Category: Blog

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New technology we can expect from large event venues

The environment for an event can make or break it and we all want to select a venue with the ‘wow’ factor and technology to be able to create a unique environment for our attendees. Venues are now realising that large multi-use spaces need to be versatile to enable event organisers to deliver their own experience. Flexible layouts, dynamic intelligent light systems, bespoke sets, wrap-around and high-definition video walls allow us to create a virtual environment to set the tone and mood of the event. But at the same time, we need the set build and production to be as quick and easy as possible to keep the event costs down.

The elements to look for in a ‘smart’ venue include:

  • A large flexible space, with movable walls and no pillars
  • Good noise insulation, so there is no disturbance from outside sources
  • Enough space and ceiling height for customised set design
  • Immersive digital environments from wrap-around screens and high-definition screens
  • Intelligent lighting so that the mood of the room can be changed quickly
  • Secure charging stations for mobile devices
  • Secure and speedy wifi everywhere
  • Good supply of electrical sockets

Projection

The quickest and easiest way to transform event space with a LED video screen, if it wraps around the room this can create an immersive experience, which can be changed throughout the event. The more wall space you use, or by projecting on to a domed ceiling you’ll be able to transport attendees to a place of your choice.

Digital holographic technology can be used to create the illusion of a 3-dimensional object or person appearing at your event. This could be anything from a simple projection to real-time streaming. If your keynote speaker can’t attend, have him there as a hologram instead! This technology is particularly good for engaging the audience and launching new products.

Lighting

‘Intelligent lighting’ can create complex effects, with variations of colour and brightness, as well as having automated or mechanical abilities. Some systems have hundreds of colours and degrees of intensity and it can be used to create a change of atmosphere at different stages of the event. It’s particularly useful if the same space is being used in the day and evening, to change the environment.

Check for chandeliers, these are more likely to be found in a hotel rather than a large conference/exhibition venue. But if they need to be removed, is there a charge? Or can they be retracted in to the ceiling?

Event space

Venues with large pillar-free spaces and movable walls not only allow organisers to be more flexible with the layout of the space and use larger screens but can also allow movable walls to be used to change the layout on different days of the event. The type of movable wall needs to be checked to find out how long they take to install, how noise-proof they are, whether they are fixed in grooves or can be fitted in any position and whether they have a seal with the ceiling.

Structural changes

Some venues are able to change the structure of the room from a purpose-built theatre, with tiered seating to flat floor. Usually this works by raising the tiered seating in to the ceiling, leaving a flat floor below, which means that the space can be transformed from a conference room to a dinner venue quickly and easily. As long as there is enough time, this saves on the cost of hiring a second room for the evening.

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Experts Eye: Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid

Looking for some inspiration of a venue in Madrid? Paula Calton, Business Development Director at Trinity Event Solutions, looks into what Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has to offer.

As Spanish record champions and 13 -time winner of the UEFA Champions League Real Madrid is one of the biggest and most successful football clubs.

The unconditional winning mentality and the excellence demanded are also reflected in its Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and event planners can use it and enjoy that energy and atmosphere for Corporate events.

Two unique options for events in Madrid are the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and Real Madrid City. Offering over 20 meeting rooms, including accommodating between 2 and 80,000 people the Real Madrid venues are a perfect combination of innovation, exclusiveness, flexibility and imagination, which alongside their fantastic location and a delicious gastronomic offer, make them the ideal setting for all types of events.

Concerts, private matches & sport experiences, gala suppers on the pitch, team building activities or conferences/meetings, everything is possible in this singular space, which has national and international appeal. Events can also include a tour of the Bernabeu one of the most visited museums In Spain, providing fascinating information on the history of the club and its players.

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Make it Edinburgh launches new campaign

Edinburgh’s business tourism sector has launched a crowdfunding style appeal to extend the city’s digital campaign, ‘Make it Edinburgh’.  

The campaign aims to attract event and conference organisers before and after the new Brexit deadline, which is currently pending as 31 October 2019, or 31 January 2020 if an extension is granted. 

‘Make it Edinburgh’ also promotes the city’s following sectors: technology, life sciences, creative industries, food and drink, renewable energy and financial services.

Within the first twelve months, the campaign delivered an 87.6% increase in traffic to the Convention Edinburgh’s website, which is dedicated to promoting the city as a conference, meeting and event destination. As a result, the website generated 147 new business enquiries.  

The campaign was also funded by six flagship campaign partners: Marketing Edinburgh, Edinburgh Hotel Association, Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Tourism Action Group. The collective sum of £40,000 was then match funded by the VisitScotland Growth Fund.  

Amanda Ferguson, head of business tourism at Marketing Edinburgh, said: “In the midst of great political uncertainty, there’s never been a more crucial time for the city to come together. That was always our intention for the Make it Edinburgh campaign – to solidify our position throughout and after the Brexit deadline in March earlier this year. 

“Unfortunately, as that date has been extended, we need to continue our efforts to promote Edinburgh as a world leading destination to host conferences and business events. Strength in numbers will help us do this, hence the call for local businesses to pledge their support.”

Carina Contini of Contini Restaurants and Events, said: “With Brexit looming, it’s important that businesses in Edinburgh rally together, and the Make it Edinburgh campaign presents a great opportunity for us to take positive action. The business tourism market is a huge asset to the city and driver of business for us and we’re keen to see that continue.”

Neil Ellis, chair of the Edinburgh Hoteliers Association, said: “The benefits of conferences and business events for the city go beyond economic value. We’ve already seen a huge influx of investment from global hotel brands keen to tap into Edinburgh’s thriving market – Virgin Hotels, Yotel, InterContinental, putting us on the map as the number one hotspot for hotel investment in the UK. 

“This is an allure for meeting and event planners, but it also benefits local residents; first-class meeting facilities and co-working spaces for business and great restaurants, bars and spas for leisure.”

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VisitBritain flagship event MeetGB to be held at ICC Wales in 2020

VisitBritain’s flagship annual business event MeetGB is set to be held at the Celtic Manor Resort and the recently opened International Convention Centre (ICC) in Wales in April 2020.

Registration for the event is also now open for international buyers and UK business event suppliers.

MeetGB, being held from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 April 2020, is set to host up to 90 international buyers from Europe and North America who will meet and do business with 80 industry suppliers from venues, hotels, destinations and incentive experiences across the UK.

Tourism minister Helen Whately said: “We have a thriving events industry and I’m delighted that next year’s MeetGB conference will be hosted by ICC Wales. This will be an excellent opportunity to showcase the best of the UK and help us develop new global relationships, boost trade and investment across the country.”

VisitBritain chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “MeetGB has been created with global buyers in mind to highlight the breadth and quality of the UK’s business events industry. We are delighted to be bringing our flagship event to the new ICC Wales, a shining example of the high-calibre, world-class conventions, events and meetings venues the UK has to offer.

“MeetGB also gives UK suppliers and destinations the opportunity to promote their products on an international scale, forging valuable business relationships that will drive more international MICE events right across the country, boosting local economies.”

ICC Wales and Celtic Manor Resort chief executive Officer Ian Edwards said: “We are honoured to be hosting VisitBritain’s flagship event for the business events industry. With the doors opening to ICC Wales, our £83 million venue, just last month, we have already seen thousands of visitors enjoy our industry-leading facilities and nature-friendly footprint.

“Wellbeing and sustainability are key drivers for both ICC Wales and the Celtic Manor Resort, Wales – from our “Mind, Body, Soul” food philosophy to our recent report on how nature can be used to provide an amazing event experience. We are truly thrilled to be able to present our venues, our natural setting and our warm Welsh welcome to this hugely important international audience in 2020.”

Thousands of one-to-one business meetings are set to take place during MeetGB with delegates also attending networking events and forging business relationships. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn about the future of the events industry, exploring sustainability and wellness, driving innovation and expertise.

Taking inspiration from the venue’s woodland surroundings, MeetGB 2020 incorporates wellness and nature, with a programme to encourage attendees’ wellbeing alongside networking and social events. Ahead of the business programme at MeetGB, international buyers will attend educational visits to 11 different UK destinations as they experience first-hand the country’s best conference, events and incentive products.

International buyers and UK suppliers interested in finding out more and registering to attend should visit: www.visitbritain.com/meetgb.

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Amaris Hospitality to boost five hotels with £21.7m refurbishment

Hotel investment and management group Amaris Hospitality has announced it will invest £21.7m into the transformation of properties in Edinburgh, Islington, Oxford, Bristol and Dublin.

The company will spend more than £6m on the refurbishment of 230 of the 373 bedrooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in London’s Islington, with the aim of bringing all accommodation up to four-star quality.

It will see Five Feet to Fitness rooms introduced to the hotel, which the company claimed to be a first for Europe. Featuring 11 different fitness and accessory options, the new concept offers guests the option of exercising in the privacy of their own room.

The Islington transformation project follows significant investment in the 2014 rebranding of the property from Jurys Inn to a DoubleTree by Hilton, when £13m was spent on the addition of 143 new bedrooms.

A further £2m will be spent on the Group’s DoubleTree by Hilton hotel at Edinburgh Airport, where all 150 bedrooms will be refurbished and a new food and beverage concept introduced. Amaris said the hotel will be the only four-star property at Edinburgh airport when works complete early next year.

Other work being undertaken includes the £500,000 renovation of 40 bedrooms at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel, and £2.5m being invested in the addition of 17 new bedrooms at the Mercure Oxford Eastgate Hotel.

Amaris Hospitality also recently completed a £10.5m extension to the Hilton Garden Inn hotel at Custom House Quay in Dublin, adding 85 new bedrooms to create a total of 324 rooms.

Peter Stack, chief executive of Amaris Hospitality, said the investment investment programme was a key part of the company’s “ambitious growth strategy to build a unique portfolio of high-performing, best-in-brand hotels”.

He added: “We are very excited to be the first hotel in the UK to embrace Five Steps to Fitness rooms, just one of the examples that illustrates our commitment to leading the way in industry innovation across our estate, ensuring our guests have access to best-in-class amenities.”

The investment programme is scheduled to be fully completed in the first quarter of 2020.

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Trinity Event Solutions announce venue find contract win with Allianz Insurance

Trinity Event Solutions, based in Stamford, is delighted to announce their new venue find contract win with Allianz Insurance, business and personal insurance provider.

The extensive tender process for the venue finding contract took one month. After successfully making it through the initial RFP process, the team presented to Allianz Insurance and was asked to run a three-month trial to determine how well the Trinity team and systems would integrate. Following a successful trial, Trinity Event Solutions was awarded a three-year contract for delivery of venue finding and technology.

Stephen Flynn, Marketing Manager – events & production at Allianz Insurance explains why Trinity Event Solutions was awarded the contract: “It became apparent during the three-month trial that Trinity Event Solutions would be the right partner to support our future venue finding requirements. Trinity’s technology set them aside throughout the process, we could identify clear spend and transparency for each of our bookings. With this, their flexibility and ability to support our pre-existing agreements with particular venues, gave us the confidence to award them the full contract.”

Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO for Trinity Event Solutions is delighted about the new contract with Allianz Insurance and had this to say about the new partnership: “We believe that our technology capabilities continues to go from strength to strength and with our creativity in our venue options, is what sets us apart from our competitors. We take the time to understand the individual requirements of the client and will adapt our ways of working to ensure we integrate successfully within their business. Our bespoke system allows for direct bookings into the Allianz Insurance preferred venues which supports their contractual agreements with these venues but also identifies where further venue finding requirements are needed. We’re delighted with the new contract and look forward to building a successful partnership with Allianz Insurance.”

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EDGE Venues Autumn Business Intelligence Review

As EDGE Venues draws closer to completing its first full year, the team is in final preparations for the EDGE Autumn Business Intelligence Review which takes place on 1st November at East Midlands Conference Centre.

This is the third event of its kind organised by EDGE Venues, with the first Masterclass at the May Fair Hotel in April, and a Summer Party held at the offices in Stamford in July. The events were initially designed for properties who are EDGE Venues licensees, and for the first time, EDGE Venues is inviting Agents who use EDGE to this next event.

The Review’s agenda covers a variety of topics to help maximise the potential for both Agents and Venues who use EDGE. Topics include the launch of new feature developments including an RFP process and real-time availability, alongside future enhancements. Guest speakers have been invited to share their expert insight into trends, spend, and social media analysis.

Jacqui Kavanagh, Chief Executive Officer of EDGE Venues explains the value of these events: “We want to be a disruptor in the meetings and events industry. We listen to constraints and frustrations industry professionals face and work to overcome them. When the concept of EDGE Venues was originally conceived, it was based on the industry’s want and need for technology to ease their frustrations. It’s a bespoke meetings platform, built for the industry, by the industry. And it’s not just about the technology for us – it’s the engagement that we have a passion for. The engagement – between users of the site and our Licensees – is important to ensure we continue enhancing a platform which is fit for purpose.

“These events have proven a huge success so far, with more than 100 attendees each at our Spring and Summer events, and we’ve already seen a fantastic uptake for our Autumn Business Intelligent Review.”

Kirsten Ariano, Account Director MICE from Edwardian Hotels London has attended both previous events organised by EDGE Venues and shares the value they see in the events. “There are multiple industry events that I attend throughout the year, but the Business Intelligence Review organised by EDGE Venues is one of the most valuable. It’s always so informative, understanding industry trends and what more we can be doing to engage with Agents and Corporates to increase business at Edwardian Hotels London. I’m already looking forward to the Autumn event, especially with the Agency engagement.”

The EDGE Venues Autumn Business Intelligence Review is free to all EDGE Venues licensees and agents who use the platform. If you’re interested in finding out more about the event, or how to become an EDGE Venues Licensee or user, contact the team – info@edgevenues.com.  

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London top choice for FinTech investment

London has overtaken New York for FinTech investment deals, according to new research based on Pitchbook data released by London & Partners and Innovate Finance, 23 September.

The report, called A Fine Year for FinTech: Global Trends from a UK Perspective explores the FinTech VC-led investment trends so far in 2019, comparing countries and cities around the world, in terms of deal value, deal count and sources of investment.

It suggests 2019 has seen record levels of investment in the UK. In the first eight months of the year alone, more than US$2bn (£1.6bn) has been invested in London-based businesses across 114 deals, surpassing totals seen in any previous year. 

London has has seen the largest number of FinTech deals completed in 2019, with a total of 114, overtaking New York in second place (101). San Francisco is in third place (80), with Beijing (24) and Singapore (23) competing for fourth and fifth.    

The US remains the largest market globally, with $9.37bn raised so far in 2019. 

A country comparison of global FinTech investment by deal value reveals the US in top place ($9.37bn), the UK second place ($29bn), followed by Germany ($998.8m), China ($770.8m) and Sweden ($736.7m)

London leads overall FinTech investment in Europe with $2.11bn investment, followed by Berlin ($881m), Stockholm ($734m), Paris ($330m) and Milan ($49m). 

Out of the ten largest European investments recorded so far in 2019, London-based companies account for half these deals, totalling $1.8bn between them. The UK capital’s FinTech sector is a leading source of high value scale-up companies, with Monzo ($143m) and WorldRemit ($175m) featuring in the lofty ranks of unicorn success stories.  

The UK capital attracts a wider international variety of investors than other European hubs, with 39% of investors coming from outside Europe, compared to 32% in Berlin and Paris with 24%. London also attracts a more diverse international investor mix than North American cities; only 11% of investors in San Francisco came from outside of North America, and 15% in New York. 

Laura Citron, CEO, London & Partners, said: “London is the capital of capital. And as these numbers show, London is innovating to stay ahead, with more FinTech deals than anywhere else in the world. 

“London is the natural home of FinTech because it combines the power of global financial markets with a deep technology talent pool, supportive regulation and an early-adopting customer base. FinTech entrepreneurs in London can meet the regulator in the morning, have lunch with a global bank, hire a top engineer in the afternoon, and enjoy world-class culture in the evening. That convergence is pretty unique.”

Charlotte Crosswell, CEO, Innovate Finance, added: “The UK is the clear global leader in the FinTech sector, spearheaded by London’s success and long-standing position as a major leading financial centre. It’s no surprise London and the whole of the UK FinTech sector is experiencing record growth – we are home to world-class talent and our historical pedigree enables access to key global markets. With record investment under our belt, this is the time to boost the sector further and secure future growth.”  

The release of the research coincides with the opening of Sibos London 2019 (23 – 26 September) one of the world’s leading financial services events. Sibos 2019 marks the first-time this global financial services event has been held in London, and promises to be the biggest conference to date, with over 10,000 delegates. The conference explores the concept of thriving in a hyper-connected world with the challenges, and opportunities brought by mass digitisation and data-driven relationships. 

A Fine Year for FinTech: Global Trends from a UK Perspective.  Published September 2019 by London & Partners & Innovate Finance. The report can be downloaded here. 

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Hyatt unveils plans for two Manchester hotels

Hyatt has announced plans to open two hotels in Manchester including the UK debut of its extended stay brand Hyatt House.

Hyatt Regency Manchester Oxford Road and Hyatt House Manchester Oxford Road will be located in the landmark “The Lume” building and both properties are expected to open in 2020.

The Hyatt Regency, the brand’s third UK hotel, will feature 212 rooms plus a restaurant, bar, club lounge, fitness centre and seven meeting rooms. While Hyatt House will offer 116 “apartment-style” living rooms.

The move will help to increase the number of Hyatt branded hotels in the UK up to 11 by 2022.

Felicity Black-Roberts, Hyatt’s vice president of development Europe, said: “Hyatt has been focused on growing its brand presence in the UK, and with Manchester being one of UK’s most important commercial centres, this is a milestone.

“Manchester is also a destination that is increasingly gaining popularity with leisure travellers. The location by the university will allow the Hyatt Regency and Hyatt House brands to capitalise on two very different, but important, market segments by allowing guests to choose the right setting for their needs.”

Competition in Manchester’s extended-stay hotel market is set to further hot up with Marriott’s announcement that it will be bringing its Residence Inn brand to the city next year.

Marriott is to rebrand and refurbish the existing Northern Quarters Serviced Apartments Manchester with the Residence Inn set to open in late 2020.

The 155-room hotel, which is located within walking distance of Manchester Piccadilly station, will offer a range of one and two-bedroom apartments with kitchen facilities.

During this phased refurbishment, the property will operate 84 serviced apartments under the Northern Quarters brand.

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Ruby Hotels announces first UK property

Munich-based Ruby Hotels is set to open its first property in the UK in January 2020 with the launch of a hotel in London’s Southbank.

The new 76-room hotel, Ruby Lucy, forms part of the company’s plan to open 11 new properties – including a second in London, in Clerkenwell – by 2022.

Located within walking distance of Waterloo train station, the hotel will feature a “carnival” theme inspired by Southbank’s fairs, markets and theatre scene. It will offer a 24-hour bar, communal work station and a library.

A communal space will serve breakfast without the need for a kitchen or chef, and rather than in-room minibars and room service, the hotel will feature galley kitchens, vending machines and ironing stations.

Guest rooms at Ruby Lucy will range in size from ‘Nest’ rooms (14-15sqm) to ‘Loft’ rooms (21-23sqm) and will be equipped with Ruby Hotels’ signature soundproofing, blackout curtains, linen and extra-long and wide custom mattresses.

They will also feature a Marshall amp, which guests can use with their own guitar or one borrowed from hotel reception, as well as a personal tablet computer pre-loaded with Ruby Hotels’ curated London city guide and social media apps.

According to the company, its hotels offer what it calls ‘lean luxury’, with choice locations and high-quality fittings at affordable prices.

Michael Struck, founder and CEO of Ruby Hotels, commented: “This works because we accommodate luxury in a relatively condensed space, similar to luxury yachts, and we forego unnecessary services. Thanks to proprietary technical innovations, we plan, build and organise ourselves differently from conventional hotels. To be precise, we plan and build in a very modular way and centralise as well as [automate] processes behind the scenes wherever possible. This helps us create a luxurious and unique hotel experience at an affordable price.”

Ruby Hotels currently operates three properties in Vienna, one in Munich (pictured), two in Dusseldorf and one in Hamburg. The company plans to open new locations in Zurich, Helsinki, Cologne, Frankfurt and Shanghai by the end of 2020.