Posted on 08.18.10 by Ralph Traxler @ 9:23 am
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To our friends coming to the UK to produce an event: there are certain things you should do, certain ways to speak, and certain ways to write. And, of course, there are ways not to do all of those things. Rather than make common mistakes, we hope you’ll take advantage of this quick reference guide. Talking amongst ourselves here, we tried to come up with a list of the top tips that would be of use to someone in your position. And here they are…
1. Don’t bring your entourage.
Don’t bring an army with you. For one thing, it’s not necessary: there are thousands of excellent hospitality companies in the UK. Over 3000 of them are located on our site, just to start you off. Beyond just not having to import all your support structure, consider this: local talent and local support means people with a local understanding of everything we’re talking about in this list.
2. Find a local event, conference or party planner professional.
Does it seem like a duplicate of #1? Not entirely. Because once you’ve engaged with the right local support, they are the experts on handling things there on the ground, where they are. That way you have someone to assist you with the details–a go-to resource who can make things happen instead of wondering who to call for this, or where to call for that. Regardless of the size of your event, conference or exhibition, it’s a good call.
3. Learn how the hospitality industry works in the UK.
You might be used to a single company providing a turnkey solution to an event. For example, catering, theme décor, staging, floral design, stage props…one large event could call for all of these things and a single vendor might have been used in the past and elsewhere to handle it. However, in the UK, you will find these are often separate companies. Specialising in a specific area or niche is the rule rather than the exception.
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Tags: 2012, business, conferences, events, exhibitions, games, hospitality, industry, insurance, London, London 2012, Olympics, planning, terminology, UK
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Posted on 07.01.10 by Ralph Traxler @ 5:36 pm
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It’s a delicate balance: setting up an event large enough to draw attention, but not so large that it ultimately winds up crushing you. Here are some tips to bear in mind so you can come out on top and alive, in whatever order of priority those are for you.
1. Assume the best and plan for the worst.
While you can, if you’re very diligent, nail down about 90% of issues before they happen, there’s still at least 10% that will always exist as a wild card no matter what you do. But ensure that you’ve covered that 90% well. For example, logistics: moving equipment, talent and crews from one location to the next can be perilous. Be sure to check on rules for access to the area or venue you where you will produce your event.
2. Find a variety of suppliers to call on.
Many staging, lighting, PA and AV video hire companies can quickly commit their inventory early for large events. The keyword there being “early.” Be sure to check our directory for lists of those companies.
3. Avoid the temptation to take too much work!
I know: we’ve all been there. But before you say yes again, make sure you’re not over-extending yourself. Ask yourself if you’re setting yourself up for a compromise of your quality work. Remember: A good reputation is priceless.
4. Exhibition support and Conference support companies are a great resource.
Large or small, the companies that control a wide variety of services can be tapped to provide them, even on short notice. Look to them for furniture and fittings, signs, graphics, badging to admission control. No need to reinvent the wheel.
5. Explore unusual and uniquely British event venues.
Think about stately homes, museums and art galleries, college and university conference centres, arts and leisure centres as wonderful environments for an event, concert or party.
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Tags: 2012, business, events, games, London, London 2012, Olympics, planning
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Posted on 05.31.10 by Ralph Traxler @ 5:16 am
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Here are a few thoughts for our readers, many among you UK hospitality professionals. 2012 is coming and the best time to begin your strategy for bringing in that business is now. Here are ten places we’d recommend you focus.
1. Small business partners.
Team with like-minded professionals; align your resources as well as sales and marketing budgets. Avoid overlap of services within your team. Your team should include caterers, entertainment producers, lighting, sound and AV companies, Marquee suppliers, floral decorators…the list goes on and on. To start your recruiting efforts, we recommend consulting our directory.
2. Consider producing events, public or private, not related directly to the official Games organisers.
The opportunities are across the board. Certainly there are going to be activities directly associated with the Games, but there is also a large market for parties and events. Do not limit yourself to the corporate world–people will want to have their own private events. In our experience, outdoor festivals, concerts and charity promotions can be quite popular.
3. Check the Official Sponsors.
These are large corporations that will more often than not have a destination management company handling their presence for them. These could be based in the UK, but many large ones could be based elsewhere. Find those companies and ensure you’re on their radar for what you can offer them.
A future post will go into specific details and tips for finding them and working to align yourself with them.
4. Call on Associations.
In between the corporate and the private events we have associations. These could be charities, manufacturing or corporate associations or lobbying groups. They too will want to have an unofficial presence so they can promote themselves. Help them with ideas to bring visibility to the efforts for their cause.
5. Look to Games Venues located in other regions of the UK.
Not based in London? Well, neither are all the venues. The ones outside the city are numerous and can be an ideal market for you. Find a venue map (such as this one) and start making your plans.
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Tags: 2012, events, hospitality, new business, Olympic Games, Olympics
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