Monday Insights – May 23rd

This Monday’s Insights feature brings you the industry headlines you may have missed from the previous week.

Headlines

Shortlist announced for the EVCOM Clarion Awards 2022. This year’s awards entries were overseen by a panel of judges who have shortlisted entries from corporate filmmakers and event organisers across a variety of categories, including environmental, social welfare and diversity and inclusion. 

The winners will be announced at the EVCOM Clarion Awards ceremony at Mary Ward House on the 23rd June.

For the full shortlist, visit the EVCOM website, here.

Glasgow Convention Bureau to host international conference, BRAIN and BRAIN PET 2022, an international conference focusing on brain health and function. 

Although the conference is taking place from 28 May-1 June, the venue has been working with the conference organisers to help take the subject matter beyond the conference and into the local community.

Glasgow Convention Bureau connected the organisers with Brain Health Scotland; Glasgow City Council’s Education team; Network Rail and Buchanan Galleries to arrange a variety of events aimed at helping people to better understand how making healthy choices affects our brain.

Lime Venue Portfolio is reporting on another record-breaking period of event enquiries and conversions across its 80+ strong portfolio.

We’re seeing over 50% quarter-on-quarter increases across all our business sectors, and our prediction that Summer Parties would drive performance has been proven right. Fourteen per cent of all our enquiries are in the evening, reception, or social sectors. We think this could also be a good indication for a healthy Christmas Party market, which we are also seeing enquiries for as well. It shows a confidence in celebration events, and a growing value of what they can achieve for business.

We’re also seeing 33% of non-converted enquiries lost due to a lack of capacity in our venues. While this absolutely chokes me, it must be great news for the industry. It shows there are quality events being run, and that businesses have confidence in what we do, and the desire to get these programmes in place.

Jo Austin, sales director, Lime Venue Portfolio

Doubletake

London City makes net zero pledge

London City Airport has published a new sustainability roadmap in a bid to become the first net zero airport in London by the end of the decade.

Steps being taken include phasing out gas for heating its buildings and ensuring all airport vehicles become electric.

It also aspires to be the most sustainably connected airport in the UK, with 80% of all journeys to and from the airport to be made by sustainable transport modes by 2030.   

eter King, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre said: 

“Given our size, location and the nature of our route network and operation, we are ideally placed to help shape the next phase of aviation innovation in London, establishing it as a global leader of the net zero economy, supporting innovation, research and development and creating jobs for the amazing young people of this city.

Robert Sinclair, London City Airport Chief Executive Officer

Monday Insights – May 16th

This Monday’s Insights feature brings you the industry headlines you may have missed from the previous week.

Headlines

The counter-terror Protect Duty bill – otherwise known as Martyn’s Law – moved ahead another step in the legislative process on the 10th May as it was confirmed in the Queen’s Speech, which sets out the Government’s plans for the year ahead. 

The Protect Duty will be a new piece of anti-terrorism legislation designed to ensure the public is better protected from a “multifaceted, diverse and continually evolving” terror threat. Its purpose is to “keep people safe by introducing new security requirements for certain public locations and venues to ensure preparedness for and protection from terrorist attacks”. 

It follows a campaign from Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017.

Read more, including comments from Figen, on Conference News, here.

ICC Belfast will host the first All-Ireland Sustainability Summit, on 09 June 2022. Business leaders and officials from across the Island of Ireland will be gathering at ICC Belfast, where attendees will have an opportunity to put sustainability firmly on their radar for 2022 and beyond.

The aim of the event is to raise the profile of the wider sustainability agenda and help companies create positive change within their own organisations.

Danielle McCormick, Owner and Lead Consultant at sustainability consultancy, Triterra, comments “There has been a huge shift in businesses adopting more sustainable practices over the past couple of years and feel that this has really come in to play across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in more recent months.”

She continued “Research from HSBC has revealed that 78% of UK businesses expect sales to grow over the next year as a result of an increased focus on sustainability, with the main reasons cited including improving operational efficiency (26%), meet regulatory requirements (26%) and to gain a reputational advantage (24%).”

Read more on iccbelfast.com, here.

The 2022 UFI European Conference, which took place over three days, put the spotlight on important industry topics and challenges faced by exhibition and event industry professionals. UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, identified key themes of discussion, including post-pandemic recovery, new business models, the talent crisis, net zero and other sustainable questions. 

The event, which took place in Poznan, Poland, was hosted by Grupa MTP and offered a blend of keynote sessions, interactive workshops, networking and social activities.

The format of the conference continues to evolve to better serve delegates, this time including a speed networking session, organised in collaboration with London-based industry recruitment agency Expocast, and the first live Exhibition Think Tank workshop.

Read more here. 

Doubletake

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, has been confirmed as the operator for the new Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) that will open in 2026. 

As the existing Government operator of convention and exhibition services in the state of Victoria, the Trust already manages the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and will manage both GCEC and MCEC to leverage expertise and opportunities to collaborate.  

GCEC will be developed on the Geelong Waterfront precinct as part of the Geelong City Deal – a partnership between the Australian and Victorian Governments, together with the City of Greater Geelong.  

The $294 million project includes the construction of a purpose-built Convention and Exhibition Centre, incorporating a 1000 seat plenary venue and at least 3700 square metres of flexible event space to allow large and small events to run concurrently.  

The centre will be a major driver of jobs and economic growth for the City of Greater Geelong and surrounding areas, supporting 600 jobs during construction and an additional 270 ongoing jobs through operations.  

Every event at GCEC will benefit a local ecosystem of hoteliers, event organisers, food providores, chefs and casual wait staff, cleaners, technicians, logistics and transport operators and more.  

Peter King, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre said: 

“We have more than 25 years’ experience hosting and delivering world class business events and we’re excited to start operating in Geelong and the Bellarine. We look forward to engaging the local community, businesses, and event organisers as the Centre is developed. 

Read more on Event Industry News.

Monday Insights – May 9th

London

This Monday’s Insights feature brings you the industry headlines you may have missed from the previous week.

Headlines

The Buyers Networking Club’s (BNC) salary survey results are in! It provides an insightful perspective and overview of salaries, roles, employment perks and packages. The survey ran for five weeks, from February 9th to March 17th 2022, and 123 BNC members took part. You can access this conference and event managers association’s report by signing up to the BNC’s mailing list atthebnc.co.uk.

Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that the Elizabeth line will open on Tuesday, 24 May 2022, subject to final safety approvals.

The Elizabeth line will transform travel across London and the South East by dramatically improving transport links, cutting journey times, providing additional capacity, and transforming accessibility with spacious new stations and walk-through trains. 

The Elizabeth line will initially operate as three separate railways, with services from Reading, Heathrow and Shenfield connecting with the central tunnels from autumn this year. 

Great news for London events! Read more at tfl.gov.uk 

“Sponsors are keen to return to live events,” says etc.venues. According to Conference News, Adam Simpson, director of marketing, etc.venues, says the return of live events is good news for sponsors of conferences, awards and associations.

“Live events provide an opportunity to gain the full return on their investment in partnerships after two years of restrictions,” Adam explains.

Read the feature in full, here on Conference News.  

Doubletake

The UK’s most inclusive venues have been celebrated at the Blue Badge Access Awards at Hotel Brooklyn in Manchester. The awards promote exceptional venues comprising thoughtful, design-led accessibility and recognise those who have gone above and beyond in their mission to achieve inclusivity for all.

Fiona Jarvis, chair of judges, said: “The Blue Badge Access Awards give recognition to businesses and establishments that have addressed accessibility imaginatively and thoughtfully, which is what every hotel and hospitality venue should be striving to achieve.

For a full overview of the awards and their deserving winners, check out mitmagazine.co.uk.

Worldwide 2022 Hotel Openings: 10 to watch out for in 2022…

Are you ready to get out and about and experience the wonders of the world again? Looking to experience some new and exciting places and cultures, to add that extra spark to your meetings and events?

Here’s the lowdown on 10 worldwide 2022 hotel openings to add that wow factor…

The Retreat at Elcot Park – April 2022

The Retreat is a newly re-imagined 18th Century country house hotel and spa set on magnificent grounds, ideally situated between Hungerford and Newbury in the heart of the West Berkshire countryside.

Being only an hour from London, The Retreat is made for relaxed meetings and events, with several private spaces from 2 to 80. If you are celebrating a birthday, or planning an annual company retreat, this venue has you covered.

The Signet Spa facilities (opening 29th April 2022) include an Indoor vitality pool, mud Rasul, salt flotation room, steam and sauna, state-of-the-art gym and treatment rooms. There is also an outdoor infinity pool with a Whispering Angel poolside bar, so the business doesn’t have to be boring!

Hotel La Tour – April 2022

Following a £39 million investment, the Hotel La Tour is set to open its doors this spring and will feature the highest restaurant in Milton Keynes, which is accessed via a glass lift. The 14th-floor restaurant and sky bar will serve a menu of contemporary, seasonal British dishes, while an adjacent bar will serve cocktails, Champagne, fine wines, and locally sourced brews. You can find more views in the hotel bedrooms, which all boast floor-to-ceiling windows, while the first floor is a dedicated conference and events space, featuring nine hi-tech meeting spaces that all offer natural light. 

MEET: MK, which is located on the first floor is a dedicated, flexible, self-contained conference floor stretching over 14,000sq/ft, with 9 private meeting rooms of varying sizes and shapes to suit the preferred layout. Stunning floor-to-ceiling windows feature throughout, offers natural daylight, and inspirational views of Campbell Park and Milton Keynes. Each room offers state-of-the-art technology and ergonomic seating, so guests are both connected and comfortable. 

Hotel Brooklyn Leicester – May/June 2022

Hot on the heels of Hotel Brooklyn Manchester (which opened its doors in 2020), comes this second site for the brand in Leicester. Located beside the expanded Welford Road Stadium, home of the famous Leicester Tigers rugby team, the hotel will offer a window onto both the city of Leicester and the hallowed turf next door. Like its Manchester sibling, the 194-bedroom hotel will be inspired by the famous New York borough, following an industrial aesthetic including an atrium and exposed brickwork.

The venue promises high-class corporate hospitality, with extensive conferencing and events facilities both in the hotel and inside the stadium. Not only that, but there also promises to be versatile dining, and modern, atmospheric accommodation, with several skyline suites.

Thompson Central Park New York (part of Hyatt Collection) – June 2022

This hotel is your gateway to the best that Manhattan has to offer. Situated on the southern edge of Central Park, it’s a short walk from Carnegie Hall, MoMA, and legendary fine dining destinations.

The hotel itself offers redesigned public spaces, and guest rooms with sophistication and flair. The high-floor rooms offer lush green views over the park and bustling sidewalks below. The award-winning venues and re-imagined spaces mean that this is the place to meet, gather, drink, and dine, or a great base to explore New York’s nightlife and entertainment options.

The newly refurbished event space is set to open in June 2022, ideal for your next social event, or presentation. Host a crowd in the sleek third-floor meeting space or split the space for an intimate event.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh – June 2022

The first UK opening for Virgin Hotels which currently only exists in the USA is to be situated in Scotland’s capital city. Located in the historic India Buildings, the hotel is reimagining the Old Town, marrying its iconic Victorian architecture with distinctive, contemporary design. Inside the hotel, you’ll experience the signature chamber design and numerous drinking, dining and entertainment options. Outside the hotel, you’ll find Edinburgh’s top attractions within walking distance, with Edinburgh castle just a 4 minutes walk away.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh will also offer creative spaces, and engaging environments to bring your meetings and events to life. Whatever you dream up, there is an Edinburgh meeting and event space to meet your needs and can incorporate the themes you desire. From yoga in the mornings to solving murders in the evenings, and everything in-between, there is plenty of flexibility. 

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo – Mid-2022

At this hotel you can escape to a secluded nature reserve in Mexico’s Tamarindo, with a pristine coastline and where the jungle meets the Pacific Ocean. Uniquely situated on a private peninsula, the resort will help you leave the world behind, and offer a natural refuge for those seeking an authentic connection to Mexico, its biodiversity and culture.

It will offer four dining and beverage venues, including an ocean view bar and restaurant, beach bar and grill and golf club restaurant. The grounds will also feature three pools, a full-service spa set amidst a tropical forest and a fitness centre, a young adults centre and lounge, water sports centre, tennis courts and 4,000 square feet of meeting space.

You’ll be able to create the most inspiring event here, and entertain in spectacular indoor and outdoor venues with exclusive access to private events. Not only that, but you can also enjoy award-winning golf, stunning beaches and fantastic adventure activities.

Rosewood Vienna – July 2022

Housed in the former headquarters for Erste Group Bank AG, Rosewood Vienna will be situated on Petersplatz, one of the most famous squares in Vienna’s Old Town. Located just steps from the city’s best luxury shopping and dining plus its most famous historical sites, Rosewood Vienna is sure to become a city hub, with 99 spacious guest rooms and suites, a Rosewood Spa with stunning views of St. Peter’s church, a variety of dining options including a rooftop bar with exceptional city views and a vibrant restaurant with a terrace garden serving European cuisine.

The Pavilion at Rosewood Vienna is set to offer unique events space ideal for both festive social gatherings, and formal business occasions. With a distinct and flexible design, the venue offers a residential and intimate approach, and top-of-the-range audio and visual systems.

Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars – July 2022

The 204-room hotel, due to open this summer, will join nine other Hyatt properties in London, marking another step in the Hyatt brand’s ambitious growth strategy in the UK. Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars will be the 13th Hyatt hotel in the UK.

The property was once a palace and is now a Grade II listed historic building, ensuring its preservation. The hotel respects the rich history of the building and will now include a specialist Chinese restaurant and cocktail bar.

It will also offer meeting spaces, a fitness centre and extensive outdoor space, and will be intuitively designed with productivity in mind. Guests will be able to seamlessly transition between work and play. With the close proximity of Blackfriars underground station, the hotel will offer travellers flexibility and the ability to stay connected during their time in London. Cultural hotspots are also within walking distance, including the South Bank area, St Paul’s Cathedral and Shakespeare’s Globe theatre.

The Fifth houses three intimate dining spaces for small meetings, intimate soirées of 20, or even extravagant bashes for as many as 90 guests

The Fifth Avenue Hotel – Autumn 2022

Located in the NoMad neighborhood, The Fifth Avenue Hotel will be steps from the idyllic Madison Square Park, the iconic Flatiron Building, the blooming flower district, as well as the city’s best dining, shopping and nightlife, and offering an oasis of calm amidst the frenetic pace of Manhattan.

The superlative design by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, distinctive cuisine, compelling art and engaging cultural experiences of Flaneur Hospitality’s inaugural 153-room hotel will be tailored to delight, engage and reward curiosity. 

Rooms will be split between two buildings with most of them situated within a soaring new 24-story skyscraper. There will also be 24 signature suites located inside the former Second National Bank Building.

For meetings and events, the Fifth will offer three intimate dining spaces for small meetings, or extravagant events for up to 90 guests. For some added sparkle the Mansion ballroom offers chandeliers, lofty trees, and a table brimming with fresh flowers and golden candelabras. On the third floor, there is an Italian Renaissance Palazzo, and the ballroom offers sweeping views of Fifth Avenue, hosting up to 200 guests.  

Slieve Donard – October 2022/Spring 2023

Just 20 miles south of Belfast and 90 miles north of Dublin and nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the magnificent Slieve Donard is one of Northern Ireland’s finest conference hotels.

Slieve Donard typically attracts golf tourists thanks to its proximity to the world-renowned Royal County Down Golf Club, but the new-look space will welcome those less keen on activities too, thanks to the introduction of a two-floor spa boasting a swimming pool, vitality pool, fitness studio, steam room, relaxation room, and 14 treatment rooms.

The venue exudes luxury and style and has an extensive choice of banqueting and conferencing suites suitable for events of all sizes. The magnificent Grand Ballroom is one of the largest function suites in Northern Ireland. With its stunning views over the mountains, the Chandelier Room is always a popular choice with guests looking for a ‘wow’ factor. Alternatively, Slieve Donard has a purpose-built Centenary Conference Centre, which has several meeting rooms that can be used individually or together as break-out rooms. 

Having been acquired by Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners, Slieve Donard is set to undergo a major refurbishment. The reimagined hotel will take its design inspiration from the area’s rich history and will house four F&B destinations, as well as a ballroom for private events.

In Summary…

We hope we’ve inspired you with some exciting 2022 new hotel openings packed with everything you need to for the perfect meeting or event in 2022 and beyond. Remember, if you are looking for something in particular check out all our venues on EDGEvenues.com.

EDGE Venues Silent Auction Smashes £5K Target for Ukraine

It’s been nearly two months since the war started in Ukraine, and we continue to see suffering from people fleeing their homes for safety. To support those individuals and families who need it most, EDGE Venues launched its silent auction last month to raise money for the Humanitarian Relief Fund through the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

The auction launched on 10 March, with 68 lots kindly donated by hotels and venues across the UK. There was tremendous interest from the industry, and EDGE Venues was inundated with some fantastic bids and some additional donated lots that extended the length of the auction.

From the original lot list, EDGE Venues set an initial target of £5,000. Thanks to fantastic generosity and incredible support, the target was smashed, raising just shy of £10,000.

Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of EDGE Venues, is not surprised by the level of support shown and thanks those who got involved and supported in any way they could.

Monday Insights – April 25th

This Monday’s Insights feature brings you the industry headlines you may have missed from the previous week.

Headlines

European flights recover to 80 per cent of 2019 levels as reported by Business Travel News Europe according to the latest data from air traffic management organisation Eurocontrol.

Growth is primarily being driven by low-cost carriers Ryan Air at 10 per cent increase from 2019, and Wizz Air showing 17 per cent increase on 2019 services.

The rest of the European carriers are still below 2019 figures, with major operators, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France and KLM all operating at least 20 per cent of fewer services than in April 2019.

UK continues to be busiest European market with an average of 4771 flights per day, 82 per cent of 2019’s daily services.

Read more at Business Travel News Europe.

‘Meaningful meetings’ is the focus for ICCA Community Forum

Meeting design, regeneration and legacy impact will be the key topics explored at the newly launched ICCA Global Association Community Forum.

Taking place in Lausanne, Switzerland on 5-7 September 2022, at the Beaulieu Convention Center, the forum will take a collaborative and interactive approach, delivering educational content through group activities.

Read more on M&IT Magazine.

The Jurys Inn name is to be retired after almost 30 years with all its hotels due to relaunch under its sister Leonardo brand this autumn.

All 35 Jurys Inn properties will make the transition at the end of the year as part of a wider expansion plan for the business.

Leonardo Hotels currently has 16 properties in the UK and Ireland and is aiming to increase its number of bedrooms by 10% per year.

Read full announcement via The Caterer.

Hotel development across Europe falls during last year. The development pipeline for European hotel rooms has fallen by just under eight per cent over the past 12 months.

Figures from hotel industry data analyst STR found there were around 550,000 rooms in the development pipeline across Europe in March, down by 7.7 per cent on the same month in 2021.

Doubletake

EDGE Venues Silent Auction Smashes £5K Target for Ukraine

It’s been nearly two months since the war started in Ukraine, and we continue to see suffering from people fleeing their homes for safety. To support those individuals and families who need it most, EDGE Venues launched its silent auction last month to raise money for the Humanitarian Relief Fund through the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC).

The auction launched on 10 March, with 68 lots kindly donated by hotels and venues across the UK. There was tremendous interest from the industry, and EDGE Venues was inundated with some fantastic bids and some additional donated lots that extended the length of the auction.

From the original lot list, EDGE Venues set an initial target of £5,000. Thanks to fantastic generosity and incredible support, the target was smashed, raising just shy of £10,000.

Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO of EDGE Venues, is not surprised by the level of support shown and thanks those who got involved and supported in any way they could.

https://www.thecaterer.com/news/jurys-inn-rebrand-leonardo-hotels

Monday Insights – April 11th

This Monday’s Insights feature brings you the industry headlines you may have missed from the previous week.

Headlines

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has received enquiries tallying more than 16,860 delegate days’ worth of face-to-face events.

The data has been collected over the last three months from ABPCO’s web-based enquiry system, which links associations with ABPCO accredited professional conference organiser members.

ABPCO association director, Heather Lishman said, “I am delighted to see that our messaging is getting out there and associations are recognising the vital need to use an accredited PCO, whether they are providing in-person, virtual or hybrid solutions. There are many conference organisers out there – but to ensure the success of an event, associations really do need to be working with a professional who truly understands the unique needs of associations and their events.”

Read more at M&IT Magazine.

IMEX Group extends partnership with Messe Frankfurt until 2025. Messe Frankfurt, the host venue for IMEX in Frankfurt, has worked with the IMEX Group since the launch of the first show in 2003.

“We have worked with Messe Frankfurt since the very first IMEX in Frankfurt show, moving into the venue’s largest hall in 2005 as the show grew. Messe Frankfurt has been a very supportive and flexible partner along the way, working with us to regularly evolve the show to meet the needs of our global industry. This year’s IMEX in Frankfurt is set to be very special – we’re returning to Frankfurt for the first time in two years and also celebrating 20 years of the show. ”

Mark Mulligan, director of operations at the IMEX Group

Read more here.

Events Industry Council launches data collection for its Economic Significance Study.

The Events Industry Council (EIC), the global voice of the business events industry, has launched the data collection phase of its landmark Economic Significance Study, in collaboration with Oxford Economics.

The ambitious Economic Significance Study comprises four insight streams to examine the global events industry’s economic impact and, for the first time, quantify the cumulative losses experienced in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By analysing this data and understanding it, the EIC can establish the full value of meetings and prospects for 2022 and beyond, including the tactics/strategies being employed by the meetings and events industry to accelerate its recovery.

As part of the Study, the EIC released its latest Global Business Events Barometer, 2021 Q4. The Barometer monitors the changes within the market relative to pre-pandemic (2019) levels, points to continued positive growth across each of the seven global regions tracked by the Barometer, with 2021 Q4 gains in both RFP activity (up 14% from 2021 Q3) and hotel group room nights (up 15% from 2021 Q3).

For more insight and to take part of the survey, click here.

Doubletake

9 Travel Trends Impacting Events Right Now

Skift Forum Europe 2022 brought together Europe’s top minds in travel and set the scene for what recovery from the Covid pandemic will look like in the event industry.

Here are the headline key trends identified…

  1. Business Travel May Never Recover to 2019 Levels
  2. The Desire for Travel Has Not Gone Away
  3. The Hybrid Workforce Brings New Opportunities
  4. More Cooperative and Sustainable Destinations
  5. Bleisure May Entice Extended Business Travel
  6. Digital Innovation Complements Hospitality Well
  7. Labor Shortages Are a Big Challenge
  8. Opportunity in Uncertainty
  9. We Are Passing the Buck on Sustainability

Read the full analysis and the detail behind the trends.

Monday Insights – April 4th

This Monday’s Insights feature brings you the industry headlines you may have missed from the previous week.

Headlines

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) has re-elected the Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP as its chair. The news ensures that work to promote the sector to the Government thus far will carry on uninterrupted.

Speaking about her re-election, Theresa Villiers commented; “It is great that the APPG for Events will continue its efforts to support this crucially important sector of the economy. I am delighted to take on the chairmanship for another year.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on a cross-party basis on our new programme of activity, including generating ideas on how this country can bring further major international events here.” 

Read more about the reappointment and APPG’s 2022 plans on Conference News, here. 

Newcastle and Gateshead venues have united in a Covid bounce-back campaign to recapture the £150m annual events and meetings market.

35 venues from major hotel chains to historic buildings have joined forces to help build back event organisers’ confidence. They will stage everything from international conferences to team building sessions in Newcastle and Gateshead.

The ‘Tyne To Get Back To Business’ campaign has seen all of the venues gain AIM Secure accreditation. The AIM accreditation is the only one for business meetings and events recognised by Government, and has been 

enhanced over the last two years to help venues adapt to Covid.

The campaign aims to take take the message of NewcastleGateshead’s post-pandemic confidence across the country. It includes a marketing and publicity campaign extolling the many virtues of staging business meetings and events in the area.

“This fantastic initiative is typical of the determination and tenacity of the sector, its people and venues who operate within it.”

Kerrin MacPhie, Chief Executive of the MIA

Read more here.

75 football and rugby clubs across the UK have received nominations for The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2022. 

The awards will take place at Anfield Stadium, home to Liverpool Football Club on Thursday 26th May 2022. 2022 will be the 15th annual awards event and marks the 20th Anniversary of Stadium Experience.

The event aims to recognise the efforts of the catering, conference and events teams at UK football and rugby stadiums. 

There are a potential 39 awards up for grabs. The full list of categories and 2022 nominees can be found here, on stadiumexperience.com.

https://stadiumexperience.com/2022/04/awards-nominations-2022/

Doubletake

The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has had a “very positive year” and is “financially stable” despite the pandemic. The trade body’s board of directors informed members attending its recent AGM.

At the association’s 32nd annual general meeting, Chair Steve Jones listed its successes of the last year. Points to note included strong member retention, despite the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the meetings and events industry.

Read more about the mia’s AGM on Boutique Hotelier, here.

Monday Insights – March 28th

This Monday’s Insights feature brings you the industry headlines you may have missed from the previous week.

Headlines

The US B2B exhibition industry continues improvement in Q4 2021 results. According to Exhibition World, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has reported that the US business-to-business (B2B) exhibitions industry improved significantly in the fourth quarter of 2021 from the previous seven quarters.

Cancellation rates for physical in-person events dropped to 12.5% from 91.3% in the first quarter, 66.2% in the second quarter and 20.6% in the third quarter of 2021. About 98% of exhibitions were cancelled during the second half of 2020.

Read the full feature here.

The Netherlands has ended the requirement for European travellers to take pre-departure tests from Wednesday (23 March).

The country, which has enforced some of the strictest rules in Europe during the pandemic, will no longer require international passengers from across the EU and the UK to provide a negative Covid-19 test on arrival, regardless of their vaccination status.

Travellers will also not have to provide proof of vaccination or recovery from the virus. But they will still have to fill in a health declaration form.
A Dutch government statement read: “Everyone travelling to the Netherlands is advised to do a self-test immediately after arrival and again on day five.”

Business travel is pushing London City airport towards its busiest month since the start of the pandemic. According to BTN Europe, the east London airport said passenger numbers in March had increased by 40 per cent since February, with the share of business traffic rising to 46 per cent – the same level as during 2019 – thanks to “strong” growth for corporate-orientated routes to Edinburgh, Zurich, Amsterdam and Dublin.

London City is being further boosted by the start of new BA CityFlyer routes this month to Milan Malpensa and Luxembourg, plus the restart of services to Rotterdam and Nice.

Read the full feature here on BTN.

Beam urged UK tax authority to show greater flexibility ahead of chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement on Wednesday (23 March).

Business events and meetings trade body Beam called for UK chancellor Rishi Sunak to ensure there is “greater flexibility and understanding” about the ability for companies in the sector to make tax payments while cash flow remains low.

Simon Richards, Beam’s treasurer said: “Beam is calling for greater flexibility and understanding from HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) about payments. The government needs to recognise that, although they have bookings for events in the near future, many businesses in the sector still have significant cost liabilities but very little income – and they won’t be paid until those events have taken place.

“On top of this, they are now repaying bounce back loans and about to pay higher national insurance and VAT. The rising costs of fuel and food are also challenging. We need recognition that the cash flow of our industry is unique and, without this recognition from HMRC, recruitment and recovery will not start for many months to come.”

Doubletake

The Birmingham and the West Midlands Convention Bureau has launched a Conference Ambassador Network to drive more global events into the region.

The initiative, supported by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Business and Tourism Programme (BATP), will see regional professionals from academia and business champion the West Midlands and their own work to win new conferences and events.

Ambassadors will receive support from the Birmingham and the West Midlands Convention Bureau and partners throughout the bidding process, from finding a suitable venue and preparing proposals, to the smooth running of the event itself.

Steve Knight, Senior Business Tourism Manager, WMGC, which operates the Birmingham and the West Midlands Convention Bureau, said: “Our Conference Ambassador Network will be a platform for the West Midlands’ greatest minds and industry leaders to come together to attract major new national and international conferences to the area.

“The West Midlands shows time and again what it can achieve when it collaborates, from hosting high-profile events such as the Conservative Party Conference to successfully bidding for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“By unlocking further contacts within our academic and business communities through this new network, we are showing that we are open for business after a challenging couple of years, and aiming to leave a Games legacy as a major global events destination.”

Read more here.

Spring Statement – what impact does it have on our industry?

Spring Statement

Jacqui Kavanagh

This week, Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed his Spring Statement – an update on the current state, and future expectations of the nation’s finances and it confirmed that we should brace ourselves for things getting more expensive at a faster rate later in the year.

Within the Spring Statement he announced some new policies that will affect our personal budgets in the coming months and years. But what impact will there really be and how will it affect our industry as a whole?

Rising fuel costs

Let’s start with fuel costs. We’ve all seen fuel prices soar these last few months, even before the horrific ongoings in Ukraine. As a result, the average price of petrol has risen by more than 40p per litre since last year’s Spring Statement.

But don’t worry, the chancellor announced a 5p a litre reduction in fuel duty for the next year, which apparently takes some of the sting out of rising prices. If you ask me, that’s a drop in the ocean as it would only knock approximately £3.30 off the cost of filling a typical 55-litre family car.

However, when you compare it with the ongoing rise in rail fares, you have to think about what the most cost-effective, and sustainable way to travel moving forwards is.

Taxes and NI

In September, the government announced that employees will pay 1.25p more in the pound from their pay packet in National Insurance contributions. In a significant move, he has now said that the earnings threshold at which people start to pay National Insurance will rise.

As it stands, most workers start paying National Insurance contributions when their income hits £9,568. They pay 12% of earnings between £9,568 and £50,270, then 2% on any earnings above £50,270.

From July, the chancellor has said that National Insurance will be paid on income over £12,570 a year – the same level as income tax starts being paid.

But what does this really mean?

Simply, anyone earning less than £35,000 a year will pay less for National Insurance. That is about 70% of all workers. Those who earn more will see a tax rise, albeit smaller than they would have expected.

This could be of benefit the majority of workers in our industry. For example, an employee who earns around £20,000 a year, will see an annual National Insurance cut of £180 in 2022-23, instead of an £89 rise expected before the announcement.

In addition to this, the Employment Allowance, which gives relief to smaller businesses’ National Insurance payments, will increase from £4,000 to £5,000 from April.

Unemployment rate dropped

The unemployment rate is now predicted to be lower over the next few years than in the OBR’s previous forecast in October. But I ask this? Where are all the workers? Our industry is crying out for people. My LinkedIn feed is full of people recruiting. Our industry is coming back, and it’s coming back stronger, and we need workers to fill the demand.

With all the refugees coming over from Ukraine, now is the time to fast track visas and make these people employable. The jobs are out there, we just need the people to fill them.

Looking to the future

In reflection, we look at what has been announced, and many are questioning if this is enough. Is the government holding back for an election year to then swoop in with amazing cuts? Possibly so, but that doesn’t help us now as there is a continued cry for help from individuals and businesses for the support needed for survival.

We will remain positive about the future of our industry – because that’s just what we do. But it’s a time when we must remain supportive of one another as we continue to fight the challenges we all face ahead as our industry continues to fight back.