Prestigeevents

10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

10 GLOBAL OPENINGS 125TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY IMPORTANCE OF EVENT CONTENT A BITE AFTER THE EVENT SALLY WEBB: SIMON SAYS! EVENT FASHION: WHAT-TO-WEAR

THE WHERE TO GRAB TEAMBUILDING

WHO’S C

...One event and one award

#COOLvenueawards

COOL ?

ward like no other

PRESTIGE

EVENTS

COOL Venue Awards

CONTENTS AND PUBLISHERS NOTES

CONTENTS 10 YEARS OLD. There, I said it.

I love saying that to people, ’10 years old!’.

Why? Any idea/product that is not connecting with it’s audience does not last two years, let alone 10 years!

I think it’s a testament to the unique perspective we put on our editorial: always focusing on what’s COOL and how to achieve the COOLest events. And of course, we couldn’t have achieved it without your reader engagement and support of the magazine, our COOL Venue Awards, and 20/20 Speed Networking events which bring you closer to the suppliers you want to work with.

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Prestige Events team:

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Publisher / Founder: Wesley Mendy Head of Client Relations: Dan Bearpark Head of Marketing: Joanna Kafouris Art Director: Lewis Flanders Contributing editors: Kristiana Kruysmulder, Hope Mendy Head of Production: Errol Griffiths Administration: Allanah Brownsdon-Dolan Financial controllers: Siobhan O’Dwyer

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Editorial contributors: Simon Maier, Asif Mirza, Sally Webb, Mike Kershaw, PJ Stevens, Clayton Dean

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

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17 Things you didn’t know Readers Letters Event fashion Exclusive: Financial Times 125th anniversary party 10 things: global openings What we’re drinking Where to grab a bite after the event: burger joints Mike Kershaw: What I’ve learned in 30 years at the top Simon says!

In the trade Sally Webb: Why you can’t live off past achievements 10 to Shout About!

The future of events and trends What makes an event COOL? 20/20 ‘Academic Venues’ Speed Networking at Royal College of Physicians 20/20 ‘West London Venues’ Speed Networking at Trinity House 20/20 ‘Corporate Dining’ Speed Networking at Old Royal Navy College 20/20 ‘COOL Events’ Speed Networking at Weston Park 20/20 ‘Parties and Events at Night’ Speed Networking at Formans Fish Island 20/20 ‘West End Venues’ Speed Networking at Planet Hollywood 20/20 ‘Heritage Venues’ speed Networking at Altitude London – a De Vere venue 20/20 ‘East London Venues’ speed Networking at Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens 20/20 ‘Sporting Venues’ Speed Networking at The Kia Oval In Any Event: Communication (the second in a series of chapters by Simon Maier, author of ‘In Any Event’).

In Any Event: Events and storytelling In Any Event: The importance of content In Any Event: Visual support The art of social media Teambuilding – how it’s changed over 10 years and the benefits Supplier focus: Holly Wren Photography Supplier focus: Beautycall Supplier focus: Bluehat Supplier focus: Boko Useful Websites

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All views and opinions and content expressed 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

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

17 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW

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1/ MR BEAN WINS!

Rob Bean, Executive Head Chef for Leicester Conferences, has won a coveted Craft Guild of Chefs Award for Cost Sector Chef of the year. Since joining Leicester Conferences, Rob has taken the University’s catering from strength to strength, improving the standard and quality of food whilst developing event menus. His passion and versatility is evident and his colleagues feel very lucky to have such a talented chef working at the University.

LET’S ALL GO TO BRIGHTON As part of its on-going and extensive refurbishment programme, the Brighton Centre has announced the installation of a brand, new, state of the art sound system for its main conference and exhibition space in Auditorium 1. This will further enhance the delegate experience for conference and business users. The resulting sonic detail will be a boost for conference organisers using the Brighton Centre since it will lift the clarity of presentations and speeches delivered from the stage, and delegate interaction from the Auditorium floor.

CANNON BRIDGE ROOF GARDENS STOP TRAFFIC

Did you know that Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens, the spectacular river-side party venue which has breathtaking views of London’s most iconic landmarks including St Paul’s, Tower Bridge and The Shard, is situated in a temporary structure that has to be craned onto the roof of Cannon Bridge House each summer? Event organisers Diamond City Events, which hosts over 50 seasonal functions from the roof-top oasis, has got the logistics off to a fine art with a London street closed for the day while the glass-fronted structure is lifted into place. www.diamondcityevents.com.

DID YOU KNOW BOKO? Boko Creative were named Best Creative Brand in the 2013 British Young Business Awards which celebrate the best UK businesses less than 15 years old. Boko were presented the award by Michael Acton Smith (of Moshi Monsters fame) at the Mayfair Hotel. Other winners on the night were Kickstarter, Go Squared and Save Britain Money.

A NEW NAME, A NEW LOOK

After an extensive strategic review, Regent’s Conference Centre in Regent’s Park will be unveiling a brand new name and look from September 18. The venues logo and brand will undergo a significant transformation and will include the launch of a brand new interactive website. Contact the team for more details on the launch on 020 7487 7540.

LONDON’S NEWSET VENUE Allianz Park is London’s newest venue and offers so much more than a 1st class rugby stadium. Allianz Park can cater for 2 to 2,000 people in any one of its 22 brand new function rooms and of course use the state of the art 4G artificial pitch. Allianz Park can be used for a wide variety of events including conferencing & meetings, exhibitions, weddings, kosher events and team building days.

TIME TO JUMP IN A HACKNEY CARRIAGE

Hackney Venues, the new venture that draws together five amazing spaces in east London recently celebrated its first six months of trading. Promoting a range of venues including an eighteenth century mansion house, two art-deco town halls and a fascinating former water pumping station, the collection has seen excellent increases in business and continues to offer clients venues for a range of events from weddings and parties to conferences and dinners. www. hackneyvenues.com

A CONFERENCE VENUE WITH A UNIQUE HISTORY Central Hall Westminster is the largest Conference venue in the centre of London and is known as an historical venue where the United Nations were formed and where such famous people as Ghandi and Winston Churchill. What is not widely known is that on 20 March 1966 the Jules Rimet trophy, better known as Football’s World Cup, was stolen from an exhibition case at Central Hall Westminster, only to be found 7 days later in a park by Pickles the dog!

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17 THINGS

BRUTALIST ARCHITECTURE WITH A VIEW

The Mermaid is delighted to introduce London’s newest and most talked about event space. With stunning large windows that span the length of the room, the view of the London Skyline is unforgettable. The two contemporary spaces have wooden floor, and built in AV and are the perfect setting for weddings, award ceremonies, dinners and drinks receptions. Take a look at this fantastic new space at www.riverrooms.co.uk

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW

Bet you didn’t know that CEME Conference Centre is the only MIA Gold Accredited Events and Meetings Venue in East London or Essex; a member of Conference Centres of Excellence; and a World Host Venue for Customer Service; and signed up for the Fair Pricing Charter. CEME is also a Regeneration Charity located on an 18-acre business and education Campus in East London offering ‘City Quality without City Prices!

HISTORICAL LONDON VENUE TO UNDERGO £30 MILLION REVAMP

The IET Venues group are undergoing a £30 million overhaul of their flagship venue – IET London: Savoy Place, which will begin this year. An additional lecture theatre, room expansions and an overhaul of the building’s layout to maximise its riverside location are among the new plans to transform the 100 year old landmark venue, which will re-open in autumn 2015.

INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS SET FOR BARBICAN EXPERIENTIAL EXTRAVAGANZA

On September 4, 2013, the Barbican will be showcasing its full range of event solutions to a sell out crowd of industry professionals. .The Barbican has invested significantly in its meeting and event spaces and facilities in recent months.

The Garden Room, Conservatory and Terrace have been refurbished to increase capacity - the addition of a staircase to the terrace has opened up the spaces, creating one of the world’s most unusual and flexible networking spaces.

JOCKEY CLUB FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Looking for something a little different this Christmas? Look no further than Kempton Park Racecourse! Our famous Reindeer Racing Christmas Parties guarantee a fun-filled night of extraordinary entertainment and fine dining and this year, in addition to reindeer racing will be the Shetland Pony Derby and a hilarious turkey costume race that you yourself can get involved in! Packages start from £59pp – call 01932 753518 or visit www.kempton.co.uk to book.

FIT FOR A KING

King George III and Queen Charlotte, whose portraits hang at Hedsor, chose the location of Hedsor House specifically for its picturesque position high above the river Thames and proximity to London. The house, originally designed by Sir William Chambers, architect of Somerset House, sits in 100 acres of historic parkland that has been enjoyed by royalty dating back to 1166. It was once the home of Augusta the Princess of Wales, mother of George III and the founder of Kew Gardens.

STADIA GROUP INCREASES PORTFOLIO

Stadium Experience has evolved to welcome Rugby stadia as members for the very first time. Football and rugby stadia across the UK take advantage of the support and promotion the not-for-profit organisation is offering. Stadia with conference facilities can enjoy the benefits of membership, including: joint marketing initiatives, social media activities and other key business activities, as well as support in the form of networking, seeking advice, sharing best practice amongst other members and regular meetings to bring the latest industry developments to the table. New Rugby members so far include; Twickenham, Worcester Warriors, Murrayfield, London Irish, and Wigan Warriors, who have joined 41 major UK football stadia members.

FOR-GET DOWNTON, GET DOWN

You didn’t know that… Down Hall Country House Hotel will refurbish 54 rooms in their West Wing by the end of this year.

The new rooms will combine the traditional style of Down Hall with modern comfort, creating a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere. There are also plans for a new leisure facility with treatment rooms, hydrotherapy area, sauna and steam room to completed by the end of 2013!

XMAS WITH STYLE AT THE DECK AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE

We’ve just launched some shared party nights so smaller groups (between 6 - 12 people) don’t have to miss out on Chalet Noel, our alpine resort themed Christmas celebrations for 2013. On 3, 12 and 18 December, from 11am - 3pm, guests can indulge in champagne cocktails and an array of festive treats including smoked salmon and turkey & cranberry sandwiches, mini quiche Lorraine, home-made mille feuilles and of course mince pies for just £49 per person.

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LORD KNOWS

READERS LETTERS

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 WINNING LETTER Dear Lord of the timepiece, I am a huge AP fan. I love its aggressive yet elegant designs paired with beautiful movements seen in its Royal Oak models. I currently have a 41-mm rose-gold Royal Oak and am now looking into purchasing a sportier watch for daily use. I have narrowed my options into three specific Offshore models, all of which are in the material forged carbon. I selected these watches for their light weight and see-through caseback, which most Offshores do not have. I was wondering what your thoughts are on the material forged carbon that AP uses. I am looking to expand my collection, and your opinion would be extremely valuable.

Dear Watch Man, It’s no secret that I have la lot of love for the Royal Oak Offshore.

Your rose-gold Royal Oak is all the sports watch you need. Yeah, I noticed you were wearing a serious watch,” one senior event manager told me at lunch. “I love it,” smiled his companion, a woman who works for a major fashion label.

Another day the editor at a well-known fashion magazine told me she liked the face. She would know, too.

The Royal Oak Offshore is fun to wear, but there are a few ground rules to wearing so important a piece. Here’s a primer.

How to wear it: Casually, during the daytime. Don’t wear it after 6pm–we are not a farmer. Okay, maybe that’s a bit harsh. But still.

(It goes without saying that after midnight all bets are off.) Don’t wear it with silk, though, or a tuxedo. And never with heels at night.

Who should wear it: Anyone who can appreciate the fact that an actual machine made of sweat and steel powers the piece. And anyone who can drop £21,000 on a sports watch.

What to know before you wear it: It feels slightly heavy on the wrist, and it’s thicker than something like a vintage Rolex or what you’ll find at Jaeger Lecoultre. You may also have to reset it every so often if the power reserve gets low–the thing is mechanically powered, after all.

Keep in mind: It’s not embellished in diamonds, no, but the watch catches attention. It also costs a lot of money. Therefore: You don’t need to add much else in the way of jewelry. Leave the rings, nail-polish and bracelets (unless they’re cool and stacked) at home. I wear it with 2 bangles, a cartier love bracelet to remind me to love myself and a red string bracelet to remind me that someone other then me, loves me too. “ Imagination is more important than knowledge. ” — Albert Einstein

reputation. Born Shawn Carter, Jay-Z comes from humble beginnings and his rise to fame is best described as an inspiring American entrepreneurial tale.

An influential trendsetter in both the music and the fashion industry, Jay-Z was instrumental in moving hip-hop style beyond baggy jeans and jerseys. His luxurious yet easy-going personal style has led him to continually top best-dressed lists and his knack for dressing for success led him to extended his Midas touch into the fashion world with several impressive and highly lucrative ventures.

Following in Jay-Z’s fashion footsteps means sticking with ageappropriate attire that you know looks great on you To cop Jay-Z’s cool look, begin by taking a cold, hard look at your wardrobe and ruthlessly purging anything that makes you seem like a teenager. Once that’s done, start restocking your closet with amazing basics, swish dress clothes and unusual accessories. In the first category, you’ll want to invest in plenty of cotton T-shirts and button-downs that you’ll layer underneath V-neck sweaters or cardigans in solid colours or timeless patterns like horizontal stripes. When temperatures drop, continue layering by adding a zip-up hoodie or black leather jacket to your look.

When it’s time to suit up, you can affordably achieve a similar dressy look by favouring pieces from the lower-priced lines of Ralph Lauren and Georgio Armani, two labels in which the star is frequently snapped. To give your dress clothes a personal touch a la Jay-Z, pay attention to accessories, adding an oversize bow tie here or an on-trend scarf there.

Finally, don’t bother overhauling your look every season; he may be a multimillionaire, but Jay-Z recycles his stuff, noting that “if you look me up [in photos], you’ll find me in stuff a hundred times.”

Till next time London, Stay Stylized...

Lord Jason Scott Premier Event Planner “ see more of Lord Jason Scott’s Style here http://pinterest.com/lordscott/this-is-my-style-lord-it/

Dear Lord of the Dance..shoe, I have a problem, I am sick of seeing every event planner I meet wearing a pair of the exact same brogues. What can I do to stand out but still be cool and contemporary.

Can you help me think outside the “ Shoe” box ?

Brogue Bro

. 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.

Dear Brogue Bro When it comes to which shoes to select, I would highly recommend drop kicking the ever fashionable brogue and get with the highly coveted and slightly holy double strap monk shoe.

Watch this shoe make a come back bigger then bowl food to Christmas or Jay Z. And while on Jay to the other Z, He is this months Style Star The citizens of North Korea are probably the only people on the planet who wouldn’t recognise Jay-Z’s face or have heard of his

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Dressing for the office has definitely evolved within the past ten years. We’ve gone from the wardrobe of Carrie Bradshaw to something a bit more Nicole Richie. Basics

EVENT FASHION

DRESSING FOR SUCCESS Dressing for the office has definitely evolved within the past ten years. We’ve gone from the wardrobe of Carrie Bradshaw to something a bit more Nicole Richie. Basics have become more simple, luxe and strangely more affordable.

It’s always easy to look upon pat fashion mistakes and frown but pinstripes don’t look good on anyone- how did it take us until 2006 to realise?

It’s no longer about wearing a shirt and trying to fit a man’s wardrobe on a woman’s body but rather emulating traits of trends to what fits YOU. It may have taken seeing THAT photo on Facebook of the Topshop skirt we were unsure of but brought anyway but we’re finally learning where to go and what to buy to dress appropriately at the office and when socialising. So here are our clothes heroes, be it shops, brands, or actual clothes these are the things in Fashion that have made us who we are on our tenth anniversary.

1) Zara- Previously a shop attributed with the over 50’s and people who had a villa in the costa del sol, thanks to a combo of Kate Middleton and the brilliant dresses they do (and bags… and tops… and coats…) we’ve been noticing a sleeker more refined look in our wardrobe that isn’t making our credit card feel heavier. Any brand that makes neutrals seem fun is perfect in our books 2) GHD’s- Yes more a beauty than fashion staple but when have yours ever let you down? I’ve had mine for eight whopping years yet never have they failed to give me Jennifer Aniston style hair within half an hour. There’s a reason Anne Hathaway uses them in The Devil Wears Prada…

3) Opaque tights- these or bare legged are now the only options left I’m afraid ladies. Yes we too were enthusiastic when we saw a pair of a tights that promised a California tan but that does not mean it was a great idea. Opaques slim the leg and in a way sheer never could. Also sheer itchiness is never attractive on the tube…

4) The ‘Maxi’ bag- After years of trying desperately to squeeze every last thing we need into a handbag or feeling awkward and carrying a briefcase Mulberry led the way into allowing us to carry out laptops, notepad and make up bags all within one happy leather satchel (a not so happy shoulder- but meh beauty is pain). Two bags in one we could use it for weekend getaways too! We loveeeee the Zara Citybag recently 5) Watches- Yes they’re quickly growing obsolete by a hoard of people who would rather check their phones. All this has done is propel the watch from the necessary column of life needs into the luxury one. We particularly love Burberry and Michael Kors for something a bit chunkier.

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FINANCIAL TIMES EVENT SHOWCASE

On June 20th, the Financial Times celebrated its Financial Times 125th anniversary hosts 125th with an exclusive anniversary in party inparty London.

LondonHosted by FT Group CEO John Ridding and On June 20th, the Financial Times celebrated its 125th anniversary with an exclusive party in London. Hosted by FT Group CEO John Ridding and FT editor Lionel Barber, the party attracted more than 300 leaders in politics, finance, business, luxury and media.

Against the magnificent backdrop of the City of London, FT’s original stomping ground, guests were treated to an evening laced with elements from the FT’s heritage. Features included everything from paper boys and illustrations of printing presses to tablets with the FT’s award-winning web app.

Lionel Barber addressed guests, saying: “What makes me most proud as editor of the FT is our commitment to quality journalism.

Quality journalism in the age of Leveson is a cause worth defending, even if today it is increasingly challenged. Quality journalism is an arduous, costly enterprise. It requires investment in people and technology. And it is craft; a vocation not merely a profession.”

Guests were served Moët & Chandon and bespoke canapés whilst listening to a jazz trio, leaving with goody bags filled with luxury gifts including Lunch with the FT: 52 Classic Interviews, published in celebration of the 125th anniversary.

Attendees included John Fallon, CEO, Pearson; Dame Marjorie Scardino; Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable; Ed Miliband, Leader of the Labour Party; Stephen Hester, CEO, RBS; Baroness Martha Lane Fox, UK Digital Champion; Andrew Neil, BBC Daily Politics presenter; Ozwald Boateng, fashion designer; HE Pasquale Terracciano, Italian ambassador and Will Hutton, political writer.

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PrestigeEventsGuide.com

On June 20th, the Financial Times celebrated its 125th anniversary with an exclusive party in London.

Hosted by FT Group CEO John Ridding and FT editor Lionel Barber, the party attracted more than 300 leaders in politics, finance, business, luxury and media.

Against the magnificent backdrop of the City of London, FT’s original stomping PrestigeEvents Guide.com

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NOUVEAU NOVELTIES

10 OF THE BEST RECENT OPENINGS WORLDWIDE KRISTIANA KRUYSMULDER

From beach getaways to city hideaways, we love that new hotels and venues are constantly aiming to push the envelope with their luxury and design elements.

SYDNEY – The Design Hotels Group’s newest Australasian darling sits proudly in the centre of the harbour city, on a bustling corner of the CBD. Larger than a boutique hotel at 200 rooms, the QT Sydney is busy winning over hard-to-impress Sydney-siders with its quirky design swag.

Retro-styled furnishings and mostly muted tones have given a new lease of life to the former Gowings department store and the State Theatre, two heritage properties now merged into one destination property. On entering the building, musical lifts will determine how many occupants are present and kickstart a playlist suitable for one lonely rider (think ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight?’ by Elvis) to positively party –worthy songs for a group of riders (the appropriate ‘You Can’t Touch This’ from MC Hammer) Catering to the hipster crowd, a barber shop and spa will keep facial hair tamed, while foodies will adore the Europeanstyled Gowings Brasserie, Gilt Bar or Parlour Lane Roasters café. www.designhotels.com/qt_sydney WATAMU – Few may have heard of Watamu in Kenya in their everyday life, but be sure to visit before word gets out that this has been voted one of the World’s Top 10 beaches. Medina Palms is a British-owned all-suite and villa resort that oozes relaxed luxury on the Indian Ocean.

As if it wasn’t enough to have a national marine reserve, miles of sandy beaches, four pools and the rooftop Sakina spa onsite, an unexpected 9,000 square-foot ballroom completes the offering. For the ultimate getaway, choose the Amani signature villa, a private palace on the ocean with five ensuite bedrooms and roof terrace with plunge pool for entertaining your VIPs. www.medinapalms.com MALDIVES - In other beach resort buzz, Velaa Private Island will aim to be considered the most sophisticated of all private islands upon its November 1 opening. The brainchild of a Czech entrepreneur, the multi-million-pound new resort nestles on the Noonu Atoll and will consist of a mixture of one, two and four-bedroom villas and residences. Modern in style, the villas are the epitome of beach elegance with mod-cons and traditional thatched roofs. Luxury here comes as second nature with all accommodation hosting a private pool and serviced by a dedicated butler. Some of the most expensive rooms cost £19,500 per night – but don’t worry, for that price you will also have access to a yacht during your stay. The resort’s wine collection alone is estimated to be worth £1million and is housed in a separate futuristic structure reminiscent of a Gaudi tower. http://www.velaaisland.com/#/page1 MAUI - Not to be outdone, the traditional Andaz Maui at Wailea, Hawaii is leading the competition in beachfront style. Fifteen acres of landscaped gardens and outdoor pools cosset over 290 traditional guestrooms and 7 selfcontained villas. The Andaz signature cool, classic style is stamped all over the soft earth-toned bedrooms and warm wood accents. Opened from August 15, the resort’s eco-friendly spa is a highpoint for achieving a zen-like calm. www.andaz.hyatt.com VIENNA - Hotel Topazz is an ultramodern design hotel with 32 rooms in the historic First District. Standing out in Vienna’s old town, the façade has multiple oval windows and has courted controversy since opening (eat your heart out

London’s cheesegrater!) Monochromatic colour schemes inside help make the art-deco inspired minimal interiors feel cool and classic, a contrast to the ultra-modern exterior of the building. The surprise here is the green philosophy behind the project, which focuses on sustainability, low energy usage and locally-sourced food. http://hoteltopazz.com/en/home/ TORONTO – The Four Seasons Toronto is the new 55-storey glass behemoth gracing the upmarket Yorkville district.

Over $500 million was spent on developing the first 21 floors into a 259 guest room hotel with floors 23-55 devoted to luxury apartments. Public spaces are all clean lines with a taupe-and-beige color scheme and stone floors while guest rooms are softer, with floral headboards, soft gold accents and framed prints of Canadian wildlife. Michelinstarred chef Daniel Boulud graces the property with his French culinary fusions in Café Boulud and dbar Watch out, dbar is the newest outdoor terrace for trend-setting Toronto-ites to tread. http://www.fourseasons.com/toronto/ BERLIN - A 1930s landmark turned 80-room design hotel in the Embassy Quarter, Das Stue is the new ‘living room’ of choice for Berliners. A perfect blend of heritage and modernity, the redesign was managed by local firm Axthelm Architekten and sees a new wing blended seamlessly with the original Danish embassy building. Sweep up the main entrance’s grand staircase under a shower of tiny star-like light bulbs to your room. Public spaces are cozy and relaxed with a private club vibe.

For fine dining fiends, ‘5 – cinco by Paco Pérez’ is the first project of the four-times Michelin starred Catalonian Chef Paco Pérez outside of Spain. http://www.das-stue.com/en/ BUDAPEST – Here’s one Buddha-Bar you won’t have tried yet. The Buddha-Bar hotel is Hungary’s hippest new hangout, on Budapest’s main tourist strip, Váci Utca.

The well-known lifestyle brand has added to its Paris and Prague locations by encompassing food outlets, 102 rooms and an Eastern spa within an Art Nouveau palace in the heart of town. Cue vast seated deities smiling over the club floor, red and gold opulence in a ‘temple-meetsbordello’ way. low lighting, (it couldn’t be lower than the original London outpost, surely?) and cool DJs ready to entertain their Eastern followers. http://buddhabarhotelbudapest.com/ LONDON – The long-awaited Edition London hotel has finally flung open its doors this September. Bringing Ian Schrager style back to the capital, this project sees Edition showcasing Marriott’s cooler, younger aesthetic. The former fussy rococo Berners hotel site has been secretly taking shape over the past two years to now host 173 rooms, a restaurant, two bars, an event space, meeting rooms and an inviting lobby. Guest rooms feature either dark or light wood panelling depending on taste over seven floors. http://edition-hotels.marriott.com/london IBIZA - Located in the Santa Eulalia area on the Eastern side of the white isle, Nikki Beach Ibiza has launched just in time to send the season off in style. Consisting of the brand’s signature beach club, restaurant and lifestyle boutique made famous around the world, the resort shines with allwhite sun beds, chic drapery and the brand’s iconic teepees. It’s time to get ready for long lazy days and hectic hot nights dancing to Nikki Beach Resident DJ’s. http://www.nikkibeach.com/ibiza/

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The festive period is fast PUT A TWIST ON approachTHIS CHRISTMAS ing and here at Purple Grape HQ we are already noticing this with the enquirCHRISTMAS TRENDS

The festive period is fast approaching and here at Purple Grape HQ we are already noticing this with the enquiries for Christmas parties coming in thick and fast. Whilst most people are looking forward to the holiday season as it means comfort food, warm (and often alcoholic) drinks, time off to be spent with friends and family and most importantly all the celebratory parties. But for those of us who work in the event industry, the festive season is sometimes dreaded, as instead of attending all the parties we are organising them and therefore working long days in the office and then out on site at night – which is a common routine for about 3-4 weeks. But not only is it the long hours that makes us lose some of the anticipation for Christmas… it is also because we are surrounded by the wonderfully juicy turkey, delicate mince pies, cold champagne, cold snow (albeit fake), festive jumpers and baubles on a daily basis, so by the time we are supposed to enjoy it we are already “over” Christmas…

But if we are slightly bored of the Christmas traditions by Christmas – do you not think the guests might be bored of it too? So why don’t we all make a pact… let’s do Christmas differently this year?

As the food and drink tends to become repetitive at each event we have looked at current trends for this year to design a festive menu with a twist that will make sure that your event will not be like others… Imagine this… upon entry the guests will be served with Winter Pimm’s (lets dream ourselves back to the summer) or if a more traditional event is required then maybe serve a sparkling glass of Amaretto Fizz to add a twist. These will also add a bit of colour to the event and we all know that bright colours will enhance our mood.

Once the party has started we can see the canapé trays being circulated with different delights, such as a trendy Chestnut and Pheasant Palmier coated in Kala Namak (Black Rock Salt) and Cauliflower Pakora with a coconut emulsion or adding a twist to traditional flavours and dishes like a shot of Eggnog topped with King Crab or Turkey Pie with Thyme and Cranberry Mash.

So how about it? If you would like Purple Grape to help you organise a Christmas Party with a twist this year then please feel free to contact us on 020 8453 3310 or events@ purplegrapecatering.co.uk as we would love to make your party different this year

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As a Brit I can wholly appreciate how I can tell when something is popular; there’s a queue for it. And as WHERE TO GRAB A in Arthur Dent says Hitchhiker’s Guide BITE TO EAT to the Galaxy “I’m British, I know how to queue.”

CORPORATE FAST FOOD

BY HOPE MENDY

As a Brit I can wholly appreciate how I can tell when something is popular; there’s a queue for it. And as Arthur Dent says in Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy “I’m British, I know how to queue.”

So it goes without saying that when I’m on my lunch break and I’m looking for good grub I look for a line.

It all began with Meat Liquor, a burger bar that makes you feel like you’re eating in the sewers in Blade Runner – in a good way. Trust me. Suddenly the ‘luxury’ burger was the new It item and Burger King just didn’t cut it anymore.

Vans and street sellers began selling food that looked Jamie Oliver inspired at festivals and football matches and probably the more surprising thing was the people loved it.

Like Dairy Milk, Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Monster Munch sometimes things are better when you don’t necessarily go for the ‘best quality’ – read highest priced- item.

Maybe it’s the recent horsemeat scandal but it’s prompted a wave of people who will no longer accept a Whopper meal as something they are willing to digest.

We as a nation demanded better and by George we got it better, the evidence snaking around Covent Garden in hoards of tourists and hipsters alike.

something meaty, without feeling like your arteries are clogged.

In this case, the queue is most definitely worth it.

1) Meat Liquor Yes the food arrives on trays and it’s so dark you feel a bit like a badger but the cocktails and food make up for any doubts you may have about the place. We recommend the Philly Cheese Steak. Oh and you will want to split sides, the main’s are HUGE. 2) Dirty Burger Not scenic (it backs onto a car park – how romantic) and with a petit menu to say the least the food here is glorious.

The burgers have less than 15% fat and the chips cooked in a Heston Blumenthal fashion guaranteeing the best sides you’re likely to have. Very quick service too!

3) Mother Flipper Yes it’s from a Market Stall but the fat patties crafted from 28 day aged cuts of meat then smothered in a choice of three toppings then covered with a slightly sweet brioche bun. Usually near King’s Cross but prone to relocation fans follow the chefs like they are the sought deities on a pilgrimage, and with good reason.

So here’s our list of the best places to grab a burger or

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Be honest with yourself. We’ve immediately put our heads i in this industry. Working in eve dealing with the unpredic sometimes you can think every when you know deep down way our industry works, with payments, can sometimes true picture, so take a step

WHAT I’VE LEARNED IN 30 YEARS AT THE TOP

WHAT I’VE LEARNED IN 30 YEARS AT THE TOP

by Mike Kershaw

Make as many friends as you can. You can never have too many friends in business, especially when you’re working in the notoriously unpredictable events industry.

You never know what’s around the corner, and when you might need a little help from your friends!

Be honest with yourself. We’ve all faced a problem and immediately put our heads in the sand, particularly in this industry. Working in events means dealing with the unpredictable and sometimes you can think everything is OK when you know deep down it isn’t. The way our industry works, with advance payments, can sometimes distort the true picture, so take a step back and face the reality.

It’s important to recognise a problem as it presents itself, rather than later on.

Be conservative, it’s better than optimism. Whilst optimism is always a good quality to have, the ability to evaluate risks in a conservative way will stand you in better stead.

Under promise and over deliver – not a bad rule.

Hire great people. This one goes without saying. In a business that revolves around people it’s imperative that your team is the best of the bunch. Hand pick them, train them, enable them to progress in their careers and look after them!

Learn from the mistakes you make. It’s easier said than done, but you can’t underestimate the power of mistakes you’ve made, and how you use them to your advantage in the future Be ambitious. I don’t think there are enough really ambitious people in the events industry, and this needs to change. Those just starting out in the industry will have at least 30 years to grow and change, but only the truly ambitious ones with well thought-out, long term plans will reach the top!

Laugh lots. It’s easy to get carried away in business and leave your sense of humour at home, but working in events means that you cannot take life too seriously. I always say that today’s nightmare is tomorrow’s funny story - chin up!

Strive for excellence. Ensure that every event you put on is that little bit better than the last, and don’t accept anything less than excellent from your suppliers. Working in event management means you have the right to be de-

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manding of suppliers on behalf of your client. They’ll thank you for it, and ultimately your event will impress.

Don’t undervalue what you do. Within the industry there’s a problem of people doing things too cheaply, creating low cost packages which don’t deliver. This is troublesome for everyone concerned. Events companies face cost-cutting competition and suppliers suffer as a result.

Deliver high quality events tailored to your client’s brief, and charge properly for them.

Make it easy to buy. Booking an event can often prove incredibly difficult, with venues offering so many different options and rates for venue hire, catering, power, H&S, insurance and much more. Keep it simple and your clients will find your events easier to buy. Concerto creates client friendly packages which include venue hire, entertainment, food, drinks, AV and furniture, so all our guests need to do is concentrate on having fun! Of course this becomes more complicated when it comes to bespoke events, but having a multitude of different divisions providing services for all aspects of events at Concerto enables us to produce events in accordance with the most complicated of briefs, always easy to buy.

Recognise Fate. The events industry is wholly unpredictable, so don’t be blind to random opportunities if they present themselves when you’re not expecting them - there’s always a place for luck in business. You don’t have to stick to a plan religiously if circumstances begin to change, you will need to adapt and change accordingly.

Move quickly. If circumstances do change you’ll need to be prepared. Some economic developments require urgent action, as we saw in 2009/10. As a result of the economic downturn Concerto’s annual turnover suffered a loss of one third. We needed to take action quickly to preserve the business and set it back on the path of growth, and if I was in that situation again I’d act even faster.

Cash is king. Although we all want to impress clients with incredible events, we must remember the bottom line cash is king. Turnover just makes you feel better, it’s profit that counts and this must remain the focus no matter how creative or innovative the event in question is.

Be honest with yourself.

We’ve all faced a problem and immediately put our heads in the sand, particularly in this industry. Working in events means dealing with the unpredictable and

WHAT I’VE LEARNED IN 30 YEARS AT THE TOP

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That sage perspective comes WE CANNOT SOLVE from Father of Modern OUR PROBLEMS Physics Albert Einstein, WITH SAME THINKING andTHE offers a practical explanation “Vuja WE USEDofTO CREATE de,”.

Vuja de is the THEM

That sage perspective comes from Father of Modern Physics Albert Einstein, and offers a practical explanation of “Vuja de,”. Vuja de is the opposite of déjà vu, and is in essence using a fresh set of eyes to see the same thing as everyone else sees but to understand it in a unique way or see a fresh opportunity for the first time. The result is simple, you own the moment which empowers you to create the future.

Meetings, conventions, and events are putting Vuja de to great use to differentiate themselves in a noisy marketplace. “Sustainibility, green practices and social responsibility are at the core of how we live and how we do business,” says Alison Best, former vice president of Sales & Services at Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau (SMCVB). “Planners will find that they don’t need to spend extra effort setting up these programs for their events, because our facilities are always prepared to host sustainable meeting experiences.”

In an effort to cement its designation as a leader in the eco-friendly meetings, events and corporate social responsibility programs, the SMCVB has applied a little Vuja de to the way it exhibits at major industry shows. As a result, they owned the moment.

At a MPI World Education Congress in Vancouver, Canada the SMCVB and six of its partners opted to forego the traditional tradeshow booth, and instead, donated the booth-shipment money it saved to a Santa Monica-based non-profit that mentors at-risk youth. The bureau not only eliminated carbon emissions associated with the shipping, but it went a step further to channel the savings into shoes for local disadvantaged children through its partnership with a charity called the Virginia Avenue Project.

The SMCVB also gave conference attendees the opportunity to get involved. Planners were invited to leave their business cards on the “wall of social responsibility” the bureau erected on the tradeshow floor – in place of its booth. At the end of the show, the SMCVB along with Santa Monica-based corporate partner Toms Shoes, donated $5 for every card affixed to the wall.

As a result of Vuja de thinking, more than $12,000 worth of shoes was split between the Virginia Avenue Project and a program Toms Shoes runs to support children in need in third-world countries.

VUJA DE OWN THE MOMENT

The Santa Monica CVB understands that status quo is the enemy of creativity. By transitioning from the customary tradeshow booth appearance and connecting to what customers are looking for the bureau achieved its objective – it not only attracted planners, it entrenched its position as a leader in green meetings and corporate social responsibility.

Here are three ways to own the moment: 1.

Synergy is Green Energy – What creative breakthroughs are your third-party vendors introducing that may offer a competitive edge for you? How might they be customized for your organization? When was the last time you shared your strategic vision with them or asked them how you might collectively reach the customers you share?

2.

Take your core team on a field trip of other industries. See what they do well and how they implement creativity into their culture.

3.

Become your customer. Shop your experience. What would you do differently after experiencing how you treat the new customers and members that you want to attract?

Pay attention because Vuja de is often closer than you think.

Simon T. Bailey is the author of The Vuja de Moment – Shift from Average to Brilliant. www.simontbailey.com

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IN THE TRADE

IN THE TRADE WITH....

Amir Vered, Head of Sales and Marketing at Twickenham Experience

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Q/ What was the inspira behind you getting involv in corporate events?

IN THE TRADE

With over thirteen years’ experience in the hospitality and events sector, I joined Twickenham in November 2012 from Wembley Stadium. I have been involved in the sector since graduating from Birmingham University in Hospitality Business Management, predominantly in hotels but latterly more focused on the conference and events business. I have always been an active member of industry bodies, most recently the HBAA where I was a committee member on a technology group.

I grew up in a town that w heavily focused on the h

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

I grew up in a town that was heavily focused on the hospitality sector in Israel. My mother was an accountant but was working in a hotel when pregnant with me so perhaps I was bitten by the hospitality bug even in the womb!

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

From a sales perspective, in the lead up to the event we run through all of the event particulars with the client to ensure that every detail is covered. We take some time to establish the client’s success criteria from the outset and then aim to exceed these by providing the ideal backdrop for their event. We will then follow up with the organiser on the day, continuously checking in to ensure that we are meeting expectations, responding quickly to any changes big or small that might be required by the organisers on the day.

BMW and IBM regular users of our events facilities.

In terms of a defining factor in establishing our relationships, it may be cliché but for me it’s all about listening attentively to client needs. Especially when it comes to large venues, it can often be the case that the venue dictates to the client what is possible due to certain restrictions, whereas at Twickenham, our attitude is to try to offer more options rather than restrict. We aim to over-deliver where possible, which must be working as clients regularly repeat book which serves as a testament to our relationship.

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

We are very privileged to work with the client base we have. However, all of our clients big and small benefit from the same professional service and attention to detail. We cater for Conferences, exhibitions and Gala Dinners as we as weddings and anniversaries. What guides us through any booking is a great focus on customer care.

Q/ What preparation goes into your service?

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

Twickenham Experience is a joint venture between the RFU and Compass Group, a world leading caterer. Our chefs take great pride in tailor making menus for specific events, making every endeavor to create something extra special. We aim to source produce locally wherever possible, helping to reduce food miles and support the local economy. In order to ensure we meet expectations, all catering items agreed with the client in a menu tasting session are photographed to create a spec sheet for the chefs to work from. On the day of the event, dishes have to be prepared and presented in the exact same way that the client experienced on the menu tasting sessions, ensuring that we meet their expectations.

Being a unique venue as the home of England rugby, COOL plays a big part in how we describe ourselves. We have many historic moments recorded on the hallowed turf at Twickenham, and some cool new facilities and activities available for our guests. It doesn’t get much COOLer than that.

Q/ You have a varied client portfolio. Care to name a few? And what do you feel was the defining factor in establishing your relationships?

Twickenham is an extremely versatile and flexible venue and so can cater for the majority of event briefs. Our client base is varied as we have few restrictions on how the event spaces can be used, unlike some other sporting stadia. We are happy to accommodate clients large and small, with many of the RFU stadium partners include O2,

Q/ What would you like to see happen in the corporate events industry in the next 12 months?

I would like to see the corporate events industry becoming stronger with larger budgets to allow more creative and engaging events. We are seeing the return of team builds and more unique activities; we would like to see that strengthening. Short lead times have been a major factor in recent years and it would be healthy to see slightly longer lead times which would help us to plan our year.

Q/ Prestige Events magazine is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary. Where will you be in 10 years’ time?

With lead times as they are, who knows what things will look like in 10 years’ time, hopefully I’ll be the COOlest dude in town!

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The event indu Why You Can’t Live Off changed dram Past Achievements – in theHas last 10 ye How The Market Changedwhile In The Last Ten these c Years have required a

HOW THE MARKET HAS CHANGED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS

By Sally Webb, CSEP, The Special Event Company The event industry has changed dramatically in the last 10 years, and while these changes have required a heightened level of skill and effort on the part of professional event planners, they also have brought greater credibility and transparency to the industry. Following are some of the changes I have witnessed over the past decade.

Financial Acumen There has been a massive shift in the way clients manage finances. It is now essential that you prove your financial stability to prospective clients, as they will look closely at your finances, processes and procedures to determine how suitable you are to meet their needs. Working with procurement requires transparency, proof of cost savings, and a demonstration of real value. Planners are asked to provide more for less because every penny is scrutinised more than ever before.

Marketing Focus Clients are looking for much greater return on investment.

It is no longer enough to simply manage the event and make it look pretty; you are now expected to handle messaging and branding. You are creating an environment to deliver a message with key deliverables, and that requires an entirely new approach.

Certification Certification is now widely recognised as a requirement for getting through the RFP process. Ten years ago, we were rarely asked how many of our staff held event planning certifications; now it is commonplace, particularly, CMP and CSEP certifications, which are the most widely recognised.

Shorter Booking Cycles There was a time when nine months was the average length to pre-book for a corporate event; now it is quite common to have only three months. This makes it difficult to predict long-term staffing needs. We have to be much more flexible and develop strong relationships with dependable suppliers. Shorter booking cycles can also wreak havoc on cash flow, making your financial outlook harder to forecast.

Liability Another change in our business is the greater likelihood

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that someone will try to bring a lawsuit against you. You have to be far more aware of your liability and focus heavily on risk management.

Technology You must be technologically savvy in the way you deliver content. When it comes to audio-visuals, lighting, sound and video, in the event industry, you must adapt to changing technology to stay competitive. Technology has also changed the way people work, and in many ways it is far more economical. You can work from home, collaborate with freelancers at a remote location, and conduct business over Skype to keep your overhead down and still be very effective.

Sustainability and Diversity Due to their own requirements for sustainability, many clients want their event planner to adhere to a sustainability policy as well. Likewise, cultural and supplier diversity, which was not a great concern ten years ago, is something we are often asked to track and report for clients.

Collaboration Event planners were once expected to manage every aspect of an event as a one-stop-shop, but it is now far more acceptable to partner and collaborate. It is common for us to have an exhibition, design or entertainment partner and to bring the various skill sets together on a bid.

Global Awareness You never know where your clients are going to be, so it is important to be globally aware and globally sensitive.

Traditions and customs vary from country to country, and they must be honoured and respected.

Managing Expectations The advent of reality TV has kindled unrealistic expectations. The end production is just the tip of the iceberg; they never show the depth of expertise or the work behind the scenes required to produce complex logistics and creative concepts, so it gives a skewed view of what can be provided within a particular budget.

ndustry has ramatically years, and changes ed a heightf skill and efart of profes-

sional event they also have greater credib transparency dustry. Follow some of the I have witnes HOW THE MARKET HAS CHANGED IN THE PAST 10 YEARS

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The Deck at the National Theatre The Deck is an achingly cool venue atop the National Theatre on the South Bank

10 TO SHOUT ABOUT SHOUT IT FROM

10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

THE ROOFTOPS The Deck at the National Theatre The Deck is an achingly cool venue atop the National Theatre on the South Bank where ultra-modern function space brings the outside in, with awe-inspiring views of the London skyline.

Why shout about the Deck?

Even the Queen’s Corgis and their entourage have experienced the true magic of The Deck - so what are you waiting for? – Laura and Fleur at The deck Paramount at Centre Point This restaurant/bar is one of the chicest destinations in the capital. With 360-degree views of London, there’s no-

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where quite like it for sky-high cocktails, dining in the restaurant, or indeed an event with an edge its designated spaces.

Why shout about the Paramount?

From its location at Centre Point’s summit, Paramount offers the highest afternoon tea in London, taking High Tea to a whole new level - Paramount Kensington Roof Gardens One of London’s most spectacular and extraordinary landmarks, this year marks the Garden’s 75th anniversary.

With 1.5 acres of garden and an award-wining restaurant – Babylon - the Roof Gardens offer’s elegance and pres-

The Deck at the National Theatre The Deck is an achingly cool venue atop the National Theatre on the South Bank where ultramodern function space brings the outside in, with awe-inspiring viewsofthe

10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

KENSINGTON ROOF GARDENS PrestigeEventsGuide.com

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The Deck at the National Theatre The Deck is an achingly cool venue atop the National Theatre on the South 10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

tige not to mention a beautiful exterior.

Why shout about the Roof Gardens?

No! It’s not the Tequila – they are REAL Flamingos in the garden! – Shout About London Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens A magnificent award-winning venue in Central London, the Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens provides stunning views of the River Thames, The Shard, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral with its elegant, glass-fronted marquee set within beautifully maintained gardens.

Why shout about the Cannon Bridge?

A Breath of Fresh Air in The Heart of The City – Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens Vista at the Trafalgar Hotel Nestled on the South West corner of Trafalgar Square in the heart of central London, Vista at The Trafalgar is a stunning open air rooftop bar with spectacular London views. The bar boasts an inspired menu of wickedly tempting cocktails and alfresco dining.

Why shout about the Vista?

Meet Eye to Eye with Lord Nelson – Kara at the Hilton Radio bar at the Me Hotel Covent Garden Located on the tenth floor of the Hotel Radio Bar is accessible via an exclusive express lift. The only rooftop bar, lounge and terrace in The Strand and Aldwych area which is open every day until the wee hours.

Why shout about Radio bar?

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HMS PRESIDENT

With views that touch the clouds, the rooftop bar at the ME London rises to a new level of social enjoyment – Andreas at Radio bar Coq D’Argent Escape the hustle and bustle of the business of the city and enjoy the atmosphere of a covered and heated terrace. Whatever the weather, their terrace can host summer and winter events alike right above Bank Station.

Why shout about Coq D’Argent?

You can Bank on this being an Oasis away from the stress of city life – Shout About London Icon Balcony Bar With private facilities and a beautifully lit balcony overlooking the hubbub of Leicester Square, Icon Bar and Terrace is a truly special place to stage any private function in London.

Why shout about Icon Balcony Bar Viewing Theatre Land from this unique perspective, this is the best way to feel top of the West End – Shout About London HMS President Boat parties can land or launch at the only jetty on this stretch of the Thames and the brilliantly appointed Navy interior makes a fabulous function space.

Why shout about HMS President?

Steeped in history, stunning views and people still think it’s a boat! – Shout About London

10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

VISTA ROOFTOP PrestigeEventsGuide.com

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The Deck at the National Theatre The Deck is an achingly cool venue atop the National Theatre on the South 10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

SCIENCE MUSEUM

A shout out to the future Sky Garden The top of London’s latest landmark building (the Walkie Talkie), will boast uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Capital. Over three floors and surrounded by landscaped gardens, the new venue will offer a choice of experiential dining experiences.

Why shout about Sky Garden?

One Walkie Talkies all you need – Shout About London Shout it on Screen The Science Museum A diverse collection of spaces for daytime and evening events. Choose from the numerous interactive galleries accommodating 10 – 2000 guests, conference suites, 414-seat IMAX cinema and vast blank-canvas. Innovative branding and in-house entertainment options heighten the ‘wow factor’.

Why shout about the Science Museum?

Providing a fascinating insight into the worlds of science, technology and industry. It’s all the proof you need that ‘science is sexy’ - Alicia the Science Museum Rich Mix Offering a range of versatile and creative spaces including 3 boutique cinema screens configured for large conferences & presentations. Proud to be a charity and social

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enterprise, all profits go towards supporting an arts and youth programme for the East London community.

Why shout about Rich Mix? If you could work out the geographical centre of ‘cool’ in London, the X would mark Rich Mix - Costas Sarkas from Rich Mix Bafta (195 Piccadilly) Situated in the heart of London, event spaces include: a 3D cinema with 227 seats, the stunning David Lean Room and the option of a totally blank canvass, overlooking a beautiful outdoor area.

Why shout about Bafta?

These guys don’t just get the awards, they give the awards – Shout About London The Lounge at Odeon A chance to enjoy fine food and film in an exclusive cinema setting. All the intimate screens have no more than 48 leather seats, fully reclining at the touch of a button and double the leg room of a standard cinema.

Why shout about Odeon?

It’s like watching a movie in your living room, if your living room had the best home set up imaginable! – Shout About London

10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

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10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

COQ D’ARGENT PrestigeEventsGuide.com

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10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

BFI Imax The huge screen and 500-capacity luxury auditorium is perfect for major film premieres, product launches and awards ceremonies – for special guests who can’t be there, you can stream in seamlessly via satellite to your audience here and around the world Why shout about BFI Imax?

Britain’s biggest Cinema screen even makes Tom Cruise look massive! – Shout About London Hospital Club A creative hub in the heart of London offering the creative community the environment and facilities they need to create, connect and collaborate. They are a venue for some of London’s most chic and exclusive events with phenomenal facilities.

Why shout about Hospital Club?

Rihanna was here… Beyoncé was here… Bono was here…

Why aren’t you? – Michael at the Hospital Club

modation for receptions, exhibitions, dinners and presentations. It provides a technologically advanced split screen system and new stage set, which is the only one of its kind in London.

Why shout about One Moorgate Place In the Historic Chartered Accountants building, but not all accountants are boring….. – Lowell One Moorgate Place Royal Opera House With a theatre on this site since 1732, the Royal Opera House is steeped in centuries of history. The current theatre was opened in 1858 and many of the rooms still boast the original architectural features from this time.

Why shout about the Royal Opera House Shout, sing and dance about it, that’s what they do – Shout About London A shout out to the future

Soho Screening Rooms This historic facility has four screens with the latest digital projection and are regularly calibrated to industry standards. Each room is suitable for laptop presentations and frequently used as studios for film and TV recordings.

Rooftop Film Club Over 100 sold-out screenings already this summer, London’s favourite outdoor cinema, Rooftop Film Club, announces its eagerly anticipated August programme of cult, classic and new releases PLUS a brand new venue in Ealing, the home of the famous film studios.

Why shout about Soho Screening rooms The last independent cinema standing and it’s all about the picture and sound. Sounds good to us – Shout About London

Why shout about Roof Top Film Club They say ‘Go West, life is peaceful there’ but from now it’s ‘Go West, the Rooftop Film Club is there’ – Gerry at Rooftop Film Club

One Moorgate Place The Great Hall provides spacious air-conditioned accom-

The Deck at the National Theatre The Deck is an achingly cool venue atop the ONE MOORGATE PLACE 42

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10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

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The Deck at the National Theatre The Deck is an achingly cool venue atop the National Theatre on the South Bank where ultramodern function 10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

Shout about Hospitality

offering panoramic views across the river Thames.

The Waldorf Hilton Located in the heart of Theatre land the iconic Waldorf Hilton is home to the Palm Court. Steeped in history and elegance it features an historic, impeccably styled interior, with fabulously restored balustrades lending an air of chic decadence and sophistication.

Why shout about Oxo This versatile venue offers a wealth of flexibility and with its understated neutral colour scheme that offers a unique environment where creativity can run riot! – Shout About London

Why shout about the Waldorf Palm Court will leave you breathless…. With just enough left to shout about it – Shout About London

The Marylebone Hotel A haven of understated and contemporary luxury that turns even the briefest of stays into a genuine pleasure.

This renowned London city hotel retains a charming, village feel that you’ll find nowhere else in this great city.

Why shout about the Marylebone Experience where you can savor the soul of a village in the heart of the city – Natasha from The Marylebone STK @ ME Hotel Set in the ME Hotel on The Strand, the London branch of New York beefy chain, STK follows the glossy style of its Manhattan Meatpacking original – with slinky black booths, theatrical lighting and a banging soundtrack to get things going.

Why shout about ME One impression, one moment, one sensation at a time.

Provocative. Engaging. ME draws out the best in you – Annabel at STK

The Rembrandt The Rembrandt is a spectacular Edwardian building with timeless ornate architecture. Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge it has a great location for both leisure and business travelers. Perfectly positioned to explore the local area.

Why shout about the Rembrandt Remember the Rembrandt, loose yourself in London’s best postcode – Shout About London

Schillibeers Shillibeer’s Bar & Grill is a new warehouse-style, urban event multiplex with bar, restaurant, theatre and stunning indoor/outdoor event spaces. A two minute walk from Caledonian Road tube, this stunning north London venue also offers excellent quality gastro style menu.

Why shout about the Shillibeers As George Shillibeer’s original bus works, this central London venue is steeped in history and is on the scene for corporate events for the very first time Apex Hotel Fleet Street Apex Hotel sits on the doorstep of the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge, providing a scenic location for your event. Our 3 different events rooms can be tailored easily to suit your events and special occasions Why shout about Apex Complimentary Wi-Fi, scenic fleet street location, luxurious setting and first class facilities, this hotel is the apex of refinement – Shout About London Oxo Tower Located on Level Two of the iconic OXO Tower, OXO2 is a breath-taking contemporary new event space

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Vinopolis With over 8 distinct yet equally stunning event spaces, Vinopolis merges Victorian splendor with 21st century facilities, offering state-of-the-art lighting and AV helping make them one of London’s top event venues.

Why shout about Vinopolis It’s one of our favourite spaces in London, plus they have wine… a LOT of wine! – Shout About London Westminster Park Plaza The versatility of the venue has huge international appeal.

With up to 1400 theatre style and numerous breakouts, it’s no surprise that this well-oiled venue machine is the South Banks epicentre for large events.

Why shout about Park Plaza A globally recognised hotel with London running through its veins – we love it! – Shout About London A shout out to the future

Edition Ian Schrager returns to London after 15 years since introducing Sanderson and St. Martins Lane. EDITION Hotels combines the personal, intimate, individualised and unique hotel experience that Schrager is known for, with the global reach and operational expertise.

Why shout about the Edition If the Hotel is anything as cool as the event team running it, it will be THE place to be in London for a long time – Shout About London Shout it in the Club

Rose Club A glamorous speakeasy bar in a part of London previously famed as the stomping ground of L’Equipe Anglais. The concept is based around a lifestyle of choice, much more than just a club.

Why Shout about Rose Seeing is believing, it’s doesn’t get cooler than here! Just ask Denzel Washington, Andy Murray and half of the celeb world – Shout About London Boujis Since opening in 2002, Boujis frequent visits from international VIPs, aristocracy and other high profile figures demonstrate not only Boujis’ style, but also the natural intoxicating power it has to draw these crowds back for more.

Why Shout about Boujis London’s most exclusive members club – plenty to Shout About when we get you in – Shout About London Cirque Le Soir Roll up! Roll up! And step inside London’s most A-list club and decadent circus, Cirque Le Soir. Perfect to fit that unusual venue brief!

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10 TO SHOUT ABOUT Why Shout about Cirque Le Soir So comb your lady’s beard, iron your coat tails, dust off the top hat and prepare for a night like no other... - Tom from Cirque Le Soir Project Designed by world renowned interior architects ‘Project’ arrives to transform the West End and offer a sophisticated night out, with care being taken to keep a unique interior design with clean lines and cultivated spaces allowing for an exceptional experience.

Why Shout about Project Projecting a backdrop worthy for the world’s biggest brands – Shout About London Café de Paris Set in the heart of Piccadilly, Cafe de Paris has been a dazzling and opulent venue since it opened its fabled doors in 1924. Now a Grade II listed building, Cafe de Paris is superb for hosting all types of events.

Why shout about Movida Awards a plenty a standard for London to follow - Shout About London A shout out to the future Events at Rise The wait for a truly iconic ‘Superclub’ in the heart of the West End is over. Let us introduce you to RISE. If you are looking for a night out or a venue for a corporate or private reception, with a capacity of up to 1000, look no further!

Why shout about Rise Come to Rise and Shine.....Rise is set to take the London clubbing scene to a new level – Alison from Rise This feature was written by:

Why shout about Café de Paris Think of the West End you think of Café de Paris, instantly iconic and effortlessly exciting with masses of sex appeal – Shout About London Whisky Mist Set As one of London’s most exclusive members clubs, Whisky Mist organises fabulous events. Perfectly located in Mayfair, Whisky Mist is an elegant and glamorous venue for a myriad of events from corporate to the more personal affair.

Why shout about DSTRKT

We’re about knowing the people behind them, what makes them tick.

We’re about asking the right questions and having vast experience from that side of the fence.

We’re about having seen them for ourselves before we can possibly recommend them.

We’re about knowing how they operate, logistically and financially.

We’re about finding the optimum venue at the optimum price We’re about brand activation – making sure you’re in the right place for the right reason.

We’re about having top contacts in all aspects of events, from: production to catering, to accommodation and night life.

We’re about an ethical reputation industry wide.

Wow - even the toilets are rocking! – Shout About London

We’re Shout About London – you’ll hear us very soon

EGG This versatile and eclectic venue boasts state of the art sound and lighting. Firmly established in the London nightlife scene, it is proving itself as a successful corporate venue, playing host to intimate product launches and full on themed events.

0207 111 7712 www.shoutaboutlondon.com info@shoutaboutlondon.com

Why shout about Whisky Mist Whisky Mist has a abundance of cool… particularly cool for us because it’s around the corner from our offices – Shout About London DSTRKT Voted ‘Best New Restaurant and Club 2012’ at the Club and Bar Awards, DSTRKT is a £25 Million venue that is class and elegance personified, with the restaurant overlooking the club and DJ in the VIP toilets, there’s certainly lots to Shout About.

Why shout about EGG Ten years of cracking events – Shout About London Movida Based in the heart of the capital with elegantly designed rooms spanning three vaults of The London Palladium, Movida is the ultimate location for any special private celebration and an impressive backdrop for product launches and corporate events.

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Based in London, living in London, loving London.

We’re not just about knowing the venue:

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10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

PROJECT PrestigeEventsGuide.com

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10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

SCHILLIBEER’S 48

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WESTMINSTER PARK PLAZA BALLROOM

10 TO SHOUT ABOUT

APEX

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FUTURE EVENT TRENDS AND THE BENEFIT FOR THE CLIENT

FUTURE EVENT TRENDS events industry is constantly ANDThe THE BENEFIT FOR evolving. It’s clear to say there is no common template; we’re THE CLIENT

by Ryan Curtis of DRP Group

spoilt for choice now, with advanced technology available to everybody. A business now needs to be ahead of the times, incorporating the latest technology and trends into their events.

Gone are the days of “death by PowerPoint”, and its hello to the

The events industry is constantly evolving. It’s clear to say there is no common template; we’re spoilt for choice now, with advanced technology available to everybody. A business now needs to be ahead of the times, incorporating the latest technology and trends into their events. Gone are the days of “death by PowerPoint”, and its hello to the new generation of events.

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FUTURE EVENT TRENDS AND THE BENEFIT FOR THE CLIENT

Most people have their own tablet or iPad, giving people the world of social media at their fingertips. Although this can bring a lot of criticism that the use of tablets and iPads can cause distraction and draw the main focus away from a speaker at an event, they do provide the opportunity for people to react and interact at their own pace. It is vital that you provide opportunities for interaction for the user when incorporating tablets at events.

A simple idea for this would be use of an iPad event solution. We’ve created a tool for tablets at the drpgroup which at its most basic level provides delegates with an agenda and speaker biographies. Key to the interactive aspect of the proposition is the feature that enables people to ask questions throughout the event. At the launch of our new studio complex, #drpboom, we incorporated this service but with a twist by having a cocktail request area, allowing guests to make an order on an iPad and the waiter then delivered the drink to our guest. Another huge part of this digital interaction potential is the ability to incorporate live surveys and feedback into presentations. All this data is then stored, backed up and analysed to deliver event’s organisers and clients that holy grail of the industry; ROI. We all know that CSR has played a huge part in the development of the industry in recent years and again, here we can see technology providing real bottom line benefits to clients. The use of live video streaming and conferencing, giving people the opportunity to come together without leaving their country or even their desk provides a massive reduction in cost as well as significant reduction in carbon footprint. Vital to the process of course is a solid internet connection. While hybrid or virtual events will never deliver the same engagement as bringing your entire team together, it really comes down to what you’re trying to achieve from your event. For internal catch up or board meetings it’s a great tool. It’s making sure you’re using the right technology for the brief that you’ve been given.

Hologram technology is another popular tool which will continue to develop as a trend. You could have 5 presenters on stage at once, but potentially only one is real. There is no end to its creative capabilities and it can deliver a “wow” factor like no other. A similar alternative is the use of augmented reality. This can help create a similar illusion yet you will only see it through the use of a screen. This is commonly incorporated into product launches and can be used via most smart devices or live playback screens.

But the king of new trends would have to be social media for events. Whether it’s via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest, social media really has created a revolution of not only people’s everyday life, but in their business life as well. It is most obviously used within B2C events as it hits a primarily B2C audience. We recently used RFID tags at our drp BOOM Launch, allowing our guests the chance to have photos taken with the pictures automatically uploaded to their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram profiles.

This was done via a RFID enabled a wristband. It’s an instant action that creates instant memories but also helps with trending and buzz generation. There are great ways to integrate the different platforms into B2B events as well and avoid the feared, information leakage problems unbridled social media can cause. By setting up your own internal network, you can use bespoke platforms to post things regarding your event and build up a purely internal conversation, creating an opportunity for interaction and a way to channel the messages within your event.

Although event trends are changing and some may seem complicated, the one thing they’re all doing is helping us to achieve and deliver the brief more effectively. It’s a fact that as technology becomes even more advanced, we shall look back in ten years time and realise how far we have come. There are so many benefits to incorporating the above emerging trends into our work, but there is one clear message. Make sure you are delivering what the client wants and using what is right for them and not just what is trending at the time.

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What do you do when you get an invite How to mix conferences and Wesley Mendy forfun-for-all, two ofbyour writers to experience a track-day at the all-round events venue, Bruntingthorpe?

Well, here’s EDITOR EXPERIENCE

TOP GEAR!

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What do you do when you get an invite for two of our writers to experience a track-day at the all-round events venue, Bruntingthorpe?

Well, here’s EDITOR EXPERIENCE

What do you do when you get an invite for two of our writers to experience a track-day at the all-round events venue, Bruntingthorpe?

Well, here’s what you don’t do. You don’t broadcast it.

Why? Because two became six within the time it takes Wayne Rooney to throw his toys out of his pram yet again.

The Journey To get into the Top Gear frame of mind, two of the Prestige Events team set-off by train, and the other for embarked in cars up the M1 to see who’d arrive first. Like they always say, you can bet on a Mercedes and you can bet on our Dan Bearpark to arrive first.

For those not in the know, Bruntingthorpe is located in the Midlands, a few miles from Market Harborough justa few miles up from the M1/M6 junction and well served by national rail.

The History of the Venue The Bruntingthorpe site was constructed in 1942 as a World War II airfield and was used extensively post war by Sir Frank Whittle’s Powerjets company for early test and development activity on jet engined aircraft. 1954 saw the construction of a new airfield for the US Air Force and it was subsequently used as a strategic heavy bomber base (code-named ‘Big Thunder’) until 1962. Following a brief period in the 1960′s when the site was used by the RAF, the Rootes Group purchased the facility in 1972 and the site was used for testing vehicles for the first time. Over the next 11 years, the Rootes Group, and subsequently Chrysler and Peugeot, used it extensively for vehicle development, constructing a number of test features appropriate for the vehicles of their time. The current owners, C. Walton Ltd, purchased the site in 1983 and have set up a diverse, yet complementary group of businesses under the ‘Bruntingthorpe’ umbrella. The services provided include vehicle testing, vehicle storage and refurbishment as well as events and corporate hospitality and is visited by tens of thousands each year for it’s array of events from big Thunder to corporate hospitality.

What We Did Our day began with all six of us going head-to-head at go-karting, 30 laps of machoism and posturing. Our host, the effervescent Angela Birchall - head of events at Bruntinghtorpe – endeared herself to me by warning that I was not “driving my Range Rover now” and that my car would be affected by my weight: a handy note for those female drivers out there who like to get one over the master-sex

☺. Driving at 40mph with your bottom a mere four inches from the floor whilst whipping round corners has to be experienced to be told. Oh, who won? ‘Mr Lean’, our videographer Adam Neale. Oh no. that wasn’t right, we had to have our revenge. Following a mid-morning tea-break, our host Angela took on a very very short journey to the main track where following a briefing, we each jumped into a Volkswagen Lupo and completely ignored holding back behind our instructor-car in single-line formation. This was game-on. However, it’s not recommended to ignore the instructor gives you the ok to pass and go freestyle unless you’ve previously oversteered and spun at over 100 mph..just ask myself or Matt Chung and I’ll bore you with what happened when I hit the big bend (but it was bloody exciting!). Who was the fastest? Monsieur Dan Bearpark.

After a fantastic lunch and cocktails (non-alcoholic!) , we headed off into the woods that border Bruntingthorpe for an off-road challenge in a Mitsubishi 4x4. We each took turns in driving up impossible climbs, through small rivers where the car was submerged up to it window-sills, and controlling this huge vehicle down seemingly impossible descents (honestly, but for our instructor sitting in the passenger seat, you’d never attempt it), and finishing off with a challenge of driving the 4x4 across two long parallel beams! Who won? Yours truly! We finished the day with a quick spin round the Bruntingthorpe track in a Ariel Atom... just each of us and the driver and helmet with a pair of goggles and a seatbelt with an engine that achieves 0-60 in 3 seconds! We now know why Jeremy Clarkson said that famous phrase “I’m sh***** my pants!!!!!!”. Trust me, it’ll be one of the best experiences you’ve had. It’s a bucket-list MUST! Following this we had a bit of tea, followed by a tour of the extensive grounds, mooched around the interiors of it’s many classic aircraft (jumbos, etc) – which is a must for any avaiation fans in your group – and were then shown to an empty huge aircraft hanger-type warehouse and shown plans for what will become one of the most exciting exhibition venues in the UK.

Conclusion: If you are an event organizer and need to know because you fear the next person will steal your position, the best thing you can do is call Angela Birchall at Bruntingthorpe for a word of advice on your event portfolio because Bruntingthope is one of the most exciting venues for conferences and hospitality that I have seen in memory. www.bruntingthorpe.com

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20/20 ACADEMIC VENUES SPEED NETWORKING

20/20 ACADEMIC AND MEDICAL VENUES SPEED NETWORKING Royal College of Physicians www.rcplondon.ac.uk 26th March 2013 / 0900am-1400pm EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the UK’s most charismatic academic and medical venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers ABOUT THE VENUE: RCP is an award-winning and highly versatile venue for conferences, meetings, banquets, training and outdoor events.

We offer: • Central London location Overlooking Regent’s Park, with good access to road, rail and tube.

• Magnificent conference & banqueting facilities Tiered auditoriums, exhibition space, event and dining facilities, including the stunning Council Chamber and the ‘jewel in the crown’ Dorchester Library.

• Award-winning Grade 1 listed modern building With an atmosphere of space and light with a contrasting mix of old and new facilities.

• Rare heritage collection With over 500 years of History and over 50 000 antiquarian books.

• High quality food and service Eclectic cuisine, bespoke menus and first class service.

• Professional venue for international conferences Member of Unique Venues of London, International Association of Conference Centres and London and Partners to name a few.

• Private ‘Physic Garden’ for events Filled with rare plants and flowers from all over the world, ideal for barbecues, receptions and al fresco dining.

Professional & friendly events team Dedicated Event Managers, catering experts and technicians. Full support before, during and after the event.

THE BUYERS INCLUDED: Bloomberg Network Rail Face Ltd Bart NHS Trust CITI Medical Protection Society Insider Publishing Lloyds TSB Imperial College Healthcare Carlson Wagonlit

EVENT SPONSORS:

THE SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: Royal College of Physicians Wellcome Collection Senate House Missenden Abbey Warwick Conferences 30 Euston Square Imago Queen Mary University BMA House Keele University Leicester University Sheffield University York Conferences

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Royal College of Physicians www.rcplondon.ac.uk 26th March 2013 0900am-1400pm

THEME: Academic Venues EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the UK’s most charismatic academic and medical venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers

20/20 WEST LONDON VENUES SPEED NETWORKING

20/20 WEST LONDON VENUES

SPEED NETWORKING Trinity House www.trinityhouse.co.uk 18th April 2013 / 0900am-1400pm

EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic West London venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers ABOUT THE VENUE: Trinity House cater for every social and corporate occasion: from small board meetings, presentations and informal lunches and dinners to large conferences, formal banqueting and weddings.
For all these events, they offer guests both exclusivity and exceptional flexibility. Each of the five elegant rooms can be hired individually or in combination and on an exclusive basis so that the house becomes entirely yours for the duration of your event.
 Whichever rooms you hire and however you combine them, the aim is to facilitate that choice and ensure that your event runs smoothly.

The experienced in-house events team take great pride in the house and will work closely with you to provide every opportunity to maximise on the remarkable features of the venue.

THE BUYERS INCLUDED: UK Payments Hermes Investec Heritage Capital Financial Times Sincura Group OPM Partnership Cambridge Associates Caxton Manor

EVENT SPONSORS:

THE SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: Trinity House The Roof Gardens Saatchi Gallery The Clubhouse London Film Museum Planet Hollywood Church House Congress Centre Twickenham Mercedes Benz at Brooklands Bloomsbury Big Top Science Museum

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Trinity House www.trinityhouse.co.uk 18th April 2013 0900am-1400pm THEME: West London Venues

EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic West London venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers

20/20 CORPORATE DINING SPEED NETWORKING

20/20 CORPORATE DINING

SPEED NETWORKING Old Royal Navy College www.ornc.org/venuehire 25th April 2013 / 0900am-1400pm

EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic corporate dining suppliers for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers ABOUT THE VENUE: Set on the banks of the River Thames, Sir Christopher Wren’s twin-domed masterpiece the Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) in Greenwich offers tranquillity and incredible views for your event. Whether you are hosting a small private meeting, a formal dinner or a stylish wedding, we have a range of historic and contemporary venues to suit your occasion. The Old Royal Naval College (ORNC) provides a breath-taking setting for your next drinks reception or stately banquet. Historic Admiral’s House provides superb views for receptions and dinners for up to 90 guests. The Queen Mary Undercroft is perfect for receptions, dining and dancing for up to 300 guests and the King William Undercroft for up to 120 guests. Or for banquets for up to 400 guests, the sheer splendour of the Painted Hall cannot be matched. Explore the venues, including capacities and images by visiting www.ornc.og/venuehire THE BUYERS INCLUDED: Barclays Capital Ernst & Young United Wineries The Gates Foundation Ark Talbot Underwriting Fox Woodmac Inmarsat

EVENT SPONSORS:

THE SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: Old Royal Navy College Foodshow Blenheim Palace RICS Stafford Kempinski Tower 42 Concerto Lime Venues Searcy Champagne Bars Purple Grape The Deck at The National Theatre Lionscourt Conference Centre Royal Berkshire Conference Centre Tower Bridge / Fizz The Brigade

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Old Royal Navy College www. ornc.org/venuehire 25th April 2013 0900am-1400pm THEME: Corporate Dining

EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic corporate dining suppliers for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers

20/20 COOL EVENTS SPEED NETWORKING

20/20 COOL EVENTS SPEED NETWORKING Weston Park www.westonparkhospitality.com 8th - 9th May 2013 EVENT SYNOPSIS: Uniquely for a 20/20 event, this gathering was spread over two days with buyers residing at the magnificent event venue Weston Park, and suppliers staying at the nearby 4-star International Hotel in Telford (courtesy of The Southwater Group. www.southwatereventgroup.com) This 20/20 occasion consisted of 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic suppliers guaranteed to inject COOL into their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers ABOUT THE VENUE: A truly unique experience awaits…

The House at Weston, built in 1671 is set within 1,000 acres of historic ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland and is the perfect venue for conferences, business events, corporate hospitality, weddings and private celebrations.

Weston is no ordinary stately home, although steeped in history we have a modern outlook. With a picture perfect backdrop coupled with 5-star service, award winning cuisine and luxurious accommodation, Weston is a living House, fully staffed and your event is tailored to your specific requirements.

Set in the tranquil location of the Shropshire and Staffordshire countryside in the Heart of England, Weston is easily accessible from major motorways, rail networks and international airports.

THE BUYERS INCLUDED: RBS Caxton Manor Barclays Capital Sincura Group Bank of America Merrill Lynch Heritage Capital Talbot Underwriting Yon Events Reach and Teach Ernst & Young Slingshot Sponsorship Ultimate Global Meetings Athena

EVENT SPONSORS:

THE SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: Ministry of Sound Top Golf C3 Imaging Four Pillars Silverstone Concerto Group Bluehat Science Museum Boko Mercedes Benz World Megabooth Purple Grape Weston Park Bruntingthorpe Demon Wheelers MCL Warwick Castle Lords Brunel Southwater Group

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Weston Park www.westonparkhospitality.com 8th - 9th May 2013 THEME: COOL Events EVENT SYNOPSIS: Uniquely for a 20/20 event, this gathering was spread over two days with buyers residing at the magnificent event venue Weston Park, and suppliers staying at the nearby 4-star International Hotel in Telford (courtesy of The Southwater Group. www. southwatereventgroup.com) This 20/20 occasion consisted of 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic suppliers guaranteed to inject COOL into their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers

20/20 PARTIES AND EVENTS AT NIGHT SPEED NETWORKING

20/20 PARTIES AND EVENTS AT NIGHT SPEED NETWORKING Formans Fish Island www.formansfishisland.com 6th June 2013 EVENT SYNOPSIS: This 20/20 occasion consisted of 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic suppliers guaranteed to inject COOL into their parties and evening hospitality events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers ABOUT THE VENUE: Formans Fish island is a stunning corporate event and party venue in the most exciting part of London. It has unrivalled views of the Olympic Stadium and is ideal for conferences, exhibitions, private parties with a capacity of 10-1000. Formans Fish Island was designed by award-winning architect, Phil Hudson, in the shape of a ‘darne’ of salmon, with ‘scales’ tiling the roof, ‘bones’ supporting the structure and the smokery itself situated in the ‘guts’ of the building. Forman’s Fish Island has been host to a diverse range of conferences and exhibitions. The gallery is a flexible space that lends perfectly to

THE BUYERS INCLUDED: Ernst & Young Rail Safety & Standards Board BDO LLP KPMG Mazars Egencia NYS Corporate Credit Suisse Future Publishing

EVENT SPONSORS:

THE SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: Concerto Group Top Golf Planet Hollywood Saatchi Gallery The 02 Indigo 2 The Roof Gardens Purple Grape Ripleys believe it or not!

Egg Urban Soul Orchestra Megabooth Richmond Caterers Altitude London Zap’s Magic Village Underground MCL Formans Fish Island

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Formans Fish Island www.formansfishisland.com 6th June 2013 THEME: Parties and Events at night

EVENT SYNOPSIS: This 20/20 occasion consisted of 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic suppliers guaranteed to inject COOL into their parties and evening hospitality events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers

20/20 WEST END VENUES SPEED NETWORKING

20/20 WEST END VENUES

SPEED NETWORKING Planet Hollywood www.planethollywoodlondon.com 13th June 2013 / 0900am-1115am

EVENT SYNOPSIS: A mini 20/20 event. 10 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic West End venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 10 likeminded suppliers ABOUT THE VENUE: Looking for somewhere to have a meeting, away day, reception, event or Christmas party? Look no further than Planet Hollywood. We can cater for: • Private and Semi private events in one of our 3 very different rooms • Meeting spaces with projector and screen • Full venue buyouts from 250 to 800 people • Awards dinners/presentations • Showcases and product launches and MUCH more; our stunning state of the art venue boasts terrific sound and visual equipment and a canapé / passed food list that is bursting with some of our signature dishes and mouth watering delights which will keep your guests talking long after the event is over.

With all in package prices starting from just £20 per person we can help you put on the perfect event to impress those friends, clients and colleagues.

If you would like more information about what Planet Hollywood has to offer you and your guests then please contact our sales department.

T :020 7287 1000 E: salesuk@planethollywoodintl.com

THE BUYERS INCLUDED: Berry Asset Management CI Events Ernst & Young Future Publishing Haymarket HSBC MCL Sincura Group All Health Studio Banks Sadler RBS

EVENT SPONSORS:

THE SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: Trinity House Foodshow De Vere W1 Roof Gardens GSP (Saatchi Gallery and the Clubhouse ) London Film Museum Church House Awesome Events Planet Hollywood Congress Centre Richmond Caterers/ Freemasons Hall

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Planet Hollywood www.planethollywoodlondon.com 13th June 2013 0900am-1115am THEME: West End Venues

EVENT SYNOPSIS: A mini 20/20 event. 10 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic West End venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 10 likeminded suppliers

20/20 HERITAGE VENUES SPEED NETWORKING

20/20 HERITAGE VENUES

SPEED NETWORKING Altitude 360 www.altitudelondon.com 16th June 2013 / 0900am-1400pm

EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic heritage venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers ABOUT THE VENUE: Altitude London is the ultimate venue choice for corporate events of all variety. If you are looking for an ultra-modern, high class venue for your next corporate gathering, contact Altitude London immediately. We have the resources to seamlessly host your next corporate event and leave your guests impressed. Don’t short sell your company for your next event. Accept only the best and share London’s top view with your corporate friends and acquaintances.

Altitude London is perfect for your next corporate event including: • Conferences & Meetings • Presentations

THE BUYERS INCLUDED: Direct Line Insurance Standard Chartered ACCA Global Stroke Association RBS Ernst & Young Eastville Associates NHS / Hurley Group

EVENT SPONSORS:

THE SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: Altitude Middle Temple Hall Lords Hedsor House Blenheim Palace Conference Roehampton V&A Museum Olympia Warwick Castle Royal Hospital Chelsea Historic Royal Palaces Four Pillars Tower Bridge/ Fizz Grays Inn Dartmouth House/ Hatfield House Trinity House Freemasons Hall

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Altitude 360 www.altitudelondon.com 16th June 2013 0900am-1400pm THEME: Heritage Venues

EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic heritage venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers

20/20 EAST LONDON VENUES SPEED NETWORKING

20/20 EAST LONDON VENUES

SPEED NETWORKING Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens www.diamondcityevents.com 4th July 2013 / 0900am-1400pm

EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic East London event venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers ABOUT THE VENUE: The Cannon Bridge Roof Garden is one of the most sought-after and desirable hospitality venues in London. Located high above the heart of the City, this inspiring venue provides you with opportunities to hold events that will truly amaze both your clients and colleagues. With fabulous views over the River Thames, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge, the London roof gardens are best enjoyed alfresco, but there’s also a luxurious, award-winning, glass-fronted marquee. The roof garden provides a unique environment in which to host champagne receptions, corporate parties, barbeques or any other special London summer event that lends itself to an elevated outdoor location in the heart of the City.

THE BUYERS INCLUDED: RBS British Sugar plc Hermes Sourcecap Which?

RBS Credit Suisse Standard Chartered Direct line Insurance Drive Productions London Stock Exchange

EVENT SPONSORS:

THE SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: Cannon Bridge Roof Garden East Wintergarden De Vere Canary Wharf Top Golf The O2 Ceme Old Royal Navy College Down Hall Country House and Hotel Queen Mary University Museum of London London Borough of Hackney Etc Venues Whitechapel Gallery

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Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens www.diamondcityevents.com 4th July 2013 0900am-1400pm THEME: East London Venues

EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic East London event venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers

20/20 SPORTING VENUES SPEED NETWORKING

20/20 SPORTING VENUES

SPEED NETWORKING The Kia Oval www.kiaoval.com/commercial/conferences-events/ 18th July 2013 / 0900am-1400pm

EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic sporting venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded suppliers ABOUT THE VENUE: The Kia Oval, located in the heart of London, is a world class sporting venue with excellent conference and event facilities. Each room is flooded with natural daylight and boasts outstanding views of the famous Oval wicket. With a mix of modern and traditional spaces ranging in size, the Kia Oval us suitable for a variety of events. With excellent transport links we are very accessible by Tube, Train or Car. It’s not just cricket…

• Conferences and Meetings • Banquet and Awards Dinners • Product Launches • Wedding and Private Events • Team Building …and Corporate Hospitality

THE BUYERS INCLUDED: Direct Line Insurance DRP Group Ernst & Young NHS/ Hurley Group Future Publishing BT Matchroom Sport Stroke Association Sincura Group Euro Events Eastville Associates NHS / Hurley Group

EVENT SPONSORS:

THE SUPPLIERS INCLUDED: The Kia Oval Emirates Stadium Edgbaston Warwick Conferences Lime Venue Portfolio Manchester City FC Stadium Experience Twickenham Top Golf Millenium Stadium Royal Berkshire Conference Centre/ Madjeski Stadium Allianz Park/ Saracens

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The Kia Oval www.kiaoval.com/commercial/ conferences-events/ 18th July 2013 0900am-1400pm

EVENT SYNOPSIS: 20 corporate buyers with a need and open-mind for the most charismatic sporting venues for their conferences and events, speed-networking with 20 likeminded supplierss

20/20 SPEED NETWORKING

20/20

SPEED NETWORKING FUTURE SPEED NETWORKING EVENTS Date

Theme

Host Venue

16th January 2014 23rd January 2014 30th January 2014 20th February 2014 5th March 2014 25th March 2014

De Vere Holborn Bars Emirates Stadium Ministry of Sound Venue: tbc Venue: tbc Central Hall Westminster Venue: tbc Painters Hall Venue: tbc

5th June 2014 19th June 2014 3rd July 2014 16th July 2014 25th September 2014 9th October 2014 16th October 2014

Conferencing Luxury Hotels Around The World Venues & Suppliers Meet Agents-Only COOL Venues Teambuilding & Outdoor Events Meetings, Training and Seminar Venues (inc. Academic & Medical Venues) West End & West London Venues Corporate Dining & Caterers COOL Events (rate for this unique 2-day event is £2000 and includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and teambuilding activities with buyers) East London and Essex Venues Heritage Venues Parties & Events at Night Sporting Venues Christmas Parties Events Services Central London Venues

6th November 2014 13th November 2014

Unique Venues Non-London Venues

Venue: tbc Venue: tbc

10th April 2014 24th April 2014 14th -15th May 2014

East Wintergarden Venue: tbc Venue: tbc Emirates Stadium Venue: tbc Congress Centre Venue: tbc

“Would definitely recommend it to many people in my company.

It’s been really useful.”

-Valerie Bamford, Barclays “The quality of buyer at 20/20 Speed Networking event’s is better than at any event we’ve been to.”

- Mike Kershaw, MD of Concerto Group “If like me, you never have the time to travel or book meetings with venues the Prestige Events 20/20 programme is designed to bring the venues to you. In the perfect location, with a unique style and great atmosphere, I had a number of ideas for using the space and immediately booked the host venue for an Olympic Volunteer Reunion. The party of people who attended the reunion were also impressed and are planning to recommend the venue for further events..”

- Shavone Mitchell-Martin, Channel 4 Visit www.2020speednetworking for more information, or call 0108 737393 Or email wes@prestigeeventsguide.com

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EVENT DRESSING

THE WAY THE EVENT SPACE WORKS

A decade with Well Dressed Tables and Spaceworks Furniture Hire It’s often the finishing touches that make an event, the attention to detail that brings it all together. One company that knows all about the finer details is Well Dressed Tables and Spaceworks, who have been providing tableware, crockery, cutlery, glassware and furniture to the event industry for over 20 years.

From modest beginnings to becoming part of one of the world’s leading event infrastructure companies – Arena Group – they’ve constantly grown, adapting to the needs of the modern event organiser.

Kelly Baker, sales and marketing director at Well Dressed Tables and Spaceworks, said: “Everyone has so much information at their fingertips now. There’s constant new event inspiration everywhere you look, from celebrity magazines and online news to Pinterest and Google.

“Pop culture, seasons and major events such as the Olympics and Jubilee all have an impact. Trends come and go very quickly and you’ve got to be one step ahead all of the time.

“We’ve always focused on classic ranges that have a very long shelf life, which can then be supplemented quickly with unusual finishing touches such as brightly coloured glasses, customisable seat cushions and quirky candelabras.”

It’s an approach that appears to have worked well for the company with classic ranges including its standard banqueting chairs and signature glassware range hiring out 1.2m and 2m respectively each year in rentals. In-house designed ranges such as its fine bone china Fougère range have also proven hugely successful for clients wanting a classic yet modern aesthetic.

Internally Spaceworks and Well Dressed Tables have restructured to meet these growing demands – the companies became part of global event infrastructure company Arena Group and welcomed new staff including Kelly, who joined in 2011 at a time of major change.

She continued: “I was brought in to head up the sales and

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marketing side of the business just as we were shifting our focus towards modernising the way that we deal with customers. It’s a fast moving world now with clients wanting to place orders at the touch of a button. That’s why we invested in our online ordering system which has been one of the biggest changes for the company in the last decade. It allows you to log in, create bespoke quotes that are with you in seconds and when you’re ready, simply hit order and items are added to your account.”

It’s not all computer screens though, as Spaceworks and Well Dressed Tables continue to emphasise that customer service is the main focus, with the team always looking for ways to add something extra to the experience.

At its Wimbledon premises, clients are encouraged to visit a tasting kitchen and dining room to see – and use – the products and visualise their event. Caterers and event managers can experiment with place settings, food layouts and furniture to be sure they get the look they want for their event.

With long-term clients including catering and event firms Payne and Gunter, Blue Strawberry and Table Talk, venues including Tobacco Dock and the One Events venues (such as One Marylebone) and a whole host of major events including Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Goodwood Festivals and AEGON Tennis Championships, it must be hard to pick a favourite moment.

“One of the more memorable moments was probably 2010 Ryder Cup where we had to deliver 40 arctic trucks worth of equipment, it was huge job,” says Kelly. “But the London Olympics were extremely special. Arena Group supplied 31 venues with Spaceworks and Well Dressed Tables supplying furniture and tableware for some key locations. Being involved in something with such a legacy in British history will always be a highlight for the team here.”

It’s often the finishing touches that make an event, the attention to detail that brings it all together. One company that knows all about the finer details is Well Dressed Tables and Spaceworks, who have been providing

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Kelly Baker of Well Dressed Tables and Spaceworks

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Events are all about storytelling, whether it’s the launch of a new product, an awards ceremony, or the beginning of an international sporting event.

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EVENTS AND STORYTELLING

by Simon Maier ‘Marketers,’ says a friend Events are all about storytelling, whether it’s the launch of a new product, an awards ceremony, or the beginning of an international sporting event.

‘Marketers,’ says a friend of mine, who’s been in the events industry for ever, ‘are increasingly challenged, by breaking through the clutter, to create brand experiences and experiential events which solicit emotional responses from audiences to accomplish marketing and strategic objectives. Tried and tested techniques for engaging audiences, including interaction and storytelling, are still relevant.’

Any story within a presentation should underscore and amplify the business message your client presenters are communicating. Material for stories is everywhere; personal stories are always intriguing and can lend authenticity to a message or a proposition in a speech.

‘The amount of detail in a story should be just enough to make it vivid, but not enough to make it rambling,’ says a director of a company that specialises in corporate storytelling. ‘Remember,’ he says, ‘this is a story within a presentation. It’s the characters – what they do and what that action means – that form the heart of any story. Give them life, give them colour, give them dialogue.’

He makes eminent sense: ‘Each story within a presentation should be only long enough to make a point. Strive for around two minutes, with an absolute maximum of three. Aim for a crisp rendition, leaving the audience so engaged that they want more. And there clever public speakers give their audiences more by coming back to their main story or a character in the story.’

I meet up with a famous American writer of business fiction. He adds, ‘Pacing and tone are the keys to grabbing

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EVENTS AND STORYTELLING

Events are all about storytelling, whether it’s the launch of a new product, an awards ceremony, or the beginning of an international sporting event.

‘Marketers,’ says a friend of mine, who’s been in the events industry for ever, ‘are increasingly challenged, by breaking through the clutter,

and keeping an audience’s attention. So, it’s a good idea to vary sentence length to create anticipation – short, staccato sentences suggest action for instance. Speakers must learn when to pause for effect and to let the audience absorb what’s been said.’

In business, leaders consider what they want others to do and why they want them to do it. If they want to persuade people to adopt, say, safety standards, then a story can be told of what happened when someone didn’t follow protocol. If they want to demonstrate the benefits of a new process, they might use a story to explain how an individual, anyone in the audience perhaps, would benefit.

Storytelling can also play a crucial part in any change process. During times of organisational change (a constant, of course) those responsible for directing such change will be better able to avoid stress in the process and make more positive interventions by explaining what has been, what is and what will be, but doing so exactly as if one was telling a story.

One speechwriter tells me, ‘People often feel trapped and helpless in change– which can be construed as obstructive. Storytelling can be used as a way for an individual to express and transform an organisational tale from negative to positive.’

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As powerful as storytelling can be, it may not be appropriate for every occasion. Sometimes you need to get to the point. And the best way to relate your point of view, especially with a business case, is to do it quickly and concisely. In these situations, facts and figures can be a story in themselves.

Relevance is key too. We like to hear stories about ourselves – which is why the most successful stand-up comedians are indeed successful. Through stories we share passions, sadness, hardships and joys. Stories are how we make meaning of life. Stories trigger our imagination.

For more in-depth information, pick up a copy of In Any Event by Simon Maier, available now from Bloomsbury for £19.99 (online price £17.99).

Simon Maier is an experienced corporate and public event director and a former managing director of ICM, a Saatchi & Saatchi event management agency company, amongst other large event agencies. He has lectured throughout the world presenting on topics related to communications, presentation techniques and the ingredients of strategy development. He has written speeches for many senior internationally well-known politicians and business leaders and is the author of Speak Like a President (Bloomsbury, 2010).

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Providing opportunities to connect is importa heart of every conf exchange of informat achieved through its co is at the heart of the eve its eventual reputation attendees; it should not addition. An event prod manager and their tea widely and deeply to im shape and then delive timely information- an that exceeds the expe THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTENT

By Simon Maier audience.

Providing opportunities for attendees to connect is important, but at the heart of every conference is the exchange However, that’s all w of information and ideas achieved through its content.

Content is at the heart of the event’s brand and its eventual given two important c reputation in the minds of attendees; it should not be a lastminute addition. that the client actually THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTENT

Simon Maier

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PowerPoint is a software package that is meant an oral presentaEVENTS AND to VISUALenhance SUPPORT tion and to keep the audience focused on a particular subject. It operates like an old-fashioned slide show, but uses modern technology in the form of computers and digital projection rather than a slide projector of old. But, by all that’s holy, it’s overused and abused and I loathe it.

Sometimes I feel, at an event, if all the projectors suddenly stopped working and the speakers had to carry on speaking without PowerPoint, the audience would cheer.

When it comes to your event, do please try and get your speakers to use PowerPoint either not at all, or with great caution.

This probably won’t work.

My favourite PowerPoint designer in the whole world sighs, ‘You know, as do I, that very, very few executives will follow your advice. On the whole, the execs don’t prepare well, they don’t practice at all

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THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTENT

An event producer or project manager and their team must stretch widely and deeply to imagine, source, shape and then deliver relevant and timely information- and information that exceeds the expectations of the audience.

However, that’s all well and good given two important conditions: one, that the client actually wants help in content and messaging (many don’t, or assume that the event company or agency wouldn’t have a clue- and sometimes they’re right) and two, that the client listens to the agency, and then waits for the client CEO to tell everyone what he/she wants no matter what, and that’s (boringly) that.

Event content is one of those strange elements that has hordes attacking it, and rarely is it allowed to take its proper and leading place at the seat of other component parts of an event. Clients will hijack a morning or afternoon at the drop of an MD’s hat; committees will stuff in all sorts of garbage- a comedian there, a management guru there, four plenary sessions in one evening, nine breakout sessions with no true purpose, a gala dinner, some drunken awards that receive less and less applause after the thirtysecond…and so on.

An exaggeration certainly, but many an event is cobbled together as an amalgam of all things dreadful- just because someone persuaded a client later in the day that it should be like that. Actually, one of the most common reasons that content gets changed is because the client is so concerned to include the detail, data or output of another initiative that it takes over, totally subsuming the original reason for the event’s existence.

The first step in planning content is actually to take a step back. It’s important to read, synthesize and really understand all the data available from the client concerning context, objectives and history, if there is one. You may have some of this from your original brief, but it’s unlikely that you have access to drilled-down detail unless you’ve

known the client for a long time and, of course, kept up to date with their business and its changes. You can develop shape with the client by what might be called a straw man- a draft you can knock down and rebuild. Invariably, clients don’t know what they don’t want until they see itor rather, until they see what they don’t want.

Giving the voice to the audience and inviting them in advance to help shape the event establishes an early level of engagement and investment that, in my experience, is more likely to result in a content-appropriate event. Their level of buy-in increases and they’re more receptive. As you can’t address the input from every audience member, just remember that above all, you should consider the optimal mix of content to address what the audience is facing now and what it needs to be taught to navigate future conditions. Once you know that, you can shape the whole.

People are naturally curious; we all like uncovering new ideas, solving problems and pursuing thoughts. Content may prompt interest but not necessarily maintain it. Event content has to be relevant to attendees, exciting in how it’s delivered, and has to make people think long after the event is over and they’re home.

For more in-depth information, pick up a copy of In Any Event by Simon Maier, available now from Bloomsbury for £19.99 (online price £17.99).

Simon Maier is an experienced corporate and public event director and a former managing director of ICM, a Saatchi & Saatchi event management agency company, amongst other large event agencies. He has lectured throughout the world presenting on topics related to communications, presentation techniques and the ingredients of strategy development. He has written speeches for many senior internationally well-known politicians and business leaders and is the author of Speak Like a President (Bloomsbury, 2010).

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PowerPoint is a software package that is meant to enhance an oral presentation and to keep the audience focused on a particular subject. It operates like an old-fashioned slide show, but uses modern technology in the form of computers and digital projection rather than a slide projector of old.MAIER But, by all

BY SIMON that’s holy, it’s overused and abused and I loathe it. Sometimes I feel, at an event, if all the projectors

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PowerPoint is a software package that is meant to enhance an oral presentaEVENTS AND VISUAL SUPPORT tion and to keep the audience focused on a particular subject. It operates like an old-fashioned slide show, but uses modern technology in the form of computers and digital projection rather than a slide projector of old. But, by all that’s holy, it’s overused and abused and I loathe it.

Sometimes I feel, at an event, if all the projectors suddenly stopped working and the speakers had to carry on speaking without PowerPoint, the audience would cheer.

When it comes to your event, do please try and get your speakers to use PowerPoint either not at all, or with great caution.

This probably won’t work.

My favourite PowerPoint designer in the whole world sighs, ‘You know, as do I, that very, very few executives will follow your advice. On the whole, the execs don’t prepare well, they don’t practice at all and they regard rehearsals with disdain.’ If you can advise your speakers, then advise as follows: • Get them to choose images rather

PowerPoint is a software package that is meant to enhance an oral presentation and to keep the audience focused on a particular subject.

It operates like an oldfashioned slide show, but uses modern technology in the form of computers and digital projection rather than a slide projector of old. But, by all that’s holy, it’s overused and abused and I loathe it.

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PowerPoint is a software package that is meant to enhance an oral presentation and to keep the audience focused on a particular subject. It operates like an old-fashioned slide show, but uses modern technology in the form of computers and digital projection rather than a slide projector of old. But, by all that’s holy, it’s overused and abused and I loathe it.

Sometimes I feel, at an event, if all the proSometimes I feel, at an event, if all the projectors suddenly stopped working and the speakers had to carry on speaking without PowerPoint, the audience would cheer.

When it comes to your event, do please try and get your speakers to use PowerPoint either not at all, or with great caution.

This probably won’t work.

My favourite PowerPoint designer in the whole world sighs, ‘You know, as do I, that very, very few executives will follow your advice. On the whole, the execs don’t prepare well, they don’t practice at all and they regard rehearsals with disdain.’ If you can advise your speakers, then advise as follows: • Get them to choose images rather than words to reinforce what they’re saying- big, clear, relevant images or images that are mysterious, but become clear through what they say.

• Good photographs or brilliant graphics, not clip art or a surfeit of arrows.

• Do get them to use a slide with one word on it, rather than a slide filled with tiny font text or oodles of diagrams that mean nothing to anyone beyond the front row.

• Get your speakers to say ‘so what?’ to themselves as they practice each slide- should they not be able to answer it, that particular slide should be binned.

• Lots of flashing text and photos are to be avoided, as are dreadful cartoons, speech balloons, and monotonous musical files.

• NEVER allow your speakers to read each slide word for word directly from the screen!

• Make sure there aren’t too many slides- a presenter will say, ‘Oh, I can whizz through those in no time.’

He or she can’t.

Not being in charge of your own PowerPoint is all too common. If a slide or topic is missed- and it happens often- the speaker should not apologise and fiddle with the clicker trying to find the missing slide. At no point should it be felt that the speaker isn’t in control.

The trouble with PowerPoint is that it makes it so easy to put detailed written and numerical information on slides that it leads presenters into the mistaken belief that all the detail will be successfully transmitted through the air into the brains of the audience. The purpose of a presentation is to inform, not to overwhelm.

Visual aids can be a great way of enhancing a presentation- when they’re used sensibly and with a clear purpose. Like PowerPoint, any visual aid is there to help your audience to better understand what a speaker is talking about- not¬ replace it. They’re also there to grab attention, to amuse and to make a proposition come alive, buy why not also think about an app, a website attachment or a variety of methodologies whereby material can be sent

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to smartphones or email addresses?

Finally, using a variety of media and movement can help to maintain maximum interest. Amusing quotes or funny stories can light up, inspire or touch audiences, as can stories and straw polls- getting the audiences to raise their hands or react through an electronic voting system. I once asked members in an audience to demonstrate their ringtones at the same time. I forget why, but the effect was great.

For more in-depth information, pick up a copy of In Any Event by Simon Maier, available now from Bloomsbury for £19.99 (online price £17.99).

Simon Maier is an experienced corporate and public event director and a former managing director of ICM, a Saatchi & Saatchi event management agency company, amongst other large event agencies. He has lectured throughout the world presenting on topics related to communications, presentation techniques and the ingredients of strategy development. He has written speeches for many senior internationally well-known politicians and business leaders and is the author of Speak Like a President (Bloomsbury, 2010).

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Social media promotion is key within business. It’s no longer enough to simply have a blog updatHOW clients TO PLAYon THE GAME ing -your SOCIAL MEDIA FOR EVENTS

SOCIAL MEDIA Social media promotion is key within business.

It’s no longer enough to simply have a blog updating your clients on what work you’re currently doing but we as businesses must reach out to potential clients in their leisure time, most notably using Facebook and Twitter. Companies often end up spending hours researching when clients are online, what kind of content they source and what makes them choose to click on one link over another. But what about getting potential clients to use a website that they’re completely unfamiliar with?

When Twitter was first launched in March 2006 it was quickly compared to Facebook and scrutinised as a brand that would fail in the already over saturated social media market.

Speed forward to 2013 and it’s hard to find a person or brand not ending their press release with a little link to their latest tweet. So where does Google + come into play in the social media game? Like Twitter and LinkedIn it was scrutinised by the press with one critic aptly saying, “Overall, Google+ is solid. But I’m not going to call it a Facebook killer or a game-changer” and there’s no denying it hasn’t exactly set the market alight.

Nevertheless it is slowly growing, more and more businesses and people are recognising the worth in evolving their online profiles. But why? What makes Google + such a good and useful platform for businesses?

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it easy to distinguish what you’re clicking. Unlike LinkedIn or Twitter text is bypassed for the use of semiotics and rather than hinder the user it makes it refreshingly easy to set up a page and network.

The Circles A feature called Google + Circles is incredibly easy to use thanks to a simple drag and drop function. The site here has more personality through use of animations that appear as you develop more friend groups. This function could easily be used for businesses to create networking groups to work on group projects further elevating the site from LinkedIn, which doesn’t include a wide variety of social networking options.

Hangouts Google + hangouts is possibly the most innovative feature of Google +. A large group video chat, the server recognizes who is talking and the camera focuses on them, far superior to having multiple video feeds open at once. Along with the Circles concept this could change the way people network with co-workers or new clients. In an age where job interviews are often conducted over Skype, Google could snatch away the video chat crown, offering more features and a superior interface to its rivals.

The Design The design of the site is very much in keeping with the rest of Google’s aesthetics. Lots of white space and primary colors as is the brands forte. It’s not going to disappoint and keeps with the ideology of the forward thinking, modern brand.

Sparks Google Sparks is essentially a recommendation engine without calling it one. Designed to augment Google+ it will make the SEO on Google every company desires that much more valuable.

Not in full use yet (development is still underway into integrating it into the site) it will allow companies to target potential clientele directly during both business hours and down time.

Usability With not many features it’s simple to use and navigate around the site, and basic icons make

Competition The greatest hurdle for Google + to overcome is the familiarity associated with Facebook, Twitter

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SOCIAL MEDIA FOR EVENTS and LinkedIn. Although Google+ does have many features that could be of great worth to numerous companies it is still grossly undersubscribed in comparison to its competitors. That it is a requirement for users to have a Gmail account to register on YouTube and that Google still is the most visited site on the net are both great assets to the site’s

aims, but don’t necessarily guarantee success. If Google+ can persuade users to come back every day it will succeed with the mass population and successfully face off with Facebook, but for now it will most likely be utilized by companies to network and conduct online activities with ease- bad news for LinkedIn...

Social media promotion is key within business. It’s no longer enough to simply have a blog updating your clients on what work you’re currently doing but we as businesses must reach out to potential clients in their leisure time, most notably using Facebook and Twitter. Companies often end up spending hours researching when clients are online, what kind of content they source and what PrestigeEventsGuide.com

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Gone are the building events days of naff, run by money HOW TEAMBUILDING HAS agenLOST IT’S meaningless jol- grabbing OVER THEand PASTthanks, 10 YEARS lies NAFFNESS previously cies, AND ESSENTIAL known asBECOME team- in part to the ecoTEAMBUILDING

Gone are the days of naff, meaningless jollies previously known as teambuilding events run by money grabbing agencies, and thanks, in part to the economic down turn and a dose of common sense, we have seen an increase in the demand and delivery of team building and development that has a positive impact on people, business and customers. Perhaps the much misused term teambuilding is better replaced with the outcomes such as team development, staff engagement, leadership and wellbeing that quality events deliver. By investing in valuable activities that will impact on these terms, a company can save time and money, increase performance and productivity and create an even better place to work.

Developing soft skills - such as communication, relationships and leadership - is no soft option in today’s competitive environment. It’s people who drive a business forwards, slow it down or even put it in reverse. ‘’ People who are inspired can make all the difference,’’ states Lee Etheridge, International Director of Education and Brand Ambassador at Bare Escentuals, ‘’When we think business development, we think people development, team work and customer relationships’’.

The cost of not investing in a company’s greatest asset – people – is significant. In one study it was found that poor middle managers costs UK Business some £220billion per year, and the cost of stressed employees is £26billion, no wonder then that the Government is now switched on to the need to develop staff engagement as a means of growing British Business.

Paul Farmer from MIND noted that the economic impact of stressed employees is unequivocal and costs employers an estimated £26bn a year, with symptoms such as poor concentration, low motivation and tiredness leading to less productivity, accounting for two-thirds of this cost. Whilst David MacLeod, leader of the Government Task Force on Employee Engagement said, “If employee engagement and the principles that lie behind it were more widely understood and shared we could see a step change in productivity and performance across the UK.

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Prime Minister David Cameron said that investing in staff engagement will deliver ‘’two of my government’s top priorities - delivering sustainable growth across the UK, and coming up with new approaches to help people improve their wellbeing.’’

The BBC show Apprentice showed us the naff side of cheesy team building, with amateurs delivering inappropriate messages and activities misaligned to the needs of the client. Such events in the real world are not just a waste of money, they are a massive waste of time and opportunity. Time is a vital commodity, and one of the greatest things we can do is invest time – quality time – in each other. Team building is as much about investing time as it is about fun, skills and behavioural development. Thus that time must be respected and used very wisely or the costs will be significant.

According to Mark Katz, owner of Poisson Rouge, ‘’Teambuilding is a cost effective and essential tool within the people development framework of every business. It provides an engaging and enjoyable platform to promote trust, empathy and interdependence between team members and between teams. Understanding the differences, similarities, strengths and weaknesses that exist within a team are the cornerstones of exceptional performance - and it’s fun. Anyone who doesn’t get that development is fun - doesn’t get development!” Whilst Jason Ludlow founder and Chairman of EMG states, ‘’Sailing is one of the most effective team building activities for developing high performance people skills and staff engagement. It offers clients great fun, great value and a potential uplift in team performance.’’

Investing in team building, it seems, is essential in developing business.

PJ STEVENS www.pjstevens.co.uk www.leapplc.com Developing People, Performance & Productivity.

In the past ten years we’ve witnessed many a TEAMBUILDING change in how compaTHEnies MOST EVOLVED operate.

Computers can fit in bags, it’s a AREA OF THE common occurrence to INDUSTRY tweet your way through a conference meeting and we saw the great rise and fall of Comic TEAMBUILDING

By Hope Mendy

In the past ten years we’ve witnessed many a change in how companies operate. Computers can fit in bags, it’s a common occurrence to tweet your way through a conference meeting and we saw the great rise and fall of Comic Sans. But what about our actual interpersonal relations?

Beyond sending that connection request on LinkedIn how on earth do we now communicate with our colleagues that doesn’t involve a comment about the weather?

How can a boss expect his or her workers to operate as a team when we don’t actually work day to day as one?

In office design has been one way to solve this predicament with lofty warehouses allowing workers to laze about on sofas, MacBook’s lazily balanced on their laps (we’re looking at you Google) and Vitamin Water in Water Coolers.

But how do companies without that kind of structural flexibility merge their offices into a team? Enter the Teambuilding Event.

Teambuilding has moved beyond the days of going for walking tours around the city and guessing who has what post it on who’s head. It has upped its game to the demand of the corporate world. By the time this article is

published the Bluehat Group would have staged three nationwide Guinness World Record attempts in one of the biggest teambuilding events the country has ever seen.

It involves Canapés and a drinks reception; not exactly shabby…

Before each 20/20 we here at Prestige always include a team-building event, for one reason only; It gets you in the mood.

Crass as my phrasing may be there is no denying that actively partaking in an activity with another person encourages relations, thus helping negotiations in business.

By uniting with one another to engage in something other than work not only does it raise your endorphins making you more likely to actually WANT to work, but also in encouraging a camaraderie in spirit. We’ve all walked into the office just wanting to be left alone, hell, the amount of headphones and Metros on the tube in the morning speaks for itself; we are a nation of loners. But team building has erased that, essentially becoming the work version of a trip down the pub, going from in the last decade the luxury some businesses can afford to a necessity no business can afford to go without.

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It wasn’t that to be proc many years essed. And WHY GREAT EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY IS MOREago IMPORTANT THANeven EVER whe phot o g r a p h s the photo took days graphs ar or weeks rived at you

HOLLY WREN

Holly Wren, Photographer

It wasn’t that many years ago photographs took days or weeks to be processed. And even when the photographs arrived at your desk, sharing them with clients was limited mainly to long term marketing strategies like corporate brochures and direct mailing.

Today is very different. Photographs are everywhere - on our laptops, phones, tablets and televisions. We are bombarded with images everyday, and each and every one is designed to help educate us about what we are supposed to think about a brand, company or person.

The explosion of social media channels like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter has revolutionized the sharing of images.

And event photography is no exception; in fact it is now more important than ever before. The opportunities to engage with future and existing clients are infinite, from immediate post event hype to long-term portfolio building.

Information moves fast; tweets come and go instantly, Facebook statuses are continually updated and blogs are daily occurrences. The old cliché of ‘a picture can tell a thousand words’ has never been more relevant.

We move in a fast paced world, time is short and one photograph can help capture an event that may otherwise be forgotten. So, whether you are throwing or hosting an event, here are 5 reasons why great event photography is a must 1.

Prolong client engagement Photographs available after the event lengthen your engagement with peers, clients and attendees, meaning that your client contact doesn’t end when the event does. Post the images on your social media channels to keep people talking about the event and allow friends and colleagues who weren’t present to feel part of the action, and of course recommend you to others.

2.

Showcase This has got to be one of the best excuses you’ve ever had to constantly remind people who you are and what you can do. Posting, emailing and sharing imagery of your events, helps future clients visualise exactly what you do.

It’s one big, free marketing push that is more powerful, yet far more subtle than other traditional direct marketing efforts.

3.

Control content With countless images being taken and distributed by attendees it’s important to take control of what people see.

Engaging with a professional photographer of your choice helps you to control the images that are published, manage content to align with your brand and ensure that the key messages and activities from the event are publicized.

4.

Quick, look busy!

People want to know they are attending an event that is popular, or visiting the latest ‘must be seen in’ venue. They need to be assured that they are where everyone else is, or wants to be. Keeping your imagery fresh, professional and updated regularly reassures clients you are busy hosting fabulous events, walking the walk, and delivering exactly what you are selling.

5.

Create differentiation Images engage people in a way that words can’t. They are instant, visual, powerful and memorable ways of building brand, credibility and differentiating yourself. Consider what your competitors are doing, and what they are about; if you don’t know, it’s doubtful their clients do either. Well considered, professional event photography is an easy way to stand out from the crowd and keep ahead of your competition.

Holly Wren is a passionate, business minded photographer who set up her company with the aim of using still images to help drive sales and ultimately profit to individuals and businesses. She realised that the quicker we move and the less time we have, the more important photographs become in creating positive and lasting impressions. She helps clients to represent themselves and events in a universally accessible way.

Contact Website: www.hollywren.com Email: me@hollywren.com

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Twitter: holly_wren Facebook: facebook.com/hollywrenphotography

Beauty Call offer WOW THE ROOM AND hair professional LOOK LIKE A-LISTER andAND makeup artSUPPLIER FOCUS: BEAUTYCALL

Beauty Call offer professional hair and makeup artists for events all over the UK We offer quality work at competitive prices and with our wealth of experience we promise to stay calm under pressure and make everyone look amazing!

Beauty Call artists have worked at a large variety of events including:

Past clients include: MTV, V Festival, Secret Cinema, E! Entertainment, Sky, Proud Cabaret, Nickelodeon, White Cube Gallery and NUSkin.

We also regularly work with event agencies and production companies such as Incisive Media, Itch, I Am Beyond and Contraband Events.

- Music Festivals - Corporate Summer Parties and Family Themed Events - Christmas Parties - Award Ceremonies - Conferences - Shop Openings - Team Building and Staff Reward Days

Beauty Call’s base is a fabulous studio/gallery space in the heart of Shoreditch that can be hired for shoots, products launches, fashion week and small events.

Each event is bespoke to the requirements of the event organiser and tailored entirely to suit your needs to the last detail.

Contact Phil or Nicky at the Beauty Call Head Office on +44 (0) 203 490 9384. Email: info@beautycall.co.uk Web: www.beautycall.co.uk

With over 180 freelance fully trained, insured hair and makeup artists all over the UK, we can always say ‘yes’ and provide local artist for any job requirement.

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10th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

THE ISSUES THAT MADE PRESTIGE EVENTS PRESTIGE EVENTS SUMMER 2003

At a time when millions were being invested on event venues, and yet nobody was giving independent coverage to the aesthetic aspects which make a venue or supplier COOL, Wesley Mendy took the brave bold step of trying to remind buyers and suppliers alike (in a manner of all-things-visual), of the “wonderful, wonderful” things which make the event world a special little place to be in.

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THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE

F O R D E F I N I T E O R G A N I S E R S O F C O R P O R AT E E V E N T S

The UK s Greatest Events Buildings The Truth About Awards Ceremonies

Dubai

builds on mice success

How to stage the perfect Christmas Party

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The Whitechapel Gallery offers a EASTERN range of beautiCOOL ful event spaces that can accommodate many different event needs, all housed in a stunning 1901 arts and crafts building with artist-designed features.

VENUE FOCUS: WHITECHAPEL GALLERY

The Whitechapel Gallery offers a range of beautiful event spaces that can accommodate many different event needs, all housed in a stunning 1901 arts and crafts building with artist-designed features.

For over a century the Gallery has premiered worldclass artists from modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo to contemporaries such as Sophie Calle, Lucian Freud, Gilbert & George and Mark Wallinger. A touchstone for contemporary art internationally, the Whitechapel Gallery plays a central role in London’s cultural landscape and is pivotal to the continued growth of the world’s most vibrant contemporary art quarter.

The Grade II* listed building was designed by architect Charles Harrison Townsend and is an outstanding example of the Arts and Crafts movement. Following an initial extension project in the 1980s inaugurated by the Queen Mother, in 2009 the Gallery was almost doubled in size following an ambitious £13 million expansion. Converting the former Whitechapel Library next door to the Gallery, the expansion opened up a new range of exhibition and event spaces.

With beautiful galleries, exhibitions, artist commissions, collection displays, historic archives, education resources, inspiring art courses, dining room and bookshop, the Gallery is open all year round, so there is always something free to see.

Since the expansion, the Gallery has been transformed by a range of exciting events expertly managed by a dedicated team. Events have included major launch parties and event ceremonies, intimate dinners and creative workshops and have featured everything from opera performances and ribbon dancing to bespoke ice cream stalls and even a live catwalk show.

To coincide with the Olympics in 2012, internationally renowned British artist Rachel Whiteread created a new work of art for the building’s façade – her first permanent public commission in the UK. Gallery 2, the historic central reading room of the former Whitechapel Library, is situated at the heart of the building and features a sculpture commission by Italian artist Giuseppe Penone. Each year a new artist takes on the commission, dramatically transforming the space, which features original Victorian brickwork and columns a polished concrete floor and architectural light wells.

The Creative Studio, a bright and stylish penthouse with floor to ceiling windows and views of London’s skyline provides the perfect back drop for inspiring creative days or elegant dinners and drink receptions.

Contact the Whitechapel Gallery to arrange a viewing of available venue hire spaces and a tour of the current exhibitions.

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Whitechapel Gallery 77-82 Whitechapel High Street London E1 7QX www.whitechapelgallery.org/venue-hire Tel: +44 (0)20 7539 3325 or Email: hire@whitechapelgallery. org

“The word cool has become ubiquiWHAT MAKES ANsoEVENT tous; that it has become very difficult to pinpoint a single THE EXPERTS OPINION meaning.

However to Caxton Manor, what springs immediately to mind, when thinking of defining ‘COOL’, is the word dispa-

WHAT MAKES AN EVENT COOL: AN EXPERTS OPINION

COOL

“The word cool has become so ubiquitous; that it has become very difficult to pinpoint a single meaning.

However to Caxton Manor, what springs immediately to mind, when thinking of defining ‘COOL’, is the word disparate.

What is considered cool changes over time, varies among cultures and generations; and is the holy grail of what is sought by marketing firms, idealized by teenagers [and us that can, from time to time, behave like teenagers!] and be a source of constant cultural, industrial and commercial innovation. It is the confidence and ability to buck trends, become the master of our own destinies by staying true to our own vision; and accepting that as a round peg, it is absolutely okay not to fit into that square hole. Cool is knowing your truth, and with some courage, having the ability to venture out, holding on to what you know, in confidence, and if necessary, alone.”

Banké Laycock Managing Director Caxton Manor Limited

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EVENT SECURITY

HOW EVENT SECURITY HAS CHANGED OVER 10 YEARS Today a new standard of security professional has emerged and they are better equipped than ever before to fulfill there role. These

professional me and women a trained, qualifie and fully license to ensure that yo your clients’ an your custome security is handle

By Luke Brown of Red Carpet Security

The face of Security has seen a change over the last 10 years, a change for the better.

Today a new standard of security professional has emerged and they are better equipped than ever before to fulfill there role. These professional men and women are trained, qualified and fully licensed to ensure that your, your clients’ and your customers’ security is handled appropriately.

Improved standards in security, regulated by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) are in place to ensure a well structured and professional approach .A key aspect of the success of any event now often includes how efficiently security teams have carried out their duties and this is being recognised throughout the event industry.

Positive feedback brings about positive work relationships between event organisers and those security companies providing the right kind of professional security solutions, if you cannot provide this kind of service today then expect to be left behind.

the ability to diffuse a hostile situation goes a lot further to reassure those who require their services, that their venues are in safe hands. Security professionals are now trained to be able to defend themselves and others without causing any intentional harm. As professionals they are taught to understand the laws which govern their industry from common law to health and safety, data protection to human rights.

Today, fully qualified security professionals undertake their duties in a manner that would have been unseen 10 years ago thus attributing to encouraging positive growth within the sector.

As a result of change we are no longer hearing negative feedback pertaining to security, in fact there has been a real rise in positive accounts from event organisers and importantly event attendees. We are hearing that security professionals are helpful, polite, great communicators and even having the ability to show empathy and understanding. This is not only because of how they are trained but also because of the type of individual who takes it upon themselves to enter employment within the security industry nowadays. Working in security is now seen as a viable career choice within an industry that has strived to grow and change its image for the better. The unskilled brutes of yesteryear were bad for the industry making supplying something as important as security, a risk in itself. However in many cases these individuals themselves have grown to learn and spearhead a change in attitudes and helped to shape the new generation of security professionals of whom we appreciate today.

Of course security is assertive when it needs to be, but Contact Red Carpet Security on 020 7060 4321 quoting Prestige Events or visit www. redcarpetsecurity.co.uk for all your Security needs.

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10th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

THE ISSUES THAT MADE PRESTIGE EVENTS PRESTIGE EVENTS WINTER 2010/11

To show that the events industry is not like other industry’s despite it’s high glam nature, we decided that our cover feature would be no other than who we deemed the COOLest man in the UK at the time, Adrian Lester, star of BBC’s Hustle, who was starring at the time in the West End in the box-office hit, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. We’ll never forget the sound of Darth Vader’s voice echoing down the dressing room corridors reciting lines from the script. Thanks Mr James Earl Jones, you’re a legend too.

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