Marketing Event articles from April 2008

Marketing Event archives from April 2008

Editor's letter.(Editorial)
April 1, 2008... While music fans, including myself, might cringe at the recent comments made by new EMI owner Guy Hands, from an event marketing perspective his views on musicians being sponsored by brands provides much food for thought. It would be hard...

This month's Go-To Events.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... THE OLYMPIC TORCH The Olympic torch is heading to London on 6 April. Set alight in Greece on March 24, it arrives as part of the Torch Relay, starting at Wembley Stadium, then heading through Notting Hill, Marble Arch, Oxford Street,...

What's hot: Try this.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... TV seems to be awash with sports stars proving they can transfer their skills to the dancefloor or ice rink. Rugby star Kyran Bracken won ITV's Dancing On Ice last year and can perform with his skating partner Melanie Lambert at your event. You...

What's hot: Get in touch.( ibar from Mindstorm)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Guests becoming bored while they wait to be served at the bar could soon be a thing of the past, thanks to the ibar from Mindstorm. The interactive bar reacts to touch by activating games, images and animation to entertain guests. It features...

What's hot: Scent to please you.(Air Aroma International )(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Appeal to your guests' senses with Plantscaping's stylish-looking scent diffusers, which can add a range of fragrances to an event space. The Aroscent and Ecoscent systems were created by Air Aroma International and dispense a mixture of...

What's hot: Instant feedback.(Trade Show Spy )(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Measuring the success of your exhibition stand is crucial. Trade Show Spy is a new service that allows exhibitors to access real-time statistics about their stand and visitors. Attendees can fill out a company's online survey while they are...

What's hot: Ball control.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Mindball is ideal as a fun yet fascinating experience at events. Two people sit at either end of a table, each guarding a goal, and are connected to a biosensor system that records their brainwaves, and therefore their stress levels. A...

What's hot: All the colours.(Supplier Rainbow Chasers)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... As most people in the industry - both organisers and guests alike - would no doubt agree, one of the most essential elements of any event is the drink. Supplier Rainbow Chasers has created a range of vodka shots that come in sealed pots....

What's hot: Mini bar.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Dish head chef Tom Gore has come up with the concept of the Canape Bar, which means guests don't have to chase the waiter or waitress as a tray goes whizzing by. Delicacies include shucked oysters, lobster bisque and mini lemon and passion...

What's hot: Vintage cinema.
April 1, 2008... Organisers looking for an event space with a 'green' drink alternative should check out Rex Cinema and Bar, which has just launched its eco-friendly wine list. The wines are created using organic, biodynamic or sustainable resources and...

What's hot: Five to two.
April 1, 2008... Last year heralded the return of the pop band, with Take That and the Spice Girls leading the way. Next up are ex-Five members Scott and Ritchie, who can be hired as DJs The package includes a two-hour set and photo opportunities. Prices...

What's hot: Cost cutter.(Urgoing.to )(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Say goodbye to extortionate booking fees. Urgoing.to is an online ticketing service through which organisers can sell tickets for events. It is free to join and the only charge is a small Pay Pal transaction fee. Each event is allocated a...

What's hot: In a good light.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Create a disco feel by hiring Chillspace's Light Bar, which can be lit up in any colour and branded to suit a corporate event. The bars can be configured to meet clients' requirements, with a circular model made up of eight sections costing...

What's hot: Altered images.(Digital Frames Direct )(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Even the humble photo frame can't escape the digital age, and you can now have ones that display images via a USB stick. Digital Frames Direct is offering the nifty products as corporate gifts, having launched them at Confex. They can be...

What's hot: Hydro power.
April 1, 2008... Arcstream AV has launched its Aqua Sermo, which creates a customised image, logo or message through millions of illuminated droplets of water. Extra lighting can add to the effect and there is no overflow as the water stays within the stand...

What's hot: Fine furniture.
April 1, 2008... The table is a much-needed staple at any event. Chillspace has created a range of clean-lined, wooden poseur tables that come in a matt-black finish. They are one-metre tall and feature a laminate top with a surface area of 1.6sqm, making...

Agencies: Ultimate secures HAC contract.
April 1, 2008... Following a competitive eight-way tender and pitch process, The Ultimate Experience has won the coveted three-year summer and Christmas contract at the HAC's Artillery Garden. The agency's tenure of the site will commence in June 2009 and...

Agencies: Elated GSP secures Cartier Polo contract.
April 1, 2008... GSP has beaten five of its biggest rivals to win the contract to produce the Rock the Polo party for Chinawhite at this year's Cartier Polo summer event. Rock the Polo takes place during the day of the Cartier International Polo...

Agencies: MCM buys long-term supplier Lite Relief.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... MCM Productions has acquired leading AV and technical production company Lite Relief for an undisclosed sum. The Southampton-based business brings with it a large amount of AV equipment, warehouse space and a client portfolio that includes...

Agencies: Partnership set to launch half-marathon.
April 1, 2008... Sports marketing and events management company Limelight Sports has teamed up with The Royal Parks Foundation to launch London's first half-marathon. The project, taking place on 12 October, aims to create an iconic event on Britain's...

Agencies: Payal shows intent with London office.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Manchester-based event production and catering company Payal has opened an office in Mayfair. The business, which caters for clients such as Manchester United FC and Barclays, has recently won a number of high-profile contracts in the...

Agencies: Concerto acquires catering firm Maby's.
April 1, 2008... The Concerto Group has acquired family-run business Maby's Catering for an undisclosed sum. Maby's will be integrated into The Concerto Group's Oxfordshire-based catering company Touch of Taste, with the hope of making it the leading...

Agencies: Account wins.
April 1, 2008... Toy manufacturer Hasbro has appointed i2i Marketing to mastermind an experiential campaign for its Nerf Dart Tag game. Throughout the summer a roaming 'Nerf Crew' will travel the nation in a branded vehicle, challenging children to use Dart Tag...

Exhibitions: Brand Events launches auto tour.
April 1, 2008... Brand Events is working with BBC Worldwide to create a global tour called Top Gear Live. The live stunt show will launch at Clarion Events' automotive show MPH, London in October this year. The UK leg of the tour will then conclude at...

Exhibitions: IMIE wins bid to stage travel fair at Excel ..
April 1, 2008... Organiser IMIE has won a three-year contract to organise Visit Britain's British Travel Trade Fair (BTTF), formerly organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions. The changes mean BTTF will move from the NEC to Excel London and will be open to the...

Exhibitions: ... as Expo Management announces NEC event.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Expo Management has partnered with the NEC to launch rival trade-only show Travel Trade Britain from 3-4 March 2009 at the NEC. Expo Management managing director Mark Griffin said: 'Along with the NEC, other key industry associations and...

Exhibitions: Imagination puts Land Rover branding on show.
April 1, 2008... Agency Imagination unveiled a stand for Land Rover last month that aimed to express the automotive firm's new brand vision. The stand appeared at the Salon International de l'Auto from 6-16 March in Geneva. Its centrepiece was the new LRX...

Exhibitions: Gilbertson poised to fill CEO position at Emap.
April 1, 2008... As Event went to press, David Gilbertson was set to become chief executive at Emap Communications. The move, which would see Gilbertson take over from Derek Carter, was to coincide with the expected imminent completion of Emap's sale to...

Exhibitions: Funding will allow NEC Group to develop arena.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... The NEC Group has secured pounds 25m of funding from Birmingham City Council to redevelop the NEC Arena. The group plans to revitalise the 28-year-old venue and create a 21st-century entertainment experience, with new seating, hospitality,...

Exhibitions: Organza Events lines up some treats for Rumfest.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Organza Events will organise the second Rumfest, taking place from 25-26 October at the Royal Horticultural Halls. Visitors will be able to sample rums from countries such as Antigua, Barbados and Venezuela. There will also be a number of...

Exhibitions: Touchstone calls on PSL for 2008 show portfolio.(Conference news)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... PSL Exhibitions has been appointed as sole AV and IT supplier for Touchstone Exhibitions & Conferences' 2008 shows. The organising company is hosting six events this year, including the Times Creme Executive Secretary and PA event in...

Exhibitions: From the show floor.
April 1, 2008... The DMG World Media-organised Ideal Home Show celebrated its centenary year last month with advanced ticket sales hitting a record 80,000. The show runs from 14 March to 6 April at Earls Court. Ideal Home Show marketing director Mike...

Exhibitions: New show will target 'food to go' retailers.
April 1, 2008... Diversified Business Communications has unveiled plans for a trade show aimed at retailers involved in the 'food to go' sector. Lunch, which will take place from 26-27 September at Old Billingsgate, aims to attract a broad range of quality...

Exhibitions: MB Media unveils London music event.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Organiser MB Media has brought together four shows to create the London International Music Show from 12-15 June at Excel London. The event, encompassing Drummer Live, the London Guitar Show, Unplugged and Sound Recording Technology, will...

Exhibitions: Ascot Racecourse to host Motorshow@.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Motorshow@ has added a fourth regional car exhibition to its portfolio and broken free from the shopping centre environments of the other three shows. Organised by Mobile Promotions, Motorshow@ Ascot Racecourse will take place during the...

Exhibitions: Play.com exhibition showcases games.
April 1, 2008... Online entertainment retailer Play.com enticed 20,000 visitors to its first lifestyle exhibition last month. It showcased computer console games and boasted live band performances. Organised by the retailer itself, Play.com Live took...

Exhibitions: Industry bodies.
April 1, 2008... Events Industry Alliance (EIA) group chief executive Trevor Foley has set up his own management consultancy firm named Event Services Network (ESN.) The company will aim to contribute revenue to the EIA and follows mixed reactions to...

Exhibitions: Association business.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) will hold its annual congress at Excel London in 2011. The event, to be held from 25-28 May, is expected to attract around 12,000 delegates. The venue worked with the British Society for...

People: Appointment at NEC Group.(The National Exhibition Centre Limited )(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Simon Beattie has joined the NEC Group as general manager of catering. Beattie's previous roles include catering general manager at Aston Villa Football Club and project director for the Compass Group. He will be responsible for all...

People: Appointment at De Boer Structures.
April 1, 2008... Richard Limb has been appointed contracts manager at De Boer Structures. He will be responsible for on-site co-ordination, managing contracts and quality assurance to De Boer's clients. Limb has worked on a range of projects such as the...

People: Appointment at Ignition.
April 1, 2008... Tommy Tyekiff has been appointed artist and label relations manager for Ignition's music and entertainment division. Tyekiff has experience in producing live concerts, artist liaison and contracting artistes. He previously worked for Harvey...

People: Appointment at Limelight Sports.
April 1, 2008... Jacq Ellis-Jones has joined sports marketing and event agency Limelight Sports as head of marketing. Limelight manages Nike Run London, Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile, Swimathon, London Summer of Sport, JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge and the...

People: Appointment at Line Up.
April 1, 2008... Jonathan Cooley has joined agency Line Up as head of graphics Cooley will be responsible for producing graphics for both video and live events. He was previously show graphic designer at production company Aspect.

People: Appointment at Staar Productions.
April 1, 2008... Amy Bulgin has joined Staar Productions as account manager. Bulgin was events officer for charity Farm Africa, where she developed and managed fundraising events

People: Appointment at PSCo.
April 1, 2008... Stuart Reay has been appointed advanced product specialist at AV supplier PSCo. Reay's role will include expanding the features and capabilities of PSCo's advanced products, and researching new software and processors

People: Appointment at GLD Productions.
April 1, 2008... Craig Hammond has been appointed corporate sales manager at furniture supplier GLD Productions. Hammond has 19 years' experience in the furniture hire industry and has worked for Hallmark Hire and Thorns. His role will be to generate and...

People: Appointment at Amora.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Puja Khanna has left her role as marketing and PR manager at venue Belowzero to join venue Amora as marketing director. Her objective is to position the venue as a lifestyle brand. Other changes at Belowzero include the appointment of head...

People: Appointment at Headcount.
April 1, 2008... Chris Hoyte has joined agency Headcount as sales manager. Other appointments include Georgina Westgate as client operations manager, Linda Morris as field marketing support manager, Sarah Baker as administration assistant and Steve Blunt as...

People: Move of the month.
April 1, 2008... Sarah Barnes, events and marketing manager, Phonographic Performance (PPL). - What will your new role entail? PPL is the music industry organisation that collects and distributes revenues from airplay and public performance in the UK,...

People: On the spot.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Victoria Grossmith, head of events, National Museum of Science and Industry. - What attracted you to your current role? The opportunity to represent four amazing venues offering every possible event option. In addition, I get to work...

Packages: Some fresh suggestions, ranging from cookery to F1.
April 1, 2008... TEAM BUILDING - Nick Nairn Cook School This new package sees celebrity chef Nick Nairn test guests' culinary skills with a team-building initiative titled Stir It Up. At Nairn's Cook School in Stirling, Scotland, he and chef tutors John...

Venues: New and refurbished event spaces, including The Vale Hotel and Dehesa.
April 1, 2008... AMORA LOUNGE Where is it? On Coventry Street in Piccadilly Circus. What is it? A lounge bar within Amora, the educational visitor experience dedicated to love, sex and relationships. What's it got? The bar can be used independently...

Preview: Trade Show - RSVP North.
April 1, 2008... This year's event takes place from 23-24 April at Manchester Central. AMBITIOUS SHOW BUILDS ON ACHIEVEMENTS OF LAST YEAR RSVP North will be returning to Manchester Central (formerly G-Mex) from 23-24 April for its much-anticipated...

Campaign: Case Study - Applied science.
April 1, 2008... Hitachi Europe brings its technology to life. - What does the campaign involve? Technology brand Hitachi Europe has created a live-action experience event, showcasing products that are used in areas such as transport and the home. ...

Brand Watch: Case study - Fujifilm.
April 1, 2008... Exhibitions, sponsorship and product launches fall within the event remit of this dynamic brand. Known across the globe for its photographic film and stylish cameras, Fujifilm is a market leader in imaging technology products and services,...

Profile: Corporate Events Manager - No-nonsense approach.
April 1, 2008... Sybil Sellwood of Siemens maintains high standards for her events. When you think of Siemens, mobile phones probably spring to mind. However, the technology and services solution company no longer manufactures phones and is now better known...

Showcase: Feast of Albion - Celebrating a green and pleasant land.
April 1, 2008... The Feast of Albion at London's Guildhall allowed the Soil Association to demonstrate all that is good about British organic produce. What was the event? A banquet created to raise money for the Soil Association's Farm School Initiative....

Showcase: Celebratory Events - in action - A true spectacle.
April 1, 2008... Two recent landmark events that guests won't forget. SPAR'S 50th ANNIVERSARY PARTY Food retail chain Spar celebrated its 50th birthday in style with 2,200 franchisees and suppliers attending a party on 22 September 2007 at the...

Showcase: Celebratory events - Kit list.
April 1, 2008... Products that will increase your options for events of all sizes. SERIOUS STAGES The right stage roof will maximise the entertainment's impact at a celebratory event. Serious Stages' Solar roof system can be made up to 25 metres wide...

Showcase: Celebratory events - Advice.
April 1, 2008... Three industry experts on how to celebrate in style. THE AGENCY - ABI HUMAYUN DIRECTOR, RAPPORT EVENTS 'It is important to ascertain the nature of the celebration and devise a theme that is in keeping with this. At Rapport, we...

Showcase: Celebratory events - Edinburgh.(The Glasshouse)(Statistical table)
April 1, 2008... The Scottish capital knows how to host parties on a grand scale. Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations are world renowned, and last year's Street Party, which attracted 100,000 people, again saw the city celebrate the turn of the New Year in...

Showcase: Roadshows - in action - On the right track.
April 1, 2008... Mobile events provide a unique environment in which to engage consumers. SANSA MP3 PLAYER When US electronics firm Sandisk vowed to challenge Apple's dominance of the MP3 player market with its relatively unknown Sansa brand, an...

Showcase: Roadshows - Kit list.(List)
April 1, 2008... There's no reason why you can't be stylish as you cross the country. VINYL WRAPS Branding specialist Raccoon's vehicle wraps are a quick and cost-effective way to brand everything from trailers and hospitality suites to cars, bikes...

Showcase: Roadshows - Advice.
April 1, 2008... Three industry experts talk about getting a show on the road. THE SUPPLIER - DAVID WILSON, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DAVID WILSON'S TRAILERS 'Clients are requesting high visual impact along with accessibility - those targeting the public...

Showcase: Roadshows - South of England.(Sky ltd)
April 1, 2008... There is no shortage of quality suppliers in the South. The South East has a network of reputable roadshow suppliers capable of transforming a blank-canvas mobile unit into a lean, mean marketing machine. Always check out an agency's...

Showcase: Brit Awards 2008 - No margin for error at The Brit Awards.
April 1, 2008... Satisfying the demands of an eclectic music industry audience is a hefty challenge, and calls for near-military precision. What was the event? This year marked the 28th outing of the British Phonographic Industry's (BPI) annual awards. The...

Advice Bureau: Graphics - Image conscious.
April 1, 2008... Live events are reaping the benefits of strong visuals. From the early days of cave paintings and engraved images on stone tablets, graphics have been used to grab people's attention. Today, visual presentations are still crucial if any...

Advice Bureau: Team building - Working together.
April 1, 2008... Six agencies show how to achieve results from your team-building activities. JOHN BIRD, MANAGING DIRECTOR, CATALYST GLOBAL What is your newest team-building activity? Knowing Me - Knowing You is a bespoke networking game designed to...

Trend Watch: Sponsorship - A deeper relationship.
April 1, 2008... Sponsorship helps a brand engage its target audience. According to sponsorship strategist IEG, global sponsorship spend should reach dollars 43.5 bn (pounds 21.5 bn)this year, marking a 14.8% increase on 2007. At the top of the pile are...

Venue Files: Unusual exhibition spaces - It pays to be flexible.
April 1, 2008... Six venues that organisers would not normally associate with corporate exhibitions. OLD BILLINGSGATE Where is it? On Lower Thames Street in the Square Mile. What is it? A 19th-century, Grade II-listed building that provides a...

Venue Files: Scotland - Natural ability.
April 1, 2008... Scottish venues are unleashing the country's full potential. OUR DYNAMIC EARTH Where is it? At the bottom of the Royal Mile on Holyrood Road in Edinburgh. What is it? A visitor attraction and conference centre by day, a party...

Social Networking: Girl about town - Abigail - Parties with the beautiful people.(Personal account)
April 1, 2008... If February is the month for romance, then March must be the month for music. So, on a high after watching a private performance from Lenny Kravitz at Koko with my friends from Iris Experience, I thought it the perfect time to reflect on...

Social Networking: Event awards - A year of triumphs.
April 1, 2008... The revamped Event Awards will reflect a bouyant and exciting industry. The Event Awards Following the launch of the new-look magazine, the Event Awards is set to be bigger and better than ever before. Representing the live, creative...

Viewpoint: Comment - As the credit crunch looms, the industry must prove its worth.
April 1, 2008... The key terms for 2008 seem to be consolidation and change. As the impending credit crunch and widely predicted recession appear on the corporate agenda, there is already evidence of companies looking to streamline their assets or sell up....

Blogwatch.(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... www.capabilityevents.blogspot.com Agency Capability Events shows off a project - the 10th anniversary party for heat-seal solution company Proseal, which took place in February. It includes a time-lapse video of the team transforming...

Viewpoint: Good/Bad - The Event team on what's tickled or ticked them off this month.(Viewpoint essay)
April 1, 2008... A good month for... It's always a bit of a gamble when popping canapes in your mouth, not knowing what's in them (especially for Event editor Jeremy King, who has a nut allergy). Caterer Suzanne James has come up with a perfect solution,...