Insight: Issue 160 | Wed 08 Nov

News-spotting

Choose in the loop. Choose catching up. Choose filling in. Choose keeping posted. Choose knowing the score. Choose Cameron Events Insight Issue 160.

This week: Inclusion and diversity culture the key to achieving better business results, claims IBTM World; One Day at Christmas to take place across five venues, including SEC Glasgow; This Halloween drone display was all over social media this week; Tech workers stage hybrid strike over return to office; and Julie Driscoll to rejoin Hyve as executive vice-president.

Inclusion and diversity culture the key to achieving better business results, claims IBTM World

IBTM World, this November’s Fira Barcelona Gran Via hosted global meetings industry event, has let the cat out the bag on its 2023 conference program, emphasising diverse perspectives to empower event profs in shaping the future of business.

So what’s on the bill? Highlights include Maria Teixidor, a former Barcelona FC Board member, shares her experiences and strategies for leadership and gender equality within the football world. Also – Ellie Middleton, Speaker, writer and advocate with autism and ADHD who has worked with the likes of Disney and Google, explores neurodiversity’s role in event design, discussing inclusive experiences that resonate with all brain types.

This year’s edition marks the inaugural Workplace Revolution, hosting discussions with leaders like Samantha Stimpson on ‘Creating Diverse Cultures’ to drive innovation and productivity. Another key moment at WR will be Richard John’s ‘Diversifying the Workplace: tapping into the potential of those with learning difficulties’, where he’ll talk the potential of individuals with learning difficulties in event businesses, highlighting the impact of inclusive hiring for greater success.

Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM World’s portfolio director, comments: “This year’s show is all about illustrating to event professionals their role and influence in shaping business culture. For this culture to thrive, building an environment of inclusivity is essential. This is why we’re delighted to be welcoming such a dynamic range of industry titans to IBTM World 2023.”

One Day at Christmas to take place across five venues, including SEC Glasgow

Event profs across the UK are called upon to join One Day at Christmas (ODAC), the industry’s charitable event for vulnerable individuals. With London’s Excel and Business Design Centre, Birmingham’s NEC, Glasgow’s SEC and Farnborough International all playing host, the event will bring together communities nationwide, supported by 70+ organisations offering joy and companionship during the festive season.

How can you get involved?

 – Donation pledges

 – Sponsor an individual place for a lonely person to join for £27 – suggested for individuals
Pledge £1,250 to cover food and drinks – suggested for independent organisers
Pledge £5,000 to cover gifts and entertainment for guests

 – Volunteer at one of 5 UK venues on the day

So this Halloween drone display was all over social media this week…

Anybody see this Skyscraper sized spooky character looming over Dubai?

Spoiler Alert. It’s not real (Sorry).

In the 8 second TikTok clip, a colossal drone illuminated skeleton is seen taking a big step forward, floating above unsuspecting citizens hanging around Dubai Mall’s outdoor plaza. Looks impressive, but unfortunately some top experts have weighed in to burst everyone’s bubble on the big boney guy.

Preston Ward, chief pilot and general counsel for Sky Elements Drone Shows in Fort Worth Texas debunked the footage as ‘100% fake’, citing that it moves too fast for current drone technology and is far too quiet and flawless to be the real deal.

Ryan Sigmon, co-founder of Firefly Drone Shows in Detroit, agrees, stating that flying drones in a pedestrian area like this breaks all kinds of safety rules, and also questions why people are seemingly unaware of what is towering above them.

Oh well, maybe next time.

Tech workers stage hybrid strike over return to office

New York Times’ tech staff conducted a half-day strike opposing a return-to-office mandate, aiming to prevent monitoring through badge swipe data for unauthorised remote work. The protest objected a requirement of three days in-office, with possible increase to four by Sept 2024. Helmed by the Times’ Tech Guild, the strike involved nearly 500 workers, and although the NYT settled with its newsroom union in May, a deal with the tech workers’ union on work hours and conditions remains up in the air.

Rob Sadow, CEO of hybrid work software company Scoop, weighed in: “In summary, the New York Times is choosing to be less flexible than the average media company, which is less flexible than the average tech company, with the potential to become even less flexible in 2024. That’s a tough sell to their tech employees,”

Julie Driscoll to rejoin Hyve as executive vice-president

Say hello to Hyve’s newest Executive Vice President, Julie Driscoll!

Returning to the global event and exhibition organiser, the former Olympia London CEO will assume responsibility for the company’s International EdTech, Global Natural Resources, Retail, Manufacturing, and Engineering portfolios.

Driscoll says: “I am thrilled to be joining Hyve at such an exciting time in its journey, as it disrupts the industry and creates the new definition of events. Hyve has always been a hugely ambitious business, with even bigger potential, and I am very much looking forward to coming onboard and unlocking that potential. Whilst it is with a heavy heart I bid the team at Olympia goodbye, this is a dream role for me, and I look forward to supporting the hundreds of amazing people, across 28 brilliant shows, and fully embracing the opportunities which lie ahead.”

That’s us done and dusted for this time

Catch y’all next week.