Month: July 2021

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Hybrid Studios – are they the future of events?

Hybrid events are here to stay and we’ve spoken to two venues in London which have created studios. Elana Kruger, Marketing Manager of Church House Westminster (CHW) and Kat Winfield, Venue Manager of BMA House (BMA) have given us an insight into the changes that they’ve made to their venues and why they’ve done them.

It’s clear that a hybrid studio will give an organisers flexibility if Covid guidance changes and a hybrid event can reach a larger and more diverse audience, so why should you use one?

Why we created the hybrid studio:

CHW: We’ve created quite a few new innovative additions for event organisers in the last year or so, including a podcast studio too! We were inspired to think ‘outside the box’ as much as possible when we were first started shortlisting new venue and event ideas back in August last year, when we decided amongst our small team of nine (reduced from 25 – thanks Covid!) that absolutely no idea was too radical or far-fetched. We knew we had to completely rethink our event spaces and become more than a venue, we needed to offer more than 19 event spaces. This was a challenge we accepted with pleasure after seeing our venue empty for so long (first lockdown). We also had to unlearn what we have learned and evolve as we build the next normal of events.

Creative thinking caps on, our team then got to work and completed the following innovative projects:

  • Installation of an outside broadcast line (TVOB), which makes us one of London’s newest venues to offer film, media and TV production organisers fibre connectivity to deliver outside broadcasts to anyone, anywhere in the world. This resulted in our venue hosting two Saturday evenings’ boxing action streamed live on BT Sport towards the end of last year.
  • Creation of a virtual studio.
  • We then utilised our virtual studio to host a series of webinars investigating the future of events. The webinars were hosted by our team members and we sourced the speakers for each webinar. The first webinar explored the role of event technology in unlocking events and venues.
  • Collaborating with industry suppliers to offer virtual teambuilding experiences
  • Investing in virtual event training by enrolling our team in the Certification Program of the Virtual Events Institute (VEI), which has a clear focus on upskilling event professionals with the knowledge and tools to deliver excellent virtual and hybrid events. Our team now proudly displays the acronym VEIP (Virtual Events Institute Professional) behind their names.

BMA: We wanted to support our clients by offering an extended range of flexible event options within the venue. We recognise the need for companies to be able to reach out to wider audiences as well as the expectation of delegates and audiences to join virtually. Our hybrid studio meets these needs whilst further supporting our industry-leading sustainability credentials.

Have you seen an increase in business/bookings?

CHW: For sure, and not just in terms of our ‘usual’ event enquiries. The exposure from the boxing events, for instance, provided a massive awareness reach for the venue in completely new markets, which meant that we subsequently picked up new and unusual enquiries. So effectively we have increased our revenue streams by finding new markets which we now serve confidently and expertly, as a result of upskilling.

BMA: Yes, we have continued to see bookings across a variety of platforms – both face-to-face (in the months ahead) and via our digital and hybrid offering. We have seen a lot of enquiries for fully virtual events on our EventAir platform as well as many requests from repeat clients for hybrid options.

What sort of clients are using the studio?

CHW: A really good mix of associations, charities, government and corporate. It was essential for us to provide proof of concept, first and foremost, which is why our internal webinars were so crucial in getting it right in terms of production quality and then using that as case studies when meeting clients and promoting it to our new audiences.

BMA: We are seeing our enquiries come in from a lot of different sectors. Our strongest source has been the corporate market, which has a significant focus on the virtual and hybrid offering. However, ultimately, we are seeing enquiries from anyone looking to reach a wider audience.

What you think the future is for hybrid?

CHW: The future is hybrid – for now. We can’t all be physically together in the same space due to restrictions, but we also want to avoid the negatives of going all-virtual. Thank goodness there is a model that combines the best of in-person and online, which is hybrid. It’s about experiences, keeping it human, but also maintaining flexibility. For example, should guidance change at short notice, we know with hybrid we can effectively coordinate the split between in-person numbers and virtual attendees, because we’ve got the experiences for these two (very different) audiences right.

BMA: Hybrid is still in its infancy, it is going to prove pivotal to the future of our sector, how we do business and how we communicate and organise events going forward. It is a huge opportunity for everyone in the market – we must embrace it and find ways to incorporate it into the whole of our offering.

Is there a difference in cost?

CHW: As a tech-enabled venue, we pride ourselves on working closely with our clients. Once we know their ‘why’, it’s easier to decide what needs to be done face-to-face and what can be achieved online. There’s no perfect platform, just the best fit for your event, depending on your content/ reason for the event. It’s best not to hold back on production quality, if that’s key for your audience in terms of content and networking opportunities. We can be as flexible as a client requires us to be as most of our equipment is on-site and our expert event technologists are creative in terms of finding digital solutions.

BMA: Cost is still an issue as we come to terms with how best to make use of current infrastructure or develop it as a new product. However, as with all evolving technology and products throughout history it will come down in price as it becomes the norm rather than the exception.

How effective are hybrid events and what’s the difference with live?

CHW: Nothing equals the experience of being together in a room, connecting face-to-face. Virtual events cannot replace in-person events, but it can supplement it.

BMA: Ultimately, events have never been a one-size-fits-all business and the hybrid/virtual models are no different. To be our most effective for clients we need to continually ask questions and develop alongside their needs. Each event is a learning opportunity as well as a chance to deliver successfully for our clients. Flexibility is the most important and desirable attitude at the moment – it will ensure an event’s success and a great long-term relationship with the client.

There’s more information about Church House Westminster and BMA House on their profile pages or contact enquiries@edgevenues.com.

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New hotel and venue openings in Europe

European Landmarks

There are almost 2,000 hotels in the pipeline in Europe at the moment. Many of the hotels which should have opened in the last 18-months have been delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, which means that 2021-22 will see a lot of hotels opening. About two thirds of the hotels that are in the pipeline are 4* properties.

The UK has more hotels in progress than any other European country, with almost 500 new properties due to open in the next few years. Most of these are in London, which we looked at in last week’s article. The UK is followed by:

2. Germany with around 370 hotels

3. France with almost 130 (around 36 in Paris)

4. Italy with almost 100

5. Spain has around 90

6. Dublin has 60 hotels planned

Hampton by Hilton is the most active group, with 49 hotels underway, giving them almost 8,000 new bedrooms. This brand is followed by Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts with 24 hotels and Hilton Garden Inn with 24 hotels.

Accor’s Pullman brand is opening 45 new hotels worldwide. Only three new Pullman hotels are due to open in Europe and three in the Middle East in the next few years. Most of the new Pullman hotels will be opening in the Asia Pacific region, with about 34 properties being developed in China, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Hotel Villa Pamphili, Rome

This 4* hotel reopened on 1 July and has been completely renovated in the last two years. It is on the outskirts of the city and located in a private park. The Congress Centre has 15 meeting rooms arranged on three floors, which provide flexible space. The largest room has capacity for 500 people in theatre style. There are 235 bedrooms, all with balconies, two restaurants, swimming pool and spa.

DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti, Rome

Following an extensive refurbishment, this hotel re-opened in April 2021. It is located in the city centre, 30km from the airport. There are three meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 60 people and it can be divided into smaller sections. Built over 7 floors, there are 133 bedrooms and a Skybar with views of the city.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, Lisbon

This hotel, which originally opened 60 years ago, has undergone extensive refurbishment during the Covid-19 pandemic. The work comprised redesigning the bedrooms and suites, a new outdoor swimming pool, bar and terrace for the Ritz Bar.

The hotel has not lost its fifties style and charm, but has used new technology whilst keeping the heritage of the classic hotel.

Atocha Hotel, Madrid

Hilton has opened its first Tapestry brand hotel in the centre of Madrid. It is located close to the museums and Atocha central railway station, 30 minutes transfer from the airport. The hotel has 46 bedrooms and one meeting room for 12 people in boardroom style.

Hard Rock Hotel, Madrid

The Hard Rock Hotel, Madrid opened on 1st July and is situated in the Golden Triangle of Art. It’s design includes colourful artwork, a hanging guitar sculpture in the lobby and pieces of rock memorabilia, including denim jeans outfit worn by Elvis Presley and platform boots worn by David Bowie.

Events can be held in the gardens, on the roof top or the restaurants can be uses, so it’s more suitable for informal gatherings than conferences. The hotel has 161 bedrooms, swimming pool, fitness centre, complimentary in-room yoga and live DJ sessions.

Melia Frankfurt City

This hotel is located on levels 1 to 23 of the One Forty West building, a glass skyscraper with stunning views over the city and a 15 minute transfer from Frankfurt Airport.

The hotel has 13 flexible meeting rooms, the largest has capacity for 702 people in theatre-style. There are 431 bedrooms and suites, some of which have balconies. The restaurant is on the 15th floor, with a Skybar and there’s a gym and wellness centre.

Matild Palace, Budapest

The Matild Palace, part of Marriott International’s Luxury Collection has opened in Budapest. It was built 120 years ago during the Belle Époque era on the Pest side of the Danube next to Elisabeth Bridge. Transfer from the airport takes about 35 minutes.

There are four meeting rooms which can be divided in to seven smaller units. The largest has capacity for 100 people in theatre style.
The Madild Palace has 111 bedrooms and 19 suites. The Duchess rooftop bar will open in august and the Matild Café and Cabaret will open in September. There is a spa and gym.

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Latest news from UK hotels and venues

The UK has more hotels in the pipeline than any other European country, with almost 500 new properties due to open in the next few years. Most of these are in London, which has more than 100 hotels underway, giving the capital an additional 20,000 bedrooms. The majority will be 4* hotels, many of which are in London and there are 25 in the pipeline each for Glasgow and Edinburgh.

One Hundred Shoreditch

One Hundred Shoreditch is due to open in autumn 2021. This hotel was the Ace Hotel London, which had been operating for 7 years and announced last Summer that it would not reopen after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Located on Shoreditch High Street, One Hundred Shoreditch will have 258 bedrooms, six restaurants and bars including a rooftop bar and terrace, offering panoramic views over East London.
There will be five flexible meetings and events spaces, the largest of which has floor to ceiling glass, with views over London.

Gino D’Acampo is in partnership with Melia Hotels

The celebrity chef and Melia have announced a partnership with new restaurants opening at the INNSiDE by Melia in Manchester and Newcastle properties. The new Melia INNSide Liverpool is due to open in August of this year.

New Holiday Inn and Ibis Budget at Airport City Manchester

Airport City Manchester is developing a new hotel district of nine properties which will provide more than 2,400 bedrooms. The location is next to Manchester Airport’s ground transport centre.

The Holiday Inn, with 280 bedrooms and Ibis Budget, with 262 bdrooms are due to open in 2020 and will be the first two hotels to be completed. Accor have planning permission for a Tribe hotel, which will have 412 bedrooms.

The Carlton Tower Jumeirah reopening in July

Following major refurbishment, The Carlton Tower Jumeirah in Knightsbridge will re-open after more than 18 months. The hotel will have a new foyer and reception, restaurants, health club and spa. There are 186 bedrooms, reduced from 220 so that they could be made larger.

The conference facilities have been refurbished. The largest is the ballroom with capacity for 400 people. The three smaller rooms are flexible space with capacity for 300, 150 and 60 if used individually.

The Other House

The Oher House is a lifestyle hospitality brand of Residents’ Clubs due to open in Spring 2022. There will be two properties, which are being developed at the moment on the sites of Harrington Hall Hotel in South Kensington and the Wellington Block in Covent Garden.

The brand describes itself as a second home for guests, combining home comforts with hotel facilities and guests can stay as long as they wish. Both clubs will have about 200 club flats with a living area, sleeping area and kitchen.

Instead of large conference facilities, the properties will have small meeting rooms, private dining rooms and screening rooms.

Guests will use an app designed to operate automatic check in, keyless room entry, remote room controls, booking and ordering from the restaurants and bars.

The Other House plans to expand to other cities, once the London properties have been opened.

The Moxy Milton Keynes

Marriott’s boutique brand, The Moxy has opened in Milton Keynes. It is motor racing themed to tie into its proximity to Silverstone. The hotel has one meeting room with capacity for four people but there are also social spaces and large work-desk in the public area with charging points and fast WIFI throughout. All 210 bedrooms are equipped with 42-inch ChromeCast TVs. There’s a 24/7 Food & Beverage outlet, a coffee-shop-by-day-cocktail-bar-by night vibe and a games zone

If you enjoyed this article, share it with your friends and colleagues. Next week, we’ll be looking at international hotels in venues, so please come back and check out what’s happening overseas.

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The Trinity and EDGEvenues.com Triple Challenge

Trinity Event Solutions has joined up with our sister company EDGEvenues.com to take the Triple Challenge to a new high level. The company is back in action already supporting our corporate planners as they prepare for the return to live events from Q4 this year and for next few years. We are very aware that the events industry is changing and as a result we are now out and about building up our expert knowledge of venues and hotels. We are meeting them to understand the changes they have made and, of course, to keep on top of new properties and renovations that have taken place during Covid. Our target is to visit 400 venues before the 1st of October when our online Charity Auction goes live!

We cannot think of a better way to support our corporate buyers with all the challenges that are being thrown at them as they navigate a new world of live and hybrid than with a fun challenge that supports our industry, our buyers and our charities.

The Triple Challenge has raised over £200,000 in recent years to support many local charities chosen by our team and of course our meetings industry charities. This year’s charities have not been chosen as yet but they will be chosen by the Team here at Trinity and EDGE.

Trinity Triple Challenge

  • To challenge venues to deliver a creative and memorable site visit which we will report on and share with our corporate buyers and donate a great prize for the Auction. The prizes raise funds for the charities through an online auction which will be launched on the 1st of October. 100% of money received will be donated to the Charities net of credit card costs. All prizes will be added to showcase the venue profile on EDGEvenues.com, the go-to online directory featuring over 19,000 MICE venues globally.
  • To challenge the Trinity and EDGE teams who normally visit over 100 venues each per year to ensure their expert knowledge is up to date. They will allocate 20 of these visits this summer to grow their knowledge and generate prizes. Trinity is now actively back out supporting our industry and kickstarting our Industry.
  • To challenge the charities and corporate planners to share the great news and opportunity to gain fantastic prizes to support the charities and our industry at a time when we really need it.

The Trinity EDGE Team are planning their trips now and have already visited some of our major cities. They are giving up their time to undertake the challenge and all travel costs and expenses are being met by the company, so that 100% of all money raised will go to the charities.

Jacqui Kavanagh, founder and owner of Trinity and EDGEvenues said: “This is a wonderful initiative which will not only increase our knowledge of venues across the country and benefit our clients, but also supports our CSR policy by raising money for our nominated charities. I would like to thank all the hotels and venues involved for their support and also the team who are so keen to have first-hand experience of the venues that we propose to clients.”

The auction will be launched on the 1st of October and there will be a variety of lots, such as overnight stays, afternoon teas, tickets to sporting engagements and much more.

Its open to all venues to get involved! Interested in taking part, they should contact Jacqui and the team on jacqui@trinityeventsolutions.co.uk or businesssupport@trinityeventsolutions.co.uk