Month: January 2021

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Accor’s new hotels for 2021

Back in 2016, Accor bought the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissotel brands.  In November 2020 it revealed a merger with Ennismore, which will bring the Hoxton and Gleneagles to the group in 2021.  This week Accor has announced another partnership, with Faena, an Argentinean brand with hotels in Miami and Buenos Aires, as well as a hotel in Dubai which is due to open in 2023.  The Faena developments are luxury properties large and include entertainment venues: theatres, shopping malls, galleries, restaurants and residential homes.

Despite the Covid pandemic, Accor is continuing to develop the group and open new hotels. Here are some that are in the pipeline for 2021:

UK

  • The Mondrian Shoreditch

The Mondrian Shoreditch (pictured above) will open in London in Spring 2021. It was previously The Curtain, a 5* hotel with 120 guest rooms and suites. There are 10 event spaces, including a ballroom and a 35-seat screening room. There is a rooftop pool and lounge with retractable roof.

  • Fairmont Windsor Park

The Fairmont Windsor Park is due to open in Spring 2021. It will have 200 bedrooms, three restaurants, two bars a ballroom and four additional meeting rooms. Leisure facilities include a spa, swimming pool and tennis courts.

Ireland

  • Carton House, Dublin

Carton House is due to re-open in the Spring. It has 169 bedrooms and 9 meeting rooms that can be divided in to a maximum of 13 event spaces. Located in the countryside half an hour from Dublin, the hotel also has a spa and two championship golf courses.

Morocco

  • Fairmont Tagazhout Bay

A development of 52 Fairmont villas, this resort also has a conference room for up to 500 guests. Close to Agadir, the property has a private beach and swimming pool.

Saudi Arabia

  • Fairmont Ramla Riyadh

Fairmont Ramla Riyadh is located close to King Khaled international airport. It has 298 guestrooms and suites. There are 10 meeting rooms (flexible space) and two ballrooms.

USA

  • Fairmont Century Plaza – Los Angeles

A 400-bedroom hotel in the Century City area. There are 14 event spaces, including two ballrooms. The original hotel was opened in 1961 and was the first hotel to have colour televisions in all of its rooms!

United Arab Emirates

  • SLS Dubai

The SLS Dubai is due to open in Summer 2021, in the downtown area. It will have 254 bedrooms and six meeting rooms.

In addition, there are other hotels, which either don’t offer conference facilities or there is limited space, such as the Banyan Tree Doha (Spring 2021) and SO/ Sotogrande Resort & Spa, Cadiz (Spring 2021). JO&JOE Vienna Westbahnhof, Vienna is a partnership project with IKEA and located in the same building as an IKEA store.

The hotels listed above are not the complete list of new openings. The MGallery brand is expected to open Orchard Hills Residences Singapore, The Silveri Hong Kong and The Porter House Hotel, Sydney, Australia. We will also see new Sofitel properties in Seoul, Hangzhou, and Adelaide.

All of the new hotels which Accor open will comply with Accor’s ALLSAFE hygiene and cleanliness assurance. This is a standard by Bureau Veritas and provides third-party verification of hotel cleanliness and hygienic requirements.

For more information contact Accor

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What will we eat in 2021?

The expectation is that, more than ever, when they go to conferences, meetings and events, people will be looking for food that they haven’t been able to make at home. Travel is an opportunity to try new dishes and the whilst we’ve been locked down there has been a following for comfort food. Nostalgic dishes will still be popular, but with a twist, still comforting, but stimulating too.

This time last year we looked at what we can expect to eat at events. Overwhelmingly the trend was for healthy choices:

  • more plant-based choices
  • healthier snacks
  • alternative milks
  • brightly coloured food
  • simple and natural dishes
  • a focus on sustainability

So what can we expect for 2021?

The catering industry expects to see more of:

  • Yuzu – a sharp citrus flavour which that tastes like a mixture of grapefruit and mandarin.
  • Cherry Blossom – used in cocktails, cakes and puddings
  • Honeycomb Toffee – a mixture of two well known tastes
  • Smoked herbs and spices – the regular ingredients have been given an extra dimension
  • Chillies – more varieties with different levels of heat and flavour
  • Tempero Baiano seasoning – from Brazil. It’s a mixture of herbs and spices to use in casseroles and vegetables
  • Mexican Recados – a citrus paste to use in marinades for meat
  • Dukkah – North African toasted nuts and seeds to sprinkle over dips, meat and vegetable dishes
  • Izakaya – a mixture of small plates (like tapas) but from Japan
  • Pinoy with banana ketchup – meat kebabs from the Philippines, with sweet and savoury flavours

Intolerances and special diets

There has already been an increase in special diets over the last few years, but expect more use of alternative flours and milks, as well as seeds, grains, pulses and oils. The use of chickpeas has grown massively, but in the future, they will be used in more unusual ways including puddings.

Cocktails

Cocktails have also grown in popularity alongside specialist bars for specific spirits. When lockdown is over, expect people to indulge in exciting cocktails and unusual drinks.

Fermented food and plant-based options

Kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut – all contain probiotics and are a popular choice for the healthy eater.

Alternatives to traditional protein will be on the menu as well as fresh vegetables. Food that is high offers health benefits and boosts immunity will be popular choices.

For example, fermented foods contribute to positive gut health, seafood is high in Omega 3 fatty acids which offer a wide range of health benefits, and plant-based menus obviously offer up a lot of nutrients and vitamins.

Toast with different toppings

We’re all familiar with avocado toast and hummus on toast , but what about mashed squash or sweet potato, mushrooms, beetroot, tapenade or peppers to go with eggs or a salad topping?

Coffee

Coffee flavoured products are expected to increase, so you can expect to see it in snack bars, granola, smoothies, yogurt and many more dishes.

Our conclusion is that following from 2020, we will see more of the same trends – healthy choices, but also some reward for all the months that we haven’t been out.

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Travelling around the world – who’s holding events?

Globe with flight paths

Last week we looked at how our European neighbours are managing Covid-19, what restrictions there are on travellers and whether they can hold conferences, meetings and events. This week we’re looking at some popular destinations which require long-haul flights from the UK.

Travel corridors were suspended 4am this morning, 18 January 2021. This means that if you arrive in England from anywhere outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days.

Travellers must have proof of a negative coronavirus test to travel to England.

Mexico and Canada have closed their land borders with the United States until 21st February. Japan has brought in a state of emergency in Tokyo since Covid-19 cases have risen to record levels. But what’s happening elsewhere?

Australia

The regulations vary state by state and there are restrictions on moving between states. Before travelling to Australia, you need to have a negative Covid-19 test. On arrival all international travellers are escorted to a designated facility (hotel) and must quarantine for 14 days. State and Territory governments. The traveller must pay a fee to cover the cost ($3,000 for an adult in New South Wales).

However, once in Australia the rules have been relaxed with Melbourne allowing meetings for 150 people indoors and 300 outdoors, in New South Wales the limit is 20 people and 50 in Queensland.

Canada

From 7th January, all international arrivals to Canada must have received a negative Covid-19 test result before boarding the plane. Then there is a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

The regulations do vary from state to state, but gatherings are banned where social distancing is not possible. There is a curfew or closure of bars and restaurants in some places. The limit on the amount of people allowed to meet inside and out varies according to tiers.

China

All direct flights between the UK and China have been suspended. There are restrictions on movement around the country and there are quarantine requirements for internal travellers. The rules vary depending on the risk level in that region.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong and Singapore have delayed a planned air-travel bubble for the time being. This would have allowed travellers between the cities to avoid a quarantine by presenting a negative Covid-19 prior to their journeys. Flights from the UK were suspended on 23 December.

Gatherings are limited to two people, who aren’t from the same household.

Japan

Tokyo currently has its highest level of Covid-19 since the pandemic started. It has declared a state of emergency and the measures will be in place until 7th February. Residents are advised to leave their homes only for essential reasons and must avoid gatherings. Restaurants have been ordered to close by 8 p.m.

Mexico

The US land border will be closed until 21st February. Some hotels and restaurants are open, depending on the area and quarantine is not required on arrival in the country.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s border has almost been completely closed to international travellers and as a result the country has light restrictions. The meeting regulations are governed by tiers. In Level 3 the rules are a maximum of 10 people, Level 2 a maximum of 100 people. In Level 1 there are few restrictions on businesses.

Singapore

Visitors to Singapore who have been in the UK for 14 days prior to travel are not permitted to enter or transit Singapore.

The country has a plan called Connect@Singapore which will allow a few business travellers at the end of January. They will need to apply in advance and take multiple Covid-19 tests prior to and during their visit.

Currently, business events of up to 250 people are allowed, with permission from the Singapore Tourism Board. Attendees must be distanced between five zones of 50 people.

South Korea

All direct flights between the UK and North Korea have been suspended. The current rules on gatherings are a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outside.

United Arab Emirates

Each Emirates has different regulations and airlines are still flying between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UK. A negative Covid test is required prior to travelling. Quarantine for 14 days is required on arrival but can be carried out at a hotel or private residence.

Hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions are open. Conferences and meetings are permitted in Dubai.

This information is subject to change and we advise you to check the regulations before booking, check your insurance cover before booking.

18 January 2021

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Travelling in Europe – who’s holding events?

This week we’re looking at how our European neighbours are managing Covid-19, what restrictions there are on travellers and whether they are able to hold conferences, meetings and events.

In many countries essential travel is allowed, but in practical terms travel is almost prohibitive because of lockdown and quarantine requirements. For example, Germany has a partial lockdown until 31st January and visitors from high-risk areas must have had two negative Covid-19 tests. In the Netherlands, there is a lockdown until 19th January, Portugal until 15th January and Greece until 11th January.

Italy is considering maintaining restrictions until July/August and it’s not possible travel between different regions of the country. In some countries, the regulations vary by region.

The restrictions are constantly under review and we strongly recommend that further advice should be take prior to booking conferences, meetings, events and business travel.

Austria

Events and exhibitions are banned at the moment. Hotels are open, but only for essential business travellers. Bars and restaurants can only offer a takeout or delivery service. There is a curfew from 8pm- 6am and these restrictions will remain until 24th January.

Belgium

On 8th January Belgium extended lockdown for at least another two weeks. Hotels are open but restaurants and bars are closed. Non-essential shops and other businesses must remain closed.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has extended its state of emergency order until 22nd January. There is a curfew from 9pm until 5am. Public gatherings are limited to two people. For weddings and funerals are permitted with a maximum of 15 people.

Denmark

Travellers from all but six EU countries are permitted to enter the country. However, they must book for at least six nights and quarantine if they are coming from a city of more than 750,000 people. Visitors from Sweden are prohibited. Shops, restaurants and cafés have been open since May 2020. Gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted, but larger groups will not be allowed until August 2121 at the earliest.

Finland

Restrictions for visitors are on a country by country basis and entrants have to self-quarantine for 14 days. Indoor and outdoor public events and meetings with fewer than 50 attendees are allowed. Gatherings of up to 500 attendees are permitted if social distancing is ensured, and gatherings of more than 500 people are expected to be permitted from September 2021.

France

European visitors are permitted, but visitors from the rest of the world are on a country by country basis. All travellers arriving in France will be tested for Covid-19 on arrival at airports and ports. There is a curfew from 8pm-6am or 6pm-6am, depending on the area. The opening of cinemas, theatres, museums is being reviewed and on 20th January and at that time restaurants, cafés, and gyms might reopen. The size of a gathering depends on the area, up to 30 people in a low-risk zone and 10 people or fewer in a high-risk zone.

Germany

Germany has extended lockdown until at least 31st January. On 11th January visitors from high-risk areas will need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48 hours of departure. On arrival in Germany, a second test will be required. Travellers also need to quarantine for 10 days, or 5 days if their second test result is negative.

Restaurants, bars, cafes, cultural and leisure facilities will be closed until 31st January, although restaurants can still offer takeaway services. Hotels are open for essential business travellers but not for tourists.

Greece

The nationwide lockdown has been extended until 11th January. People are only permitted to leave their house for work, exercise or medical reasons and must send a text message to the authorities. A curfew is in place 9pm-5am. Hotels are open, but restaurants can only offer a delivery service, and public gatherings have been banned. Travellers arriving in Greece must have a negative Covid-19 test result.

Hungary

Hungary will review its restrictions on 11th January, but at the moment there is a curfew from 8pm-5am. Restaurants can only offer takeaway food. Hotels are permitted to open for essential business travellers, but many of them are closed. All events have been banned.

Iceland

There are currently no restrictions on travel within Iceland.

Visitors to Iceland must either have two COVID-19 tests, one on arrival and another 5-6 days later, or self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Restaurants, bars, gyms and night clubs have been allowed to reopen, and public gatherings of up to 200 people are permitted. Hotels are open.

Ireland

From 9th January 2021, all passengers arriving at Irish airports and ports whose journey originates in Great Britain or South Africa will need a negative result from a pre-departure PCR test taken up to 72 hours prior.

Hotels are only open for essential non-social and non-tourist purposes. Business, training events, conferences, events in theatres and cinemas or other arts events No organised indoor gatherings can take place.

Italy

Italy has banned travel between regions, except for work or health reasons, until 15th January. The state of emergency, which is due to finish on 31st January might be extended until July. A national curfew is in place from 10pm-5am. Conferences and exhibitions are banned. All travellers must provide a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 48 hours before departure.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is in a five-week lockdown until 19th January. All nonessential shops museums, theaters and salons are closed. Bars and restaurants can only serve takeout and are required to close by 10 p.m. Business gatherings are restricted to no more than 100 people.

Norway

Arrivals from many countries must quarantine for 10 days. Since May 2020 groups of up to 20 people can meet, as long as individuals remained at least three feet apart. Events of up to 200 participants at a time are allowed in public places, and most businesses (including gyms, water parks and bars) are open.

Portugal

A state of emergency has been extended until 16th January. The country has been divided into four risk levels, each with its own restrictions. Apart from weddings, all events cannot exceed five people. Some hotels are open. In areas with a high infection rate, there is a curfew 11pm-5am on weekdays and 1pm to 5am on weekends.

Spain

Spain has declared a state of emergency until 9th May. There is a nationwide curfew from 11pm-6am. Flights between Spain and the UK have been suspended and it is a requirement to have a negative Covid-19 test prior to arrival over land. Social gatherings of 6 people are permitted. Hotels, bars and restaurants are open, but with reduced capacity.

Sweden

Sweden was one of the most relaxed countries in the world for Covid-19 restrictions and did not have a harsh lockdown. However, in December all incoming travel from Great Britain, Denmark and other non-EU countries was suspended until the end of March.

Previously, gatherings of up to 50 people were allowed, but now these have been restricted to 8 people. Hotels are currently open.

Switzerland

The Swiss borders are open, but there is a requirement to quarantine for 10 days on arrival. Travellers from the UK can only enter with a permit. Hotels are open, but restaurants and bars are closed until 22nd January. Public meetings of 15 people and private meetings of 10 people are currently permitted.

This information is subject to change and we advise you to check the regulations before booking, check your insurance cover before booking.

11 January 2021

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IMEX Frankfurt 2021 cancelled

IMEX

Events industry affected by Coronavirus – Major industry trade show cancelled for second year

EDGE Venues have just been made aware that IMEX Frankfurt 2021 has been cancelled for the second year.

It is a disappointing blow to the events industry and we would like to express our heartfelt thoughts to the IMEX team.

The IMEX event is a major industry trade show that brings together our industry to network and generate business.

Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of Trinity EDGE Holdings Ltd comments ” I personally wish to thank Ray, Carina and all the great IMEX team for their continued support. Our industry is a community that supports our clients in an everchanging world. It is a shame that this key event for our industry has been cancelled.”

EDGE Venues will continue to publish articles on the coronavirus situation and how this affects the event industry.

Keep up to date with all the latest news here

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Venues collaborate to promote Medical City

Venues colloborate

Three leading venues in the Euston area of London are joining forces to promote the area as a prime location for events linked to healthcare.  BMA House, RCP and Wellcome Collection all use their profits to help larger medical organisations achieve their mission.  During this challenging time, they wanted to demonstrate their unity through a common goal.

Often described as the Medical Mile, the area around Euston is a hub of leading venues with strong links to local hospitals, practitioners and research institutes.  It is an ideal place for any form of meeting or event linked to not just medicine but also the wider healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.  Specifically, the three venues will be collaborating, referring opportunities, supporting each other’s events and providing multi-site spaces for meetings as necessary.  Together they offer a wide range of delegate packages, hourly rates, digital and hybrid solutions, ensuring all client needs are met.

After an extremely challenging year with lots of industry changes, all 3 venues have successfully received the MIA AIM Secure Accreditation and Visit Britain Good to Go Accreditation making them COVID safe venues for the future.

Kat Winfield, Venue Manager, BMA House comments: “Medical and healthcare workers have continually showed their strength, resolve and professionalism throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and we are all extremely grateful for their dedication and commitment.  At the moment the greatest support we can offer is to stay at home and refrain from hosting events.  However, in time that will change and we are exploring all opportunities to support our clients.”

Fairouz Grzyb, Business Development Manager, Royal College of Physicians “When appropriate, we intend to come back stronger than ever, working as a collective to deliver the best possible experience for delegates and organisers alike.  In the meantime, we all offer extensive digital and hybrid packages to ensure that events continue and vital education, knowledge transfer and networking take place.”

Diana West, Sales Manager, Wellcome Collection concludes: “As a group, we offer a wide variety of event options.  We can work individually or across multiple sites and want above all to demonstrate our unity in challenging times.  We have extensive links into all areas of medicine, pharmaceuticals and the wider healthcare market, making us the ideal first call for any event across these sectors.”

About the venues:

BMA House 

BMA House is located in the heart of London, just a short walk from Kings Cross, Euston and St Pancras stations as well as a variety of underground lines and key bus routes.  With sustainability and wellbeing at the heart of its offering, delegates can also benefit from the use of a clean air walking route – taking them off the major roads onto quieter, picturesque, less polluted local streets.  Their clean air walking route from Kings Cross for example, is 57% less polluted than a trip down Euston Road and has the benefit of being 1,000 steps – 10% of the recommended 10,000 a day.

BMA recognises the growing and vital need for digital and hybrid event solutions.  With this in mind they were one of the first venues to launch such an offering, as far back as June.  Including options for webcasting, breakouts, speaker only conferences and exhibitor/sponsor packages, the offering reflects both the challenges presented by COVID-19 and the future needs of event organisers.

Wellcome Collection is the free museum and library exploring health and human experience. Located in central London just steps away from Euston and King’s Cross/St Pancras station. Their venue hire offers thought-provoking event spaces in both the conference centre and the unique exhibition galleries.  Whatever the client’s needs, they can offer flexible and inspiring backdrops for all types of events, from seminars and training sessions, to film screenings and AGMs, their capacities range from two people to 300 people.

Wellcome Collection 

The venue hire team at Wellcome Collection is dedicated to helping clients adapt to the current realities of meetings and conferencing. Whether they require video conferencing, live streaming or a more bespoke offering, the team is ready to deliver streamlined hybrid events.

All profits made from events held in Wellcome Collection are gift aided to Wellcome, a charitable organisation who support researchers, take on big health challenges, campaign for better science, and help everyone get involved with science and health research.

The Royal of Physicians

The Royal College of Physicians was founded in 1518 by Royal Charter from King Henry VIII.  It is the oldest medical college in England. The venue offers highly versatile facilities, with 12 meeting spaces, including tiered auditoriums, conference, meeting, exhibition and dining spaces, with contrasting old and new styles to suit all tastes, giving clients a range of possibilities to create an unforgettable event.

They have a dedicated in-house audio visual and media services team. In addition to supporting physical events, they have a range of hybrid and virtual meeting solutions to enhance events including, filming, editing, streaming, live Q&A polling, webinars, virtual break out rooms and much more.

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Seven new vaccination centres in England have been announced.

Vaccination Centres

EDGE Venues is proud to announce that three of the venues on their platform, ExCel London, Ashton Stadium Bristol, and Millennium Point Birmingham are to be turned into temporary Vaccination Centres as the Government and the NHS roll out their plans and timetable to vaccinate the top four priority groups by mid-February.

All three venues usually host a variety of meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and sporting events, however due to the current pandemic, they have been selected with four other venues to become vaccination centres and should be up and running early next week.

The UK is the first country in the world to approve mass use of COVID-19 vaccines, with immunisation with the Pfizer BioNTech beginning back in December and the Oxford-AstraZeneca started on Monday 4th January.

Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of EDGE Venues was really pleased to hear the news and how so many venues have been supporting the country during the COVID-19 crisis and said “We are part of a fantastic industry and despite these difficult times it is great to see we have a role to play. I wish all the teams the best of luck and I know that as event professionals if anyone can step up to this challenge they can.”

Jacqui went on to add “The rapid spread of coronavirus has taken its toll on the events industry but it’s great to see that during the last 10 months we have seen many hotels and venues helping in these exceptional times.  Opening to Key Workers, transforming into Nightingale Hospitals and quarantine venues to name just a few.”

Keep up to date with ALL latest Industry News and Insights by reading our EDGE News Section

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My thoughts on the coming year by Jacqui Kavanagh

The great news of the pace and availability of the Covid-19 vaccines is really positive for our Industry as a whole and we really welcome this change. 2020 saw our team cancel and reschedule more events than were actually being held so it has been a big challenge for us as a company and more importantly as a team.

We have used our time wisely by investing in developing our technology and plan a relaunch of our EDGE Venues platform. There will be fantastic additional functionality and exclusive content for our subscribers, both direct corporate event planners and agencies.

Further engagement opportunities are now available for our venues to share their readiness, sustainability and openness to planners when they are ready to commit. So, all in all a very productive year for EDGE venues.

We have also kept in regular contact with our buyers and suppliers with updates trend analysis, opportunities and up skilling with a series of free webinars on Digital Marketing.

However, we really want our planners to have the confidence to commit and hold events as soon as it is safe and legal to do so. A number of our buyers, who are very positive about the future have shared their concerns and insights of how the future will be different and how to be best prepared for what lies ahead. We have, of course, been keeping in close contact with our key clients and it is interesting to hear their plans for 2021 and beyond.

The views here are from senior planners in corporate organisations, representing different industry sectors. However, the message from them all is very much the same.

Venues, Space, Contracts and Pricing – insights

We are already seeing an increase in the rates quoted by venues for Q4 2021 because large events have been postponed from 2020 and early in 2021, therefore space is at a premium.

In Q4 of 2020 we saw some meetings in the category of fewer than 30 people take place and we have more booked for Q1 2021, but if circumstances change then contractual issues need to be supported, by both the venue and the client.

Our Buyers want clarity on pricing not just short term but medium and long term as well. The same with contracts, they need flexibility, clarity and most importantly fairness. There are huge questions for the venues and how prepared the are to run conferences in a post-Covid19 world.

Venues really need to be realistic about what they can deliver. The capacities need to be accurate and have the ability to maintain a level of social distancing. Venues need to be clear how they will deliver the event. The key here is flexibility, firstly, in terms of the space venues can offer and how it will be used.

Secondly, contract terms need to be flexible too while the future is uncertain. Our clients are not yet back working from their offices but expect do so during Q2 and companies need venues to adhere to their Corporate Governance.

Buyers equally need to be able to make decisions quickly to ensure they do not miss out on the space that venues are proposing but confident that it is right for their event. We are starting to see serious activity ramping up and quality decision being made.

Health and safety is still paramount. There is a big confidence issue, not just from companies asking their employees to go out and about again, but also the employees themselves being happy to do so.

Hybrid events – The future and is it the answer to everything?

We have a real mixed bag of views on this topic. As we emerge in to a new normal, there will no longer be a captive audience but lots of distractions vying for their time (which we do not have while people are working from home). When everyone is out and about again, there will need to be a very compelling story to retain the virtual audience especially with the higher costs attached to a hybrid event.

Event organisers are concerned about the cost of running a live and hybrid event, or solely hybrid event and ability, and to commercialise these events successfully. Many of us have got used to participating in free webinars or receiving streamed information whilst at home and if you’re running an event that has to make a profit then, there needs to be a fee to join.

Putting on an event that has an audience on site and is being streamed for a hybrid audience adds to the complexity. It also adds substantially to the budget, as everything needs to be filmed in addition to the live venue costs. The set may need to be designed differently, as well virtual break outs and as running a virtual coffee breaks and networking.

The additional cost may be worthwhile, as there is the ability to connect with a wider audience, particularly from overseas (we are already seeing this on very large events). There is also the ability to set up virtual pre- and post- meetings as well as access content afterwards.

Resources – Our biggest Asset our People

In normal times, acquiring quality well-trained and professional planners has always been a challenge, but budgets will be tight and there is an additional manpower cost of running live and virtual formats together.

Our clients want to get back to running multiple events and know that there is a demand for people to meet face-to-face again, but have a concern that there will be a skills shortage, due to redundancies, furlough and people leaving the events industry. They have reported back that to run hybrid events can add up to 4 times the workload. Additional skill sets are needed in technology, video, speaker management, editing and more intense pre- and post- event work to be added into the mix.

Return on Investment – Virtual Transparency a Challenge

The demands and measurement of the Return on Investment is now an even bigger challenge with different levels of metrics and expectations from a virtual/hybrid event. Delivery of a meaningful metric on the ROI on a live event against the backdrop of the deep insights a virtual event analytics dashboard can deliver will become a real challenge, as we return to face to face events.

A lot of work will now be required in this area, depending whether the conference is an internal meeting or commercial event and the industry sector. This has always been the case that when sponsorship is involved, but it will be even more important for the organiser to prove the value of the package. The visitor also needs to walk away knowing that the event was worthwhile and if anything, it has exceeded their expectations.

Sustainability – The Biggest Opportunity coming from the Pandemic

We have all experienced firsthand the benefits of a society with reduced travel, emissions and waste during this pandemic. A lot of people are now demanding that this momentum is not lost as we move forward. Corporate Governance on sustainability is now at the heart of business and we believe it will remain as we move back to a new norm.

Venues will be chosen on their ability to demonstrate their sustainability credentials in a meaningful way. How a company behaves in their everyday world will always reflect their own culture and standards, so their approach to events will reflect this in every way. We believe we will see this come more to the fore in the not too distant future. Events will be run with this in mind and our industry which has always shown resilience and creativity is very well placed to deliver this. Sustainability will be key in our journey back to a strong events industry which has a clear and well-defined place in our businesses.

2021 and beyond

We’re all looking forward to getting back to the ‘new normal’ what ever challenges it brings. I believe that the events industry will change for the better. We will come through with a more focused, flexible and stronger industry as a result.

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Marriott plans to open seven EDITION hotels this year

Marriott’s EDITION brand hotels have announced that they are planning to open seven new hotels in 2021. These will be in Rome, Madrid, Dubai, Reykjavik,Tampa, Mexico’s Riviera Maya and a second property in Tokyo. There are 11 hotels worldwide at the moment and these new properties will expand the group to 18 properties with more in the pipeline for 2022 and beyond.

EUROPE

  • The Reykjavik EDITION – due to open in Summer 2021

This hotel is located next to the Harpa Concert Hall, in the centre of Reykjavik and will have 253 bedrooms, rooftop bar, ballroom and meeting space.

  • The Rome EDITION – due to open in Autumn 2021

Situated in the centre of Rome, close to Via Veneto and Bernini’s Tritone Fountain in Piazza Barberini, this hotel will be Edition’s first hotel in Italy. There will be 95 guest rooms and suites; the Penthouse suite will have a private terrace. The hotel will have a rooftop terrace and outside dining space, meeting rooms, rooftop swimming pool, gym and treatment rooms.

  • The Madrid EDITION – due to open in Autumn 2021

The first EDITION in Spain opened in Barcelona in 2018. The Madrid EDITION is near Puerta de Sol in a quiet square surrounded by historic buildings and within walking distance of three of most important art museums in Madrid. The hotel will have 200 beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites, some with terraces. There are five food and beverage outlets including a signature restaurant, cocktail bar, Sky Bar and rooftop terrace, together with an outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa. Flexible studios will provide around 350sqm of meeting and event space.

REST OF THE WORLD

  • The Dubai EDITION – due to open in Autumn 2021

Situated in downtown Dubai, the hotel is opposite the Dubai Mall. There will be 210 rooms and suites, three food and beverage outlets, pool, spa and fitness centre. In addition to a ballroom, there will be several meeting rooms and event spaces boasting multiple meeting rooms

  • The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza – due to open in Autumn 2021

This will be the second Edition to open in Tokyo and is located close to Chuo Street in the shopping and leisure area of the city. There will be 78 bedrooms and suites, a rooftop bar, meeting studio and a fitness centre.

  • The Riviera Maya EDITION at Kanai – due to open in Winter 2021

EDITION Hotels’ first in Mexico, this will be a beachfront property hotel located within the Kanai development. Riviera Maya is known for its mangroves and lagoons, ancient Mayan cities, tropical beaches, ecological reserves and the world’s second largest coral reef. The hotel will have 180 bedrooms and suites, six food and beverage outlets,beach club, destination spa. As well as multiple meeting spaces, the hotel will also have an extensive outdoor deck for large scale events and parties.

  • The Tampa EDITION – due to open in Winter 2021

The Tampa EDITION will become the fifth US property from EDITION Hotels and is located within the new Water Street Tampa neighbourhood. The hotel will have 172 bedrooms and suites and six food and beverage outlets, including a rooftop bar and terrace. The property will also have a spa, fitness centre and more than 550sqm of flexible meeting and events space.

For more information please contact enquiries@edgevenues.com or www.editionhotels.com