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EDGE Venues at miaConnect, International Planner Sentiment Report, Elevate NewGen, and more
This month’s news round-up brings you some of the industry and association news from July 2024, including EDGE Venues at miaConnect, International Planner Sentiment Report, Elevate NewGen, and more.
EDGE Venues and ESG highlights of miaConnect Day agenda
The Meetings Industry Association’s miaConnect Day took place at Cloth Hall Court – University of Leeds, on 9 July.
Event Highlights include:
- A business insights presentation from EDGE Venues’ CEO, Jacqui Kavanagh. This session provided a deep dive into the latest business trends and strategic approaches within the events industry.
“As predicted at the beginning of our EDGE Venues journey, digital tools to support the procurement of venues are really gaining popularity, as we move forward with a generation of people who are digital natives. Our industry needs to lead the way on this otherwise we will be left behind.”
Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO, EDGE Venues
- An insightful case study, presented by University of Leeds’ Chelsea Rolfe. This focused on the challenges and successes of Cloth Hall’s efforts toward achieving net zero targets. Its particularly emphasised the challenge of using geothermal energy.
- A panel discussion on ESG. Here, experts such as Nteractive’s Kerrin Honey and The Brighton Centre’s Emma Thurlow stressed the importance of measurement. They also looked at involving everyone in sustainability initiatives.
- A panel discussion sharing best practices for fam trips and site visits. The panel highlighted the importance of effective communication and relationship-building with clients.
- An ask the agents table session gave attendees the opportunity to engage directly with booking agents. Guests gained valuable insights into current industry trends and client expectations.
- A team building event by ClueGo UK offered an interactive icebreaker session. This engaging start to the day set the tone for collaborative learning.
The Business of Events publishes latest International Planner Sentiment Report 2024
The Business of Events has published its latest annual International Planner Sentiment Report for 2024. The annual report is in partnership with Meet in Ireland and IBTM World.
First published in 2020, the report uses desk-based research to track planner sentiments in ten specific areas. This is used to determine the key factors influencing their choice of destination. The audiences surveyed include planners from corporate, association, agency and incentive & reward across the UK, Europe and North America.
Key findings in this year’s report include:
- Cost and value for money all tracked one point higher in every region surveyed. This reflects increased event costs and pressure on overall budgets through higher inflation.
- The increase in importance of Destination Brand is up one point overall. This also reflects the need for a more personalised experience for brands and delegates.
- Equity and Diversity, is tracking higher, more so across the UK and Europe. This reflects an increase in the wider conversation around DEI issues.
“Our International Planner Sentiment Report continues to be used by marketers and sales teams across the world to fine tune strategies and messaging and to increase competitive advantage. Once again, the report has shone a strong light on those factors that are influencing destination choice. While cost, brand and diversity have all increased in importance, it is becoming clear that sustainability, while still an extremely important topic, is becoming much more of an expected requirement rather than something which is seen as value added.”
Martin Fullard, Director of News & Content, The Business of Events
The study took place between 22nd April –10th May 2024. It covers three key geographical territories of the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.
Download The Business of Events’ 2024 International Planner Sentiment Report, here.
AEO (Association of Event Organisers) launches working group for independent event organisers
According to Meetings and Incentive Travel, AEO has a new working group for independent event organisers.
The private independent entrepreneur (PIE) working group will meet for the first time ahead of the AEO Conference.
“The launch of the PIE working group recognises the increasingly important part independently-owned organisers play in AEO membership and the broader industry. Connecting this community to encourage collaboration and sharing of best practice will help support their growth and create a strong foundation for these organisers to thrive.”
Chris Skeith OBE, Chief Executive, AEO
CHS Birmingham Announces 2024 Educational Theme
CHS Birmingham has announced the theme of its award-winning educational content, with a focus on ‘How to be an Event Organiser’. Following CHS Leeds’ ‘How to Organise an Event’ theme, the content will continue the show’s back-to-basics approach. It also continues a commitment to support organisers’ professional and personal growth.
The programme will move slightly away from the more practical CHS Leeds sessions. It will look to how event organisers need to go about their work in 2024 and 2025. The approach considers how to safeguard event organisers roles, and how this supports better delegate outcomes.
CHS Birmingham can already confirm keynotes, with more speakers and sessions to come throughout the summer. These include an Event Psychologist, and Intimacy Coordinator with insight from some of the biggest Hollywood film sets. Both sessions will share how event organisers can create positive cultures and environments for themselves, their teams, and their guests.
“We’re so proud of our educational content, it’s one of the many reasons our visitors come to our show and we’re once again looking forward to introducing them to some really exciting, unique, and insightful sessions.”
Lou Hindley, Commercial Director, CHS Birmingham
UKEVENTS appoints Tom Clements as Executive Committee & Outdoor Events Working Group Chair
UKEVENTS has announced the appointment of Tom Clements as Vice Chair and Chair of the Outdoor Events Working Group.
Tom brings a wealth of experience, as President of the National Outdoor Event Association and member of the Event Industry Advisory Group. He is a key voice behind the importance of retaining and growing talent and skills within the industry.
“We are delighted to welcome Tom Clements to the Executive Committee and as Chair of the Outdoor Events Group. Tom’s extensive experience and passion for the events industry will be invaluable as we tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead. His leadership will play a crucial role in driving forward our mission to support and grow the outdoor events sector.”
Chris Skeith OBE, Chair, UKEVENTS
Elevate launches NewGen
According to Conference News, Elevate, the not-for-profit mentorship programme, has announced the launch of Elevate NewGen. The new initiative will ‘provide equal access to the events industry for underrepresented talent aged 18-25’. Read more…
View from the EDGE
EDGE Venues’ Commercial Director, Scott Ford, summed up this July’s monthly Insights:
“It’s great to see that net zero and sustainability remain high on the agenda within the meetings and events industry. Corporate clients often have carbon budgets they must not exceed in the meetings space. With many organisations now taking firm action to address this important area, it is becoming expected rather than a ‘nice to have’ for many professional meeting procurement teams. This view is reflected in the 2024 Business of Events report, so venues offering robust data on carbon impacts will lead the way.
“Something else we are passionate about at EDGE Venues is helping up-and-coming talent in the meetings and events industry. So it’s fantastic that when CHS Birmingham returns in October, its focus on education continues with sessions on how event organisers can effectively go about their work in 2024 and 2025. We also applaud Elevate for launching its NewGen, which provides much-needed equal access to the events industry for underrepresented talent aged 18-25.”
Scott Ford, Commercial Director, EDGE Venues
Missed June’s news round-up? Check it out here!
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