Month: October 2022

This Monday’s Insights (31 October) feature brings you beam’s new Chair, DCMS Committee Report criticising the Government, Glasgow benefitting from COP26, and more.

Headlines

beam’s new Chair has been revealed. The UK trade association for the business events, accommodation and seetings industry, has appointed Sian Sayward.

With the appointment of beam’s new Chair, along with the board’s reassigned roles and objectives, Juliet Price will have a new role as Development Consultant, working with the board to focus on a growth and expansion strategy, supporting the directors leading the association.

Sian Sayward, a long-serving beam board member who continues to be Governance Director, said: “This is a tremendous honour. With our revitalised sense of purpose, our expanded board, action groups and broader membership, we are well set to grow and to drive the industry and the association forward. I’m greatly looking forward to leading beam with so many supportive colleagues. It’s an exciting challenge.”

The appointments were announced at beam’s 25th-anniversary gala dinner at Radisson RED London Heathrow.

Read more about beam’s new Chair and other changes, at beam-org.uk.

Martin Fullard has analysed a DCMS Committee Report, which criticises the Government for failing to implement the de Bois Review’s recommendations and delayed VisitBritain marketing funding.

The de Bois Review: an independent review of Destination Management Organisations in England was published in August 2021 and made 12 recommendations to streamline funding and tackle confusing and unsustainable overlapping. Currently, there is no consistent funding for DMOs, with some receiving money from local authorities and others through private means.

Read Martin’s analysis here. 

Glasgow Convention Bureau has considered how Scotland’s largest city has benefitted from hosting COP26.

The UK Government prepares to hand the COP Presidency over to Egypt at COP27 in November. And Glasgow Convention Bureau has been looking at how Scotland’s largest city has benefited from hosting the prestigious UN Conference 12 months ago.

While governments around the world focus on delivering the four goals outlined in the Glasgow Climate Pact – turning the momentum from the globally significant conference into action – the city’s conventions team has been working to identify the lasting legacy from COP26.

Feedback from Glasgow’s tourism and conventions sector, as evidenced in the Bureau’s 2022 Business Survey, found that more than half (60%) of city tourism businesses improved their sustainability credentials as a result of COP26. This was with a particular focus on reducing food waste and lowering energy consumption.

Additionally, the majority of respondents (more than 70%) said that hosting COP26 raised their awareness of climate change.

Janice Fisher, co-chair of the Greater Glasgow Hoteliers Association (GGHA), said: “The city’s hotel community understood the need to clearly communicate our green credentials and sustainable practices to the COP26 delegates, and we have taken these learnings forward to support future conferences meeting in our city.

“Over the last year, Glasgow’s hotels have increased their number of electric vehicle charging points, worked on removing single-use plastic, and we have been encouraging all GGHA members to apply for Green Tourism accreditation as best practice.”

Gordon Hodge, Head of Conferencing and Events at the University of Strathclyde, added: “The University is committed to reducing emissions by 70% by 2025. We’ve developed a sustainability webpage to help organisers and delegates make more sustainable choices, and our conference apps reduce the need for printed materials. Standardised buffet options have streamlined our kitchen operations, reducing waste and energy consumption while maintaining quality and value.

“We’ve completely removed red meat from our menus, and any single-use items are now compostable. We’re delighted that our efforts have been recognised, just this month, with a Green Meetings Gold Award to add to our Green Tourism Gold status.”

Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales at the Scottish Event Campus, said: “COP26 has had a transformative effect on our business and has accelerated our sustainability ambitions. It was the catalyst for our commitment to being net zero by 2030, and importantly, it has been the driver for the creation of the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative that is shaping the events industry for a more sustainable future worldwide.

“It has also impacted the perception of our business and Glasgow on a global stage, cementing our rightful reputation as a truly global city capable of staging the largest and most complex of events, and it has elevated Scotland’s profile as a country that is committed to a greener future.

“As the host venue we’re forever part of the COP story, and the SEC and Glasgow’s legacy will always be remembered. It’s been a privilege to be part of the city’s COP26 journey and the SEC is thrilled to continue to contribute to and lead the industry to a more sustainable future.”

Has ‘entrepreneur’ become a dirty word for eventprofs?

Jack Jacob, CEO and founder of PNE, has explored this question following his recent experiences on social media. 

Writing for in M&IT, he says: “The events industry is full of entrepreneurs; the creativity, passion and can-do attitude a person needs to run events also lends itself very well to creating and leading a company. But I have recently seen a worrying trend of people on social media speaking negatively about entrepreneurship… well hard work in general.”

Read Jack’s full feature here.

Industry trade associations have been reacting to Rishi Sunak’s appointment as Prime Minister.

The overarching view is he must do more to recognise our sector and act fast on energy costs.

beam has called on Sunak to continue the energy price cap. And the Meetings Industry Association asks him to act now on energy costs.

Read Holly Patrick’s feature in full, here, on M&IT.

DOUBLE TAKE

Trainers (or sneakers) could be taking over as the footwear of choice at exhibitions.

This is according to a recent feature in Skift Meetings.

Anna Huddleston and Andrea Doyle have addressed the question. So, are they are part of the new dress code for business events?

“If our team is comfortable in their shoes, they will be comfortable talking to our clients and customers and representing our city the best way we can,” Joshua Albrecht, vice president of marketing and communications at Visit Milwaukee, told Skift.

Read the full insights here.

This Monday’s Insights (24 October) feature brings you Events Industry Alliance new manifesto, London’s 2030 Tourism Vision, IBTM World keynote speaker, and more.

Headlines

The Events Industry Alliance has launched its news manifesto at a parliamentary reception.

Guests from a cross-party group of MPs in addition to Government and Shadow Ministers and many association members heard how the manifesto works to ensure the interests of UK business events are effectively represented, understood and communicated to Government across the five pillars of maintaining recovery, growth, becoming the world’s meeting place, sustainability and developing skills and talent.

Working on behalf of the events industry associations, (AEO, AEV, ESSA, EIA) provides a secretariat and platform to work together to achieve common objectives for the good of the events industry. Its manifesto provides a strategic, national approach to business events spreading growth to all parts of the UK and driving international trade key to delivering a global Britain.

The manifesto works to ensure the interests of UK business events are effectively represented, understood and communicated to Government across the five pillars of maintaining recovery, growth, becoming the world’s meeting place, sustainability and developing skills and talent.

Shaun Hinds, CEO Manchester Central, and newly appointed AEV chair and EIA chair, commented: “The EIA serves as the quintessential industry forum and working group representing the cornerstones critical to all events; the organiser, the venue and the supply chain providing goods and services to the sector.” Hinds added “Whilst it’s always been a valuable alliance for the industry, in these times of post-pandemic economic uncertainty and geo-political challenges, the ability for the industry to convene, confer and communicate as a unified sector is imperative as we seek to grow and have an even greater impact on the UK’s social and economic landscape.”

For further information on the Events Industry Alliance and the manifesto, follow this link.

M&IT Magazine has revealed IBTM World 2022’s first keynote speaker

Salesforce event lead, Gareth Kelly, will discuss how to bring better business results and create meaningful cultural experiences during his keynote session.

Kelly will explore how Salesforce uses its events to bring better business results and create meaningful cultural experiences for businesses.

“This is an exciting time for our industry as we take the opportunity to rebuild, post-pandemic, in imaginative and innovative ways. Events don’t exist in isolation, they have the power to create far-reaching and positive change in business, culture, and society.

“It will be invigorating to share the knowledge and experience Salesforce has gained, particularly through our Dreamforce event, with so many interesting and like-minded people at IBTM World, and inspire them to continue building a legacy of visionary events which enhance and bring great benefit to today’s modern business landscape.”

Gareth Kelly, Salesforce event lead

Read more at mitmagazine.co.uk.

Advocacy, government relations and business events for growth will be the focus of the upcoming Business of Events Policy Forum.

Taking place on 2 November at the QEII Centre in London, the Policy Forum will see leading destinations, venues and event organisers from across the UK come together to discuss how to achieve growth in the business events sector and how business events can support the delivery of national policy objectives.

Further sessions will include Business Events for Policy and Society, with inputs from Paul Black, Neil Brownlee, and Heledd Williams, Head of Events for VisitBritain, VisitScotland Business Events and Visit Wales respectively, and the Venue Pathway to Net Zero, with Anna Abdelnoor, CEO of isla.

The final session of the day will see Chris Skeith OBE, Chair of the Business Visits & Events Partnership, discuss the Future of UK Events and reveal a new development, which organisers say will be ‘transformational’ for the UK events sector.

Following the Forum, a Senior Leadership Reception & Dinner will also take place, at Carlton House Terrace, home to the British Academy, in partnership with Searcys.

Find the full event programme here.

EDGE Venues CEO Jacqui Kavanagh has spoken to Skift Meetings about hotels rates rises.

As meetings and events planners are faced with potentially higher costs, Jacqui’s main takeaway is that planners will return to brands that communicate and collaborate with them and come up with mutually suitable solutions.

Read the full feature here.

London has launched a new 2030 Tourism Vision.

The Visions is backed by London & Partners data that shows more people would prefer to holiday in London versus other European city breaks.

Research commissioned by London & Partners, which runs Visit London, coincides with the launch of a new Tourism Vision covering the city’s plans to transform its tourism and hospitality industry by 2030.

“So much has changed since our last Tourism Vision back in 2017 – we knew it was absolutely essential to create a new framework to support one of London’s most vital industries. It has been so rewarding to lead such a collective effort along with organisations across the tourism industry in London, creating a vision that we know will benefit both Londoners and tourists alike. Sustainability, inclusivity and resilience, all of which are increasingly important to visitors and the industry, are all at the heart of our shared vision as we work to make London a brilliant experience for all.”

Rose Wangen-Jones, managing director, marketing, destination & commercial at London & Partners

Sustainability will also be a top consumer priority, with green issues becoming a top consideration for travellers.

Find out more at London Partners.

Double Take

Conference News’ Louisa Daley has shared an insightful feature on the rise of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Louise spoke with The Vegetarian Society, ACC Liverpool and Manchester Central. Her aim is to understand the role of accreditation and how venues are meeting events industry delegate preferences.

She writes: Vegetarian and vegan food is becoming increasingly popular with delegates. So much so in fact, that it’s no longer an add on or a tick-box exercise – it’s now the norm. Delegates either expect these options to be front and centre, just like meat options, or to see a completely plant-based menu.’

Read Louise’s insights here.

This Monday’s Insights (17 October) feature brings you the vital role of professional venue find procurement, one impact of the pound’s fall events held in the UK, and mia’s plans to reignite the sector.

Headlines

Jacqui Kavanagh, chief executive officer of EDGE Venues – venue find and procurement platform for corporates, agencies and associations – believes expert input can bolster technology platforms to maximise results.

Writing for Conference News, Jacqui said: “Corporate governance, risk and financial challenges currently combine with the need for live events to support staff retention, brand differentiation and ultimate business growth. This makes partnering with professional procurement teams a must for event teams and for buyers.

“Recent changes in the delivery of events, with virtual and hybrid, have resulted in a shift and increase in expertise required for events teams. But these teams are already overloaded with demands as clients and businesses return to live activity to achieve business goals. 

Additionally, with the daily changing economic climate, I believe professional venue procurement is more vital than ever.”

Read the full feature here.

The fall in value of the pound is set to cause a surge in US event planners heading to London, Green & Fortune has told Meetings and Incentive Travel magazine. 

The boutique hospitality company is ‘gearing up for an upturn in US events as the dollar exchange rate strengthens against the pound.’

Rebecca Harris, business development director at Green & Fortune, said: “London is well and truly back on the map as an event destination: the world marvelled at the recent spectacle of the Queen’s funeral which highlighted London’s ability to stage incredibly high-profile events and the exchange rate is without doubt one of the biggest contributors to why the capital is again the go to destination.

Read the full article here.

The AEO has launched its inaugural AEO People’s Awards

Taking place on the evening of the AEO Forums, on the 27th of January 2023, at the Business Design Centre in London, the event is a spinoff of the AEO Excellence Awards. It is dedicated to recognising the incredible talent on the ground, from junior to middle-management event professionals in marketing, ops, sales and beyond.

The event will share winners’ stories, showcase their achievements and give nominees the chance to inspire and be inspired by their peers.

The 10 categories cover a breadth of industry roles and with a streamlined approach to entering, is an accessible way to shine a light on the hard work and contributions made by nominated individuals. 

Teamwork, collaboration, and inclusivity are front and centre within the industry so nominations are welcomed from across the organiser, venue and supplier communities and are free for AEO, AEV & ESSA members.

Managers and teammates will be able to nominate the shining stars in their company. 

Chris Skeith OBE, chief executive of AEO says: “With talent front and centre of so many industry conversations, recognising the value and highlighting the achievements of those getting the work done on the ground in an ongoing period of uncertainty is so important, as we work not only to attract talent but retain it. 

“In a busy events period, we have created a streamlined entry process, with a 700-word limit on entries. This is a fantastic opportunity and an accessible way for teammates and managers to give special thanks to those company stars.”

For more information please visit https://www.aeoforums.org.uk/aeo-peoples-awards 

The next normal will be the focus of the Meetings Industry Association’s annual conference when it unites, inspires and energises the business meetings and events sector this autumn.

According to Event Industry News, ‘REIGNITE‘ will explore the current and future economic landscape, reveal the meetings of tomorrow and explore growth opportunities for the industry in uncertain times.

The power of strategic relationships, and Net Zero will also be examined at the event on 17 November, alongside how the sector can be a career of choice.

mia’s chief executive, Kerrin MacPhie, commented: “This conference has something for everyone as its relevant to every segment and individual working in the business meetings and events industry,

“In the wake of a global pandemic that shut down our industry, the continued climate crisis, rising levels of inflation, cost increases and the struggle to retain and grow our workforce, many are asking what does the future hold for our sector? So, we’ve carefully curated our line-up of futurologists and industry leaders to deliver what our sector needs to know right now. Delegates will leave with tangible takeaways that they will be implement in their own organisations.”

Read the feature on the REIGNITE conference in full, here.

The director of ESSA (Event Suppliers and Services Association) is calling on the industry to ‘work together to make healthier working environments for all. 

As an association the Event Suppliers and Services Association has been working on a set of benchmarks so suppliers can demonstrate their health and safety credentials. ESSA Accredited is company level accreditation, with a focus on health and safety. 

Andrew Harrison says it is a great starting point for businesses to prove their credentials – but that the suppliers side of the industry is under mounting pressure and standards will inevitably fall if they are stretched further. 

One of the biggest causes of lapses in good practice comes down to missed opportunities in communication. He says: “Delays in pertinent information within our industry can be a real inhibitor to what I would call ‘the best we can be’. 

“Lost opportunities for communication between all stakeholder groups. At the end game we’re basically a building site and, with every missed opportunity or delay in communication in the lead up to this, leads to greater pressure and delays when we can least afford it. If we think this isn’t felt by our shared client, we’re not listening. 

“It can lead to issues with regards to build-up and break down and designing projects. It can impact upon costs, which ultimately get filtered through the system.

“Contractors can be put under huge amounts of pressure in order to deliver on behalf of their clients within the constraints which have been allowed within the tenancy times. The knock-on effect of that is, we’re then having to work even harder to maintain safe environments for people to work in. 

“The contraction of postponed events into even tighter timeslots plus inflation, price rises and supply chain issues has “put everything under the magnifying glass.”

The last 12 months has been “unprecedented” for “events on top of each other like never before” he says. 

Suppliers are now regularly building-up and breaking-down shows simultaneously, often with reduced teams already stretched across multiple venues across the country. 

“We are working to absolute capacity within those areas. I think, reading between the lines, everybody understands what that could lead to, if one element of this whole process goes wrong,” Andrew warns. 

He says the recovery of organisers and the supply chain has been largely equal so far but as organisers start to see their recovery speed up there is no slack in the supply chain to cope. 

Read the opinion feature in full, here.

DOUBLE TAKE

The 11th edition of IMEX America has closed following four days of business and networking that heralded a welcome return to form for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.

Speaking in the show’s closing press conference at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom, announced an overall participation of 12,000 people, of whom over 4,000 were buyers, 3,300 of these attended on the show’s hallmark hosted buyer program.

Bloom explained that the 2022 edition was 45% bigger than last year due to an easing of travel restrictions plus 40% of returning exhibitors taking more booth space. 

Across the board, international exhibitors returned in strong numbers. Of those who doubled the size of their booths, 24% were from North America, 23% were hotel groups, 15% were European and 12% from Asia. Latin America and tech exhibitors also showed significant increases.

Some of the big themes percolating through from corridor conversations and speakers this week included: service levels, contracts, wellbeing and mental health; the pros and cons of distributed workforces; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI+B) and sustainability, both personal and environmental.

Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO, said: “The juddering, global halt of the pandemic may be behind us, but its lessons live on. And, having talked about disruption as a tool for business transformation for so long, we’re now seeing what that really means. Many of these lessons are positive, innovative and long overdue. From our A Voice for All program on Smart Monday, to Google Experience Institute’s NEU Project, we’re all invited to understand that events, and event designs, have excluded too many people for too long.

“Two concepts I take from this week are belonging and freedom of choice. The first is about making sure everyone feels welcomed – that they genuinely belong at our events and that our designs include them. 

“The second is a call for planners to let go. To break free of over-scheduling and a ‘more is more’ approach. We need to put people first, give them more choice and pay more attention to what makes us all human. At its most basic, this means prioritizing healthy nutritious food, clean water, time for rest, space for unscheduled connection and plenty of daylight.

“Google’s Megan Henshall put it best: ‘Not only does the data show that belonging is good for business, but as designers we also need to do a better job of not asking people to leave their lived experience at the doors when they come to our events.” Carina concluded.

This Monday’s Insights (10 October) feature brings you the hotel mocktail switch-up from Skift, new Government tourism minister and data protection system, and aviation’s net zero goal

Headlines

Is the hotel mocktail overtaking the cocktail?

Skift has written a great piece of insight into hotel brands “increasingly showcasing non-alcoholic drinks”.

It’s a major shift considering hotels and venues traditionally view F&B, particularly alcoholic drinks, as a big revenue generator.

The health and wellness market has already led many hotels and venues to add greater menu choices, such as healthier options and vegan foods, in recent years. Is it now time for the ‘Shirley Ginger’ and the ‘Mango Mule’ to overtake the Cosmopolitan and the minty Mojito?

Read more here at Skift.com.

The UK government will replace GDPR with a new data protection system.

Conference News has reported that the culture secretary Michelle Donelan said the new system will be more “business and consumer-friendly”. Michelle was speaking at the Conservative party conference at ICC Birmingham.

We will watch with bated breath to see what the forthcoming changes mean for the events industry.

Aviation has moved a step closer to reaching net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

According to BTN Europe, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has agreed to work collectively toward the goal.

ICAO is a United Nations body made up of around 200 countries. By officially adopting this long-term global aspirational goal (LTAG) it makes a big statement of intent that will be music to the ears of many event professionals.

For many event profs trying to deliver net zero events, flights often remain a blocker with offsetting being a necessary compromise.

Read the BTN article here.

Life Peer Lord Syed Kamal has been announced as the UK’s new tourism minister according to a feature on Exhibition News.

As part of prime minister Liz Truss’ government reshuffle, Kamall, who replaces Nigel Huddleston MP, will also take responsibility for civic society, heritage and growth alongside tourism at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS).

Read more here, including comments from UKhospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls, and Visit Britain.

Double Take

Staff wellbeing is the top priority for the global health and safety manager at RX Emma Dengate.

As chair of a cross-association working group for health and safety (AEO/ AEV/ ESSA), Emma told Exhibition News that “…two years of postponements have added huge pressure onto staff, but by working together we can keep teams happy and safe and exhibitions up and running”

“The single biggest issue in terms of health and safety is welfare. This issue has been exacerbated by the talent drain out of the industry and with many teams working with less resource.”

Read Emma’s interview here, in which she discusses the challenges, and the future including the incoming Protect Duty legislation.

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Missed 3 October Monday Insights? Read it here! 

This Monday’s Insights (3 October) feature brings you a blog from Martin Fullard on event industry sic codes, the EDGE Venues Q3 results success, Manchester Central and Mash Media’s sustainability white paper, and more.

Headlines

EDGE Venues shared its Q3 success at its annual Business Insights Event on Thursday, 15 September, including a 25 per cent increase in platform users and a 25 per cent uplift in venue searches compared to Q2.

The EDGE team delivered the results alongside market insights and user trends from its recently published Business Intelligence Report. Booking trends of corporate buyers and agents were compared to pre-Covid levels and illustrated increased event attendee numbers and average event values.

The invitation-only event for EDGE licensees took place at the tech platform’s Stamford Office, where more than 70 guests were also the first to hear about EDGE Venues’ development roadmap.

Read more here.

The team at Manchester Central has partnered with MASH Media to launch a white paper delving into the subject of sustainability for the events sector.

The two organisations have completed research aimed at understanding the industry’s current state of play, best practices, challenges we all face, and exploring some of the success stories we can all take inspiration from.

The project has resulted in a newly published whitepaper, Shaping a Sustainable Future. The paper shares key and meaningful insights from the research, which aim to help shape collective and individual sustainability journeys. 

The findings suggest that sustainability is not only here to stay; it’s becoming more important and expected to become an even more significant part of our future decision-making. Yet, over half of survey respondents believe the industry isn’t doing enough to be sustainable or effectively prioritising it, and only 48% believe their organisations are sustainable.

Download the report here to get your hands on more data, actionable insights and expert opinions.

Conference News editorial director, Martin Fullard, has shared his views on event businesses needing to review their SIC codes and use existing ones. 

This is a critical read for anyone involved in the events industry. Standardised Industrial Classification (SIC) codes are managed by the Office for National Statistics in the UK. They are vitally important to measuring the events industry’s value to the UK economy. It’s time we were taken seriously by the UK Government, but that can only happen if we can officially demonstrate our collective worth.

Read Martin’s blog here.

How much do you consider what you wear to work? Well, M&IT is addressing the question head on in a brand new survey – and they need your help.

What Eventprofs Wear – the M&IT Survey will provide a snapshot of changing fashions and tastes in the UK events industry.

“Fashion reflects social changes,” said M&IT editor Paul Harvey. “What we wear is just one lens through which we can study the transformation of our sector. You don’t have to go to too many events in our sector to realise that clothes are extremely important to eventprofs – how we represent ourselves, our companies and our brands. 

“It’s also clear from the last couple of years that fashions in the sector are changing. For a time during lockdown it seemed as if we’d never wear work clothes again. Now trainers at trade shows are the norm as the boundaries between work and leisure get ever more blurred.

“What Eventprofs Wear – the M&IT Survey aims to discover exactly what current fashion patterns say about the sector – and what they say about the future. I hope as many of our readers as possible can find the time to get involved in our survey – as you only have to look at the style on show at any given industry event to know that what eventprofs wear is a topic close to the hearts of a great many people in the sector.”

The results of What Eventprofs Wear – the M&IT Survey will appear in the Autumn/Winter edition of M&IT.

Click here to take part in the survey.

Double Take

isla has announced it has voted in nine new members to its Advisory Board, strengthening expert, cross-sector input across all isla activities.

Made up of both isla members and non-members alike, the new appointees represent a wide spectrum of events-industry stakeholders from agencies, exhibition organisers and venues right through to caterers and industry media.

“isla’s membership base is growing steadily and our expanded Advisory Board will ensure that we best represent the interests of our community and the wider industry, to create a united voice for change. Against the backdrop of COP27 and a growing appetite for turning climate conversations into solutions, we’re excited to harness the combined expertise and energy of the Advisory Board.”

isla Co-founder, Anna Abdelnoor