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08/2018

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New research puts event venue Wi-Fi strategy under the spotlight

Tuesday, 14 August, 2018 - 14:38

Event Tech Live and the Event Tech Awards have partnered with The HBAA to research the disparity in Wi-Fi cost and quality at event venues.

Starting with this survey, the initiative seeks opinion from HBAA members and the ETL/ETA network to compile a definitive document about venues’ Wi-Fi policy; what buyers do to spec Wi-Fi for their events, what help they need to that end, and whether there should be a suggested industry pricing standard.

Adam Parry, Co-founder of Event Tech Live and the Event Tech Awards, says: “It’s a free market but venues looking for repeat event business should be absolutely clear about what they’re offering in terms of W-Fi provision. This research will produce a thorough analysis about what the industry needs and expects for its event dollar.”

Caleb Parker, HBAA Chair for Tech & Innovation comments: "Wi-Fi is like oxygen today. People attending events expect it to be there and work as if they're sitting at home or in their office. But not all venues have the same offering or infrastructure, and frankly, it can be confusing for buyers planning events. The HBAA and our partners are looking into this area to learn how we, as an industry, can create more transparency and clarity so organisers can better deliver the experiences their participants expect."

The survey process starts now through the end of August.  Survey results will be discussed at an HBAA event in September in advance of a roundtable discussion on the topic at Event Tech Live on November 7.

Launched in 2013 and expanded to two days this year, Event Tech Live has a database of more than 6,000 buyers, big and small. The company also hosts Event Tech Talks at a number of venues across the country, giving it first hand experience of the Wi-Fi pitch and delivery.

Click here to take the survey

Corporate Businesses Show Increased Appetite for Unique Venues - Industry experts speak out in Lime Venue Portfolio’s second Unique & Unusual Venue Report

Tuesday, 14 August, 2018 - 11:11

Corporate event organisers have become the driving force in the growth of the unique and unusual venue sector, according to new research launched today by Lime Venue Portfolio.

The Unique & Unusual Venue Report shows that it is the corporate sector that now use unique venues more than any other buyer group, making up 55% of the market. The report also underlines the role these organisers play in creating higher production, more experiential events, again growing the value of events held in unique venues.

The annual report is the second following its inception in 2017. It includes input from some of the industry’s leading personalities, including; James Heappey MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Events; Kerrin McPhee, Head of Business Events, VisitBritain; and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers, as well as statistical input from the UK Conference & Meetings Survey Report (UKCAMS). 

“When we first launched 10 years ago, no one could have imagined venues from country houses to an indoor ski slope, would be seen as such a credible, high performing venue option, or that as a group, we would be doing multiple venue agreements with the likes of EY and HSBC,” commented Jo Austin, Sales Director, Lime Venue Portfolio. “The report truly underlines the continuing growth and development of our sector in the market and its impact on the wider UK events industry. The Unique and Unusual venues sector is now making up 18% of the overall venues market.”

Unique & Unusual: A Market Overview’, was produced in partnership with Tony Rogers, events industry research expert and joint creator of the UK Conference & Meetings Survey. The report also includes contributions from Hannah Luffman, Unicorn Events, as well as video content and infographics on the sector.

Cambridgeshire community celebrates Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa’s top chefs

Monday, 13 August, 2018 - 09:12

Two of Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa’s chefs have been awarded top accolades at a recent regional food and drink awards ceremony, held on Thursday 9 August, which recognised some of the finest foodie talent in East Anglia. 

Sean Melville, Executive Head Chef was crowned Chef of the Year and Jamie Mountford, Head Chef, was a finalist in the Food & Drink Hero category at the Cambridge News Food & Drink Awards. The two chefs were nominated for the awards by their local community, and, as they received the greatest number of nominations, were shortlisted for the final and then judged by a panel of food and drink experts.

Sean Melville has been creating spectacular dishes at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa’s 2AA Rosette Squires restaurant since 2016 and has been recognised at the awards for his passion to innovate and experiment with new recipes, as well as continually championing the value of fresh, locally sourced produce. On top of managing the Squires kitchen team, Sean’s role as Executive Head Chef now includes running the kitchen at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa’s recently acquired sister Hotel, the Rutland Arms.

Sean comments: “At Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa we are always looking for new recipes and ideas that will create a unique dining experience for our guests. Being able to experiment with creative ideas like this, and seeing my team feel inspired to do the same, is what makes my work so rewarding. With such tough competition from high quality contenders from the Cambridgeshire foodie scene, it feels really special to have been recognised through the awards. I look forward to experimenting with more delicious flavours and recipes.”

Jamie Mountford, Cambridge’s very own ‘Masterchef’, has been recognised in the Food & Drink Hero category for both his exceptional cooking talents and his drive to use his skills to fundraise for causes close to his heart. Jamie charmed the nation when he participated in the 2016 series of Masterchef: The Professionals, and, with his recent promotion to Head Chef at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, continues to create spectacular dishes for guests at Squires restaurant. In his spare time, Jamie regularly organises food-tasting events in aid of Headway Cambridge, a charity that supports people who have suffered brain injuries.

Jamie comments: “We have organised three successful charity food tasting events for Headway Cambridge this year, and I will be running a fourth event on 30th September. It is no easy feat when working full time, doing a local Cambridge 105 radio show, and being a dad to a two year old, but, the events are so important for helping our local community and it is something I am really passionate about. I have had such amazing support from my team at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa, especially Sean, who has been there helping and supporting me the whole way. Without the support from him and the business none of this would have been possible.”

With the hard work of Sean Melville, Jamie Mountford, and their team, Squires restaurant is renowned for serving traditional dishes with innovative twists, creating a completely modern dining experience. All menus are created using the finest local, seasonal ingredients and most suppliers are located within a 50 mile radius of the hotel, limiting the miles between farm and fork. To make a reservation please call: 01638 663175.

  

UNFRIENDLY SKIES: New global study of in-flight assaults announced

Monday, 13 August, 2018 - 08:58

Travel industry experts Maiden Voyage have launched a new study into the rising reports of sexual assaults and violence against female air passengers and crew.  Elevating the Female Traveller will be the most in-depth, independent, piece of research ever conducted around this issue as well as looking at what the aviation sector as a whole can do to improve the experience of flying.

A 2017 survey of 2,000 flight attendants found that one in five had dealt with complaints of sexual assault from passengers. Yet law enforcement was contacted in fewer than half those cases[1].

In April this year, the FBI launched their Air Aware campaign in response to the increase in incidents being reported.

Carolyn Pearson, Founder of Maiden Voyage said “The timing is absolutely right for us to launch this research now. More women are travelling to culturally different regions where often onboard logistics don’t cater for the mix of cultures in their cabins, the number of sexual assaults on board appears to be increasing and airlines are not responding to either appropriately.   We’ll take the findings to lobby for the right legal responses and undoubtedly extend our services and support to both business travellers and suppliers to provide a better and safer service for all.

Elevating the Female Traveller will feature the results of a confidential survey undertaken amongst passengers and air crew, together with the perspectives of travel managers, airlines and other key stakeholders. It will address topics including:-

  • What female business travellers want from airports, airlines and support services
  • The risks facing female business travellers, from theft to sexual harassment and assault.
  • Different cultural attitudes towards female business travellers.
  • Which airlines/airports are the safest, and why
  • Legal obligations of travel providers and variations in penalties between countries
  • How female business travellers can help to minimise the risk
  • Role of the travel management company and travel risk management providers
  • Innovation in product & services
  • Cabin crew harassment and safety
  • Gaps in air crew preparation and training
Team Expansion at Countrywide Hotels

Wednesday, 8 August, 2018 - 15:46

Countrywide Hotels are delighted to welcome another two key members to the senior team this month. With the recruitment of Sadie Rowell in the new position of Head of Sales, and Ben Sanders joining the team as General Manager at Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel.

Sadie’s role has been created to support Director of Sales & Marketing, Ben Hioco, and will be focusing on corporate account development and growing and developing the field sales team. Sadie previously held positions as Director of Sales at Wybston Lakes Resort, Fairview Hotels , Down Hall and Chartridge Conference Centres as well as Regional Sales roles with Menzies and Hanover hotels.

Ben has joined as the new General Manager at Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel, he has previous General Manager experience with Milton Hill, Oxford, Macdonald Ansty Hall and Four Pillars, Abingdon and Hotel Manager at Randolph Oxford.

Darren Patt, Managing Director of Countrywide Hotels, said: “The growth of Countrywide Hotels has led to the development of the team and we are delighted to welcome both Sadie and Ben at this exciting time and look forward to helping them develop the hotels for our owners”.

Countrywide Hotels manage and develop privately owned hotels and currently have a portfolio of 10 properties including Mercure Banbury Whately Hall Hotel www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-6633-mercure-banbury-whately-hall-hotel

  

UK Events Industry Board Talent Taskforce Launches Research to Assess how the Sector Attracts, Develops and Retains its Talent

Tuesday, 7 August, 2018 - 15:38

The UK Events Industry Board Talent Taskforce has today launched a research programme that will assess how the sector attracts, develops and retains its talent.

In support of the Government’s Business Visits and Events strategy, the research will examine current skills, training and education and HR processes. It will provide recommendations to the Events Industry Board as to how a sustainable, competitive, highly-skilled workforce can be developed in a post-Brexit environment.

Michael Hirst OBE, Interim Chair of the Events Industry Board said: “I’m delighted that representative bodies from the entire events sector have enthusiastically come together to collaborate on this project, which is a key part of DCMS’s work in promoting the competitiveness of the sector. This gives everyone the chance to inform the strategy that will help ensure the continued pre-eminence of the UK Events industry.” 

Sarah Wright, Chair of the EIB Talent Taskforce said: “We believe the UK leads the world - both as a destination and as a provider of event management services - but it’s essential that our industry recruits and keeps the best people if we are to remain competitive on a global scale. Our research will seek evidence on everything from skills gaps to industry HR processes.”

The package of qualitative and quantitative research will be undertaken in collaboration with UK events industry trade associations whose members represent the exhibitions sector, business and corporate, and major international events. 

Wright added: “We’ll be collating data from existing research and gathering new evidence from across the industry. Our research will take the form of an online survey be completed by employers by early September, together with a series of round-table discussions.”

Around 30 in-depth telephone interviews will also be conducted with industry leading employers to explore the potential implications of a UK Events Industry skills shortage and impact of Brexit on the sector. 

The research will also include a study on global competitiveness of the Events Industry workforce and the critical interdependencies with other sectors such as tourism and hospitality, catering, venues and hotels, which are currently outside the scope of the in-depth employers’ survey. 

Among the events industry trade associations to be participating in the information- gathering exercise are ESSA (Event Supplier and Services Association) and HBAA (the Hotel Booking Agents Association), both of which are part of the EIB Talent Taskforce. Also, EVCOM (the event and communication association) and all members of the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP). Additional input on events-specific education and training will be provided by AEME – the Association of Events Management Educators, as well as leading consultants and education specialists.

The EIB Talent Taskforce itself is made up of experts and opinion leaders who reflect and represent the broad spectrum of the events industry. Members are from events agencies, associations, HR functions, recruitment companies, independent consultants, education, academia and events support services.

It is expected that the final report will be completed early in the New Year and will also include input from a broader range of bodies including the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP), Visit Britain and the Tourism Industry Council.

Top Banana nurtures creative talent with Design Academy Initiative

Monday, 6 August, 2018 - 12:34

Leading creative communications agency, Top Banana, have welcomed three university design students throughout July, advancing on their already successful Design Academy programme, now in its third year. The three students from the University of Wolverhampton and University of Birmingham have each spent three days at Top Bananas’ Midlands headquarters, learning the ins and outs of the industry and each supporting on real life client briefs.

Driven by Top Bananas Art Director, Dave Pinches, the Design Academy’s goal is to help nurture new, creative talent and help young people progress into the industry with experience and guidance from Top Bananas practised creative department. By allowing real life studio experience and the opportunity to work on live, time sensitive projects, the students all get a true insight into creative design processes and a view into working life post university.

Dave Pinches, comments “At Top Banana we’re really passionate about getting new and fresh blood through the studio, and as I have previous experience as a lecturer we decided to marry the two worlds. The programme gives young people a chance to hear professional feedback on their work, helping them understand how to use their portfolios to showcase their skills when talking to prospective employers. Our aim is for students to come away excited about the industry and passionate about design”.

When asked about her experience at Top Banana, Rosie, a Design Academy student from the University of Wolverhampton stated “I have really enjoyed my few days spent at Top Banana, the experience has been really useful, and it has given me more work and experience for my portfolio. The talented creative team here have been great to work with and have made my time at Top Banana really enjoyable. Moreover, I have really enjoyed working on a brief that is completely different to the usual University projects that I am used to.”

Lord’s Harris Garden now available to hold Summer Parties

Monday, 6 August, 2018 - 09:12

Lord’s Cricket Ground has re-launched its historic Harris Garden, which is situated behind the world-famous Lord’s Pavilion and offers glimpses of the hallowed turf. The charming rose garden is now available for outdoor receptions and incentive pursuits, from croquet to lawn bowls, making it the perfect location for an al fresco party.

The Harris Garden reopens following work to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the space. The attractive flint wall along the back of the garden has been exposed, displaying a dedication to Lord Harris from whom it takes its name, while the flowerbeds have been replanted with an array of tropical flowers and plants native to India, Pakistan and Australia, honouring the teams against which England has been playing cricket this year.

“Lord’s is a beautiful place all year round and really comes to life for summer events,” comments Nick Kenton, Head of Sales (Meetings & Events and Hospitality) at Lord’s. “We’re delighted to offer the Harris Garden within our repertoire of outdoor spaces after the renovation work that has further enhanced its appeal as a venue during the summer months. Attention to detail is something on which the team at Lord’s pride ourselves, and the sympathetic restoration work to the Harris Garden truly encapsulates this.”

The Harris Garden can cater for up to 300 guests with options of packages and upgrades available. Lord’s offers a variety of locations for meeting and events; enquiries may be made by telephoning 020 7616 8501, emailing events@lords.org, or visiting the website at https://www.lords.org/lords/meetings-and-events/

Harbour Hotels announces the acquisition of two further Cornish hotels – Fowey and Padstow

Thursday, 2 August, 2018 - 09:28

Harbour Hotels today confirmed their continued expansion along the South coast with the acquisition of properties in Fowey and Padstow. Acquired from Richardson Hotels Group,

The Fowey Hotel and The Metropole Hotel are both prime locations within two of Cornwall’s most iconic coastal towns.

The Fowey Hotel sits above Fowey Estuary and enjoys sweeping views across the water. The hotel offers itself as a romantic and intimate wedding venue with a two-rosette restaurant and bar, each with a loyal following.

The Metropole Hotel is a landmark in Padstow, overlooking the Camel Valley Estuary. The hotel currently features a spa, outdoor pool, along with a two-rosette restaurant and bar.

Harbour, with well-established hotels in Sidmouth, Salcombe and St Ives, now solidifies itself as the largest independent operator in the South West.

Mike Warren, Managing Director of Harbour Hotels, comments: “We are very excited to be taking the Harbour brand further into Cornwall. Both Fowey and Padstow are popular, well-known locations making the hotels great acquisitions for us. We are really excited to have the group expand across the West Country.

We have previously had great success delivering destination bar and restaurant brands throughout our portfolio. We have no doubt that the same design-led ethos, will prove extremely popular with both local and visitors to these iconic coastal towns”

Harbour already have extensive refurbishment programmes planned for each of the properties, including the introduction of their highly acclaimed HarSPA brand, alongside its established restaurant and bar concepts, the two hotels will be re-branded under the Harbour name on the completion of works, during 2019.

The latest acquisitions follow Harbour Hotels’ continued expansion across the South of England, introducing the brand into two of the UK’s most desirable coastal locations; confirming its position as one of the most exciting, independent luxury hotel groups.

www.harbourhotels.co.uk

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