Marketing Event articles from March 2008

Marketing Event archives from March 2008

Editor's letter.(Editorial)(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... Believe it or not, it is almost three years since London won its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. With arguably the world's biggest sporting event set to take place in Beijing in a few months, the preparations for its arrival here are...

This month's go-to events.
March 4, 2008... The Charming Vietnam Gala The global celebration of all things Vietnamese is coming to London's Westminster Central Hall on 4-5 of this month, bringing together more than 300 of Vietnam's top performers and musicians. This includes...

What's hot: Bio diversity.
March 4, 2008... Signalling another move toward the industry going green, Sunbaba has launched its 65% biodegradable signage solution called Bioflex. The product, which is made from PVC and degrades in approximately three years, is available in sizes of up...

What's hot: Contain yourself.
March 4, 2008... The latest product from Alistage will allow guests to show off their David Brent moves. Polestar Dance Cages are made from aluminium, come with a dance platform and black valance, and cost pounds 150 a week to hire. At the time of going to...

What's hot: Outside the box.
March 4, 2008... Ensure all of your guests are entertained by using the innovative Lightning Cube from Showbiz Works. It allows three acts to take place at once because artistes can perform on top of the cube, within it and below. The cube's frame features...

What's hot: Doubled up.
March 4, 2008... Graphic solutions company Eurostand has created a display stand that serves an additional function because it can also be used as an advertising space. Each one is built with a large, curved graphic panel that can be branded for an event....

What's hot: Back to front.
March 4, 2008... Proving that the simplest ideas are often the best, portable video screen provider Adscreens has launched a new version of its popular backpack display unit, only this time it's to be worn on the front. Designed and manufactured to fit the...

What's hot: Growth potential.
March 4, 2008... If you want to convey your grassroots credentials, try the Instaplant Living Wall Display, featuring fresh plants designed to reveal a brand or event message. Supplied by Kernock Park Plants, the wall features 50 plants and is available in...

What's hot: Cape crusader.(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... Keep your eco-conscience clear with compostable drinks tumblers and ponchos. Supplier Biopac claims that the tumblers are the UK's only cups with a CE marking, as the product has been subject to rigorous health and safety and environmental...

What's hot: TV stars.
March 4, 2008... Health and safety advisors will be thinking Christmas has come early with these wireless, mobile LED TV screens. Eliminating the problem of guests tripping over cabling, the screens, which are part of Adi TV's Iconic range, come in sizes...

What's hot: Point of view.(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... It's no good inviting your guests to an outdoor event, only for them to have their view obscured. Rollalong Hire Events, an expert in portable accommodation, has developed a two-storey viewing gallery with stairs and balcony for...

What's hot: Watch your step.
March 4, 2008... A new security system from Spindlewood offers digital, wireless and internet-linked technology, which means organisers can deploy the cameras anywhere, making them particularly effective at outdoor events Spindlewood also offers cameras that...

What's hot: Bright and bubbly.
March 4, 2008... There is now no need for warm beer with Chill Space's ingenious new product. The Champagne Glow table doubles up as a chill cabinet for your drinks It features a hollowed-out section that can be filled with ice, and the rim is also...

What's hot: Take a back seat.
March 4, 2008... Re-create a Thai experience with these quirky tuk tuks. Available from Go By Tuk Tuk, the vehicles fit two people in the back and reach up to 40mph. A protective cover can be used to shelter guests from the British weather, and you can...

What's hot: Band substance.(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... We know that being environmentally friendly has never been so chic, and now, thanks to Band Pass, so too are wristbands. The company's new Ident range of bands are made from polythene, the production of which releases only low-level...

What's hot: Team players.
March 4, 2008... To get your guests' pulses racing, try Team Extreme, whose activities include biking displays and now free running. The latter involves runners jumping from building to building and over walls with no safety restraints. They will also use...

Agencies: Science Museum hosts Siemens.
March 4, 2008... Private Drama Events transformed the Science Museum into a space centre for Siemens' Think Customer Awards on 7 February. The Exploring Space gallery was used as a reception area, with the main event held in Gallery 44, which became Mission...

Agencies: 2Heads expands for more local emphasis.(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... Experiential firm 2Heads has opened international bases in Hong Kong and Dubai. Commercial director Jo Bingham is heading up the Dubai office. 2Heads chief executive Pepe Parra said: 'This expansion will enable 2Heads to source materials...

Agencies: US equity firm invests in Gyro International.
March 4, 2008... An undisclosed US private equity firm has invested pounds 50m in Gyro International to help fund the agency's global growth and acquisitions. The deal will allow Gyro to open international offices and to diversify its integrated services...

Agencies: Choice Group rebrand bolsters event offer.(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... The Choice Group has rebranded all of its event management and congress-organising businesses as ChoiceLive. The new brand will continue to specialise in providing events for the pharmaceutical, manufacturing and professional association...

Agencies: Liquid Way produces Hitachi's showcase.
March 4, 2008... Technology giant Hitachi employed The Liquid Way to produce its corporate showcase from 20-21 February at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London. The agency utilised all six floors at the venue to create different areas...

Agencies: Account wins.
March 4, 2008... Diabetes UK has reappointed mobile display specialist Event Marketing Solutions for the third successive year, to provide expertise for its awareness-raising roadshow. The 2007 outing visited 21 UK locations, resulting in 6,741 on-the-spot...

Exhibitions: Confex reports healthy numbers.(CMP Information Ltd. conference )(Conference news)(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... CMP Information's International Confex attracted 10,943 visitors to Earls Court last month, marking a 31% increase on last year. Pre-ABC-audited attendance figures indicate that across the show's three days, 1,367 visitors attended from the...

Exhibitions: Changes to come after Clarion Events is sold.
March 4, 2008... Clarion Events is entering a period of transition following its acquisition by private equity firm Veronis Suhler Stevenson. The exhibition organiser was purchased for around pounds 120m following several months of bidding. Clarion chief...

Exhibitions: Acquisition bolsters Upper Street portfolio.(Upper Street Events acquired Value Added Events)(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... Upper Street Events, the in-house organising arm of the Business Design Centre, has acquired organiser Value Added Events for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition adds Move It - Dance London and The Language Show to Upper Streets' growing...

Exhibitions: Dee resigns as RHS restructure continues.
March 4, 2008... Rene Dee has stepped down as managing director at the Royal Horticultural Halls and Conference Centre after 17 years. The move follows the ongoing restructure of the venue's parent company the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The RHS's...

Exhibitions: Specialist Structures has plans for air show.(construction of crystal palace for exhibition)(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... Specialist Structures will create a 2,000sqm 'crystal palace' for the Farnborough International Airshow, taking place from 14-20 July in Hampshire. The four-storey glass and aluminium structure will be occupied by electronics and systems...

Exhibitions: TIC parent consolidates holdings with rebrand.(The International Centre rebranded to become Southwater Event Group)(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... The parent company of The International Centre (TIC) in Telford has rebranded to become Southwater Event Group. TIC and all its associated companies, which include two on-site hotels and the Grays Hotel and Conference Centre, fall under the new...

Exhibitions: Exhibitors express dismay at online costs.(exhibitors files petition against ever increasing price of online auctions)(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... Angry exhibitors at this year's Spring Fair have signed a petition against spiralling costs for online listings. Despite 400 of this year's exhibitors signing the petition against the pounds 100 increase, show organiser Emap TPS has...

Exhibitions: Nine-day run to extend scope of Grand Designs.
March 4, 2008... Organiser Media 10 will triple the length of its Grand Designs Live London show when it arrives at Excel London in May. The show, which previously ran for three days, is now set to take place from 3-11 May at the Docklands venue. Media...

Exhibitions: Motor show secures big names for Excel event.
March 4, 2008... The IMIE-organised British International Motor Show at Excel has secured artistes including UB40 and Status Quo for its evening music events. The concerts will take place in a purpose-built dockside arena each night of the show, scheduled...

Exhibitions: From the Show Floor.(The National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show increased is floorspace for event)(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... The National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show increased its floorspace by 30% when it was held at the NEC from 19-24 February. Organised by Ocean Media it took over 140,000sqm of the Birmingham venue. This is the first show since it called a...

Exhibitions: Ethical group signs up for Good Food events.
March 4, 2008... BBC Haymarket Exhibitions has formed a partnership with ethical food group Slow Food UK that will see its portfolio of Good Food Shows convey the movement's key messages regarding good, clean and fair food. The 80,000-strong Slow Food...

Exhibitions: Event UK to focus on creative and live work.(Conference news)
March 4, 2008... Launched at last month's International Confex, exhibition Event UK is set to target the live and creative elements of the event industry. It is scheduled to take place at the NEC from 16-17 September and replaces the National Venue Show....

Exhibitions: Jarvis extends reach in careers market.
March 4, 2008... Organiser Jarvis Exhibitions has launched Careers and Jobs Live North, adding to its portfolio of career advice shows that take place in London and Scotland. The new event will be held from 21-22 September in the Conference and Exhibition...

Exhibitions: Dr Who Exhibition to land in west London.
March 4, 2008... Earls Court's Museum Hall will host the Doctor Who Exhibition from 20 March for seven months. Organised by Experience Design and Management, it will feature actual props, costumes and 'monsters' from the show. Kylie Minogue's waitress...

Exhibitions: Melville to supply woodworking show.
March 4, 2008... Melville Exhibition and Event Services will supply electrics, shell schemes, logistics, furniture and floor coverings for woodworking event W8. Organised by W Aspects, W8 takes place from 26-29 October at the NEC. W8 event director John...

Exhibitions: Association business.
March 4, 2008... The Convention Centre, Dublin (CCD) has secured the contract to host the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society (EUGMS) three-day conference in September 2010, which is expected to attract 750 delegates. The NEC Group-managed venue is...

Exhibitions: Industry bodies.
March 4, 2008... The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has announced dates for three industry forums. The AEO Operations Forum: 21st Century Ops will be held at Arsenal FC's Emirates Stadium on 16 July and will outline the importance of major incident...

People: Appointment at Church House Conference Centre.
March 4, 2008... Alison Forsyth has been appointed operations manager at Church House Conference Centre. She was previously head of operations and events at Croydon's Fairfield Halls

People: Donna Comfort leaves Big Bang Events.(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... Donna Comfort has left Big Bang Events to pursue a new role as a freelance consultant. She was sales director at Big Bang for three years and has more than 17 years' experience in the events industry, working for recruitment consultancy Blue...

People: Appointment at Staar Productions.
March 4, 2008... Naseem Hathiramani has been appointed events assistant at agency Staar Productions. She was previously backstage manager at Nicu's Spoon Theatre in New York. Hathiramani replaces Charlie Baker, who has joined family business Baker Bars

People: Appointment at Logistik.
March 4, 2008... Paul Phillips has been appointed client account director at agency Logistik, where he will work within its design and build operations Phillips was previously corporate marketing manager at independent risk management organisation Lloyd's...

People: Appointment at Conference Leeds.
March 4, 2008... Claire Heap has rejoined Conference Leeds as business tourism officer after working for three years as tourism marketing officer at Hull City Council and Visit Hull and East Yorkshire Tourism Partnership She was previously assistant conference...

People: Appointment at Momentum.(appointment of Chris Falconer)(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... Chris Falconer has joined Manchester-based integrated agency Momentum as account manager. He joins from agency Direct Relations and now works on Momentum's Cereal Partners Worldwide account. Tom Woodger also joins as account executive,...

People: Appointment at Stagecraft Live Events.
March 4, 2008... Janie Penny has been appointed account manager at Stagecraft Live Events. She has more than 24 years' experience in production management and has worked with artistes including Elton John, Van Morrison and Bon Jovi

People: Appointment at Disneyland Resort Paris.
March 4, 2008... Marie Emmanuelle Llinares has joined Disneyland Resort Paris as marketing manager for the business solutions team. She will develop marketing programmes that drive group business to the resort, and support clients booking meetings and...

People: Appointment at Event Marketing Solutions (EMS).
March 4, 2008... Alison Newton has joined Event Marketing Solutions (EMS) as account manager. She was previously trade marketing manager at confectionery firm Leaf UK. In her new role she will be responsible for EMS's largest clients in the FMCG, financial...

People: Promotion at Live Nation.
March 4, 2008... David Vickers has been promoted to senior vice-president of international venue development at Live Nation. Vickers was previously divisional manager for all of Live Nation's UK music venues, such as Cardiff International Arena and Hammersmith...

People: Move of the month.(interview of Jo Eldridge managing director of Indeprod )(Interview)(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... Jo Eldridge, Managing Director, Indeprod - What does being promoted mean to you personally? My career has grown steadily since joining the company and over the years I have put my heart and soul into the business. I am extremely...

People: On the spot.(interview of Rupert Ellwood managing director of Vinopolis)(Interview)
March 4, 2008... Rupert Ellwood, Managing Director, Vinopolis - What was the appeal of leaving the Natural History Museum for Vinopolis? I loved my time at the NHM but I want the challenge of attracting people to Vinopolis. - What has been the...

Packages: Fresh ideas on hospitality and how to spoil your guests.
March 4, 2008... AWAYDAYS Cool Camping Events If it's good enough for Billie Piper, it's good enough for us. Follow in the footsteps of the former Dr Who sidekick, who used teepees at her wedding, by giving Cool Camping Events a call. Its communal...

Venues: New and refurbished event spaces, including The 108 and Dex.
March 4, 2008... THE ROYAL HALL Where is it? Refurbished event space the Royal Hall is located within Harrogate International Centre, a short walk from the historic town of Harrogate. It is due to open on 27 April. What is it? The original Royal Hall...

Campaign: Case study - Unfolding drama - E4 launches Skins series with wild parties.(E4 (United Kingdom))(Ten Alps Communications)
March 4, 2008... What did the campaign involve? The nationwide campaign served as a precursor to the TV premiere of the new series of E4's Skins. The gritty teen drama reflects the realities of growing up, and the campaign aimed to reward loyal viewers with...

Brand Watch: Case study - Sony Ericsson - Three of the brand's target areas are tennis, music and imagery.
March 4, 2008... Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications is a global provider of mobile multimedia devices, including phones, accessories and PC cards. The firm was established in 2001 by telecommunications leader Ericsson and consumer electronics outfit Sony...

Profile: Events Manager - Team player.
March 4, 2008... Jane Adlington of the British Olympic Association is working hard to raise funds. As preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games begin in earnest, for some there remains one last hurdle to jump. Jane Adlington, events manager for the British...

Showcase: The Love Ball Fundraiser - Charity melts hearts in a winter palace.
March 4, 2008... Guests braved sub-zero Russian temperatures to raise money at a supermodel's gala event. What was the event? Titled The Love Ball, the event raised money for Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova's children's playground charity, the Naked...

Showcase: Consumer Shows - In Action - By popular demand.
March 4, 2008... Two specialist events with massive consumer appeal. THE GOLF SHOW, NEC BIRMINGHAM The Golf Show Group's decision to strike out from London to Birmingham and take over from the departed UK Golf Show as the NEC's annual golfing event...

Showcase: Consumer shows - Kit List.
March 4, 2008... Suppliers and products that will enhance any show experience. CLEARVIEW Clearview is touted by developer Arena Seating as the first system of its kind - a parabolic, reconfigurable seating design. This, for those whose GCSE physics is...

Showcase: Consumer Shows - Advice.
March 4, 2008... Three industry experts on the value of consumer events. THE ORGANISER - FINLAY MCALLAN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MCIE 'On any kind of show that has a retail element to it, the exhibitors' return on investment is largely down to them. There...

Showcase: Consumer Shows - Glasgow.
March 4, 2008... With the SECC as a focal point, the city hosts regular major events. In the 23 years since it was built, the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) has emerged as the hub of Scotland's exhibition industry, and ongoing...

Preview: Trade show - RSVP 08.(Calendar)
March 4, 2008... A preview of this year's show, taking place at the Business Design Centre from 2-3 April. Exhibition surges on with inspirational new features This year's RSVP show promises to be the best yet. The exhibition, now in its seventh year,...

Preview: Trade Show - RSVP 08.
March 4, 2008... Three exhibitors who are looking forward to RSVP 08. THE VENUE - LISA HATSWELL, CHAIRMAN, UNIQUE VENUES OF LONDON (UVL) How many times have you exhibited at RSVP? We have supported the show since it began and look forward to exhibiting...

Preview: Trade Show - RSVP 08.
March 4, 2008... Two classic venues and a modern hotel to check out at RSVP 08. THE HEMPEL Where is it? On Craven Hill Gardens, near Hyde Park. What is it? A five-star boutique hotel created by acclaimed British designer Anouska Hempel. What's...

Preview: Trade Show - RSVP 08.(Conference news)
March 4, 2008... A peek at some innovative products and services exhibiting this year. BODYFLIGHT BEDFORD Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's your client - or at least it could be if you sign them up for flying lessons at Bodyflight Bedford. The...

Preview: Trade Show - RSVP 08.
March 4, 2008... AQUABATIX Having cleverly combined the sport of synchronised swimming with the creativity of performance, agency Aquabatix has already proved a What's Hot favourite, entertaining high-profile clients including Sky, MTV and Pretty Polly. At...

Advice Bureau: Staffing - Standard-bearers.
March 4, 2008... Staff are at the frontline of a campaign and must be chosen carefully. Ancient Rome's imperial strength relied on a talent for recruiting and retaining an army primed for territorial expansion. The importance of a well-oiled campaign staff...

Advice Bureau: Theming - Going into detail.(briefs)
March 4, 2008... Nine industry specialists offer their thoughts on effective theming. MARCUS RENDLE, MANAGING DIRECTOR - HYPE PARTY PLANNING - What is your newest product or service? We have bought 70 one-metre tall, silver candelabras. Creative...

Trend Watch: Return on investment - Making events pay.
March 4, 2008... Giving your guests a good time is no longer enough, says Jeremy King. A few years ago, the concept of return on investment (ROI) came to the forefront of the event industry, shrouded in hype. Proving that the hype should be believed, more...

Trend Watch: Careers - University of life.
March 4, 2008... Training courses reflect a tough industry. It's a hard knock life. This is an important lesson to learn when working in the events industry, which involves many tough pitches and long hours. Specialist college Event Management Training has...

Venue Files: Sporting - Pitch for business.(briefs)
March 4, 2008... Event spaces to raise the adrenalin levels of your guests. LORD'S Where is it? In St John's Wood, north London. What is it? Lord's Cricket Ground is named after Thomas Lord, an entrepreneur who, in 1814, found a site in St John's...

Venue Files: London - Classic to cutting edge.
March 4, 2008... A blend of history and contemporary style makes London irresistible. CONGRESS CENTRE Where is it? On Great Russell Street in the heart of London's West End, a short walk from Oxford Street, Covent Garden and the capital's theatreland....

Social Networking: Girl About Town - Abigail.(party experience)
March 4, 2008... Parties with the beautiful people. As a single gal, I was under no illusion that this Valentine's Day would be spent like all the rest - under the duvet with a large box of expensive chocolates. That was until the invite to Amora's Just...

Social Networking: Industry celebrations - Event launch party.(Marketing Event celebrates on magazine launch)(Brief article)
March 4, 2008... Hosted in the Haymarket boardroom on 31 January, the launch party for the new-look Event magazine attracted more than 120 guests from the industry. These included directors and event planners from companies such as The Concerto Group,...

Eventia Awards.
March 4, 2008... More than 850 guests attended the Eventia International Awards when it arrived at London's Grosvenor House hotel on 1 February. Prizes were awarded in 19 categories. New ones included agency of the Year, won by Banks Sadler, and the...

Viewpoint: Comment - Two hot topics - the Olympics and CSR - come under the spotlight.
March 4, 2008... CLAIRE BOND Few events demand a lead-time of several years, but when it comes to hosting the largest sporting event in the world, there's no such thing as being over-rehearsed. Since winning the Olympic bid in 2005, the organising...

Viewpoint: Blogwatch.
March 4, 2008... http://www.cakefocus.com/weblog/ Agency Cake Live was behind the event marking Neighbours' move from BBC1 to Five on 7 February. The occasion was celebrated by a 300-strong brass band playing the programme's theme tune in Trafalgar Square,...

Viewpoint: Good/Bad.
March 4, 2008... The Event team on what's tickled or ticked them off this month. A GOOD MONTH FOR... - It may have been a week before St Valentine's Day, but the girls on the editorial team were delighted with the goodie bags they received at the...