The Glasgow Convention Bureau has reported an almost £1 million economic boost to the city’s economy after hosting the 27th International Input-Output Association Conference (IIOA).
The IIOA conference, which was held at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre, came to the UK for the first time and attracted a record number of delegates from nearly 50 countries.
The week-long conference focuses on the advancement of knowledge in the field of date compilation and economic statistics and its uses across a wide variety of sectors. This year, in particular, the conference concentrated on sustainability and minimising the environmental impact of a conference on its host destination.
“Conferences can be a major contributor to greenhouse gas applying emissions through things like delegate travel, meals and paper use, and the IIOA is developing and implementing strategies that compensate for some of the ecological footprint caused by our international meetings,” said Sanjiv Mahajan conference chair and vice president of The International Input-Output Association.
“This is our first ever UK conference and we were delighted to come to Glasgow, which has established a strong reputation for its commitment to sustainability and promoting responsible business tourism. We asked delegates if they would like to make a small voluntary donation to support the work of local environmental charities and I’m delighted that we were able to split £1,000 between Energy Action Scotland and the Woodland Trust in Scotland.”
The IIOA conference fits in with Glasgow’s goals of becoming one of Europe’s most sustainable business tourism cities after being listed 7th out of 35 countries in the Global Destination Sustainability Index.
“Our sustainability team has worked hard to identify ways that we can support clients like the IIOA to minimise the environmental impact of their meetings,” said Gordon Hodge, head of conferencing and events at the University of Strathclyde.
“Even simple gestures like encouraging delegates to bring their own water bottles to fill up for free; smart menu choices which include more vegetarian or vegan options; or making the most of our city-centre location and connectivity with public transport, can make a difference. We’re committed to doing our bit to reduce the University’s carbon footprint and to prove that people really can make Glasgow greener, even if they’re only in the city for a few days.”
The shortlist for the London Venue Awards has been announced and we’re delighted that many of our EDGE Venues licensees who’ve made the final, and here they are…
Events budgets defied the trend for total marketing budgets during the second quarter of 2019, registering solid growth and extending the upturn which has been recorded in recent quarters, according to the Q2 2019 IPA Bellwether Report.
The upturn in events budgets comes against a backdrop of flatlining marketing budgets overall, as firms reported no change to available expenditure amid growing political and economic uncertainty.
The net balance of marketing executives recording growth in events budgets increased to 4.8 per cent in the second quarter, from 3.4 per cent previously, signalling a stronger gain in available advertising spend. Aside from main media and internet marketing, events was the only other Bellwether category to expand during Q2.
Forecasts made previously for the 2019/20 financial period were upbeat, corroborating with the latest data. A net balance of 2.5 per cent anticipates events budgets to rise over the coming budget-setting year.
However, the bigger picture for marketing budgets is less positive as the latest Bellwether data signals a stalling of growth, with the net balance falling from 8.7 per cent to 0 per cent. The 20 per cent of panel members reporting greater marketing spend was completely offset by those cutting expenditure, while the remaining 60 per cent kept budgets unchanged since Q1.
Events budgets bucked the downward trend in Q2 of 2019
Events budgets bucked the downward trend in Q2 of 2019
Growing economic uncertainty, continued ambiguity over Brexit and additional risk through a change of political leadership in the UK were mentioned by firms as factors expected to challenge the business environment over the coming year. This created hesitancy among clients and delayed decision making. Panel members also raised concerns that difficult conditions domestically were damaging consumer confidence and impacting consumption. Businesses were also wary of headwinds from external sources, particularly spillover effects into UK markets from global trade disputes and weaker growth at key export destinations such as Europe and Asia.
Paul Bainsfair, IPA director general, said: “Between Boris, Jeremy and Brexit, coupled with a dip in consumer confidence, it is perhaps no wonder that this quarter’s Bellwether shows zero growth to overall UK marketing budgets. Until a clearer political and economic path is outlined, the vast majority of companies are locked in stasis. It is reassuring to see, however, that some companies are revising up their investment in main media advertising; this is where they will build the longer term growth of their brands, which is crucial to weathering these tougher times.”
Joe Hayes, economist at IHS Markit and author of the Bellwether Report, added: “The expansion in marketing budgets during the first quarter proved short-lived, but developments in the wider economy during Q2 have shown that more intense challenges lie on the horizon for UK businesses. Firms have subsequently adjusted to this, belt-tightening in some cases and withdrawing into a wait-and-see approach once again. Given the economic and political uncertainties that remain at large, a neutral stance towards budget setting appears fully justified.
“That said, internet marketing remained a bright spot. We see continued growth in the digital space, with panellists pointing to ongoing drives through technological improvements and social media channels. Firms also kept boosting main media marketing spend, with brand recognition and building initiatives ongoing.”
Elisha Temple recently headed into London to build her product knowledge on what the City has to offer for meetings and events. Here she’s shared her insight into the different venues she visited…
Apex Temple Court
Overall Impression:
Apex Temple Court is a fresh, modern hotel perfectly situated within walking distance from City Thameslink station. One of the entrances to the hotel leads off Fleet Street; when entering you are greeted by beautifully decorated outdoor ‘Secret Garden’ available for exclusive hire, this is perfect for an evening drinks reception or break out space for around 30 delegates standing with occasional seating. Following on into the hotel, 2 doors are placed either side of the Secret Garden leading into the reception area; these doors lead you behind the reception area. On the opposite side of the hotel to the Secret Garden is a second outdoor area in the courtyard. This is positioned in front of the main entrance to the hotel and is also available for exclusive and semi-private hire and is perfect for team building activities.
After a recent extension being completed, there is now a
total of 5 meeting rooms available with a maximum capacity of 18 boardroom all
following the ‘Lazy Ballerina’ style; a term
used in viviculture referring to the trellis that a wine grapevine is grown on.
Suites can also be used as a meeting space for up to 8 delegates.
The bedrooms follow the same fresh and modern style as the rest of the hotel. The City Rooms were wonderfully lit and a great size, perfect for an overnight corporate stay. 7 styles of bedrooms are presented from the City Rooms to Temple Suites, there is something for everyone. 2 bars, a restaurant and 2 outdoor spaces are available for both corporate and public so there is plenty of space.
Apex Temple Court
Considerations:
The hotel is in a perfect location in the City of London and is best suited to evening drinks receptions, private dining and smaller meetings for up to 20 delegates. With a contemporary style, it is certainly a hotel to consider when clients are looking for something new and modern. Despite meeting rooms sitting lower ground and minimal daylight falling into the rooms, the lighting is very effective while sitting continuing with the lazy ballerina style.
Crowne Plaza London The City
Overall Impression:
Crowne Plaza London – The City is a bright, contemporary hotel situated just over the road from Blackfriars station. The main entrance welcomes you into a beautiful, bright, open lobby where you are warmly welcomed by the concierge and check in team. The outstanding first impressions were certainly upheld during the visit as we continued down the stairs to the conference floor (also accessible via lift). As you walk down, you are greeted by a welcome desk and shared foyer where refreshments are served with 5 meeting rooms leading off from the foyer including the largest room; the Bridewell Suite which can hold up to 180 theatre style. As well as meetings, private dining is also an option for these meeting rooms.
There are 2 restaurants available, these are positioned on the mezzanine level where you will find the second entrance. The first is a Chinese style restaurant, this is available for exclusive and semi-private hire seating up to 90 delegates for dinner. The second is my favourite of the 2, the Italian restaurant which can seat up to 150 delegates for dinner. Towards the back of Italian restaurant is a private dining area which can seat up to 20. The bedrooms are spacious and practical, perfect for a corporate stay.
And finally, last but certainly not least – the brand new ‘The Leaf and Cane’ bar. Walking into this room certainly gives you the wow-factor. With a South American vibe, this space in quirky, modern, and very vibrant. The Leaf and Cane is available for exclusive hire and can hold up to 220 delegates for a drink’s reception with occasional seating. With rum master classes, this would work beautifully for a fun, informal, team building reception.
The Crowne Plaza London – The City
Considerations:
The Crowne Plaza London – The City is in a great location and certainly gives you that professional yet contemporary vibe when walking round the hotel. Based on the meeting spaces, this hotel is perfect for larger corporate meetings or dinner, drinks reception. With plenty of space and a vast number of bedrooms, it is perfect for the residential meetings, Christmas Parties and conferences.
Sea Containers
Overall Impressions:
Sea Containers is situated alongside the River Thames and just over the bridge from Blackfriars station. As soon as you enter the hotel you see a beautifully handcrafted cooper reception area that leads you around the hotel into the restaurant via a floor-lit walkway. The bright, airy restaurant offers semi-private seating areas perfect for smaller, informal meetings. Walking round to the back of the restaurant you’ll find a private dining space with outdoor area; this can seat up to 22 in a hollow square.
Across the lobby from the restaurant you will find the ‘Lyaness’; a gorgeously decorated cocktail bar overlooking the River Thames. With a contemporary 1970’s colour theme, this edgy bar offers a relaxed, lounging experience. This massively differs when you head up in the lift to the ‘12th Knot’, a beautiful open space overlooking the City of London. This space can be exclusively hired for up to 300 delegates for a drink’s reception. The meeting rooms are all situated on one floor, as you step off the lift you enter the shared foyer area and welcome station. Leading off from the foyer are 4 studio rooms and a screening room which is also used as a cinema for the public.
Bedrooms continue with the Ship-Chic style with cabin-like storage facilities and fitting bathroom. Ideal for delegates staying overnight.
Sea Containers
Considerations:
As one of my favourite venues in the City of London, I thoroughly enjoyed the general style of the hotel. With friendly staff and a relaxed layout, the hotel was easy to navigate, well-lit and beautifully decorated throughout. This hotel would be very well suited to meetings covering several days, or for clients looking for something slightly different to the norm.
Bankside Hotel – Autograph Collection
Overall Impressions:
Bankside Hotel opened September 2018 and is tucked away close to the River Thames and just over the bridge from Blackfriars station. The artist style gives an inquisitive twist to the general feel as you walk around and notice the varying pieces of art placed in the hotel. As you walk round to the restaurant there is a private dining area closed off in the corner, this can seat up to 24 delegates. There is a general clean-industrial style to the restaurant, exposed wires, neutral colours with a geometric flooring and wooden furnishings, and this is certainly a look that is continued onto the meeting spaces.
Situated on the lower ground floor, the 4 meeting rooms all lead off from the foyer area. A larger, airy space with refreshment stations placed either end of the room. Along the left side are the 3 smaller meeting rooms, 2 of which can be combined into one. On the right-hand side is ‘The White Box’, with a maximum capacity of 170 theatre style this room is perfect for large conferences.
There are 161 bedrooms on site which separate into 9 different categories. The artist features also continue into the rooms giving each room its own unique character.
Bankside Hotel – Autograph Collection
Considerations:
This hotel is neatly tucked away from Blackfriars Road and is perfect for clients looking for something different; the quirky, industrial touch to the hotel gives it a diverse look with the high, exposed ceilings. The hotel is tardis-like, when looking front on, you do not expect such a vast amount of space inside. This hotel is perfect for meetings for up to 50 delegates.
Virtway, the world’s largest 3D virtual world conferencing platform, has raised €4 million to launch in the UK, marking its first expansion outside the company’s native Spain. The funding was led by Virtway Invest AB and was driven by high demand for the platform in the UK and the USA.
Founded in 2014 by Spanish entrepreneur Jose Antonio Tejedor, Virtway is an immersive platform that provides online 3D virtual experiences such as conferences, fairs and training sessions. Users choose their own avatar and can present, talk and network with each other in real time, simulating the feeling of direct contact.
Virtway boasts that it enables organisers to create events that can go beyond the limits of the real world. It expands the attendee list to more countries while reducing the carbon footprint through reduced travel, amounting to a more cost-effective and greener alternative to physical events.
Jose Antonio Tejedor, founder and CEO, said: “This investment will be a great boost to what we hope will be a successful expansion in the UK following increased demand from English speaking countries. It’s a really exciting time for the company with a huge amount of interest in the product from companies and universities.
“We have an exciting and unparalleled product and are constantly working to improve the UX (user experience). There is no other platform that is offering the level of connectivity and experience that Virtway is currently bringing to the marketplace. The funding will be used to further improve the product and increase our footprint outside of Spain. It has come at a great time and we are looking forward to the next stage of our journey.”
With its in-house developed 3D engine, Virtway can be accessed through computers and both iOS and Android mobile devices. Events cost between £1,000 and £10,000, depending on the size of the event and their platform permits an infinite number of users to connect allowing 500 avatars to be present in the same virtual room not only from tablets and computers but also from mobile phones. In addition, Virtway attendees can talk, chat and network with other attendees from any device.
The platform can be used for a wide range of activities including conferences, careers fairs, training and remote learning. The wide range of applications has seen it being used by companies such as AstraZeneca, Accenture, Everis and Manpower.
The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society’s (RAS) International Conference on Robotics and Automations (ICRA) will be held in London in 2023.
The UK capital was chosen ahead of other shortlisted cities including Vienna and Copenhagen. It is expected to bring in more than £13m in economic benefit to London.
The competitive bid was headed up by Professor Kaspar Althoefer from Queen Mary University of London and supported by MCI UK, ExCeL London and the London Convention Bureau.
Professor Althoefer said it was a “massive boost for UK Robotics, considering that this is the first time ever that a major international robotics conference will come to the country.”
More than 4,000 of the world’s top experts and researchers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics will come to ExCeL London for a four-day conference between 29 May – 2 June 2023.
“We are continually looking to the future and the trends that will shape our industry,” Andrew Swanston, Head of Sales for Conferences and Events at ExCeL London said.
“We recognise that technology does and will continue to play an increasingly important role in delivering world-class events. ICRA will provide a fascinating insight into the role of AI and Robotics, and we are excited to see what we can learn from the content.”
London is capitalising on its reputation as a leader in hosting some of the world’s biggest tech events and conferences. The recent London Tech Week welcomed more than 55,000 delegates to 300 events across the city.
Other events hosted in the UK capital include financial services and Fintech conference SIBOS in September 2019, as well as corporate events for Adobe, Salesforce, Oracle and the largest Google Cloud event in Europe, Google Cloud NEXT.
Venture capital investment into the UK’s Artificial Intelligence sector has increased almost six-fold from 2014 to 2018, according to Tech Nation 2019.
London is home to 758 AI companies – double the total of Paris and Berlin combined – specialising in industries such as insurance, finance and law.
For the fifth year in a row, Qatar Airlines has taken first place in Skytrax’s World Airline Awards. The survey was completed by more than 21 million people in 100 countries and covered 300 airlines.
The world’s best airline – Qatar Airways Serving more than 140 destinations in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America, Qatar Airways is seen to offer excellent levels of service.
2nd – Singapore Airlines has one of the youngest aircraft fleets and flies to destinations in six continents, with constantly high standards of care and service.
3rd – ANA All Nippon Airways is the largest airline in Japan. It was founded in 1952, and flies to around 80 international routes and over 110 domestic routes. A
4th – Cathay Pacific Airways is based in Hong Kong and runs passenger and cargo services to over 200 destinations in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe and Africa, using a fleet of close to 200 aircraft.
5th – Emirates. This airline was founded in 1985 and started flying from Dubai with just two aircraft. The company now has a fleet of more than 230 aircraft, and currently flys to more than140 destinations in more than 80 countries around the world. The Emirates network is still expanding, with over 1,500 flights departing Dubai each week.
6th – EVA Air was established in 1989, and connects destinations in Asia and Mainland China to Europe, North America and Oceania, linking more than 60 major business and tourist destinations. EVA operates from their hub at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan.
7th – Hainan Airlines was founded in January, 1993 in Hainan Province. it operates in China and Asia with links to Europe, North America and the Pacific area. At the end of June 2018, it had more than 400 aircraft in operation and 24 bases/branch companies.
8th – Qantas Airways, the national carrier of Australia and Australia’s largest domestic and international airline.
9 – Lufthansa, the largest airline in Germany, and one of the five founding members of Star Alliance. Lufthansa’s primary hub is Frankfurt Airport, with a secondary hub at Munich Airport.
10th – Thai Airways is the national airline of Thailand, formed in 1988, flying to to 84 destinations in 37 countries, using a fleet of over 90 aircraft.
There is more information about these awards from Skytrax here
The London Convention Bureau is bringing together senior leaders from the UK’s hospitality sector to sign up to commitments in line with the Mayor’s London Environment Strategy for Climate Action Week.
These include achieving 75 per cent recycling by 2025, reducing food waste by 20 per cent by 2025 and a move towards a net zero London economy by 2050.
London Climate Action Week was launched by Sadiq Khan, part of the London Mayor’s drive to make the UK capital a leader in tackling the global climate emergency.
Tracy Halliwell, head of business tourism and events at the London Convention Bureau said: “London Climate Action Week offers a perfect opportunity for the city’s hospitality tourism sector to lead the way in putting forward solutions to make the global industry more sustainable.
“We’re delighted that some of the world’s biggest hospitality organisations have joined us in making a commitment to the Mayor’s sustainable goals and we hope that others will support this important challenge for our sector.
“With over a hundred events taking place across the city and delegates visiting from all over the world, climate action week also offers further proof that London is fantastic place to host a meeting or event.”
Jeremy Rees, CEO, ExCeL London: “At ExCeL London, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact, whilst supporting our customers to deliver more sustainable events. Earlier this year, we launched our ‘No Plastic’ campaign, to outline our commitment to reduce the amount of plastic in our venue.
“We are hugely supportive of London Climate Action Week and hope that it encourages everyone to think about the difference we can all make to protect the future of our planet.”
Around 150 events are taking place this this week to mark, highlighting climate change solutions and sustainability. This is in support of the first-ever Climate Action Week, which brings delegates to London including scientists, business leaders, school children and politicians.
Some events taking place during the week include:
The City of London will host a Green Finance Summit on 2 July with 900 businesses discussing ways to expand London’s thriving green finance sector.
A Green Schools Summit at the University College London on 2 July will bring together 200 London school children with academics, climate scientists and politicians to discuss the climate crisis
The Economist Climate Risk Summit: The Economist will convene the inaugural Climate Risk Summit on 2nd July 2019 will bring together policymakers, business leaders, scientists and investors to begin a conversation about how organisations around the world can understand and manage climate-related risks.
The Natural History Museum will host two events at their Attenborough Studios on 6th and 7th July which will see two documentary films showcasing the results of climate change from two different perspectives, followed by insights from Museum scientist, Ken Johnson.
Meeting and event professionals from around the world will be coming together this week for two days of inspiration, education and networking at The Meetings Show, which is preparing for its biggest show to date.
Taking place on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 June at Olympia London, The Meetings Show will bring together more than 4,500 industry professionals, including over 700 exhibitors and more than 900 hosted buyers already signed up.
Following the hugely successful launch of a new two-day format in 2018, this year the show has seen significant growth in mid to long-haul destinations exhibiting, its education programme has been revamped with exciting new formats for sessions, and for the first time the show is offering dedicated initiatives to support young and up-and-coming talent in the industry.
To help you plan your visit, here are some of the highlights of The Meetings Show 2019.
Pre-Show Conference
Focus on this year being a sell out. A sell-out success in 2018, the Pre-Show Conference returns on Tuesday 25 June to offer exclusive educational opportunities to attendees of the three-day Hosted Buyer programme. Held this year at the Olympia Conference Centre, the conference will be opened with a keynote from one of the UK’s leading economists, Gerard Lyons, then followed with dedicated streams for agency, corporate and association buyers.
Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception
Hosted buyers will be getting into the swing of networking at the Tuesday evening Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception, taking place at hi-tech mini-golf venue Puttshack. Attendees will be able to vie for their place on the leaderboard for the night, while catching up with industry friends old and new ahead of the main show opening on Wednesday 26.
Inspiring exhibitors
With more than 700 hotels, venues, destinations and suppliers to the industry in attendance, visitors will be able to find all the inspiration they need for planning their next event. Walking the show floor, you’ll notice an increased international presence – 18% greater year-on-year – thanks to a whole host of new exhibitors, as well as many familiar faces from last year returning with bigger and better displays. You can see the full list of exhibitors here.
Engaging education
This year The Meetings Show is shaking up its education programme with sessions including expertise from outside of the industry and insight shared in a variety of unusual formats, including a courtroom trial, a dramatic performance and a live teambuilding pitch exercise. The Technology Tour will offer speed meetings with innovative suppliers and campfire sessions will provide the chance to participate in small-group discussions to get to the bottom of any burning issues.
Tomorrow’s Talent
The Meetings Show is celebrating and championing the rising stars of the industry with its Tomorrow’s Talent initiative. Launched in December 2018, Tomorrow’s Talent has sought out the 10 brightest under 30s from event agencies, associations, venues and suppliers to the industry to offer a platform for furthering their careers. The 10 winners will be in attendance at the show, and meeting with fellow event professionals at the MPI Foundation Cocktails for Charity event at 5pm on Wednesday 26.
The Future of Meetings
Once again, The Meetings Show in partnership with the Meeting Design Institute has selected the five most promising start-ups in the meetings technology sector to be shortlisted for The Future of Meetings Award. All five nominees will be exhibiting on the MDI stand and the winner will be announced on Wednesday 26 at 16:30.
The Meetings Show takes place on Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 June at Olympia London. For more information and to register as a visitor, visit www.themeetingsshow.com/register. Join in the conversation and find out who else is attending by using the hashtag #MeetYouAtTheShow.
VisitScotland Business Events has launched Scotland’s “Legends Legacy Network” – an evolution of its award-winning Legends marketing campaign.
The initiative was announced at a dinner hosted by The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and Heritage Portfolio, attended by 15 organisations across Scotland.
The Legends Legacy Network will bring together Scotland’s innovation centres, industry representative organisations and research hubs. It will utilise Scotland’s business events to enhance the country’s inward investment, inclusive growth and global profiling ambitions.
The evening welcomed a variety of sectors including technology, data science, creative, food & drink, marine, publishing, sensors & imaging and life sciences. These groups are represented by internationally renowned institutions such as The Data Lab, The Scottish Association for Marine Science, The Roslin Institute, Creative Scotland and many more.
Focus was on the importance of legacy and collaboration, both nationally and internationally, and how the country can connect with international businesses through business events. It aimed to promote Scotland as “a place where new #ideasbecomelegend.”
Rory Archibald, Associations and Sectors at VisitScotland Business Events said: “Legacy is much more than a fun run or a one-off public event as part of a conference programme.
“It is key to work closely with Scottish expertise, so that event organisers and delegates can see Scotland as a destination with world-class knowledge, which can create lasting partnerships, secure mutually beneficially investment and help discover the next idea that will become legend, the next idea that can change the world.
The Legends Legacy Network will continue to push and develop on the outstanding work that has already been achieved through the Legends campaign and continue to show that Business Events are a critical tool for economic and social progress.
