Insight: Issue 132 | Wed 19 April

Spilling the beans

Through grapevines, little birdies and words-to-the-wise, we’ve gotten wind of some downright fascinating industry intelligence this week. And as always – we’re hitting you up with the best of it.

So what’s been a-brewing this week: Presenting in the virtual world; Work underway at CBS Arena to enhance event and meeting experience; The Business of Events extends Consultation deadline; Huge projection mapping show synced with 3,500 drones; and AEG Europe hires Lynsey Wollaston as European Festivals VP & GM.

Presenting in the virtual world

Looking for some quick tips on the shift from stage to screen? COO of Realise Richard John’s got the goods. We’ll sum up a few key takes.

1 Create your own ‘stage’

Imagine you’re taking centre stage. Don the right attire, choose the right location and confidently address your audience – why not stand up for the occasion as you would in front of a live audience?

2 Get comfortable, but not too comfortable

If you decide to sit, make sure to keep the energy levels high – keep eye level with your audience and on the edge of your seat, and your audience will be too.

3 Don’t let technology distract your audience

Avoid visual distractions such as virtual backgrounds, bulky headsets, and try to keep background noise to a minimum.

4 Streamline your presenting aids

Remember to listen to guidance from your event producer and take the proper time to get to grips with your virtual platform so there’s no slip ups.

5 Rehearse like a rock star (The Rolling Stones style)

Take heed from the rockers of yore – practice, practice, and practice some more. The more prepared you are the better your virtual gig will be.

Work underway at CBS Arena to enhance event and meeting experience

As part of a big investment boost being made across the venue, the Coventry Building Society Arena is enhancing it’s event and meeting experience.

A few of the improvements in the works at the arena include a revamp to the front entrance to the sport, conference, music and exhibition venue, a brand and colour refresh to the venue atrium and a redesign of the main boardroom (now equipped with the latest in AV technology).

In addition to the developments, the onsite Doubletree by Hilton Hotels is set to see a full redecoration, as well as improvements to their AC systems in time for summer 23.

Paul Michael, commercial director of the CBS Arena, comments on the ongoing works: “We’re seeking to make a wide range of improvements around the venue over the next 12 months, with the goal of enhancing the experience for visitors and customers who host their events with us.

“We’re set for a very exciting 12 months at the venue, with stadium concert show, major exhibitions and conferences, and showpiece sport events, and by making improvements across the venue we will further enrich the experience visitors and event organisers have at Coventry Building Society Arena.”

The Business of Events extends Consultation deadline

Not-for-profit independent Think Tank for the industry The Business of Events has extended it’s deadline of it’s sector-wide consultation to the 30th of April.

Responses to the consultation will be split into sub-sectors and then discussed as part of the Policy Unit. Director of News & Content at The Business of Events, Martin Fullard talks the deadline extension: “We have received plenty of responses to the Consultation so far, and the feedback we have received tells us there is much more to come. Therefore, we are extending the deadline to the end of April.”

The second stage of the consultation is set for later in the year.

Why not take a ganders at link below and have your say on creating a Policy Agenda for the UK events industry.

Huge projection mapping show synced with 3,500 drones

As part Beating Retreat 2023, a military ceremony part of India’s Republic Day celebrations, AV Stumpfl’s Pixera took centre stage in sync with a 35,000 drone strong projection mapping display.

Marking the end of celebrations, the 3D anamorphic projection lit up the facade of New Delhi’s Secretariat Buildings, wowing audiences with a 14 min long display that commemorated the past 75 years of Indian history and its future.

In what he describes as “one of the most prestigious events that happens in India”, Pratik Wadhwa, CEO of Delhi-based Modern Stage Services that spearheaded the innovative display, spoke of the benefits of using the AV Stumpfl’s tech: “We have been using Pixera for all our projects since 2021” he says “,and we are very satisfied with the stability of the software. Features like 3D pre-visualisation, live input preview and dynamic soft edge make the job much easier for us.”

Attended by the likes of India’s president, Droupadi Murmu, prime minister, Narendra Modi and president of the United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Kőrцsi, Beating Retreat 2023 was held over the 27-29 January at New Delhi’s ceremonial Vijay Chowk Square.

AEG Europe hires Lynsey Wollaston as European Festivals VP & GM

Say hello to Lynsey Wollaston – AEG Europe’s new vice president and general manager for European Festivals!

The former Vision Nine festivals and events MD will work across festivals including BTS Hyde Park, London’s All Points East Fest and Paris’ Rock en Seine, overseeing the European Festival teams operations and joining forces with US AEG Presents senior leadership team to implement it’s strategic vision.

With an impressive CV that includes managing Vision Nine’s massive Boardmasters and NASS festivals as well as operations manager for the Royal Horticultural Society, Wollaston has over 16 years of commercial and operations experience in the events biz.

AEG European Festivals CEO Jim King speaks on the new appointment: “With her extensive industry leadership and experience, Lynsey brings huge value to our team. As we gear up for the busy festival season ahead, I look forward to working with Lynsey to deliver the best-in-class events for which we are renowned, and to growing the festivals division of the business.”

That’s it in a veritable nutshell for this week.

Join us next week for more industry exclusives – you know where to find us.