EVENTFUL TIMES JANUARY 2009 �
FROM THE CHAIRAs Chairman of the Association for Conferences and Events (ACE), I welcome you to the new ACE newsletter, Eventful Times.
Since 1971, ACE has acted as a forum and
information centre for the meetings industry. Eventful Times will expand our effectiveness, providing a platform for the Association’s Members and the wider industry.
As well as listing ACE networking events, Eventful Times is a resource for anyone who wants to be ‘in-the-know’ in the events business, featuring key issues affecting the industry. This insight will help members to succeed with their business, and provide an essential platform to promote ACE.
We will face similar triumphs and challenges in the year ahead and Eventful Times will be there for us sharing the innovative responses made by our members.
As we begin 2009, let us work together and support our membership in every aspect of the industry. Collectively, we have the opportunity to rise above the challenges and enjoy success.
On behalf of ACE, I hope you enjoy Eventful Times and wish you continued success in this coming year. Best wishes.Michael SharpACE Chairman and Managing Director, Central Hall Westminster
EVENTFUL TIMES
Public Courses include:
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Event
Management
An Introduction to Event Management
An Introduction to Managing Conferences
Risk Assessment for the Events Sector
Corporate Programmes include the
following, or we offer bespoke training:
Positive Customer Service
Effective Selling
Presentation Skills
Leadership & Management
Managing Diversity
Conflict Management
There couldn’t be a better time to invest in training for you or your staff. Ventura is a leading provider of training for businesses and individuals in the events industry. Our courses will help to give you the edge, whether you are an individual seeking to enhance your career and recruitment prospects, or a business looking to strengthen your position in difficult trading conditions. All courses are delivered by industry professionals and are run in convenient locations across the UK. We also offer distance learning options and can provide courses and bespoke packages within companies. Call now, or look at our website to put yourself ahead of the rest in 2009!
Telephone: 01795 661063
Crunch timeAs economic gloom continues to descend, the conference and events industry meets and greets the challenges.
Share prices have plunged, banks fallen by the wayside, and the housing market is on its knees, but what will the new year bring for the conference and exhibitions industry?
Geoffrey Gray-Forton is founder and chairman of Meetings World (1969) Associates (MWA), based in Bournemouth, specialising in international meetings and events, and is a founder of ACE International.
“Business is generally stable. However, some associations and corporate enterprises are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach before allocating funds for marketing and entertainment. So far indications suggest little change for 2009,” he says.
With years in the industry behind him, Gray-Forton is not fazed: “MWA survived the three day week in the 1970s and subsequent economic downturns. Without being
JANUARY 2009
complacent, I am quietly convinced we shall see this one through.”
Experience has taught him survival strategies and when to use them: “This is time to invest in our company and build on what it offers to our clients. Looking ahead I am cautiously confident.”
There is no denying the climate has marked a change in fortunes and reports of quieter times are becoming more regular. Brian Kirsch, managing director of Braintree-based Event Assured, which offers insurance to the events industry, acknowledges a downturn: “When we return to work after the summer holidays, it is usual for the phones to start going. But it didn’t happen last year. Usually the business just comes in but this time we had to chase it.
“There are fewer events happening. A lot of CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
2 JANUARY 2009 EVENTFUL TIMES EVENTFUL TIMES JANUARY 2009 �
REGIONAL FOCUS
�. Getting thereLondon is one of the world’s best-connected cities. With five international airports serving 273 destinations, high-speed rail links to continental Europe and an extensive public transport network, London is capable of dealing efficiently with large numbers of travellers.London AirportsFast track immigration services for conference groups are available at Heathrow and Gatwick.HeathrowLondon Heathrow Airport (LHR) is one of the world’s busiest airports, handling more international passengers than any other. The airport is located 32 km (20 miles) west of London and has excellent public transport connections. Express trains connect passengers to central London in 15 minutes.GatwickLondon Gatwick (LGW) is the second largest airport in the UK after Heathrow. Gatwick is located 45km (28 miles) south of London. Rail connections into central London take around 30 minutes.London CityLondon City Airport (LCY) is situated approximately 9.5km (6 miles) east of Central London and just 4.8km (3 miles) from the business district of Canary Wharf. London City handles short-haul flights with a strong emphasis on business travel. Excellent, quick connections into the city.StanstedLondon Stansted Airport (STN) is London’s third international
gateway. It is home to many of the UK’s low-cost airlines, serving mostly European and Mediterranean destinations. The airport is located 64km (40 miles) north-east of London. Express rail services into central London take 45mins.London LutonLondon Luton Airport (LTN) is a hub for many low-cost airlines, mostly operating short-haul flights to and from Europe. Luton Airport is 51km (32 miles) north-west of London. Rail connections into central London take around 30 minutes.
Getting to London by International RailEurostar operates frequent daily high-speed services connecting Paris and Brussels to London. Journey times range from 2 hours 15 minutes from Paris or 1 hour and 51 minutes from Brussels. Trains arrive at St Pancras International station in central London.Getting to London by National RailLondon is the hub of the UK’s rail network, with frequent services to all regions from the city’s centrally-located mainline railway stations. Rail services in the UK are run by a number of private train operating companies.Popular city-centre-to-city-centre journeys to London n Bristol: 1 hour 45 mins (via First
Great Western)n Cardiff: 2 hours (via First Great
Western)n Birmingham: 1 hour 30 mins (via
Virgin Trains)
London is one of the world’s best connected cities for
business.
INDUSTRY NEWS
corporate events are being postponed or cancelled, especially in the financial sector. The market is definitely flat.”
His response is, like that of Meetings World, to promote Event Assured in a bid to secure the business available.
“People will always need insurance. During times like these, insurance is even more important. If something goes wrong, and you are not protected, the loss will have more of an impact on your overall budget.
“We are stepping up our marketing – when the going gets tough the tough get going. We have started a new website geared to one area of the industry and that will snowball. For the forthcoming year we hope to secure our business by winning a bigger market share.”
Despite the economic downturn, Macclesfield-based international conference and event producer, Media 1 Productions, is preparing for its busiest quarter this year, organising 12 international events
London’s callingLondon 2012 Olympics is on the horizon and promises to bring business as well as sporting excellence to the city.
London has taken over the mantle of Olympic city and the country will soon be in the grip of Olympics fever. This prestigious event will bring a range of sporting brilliance to the capital but what will it mean to the events and conference industry and how can a business secure itself a slice of the action?
“There are opportunities on so many levels,” said a spokesperson for London 2012. “Looking ahead, this situation will ramp up, especially from around 2010. The best advice to any company is to go on to our website and see the ‘Compete For’ section where all the opportunities are registered.”
The current slump in the economy is no stumbling block for the optimism of the Olympics. “The Olympic Games are coming to London,” said the spokesperson. “There is an unmoveable deadline, July 2012. The Games are coming and there will be lots of opportunities.”
Dermot Waldron, a director at Cavendish Conferences, which has five venues across London, agrees. “Personally I think it’s fantastic for the future of London. In the lead-up there will be opportunities for small businesses as well as big ones. A lot of businesses will do very well out of it.”
While noting the potential, he advises realism when it comes to tender and hopes venues will not get greedy: “London will be the
focus for the whole world. And we must be careful how we price ourselves. Fortunately London is busy anyway, but we want to keep it that way.
“Times are difficult. Everyone is being pushed and we all have to keep moving forward. But the Olympics will bring in business and it’s great to have that on the horizon.”
Adrian Clark, principal of London-based tourism services consultancy, ACTS, and honorary treasurer and council member of ACE, believes preparation is key.
“We have a good product in the form of the London Olympics and we want people to come and learn about it. We need tourist guides to be trained and ready but how many people are coming to London, where from and what they will need is an unknown quantity.”
He believes that executing the London Olympics well will create opportunities for the future: “Already there are things happening – Olympics-related meetings are taking place all over London. If London makes a good job of the opening and closing ceremonies, the legacy of the Olympics should promote tourism in Britain for the next 10 years across business as well as leisure.” n See the London 20�2 Compete For information at www.competefor.com/london20�2business/links.html
EVENTFUL TIMES IS PUBLISHED BY
Publisher: Gordon Lyster. Editor: Lisa Millard. Deputy Editor: Alan Seeley. Production Manager: Phil Long.Business Development Manager: Rob McGowan.Contact Information: Phone +44 0207 �9� 9076Email: [email protected] Website: www.eventsandpublishing.com
n Manchester: 2 hours 15 mins (via Virgin Trains)
n Newcastle: 3 hours (via National Express East Coast)
n Edinburgh: 4 hours 30 mins (via National Express East Coast)
2. Getting around TUBEThe London Underground, or ‘the Tube’ as it is universally known to Londoners, is normally the quickest and easiest way of getting round London.
For detailed information on the Tube, buses, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), trams or local trains within London visit the Transport for London website or phone the 24 hour Travel Information Service on +44 (0)20 7222 1234 or email [email protected]
Oyster card prices are always cheaper than paper tickets for the Tube. The cash single fare for all journeys via Zone 1 is £4, up to £2.50 more than the Oyster fare.BUSBuses are a quick and convenient way to travel around London, providing plenty of sightseeing opportunities en route. There is a flat fare throughout the bus network, 90p with pre-pay Oyster card or Bus Saver tickets (sold in books of six, for £6) and £2 if you are paying by cash. Travelcards are valid on buses.
DRIVINGIn 2003 London became the world’s first major city to introduce a Congestion Charge to reduce the flow of traffic into its centre from Monday to Friday. Restrictions typically apply between 8.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday and from 8.30am to 1.30pm on Saturdays.
�. Staying in LondonWhether you’re looking for short-term, luxury, central or even cheap London accommodation, you’ll find it. HOTELS: These are plentiful in the capital. Choose from top-end luxury to cheap and cheerful. BED & BREAKFAST: Bed and Breakfast accommodation (B&Bs) in London can offer a more intimate experience in a smaller, more independent environment. B&Bs are also a great way to see London on a budget. SERVICED APARTMENT and SELF CATERING: If you want short term accommodation in London, then why not rent a serviced apartment? An apartment is a cheaper, more flexible alternative to a hotel. You can eat in, saving on restaurant bills, and come and go as you please
Source: http://business.visitlondon.com
London 20�2: the promise of business on the horizon.
We are not feeling the type of large-scale downturn reported in the press, but changes are likely.
over the next three months. This increase in business follows a major £250,000 investment in technology, including ‘ask the audience’ response keypads, LED lighting and projectors.
Director of Media 1 Productions, Steve Bindley, is upbeat: “We have a busy schedule lined up over the coming quarter, which will see us travelling across three continents in as many weeks. Demand for creative, high-quality events continues to be strong from a wide range of sectors including pharmaceuticals and dental, and we have developed a team and equipment base that can perform in a worldwide market.”
Christine Kelly is managing director of Gemini International, a Cheshire-based event management company: “We are not feeling the type of large-scale downturn that is being reported in the press, but are aware that changes are likely. Adapting for that change is our strategy. We are working closely with our clients to really understand their needs and offering them creative ways of utilising their budgets to get more value.”
The downturn at home also means looking for opportunities further afield: “Gemini is in a strong position in terms of quality of service and experience around the globe, not just here in the UK. We are currently working on a number of interesting new projects in Spain, South Africa and China, to name a few..
“We will continue to maintain our energy and enthusiasm as we start to see some light at the end of the tunnel in this period of current economic gloom.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE �
London factfileWhat you need to know to be in-the-know.
LONDON FACTSn About 7 million visitors come to London on business each yearn London has over 1000 venues, plus a wide choice of professional
event servicesn Over the last 10 years, there’s been over 50% growth in
international business trips to the UKn One third of the Fortune Global 500 companies have their
European headquarters in London.
Source: http://business.visitlondon.com/
Geoffrey Gray-Forton
4 JANUARY 2009 EVENTFUL TIMES EVENTFUL TIMES JANUARY 2009 �
THE VENUE
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Phone: 0207 654 3886 E-mail: [email protected]
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Richard Griffiths Architects has an established reputation for carrying out work of the highest quality in the repair and creative adaptation of historic buildings and are pleased to be architects to Westminster Central Hall.
We work in conservation consultancy, historic building repairs and the design of new buildings that respond to their historical context. Projects include Sutton House for the National Trust, the Southwark Cathedral Millennium Project, Lambeth Palace and a new admissions centre at Kenilworth Castle. The practice has been awarded RIBA, Civic Trust and Europa Nostra awards.
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Central Hall WestminsterMichael Sharp is Chairman of ACE and Managing Director, Central Hall Westminster. He offers Eventful Times an insider’s guide to this unique venue.
Central Hall Westminster is nearly 100 years old and we celebrate our Centenary in 2012. Central Hall Westminster was originally constructed as the Head Quarters building of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. The plan was for it to provide appropriate meeting facilities, a place of worship, administrative offices and a place for refreshment. And all of these factors are still relevant today.
It is an award-winning building and is now Grade II* Listed. Designed by architects Lanchester & Rickards, the style is distinctive and neo-Baroque, looking older than it actually is. The external design provides a useful marketing logo. We are fortunate that the internal decorations are not too precious that it makes us afraid to use the building, so it creates a very user-friendly environment.
Westminster is a great plus and we are easily accessible by plane, main line train, tube and all kinds of public transport.
Our plan is for ongoing improvements in our service, be it from catering to cleaning the building to AV facilities. This will allow us to stay competitive and turn Central Hall Westminster into
a progressively more desirable venue.
The coming year will bring some challenges in light of the current economic predictions, but bookings are coming through and the mood from the public attending events is that we must keep going to keep the economy going.
CENTRAL HALL FACTSn Holds in excess of 5000 peoplen Capacity for over 2000 in our magnificent Great Halln We welcome on average 12,000 people per week into the
buildingn Cafeteria is open daily providing hot meals (breakfast and lunch)
as well as snacks and light refreshments.
Central Hall Westminster, Storey’s Gate, London SW�H 9NH. Telephone: 020 76�4 �880 or see www.c-h-w.com
Westminster Central Hall
Kings Place
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Central Hall Westminster is an award-winning and historically
significant building.
We host a range of events here, from educational to political awareness days, many rallies and anniversary meetings for a whole range of associations and groups.
We have 2000 events every year and about 75% relate to the church’s activities. Within the building we are privileged to have the offices of the Methodist Greater London District and two of the three Bishop equivalents are positioned here. So we also host a great number of non-commercial events.
As we are a relatively small team, my role involves being part of every aspect of the business. I look after a team of 20 direct employees and five major service partners who collectively employ between 50 and 200 operatives.
During 2004/05 the building underwent extensive refurbishment – mostly ‘behind the scenes’ changes. At that time a disused concrete stairwell was taken out and turned into two lifts, servicing all four floors, and therefore making Central Hall Westminster DDA (or Accessibility) compliant. There are plans for further refurbishment to the Lower Ground Floor and the Café, seating 200, in readiness for the 2012 Centenary.
Central Hall Westminster is extremely versatile in terms of room configuration, variety and size and we can accommodate meetings from two to 2000. Being located in the heart of
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6 JANUARY 2009 EVENTFUL TIMES EVENTFUL TIMES JANUARY 2009 7
ACE NEWSQ&A
SPOTLIGHT ON...
Q: What does your job involve? A: My job is to design and deliver a compliant motivation strategy which would include a range of incentive and prize programmes, corporate hospitality, competitions, conferences and motivational events designed to increase motivation, encourage staff retention and ultimately increase sales.
Q: What is incentive travel and what does it involve? A: Incentive travel rewards and motivates key performers who fulfil the requisite qualification criteria .The aim of the events is to reward and motivate top
Patti HeavenHead of AXA Sun Life Events and based in Bristol.
market is changing on an ongoing basis, it has always been thus. Market forces drive outcomes. Perception and budgets play a key role.
Q: What are the key components you look for when selecting a supplier, venue and activity? A: In a supplier, innovation, creativity, design and realistic budget control. In a venue, location, quality, reputation and image and, in an activity, fun, low risk, and something which creates an opportunity to bond and network with colleagues and offers value for money.
Q: How many events a year do you organise? A: From 120 to 150.
Q: What are the do’s and don’ts when it comes to incentive travel? A: Do try to fit in with the dynamic of the destination and maximise location-specific
offerings. Ensure customer expectation is managed with integrity. Don’t try to turn an overseas destination into Little Britain. And don’t put in place a complicated programme which can create its own problems.
Q: What are the core components of a successful event?A: Exceeding expectation, delivering to quality and budget, innovation, creativity and design are important. Identifying your target audience and understanding and delivering to your customer are key, as is taking initiative and being brave.
Patti HeavenHead of events, AXA Sun LifeAXA Sun Life, AXA Centre, Brierly Furlong, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS�4 [email protected]: +44 (0) ��7 989 �6�4 Mob: +44 (0) 7977 9�8899
ACE membershipEstablished in 1971, ACE is one of the broadest membership organisations in the meetings industry. ACE acts as a forum and information centre for members involved in all facets of the industry including corporate companies, professional institutions, charities, societies, local authorities, trade associations and educational
bodies. All these members organise events, purchase venues, facilities and services from the most comprehensive range of suppliers.
Each segment of the membership from the Conference and Event Industry has its own unique demands but one common challenge, that of how to develop business. That challenge is
recognised by ACE and a mix of advertising, promotion, data gathering and networking opportunities are on hand to take advantage of all situations.
To find out more about your membership organisation call John Thompson on: 0�480 4�7�9�, or email [email protected] or visit www.aceinternational.org
FOCUS ON...
Ventura TrainingVentura, the trading name of Ventura Travel Management Ltd, offers training, recruitment and HR solutions to the travel, events and hospitality sectors.
Michelle Ramsey is the director and founder of Ventura Training: “We work on a national basis offering cost-effective solutions ranging from off-the-shelf resolutions to bespoke training programmes.”
Michelle worked in operational travel and events before starting Ventura Training in 2006 and has established the business as a recognised centre for delivery of NCFE qualifications and a training partner of the Association of Conference and Events (ACE). Ventura is one of only two providers in the UK offering the NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Event Management. This course is held on a part-time basis over a 15-
week period at Central Hall Westminster, covering 10 key event management elements and assessed by portfolio.
“Training enhances career prospects for those looking to enter the industry or achieve career progression. Effective training helps motivate individuals and ensures that skills and knowledge are kept up to date which helps with company revenue, reputation and growth.”
Training is delivered by ex-event professionals, from different areas of the industry and courses are tailored to meet corporate needs and provide public delegates with realistic experiences in order to give a balanced overview and a pragmatic training experience.
Professionals completing the training courses come from industry across a wide range of
roles. “We do have a number of people who contact us looking for an entry qualification into the event sector and we are in discussion with NCFE to deliver the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning which is suitable for those without industry experience or those not quite ready for the challenges of a Level 3,” said Michelle.
“I am hoping to be able to
work with more corporate clients in 2009, especially in the events sector, and to develop our recruitment stream into executive search.”
For further information contact Michelle Ramsey on 0�79� 66�06�, email [email protected] or see www.venturatraining.co.uk
EVENTS DIARYJanuary 2�–22The Event Show, Olympia London. Sell and source products and services. Registration: Sarah Brownlee on 02476 571 109 or sarah.brownlee@ oceanmedia.co.uk
February �0–�2Business Travel Show, Earls Court London. Buy or manage company travel, books, business trips and source meeting venues. www.businesstravelshow.com February 24-26International Confex, Earls Court, London. Venues, destinations and support services for event organisers. www.international-confex.com
If you would like to see your events, business news or views in Eventful Times, email the editorial team: [email protected]
Glasdir Conwy Rural Development CentrePlas Yn Dre, Station RoadLlanrwst, Conwy LL26 0DFContact: Karen OwenTelephone: 0�492 640 640Fax: 0�492 642 �90E-mail: [email protected]: www.glasdir.com
Description: Set in the beautiful Conwy Valley, occupying a spectacular rural location, Glasdir is one of the finest locations for business conferences, meetings and training.
NEW MEMBERSTrevor Roberts Associates Ltd� Atlas House, St. Georges SquareBolton BL� 2HBContact: Shelagh PooleyTelephone: 0�204 �8�678Fax: 0�204 �86�76E-mail: [email protected]: www.tra-ltd.co.uk/
Description: A leading provider of practitioner-presented training for planning and development practitioners, with clients across the UK. TRA specialises in providing training and consultancy support for the planning service.
Cubitt Music Management40 Cubitt Terrace, LondonSW4 6ARContact: Jocelyn AbbottTelephone: 020 7720 8660Fax: 020 7720 8660E-mail: [email protected]: www.cubittmusic.co.uk
Description: Cubitt Music Management provides corporate entertainments with electrifying performances of ‘four-hands-at-one-piano’ virtuosity, sprinkled with sparkling, humorous anecdotes from the world of music
Making corporate events easy
Live events at home & abroad bring together colleagues & associates, businesses & clients for a whole host of purposes…to celebrate & entertain, to train & inform, and to build long-term business relationships.
As a fully bonded travel agency, Eton Travel is in a position to book and administer group and /or individual travel to and from an event. This enables us to keep our clients fully informed of their attendees travel itineraries, thereby assisting with ground and transfer logistics.
Our Events team are knowledgeable & experienced Event Consultants who are innovative & creative yet down to earth & practical, ensuring that your events exceed expectations yet remain on budget.
As travel & event specialists we are ideally placed to propose outstanding destinations, venues & experiences, whatever your requirements. We make all the arrangements leaving you free to concentrate on your wider objectives. Eton Travel is a leading independent agency providing a comprehensive portfolio of integrated travel management services. Professional and fully licensed, Eton Travel gives you complete peace of mind. On the 20th November, Eton Travel was the winner of the ‘Company of the Year’ award for Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead.
For more information visit: www.etontravel.com or email at: [email protected] or telephone our Events Team on: 01753 740 185.
ConferencesSeminars
Product Launches Promotional EventsTrade Delegations
Road ShowsTravel Incentives
Team BuildingSporting Events
Staff Celebrations Awards Dinners
Corporate Hospitality
achievers, exchange relevant information on industry issues and AXA matters and promote company loyalty, commitment and ambition.
Q: What range of events do you organise for AXA Sun Life and what does this involve? A: We organise corporate hospitality, product launches, team building events, conferences, overseas incentives, trade shows and golf programmes.
Q: Have you seen changes in the market? A: While we would all agree the
Darrow
Go
din
Recent NCFE level � graduate Melanie Westall (L) and Michelle Ramsey (R) of Ventura Training
8 JANUARY 2009 EVENTFUL TIMES
CENTRAL HALLW e s t m i n s t e r
LONDON
Meetings & Conferences up to2,000
Exhibitions up to 1,400 sqmetres
Filming and Photo ShootLocations
Concerts and Recitals
Audio Visual Services
Banqueting
Art Gallery
Café – 200 seats– Groups welcome
Storey's Gate, Westminster, London, SW1H 9NH
T: 0207 222 8010 F: 0207 222 6883
E: [email protected] W: www.c-h-w.com
A very warm welcome tothis special venue that
is committed toservice excellence
A4 Cen Hall ad 2 27/11/08 12:53 pm Page 1
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