Insight: Issue 147 | Wed 2 August

Fresh Newstuffs

It’s news time – and as always, we’re here to deliver your riveting weekly digest of paper-free particulars from the big wide world of events.

So how’s it lookin’ this week: Glasgow’s SEC adds 20 new exhibitions to event roster; 2 ExCeL launches 3D venue mapping technology; Industry Consultation launched for feedback on new Purple Guide Environmental Chapter; and Net Zero Carbon Events reaches 30 financial contributors

Glasgow’s SEC adds 20 new exhibitions to event roster

Glasgow’s SEC has got 20 new exhibitions in the bag, tapping into the trend of “niche consumer events” centring on health, sustainability, and fandom. In a bold move that will likely see over 50,000 more punters through its doors, organisers are recognising a unique opportunity to engage keen new audiences in Scotland. Exciting new events in the offing include the likes of Go Green Scotland, Gun Dog Breeds Show ,Professional Beauty and Aesthetic Medicine, Horror Con and Cat Extravaganza.

Dan Thurlow, director of exhibitions at the SEC comments: “The volume of new events coming to the SEC is such a positive endorsement of the opportunity in Scotland. An increasing number of organisers are working with us to engage new audiences through a range of trade and consumer shows. Adding to the established portfolio, the event proposition in Glasgow gets stronger each year.”

ExCeL launches 3D venue mapping technology

ExCeL London and event tech giants OnePlan’s impressive new 3D venue mapping service has landed.

The duo teamed up to launch the “hyper-realistic digital twin” of the venue to help event organisers decide how to set things up. A first of its kind in the UK, the software makes a custom replica of the venue, enabling clients to see their event in detail and easily share visuals with others. What’s more, the collab’s new bit of kit saves time by reducing the need for lengthy on-site visits. The pioneering tech allows for road-testing arrival and departure points, showing media spots, and mocking up room layouts from an attendee’s perspective. ExCeL’s executive director, James Rees, is delighted that this software brings their upcoming 25,000sqm expansion to life for international event organisers.

Rees said, “We also know from experience that conducting in-person site visits, especially for those outside the UK, can become costly, timely and carbon heavy, so bringing ExCeL to their screens at a click of a button is something that we believe will make a real impact.”

Industry Consultation launched for feedback on new Purple Guide Environmental Chapter

Vision: 2025, the UK outdoor event industry’s environmental sustainability squad, has been tasked by EIF’s Purple Grants Fund to add a fresh new chapter for the Purple Guide on Environmental Sustainability. Using their eco know-how, the new addition will offer clear best practices and resource guidance for scaling back event carbon footprints.

The draft, helmed by an industry working group including events stalwarts such as LAEOG, AFO and Festival Republic, is set for a feedback review this September, with the big launch on October 18 at SES 23 during the Showman’s Show.

The draft is open for online comments until September 1st on Vision: 2025’s website – so get on it people!

Net Zero Carbon Events reaches 30 financial contributors

Over 30 major players of the meetings and events biz are now cold hard cash contributors to the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE). Operating at four contribution tiers (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Green), everyone from Freeman and Informa to the SEC and the OMEGA Group are lending a hand to the industry’s global climate change initiative.

Here’s who is chipping in:

Platinum
Freeman; Informa; Javits Center; Questex: RX and ufi;

Gold
EMECA: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center; ICCA; Messe Munchen; Scottish Event Campus, IEEE and SISO

Silver
ADNEC; Clarion Events; Diversified Communications: Emerald; IMEX Group: Tarsus and VIPARIS

Green
AIPC; Boardroom; Earth Productions; Easyfairs; FIRST; Glasgow Convention Bureau; IAPCO; ICC Sydney; IFES; MontECOlino; NBAA; Olympia London; OMEGA Group; QSNCC and Stockholmsmassan

James Rees, head honcho of the Joint Meetings Industry Council which is driving the campaign, said: “It is superb testimony to our industry and the importance of this campaign that we have the financial support of so many leading organisations and more continuing to join us. Their support is making a vital contribution.”

That’s your lot!

Join us next week for your next batch of tasty industry goss.