Insight: Issue 131 | Wed 12 April

Got those post-Easter hols blues?

Relax – we’ve got the remedy. A healthy dose of all out, action packed, non-stop events based newsery. It’ll sort you right out.

This weeks order of business: The Business of Events announces new Advisory Council; Event manager at Peak and Eventprofslive explains why Britain is the perfect destination to host events; Edinburgh International Conference Centre urged to stop hosting events for fossil fuel industry; The Meetings Show to shake up 2023 education programme; and ‘World’s largest LED canvas’ among UK’s top attractions.

The Business of Events announces new Advisory Council

Last week, The Business of Events heralded the arrival of its new Advisory Council. The group’s main aim is to guide the direction of TBOE’s Policy unit, keeping it privy to the latest trends, innovations and challenges facing the industry.

Meeting quarterly, the initial team includes big names such as:

Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP, Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet and Chair All Party Parliamentary Group for Events
Michael Hirst OBE, Vice Chair, UKEVENTS
Ian Edwards, CEO, ICC Wales/The Celtic Collection
Martin Ferguson, Vice President Global Communications & Public Affairs, American Express Global Business Travel
Neil Brownlee, Head of Business Events, VisitScotland

Speaking on the announcement, Martin Fullard, Director, News & Content at The Business of Events, commented: “I would like to extend my gratitude to those who have joined the Advisory Council so far. We have a blend of experience from a broad range of sector fields, and crucially we are delighted that Theresa Villiers MP has joined. It is vital that any policy initiatives are stress tested by Government.”

“I look forward to expanding the Advisory Council further with specific expertise as a picture unfolds, such as on matters such as taxation, diversity, sustainability, trade and many more.”

Event manager at Peak and Eventprofslive explains why Britain is the perfect destination to host events

In a blog by ConferenceNews, Rachael Kenny talks Britain and why it’s the perfect spot for staging events. We’ll hit you up with a quick rundown of what she said.

Events profs across Britain are seeing a major shift to a more a sustainable way of doing things, and with a vast roster of venues across the nation committed to sustainability – including the Barbican in London, the Convention Centre Dublin and Manchester Central – seeking out events spaces that align with their environmental goals is top priority.

With the rise of virtual and hybrid events, the need for attendees to travel in order to participate has changed, and the incorporation of new and innovative technologies in order to handle these events has made this all the more easier.

As a relatively small country, one of the major benefits that the UK brings is it’s close-knit transport links. The nations railway network and well connected airports (of which most large scale venues are in close proximity to) mean for ease of travel to and from events around the country.

‘It’s an exciting year to be part of Britain’s event industry.’

Edinburgh International Conference Centre urged to stop hosting events for fossil fuel industry

Following a 100 strong protest held last month when the Scottish Energy Forum held a dinner at the EICC, campaigners have written an open letter to the venue’s board and management urging them to cease the hosting of events for the fossil fuel industry.

Signed by 477 people, extracts from the letter read: “Whilst families in Edinburgh face unprecedented hikes in energy and gas bills, and thousands struggle with inflation, it is disappointing to see oil and gas executives partying and celebrating their record profits in one of Edinburgh’s most respected venues.”

“We argue that hosting events which validate fossil fuel expansion are out of step with the council’s climate commitments.”

One of the primary reasons behind the backlash is that as a subsidiary of the city council, campaigners see the EICC’s staging of these events tarnishing the Scottish capital’s commitment to reach net-zero by 2030.

The Meetings Show to shake up 2023 education programme

The announcement of new partnerships with CEO of conferenceemcees.com Samme Allen and renowned consultant and author Claus Raasted has come as the Meetings show looks to shake up its content and enhance audience experience.

Both previous keynote speaker alumni of the show, the new associates are experience design experts that have worked with the likes of Google, Marriott, and Accenture – so they know their onions.

Allen comments: “We’re excited to be working with The Meetings Show to produce a programme of content that will ensure that attendees leave with knowledge they didn’t know they needed, innovation to do and be better, connections with relevant industry colleagues, and empowered to think, connect, plan and live differently.”

‘World’s largest LED canvas’ among UK’s top attractions

With a reported average weekly attendance of 85,000 in February, the ‘world’s largest LED canvas’ at Outernet’s Now Building is straight up pixel perfection. The London venue’s mammoth attraction opened last November, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the full might of over 2,000sq m of 8K and 360° floor-to-ceiling LED screens.

The ‘LED canvas’ is also fully interactive, and thanks to a Realife Tech experience automation platform, visitors can engage with the jaw-dropping on-screen content via their phones.

Outernet Global’s chief Exec Philip O’Ferrall, said: “To have this level of visitor numbers so early in the life of Outernet is incredibly encouraging. Our ambition was to create something that democratised art and culture – that opened it up to everyone and enabled creatives and brands to tell stories in a completely new way.”

We’ll call it a day for this week folks.

Catch up with y’all next week for some more hot of the press events newsings.