Month: March 2023

This Monday’s Insights (27 March 2023) feature brings you the latest news including All Party Parliamentary Group for Events general meeting, event industry recruitment trends, Artificial Intelligence, and more.

Headlines

All Party Parliamentary Group for Events announces annual general meeting & policy unit briefing

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) is to hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 28th March 2023, in line with Parliamentary rules and requirements.

The meeting will take place in Westminster, at Portcullis House, and will be an opportunity for the Parliamentary Group to review its current Plan of Work, elect a Chair and Vice Chairs for the next parliamentary session, and be briefed on current issues affecting the events sector.

Specifically, this meeting will hear from members of the newly formed Business of Events Advisory Council, on the work of the independent Think Tank’s Policy Unit and progress on its industry wide consultation on a new Policy Agenda for the sector.

 The APPG’s current Parliamentary Plan of Work is focussed on five key areas of policy:

• A Government led/supported confidence campaign
• The impact of major events on local communities
• A set of financial incentives to create new UK based events
• A co-ordinated approach to bring existing international events to the UK
• Government support to develop a more sustainable events strategy

This will be reviewed as part of the AGM and updated to reflect current priorities that have been identified as being able to unlock growth and have a positive impact on the events sector;

A full copy of the APPG’s Plan of Work for 2022 can be found on its official website https://appgevents.inparliament.uk and further information on the work of the Policy Unit can be found at https://the-business-of-events.com

Robert Kenwood has released his first in a quarterly series of event industry recruitment trends.

According to Conference News, Robert’s (of industry recruitment firm, You Search & Select) key word for Q1 2023 is ‘uncertainty’. 

Check out the full feature, here, including three key trends for the quarter (FO-LI-FO: The ‘Fear of Last In First Out’, The Rise of the Counter Offer, and Long Recruitment Processes).

With Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools evolving rapidly, now is the time for planners to grasp their potential, according to Skift Meetings.

In his recent Skift feature, Miguel Neves speaks to Liesl Leary-Perez, fractional chief marketing officer at Axis Integrated Mental Health. Liesl’s views are interesting given the rise in popularity and debates around the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, and their use in event content.

Read the feature here.

UKEVENTS has confirmed members of its newly elected Executive Committee.

Nick Morgan, Commercial Opportunities lead and Chair of the Outdoor Events Working Group, has been re-elected, while Glenn Bowdin has been elected as Vice Chair and Treasurer.

Meanwhile, Priya Narain, Vice Chair, takes over as Chair of the Diversity, Skills and Talent Working Group from Caroline Jackson, who has stepped down from her role after serving a multi-year term on the UKEVENTS Executive Committee. Jackson has been a pivotal member of the umbrella association, leading on the work to update SIC and SOC codes and well as developing policies towards skills, diversity and inclusivity.

As a newly elected member, Bowdin is Principal Lecturer in Events Management at the UK Centre for Events Management (School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Leeds Beckett University), where he has established events management degrees and masters courses since 1996. He is co-author of the Event Management textbook, the fourth edition of which is to be published in 2023 and is currently pursuing a PhD to explore the potential use of quality costing as a management tool for the events industry.

He was Founding Chair of the Association for Events Management Education (AEME) where he continues to serve on the Executive Committee as Treasurer, and has represented AEME at UKEVENTS (formerly BVEP) since 2006.

On his appointment, Bowdin said: “I am very pleased to be appointed to UKEVENTS as one of the Vice Chairs and Treasurer. UKEVENTS is an organisation that has been increasingly active in supporting all sectors of the events industry over recent years. I will be championing events education and research and supporting the Executive Committee and partners in taking the industry forward.

“Education plays a major role in supporting the sustainable growth of the events industry, with further and higher education providing some of the talent required to address immediate and future workforce needs and research.”

Priya Narain is currently Purpose and Impact Manager at KERB, as well as Co-Founder of Event First Steps and Diverse Speaker Bureau, and has been part of the Diversity, Skills and Talent Working Group for two years.

Prior to her time at KERB, Narain was General Manager at the Event Marketing Association (EMA), where she spent most of her time engaging with corporate event managers.

On her new position, Narain said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Vice Chair and Chair of the Diversity, Skills and Talent Working Group as it allows me to contribute to the important work that the associations are doing to support the industry.

“The industry is nothing without its people, and it is important we set the right path for talent from all corners of society to flourish.”

On Jackson’s tenure, UKEVENTS Chair, Chris Skeith said: “Caroline has been a key member of the executive committee and has selflessly given up much of her time to pursue a fairer, better represented events industry.

“Caroline lives and breathes the events industry, and I speak on behalf of all partners when I thank her for all that she has done.”

On the election of Bowdin and Narain, Skeith added: “Glenn is no stranger to the UKEVENTS team, and his experience will be vital in the months ahead. His knowledge in the field is a result of tireless research and this makes him a strong addition to the Executive Committee.

“Priya has been a central figure working on the Diversity, Skills and Talent Working Group and her support for the work of UKEVENTS has been invaluable. The events industry must recognise the role diversity plays in success, and I have no doubt Priya will continue to highlight the best practice.”

• Chair – Chris Skeith, OBE
• Vice Chair – Glenn Bowdin, Treasurer
• Vice Chair – Nick Morgan, Commercial Opportunities lead (Chair of the Outdoor Events Working Group)
• Vice Chair – Priya Narain, Chair of the Diversity, Skills and Talent Working Group
• Vice Chair – Susan Tanner, Membership lead
• Advocacy & Government Relations Lead – Michael Hirst OBE (Chair of the Advocacy & Government Relations Working Group)
• Special Advisor Communication/PR – Robert Wright
• Immediate Past Chair – Simon Hughes

The new UKEVENTS Executive Committee is as follows:

Find out more about UKEVENTS.

This Monday’s Insights (20 March 2023) feature brings you the latest news including Facial analysis at events, mia’s survey findings, menopause in the events industry, and more.

Headlines

Facial analysis at events is the subject of an interesting new piece in Skift Meetings. 

Is there a reason to be concerned about this AI-powered analysis? Dylan Monorchio writes: ‘Would you feel comfortable with a sanctioned robot stalker at your event? While the situation is not as Orwellian as that, it’s important to consider the potential benefits and pitfalls of using facial analysis technology.’

Read the full overview at Skift Meetings.

The latest findings from the mia’s January 2023 survey are out.

Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the mia has shared the latest findings from its sector surveillance with Conference News. 

The result reveals the impact of industrial strikes, rising costs, recruitment challenges and more on our sector. 

The feature states that the survey provides ‘optimism that demand is returning’. Yet it also demonstrates’ the significant damage and disruption caused by ongoing externalities’.

Read the full feature with key finding here.

M&IT’s, Holly Patrick, has written an insightful article about menopause in the events industry, following a recent Round Table event.

The event, organised by Northstar Meetings Group and chaired by Holly, hosted 15 female event professionals. The discussion focused on topic of menopause in the workplace. 

Holly’s follow-up feature mentions a report by the Fawcett Society. The report found 10 per cent of the 4000 45-55-year-old women surveyed left their job because of menopause symptoms. These numbers come at a time when our industry needs more experienced professionals. So, how can we support women to stop them from leaving the talent pool?

Read Holly’s feature in full.

The Meetings Show’s 2023 hosted buyer programme is open for registrations.

The show encourages senior meeting and event planners to register for its hosted buyer programme. The programme aims to optimise their time at the event at ExCeL London on 28 and 29 June 2023.

Hosted buyers attending can access a dedicated appointments diary to book pre-scheduled exhibitor meetings. They are also supported with travel, accommodation and a host of other benefits.

Those opting to engage in the three-day programme will also be invited to attend a bespoke educational experience. It provides targeted content for event planners, before welcoming them with an exclusive evening reception at an exciting London location. Hosted buyers can discover a venue in the heart of the city, featuring stunning views of London’s iconic skyline. The venue will be announced soon.

Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director of The Meetings Show, TEAMS Europe and Business Travel Show Europe, commented on the programme. He said: “We welcome applications from domestic and European event planners keen to hold valuable meetings with the show’s diverse list of exhibitors. We don’t make appointment matches, so it’s entirely down to the buyer who they want to meet with, and with the three attendance options it provides more flexibility for those tight on time.”

Olympia London’s CEO, Julie Driscoll has joined the AEV’s board.

The Association of Event Venues (AEV) director, Rachel Parker, spoke to Event Industry News. She said: “The combined skills and experience of our board members is instrumental in setting strategic direction for our association. Julie is acknowledged as a leader in change management, spurring growth and driving expansion. Her appointment will make the AEV Board an even stronger force for good in the venue sector and the wider event industry community.”

Read more below.

This Monday’s Insights (13 March 2023) feature brings you the latest news including CHS Leeds new partners, beam’s call for job support scheme to attract under 25s to enter meetings and events, The Meetings Show’s #takethetime campaign, and more.

Headlines

CHS Leeds has announced a series of agreements that will bring more choice to visitors at the show.

As well as presenting a chance to explore more of the host city through the exhibition’s partnership with Conference Leeds, the event has seen new exhibitors join from across the UK and Europe. 

Conference Leeds and CHS Leeds have worked together for 12 years to create the award-winning experience synonymous with the event, and once again Leeds is extending a warm welcome to visitors. The city continues to invest in its infrastructure and its public transport links make it an accessible and sustainable destination for event planners. LNER will be the show’s Hosted Buyer Travel Partner and will be transporting visitors from London to Leeds by First Class train travel from London Kings Cross. 

At the same time, it is fast becoming both a financial and media hub, with more and more businesses and brands moving into the city. ‘LEEDS 23 – Year of Culture’ is showcasing the best of the city’s creativity throughout the year and, as part of the relationship with Conference Leeds, CHS Leeds is looking to invite event organisers across these business communities to visit the exhibition, taking place at the Royal Armouries, 25th April 2023.

“It’s really important to us that both our visitors and exhibitors have a brilliant experience in the city and at the event,” commented Lou Hindley, Commercial Director, CHS Leeds. “We’re so proud of our long-standing partnership with Conference Leeds and the support we receive from the business events community across the city. In addition to the extraordinary hotels, venues and suppliers in the region we have new exhibitors that are offering ideas and inspiration from small and petite to big and visionary. It’s why our visitors come, and they won’t be disappointed.”

CHS Leeds recently announced its educational theme for the event which will once again focus on personal and professional growth. This year, educational seminars will look at the ever-changing world of office life. ‘Growth Part II: Worklife’ kicks off at CHS Leeds with a dedicated conference room for attendees looking at their own personal priorities. 

Attendees and exhibitors at IMEX Frankfurt this May will have access to a brand-new online platform designed to add further value to their participation at IMEX shows.

Ahead of the show taking place 23 – 25 May, IMEX has been working with event management company ExpoPlatform to offer participants a new online platform enhanced with a range of features and tools carefully designed to maximise business connections and ease of use.

At its core the new platform makes it easy and simpler for exhibitors and buyers to find and connect with each other in the run-up to the show and then to enhance those relationships face to face at IMEX.

The new platform also means that all attendees now have their own personal account for all future IMEX shows – enabling a fast, single sign-on for both IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America.

Developments include:-

• Free lead scanning for all buyers and exhibitors
• Networking before, during and after IMEX
• Recommendations
• Personal email and calendar integration
• Bringing clients or additional colleagues to appointments
• A seamless desktop to app experience

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “At their heart, our shows are marketplaces, designed to connect the right people to each other and help them do more business. Alongside our new Official Tech Partner ExpoPlatform, we’ve created a new platform and online experience that truly powers this up, and at a time when new business is more prized than ever. Our buyers and exhibitors will find it easier to meet and track new or existing contacts and kickstart conversations and deals ahead of meeting face to face on the show floor.

“Our intention is for our buyers and exhibitors in particular to enjoy a simpler, more intuitive networking and appointment experience. We’ve done our very best to streamline our platform so that buyers and exhibitors can find and meet each other more efficiently. And we’re committed to continuing to learn and enhance the platform over the coming months and years,” explains Carina.

Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, adds: “IMEX is one of the greatest business event showcases and a real force for good in our industry, so we are delighted to be working with them to make their events smart and seamless.

“Event planners are more tech-savvy than ever before, so we are excited to provide them with a strong digital-powered experience to improve the quality of in-person meetings. We can’t wait for IMEX Frankfurt and then IMEX America!”

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Budget Statement, Finance Director of industry association, beam, has called for greater industry support.

The association’s Finance Director said: “While beam fully supports the widespread call for an extension to energy cost support, what the industry also needs is support more specifically appropriate to its issues.

“Most people in the industry are under great pressure because, while the sector is very busy, it is struggling to recruit enough staff to deliver the events. Nor can it afford to recruit them with costs rising and Bounceback loans still being repaid. 

“What our industry needs is a job support scheme to incentivise people under 25 to enter the meetings and events industry. We can’t compete with so many sectors.

“We have a long heritage of creating and producing world-class conferences, meetings and events – the Coronation in May will once again showcase our skills – but unless we recruit more young people, there will be no next generation of event staff to maintain that reputation.”

The Meetings Show, the UK’s leading event for the meetings and events community, claims to have your back with its latest campaign, #takethetime.

This campaign encourages event professionals to find space in their diaries to attend the show and tackle their challenges head-on. By attending the show, event professionals will have the chance to discover cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives, reassess budgets, find ideal suppliers, stay ahead of current trends, and streamline the event planning process, all in just a matter of days.

Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director of The Meetings Show, TEAMS Europe and Business Travel Show Europe, said: “We understand the challenges faced by event professionals and know how hard it can be to take time out of the office. But our research shows that just a day or two at the show can be invaluable and have major benefits on the long-term success of your work life.

“Attending an industry-focused event provides the perfect opportunity to stop and think, to address pain points, discover useful new products and services and approaches to work that will save time in the future, while making valuable connections.

“At The Meetings Show, we understand that time is precious for everyone, so we focus on curating pertinent content for education sessions, attracting quality destinations, venues, and suppliers as exhibitors, and creating numerous networking opportunities. We really encourage the industry to #takethetime out of their usual routine and broaden horizons.”

Join The Meetings Show community on 28 and 29 June 2023, at ExCeL London, and take the first step in improving your professional life. #takethetime to save time.

Andrea Doyle of Skift Meetings has written about industry progress in women’s equality.

Andrea says: ‘Although much progress has been made, there is still a long way to go. From increasing the number of women leaders in the meetings industry to closing the gender pay gap, much must be done to create a more equitable and inclusive future.’

Read more here.

The latest blog from MPI (Meeting Professionals International) uncovers MPI EMEC Brighton’s learning journey.

Robert Dunsmore writes that Meeting Futures ‘will be part of what I’ve called EMEC “Manic Monday” where there’s a lot going on so follow this journey and to paraphrase Prince it’ll be your “fun day.” It will be run as a hosted live workshop to imagine the meeting space of the near future. Meetings fit for our new creator culture world of events. I really don’t know what will happen, but as a creative, I’m OK with that.’

Read more about the event in Robert’s full blog, here.

Battersea is an area overlooking the Thames in South London and is becoming a hotspot for event profs. 

In the fast-paced world of venues and events, trends and popular locations constantly evolve. And while the Battersea area was previously an eyesore of mostly unused industrial buildings, a complete facelift in 2022 has sent it on the way to becoming one of the trendiest London locations. With event profs in mind, here is our list of reasons to love Battersea.

1. Beautiful Battersea Park

With 200 acres of green space, Battersea Park is a beautiful addition to the area. And it’s a lovely way to bring life back into the once industrially dominated space. As one of London’s largest green areas, there are many activities for delegates to enjoy during breaks or weekends. 

These options can be particularly attractive if your event is on a shoulder day (Monday/Friday). Delegates may have the option of arriving a day early or staying on after an event. So they can enjoy everything from ponds, a boating lake and zoo, to an art gallery and a café. All this, and the park itself, is enough to keep your delegates on a wellbeing event track for an entire day!

2. Eventful entertainment 

The idea to turn Battersea into a riverside community is very much underway. The exciting new neighbourhood displays glorious architecture and luxury apartment complexes overlooking the river, and endless entertainment options. The old power station in Battersea has been developed into a trendy new shopping mall which opened in October 2022. 

There are various high-end brands for your delegates to seek out – including TAG Heuer and Tommy Hilfiger. More big names are on the way in 2023.

With something for everyone, the mall includes a free museum on the ground floor. Your delegates can learn about the history of the power station, and experience the ‘PowerStation Lift 109’. The glass lift takes riders 358 feet high for a 360-degree view of the city.

3. Fancy some Vegan vibes, or salivating over steak? 

Battersea is home to some of the most stylish and diverse restaurants and bars, with something for all guests to enjoy.

Planning to spend a night away from your event venue? You can enjoy a mouth-watering steak at the luxury Macellaio. Or how about fresh vegan cuisine at the Clean Kitchen Club followed by a sophisticated cocktail at Control room B? Switch up the flavours with tasty seafood at The Wright Brothers or indulge in a cool drink at The Lighthouse.

4. Battersea’s visionary venues

Stylish new event venues are opening across Battersea. And, we’ve seen a selection of popular locations for event profs in the area. The Lost Garden at Lost Societies in Battersea is described as a ‘Hidden Gem’. This venue has a touch of nature with an outdoor space for up to 120 guests – with its own bar/bartender for your event. The partially covered terrace area is perfect for summertime and will make for a stylish eye-catching event this year.

Grand Estates is another glamorous venue, with a modern sophisticated look and a clean look for meetings and teambuilding events. The venue has 2 television screens and great lighting, making it a perfect location for presenting to a group. It is also situated on the ground floor, allowing easy access for all participants.

5. The best hotels

Battersea is home to some of the most modern and glamorous hotels in London. Here are just a selection that help guests have a relaxing and comfortable stay.

• The Axiom Park hotel is nestled in the heart of Battersea, with a stylish reception and spacious rooms, this hotel has excellent city centre transport links.

• The brand-new Art’Otel in Battersea has stunning 360-degree views, a jacuzzi, and a rooftop pool for guests, making it the perfect location for your stay. Opening on the 21st of February 2023, you could be one of the first to host your meeting or event at this unique hotel.

This Monday’s Insights (06 March 2023) feature brings you the latest news including The Business of Events Consultation, CN Agency Awards, The C&IT Show on neurodivergence in events, and more.

Headlines

The Business of Events, the not-for-profit independent Think Tank for the events industry, has launched its Policy Unit and opened the first stage of its sector-wide Consultation.

The Consultation aims to gather sentiment among those owning, running, managing, and working in the events industry, which will lay the foundation for a comprehensive Policy Agenda for the sector. It marks the first stage of the Policy Unit’s work and will close on 14th April 2023.

Responses to The Business of Events Consultation will be categorised into sub-sectors and discussed as part of a Policy Unit which will lead to the publication of multiple reports, which will be reviewed by MPs sitting on the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Policy Unit’s Advisory Council.

A second stage Consultation will open later in 2023 and will further explore policy initiatives in more detail.

Complete the Consultation here.

Martin Fullard, Associate Director, News & Content at The Business of Events said: “This is an important milestone in our work to create a Policy Agenda for the UK events industry.

“This Consultation is the first stage of the collation of evidence and sentiment, and the subsequent reports will inform where we go next. Once the Consultation closes in April, we will be arranging a series of roundtable discussions among different sector groups to discuss the findings and relay the views and opinions of the Advisory Council.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to those who have joined the Advisory Council so far. We have a blend of experience from a broad range of sector fields, and crucially we are delighted that Theresa Villiers MP has joined. Any policy initiatives must be stress tested by Government.

“I look forward to expanding the Advisory Council further with specific expertise as a picture unfolds, such as on matters such as taxation, diversity, sustainability, trade and many more.”

The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has celebrated its 2022 achievements at its AGM. 

Steve Jones, the associated outgoing chair, mia, comments: “We are in regular dialogue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and hold a three-way meeting every six weeks.

“The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), part of the Ministry of Defence, connects us with organisations that have benefited from grant funding and have developed new safety and security innovation that could support the meetings industry.”

Read more on this in Conference News, including information on the mia’s restructured board.

An unfortunate lesson for event professionals took place at the recent Conference News CN Agency Awards.

For anyone not in attendance at the event, a very honest article on Conference News states: “At Friday afternoon’s event, an appalling incident took place involving our guest speaker and a member of the audience. At the event, the speaker made some deplorable statements which caused well-warranted offence from the affected party and many of those in the room.

“At the time of writing, it’s 24 hours since the Agency Awards closed, in that time members of the Conference News team have reached out to the affected delegate to offer our support. We’ve also contacted the speaker’s team to voice our disgust at their conduct on stage, and have requested a meeting to demand a formal apology from the speaker directly to the affected party.

“These actions were the speaker’s own, their crass attempt at a joke was unscripted and Conference News wholeheartedly disavows the words themselves, the sentiment behind them and the outdated mentality that they represent.

“However, we must do better. Which is why in future we will improve our speaker recruitment process by using trusted industry speaker bureaus, and adopt a more thorough vetting and briefing process with our speakers to ensure this incident does not repeat itself.”

An update on the Conference News website today, 6/3/23, states, “The Conference News team has been made aware that the best course of action would have been to remove the speaker from the event. Looking back, we accept we did not take appropriate action at the time and will be putting safeguards in place to ensure we do better in future.”

The entire team at EDGE Venues trust the appropriate action is taken, and sincerely hope it is something from which the entire industry can learn.

In the latest edition of the monthly The C&IT Show, Calum Di Lieto talks neurodivergence in events, playful creativity and Vegas adventures.

This is a fab episode covering lessons from Red Bull and Google, a Maltese hotel with panoramic views, BAFTA winners with links to the events industry, and more. Guest speakers include Gabby Austen-Brown, Founder of Diversity Alliance and Kate Scully, Global Travel Manager, Howden Group Holdings.

Check it out here.

Listen and learn from Julie Coker, CEO and president of the San Diego Tourism Authority, as she talks about community, mentorship, destination boycotts, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

According to Skift Meetings, “Julie began her journey into the events industry while working in restaurants in high school. This love of interacting with the public and helping them get to know her hometown began her love for the industry. This led to a corporate management trainee position with Hyatt after graduating from college.

“Coker worked her way up the organization, becoming a general manager at four different Hyatt properties, all of which exposed her to the wider hospitality industry and the role of destination marketing organizations (DMOs). This ultimately lead to her role as senior Vice President of convention sales at the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, becoming President in 2016 and then moving to her current role in San Diego in 2020.”

Listen to this insightful podcast via Skift Meetings, here.