sleep! We often open up at 6am for big events so it’s

Q/ You have a varied client portfolio. Care to name

important to be fresh and alert. Communication & collaboration

a few? And what do you feel was the defining factor

with our clients means we are always ready for anything.

in establishing your relationships?

We are proud to have worked with many amazing, high end

Q/ What have experienced at any event in the past 12

clients including L’Oreal, Coca Cola, John Lewis, Xbox and

months that has really got you excited?

Office to name but a few. Flexibility and personality are 2 of

We have so many fantastic events it’s hard to pick, but a recent

our key attributes, we always work with our clients for the best

favourite was for The Dogs Trust. We love to support charitys and

possible event and want everyone to have a smile on their face ☺

it was lovely to meet lots of furry friends. We are super social media savvy and you can find lots of great images of the day on

Q/ What’s it like working with such big-name clients?

our instagram (@icetank) and twitter feed (@icetankstudio) and

Brilliant! We are lucky enough to meet some phenomenal

remember #ADogIsForLife.

brand ambassadors and also sample some fab new products.

Q/ What would you like to see happen in the corporate Q/ What preparation goes into your service?

events industry in the next 12 months?

Well, lots of painting! As a white space we are constantly

We have a brand new Miele feature kitchen in the space and I

painting and making sure everything looks bright and chic. In

hope that our future events will take advantage of this and we

terms of the service we offer, we can tailor it to each client. So

can create unique, interactive food & drink events. Check out

whether you want a dry hire or full event management we are

IcetankKitchen.com to see what’s coming up next and we are

here to help.

always happy to build a bespoke corporate event. prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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TOP 10 MISTAKES BY EVENT PLANNERS

Top 10 mistakes made by event planners

By Will Broome, CEO, Londonlaunch In the colourful, frantic and precarious world of events

where it is! With such great transport links in London (and

there’s a fine line between success and absolute

Uber), location is less of an issue these days. From the Olympic

catastrophic disaster. In an age where everyone fancies

Park to Blenheim Palace, you’re never more than an hour and

themselves as a ‘professional’ event planner, there are just

a half away. If your venue is not close enough to a tube or rail

so many factors to consider and so many things that can

station then there are other ways. You can lay on cars or even

(and almost certainly will) go wrong if you don’t know what

a branded Routemaster bus which can add to the experience.

you’re doing!

This one time (at band camp) we were worried about a venue in an awkward location so we simply didn’t tell the guests where

Having said that, a great event is one of the most powerful ways to engage, entice and, above all, excite your target audience, so it’s worth putting the effort in to get it absolutely right. In a largely unregulated industry, there’s a great opportunity to stand out and be the best too, of course!

Check out our top ten event planning mistakes and oversights below and then, very simply, don’t make them...

it was! We made it a ‘secret location’ and bussed everyone in from Liverpool St. Amazingly, Innocent Drinks subsequently booked the venue and admitted that, had they known where the venue was, they might never have bothered to come in the first place! It just shows...

3. Skimping on food and drink. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve banged on about this but harking back to my event timing point, people are hungry after work, you don’t want to lose them en route (or early to McDonalds) so your event

Here are the most frequent mistakes made by planners the world

becomes their dinner as well as whatever you intend it to be.

over:

Feed your guests plentiful, delicious food and they’ll be eating out of your hand as much as from their own..!

1. Starting their events later than 7pm. There’s a magic hour between six and seven when people are leaving work (and

4. Forgetting the photographer. Any event photographer

therefore have the perfect excuse to leave on time). But beware,

will tell you that they get called literally every day with people

if you leave too much of a gap between work and play, your guests may pop home ‘to get changed’. If this happens, there’s a 50% chance they won’t bother to come back out, especially if it’s raining! Start your event too early and something will turn up at work to ensure your guests won’t turn up at your event...This is what I call the event industry ‘Goldilocks’ timezone...

2. Choosing an awkward location (without laying on transport). If it is awkward to get to, don’t tell your guests exactly 112

prestigeeventsmagazine.com

wanting to book them for the following day. Well, would you do that with the venue? Or the caterer? Didn’t think so!

Documenting your event is almost as important as doing it in the first place!! There may be 100 people at your event but there are 100,000 more who need to know about it and photos are the best way to extend your reach. If your event looks and feels great, your guests will become your very own publicists but there’s nothing like a batch of professional shots to really communicate your brand message in a controlled way. And your event’s awesomeness, of course!

TOP 10 MISTAKES BY EVENT PLANNERS 5. Treating entertainment as an afterthought. It’s the heart

beginning I had the opportunity to speak to every single guest as

and soul of your event. I can’t tell you how many people plan

they arrived! A great ploy for any CEO to pull, I reckon! Maybe try it?

their event and then slap a ‘roaming’ entertainer into the agenda at the eleventh hour. Ask any magician and he’ll (or she’ll, but mostly he’ll) tell you that he picks up more last minute business than lastminute.com. This is both ill advised and unnecessary because there are plenty of amazing entertainment agencies who can strategically match your brand with original, exciting, engaging, memorable and innovative entertainment concepts.

Just look what we did with Crowdfinders Live earlier this year - the entertainment reflected the Crowdfunding subject matter

9. Putting on a loud live band at just the wrong moment. How many times have you been at an event with a really interesting person and just when you’re striking up a great conversation, the band..err.... strike up themselves. Yep, that! I love live music more than anyone else in the whole world (fact) but it’s so annoying when it’s a band you didn’t ask for and you’re trying to speak to someone. At 7pm! At an after party, a club or a wedding it’s perfect.

perfectly and, in many ways, stole the show!

At the early stages of a networking event, not so much...’Rockaoke’

6. Thinking of the event as a stand alone entity. There’s a

the event. It’s all relative so assess your audience and tailor the

massive opportunity to communicate and engage before and after, starting with an inspiringly worded invitation (which should make your event seem as exciting as the Oscars) and ending with....well, actually, it should never end because your aprésevent communication should progress and develop along with your relationship with your audience. That’s the point. Think of your event as the central touch point within a (much) wider,

on the other hand is totally different because the band becomes environment accordingly...

10. Thinking that everyone on your guest list will show up.

They won’t. Not even close in most cases. These days, there are at least seventeen events to go to every single night. Even though you’ve taken my aforementioned advice and your event sounds like the most exciting thing since the Olympics, at the perfect time,

ongoing campaign...

in the perfect place, with sumptuous, plentiful food and wine and

7. Missing the opportunity to personally address your

can still expect 40% of your, frankly, hard to please and ungrateful

guests - You have a rare captive audience! Don’t shirk the

guests to find something better to do. Factor this in and double up

opportunity to stand up and deliver your message, even if it’s

if it’s a large scale mass market event. Of course, if your guests

just a drinks reception. An event without any kind of speech or public address is a missed opportunity. Every time. Annoyingly, I can’t even host a dinner without ‘saying a few words’ because I feel obliged to bring it all together. A good friend of mind looks at me knowingly every time I see him and mutters ‘Hey Will, aaaaaalways selling!’. Well, if you don’t sell it yourself, what if nobody else does...!?

8. Creating an annoying queue at the entrance. That could mean the guest list or the cloakroom. There’s nothing worse than running a clunky, manual guest list or having a clunky, manual badging and registration team to create an infuriating line outside a venue. This is particularly poignant in England, where it’s raining. Bottlenecks are simply unacceptable at events because (most) people have been invited and don’t expect to be cross examined behind hundreds or others being...erm...cross examined in front of them. If your guests are walking into your event ‘hangry’ (hungry, annoyed and angry) then you’re on the back foot right from the outset. And out of the two feet you’ve got, that’s not the foot you want to be on! Ever. I once ran a cloakroom because we were short of staff and I got all the raffle tickets muddled up - it was a nightmare at the end but at least at the

with the greatest entertainment of all time to look forward to, you

have paid for a ticket, they’re much more likely to turn up. There was a little phase where event organisers charged guests if they failed to show up but gave them a free ticket if they did show up! A nice idea in principle but in practice, in the current, cautious, time poor climate, it just means people don’t sign up in the first place...

Oh, and perhaps most important if all....

11. Failing to follow up afterwards. You know that relieved feeling at the end of the night when you’re knackered and the event’s been a great success? Well it actually hasn’t. Yet. It’s all about the follow-up and capitalising on what you’ve just achieved.

Get those event photos out the very next morning (see point about the photographer) - any later than that and you’ve lost them. Your event needs to be the primary topic of conversation over coffee in the office next morning. The best way to do that is via an email entitled “Last night’s photos” because everyone wants to relive the moment (and see what they looked like!). Engagement.

Engagement. Engagement...What happens at your event, stays on Facebook!

Will Broome, CEO prestigeeventsmagazine.com

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USEFUL WEBSITES FOOD AND DRINK Caterers and Party Food www.eden-caters.co.uk www.zafferano.co.uk www.officediner.co.uk www.purplegrapecatering.co.uk www.foodshowltd.com www.liquidchefs.co.uk www.munchlunch.com General Food Retailers www.caleyco.com www.regionalfoodanddrink.co.uk www.freshfood.co.uk Meat and Charcuterie Specialists www.realmeatco.sageweb.co.uk www.bleikers.co.uk www.blackface.co.uk

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Security www.redcarpetsecurity.com Printing www.c3imaging.com www.gprintsolutions.co.uk Published by MX4 108 Clydesdale Road Hornchurch, Essex, RM11 1AJ T:+44 (0)1708 737393 F:+44 (0)1708 737389 wes@prestigeeventsguide.com wes@prestigeeventsguide.com www.prestigeeventsguide.com www.prestigeeventsmagazine.com Copyright of all editorial copy remains the sole property of Mx4 Ltd and may not be reproduced without the prior permission of Mx4 Ltd. All opinions expressed within this publication remain those opinions of the feature writer, and neither Prestige Events or Mx4 Ltd hold and liability or responsibility for those opinions,views expressed or photography supplied.