When planning a corporate event, it is important to brand your venue to immerse yourguests fully. It is beneficial to weave your brand and what it stands for throughout the event’s theme, decor, content, and even smaller details like lighting and music.
When each part of the event aligns with your brand voice, you come away with a more powerful message for effective brand recognition. This means your message is more likely to be embedded into your guests, even after the event is over.
Which venues have the most opportunity for branding to tell your company’s story? Check out some of our favourites.
Uniquely situated opposite Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, the award-winning Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre is a premier purpose-built venue. Designed to offer the finest conferencing facilities, it combines modern comfort with the latest technology.
Catering for 40-1,300 delegates, the
extensive range of options offers thirty-two versatile spaces which can be used
in a variety of combinations.
Catriona says “Using QEII Live, with digital signage and displays whether that be for registrations, directions, and advertising.”
Max delegates: 5000 Meeting rooms: 4 Nearest airport: 31mins
Whether you are looking for a spot
for a product launch, brand activation, fashion event or a location for filming
and broadcast – Factory International is a venue like no other. A venue born
out of a festival and run by Factory International, collaborate with the best
event, production, and technical teams to bring your vision to life.
With flexible indoor and outdoor
space and room for 300 – 5,000 people, their spaces are without limits. Four
unique, flexible spaces can be hired individually or in combination to create
large-scale, impactful events with flexibility throughout.
Felicity comments: “With a glass fronted entrance and plenty of lobby space offering excellent branding opportunities and an AV partner company on hand.”
ACC Liverpool, part of the Liverpool
event campus, is an interconnected arena, convention, and exhibition centre,
beautifully positioned on the banks of Liverpool’s world heritage waterfront.
The venue’s team are enthusiastic
about conferences, exhibitions, and the industry. With more than 11 years of
experience in event delivery, it has matured into one of the most
well-connected conference destinations in the UK.
East Midlands Conference Centre has its own AV equipment and team, and there’s practically no limitations to what they can assist you with. Wanting to launch a new type of car? They’ve got space and the flooring to support that. Wanting to present to hundreds of people? There’s an auditorium for that. Want to host a Gala Dinner with space to your own private garden area? There’s a meeting room for that too!
Nichole says: “With plenty of car parking spaces, and close to the Nottingham Train Station, this venue is located just on the outskirts of the busy city, but once inside, you’re met with calm tones and subtle hints of history of Nottingham. Upon entrance, this fantastic venue has screens which can be used to assist your displaying your branding everywhere, all the way down to the meeting spaces you book.”
To book a venue is so more than a space to meet. Each of these venues offers a wow factor that can transform the feel and memories of your delegates’ experiences.
Follow the link on each venue to book, or give give our venue search a try at EDGEVenues.com. Want to book a venue for your meeting or event?
When you book a venue that’s right for your event, it’s not just about transforming a business meeting from mundane to memorable. It’s about unlocking the potential of your team and inspiring them to think differently, or achieve more. The right environment can play such a pivotal role in setting the tone and enhancing the overall impact.
We were reminded of this at a recent industry event, which prompted us to collate a list of our team’s favourite inspirational spaces. These spaces have left a lasting impression on them by turning an ordinary meeting into an extraordinary experience.
Nichole says, “I LOVE this style of venue! It’s something that’s so different, so unexpected, yet so stylish and modern. Forget about your standard boardrooms, forget about your plain rooms, this venue does it all for you. Stunning views of the capital city, bringing the outdoors inside, it does exactly what is says on the tin – Treehouse London provides that completely different feel to meetings & events. I can’t help but keep looking at the pictures, and I’ll be visiting soon for sure.”
Catriona comments: “When first entering the property with its marble columns and original mosaic tiled floor, this property makes an impressive first impression, not that the outside does impress either. From its beautiful wowing grand ballroom to the palm court with its beautiful, frosted glass ceiling, there is so much choice but all with an individual style and feel.”
To book a venue is so more than a space to meet. Each of these venues offers a wow factor that can transform the feel and memories of your delegates’ experiences.
Want to book a venue for your meeting or event? Give our search a try at EDGEVenues.com.
This month’s news round-up brings you some of the industry and association news from May 2024, including delegates demanding employee wellness, IMEX success, industry app pilot, and more.
Employee wellness tops the corporate agenda for offsite meetings
A new survey has revealed that 77% of event planners are prioritising employee wellness facilities in response to delegate wishes.
Research by Hand Picked Hotels polled five hundred event planners and also found that events are now increasingly being planned last minute. Just under half, 43% say they are booking offsites between one and four weeks out from the meeting or event date, with just 2% booking six months in advance.
The top five planners’ priorities are big on employee wellness:
Nutritious food and beverage offerings (48%) – in number one position is food and beverage, booking event caterers that not only deliver delicious food, but healthy menus too are key with delegates expressing their wish for it to be healthy.
A wellness walk (34%) – walking is one of the easiest ways to improve wellbeing. It is also free and accessible and an effective way of building in a business break for delegates.
A wellness experience (25%) – a quarter of respondents cite breathing and relaxation techniques as important to delegates. Many venues can offer on-site massages as well as mindfulness and yoga classes for delegate / employee wellness.
Access to spas and health club facilities (24%) – keeping fit with regular exercise is desired by many delegates and for those who travel a lot, maintaining a routine is welcome if they can fit in some exercise while attending an event.
Outdoors activity (19%) – being outside is beneficial for mind and body and in fifth place is the desire to do some events outdoors. For planners, this can be challenging because inclement weather may make planning difficult but where a wet weather plan is possible and in the summer months more certainty can be reached, outdoor activities are welcomed.
With more companies leaving remote working behind, the popularity of face to face meetings in 2023 has returned to pre pandemic levels; and with it the focus is now ensuring meetings and events support and aid employee wellness – physical and mental.
The study also unveiled the 2024 market is all about late bookings, with 43% of planners admitting to booking offsites between one and four weeks out from the meeting or event date and only 2% booking six months out, evidence of more spontaneity in the marketplace.
IMEX Frankfurt welcomes 12,000 global suppliers and event professionals
IMEX 2024 saw 12,000 global suppliers and event professionals come together, for 63,000 buyer-exhibitor meetings over three transformative Frankfurt days.
Updates on imex-frankfurt.com news pages share that the past few years have, “challenged us all to reimagine every aspect of what we, as event professionals do. IMEX Frankfurt 2024 reflected this transformative journey, showcasing where events are heading, and how we can, as a global community, work together to shape a brighter future.
“The IMEX events microcosm saw big-name, star-turn, up-and coming and ground-breaking suppliers ignite our show floor; stand-out speakers and standing-room only sessions tap into the hunger for learning; and a whirlwind of business meetings, exchanges and transformative connections bring a dynamic energy to every corner of the halls.”
What’s more, M&IT Magazine has reported that encouraging the next generation of event planners entering the sector was the focus of many conversations at the show. IMEX CEO Carina Bauer told the publication:
“We’ve been really pleased with the number of young people attending our Rising Talent programme for those with up to three years’ experience. It was also great to see the launch of a complementary programme – Young Stars – part of our broadest ever range of German language education and an integral part of the hugely successful MICE Impact Academy.”
University of Northampton commissions Power of Events research app pilot
The Power of Events has announced the launch of its first research project through the Events Industry Insight App, in collaboration with Claire Drakeley from the University of Northampton.
From May 22nd to mid-July, industry professionals can participate in this pioneering study, which aims to improve decision-making in event management.
The Events Industry Insight App is the first digital app tool available for all commissioners of research in the UK Events Industry.
EVCOM London Live Awards announces new agency-focused categories
As the EVCOM London Live Awards readied to open its entries on May 23rd, it announced a new roster of agency-focused categories.
As agencies often work on events that are outside their control and are often unable to share the incredible work they do due to client permissions, EVCOM’s new categories celebrate agency cultures and workplaces instead.
Entrants are invited to answer three questions on the initiative or strategy, the journey to its creation (how they identified the need for the initiative and shaped it to ensure it met the needs of the team and agency) and the impact (what the effect has been on the individuals in the agency, and the agency as a whole).
Plus, a new free-to-enter category recognises an agency’s overall culture. The new agency-focused categories include Best People Engagement Initiative, Best DEI Initiative, Best ESG Strategy Initiative, and Best Agency Culture of the Year.
RWS Global, the world leader in live moments, today announced the acquisition of Great Big Events (GBE), a leading sports event production company known for its work on the world’s biggest sporting events. Past credits include over 100 World Championships, World Cups, Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and multi-sport Games.
As a result of this transaction, the company is launching RWS Global Sports, a new division of RWS Global that will provide an unrivalled, comprehensive range of offerings, including venue design, entertainment, sports production, merchandise and more. The new RWS Global Sports division will serve as a one-of-a-kind solution for clients, offering best-in-class, end-to-end live experiential offerings for audiences worldwide.
“This exciting acquisition redefines the possibilities for integrated, live sports and entertainment experiences on a global scale and propels us into a new realm of innovation and creativity,” said Ryan Stana, Chairman and CEO of RWS Global. “Fusing together our teams, resources and talent strengthens our position as leaders in the live experiential sector and allows us to deliver unprecedented live sports and entertainment experiences for our clients and their audiences across the globe.”
GBE co-founder Kim Henshaw will join and lead the RWS Global Sports division, bringing extensive industry expertise and knowledge that will be invaluable as RWS Global continues to expand its presence in the live entertainment and sporting events market.
IACC publishes Meeting Room of The Future trends report
IACC has published a report combining research and insights from 275 meeting planners worldwide into the future role of hotels and venues and trends in areas such as physical attributes, food and beverage, technology, and social impact. These evolving trends in conference attendee behaviours and needs will shape the future of conferences, meetings, and events with up to 250 attendees for the next three years and beyond.
The report, the first to seek the opinions of those arranging business events since 2019, supports the widely held view that the creative experiences and relationships built at live events cannot be replicated through technology alone and that Digitally Live Events will remain a feature for successful companies and communities.
Some key insights of the report include:
Food and beverage are still evolving. Many venues are reporting lower consumption of alcohol. Additionally, venues are dealing with increasingly complex and specific requests for dietary accommodations.
Venues are prioritising sustainability. Many venues have implemented programs to reduce food waste and single-use plastics, producing social responsibility & sustainability statements.
Demands and requirements are continuing to change. Breakout rooms are often requested, emphasising informal, comfortable seating that encourages team building and creativity.
Venues are starting to adapt to the next generation’s behavioural differences. Some venues are breaking up their events with more time for breaks and personal time and leveraging smaller groups to encourage more one-on-one engagement.
Adaptability to changing client needs is becoming a standard. 71% of venues have three-quarters to 100% of their meeting rooms equipped with flexible equipment and furniture that can roll quickly on wheels or be re-configured to turn a room quickly and efficiently.
Birmingham is shortlisted to host Invictus Games 2027
The Invictus Games Foundation has revealed that Washington DC, USA and Birmingham, UK have been shortlisted to host the Invictus Games in 2027. This shortlist has been confirmed after a detailed process which was launched last year. A final decision by the board of trustees will be made by the end of July.
The bid from the city of Washington, led by Events DC, has outlined several potential venues in and around the city, with a focus on the George Washington University campus, alongside an indicative sports schedule which includes the nine core Invictus Games sports, plus the addition of esports.
The UK government-backed bid focuses on the NEC, Birmingham, and draws the connection to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Selly Oak and wider Defence Medical assets in the region. Birmingham also seeks to utilise the nine core sports alongside e-sports, as well as exploring the addition of a team triathlon as a potential new sport.
This could lead to a surge in hotel room and venue space bookings in the city, so don’t delay and book your event in Birmingham today to avoid disappointment.
Why choose Belfast for meetings and events? The capital city of Northern Ireland, is a vibrant and dynamic destination, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled on the banks of the River Lagan, Belfast is a city that has transformed dramatically over the years, emerging as a major cultural and economic hub in the United Kingdom.
FUN FACT: The River Lagan is crossed by over 20 bridges, with the Lagan Weir regulating the river’s flow and creating a navigable waterway.
History and Culture
Belfast has an exciting past that dates back to the early
17th century. It played a crucial role during the Industrial Revolution,
becoming a global centre for linen production, shipbuilding, and trade. The
city is famously known as the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, built in the
Harland and Wolff shipyard.
Today, Belfast is a city of contrasts, where Victorian
architecture meets modern innovation. The Troubles, a period of conflict from
the late 1960s to 1998, left a significant mark on the city, but Belfast has
since become a symbol of peace and resilience.
Must-See Attractions
You may already be familiar with Belfast’s most famous
attraction, the Titanic Belfast. This award-winning visitor attraction tells
the story of the Titanic, from its conception in Belfast to its tragic maiden
voyage. Located in the Titanic Quarter, the museum’s interactive exhibits and
full-scale reconstructions make it a must-visit.
FUN FACT: The city’s Harland and Wolff shipyard has two massive cranes, Samson, and Goliath, which are prominent landmarks on the skyline.
Another great attraction is City Hall. An iconic symbol of
Belfast, the City Hall is an architectural masterpiece located in Donegall
Square. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the building’s history
and the city’s governance.
For some serenity, visit the Botanic Gardens and Ulster
Museum. Located in the Queen’s Quarter, the Botanic Gardens are a lush retreat
in the city, home to exotic plants and the stunning Palm House. The nearby
Ulster Museum highlights everything from art to natural history and a section
on the Troubles.
Finally, visitors who enjoy gruesome and brutal storytelling
can visit Crumlin Road Gaol. This 19th-century prison offers guided tours that
provide a fascinating insight into Belfast’s restless history. Visitors can
explore the cells, tunnels, and execution chamber (eek).
Culture and Entertainment
Belfast’s cultural scene is thriving, with numerous
theatres, galleries, and music venues. The city is known for its vibrant arts
community and hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Belfast
Film Festival and the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.
The Lyric Theatre in Belfast is Northern Ireland’s only
full-time producing theatre, displaying a mix of classic plays and innovative
writing. It is the winner of ‘UK Theatre of the Year’ 2023, making it the
perfect place to watch an entertaining show on an evening.
Belfast City has launched a ten-year cultural strategy, A City Imagining, to
help meet the Belfast Agenda vision for 2035, which imagines a culturally
vibrant city. Belfast will be bidding to become a designated UNESCO City of
Music
The city is preparing to open our new cultural attraction in
2028, the Belfast Destination Hub, which will share the “Belfast Story” with
the world.
Getting There and Around
Belfast International Airport (BFS) is the main airport,
located about thirteen miles northwest of the city centre. It offers flights to
various UK cities, Europe, and North America. George Best Belfast City Airport
(BHD), closer to the city centre, primarily serves domestic and short-haul
European flights.
Transportation within Belfast is convenient, with an
extensive network of buses, black taxis, and trains. The city is also
pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore the central areas on foot.
Belfast for Meeting and Events – Venues
From hotels to the city’s purpose-built conference centre, there are plenty of options in Belfast for meetings and events. In 2018 Belfast won ‘Best Events Destination’ due to its fantastic infrastructure that suits the industry so well.
Belfast’s purpose-built conference centre, ICC Belfast won
the ‘Best Events Venue’ at the C&IT Awards, and it is not hard to see
why. The venue has 7,000m² of flexible, inclusive, and accessible space
with a plethora of event spaces to suit any event from meetings to large
conferences.
The 2,000-seat Main Auditorium is the perfect stage for a
conference opening address or keynote speaker sessions. The seating blocks can
be sectioned off so whether it is a conference for 400 or 2,000, every delegate
has an uninterrupted stage view.
Find your next venue in Belfast for meetings and events, here!
Recently ranked one of the
UK’s top ten cities to live and work in, Aberdeen is set to get better still as
the city and surrounding region of Aberdeenshire are growing on all fronts.
There is so much to do in the
North East of Scotland, using Aberdeen as a hub: from the cultural, theatrical
and musical events at His Majesty’s Theatre and the The Music Hall to the many
places to learn such as the Gordon Highlanders Museum and the living
interactive child museum The Satrosphere.
A drive of about 15 minutes
from Aberdeen City centre takes you to the beautiful countryside of Royal
Deeside onto the The Castle Trail but watch out for the ghosts! Not your kind
of spirit? Check out the nearby Distilleries for Aberdeenshire’s famous
whiskys.
Up in Aberdeen, you can still hear words from an original Scots language – Doric – and revel in Scottish culture with its “couthie” people and its “affa fine” traditions. As it is a place that’s used to being off the tourism track, known rather for its natural resources – the city’s granite, its oil, its fish, beef, whisky, and the native language still thrive.
Our top venues picks
Hilton Aberdeen TECA
Situated at The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) and less than two miles from Aberdeen International Airport, Hilton Aberdeen TECA is a fantastic venue for meetings and events. It sits just seven miles from Aberdeen City centre with easy access to golf courses, whisky trails, and castle tours.
This modern, stylish, and unique style building is remarkably close to the Airport and perfect for meetings/events, with great facilities on-site you will not have to go far to relax after a day or two in the boardroom.
Park Inn by Radisson Aberdeen
Park Inn by Radisson Aberdeen is in the city centre, located just off Union Street, in the City’s ‘Granite Mile.’ The hotel is the perfect home base for exploring local attractions. The hotel is within walking distance of the train and bus stations as well as shopping and business districts.
The hotel is only ten kilometres from Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) and nearby attractions include Balmoral Castle and the Malt Whisky Trail. The recently opened modern 4-star hotel in the centre of the city, offers 185 bedrooms, eight meeting rooms, RBG Bar & Grill, and a fitness centre. The hotel also offers complimentary Wi-Fi to the guests.
Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa
Situated in one of the city’s most historic buildings, Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel & Spa has three newly refurbished conference rooms which are available for hosting meetings & private events. All have flexible spaces which are perfect for break-out areas for delegates.
You will find this stunning venue in the former Robert Gordon University, St Andrews Street Campus, as the historic building contributes to the architectural landscape of the city.
This month’s news round-up brings you some of the industry and association news and views from April 2024, including IMEX Frankfurt 2024, Edinburgh business events, ISO 20121, HOSPA report, and more.
Headlines
4,000 buyers are expected at IMEX Frankfurt 2024.
The event takes place at Messe Frankfurt on 14-16 May.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group told M&IT, “We know that face to face events are where some of the most valuable business conversations take place – according to EIC research as many as 22 per cent of new customers are generated through in-person events. Our show’s carefully designed to facilitate this and, from the demand we’re currently seeing from both buyers and suppliers, the appetite to meet and do business as we head into the second quarter of the year is impressive.”
Suppliers representing destinations, venues, hotels are ready to do business at the show. And an area of the show floor devoted to technology will showcase solutions covering payments, virtual events and content management among others.
Convention Edinburgh has partnered with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce to showcase the power of business events for the city.
At an inaugural partnership event – ‘Why business events matter: the economic power and impact of events’ – on Tuesday 30th April at the EICC, speakers from across Edinburgh’s events, technology, and academic sectors will discuss how a collaborative cross-sector approach can pay dividends for the city.
The speakers lined up for the event are Professor Gary Hutchison, Dean of Applied Science at Edinburgh Napier University, Turing Fest’s chief operating officer Tanya Gaxiola, and Lesley Williams, Director at Caellium and former Managing Director of Best Cities.
Marshall Dallas, EICC, CEO, said: “We’re excited to partner with the Chamber of Commerce, and we fully expect next week’s event to be insightful given the calibre of speakers we have in place. Importantly, it also reflects on the shared passion we have for Edinburgh and how business events can have an outsized benefit towards local economic impact.”
VisitScotland’s Business Events Association Report in March revealed that business event visitors to Scotland spend more per head than any other kind of visitor, with an International delegate spending approximately £450 per day. By contrast, leisure visitors from Scotland’s highest-value international market, the USA, spend around £180 per day according to latest data.
The EICC took on the guardianship of Convention Edinburgh on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council in May 2022, with a remit that includes attracting conferences and events to Edinburgh, supporting city bids, and assisting event bookers during the destination and venue selection process for their conferences.
During this time, Convention Edinburgh has received over 400 enquiries, confirming 60 events which will attract over 21,000 delegates to the city, equating to £47 million of economic impact.
Amanda Wrathall, Lead at Convention Edinburgh said: “The small but agile team we put together for Convention Edinburgh has done a fantastic job over the last couple of years, with their performance reflected in the positive numbers that have come through. Credit must also go to the multiple city partners who have supported and contributed to the business event outcomes to date.”
Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, added: “The £47 million economic benefit clearly illustrates the value that the convention bureau brings to the city. In addition to this, the bureau’s work supports jobs across a wide range of sectors in the city, both directly and indirectly.
“It is vital that our policy-makers understand the role and impact of business tourism, which attracts high-spending visitors, many of whom will return to the city for holidays after attending business events here, and some even to live and work. It is a crucial component in promoting our city to the global community and has proven to be extremely successful.”
AGF (A Greener Future) has published its latest Festival Sustainability report for European festivals.
The 2024 report compiles a year’s worth of research and analysis from over 40 festivals across Europe into sections covering mobility, food and drink, water and sanitation, power and fuel use, waste and recycling, and carbon emissions.
There have been some significant areas of improvement, such as the increase in bans on single-use plastic serve ware from 54% in 2022 to 75% in 2023, the reduction in average waste per person per day from 0.75 kg to 0.5 kg, and more festivals going fully vegan or vegetarian.
AGF also expanded its carbon footprint breakdowns for festivals and comparedemissions by type of festival. The results further highlighted the significant impact of travel and transport and that food and drink are often the second largest source of emissions after audience transport. Festivals that moved to a fully meat-free event reduced their food-related emissions by over 60% on average.
Claire O’Neill, AGF CEO, Says: “2024 is the 18th year that AGF is assessing festival impacts worldwide. It’s good to see improved understanding, data, and performance from events. We are seeing progress, but more still needs to be done to now additionally adapt to changing and more extreme weather. There is a huge opportunity for collaboration with other sectors such as transport, energy, water and food who all have targets for net zero and protecting ecosystems. New ways of doing things need dynamic and attractive platforms to reach people, which is what festivals are. While progress is good, the background is changing, adversely – We’re on a path to net zero but the path just got steeper, so we need to keep upping our game.”
Anyone interested in how the festival sector compares to corporate events can read AGF’s full report, here.
The SITE GB board has announced that Deborah Crosswell and Joe O’Connell will be stepping up to the role of co-presidents in 2025.
The pair will take over from Anthony Kelly and Leigh Butterfield who will stand down at the end of 2024 but remain on the board as immediate past presidents.
Since January 2023, the chapter has been led by co-presidents Kelly and Leigh, who with the support of the board, have seen the chapter achieve its largest membership level since inception and attract a record-breaking attendance at the now-renowned Annual Christmas Lunch in 2023, raising over £26,000 for industry charity Meeting Needs.
Crosswell, client relationship director at creative communications agency Top Banana, and O’Connell, founder and CEO of growing events agency Black Book, are both currently serving as directors on the board and between them bring many years industry experience to their co-presidency.
“We are delighted to be taking the reins from Anthony and Leigh and look forward to working with the board to build on their strong legacy and continue growing and developing the SITE GB chapter,” they said.
“It’s been a privilege to be serve as co-presidents of SITE GB over the past 18 months, during which there has been many highlights for the chapter. There is still plenty of work to do before the end of the year, and we’re looking forward to continuing to lead the board as we deliver more fun and inspiring events for the UK incentive travel community over the next few months,” added Kelly and Butterfield.
Report shows a 14% total revenue increase in UK conferences and events.
The sector overview, compiled by HOSPA (The Hospitality Professionals Association), is based on data from sources such as Hotstats, Venue Performance, and De Vere Hotels.
The UK hospitality industry appears healthy, with a positive outlook for ‘2024 and beyond’ – by the end of 2023, reported revenues ‘bounced back to be more or less in line with 2019 levels’.
What’s more, when comparing 2023 against 2022, ‘hospitality businesses, typically, enjoyed a more than 14% increase in Total Revenue – and a 13.7% growth in Gross Profit.’
According the The Business of Events, Jane Pendlebury, CEO of HOSPA, said: “As we recently passed the four year anniversary of the start of the pandemic, in some respects it feels like a distant memory. But the effects on the hospitality industry were so profound, it left scars on the sector that will take longer to heal. Analysing conferences and events though has presented a refreshing and reassuring picture – which shows that recovery, in some instances, has been very positive.
And while some aspects have returned to 2019 levels, others, specifically conference and banqueting have been reinvigorated and revitalised to the point they’ve surpassed previous performance. This is fantastic to see.
As a sector, it’s important we take stock and look at areas of strength and weakness. And whilst parties have declined –impacted by economic factors as well as post-pandemic optics – the fact that other areas of hospitality have come to the fore in their place, just serves to underline the resilience of the hospitality industry. It’s something we should all be grateful for!”
The Events Industry Alliance has published its eighth Size and Scale Index for Exhibitions report.
The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) – the collective associations of AEO, AEV and ESSA, has published the eighth Size and Scale Index for Exhibitions (SASIE) report.
The total number of event days and total gross space sold has increased since 2022 and is now broadly on a par with pre-Covid figures. However, average duration and average gross and net size of exhibitions were slightly down on the previous year.
Marija Erzen, co-owner, Solutions2, ESSA chair and current EIA chair, commented, “The report provides vitally important market insight for our industry and includes cumulative comparative data from 2015.”
Rachel Parker, AEV director, said, “The report is now the only one of its kind providing in depth analysis of UK exhibitions and is of great value for both our members and in discussions with government. As always, we are appreciative of the time and resource contributed by the participating AEV and AEO members, many of whom have been providing data since the report’s inception in 2014.”
Erzen remarked, “With over 1,000 exhibitions, the 2023 report shows the number of exhibitions were up significantly and at comparable levels to the pre-Covid period. Visitor and exhibitor numbers also showed signs of recovery although not yet reaching pre-Covid levels. We have seen some venues reporting their highest number of new show launches helping to truly underline the positive impact of the exhibitions industry on UK trade.”
The increase in events in 2023 is partly explained by a significant upturn in conference events (with minimum 500m2 of exhibition space) but also many new consumer events, impacting positively on totals.
Parker added, “The UK exhibitions industry will continue to play a crucial role in driving international trade and prosperity for business event destinations across the UK while, at the same time, supporting the government’s growth agenda. We will continue working with policy makers to reduce trade friction and ensure greater access to markets for the industry.”
The report is compiled annually by RJS Associates and Tony Rogers Conference & Event Services. Participating AEV and AEO members submit the data which is then weighted and analysed to produce the report.
BSI has published updated ISO 20121 sustainability standard for events.
BSI has published an updated version of the event management sustainability framework, ISO 20121, with increased focus on climate change, supply chain, and human rights.
Find out more in from the YouTube clip below, from Positive Impact – the not for profit organisation set up to provide education, training and inspiration for the event sector on how to operate sustainably:
Power of Events Schools Engagement Programme is back for summer.
The Power of Events, the not-for-profit platform that provides an overview showcase of the UK Events Industry, event analysis and data evaluation to support the community, has reported significant progress in its Schools Engagement Programme, launched in January 2024. In the three months to March, it has engaged over 2,750 pupils at 15 schools in the East of England pilot, supported by EIF grant funding.
The programme has received positive feedback from ambassadors who have witnessed first-hand the impact the programme has on pupils.
The pilot has reported a 63% growth in pupils’ understanding of what the events industry is and linked consideration of a career in the events industry. It climbs from an initial 2% pre-presentation to 65% post-presentation.
There are a further 35 school engagements booked in during the summer term which PoE says should result in total engagement of over 9,000 pupils.
Plans are being initiated for expanding across the UK into new regions in the autumn with more information promised soon.
Andy Rice from MEI, one of the Schools Engagement Programme ambassadors said, “Supporting the Power of Events with their schools initiative has been very rewarding. It has been heartening to see glazed faces of indifference transform to engaged enthusiasm when the breadth and depth of the events industry is shared and the opportunities which exist for young people and the multitude of paths to entry are explained.”
ITB China 2024 returns, matching the exhibition’s 2019 scale.
ITB China 2024, from 27 to 29 May at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, marks a pivotal moment for the global tourism community. Boasting +600 exhibitors, over 1,000 hand-selected buyers, the ITB China Conference running alongside the exhibition, and numerous networking opportunities, ITB China 2024 is set to be another landmark event.
ITB China 2024 has surpassed the scale of 2019, signalling a robust recovery for the industry. With more than 600 travel and tourism organisations and companies from over 80 countries confirming their participation, this represents a remarkable 60% scale increase compared to the previous year, demonstrating the event’s growing success.
Lydia Li, Deputy General Manager of ITB China, said: “ITB China 2024 is a testament to the resurgence of China’s travel market. Despite ongoing challenges, the overwhelming participation of our exhibitors, buyers and trade visitors reflects renewed confidence in the industry. With strong partnerships and an unparalleled number of international exhibitors, including many newcomers, this year’s event marks the return to pre-pandemic levels in China.”
ITB China’s travel think tank, ITB China Conference, will offer content and insights tailored to address the information needs of exhibitors and visitors, providing an in-depth understanding of the Chinese and global tourism market. With a line-up of around 100 outstanding speakers covering some 50 thought-provoking topics, attendees can expect valuable discussions on industry hotspots and emerging trends and foster meaningful connections with industry key opinion leaders.
Highlights include a round table conference co-hosted with the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), focused on raising professionalism and international influence of China’s MICE industry. The conference will also feature a keynote address by Trip.com Group, the Travel Service Partner and content partner of the ITB China Travel Trend Report 2024/25, offering unique insights into emerging trends, Chinese traveller behaviour, and market opportunities.
For more information about ITB China 2024, visit www.itbchina.com
As a team of people at EDGE
Venues who have been in the meetings and events sector for so long, the
economic impact of events is evident to us. Yet fully defining it as an
industry seems to be a challenge.
In this blog, we look at some
of the more recent industry discussions and attempts at defining the economic
impact of events.
Economic impact of events
In the last few years, trying
to define our industry’s value has been crucial for many reasons – survival,
gaining support, recovery and growth.
Yet, it becomes complicated
when you stand back and look at the bigger picture – how interconnected we are
with so many other industries. And while many industry outsiders think of
events as festivals and parties, eventprofs have an inherent understanding of
how much more diverse our space really is.
Quantifying the impact
In March 2020, the UK Events
Report put a number on it! £84 billion per year! This almost inconceivable
number wrapped together conferences and meetings, exhibitions and trade
shows, incentive travel, corporate outdoor events, arts and cultural events,
festivals, fairs, and shows, sporting events, weddings, and music events.
Following the 2022 launch of
The Power of Events (UK), the not-for-profit defined seven industry areas,
placing a significant yet likely underestimated £29.3bn on the two combined
areas of exhibitions and congress and business and brand experiences. The Power
of Events has made big leaps in its mission to showcase, respect and value the
world-leading UK events industry.
In November 2023, The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) published its Economic Impact Study to quantify the economic significance of exhibitions in the UK.
The EIA works on behalf of
the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), the Association of Event Venues
(AEV) and the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) to support the
events industry through parliamentary meetings, presenting policy asks and providing
research.
Chris Skeith OBE commented, “The new report, again created in conjunction with UFI and compiled by OE, demonstrates the scale of the exhibition sector’s influence. It provides a clear snapshot of exhibition industry metrics and direct spending, analysis of the economic impact and the methods used to calculate those.”
The report shows the UK
exhibition industry generates £9.4 billion in trade and attracts 6.1 million
visitors to the UK. It provides a breakdown of spending and impact,
distinguishing between direct, indirect and induced impacts.
Although specific to the
exhibitions industry, the report makes an interesting point –
‘induced impacts’ -‘ that correlates with what we see in Global reports
such as the 2023 Global Economic Significance of Business Events study.
Global value
Since 2017, the Events Industry Council has partnered with Oxford Economics to study the global economic significance of business events. And its 2023 Global Economic Significance of Business Events study, published in May last year, aimed to evaluate the ‘full scope and economic significance of the $1.6 trillion USD global business events industry.’
The report’s research and
analysis, across 50 countries, covers the far-reaching benefits of business
events. Interestingly, the researchers describe many of the broader impacts of
events that we often think about at EDGE Venues – the advantages delivered by
business events that are difficult to measure, “areas like knowledge sharing,
innovation and employee engagement—important impacts that go well beyond direct
event spending.”
The report defines key terms
in its Executive Summary:
What qualifies as a business event in this study?
A gathering of 10 or more participants for a minimum of four hours in a contracted venue. This includes business events but excludes social, educational (formal educational activities at primary, secondary, and university level education), and recreational activities. Consumer exhibitions are included.
How are economic impacts measured?
Economic impacts refer to the economic activity supported by direct spending on business events. These economic impacts include direct effects, such as jobs in planning and producing business events, as well as jobs supporting participants’ travel to attend events; indirect impacts that include supply chain effects, such as when event organisers and suppliers purchase inputs from businesses in other sectors, and induced impacts as those directly supported by business events spend their income.
What is business events direct spending?
Business events direct spending consists of spending to plan and produce business events, business events related travel, and other direct spending, such as spending by exhibitors. In this study, it is reported in nominal US dollars.
What are catalytic effects and how do they differ from economic impacts?
Economic impacts measured in this research refer to the activity supported strictly by the spending that occurs around the organisation, production, travel and attendance at business events. Catalytic effects refer to the important broader impacts that occur as the result of business events, ranging from new business opportunities, knowledge transfers and future sales generated through exhibits at trade shows to innovative research collaborations fostered through medical conferences, new skills learned through training, or career connections made through technology or creative sector conferences.
…Perhaps unsurprisingly, the executive summary of the research confirms that many ‘catalytic effects’ are difficult to measure and quantify, which “presents the key risk that much of the true significance of business events goes unmeasured, unreported, and therefore undervalued.”
But – and this is a point we can hugely get behind – there is progress in understanding and communicating the importance of the catalytic effects of business events.
With packed agendas and tight schedules, prioritising meetings and events wellbeing might seem like a luxury rather than a necessity.
Yet, MIND reports that 34% of people say work is their biggest cause of stress with long hours, responsibilities, negative behaviour, and more. The number highlights the growing importance of adopting healthy environments – even within the context of meetings and events.
At EDGE Venues, we understand the pivotal role that venues play in shaping the attendee experience. Beyond providing event backdrops, venues have the power to nurture wellbeing and create spaces that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and wellness.
So here, we present our guide to seamlessly integrating wellness into meetings and events to reduce stress and promote mindfulness.
Venue selection for wellness
The journey towards looking after well-being begins long before attendees set foot in the venue. It starts with thoughtful venue selection – choosing spaces that prioritise natural light, greenery, and ergonomic design.
From conference rooms with sunlight to outdoor settings in nature, a venue can set the stage for a meeting that energises attendees.
A great example is ICC Wales. Its meeting rooms are flooded with natural daylight which has numerous health benefits. These advantages include stress and anxiety reduction, boosting the immune system, and producing serotonin (the feel-good hormone) – all contributing to our well-being and positive state of mind.
Whether it is offering meditation or mindfulness sessions, the freshest food, or simply smiling to welcome delegates – the venue aims to promote and create that sense of wellbeing amongst visitors.
Creating the perfect atmosphere
Once the venue is selected, the next step is to curate an environment that supports well-being throughout the event. Consider incorporating elements of nature – such as living walls, indoor plants, and natural materials. The changes can create a connection with the natural world.
After 10 years of study, psychologists at Exeter University concluded that there can be a productivity boost of up to 15% when indoor plants are present. And with over 300,000 species of plants to choose from, incorporating plants is simple and effective for meetings and events wellbeing.
Temperature and air
quality are also key factors in creating a comfortable and healthy environment.
Ensure that meeting spaces are well-ventilated with access to fresh air and
maintain optimal temperature levels to prevent discomfort or fatigue. Hydration
stations offering infused water and herbal teas can encourage attendees to stay
hydrated throughout the day.
It has been found
that herbal tea is especially good for hydration. Switching to herbal tea in
the afternoon can also help sleep by reducing nighttime anxiety and jitters,
which can be aftereffects of drinking caffeinated tea.
Don’t neglect emotional wellbeing
In addition to physical comfort, mental and emotional wellbeing should be a priority. Consider building mindfulness and relaxation techniques into the event agenda – anything from guided meditation sessions and yoga breaks to outdoor walking meetings.
These activities provide attendees with an opportunity to recharge and de-stress, encouraging a positive and productive atmosphere.
Select your menu with wellness in mind
Nutrition plays a
fundamental role in well-being, and offering healthy and nourishing catering
options can further enhance the attendee experience. Opt for fresh, locally
sourced ingredients whenever possible, and provide a variety of options to
accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions. Encourage mindful
eating practices, such as taking regular breaks and savouring each bite.
The American Heart Association suggests adding in fiber-rich
foods and foods with a lot of folate, an essential nutrient that has been shown
to alleviate depression. can be found in dark, leafy greens, fruit, nuts,
beans, peas, and fish. Spinach, Brussels sprouts and asparagus are especially
high in folates.
Encouraging community and collaboration
Finally, communication and collaboration are essential in creating a culture of wellbeing within the event environment. So, engage with venue staff to ensure they are aligned with the event’s objectives and equipped to support attendees’ wellbeing needs.
And provide opportunities for feedback so attendees can share their experiences and contribute to future meetings and events wellbeing initiatives.
Meetings and events wellbeing is not just a trend – it is a fundamental aspect of creating meaningful and impactful experiences. By prioritising healthy environments, venues can play a transformative role in supporting the wellbeing of attendees and staff alike.
The standard boardroom, with polished tables and formal settings, has long been the essence of business decision-making. However, venues are evolving to provide more creative and inspiring spaces for your meetings and events.
So, if your team is tired of the boardroom meeting, and needs a change of scenery inspire action, we are here to shake things up with 10 outside-the-box spots.
Each space we’ve featured here is recommended by a member of our specialist EDGE Venues team:
Max delegates: 400 Meeting rooms: 27 Bedrooms: 360 Nearest airport: 4 min
Nichole says: “it’s simply stunning and not what you would expect for an airport venue. It’s the only venue that is connected to Manchester Airport, so it’s super accessible for your international delegates, and the space that they have to offer is incredible.
“With views of the runway from the executive lounge, the two floors of conferencing facilities provide the perfect space for a meeting or event whether it be a small board meeting for two, a gala dinner or a conference for 400 in our newly refurbished Manchester Suite. Definitely more than just an airport venue!”
Max delegates: 400
Meeting rooms: 12
Bedrooms: 158
Nearest airport: 32 mins
Freya says: “The newest addition to Oatlands Park hotel, La Terrazza brings the outside in 365 days a year! Glass walls and a retractable roof offers a natural environment for your event, with all the comfort of an indoor space.”
Max delegates: 600 Meeting rooms: 20 Bedrooms: 0 Nearest airport: 38 mins
Felicity says: “Meet and Dine amongst the world’s largest collection of historic British cars, with green space for team building, 3 outdoor event areas and a rooftop Sky Suite with private roof terrace.”
Max delegates: 800
Meeting rooms: 17
Bedrooms: 0
Nearest airport: 33 mins
Scott adds: “The very nature of Epsom Downs Racecourse means its anything but a standard venue. With sweeping views of the racecourse and the distant London skyline from indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, light and airy meeting spaces combine seamlessly with large event spaces and a selection of outdoor terraces to complete this truly unique venue.”
These spaces offer more than just a place to meet. They provide environments designed to inspire collaboration, motivation, and a lasting impression on your delegates.
Interested in going beyond four walls for your meetings or events? Search for your next space at EDGEVenues.com.
Looking for tech-savvy spaces to give your next meeting or event’s content a modern twist? Planning a hybrid event, tech brand launch, team meeting, or conference, that needs a digital-friendly backdrop?
The venues in this blog are recommended our team of our specialists at EDGE Venues, and they share why, here.
