Category: Blog

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LinkedIn launches LinkedIn Events

Career network site LinkedIn has announced the launch of LinkedIn Events, a new feature which will allow users to join and create professional events, invite connections and have conversations.

LinkedIn says it recognises the importance of face-to-face meetings in building professional relationships, and its new platform is intended to tap into that. The network conducted research which showed 80% of LinkedIn users consider professional networking to be important to new opportunities and success.

LinkedIn Event App

The feature will start with a pilot group of organisers in San Francisco and New York, but will be rolling out globally to all members within the next few months. All users are able to join and participate in events they’re invited to.

The new feature will allow you to:

Create and event

Whether on desktop or mobile, event organisers can create an event and provide all of the details for it – a description, date and time, and a unique hashtag so people can follow along.

Promote and event

Hosts can invite their connections and share the event with their network to encourage other people to join. Attendees can also invite people in their network that might be interested.

Manage an event

Organisers can easily track attendees and invitees, post updates, edit the details if the time or location changes, and follow-up after the event.

Have conversations with fellow attendees

All event attendees will be able to chat with each other in the event page feed before, during, and after the event to share their excitement, meet one another, share videos and photos from the event, and continue strengthening their relationships.

See who else is going

Attendees can take a look at the guest list and use our search filters to see who else is going, what industry they work in, and more.  

“We have seen behavior where people are using the platform to organize meet-ups and they will add a bunch of folks to the comments and tag them and those folks will in turn invite more.”

Ashu Dubey, LinkedIn Product Manager

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Hyatt Regency Bangkok soft opening ahead of grand opening early next year

The Hyatt Regency Bangkok has had a soft opening and will celebrate a grand opening in January 2019.

Conveniently located on Sukhumvit road with direct access to BTS skytrain Nana Station, the hotel offers full facilities and amenities such as a fitness centre, swimming pool, outdoor spaces and Regency Club Lounge to provide energising experiences for guests visiting Bangkok, whether for business or leisure. 

For meeting and event planners, the hotel will offer an array of function and meetings spaces totalling 1,359 sqm, with natural lighting and the latest AV technology featuring in all meeting rooms. The biggest space is on the fifth floor, where a pillarless ballroom has been designed to accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The room can also be divided into four separate venues.

Hyatt Regency Bangkok Ballroom

Providing comfort and communal space for working or socialising, the event lounge, featuring a cluster seating area for four-to-eight persons, is ideal for small meetings. 

Located on the 6th floor, their outdoor freeform pool is surrounded by lush vegetation with an outdoor whirlpool, shade/no shade pool chairs, a pool bar, lockers, sauna and steam room.

Hyatt Regency Bangkok Pool

The 277 sq m. (2,981 sq ft.) lounge on the 27th floor offers stunning views of the city through its floor-to-ceiling glass windows, with 66 comfortable seats both indoor and outdoor. Boardroom space for 12, with exclusive F&B offerings through the on-site kitchen, is also available.

The indoor and outdoor spaces of the hotel include a U-shaped bar and an all-day dining concept, including a multi-purpose venue and tapas bar on the 29th floor. 

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Bateaux London to relaunch new boats

Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, is reinventing dining on the water with the relaunch of two of its classic boats as modern dining experiences. 

Bateaux London Cruises

Under the umbrella of the Bateaux London, the Glass Room will open this November with the River Room completed by Easter 2019. These destination dining rooms on the water, sailing from Embankment Pier, will welcome individual diners, corporate dining, celebrations and private charter.

The Glass Room can accommodate 235 as for dining and 400 guests for a reception. Signature features include an exterior viewing platform for groups of up to 60 and a private dining room seating 10.

Bateaux London sunset cruise
Bateaux London

“Bateaux spearheaded dining on the Thames over 25 years ago and we are so excited to be yet again leading the way with a new, elevated offering. Our aim is to bring a truly unique food-led experience to the Thames, not just a destination restaurant, but a complete onboard package complemented by outstanding design, impeccable service and a quality food offering not to mention striking views.’’

Catrin White, marketing director at Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events
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New multi-million venue Magazine London set to open in summer 2019

A new multi-million-pound event space named Magazine London is set to open in Greenwich, London, from summer 2019.

The venue will host live events, conferences and exhibitions, with views of Canary Wharf and 5,400sqm of venue space over two main rooms. One is a sleek, modern blank canvas with two large mezzanines, ideal for seminars and VIP areas.

Magazine London - set to open 2019
Magazine London – set to open 2019

The venue is conceived by Venue Lab, a Vibration Group company which created Printworks London and Landing Forty Two. The brand was created in conjunction with London’s Carter Studio, which has worked with Unilever, Norton and F1. The building was designed by architect of the V&A Lecture Theatre and Seoul Opera House, Nissen Richards.

In addition to the contemporary indoor space, Magazine London’s USP is the adjoining Showground – a landscaped environment on the banks of the Thames boasting 13,985sqm and a capacity of 7,000.

It can deliver a combined space of 19,379sqm and a capacity of 10,000, opening up the potential for events, brand activations and festivals that require an outdoor element.

 “London is still very much at the forefront of the global conferencing and exhibition market and Magazine, with its incredible flexibility both indoor and out, is ground breaking.

“It provides the perfect space for boutique and incubating B2B and B2C shows, offering excellent branding opportunities and a high-impact solus venue that provides a better home than sharing larger exhibition venues with other established shows.”


Simon Tracey, CEO – Vibration Group
Greenwich Peninsula - The Magazine
Greenwich Peninsula

Construction of the venue is due to start in December and is located in the heart of Greenwich Peninsula on the riverbank with views of Canary Wharf and have capacity for 3,000 people. The venue is easily accessible by the Underground (within a three minute walk), road and river.

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Leading industry figures gather for mia sustainability conference

The Meetings Industry Association (mia) recently kicked off its campaign encouraging the business meetings and events industry to use less single-use plastic, with a roundtable discussion.

mia logo

Key discussions from the debate, which is being championed by mia chair Kay England, included engaging government, metrics and benchmarking, addressing cost issues, sharing best practice and working collaboratively with other sustainability leaders.

The roundtable was the industry’s first debate focusing on the issues and opportunities facing the sector. It aims to reach caterers, hotels, venues and suppliers in the business meetings and events industry across the UK.

Industry panellists shared ways they were operating more sustainably. Ivor Turner, general manager at The Lensbury, described how sales dropped by 50 per cent when they initially removed plastic bottles from their vending machines – until they educated guests. 

He said: “People aren’t as green as they make out to be. People have habits and having the tin didn’t register. As soon as we put the reason up, the sales went back up.”

The discussion turned to the importance of agreed and set metrics for measuring sustainability, as well as introducing official accreditation for venues and suppliers.

Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the mia, commented: “Demonstrating the impact and your savings is what I think the mia needs to take responsibility for. Helping people with a template or something that says ’this is how you measure it, this is how you take it to your client and this is your saving’ will be key, because you’ve got to sell it to the accountant as well.”

After the debate, mia chair Kay England, said: “It was fantastic to have some of the leading minds in the industry and sustainability sharing their passion, expertise and ideas on turning the tide on single-use plastic during our initial roundtable.

“Their commitment and enthusiasm has helped further fuel the mia’s desire to effect positive change. We are now finalising the framework of the campaign and compiling a whitepaper.” 

To find out more about the mia, visit www.mia-uk.org.

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New events apprenticeship website launches

The ongoing growth of the Event Management Apprenticeship programme marks a new milestone with the launch of its new web portal. At the same time a new name is applied to the programme, now known as Get into Events, and can be seen here www.getintoevents.org.uk.

Get in to events logo

This hub of information will be further developed in the coming months, providing a central resource of information for employers, apprentices, and industry stakeholders.

The launch of the website also marks the establishment of an industry Community Interest Company that will own and develop the apprenticeship programme in partnership with industry. Sarah Wright, Director of the company and a founder of the Event Management Apprenticeship Programme said “we have massive ambition for the development of this apprenticeship programme, setting a new training route for our industry, and providing access to a new pipeline of industry talent”.

Get into events - Home Page image

Currently over 80 apprentices are employed and enrolled in the Government’s Trailblazer Event Assistant Apprentice Standard. Mark Riches, Chair of the Event Management Apprenticeship Programme said “We have achieved our first goal of having more than 50 event management apprentices within the first 18-months of launching the scheme, but we want more than 200 within the first three years. Additionally we need more industry involved in shaping this programme, particularly as we develop the higher apprenticeship standards”. The current standard is a Level 3 apprenticeship, but the scheme’s ambition is to develop levels through to 6 and 7, which are equivalent to foundation degrees (full bachelor’s and master’s).

The new industry body that launches this week is a community interest company, designated as a not for profit, and will hold its first meeting at the InterContinental Hotel on Park Lane on Thursday 8th November. The meeting is open to all industry stakeholders and invitations to become Board Members are on the Get into Events website.  Simon Hughes, Vice Chair of industry body BVEP, is a founding Director of the new body and says “there is a lot of interest by industry in developing the apprentice training route, hence establishing this independent company to own this scheme and drive it’s growth. Now is the opportunity for industry to become involved and help shape this programme, either by attending our meetings, or by joining the Board.”

For further information please contact:

  • Mark Riches, Chair, Event Management Apprenticeship Board: mark.riches@firstagency.com and 07976 269 210
  • Sarah Wright, Employer Engagement Director, Event Management Apprenticeship Board: EMAP@wright-hq.com and 07921 865 534
  • Simon Hughes, Stakeholder and Sponsorship Director , Event Management Apprenticeship Board: simon@mchassociates.com and 07730 064 222

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BMA House, EDGE Venues+ Member, Award Winners

BMA House, an EDGE venues+ member has won the Hire Space prestigious Greenest Venue Award.

On Wednesday 24th October the BMA House events team saw the unveiling of the 2018 Hire Space Awards at Museum of London. This celebrated high achievers in the events industry within 15 categories. The team were shortlisted as a finalist in the Forward-Thinking Venues category for ‘Greenest Venue’, as well as the top senior sales and events planner, Hannah Anderson being nominated as ‘Unsung Hero’.

Up against strong competition from Lord’s Cricket Ground and ORTUS, they were lucky enough to win this prestigious ‘Greenest Venue’ award!


We are one proud events team! Winning this award has made all our efforts seem worthwhile. Our venue places sustainability at the heart of everything we do and we’ll continue to support sustainable events and encourage our organisers and delegates to do the same. Furthermore, achieving a Gold accreditation in Green Tourism in 2017, one of just five venues in London, was no mean feat for a Grade II listed building. This prestigious certification was awarded for our inspirational environmental ethos and excellent practices throughout the business. In turn this led to us winning this award. But for now, we’ll continue to celebrate this great achievement!


Rebecca Hurley, Venue Marketing Manager
The BMA House team at the Hire Space winning the Greenest Venue Award

The Hire Space Awards celebrate the very best of the events industry by recognising and rewarding hard working, innovative and forward-thinking venues and event organisers from across the UK.

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Latest openings from NH Hotels

With more than 380 hotels in the NH Hotels Group, we’ve got everything you need to know on their newest offerings across Europe…

NH Essen – Germany

This new hotel with 182 rooms is located in the pedestrian zone of the city. Rest in one of its industrial looking rooms and contemplate the Essen skyline from the balconies on the rooms on the 6th floor.

NH Essen - Germany

nhow Marseille – France

This hotel was previously the NH Marseille Palm Beach but has been completely renovated and reopened as a nhow branded property, contemporary and design-led.  It is on the waterfront, about 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre.  The meeting space is multi-functional and the auditorium has capacity for 300 in theatre-style.   There are terraces which can be used for dinners and receptions.



NH Collection Eindhoven Centre – The Netherlands

This hotel opened a year ago and has now become the first 5-star hotel in the city of Eindhoven. It is located in the city centre. There are 6 meeting rooms, with flexible space and a maximum capacity of 160 theatre-style in the largest configuration.  The rooftop bar and terrace have beautiful views over the city.

NH Graz City – Austria

NH Graz City – Austria This hotel is located in the centre of Graz, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  It doesn’t have any meeting rooms, but the Congress Graz is within walking distance.

NH Graz City - Austria

Two more NH Hotels opening shortly…

The NH Collection Valencia Colon, will open on 15th November and it is right in the centre of Valencia.  It’s a boutique property with 47 bedrooms, but no meeting space.

The NH Toulouse Airport will open in January 2019.  It will have 12 meeting rooms and 148 bedrooms.

Want to know more? Find out what other NH Hotels have to offer here.

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Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants opens its doors to London

The brand makes its UK debut with the opening of Kimpton® Fitzroy London

Kimpton® Fitzroy London, the first UK hotel from boutique luxury brand, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, opens its doors in London’s Bloomsbury neighbourhood. The hotel combines late-Victorian heritage with a quirky, modern vibe. The existing glamour of the building paired with Kimpton’s signature heartfelt service brings a new hotel offering to London that delivers exclusivity for everyone.

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants

Set on Russell Square within an iconic Grade II listed heritage building dating back to 1898, design-led Kimpton Fitzroy London features 334 luxurious rooms and suites, a large ballroom, various restaurants and bars, modern meeting rooms and a 24-hour fitness centre.

A true homage to British history and design, the hotel is named after the original architect of the building, Charles Fitzroy Doll, a Titan of British architecture in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.  The interior features striking, contemporary design by lead designer Tara Bernerd & Partners that thoughtfully honours the building’s heritage. The bedrooms are decorated with Kimpton’s bold and playful edge and include unexpected touches such as unique, contemporary artwork and vibrant floral cushions, featuring a bespoke design by British textile artist Kit Miles.

Kimpton Fitzroy London offers Kimpton’s much-loved signature touches including in-room yoga mats, complimentary bikes to explore the city, tea and coffee to fuel up for the day, and welcomes pets to stay for free. In true Kimpton style, perks take on a local slant and the hotel will host a complimentary champagne hour – a daily social gathering for hotel guests.

“This hotel will bring a new luxury approach to the UK– a more inclusive style of luxury as opposed to museum-like spaces so guests don’t need to keep their voices down in the lobby, or wear a suit jacket to dinner. A defining trait for the Kimpton brand is the focus on heartfelt human connections. We want guests to enjoy the glamour of a historic iconic building but still feel free to be themselves. It’s an approach we’re excited to bring to London, as we know it’s what guests in this city are craving.”

Paul Walters, General Manager of Kimpton Fitzroy London

Kimpton Fitzroy London has an interior courtyard, the Palm Court, which provides a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of central London. Neptune restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a range of modern seafood dishes courtesy of duo Brett Redman and Margaret Crow in a stylish, yet relaxed environment. The 1920’s inspired Fitz’s is the spot to enjoy an evening cocktail while Burr & Co. coffee house awaits guests and locals throughout the day. Neptune, Fitz’s and Burr & Co. have all been designed by Russell Sage Studio.

Overlooking Bloomsbury’s Russell Square and only two minutes’ walk from Russell Square tube station, the hotel is located steps away from The British Museum, Lambs Conduit street and London’s West End, making Kimpton Fitzroy London the perfect base from which to explore all that the British capital has to offer.

Next year will see a continuation of the Kimpton brand’s momentum, with additional hotel openings in key UK cities including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. Kimpton first launched in Europe in 2017 with the opening of Kimpton De Witt in Amsterdam, and since then the brand has rapidly increased its global footprint following signings in Barcelona, set to open in 2019, Tokyo and Paris, both set to open in 2020 and Frankfurt due to open in 2023. In the next few months Kimpton Da An Hotel in Taipei will also open its doors, the first Kimpton hotel in Asia.

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Lavish experience at Adare Manor

Adare Manor offers guests a lavish welcome and unforgettable hospitality in a spellbinding setting. The lush parkland and pristine woods of Adare Manor’s 840 acre estate provide a tranquil backdrop for this truly magical castle hotel, which overlooks the banks of County Limerick’s beautiful River Maigue. Every lovingly restored detail of the neo-gothic Manor House is a testament to the devotion to excellence and passion for beauty at the heart of the Adare Manor experience.

Lavish experience at Adare Manor

Dating back to 1832, the construction of Adare Manor was a labour of love for the Earls of Dunraven, and was cherished as their family home for generations. Today, it is one of Ireland’s most spellbinding luxury destinations. Each of the 104 guest rooms and suites combine authentic, immersive historical character and exceptional modern comfort. Guests will find air conditioning in every room, elevators to all floors, and seamlessly integrated technology designed to provide a fully personalised experience for every visitor.

For special events, international conferences, and weddings, the Grand Ballroom provides a spectacular reception venue for up to 350 people. The culinary offerings at Adare Manor have been  created to showcase the very best of fresh, artisanal Irish ingredients, from a candlelit tasting menu experience in The Oak Room to the effortless elegance of The Carriage House and private dining spaces or the innovative cocktails of The Tack Room. Within the Manor House, opportunities for relaxation and entertainment include the private luxury cinema, captivating historical tours, and the first La Mer Spa in Ireland and the UK.

The 840 acres of Adare Manor’s beautiful, lavish estate include formal and walled gardens, woodlands and rolling parklands. Enhanced through loving restoration and landscaping, they are a dazzling environment for a huge range of exciting activities.

Adare Manor on-site activities

• 18 hole championship golf course
• Spa treatments by La Mer
• Falconry
• Archery
• Clay pigeon shooting
• Cycling
• Gun dog experience
• Fishing on the River Maigue
• Historical tours
• Walking and running trails
• Children’s fairy walk in the woodlands

For those in search of adventure further afield, Adare Manor can arrange horseback riding, game shooting, and other exhilarating activities within a short drive of the estate.

Adare Manor events and conferencing

Ballroom (Divisible by 3)
• Banqueting style: 350 guests
• Theatre style: 440 guests
• Classroom style: 216 guests
• Boardroom style: 120 guests
• U Shaped: 120 guests

Boardroom
• 30 guests

Cinema
• 28 guests