Category: Blog

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.

---

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

This Monday’s Insights (September 26) feature brings you the BVEP’s Strategic Plan of Work, the Meetings Industry Association (mia)’s response to government businesses’ energy bill price cap, and more.

Headlines

Nigel Huddleston is leaving his ministerial post as tourism minister to move to the Whips Office.

Following his departure from the role, Simon Richards, treasurer of beam (the association for business events, accommodation and meetings), told Meetings and Incentive Travel magazine: “We all urgently need to educate Nigel Huddleston’s replacement as the minister responsible for our industry about the specific needs of the sector and ensure that business events is high on his or her agenda, not well down below sport and other events.

“This makes the need for all business events sector companies to join the BVEP campaign and register under one of three SIC Codes, particularly 82302, even more urgent so that the minister and the Government have the data to recognise the sector’s issues more clearly.”

The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has responded to the government’s announcement that businesses’ energy bills will receive a six-month price cap.

Kerrin MacPhie, mia chief executive, said: “The package of support will provide much-need reassurance to those operating within the business meetings and events sector, however for a limited time only.

“With energy prices fixed for six months, operators can at least now begin to forecast costs and subsequent pricing more effectively, while also being protected from soaring and simply unsustainable cost increases.”

“It is vital that these support packages are evaluated by government on an ongoing basis, and that government recognise sectors outside of the Standard Industrial Classification when determining sector-specific levels of support. We know from the results of our recent survey of 129 industry organisations, which featured questions on the cost-of-living crisis, that the rising energy costs are of huge concern to the sector.

“Operating within a highly competitive, price-sensitive market, many have conceded to heavily reduced profits that reflect a further setback to recovery plans, so these cost-savings will prove influential in the short-term as we continue to witness the green shoots of recovery.”

The Business Visits & Events Partnership (BVEP) has published its Strategic Plan of Work for the coming year, as the organisation continues to engage with the new government on behalf of the UK events industry.

As ‘the collective voice of the UK’s world leading events sector’, BVEP’s plan takes priority objectives from its five sector-specific Working Groups. The groups include Advocacy & Government Relations, Business Events, Outdoor Events, Skills, Talent & Diversity and Research & Business Intelligence. These objectives cover a wide range of subjects, such as raising the industry’s profile to government departments, developing a plan to adopt the new sector-specific SIC/SOC codes and promoting the outdoor sector to re-establish a more competitive supply chain.

“This plan not just sets out our goals for the year ahead, but also makes clear our commitment to represent the entire UK events economy as it continues to face its many challenges. We are also looking to the future, to ensure that the BVEP has the right structure, resources and voice to serve the industry as effectively as possible.”

Chris Skeith OBE, BVEP Chair

As part of its government relations and advocacy activity, the BVEP is liaising with the new government on how the events sector can support the delivery of its priorities of growth and levelling up. It highlights the contribution business events make to inward investment, trade, innovation and exports and how cultural events enhance local communities’ social prosperity and wellbeing.

The Strategic Plan is available for download here from the BVEP website.

CHS Birmingham returns for its second outing this autumn with a focus on personal and professional growth. The show, which is fast becoming a celebration of Birmingham’s business events scene, is enjoying the legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the global attention on the destination.

The show will also return to the ICC Birmingham, one of its founding partners, as well as enjoy the support of The Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau. Now, with the meetings and events industry continuing to return to pre-pandemic levels of activity, and the opportunity of a Commonwealth Games legacy in the region, CHS Birmingham is looking to encourage both professional and personal growth for every delegate and exhibitor at the show.

“We’re putting together an educational programme which is tailor made to the individual. Our research shows that the biggest demand from delegates is either to look at ways to enhance their own careers, or look at developing themselves as people,” commented Emma Cartmell, CEO & Founder, CHS Birmingham. 

“There has been a lot of talk around how the industry Is performing right now, for us though, it’s now about supporting individual event professionals. Donna Cunningham, Sales Director for Conventions, NEC Group, commented, “CHS returning to Birmingham is an exciting opportunity for the attending hosted buyers to meet with teams from a range of destinations and venues at the ICC to do business. The educational programme is packed with inspiring speakers, presenting a great developmental opportunity for us to discuss key topics, share ideas and learn from each other as we bounce back from the pandemic.”

Outside of the educational programmes, CHS Birmingham will be introducing new venues and suppliers, as well as our existing clients, so that when delegates are not in meetings, they can take time to focus on cementing relationships with key destinations, venues, and event suppliers.

“It is fantastic to welcome back CHS Birmingham to the city’s event calendar, after an unforgettable first show last autumn,” commented Steve Knight, Senior Business Tourism Manager, Birmingham and the West Midlands Convention Bureau. 

“The West Midlands is buzzing after hosting the most successful UK-based Commonwealth Games during the summer, with our hospitality and event venues providing a brilliant backdrop for 1.5 million ticket holders, and more than five million people who visited Birmingham city centre during the Games fortnight.

“We look forward to joining forces with partners across our business events sector to once again show delegates why Birmingham and the wider region should be top of their list when hosting their next event.”

CHS Birmingham will also be evolving its brand to take on some of the flavours of the city over the summer, and to bring it even closer to global ‘brand Birmingham’. The show takes place 1 st November 2022 at the ICC Birmingham.

This Monday’s Insights (September 12) feature brings you the Government guidance on National Mourning – applicable to the event industry following the loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Headlines

The Government has issued ‘Guidance for the public and businesses on the period of National Mourning following the demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.’

A period of National Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II began in the day of her passing. It will continue until the end of the day of the State Funeral, which takes place on Monday, September 19. The day of the funeral is also now set to be a Bank Holiday.

The Royal Family will undertake a separate period of Royal Mourning, subject to the wishes of The King. 

The guidance on National Mourning states that organisations are under no obligation to suspend business during this period, but does state:

‘Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral. However, this is at the discretion of individual businesses. Public services will continue as usual, although there may be some changes to service availability. Further guidance on any potential considerations relating to the day of the State Funeral will be issued if needed.’

We’ve pulled the following sections from the guidance, which seem most relevant to our industry:

Travel Information 

Throughout the period of National Mourning, particularly on days with ceremonial events and in the build up to the State Funeral, public transport in key locations will be very busy. Journeys may take longer than usual. Further information will be announced by network operators. Please check your journey before you travel to ensure all services are running as expected. 

Commemorative Events

Many community organisations, including places of worship, Local Authorities and charities, will arrange events commemorating the life and service of Her Majesty. This may include holding services of reflection (or similar), and opportunities for those with no religious beliefs to pay their respects. Local Authorities will support the coordination of local events so please check with them or your local place of worship for further details. 

Major Events, Entertainment, and Sports

There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. 

This is at the discretion of individual organisations. As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations. 

If sporting fixtures or events are due to take place the day of the State Funeral, organisations may want to adjust event timings. This would be to avoid clashing with the service and associated processions. 

In keeping with the tone of National Mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence. And/or, they may wish to play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures. Players may wish to wear black armbands. 

Public museums and galleries

Public museums, galleries or similar venues are under no obligation to close during the National Mourning period. Organisations may choose to close on the day of the State Funeral. However there is no obligation to do so and this is at the discretion of individual organisations. As with other organisations, these institutions may wish to display or share images of previous Royal visits, particularly if they are one of Her Majesty’s patronages.

Read the full guidance here, covering further areas including Books of Condolence, Floral Tributes, and more.

Despite the headlines and a recession potentially looming, there is good news ahead as we see a continued rise in meeting space enquiries. At EDGE Venues, we’re on track to double our venue searches for Q3, with early analysis showing that we’ve already exceeded that of Q2.

And with August notoriously one of the quieter months of the year, we’re full of confidence as enquiries are up on those recorded in July and June. Moreover, we have high expectations for September and the latter part of this year.

The recent rail chaos has highlighted the opportunities for regional locations regarding demand and pricing strategy. Regions outside the bigger cities have certainly benefited as we’ve seen an increase in enquiries into these areas, delivering great options for meetings and events.

Plus, staycations and large events such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games are also impacting larger cities, offering a mixture of pricing strategies and no set trends. Now is the time for venues to be clear on their pricing strategies, to entice bookers to make enquiries with clear and concise messaging.

For smaller events/meetings, enquiries are high for Q3 and Q4 this year, and looking ahead, we expect that to extend into 2023, creating big opportunities for venues over and above the large event enquiries we’re seeing for next year.

This Monday’s Insights (22nd August) feature brings you a selection of recent industry headlines, including levelling up to redress economic imbalance, industry ageism, and group travel’s road to recovery.

Headlines

Levelling up on economic imbalance

Levelling up is a much-needed government strategy to redress the economic imbalance between London and the rest of the country, explains Liz Taylor, managing director of the northern-based Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC).

Liz spoke to M&IT about how she welcomes any inward-investment to the Manchester region, and believes the Government needs to focus on its original plans for HS2. 

“Improved transport links will not only make it easier to do business in the city and between cities in the region, but coaxing large-scale conferences, meetings and trade shows, a huge revenue driver in the events sector will be a much easier sell with improved transport infrastructure. My focus is very much on live events and always has been.”

Read the full levelling up opinion article here. 

Ageism in events?

“It’s not even unconscious bias, it’s blatant bias.” Event industry recruiter, Robert Kenward, has shared his views on ageism in a new blog on Conference News.

The feature encourages agencies to hire eventprofs over 50, reminding readers that age inclusivity is a vital part of DEI.

“But no-one talks about it, there is no scholarship or initiative to encourage the over 50s into our industry. An employer would never say that they are looking for a white person, or a woman for a role, but it’s very common for agencies to specify the age bracket of the new recruit that they need.”

Read it here.

IMEX America clears the path

IMEX America, returning to Las Vegas October 10 – 13, is set to address the new needs of the industry head on. The four-day event is designed to deliver a tailored, targeted and enjoyable business experience. 

The business climate is defined by inflationary pressures, supply chain issues and talent shortages. So IMEX America is designed to guide attendees to the people, products and learnings that best fit their specific needs. Just two months after registration opened, over 3,000 global buyers have so far confirmed their participation. 

Likewise, there has been strong demand from suppliers from an early stage. International exhibitors returning to the show in force. The list includes all the major hotel groups.

The event’s free learning programme has been simplified for attendees, too. Under the theme ‘Pathways to Clarity’, the IMEX team has streamlined the number of education tracks from 10 to four. Attendees will find: Respect for People and Planet; Future Self; Innovation and Creativity; Event Planner Toolkit. And a global roster of speakers will offer fresh thinking on today’s challenges.

Find out more at imexexhibitions.com

Group travel on the road to recovery

Group travel is on the road to recovery, with live expos, in-person conferences, and incentive trips back on the cards. But there is a marked difference in the post-pandemic travel experience and the attitudes of those on board.

Read the views of Air Partner head of charter, Clive Chalmers on mitmagazine.co.uk.

Double Take

Should venues be more flexible during travel strikes?

Martin Fullard, editorial director, Conference News, says venues should have demonstrated greater flexibility during the rail strikes.

What do you think about the way venues have approached cancellation terms during this latest challenge for eventprofs? 

Check out his piece from earlier this month.

This Monday’s Insights (15th August) feature brings you a selection of recent industry headlines, including increase in industry-wide prices in 2023, potential city hosts announced for 2023 Eurovision and 480,000 plastic bottles saved at Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Headlines

Business travellers to see industry-wide fare rises in 2023

According to the 2023 Global Business Travel Forecast, global travel prices are predicted to continue to increase in Q3 and Q4 of 2022 and throughout 2023.

Published by CWT and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the forecast covers the drivers behind the increasing prices.

The report suggests this is due to rising fuel prices, labour shortages, and inflationary pressures in raw material costs.

What does this mean for meetings and events?

Prices have increased in all regions across most categories of spend, fuelled by pent-up demand. The cost-per-attendee for meetings and events in 2022 is expected to be around 25% higher than in 2019 and is forecast to rise a further 7% in 2023.

Corporate events are also now competing with other types of events that were cancelled in 2020. With many companies having given up office space during the pandemic in favour of remote working, they are now booking meeting spaces when staff gather in person.

Read more via Conference News here.

UK hotel rates reached record levels during the second quarter, due to rising demand and inflationary cost pressures.

A report byBNP Paribas Real Estate found that the UK’s average hotel occupancy rate rose to 80 per cent in Q2, up from 70 per cent in the first quarter of the year.

Further insight available via Business Travel News Europe.

Eurovision song contest 2023: seven UK cities named as potential hosts

Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield have been named as potential hosts of the 2023 Eurovision song contest when it is held in the UK for the first time in 25 years.

All great cities, but where do you think it should be held? Share your thoughts on our LinkedIn post.

Double Take

480,000 plastic bottles saved by Severn Trent at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Severn Trent has announced that around 480,000 reusable water bottles were filled over the 11 days of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, having run refill stations at every Games venue.

Spectators, Games volunteers and emergency services staff were kept hydrated during the Games as the water company looked to tackle single-use plastic waste.

Counters installed on the water refill stations kept track of the number of plastic bottles saved, with the initiative helping to save people money on their memorable days out as they took in the excitement of each event.

As Official Nature and Carbon Neutral Partner of Birmingham 2022, Severn Trent had 248 taps in operation across the 41 water refill stations, with more than 800 volunteers from the company on hand to help and answer any questions spectators may have.