Blog Archives - Page 35 of 37

18th December 201817th December 2018

The Meetings Show welcomes creative papers for 2019 education programme

The Meetings Show is calling on event professionals to get creative when submitting papers for its 2019 education programme.

Conference producer Erica Keogan will curate a large proportion of the show’s 50 hours of free educational sessions but industry experts and those with a passion for sharing their knowledge are also invited to put forward ideas for sessions.

The 2019 education programme will be centred around the event planning journey, covering everything from conception to legacy, and is designed to provide attendees with information on the latest trends and challenges, as well as exploring what may happen in the future.

Alongside suggestions for topics, Keogan, who first encouraged industry involvement last year, is calling for the most creative ideas for session delivery.

The show wants to encourage active learning in a variety of different formats, with no constraints when it comes to how sessions are delivered, what technology is used, where the sessions take place or who they are delivered by.

Keogan said: “We’re looking to tap into the talent and insight of meetings and events professionals to help create something really inspiring for our educational programme this year.

“We are calling for those submitting papers to think outside-the-box and come up with some inventive ways to deliver their ideas. We’d love to hear all your ideas, no matter how unusual or outlandish they may seem.”

Those looking to participate in the education programme when the show returns to Olympia London on 26-27 June for its seventh edition should provide a proposed title, which part of the event planning journey it relates to, and, in no more than 250 words, a brief synopsis of what delegates will discover by attending their proposed talk.

The proposal should include details of how the talk or informative session will be delivered. To submit a proposal, complete the application form online here .

Successful applicants may also be offered the chance to speak on a panel debate.

17th December 201819th December 2018

What behaviour is and isn’t acceptable at your event?

There’s been a lot of publicity about sexual harassment and the #metoo movement in the last year, but how would you handle a complaint of this sort if it happened at your event? What about a conference attendee smoking, vaping, carrying a gun or taking marijuana? In some places, this behaviour is permitted and it is important that we all know how to deal with these situations if they arise.

Sexual harassment is not unique to the meetings industry, but meetings do offer opportunities for abusive behaviour. You could get a complaint about any activity that an individual or group considers inappropriate and at meetings people often present themselves differently, as they are away from home, family and in unusual circumstances outside the office environment. Other issues which could offend are social media postings, suitable clothing and verbal comments, such as racist, anti-lgbt etc

Marijuana is now legal in Canada, as well as in 10 states in the US: California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Michigan, Washington, Oregon and Alaska. If you are holding an event here, you need to anticipate that attendees may want to use and what can be done to make sure that it is done safely. As this is a relatively recent development the liability laws have not been developed, as has been the case with alcohol.

EDGE Venues has looked at some items that you might want to consider when planning your event. If you’re organising an internal conference, then your company standards may cover some of these items, but if it is an external event then there are additional things to consider.

Checklist:

Outline what behaviour is unacceptable at meetings and events
Do attendees have a clear understanding of what is permitted and not permitted eg harassment, excessive drinking and other conduct
Issue instructions for an attendee to report improper conduct
Set up procedures for how you will investigate and respond if a complaint or allegation is made
If misconduct is found, plan what corrective action will be taken
Document all reported incidents, investigations and results
Check your insurance cover and any policy issues
Check your suppliers’ insurance cover and make sure these are adequate
Check national and state laws and regulations, make sure they are enforced
Have adequate security
Minimize opportunities for attendees to cause harassment, injuries or damage.

Accusations may be as harmful as proved bad conduct, as the perception of a badly managed event or one with a reputation for inappropriate behaviour will deter delegates from attending and will have a long term detrimental effect.

14th December 2018

Good Hotel London – 2 years of doing good

Two years ago, the unique floating platform that is Good Hotel was pulled across the North Sea from Amsterdam to find its new home at the historic Royal Victoria docks in East London. Good Hotel London is good by name, and good by nature – its inspirational social business model means that Good Hotel not only donates all of profits to charitable causes, but it also hosts its own Good Training programme.

Good Hotel London works with local authority Newham Workplace to identify people in the local area that are in need of skills and training. It offers these people, regardless of background, a fresh start. Once accepted onto the programme, they are paid to train with Good Hotel for three months, gaining skills in hospitality and catering, alongside self-confidence and interpersonal skills. After completion, Good Group works hard to place them in permanent employment. So far, Good Hotel London has seen 68 people taking part in the Good Training programme in London, with almost 75% going on into further employment.

As for charitable donations, in its first year, Good Hotel donated $80,000, and is now structurally working towards being able to donate $500,000 per year to its Guatemalan NGO partner, Ninos de Guatemala. Ninos de Guatemala is building schools and directly facilitating the education of 500+ students in some of the poorest rural communities in Guatemala. Good Hotel is constantly seeking good partnerships, in 2018 Good Hotel London became home to London’s first Seabin – a floating rubbish bin designed to be placed at marinas, docks and commercial ports as a partial solution to the current global littering problem. Good Hotel always tries, where possible, to source locally and sustainably.

Whether it’s your next breakfast, lunch or dinner, event, or hotel stay – staying with Good Hotel means that you directly help in their efforts to rebuild communities in need, and give disadvantaged people new opportunities to succeed. Stay Good, do Good.

7th December 20187th December 2018

International destinations – what’s hot for 2019

Global DMC Partners, the largest global network of independent Destination Management Companies has released their 2018 Global Destination Index which presents the most popular meeting and incentive destinations around the world for 2018 and identifies up-and-coming markets that are already trending for 2019. The data was compiled based on analysing data from more than 6,000 meeting and incentive programmes across 2018 and 2019 in over 500 destinations that Global DMC Partners represents.

Top 10 International Cities for 2018

Paris
Amsterdam
Munich
Stockholm
Vienna
London
Barcelona
Berlin
Prague
Rome

Additionally, the 2018 Global Destination Index highlights data about newer markets to watch in 2019. Destinations identified on this list are already seeing a boost in interest from meeting planners for programs operating in 2019 compared to the interest that was shown for the destination for meetings or incentives operating in 2018.

2019 Meeting & Incentive Destination Hot List

Costa Rica
Bahamas
Malta
Puerto Rico
Morocco
Croatia
St. Lucia
Denver/Colorado Springs
South Africa
Thailand

President of Global DMC Partners, Catherine Chaulet commented, “Part of our responsibility is to open up the world to our clients, so that they can encounter different cultures and experience something extraordinary. Identifying destinations for this list helps us present secondary markets and those intriguing destinations that our clients will soon discover are also perfect for meetings and incentives. Flight lift patterns, cost-effective local options, and a wide range of unique activities are just a few of the reasons why these destinations are already showing popularity for 2019.”

For more information about booking your conferences and meetings and for help finding a venue call 01780 484051 or email us now!

6th December 20184th December 2018

ABPCO launches sustainability report and roadmap

Timed to coincide with the opening of the COP24 climate talks in Katowice, Poland, ABPCO has released a report and Roadmap for the creation of a more sustainable events industry.

Following attendance at a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) workshop in Paris in October titled: “Leveraging Sustainable Procurement Practices to Transform Tourism Value Chains”, ABPCO and its members gathered to consider the areas where the industry can have the most significant impact on the creation of a sustainable future.

Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ABPCO identified a desire for the industry to do more in areas of:

Responsible production and consumption
Quality education and partnerships
Reducing inequalities

The UNEP workshop in Paris also highlighted an opportunity for the event industry to collaborate closely with the wider hospitality sector in the following key areas:

Phasing out single-use plastics
Sustainable food procurement
Circularity in the supply chain

ABPCO’s report and Sustainability Roadmap were launched at IBTM last week alongside attendees from UNEP, Positive Impact and other industry leaders focused on sustainability.

“COP24 will ensure the world is focused on sustainability over the coming days so there was no better time to launch both our report and Sustainability Roadmap,” comments Heather Lishman, ABPCO’s Association Director, who has been leading the project on behalf of the association. “We have worked with members from both the supply and demand side of the industry to identify where we can have the greatest impact, whilst ensuring the whole sector continues to deliver maximum value for those looking to use events as a means of education, communication and business development.”

Positive Impacts Fiona Pelham comments: “ABPCO has shown significant leadership by attending, contributing to and communicating about a UN environment event on behalf of the global event industry. ABPCO members should be extremely proud that their association is taking leading action to protect our future and the future of the Events industry.”

The Sustainability Roadmap and Report are both available via https://www.abpco.org/news/

5th December 20185th December 2018

MPI report highlights favourable business conditions despite budgets unlikely to increase

Meeting Professionals International (MPI) released its Meetings Outlook report at IBTM in November, highlighting projected favourable business conditions, with a caveat that budgets were unlikely to increase.

Only 1.5 per cent of those polled in the report believed that budget conditions were favourable, with 43 per cent thinking future budgets would be 1-5 per cent better.

A cautious approach was the order of the day, with safety and security at events highlighted as the area where budgets would be allocated.

Jessie States, head of meeting innovation for MPI, reported that 33 per cent said there were growth opportunities in the Eurozone as well as in other domestic regions.

The global projected business conditions were 63 per cent favourable, while 15 per cent were negative.

“One of the biggest areas of change is in the use of contractors in the events industry. The number of contractors was high because ‘organisations are not ready to invest in full-time staff’, so there was a trend to bring in a workforce who are not employees.
These contractors are specialising in different areas such as tech, food and beverage. They are starting their own business and come in on a consultative level to advise companies.”

Jessie States, head of meeting innovation for MPI

Current employment trends according to MPI show an increase of 43 per cent in contract staff, and a 34 per cent increase inpart-time workers.

Delving into the changing nature of events, States said there would be shorter, more frequent events, with 30 per cent of sessions shorter and 35 per cent of events larger. Projected live attendance was 61 per cent positive, 23 per cent flat, and 16 per cent negative.

Delegates are looking for a more hands-on experience, with an element of virtual reality “to learn, show, educate, and changemind sets,” States said. “The focus is on the challenge of balancing true, cutting-edge delivery and immersion methods.”

In terms of corporate responsibility, there was additional interest and adding activities related to this area, while “22 per cent said CSR was now a normal piece of the planning process.”

Contract negotiations are more complex, the report found, with 54.9 per cent agreeing with this.

“It’s a sellers’ marketplace and they have better leverage.”

3rd December 20183rd December 2018

etc.venues opens its largest conference space to date!

etc.venues have announced a brand new conference and exhibition venue – just minutes away from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.

The new etc.venues – 133 Houndsditch will offer their largest room to date, catering for conferences up to 800 and dinners for 500.

The venue is conveniently situated across one floor and the main room is supported by 15,000 sq ft of flexible exhibition space, along with a further seven large breakout rooms with capacity for 50 – 200.

With plenty of branding opportunities and the latest built in AV technology, along with onsite chefs, exceptional service and the usual etc. flair for modern design – this new venue will offer the perfect space for your exclusive events.

The venue opens Spring 2019.

30th November 20182nd December 2018

Organising an event abroad

Some additional factors to consider when taking your event abroad and managing it outside the UK

Organising a conference, meeting or event outside the UK brings some additional factors to consider, both for the organiser and the attendee. For example, has everyone got a valid passport, are visas required, has travel insurance been arranged, are there any special medical requirements, what are the luggage guidelines? Do you have everything covered for when you travel abroad?

The websites listed below will be able to help, but remember the regulations can change at any time.

Overseas Travel Advice

Check the latest information from the Passport Office.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has a list of countries with a summary about the destination and information about:

Safety and security
Terrorism
Local laws and customs
Entry requirements
Health
Natural disasters
Money
Travel advice help and support

The NHS Fit for Travel website has general travel advice and disease prevention, as well as the immunisation and vaccination requirements for each country.

Make sure that any European travelling in Europe has a European Health Insurance Card. This card entitles the user to access healthcare and some insurers require you to have one.

Check the Department of Health Advice healthcare abroad, it gives advice about how to access the necessary state-provided healthcare.

Insurance – speak to an agent about the insurance for your event and your liability. You will also need insurance to cover all employees travelling abroad.

Freight – if you are shipping equipment and documentation, consult a freight forwarding agent, who will advise the best method, cost, time and prepare the required documentation.

27th November 201830th November 2018

HBAA provides predictions for 2019 at its latest Members Meeting

From predictions for 2019 and expenses payments to mental health, the HBAA delivered a packed programme to a capacity audience at its latest Members Meeting, held recently at the Crowne Plaza Solihull.

Providing a global economic report for 2018, Liz Hall from Liz Hall Hotel and Travel Consulting discussed key forecasts for next year. She predicted that the hospitality and events industry will experience modest growth despite challenging macro-economic conditions. The average daily rate (ADR) is expected to increase in 2019, with London experiencing an 0.8 per cent rise, resulting an extra £150 of spending, while the provinces will see an increase of over 1.2 per cent, representing an £70 in additional spend.

Former HBAA Chair and Director of Proposition-Accommodation and Meetings at Capita Travel and Events, Leigh Cowlishaw unveiled Capita’s #THISISMEcampaign, which aims to call attention to and tackling the growing problem of mental health in the workplace. Alison Jenkins from Meetings Club unveiled her venue location platform, which focusses on sharing feedback and reviews.

Tony Morris from the Sales Doctors provided an engaging session on what the top one per cent of all sales professionals do differently. Key habits include ‘becoming the CEO of the first impression’, ‘helping to buy’ instead of selling, developing visual triggers of desired goals, matching your customer’s body language, asking relevant questions, stressing success over experience and continuously asking for referrals.

David Wood from Conferma explored consumer innovations driving change in corporate expenses payments. Explaining how one in three industry professionals experience cash flow issues and 38 per cent experience stress while waiting for business expenses to be reimbursed, David argued that virtual cards and digital payments not only eliminate these problems, but they provide full visibility and transparency for employers on staff travel purchases.

HBAA Tech & Innovation Chair, Caleb Parker, Founder and CEO of Bold, provided an update on the future of Wi-Fi at venues. The results from a recent survey suggested that more than 80 per cent of hospitality and events professionals want a transparent industry standard that is clear on service levels for Wi-Fi. Nearly 90 per cent believe that the industry would benefit from standardised pricing for Wi-Fi that offers a fair market.

Delegates were then split into groups and asked for their thoughts on response time to client enquiries and how the process could be improved. After a brief brainstorm, audience responses included the need to streamline small meetings bookings, reducing the amount of unnecessary options, creating more honesty between agent, client and venue, and ensuring there is greater transparency in budgets. The outputs from this session will be used to inform best practice for enquiry handling, as part of next year’s full review of the HBAA Code of Practice.

Louise Goalen, HBAA Chair says, “Our theme for the year has been Building on Success and the last meeting of 2018, attended by so many members, and delivering valuable, inspirational, and insightful presentations, was the perfect way to round off the year.”

27th November 20182nd December 2018

A positive response from venues as Trinity Event Solutions officially launches EDGEvenues.com

After months in the planning, Trinity Event Solutions is delighted to announce the official launch of EDGE Venues into the meetings and events space – providing a platform for a global venue sourcing solution to support agents, corporates and associations. This new, innovative and revolutionary digital platform has been created by the industry, for the industry.

With a global database of MICE specific hotels and venues, event planners and agencies will be able to use EDGE Venues, free of charge, to source the perfect venue for their next meeting or event.

Since the announcement of EDGE Venues earlier this summer, hotel groups, independents and venues have flocked to the site to update their data to with many achieving 100% of the available data fields to enhance their positioning on searches. Event planners, including agents and corporates can now search for venues within 125 destinations and 45 countries –a database that will continually grow as demand increases. The ‘compare’ feature is a key focal point for the website, allowing users to select a number of chosen properties and compare the features available to determine the most appropriate venue that meets their requirements. This is supported by a managed service to support both planners and venues.

Here’s what Julian Kettleborough, Commercial Director at Studio Venue Company had to say about signing up to EDGE Venues:

“We’re delighted to be launching thestudio on EDGE Venues and excited by the opportunity to promote our four-creative city centre event venues across an exciting new platform, which promises to deliver an excellent experience for venues, agents and their guests. The ability for users to tailor make their venue searches across a wide variety of criteria and for us to promote the personality and flexibility of our locations clinched it for us and we look forward to collaborating with the EDGE team and their users.”

EDGE Venues is a B2B platform packed with articles of inspiration and venue updates, news and offers. It will also provide a community voice where associations will be invited to share their insights into the industry.

Jacqui Kavanagh, Managing Director of Trinity Event Solutions and EDGE Venues had this to say on the launch:

“We’re really excited to be launching EDGE Venues into the marketplace. As event planners ourselves, we understand that every event is different. It’s with that in mind the search functionality for event specific data is very flexible with opportunities to see the benefits and USPs of the venue and how it will work for the event. The reaction from the industry in the lead up to the launch has been really encouraging and we can’t wait to see how we can develop this further to continue meeting the needs of venues, agencies and event planners.”

Want to know how you can get involved with EDGE Venues? Contact the EDGE Team to find out more:

+44 (0) 1780 484051

enquiries@edgevenues.com