Insight: Issue 166 | Wed 10 Jan

New Year, New Events News

A big, fat HNY to all of our lovely clients, friends, readers and followers! We trust it was a fabulous affair filled with festive cheer and goodwill to all mankind….

Or a damp squib, in bed before midnight kind of vibe…..

Either way, we’re here for you in 2024 with a first foot of all the finest events news is the stratosphere.

This week we have; South Korean NYE drone display appears to have won New Year; ABPCO and Memcom partner to share best practice and add value for members; Olympia London unveils roadmap to net zero; UFI CEO of dmg events Geoff Dickinson’s views on the state of the industry and the association’s strategy going into 2024; and Olympia London appoints new CEO.

South Korean NYE drone display wins NYE

Nothing like starting out as you mean to go on….and South Korea definitely mean it – check out this epic New Year’s Eve drone display which took place at Gwangalli Beach.

Spectacular doesn’t even begin to cover it.

ABPCO and Memcom partner to share best practice and add value for members

ABPCO (The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers) and Memcom (the UK’s premier membership organisation for professional bodies, trade associations and other membership organisations) have entered into a partnership that will see the two organisations create greater ties as they work together to add value for members across both organisations.

In particular, the partnership will see experts from within each organisation share knowledge and best practice through speaking opportunities and content provision across each other’s communication channels, including case studies, personal development topics and topical advice.

Julian Smith, Executive Director of Memcom said: “Our members are experts in their own fields but often need support from true subject matter experts such as the PCOs, who are a part of ABPCO. I see this partnership as a brilliant opportunity to share knowledge and develop skill sets and ultimately take that experience and knowledge back to put on more successful events.”

Olympia London unveils roadmap to net zero

Another Net-Zero hero has emerged, in the shape of Olympia London, who have published their roadmap to net zero as part of the venue’s Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge.

The venue estimates that it will need to reduce its emissions by 71% by 2035 to achieve its 2050 objective. It said its Scope 3 indirect emissions account for 63% of its carbon footprint.

Siân Richards, head of sustainability at Olympia London, said: “We recognise we’ve got such a long way to go to meet our 2050 objective and we estimate we’ll need to reduce our emissions by 71% by 2035 to achieve it. We’ve learnt that our Scope 3 indirect emissions account for 63% of our carbon footprint so this will be a major area of focus. There’ll be lots of challenges and tough decisions along the way. However, our roadmap now sets us off on that pathway and gives us clear areas of focus.”

And speaking of Olympia London…..

Olympia London appoints new CEO

Global venue management and event strategy company, ASM Global has announced that Andy O’Sullivan will join ASM’s team as the new chief executive officer of Olympia London. 

Previously vice-president for IMG’s European Stadium & Arena business, O’Sullivan has worked on many global events and world class venues including the opening of Wembley National Stadium, delivering $1bn in sales through Club Wembley; a global first.

O’Sullivan said: “I have a real passion for creative disciplines, and it’s not often one gets to be involved with art, dance, theatre, and music at the same destination. It will be groundbreaking, something I know I’m really going to enjoy. Not to forget the amazing heritage Expo Halls that the wider estate will be built around.”

UFI CEO of dmg events Geoff Dickinson’s views on the state of the industry and the association’s strategy going into 2024

The good guys at Exhibition News have interviewed UFI president and CEO of dmg events Geoff Dickinson to get his views on the state of the industry and the association’s strategy going into 2024.

From personal goals and virtual events, to the role of AI in the industry, Geoff covers off many of the pertinent event bases as we head into a brand new year….and as we all know from 2020, anything can happen.

First one – done!

We’ll be back next week for round 2 of 2024. In the meantime lock that drinks cabinet, because we’re all aff it for January – or as long as we can last…..