ABPCO Events Journal

SUMMER SUMMIT A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:06:39 +0100

2011’s meetings and events industry Summer Summit – Open Your Mind has been hailed a huge success after over 120 senior delegates attended. Held at the Belfast Waterfront between 6-8 July, the Summit’s innovative programme proved thought provoking and brought new ideas of how to do business to the forefront.

Organised by ABPCO, AIPCO, ICCA, MIA and MPI, the congress was supported by Tourism Ireland and the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau. Attendees were warmly welcomed to the city by the Deputy Lord Mayor Alderman Ruth Patterson with a drinks reception at Belfast City Hall. Day one saw keynote speeches from international athlete and Olympic gold medallist Dame Mary Peters, who talked about her life story and involvement in promoting Belfast to event organisers. Motivational speaker Andy Bounds’s presentation on how to develop the core skills to stand out from the competition generated much interest as did Hamish Taylor’s soft insight into understanding buying decisions and what customers actually think.

The summit yet again demonstrated a united effort from key industry associations to both support their members, and deliver action on key industry topics. Designed to look at fresh and radical ways of doing business, the conference’s content led to detailed discussions in day two’s breakout sessions, each looking at different market sectors. Day two also saw the lively industry panel debate where industry issues such as the UK Bribery Act, training, future of meetings and competing in a marketplace with decreasing margins were examined.

Newly appointed chair of ABPCO, Michael Foreman comments, '"I was delighted with the opportunity to meet, network and socialise with our PCO colleagues and industry partners in Belfast. The level of debate and discussion generated from a the excellent programme was really exciting to see. When ABPCO gave input into our goals for the summit, the main one was to give participants some valuable output to take away with them and we certainly achieved that. Belfast must be acknowledged for there amazing hospitality! Looking forward to 2012!'

Samme Allen from MPI also comments: “2011’s Summit has been a great success, showcasing the very best of each of the organising associations. Early delegate feedback has been hugely positive particularly about this year’s featured content and choice of location. It is very clear that the programme of speakers gave the audience an inspiring and fresh insight into ways of doing business.”

David Leech from AIPCO adds: “We are delighted by how valuable the Summit has been in terms of networking and sharing best practice. The event was designed around the theme of ‘Open your Mind’ and from the breakout workshops and panel debate we really believe that delegates have left armed with new ideas and techniques on how they can successfully improve their offering and services for the conference and events market.”

ABPCO's Annual Conference 2012: 25 years: Past, Present & Future

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:56:55 +0100

For More Information and to Secure Your Place Go To www.shocklogic.com/abpco2012

The 2012 ABPCO Annual Conference is being held in the Barbican Centre, London from Wednesday 25^th to Friday 27^th January with a programme which has been designed to offer delegates the opportunity to learn from the past, evaluate the present and discuss the challenges for the future across the meetings and events industry.

The event looks at managing business relationships, understanding staff and colleagues to motivate and deliver events more efficiently, and explores the hot topics affecting our industry today, the media that surrounds it and how to use it as a helpful resource.

With a series of keynote presentations, practical workshops designed specifically for different levels within your organisation, discussion groups and networking opportunities, the programme offers you the perfect opportunity to share experiences of the past, develop the skills you have now and exchange ideas for the future in one of the UK's most exciting and influential cities – London and in a year when the focus of the world will be on the nation's capital.

25Yr Gala Event

ABPCO is pleased to confirm that its 25^th anniversary jubilee in 2012 will begin in style with a celebratory gala dinner at London’s St Paul’s Cathedral on Thursday 26^th January, the final night of the Association’s two day conference. St. Paul’s Cathedral is widely considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful buildings and a powerful symbol of the splendour of London and is a fitting location to begin the year long celebrations in style. Additional tickets have been made available to extend the event beyond those attending the conference to join the celebrations and mark the start of ABPCO’s Silver Anniversary year.

Who should attend the Conference?

Conference, event and meeting organisers at all levels from executive up to owner/manager working both as agents and in-house, across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Those working in the supply sector for the meetings and events industry including National Tourism Organisations, Destination Marketing Organisations, Convention Bureaux, Purpose-built Convention Centres, Hotels, other venues and those providing other services to conference and event organisers.

Those studying for event management and business tourism related qualifications.

Conference Cloud Debate

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:54:25 +0000

As part of the Conference Cloud Campaign, ABPCO are hosting a Round Table Debate on 5th December 2011.

Scheduled to take place at Twickenham Experience (Rugby House, Rugby Road, TW2 7BA) from 10am, finishing with lunch at 12.30pm, the debate will be for a select group of Campaign supporters, venues and PCOs.

The aim is to discuss the main issues involved from both perspectives with a view to identifying some possible solutions for venues and developing greater understanding of requirements amongst PCOs. The debate will focus on three core areas:

Technology
- What infrastructure is required?
- Cost implications, set up and maintenance
- Setting expectations for bandwidth with event organisers
- Managing access
- Financial implications
  - Revenue models
  - Options to consider
  - Free Wi-FI in action – contributions from attendees required
    - Examples from venues that offer Wi-Fi free of charge to delegates, what works, learning points from their experiences

There will be a panel and several speakers, two from ABPCO plus industry representatives and speakers with technical expertise in installing and managing wi-fi networks at venues and events. The event will be facilitated by leading meetings technology specialist Corbin Ball.

We will not be inviting members of the press but will report some of the points raised and any outcomes following the event.

Our intent is that the debate is an open and frank discussion of key issues, with a view to fostering greater understanding and potentially developing some guidelines on what venues need to deliver and what PCOs can expect for ‘free’ Wi-Fi.

If you are interested in attending this invitation only event please contact Association Manager Nicola Kayes on nicola@abpco.org or 07947369255.

5th EFAPCO Congress “The world has changed. Start acting”

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:42:20 +0000

This congress was thought to include all Meetings Industry players. The program develops general interest issues, which are delivered by speakers of national and international standing, who by studying and researching the current trends, will show us, short of resolving the crisis, how to face it while making the most of it.

The workshop “The Future Leaders Forum” integrated in the congress provides a unique opportunity, for students to contact leading professionals at the congress, through an interactive and educational program, designed to test and increase their performance capacities.

Students shall be invited to work in groups and to respond to challenges simulating real-life business situations. This workshop is undoubtedly an added value to the resume of participant students, offering an excellent platform to the success of their career.

Visit the congress site for all the information

htpp://www.efapco2012.com

ABPCO’s 25th Anniversary Gala Event- Celebrating in Style

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:26:39 +0000

To kick-start the year in style we're holding a Gala Celebration on Thursday 26th January during the Annual Conference. With St Paul’s Cathedral secured as the location, this event promises to be a very unique experience and a "must-attend" for ABPCO members, friends and special guests alike. Don't worry about having to pack your tux or evening dress as the dress code is Lounge Suit but make sure to dress to impress and party in style! The cost to attend the dinner is included in your Conference delegate fee and there are a limited number of additional tickets available for to you extend an invitation to your staff, colleagues, clients, suppliers and friends which you can purchase during the registration process. This is a landmark year for ABPCO and we're getting it started with a landmark event so we look forward to seeing you there to raise a glass or three and wish the Association a very Happy Birthday!

You can register for the Annual Conference taking place at the Barbican, London from 25^th-27^th January [Which includes a ticket to the Gala Dinner] at http://www.shocklogic.com/abpco2012/ . If you can't make it to the entire conference we would really appreciate you supporting the dinner on the 26th January at St Pauls Cathedral. Why not purchase a ticket for £75 or a table for only £750 and bring along your colleagues, clients, partners and suppliers? Please contact Nicola Kayes nicola@abpco.org directly should you wish to purchase Gala Dinner tickets.

Hope to see you in January!!

Developing virtual and hybrid events for the events industry

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:30:35 +0000

Do you have a digital events strategy?
How are you expanding and engaging your audience through virtual platforms?

Whether you need the knowledge to set up a virtual element for your business or you have some experience but need to learn about other successful marketing and engagement strategies, Make the most of your time at International Confex and attend the inaugural conference on d eveloping virtual and hybrid events for the events industry.

Sitting alongside the International Confex Exhibition this exciting, brand new one-day event will focus on integrating ‘virtual’ into your business portfolio. Showcasing the latest innovations in technologies, audience engagement and revenue generation, can you afford not to be there?

Attend this event to:

Understand the technologies – logistically how do you set up a virtual element and choose the right technology for your organisation?
Determine the best way to integrate a virtual element into an existing physical event
Monetise the virtual: Evaluate cost models to optimise your investment in this technology
Ensure your content is engaging your online audience: key tips for success

Speakers already confirmed include:

Richard Davies, Employee Communications Europe, eBay
Fiona Miller, Head of Conferences and Training, LexisNexis
Alex Whitson, Head of online events and video, Haymarket
Grace Owen, Communications Co-ordinator, Joint Information Systems Committee
Larry Cook, Manager, Events and Digital Metrics, IBM
Sourabh Kothari, Senior Manager, Global Virtual Events, Cisco
Edward Gamble, Managing Director, Policy Review TV

To register or for further information visit
www.virtualevent-confex.com .

The Meetings Industry Marketing Awards (MIMA)

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:14:16 +0000

The Meetings Industry Marketing Awards (MIMA) was launched in 2002 to raise the standards of marketing in the meetings and events industry and to recognise the marketeers.

Organised by Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine, the 11th presentation banquet dinner will take place on 01st October 2012 in London.

Presentation banquet dinner

Witness the award presentations, enjoy fine food and drink and network with industry colleagues! The evening begins at 18:00 with a drinks reception, followed by seated starter and main course at 19:00, the awards ceremony at 20:30, followed by networking desserts, with carriages at midnight.

Take advantage of the early-bird discount for seats booked before 17th August 2012:-

Individual seats @ £150 + VAT
Tables of 12 @ £1800 + VAT

(price includes reception drinks and dinner with wines).

During the run up to the event there will be an on-line auction to raise funds for the events industry charity, Meetings Industry Meeting Needs - the auction will go live in September 2012.

For further information, please contact Liz Coleridge on lcoleridge@cat-publications.com