March's top 5

Don’t have time to keep up with what’s happening in the MICE world? Don’t fear, The Meetings Show has you covered. Here’s everything you need to know this month…

 

1) Meeting Needs calls for industry support for Turkey and Syria

Events industry charity Meeting Needs has donated £2,000 to the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) on behalf of the UK events industry following the series of devastating earthquakes which have hit Turkey and North-West Syria. It has also launched a match-funded fundraising campaign, where any funds donated will be doubled up to the total of £1,500. Donations can be made here.

Commenting on the initiative, Meeting Needs Chair Chris Peacock said: “Many of us have watched these terrible events unfold, feeling both appalled and powerless to help. Whilst some people may have donated to a cause already, we’d like the events industry to show a united front in this time of urgent need. So, for that reason, we will match all donations made up to the target of £1,500 – so your valuable donation will count twice.”

 

2) Venues and Events International launches sustainability division

Venues and Events International has launched a sustainability and technology division as part of its commitment to driving ESG initiatives.

As part of this new division, Venues and Events International said it plans to focus on “innovative technology”. The move follows the 2022 launch of the agency’s EVENTsmart product, designed to help clients plan, deliver, and measure sustainability goals for their events.

Anita Lowe, Venues and Events International CEO, said: “We have a huge passion for sustainability and governance, underpinned by investigating innovative ways of working in our own business, and for the events we deliver for clients. We are in the privileged position of being able to encourage our industry and supply chain in their ESG goals by promoting new initiatives, such as our EVENTsmart product.”

 

3) Convene expands UK presence with etc.venues acquisition

Convene has acquired etc.venues, expanding its UK presence and growing its network of premium meetings, events, and co-working spaces to 38.

A premium provider of corporate meeting and event spaces, US-based Convene opened its first international venue at 22 Bishopsgate in London in May 2022. Founded in 1992, etc.venues is a leading provider of events, training, and conference venues with a 450,000-square-foot real estate portfolio spanning 13 UK locations in London, Birmingham and Manchester, and three New York City outposts. 

Ryan Simonetti, CEO and co-founder of Convene, said: “The talented team at etc.venues, led by Alastair Stewart and Nick Hoare, has built an incredible business across the UK and New York for over 30 years; the acquisition of an organisation with such an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality meeting and event experiences allows Convene to expand our ability to serve our clients in more places and exciting new ways.”

 

4) The Power of Events launched at cross-sector industry event

The Power of Events platform is now live, and event professionals are being urged to explore the platform and give feedback to help make it as comprehensive, representative and current as possible. Founder Rick Stainton said that the platform launch is “the start of the mission to better showcase, better respect and better value the UK events industry.”

The platform showcases the seven core sectors that make up the UK events industry – business and brand experiences, bespoke sports events, exhibitions and congress, outdoor events and festivals, music and live performances, public and third sector, and weddings and private events. Content includes overview videos, 100+ industry community organisations, 44 news articles, 90+ industry calendar event profiles and 100s of business supporter recognitions.

It was launched at a cross-industry event at Here at Outernet in London, which welcomed attendees representing all sectors, including Notting Hill Carnival, AEG Europe, ASM Global, London Marathon, George P Johnson, TRO, ExCel London, WRG, Identity, DRPG, Wasserman, Smyle, Montgomery Group, Rego, Star Group, SunBelt Rentals, Creative Technology, JA Productions, Event Grads, SFL Group, Entourage Pro, alongside university, association, support organisation and media partners.

 

5) ACC Liverpool steps up sustainability commitment with isla membership

ACC Liverpool has become the first large-scale conference venue in the UK to join isla as it continues its commitment towards sustainability in the events sector.

The waterfront venue has become the latest organisation to become a member of the independent industry body created to support the events sector’s transition to a net-zero future. The isla team will work with ACC Liverpool to share best practice and provide guidance and training to support the organisation’s journey towards Carbon Net Zero 2050.

As well as ACC Liverpool’s commitment to support the delivery of the government’s pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, it aims to maintain zero to landfill status and support the development of super low carbon events.

The multi-purpose event complex is also working towards delivery of the second year of its Social Value Plan. Current commitments include installing LED lights across the campus – which also includes M&S Bank Arena and Exhibition Centre Liverpool – in addition to the team striving to achieve ISO150001. It aims to reduce single-use plastics across the site and implement a food composting system.