http://www.abpco.org/news/ en Copyright 2010 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:34:06 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss With thanks to our friends at VidPR a flavour of the 2010 Annual Conference held at the ACC Liverpool back in January is now online. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ts2ys8P_kGg http://www.abpco.org/news/abpco-2010-annual-conference-o/ http://www.abpco.org/news/abpco-2010-annual-conference-o/ Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:34:06 +0000 www.conferenceawards.co.uk for full information. ]]> http://www.abpco.org/news/abpco-supports-conference-awar/ http://www.abpco.org/news/abpco-supports-conference-awar/ Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:56:06 +0000 We are delighted to announce that thanks to Destination Oxford and Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel, ABPCO's Spring Event will take place in Oxford starting with lunch at Oxford Town Hall on Monday 26th and finish by lunchtime on Tuesday 27th April. Dinner will be hosted in one-time prison, Malmaison Hotel and overnight accommodation has been arranged at the special rate of £50 B&B at Oxford Spires Four Pillars Hotel. Delegates will have the opportunity to explore further what Oxford has to offer as a meeting and event destination with a specially designed Fam Trip on the morning of the 27th. Following feedback from the Annual Conference in January, on the afternoon of the 26th the educational aspect of this event will delve further into the world of Social Media with practical sessions led by Kursha Woodgate of Mexia Communications and Mary Thomas of Concise Training. The sessions, which will take place at Lady Margaret Hall at Oxford University, will firstly give you an overview of Social Media, what's important, how you can use it to benefit your own business and your clients' events and will bring you up to speed with some of the latest developments in this constantly changing marketing environment. With a focus on Twitter, delegates will then work practically on their own Twitter account and can expect to come away with an introduction to the management of Twitter, an understanding of how to develop their own strategy for using Twitter, an understanding of the language and of how Twitter can be used to promote events. About The Trainers: Kursha Woodgate is Managing Director of Mexia Communications, a no-nonsense PR and marketing agency with a focus on the meetings and events sector. Mexia's client experience in the meetings and events sector includes The ACC Liverpool, Regus, The Right Solution, The Mersey Partnership, United Business Centres and the Henley Literary Festival which she helped to launch in 2007. Kursha's introduction to Social Media at the Annual Conference in Liverpool in January demonstrated her understanding of how this tool fits into the meetings and events industry and introduced delegates to just some of the applications available. Mary Thomas has been teaching IT to adults at all levels for seven years in both face to face and distance environments and believes that learning should be fun and interactive while providing a safe environment for all to learn. During the past eighteen months, Mary has developed her expertise in using Social Networking to market her own offering, talk to her customers, share tips and build her brand. She is profiled on a number of sites and has obtained business directly through Social Networking sites including Twitter and LinkedIn. She has recently attended several meetings where people have said 'I know you through Twitter'. Mary is passionate about sharing her experiences and firmly believes that there is no wrong way to use Social Networking except not to engage with it. This event is free to attend for ABPCO Full and Associate Members with special rates for other membership levels, Member colleagues, MPI members and non-members. Due to the practical nature of this interactive event, numbers are strictly limited so to secure your place please email Nicola Kayes nicola@abpco.org or complete the booking form. Closing date for registrations is Friday 16th April 2010 http://www.abpco.org/news/abpco-spring-event-social-medi/ http://www.abpco.org/news/abpco-spring-event-social-medi/ Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:36:03 +0000 The UK has seen the longest cold snap for almost 30 years and the adverse weather conditions has had a considerable effect on the events and exhibitions industry with a rise in cancellation claims. However there is a 'ray of sunshine' when the event organiser is insured with Towergate Coverex! The National Motorcycle Show, held in recent years at Manchester Central has been a highlight for biking fans for over sixteen years and features exhibitors such as Honda, Triumph, BMW, Ducati and Suzuki. The Show has always been held in January with classic bike and major stunt displays supplementing the exhibiting suppliers of biking equipment and clothing. The weather conditions in the North West leading up to the event, due to be held on the 9-10 January 2010 were particularly severe with high levels of snowfall disrupting roads, airports and rail services. This resulted in the unprecedented cancellation of the long-standing show as exhibitors and visitors were unable to attend. Fortunately the organiser, working with Ian Houghton-Brown at Towergate Coverex had insured the event sufficiently against cancellation enabling the organiser to be indemnified for all costs in rescheduling the event to the 2 - 4 April 2010. Howard Cartledge, Event Director for the National Motorcycle Show said 'We have never claimed from the insurance in all the years we have been running events so we did not know what to expect. 'You pay your premiums every year for your events and hope the system works. In this case it did. On contacting Towergate Coverex things began to roll along at a steady pace. In actual fact our claim was sorted in only three weeks allowing us to reschedule the event. As an organiser I would recommend Towergate Coverex to any other organisers as a specialist event insurer.' Ian Houghton-Brown, Assistant Director for the Event Organiser Department at Towergate Coverex commented 'We couldn't have predicted the impact the severe weather would have on the industry and it highlights how important it is to get the correct insurance with a specialist event broker advising you. We worked with the organiser, protecting their interest, negotiating with insurers on their behalf to get a speedy settlement. " For Further information please contact Amanda Robinson, Sales and Marketing Manager, Towergate Coverex on 01622 607384 or email Amanda.Robinson@towergate.co.uk. http://www.abpco.org/news/towergate-coverex-ensures-the/ http://www.abpco.org/news/towergate-coverex-ensures-the/ Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:34:49 +0000 Daphne Llewellyn Davies, Campden BRI "The ABPCO 2010 Conference has exceeded my expectations. I have been inspired, motivated and encouraged by both speakers and industry friends against the backdrop of a genuinely vibrant and hospitable destination. Having been a member of ABPCO for 5 years I left with a feeling of pride and belief in my Association and confidence in its role in the future growth of the industry" Rose Padmore, Opening Doors & Venues "Thought provoking and inspirational speakers in a regenerated city that made us feel so welcome. The ABPCO Conference reinforced all the values we have as a PCOs. I think it's a testament to the City of Liverpool that my impression of the city has changed to much, it's venues, its infrastructure and the opportunities that exist now match the friendly banter of the Liverpudlians themselves. That and the company across the three days helped too." Martin Jack, Think Different Events "This is the best ABPCO Conference I have ever attended in 7 years of membership. It had the WOW factor, brilliant content and I felt totally inspired and rejuvenated. The dancing was real added value!" Sue Reay, Benchmark Communications "The ABPCO Conference is always a wonderful place for inspirational, information - sharing and learning amongst peers and partners. The 2010 Conference, wonderfully hosted by Liverpool, set a new standard by being the best I have ever attended. I wouldn't have missed it for anything" Sharon Moncur, Professional Project & Conference Management Ltd "A fantastic conference - can't wait to get back and put the things I've learnt into practice!" Pauline Appleby, Interface Event Management Ltd "This was the first ABPCO Conference I've attended and it was excellent. All the speakers on Friday were superb and will allow me to improve our services to clients. Time well spent and I'm glad that those members from outside the area were able to see what Liverpool has to offer" Andrew Mills, Mills Media Group Ltd "What a fantastic event! This was my first ABPCO conference and thank you to Michael, Lesley and Nicola for giving me the opportunity to speak as well as hear some amazing, inspirational speakers like Hamish and Michael Heppell. The Drum Cafe certainly put some soul into our group and motivated everyone to feel energised and ready for action, even after lunch! I am honoured to have been part of the event and look forward to forging further relationships with some of the great people I have met. Great singing and dancing too at the Beatles Experience!" Kursha Woodgate, Mexia Communications "The ABPCO Conference helped to bring the MPI/ABPCO collaboration even closer together. In addition, the energy of both organizations and the desire to work together means that 2010 promises to be a productive year for both. The highlights of the FAM trip, the interactive sesssions (especially Drum Cafe) and the Beatles Story are my main memories. Also great people with a desire to help each other gave a special atmosphere over the conference. I am booking for next year. Well done to all the organising team, our ACC hosts and of course Nicola and Lesley - super job. " Paul Cook, PlanetPlanit & MPI UK & Ireland Chapter "Getting involved with the ABPCO Conferences was probably the best move I've made. Wasn't sure what to expect and was totally blown away by the calibre of the delegates and the inspiring speakers. The organisation of the event was faultless, the hospitality warm and welcoming and the buzz it's left me with will have a long lasting effect. I am really looking forward to being a 'friend' of ABPCO and hope the pictures capture some of the vibrant atmosphere of the event." Duncan Robb, Red Dog Photography "ABPCO has certainly done itself proud holding it's Annual Conference in Liverpool this week. Highlights included a fantastic fam trip around the city, Hamish Taylor, Kursha Woodgate from Mexia Communications, Michael Heppell and The Drum Cafe www.drumcafe.com. The Conference has been really inspiring and has built a base for launching some great new and innovative ideas for the PCO industry in the UK. Well done to all who helped organise and thanks to our members, sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and all who attended! I would encourage all members not to miss our next event and watch this space for some interesting and exciting news about ABPCO!" Michael Foreman, Kenes UK & ABPCO Treasurer "As an outsider who films at too many conferences and exhibitions to list I was very impressed with the members and the organisers of ABPCO. The quality of the speakers was excellent and I have not witnessed such a co-operative group of individuals in a very long time. It was clear to me that this Association can clearly be proud of the constructive and valuable contribution it is making to the conference sector." Michael Patrick, VidPR]]> http://www.abpco.org/news/drumming-in-the-changes-in-liv/ http://www.abpco.org/news/drumming-in-the-changes-in-liv/ Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:12:04 +0000 Towergate Coverex and ABPCO have announced the renewal of the partnership for 2010, ensuring that all APBCO members have access to essential event insurance advice and information. Towergate Coverex have been providing bespoke insurance solutions to the event and media industry for over 20 years and are well placed to advise on aspects of risk awareness and insurance within the conference and events industry. Mark Blair, Assistant Director of Towergate Coverex said 'We are delighted to renew our partnership with ABPCO and look forward to developing the partnership through 2010.' 'As a commitment to the association, we are providing an Insurance Surgery at the Annual Conference on the 21 - 23 January. This will guarantee that all members who are attending will have access to the latest event insurance information to ensure they are fully covered throughout their 2010 event schedule.' 'We have plans to extend this advisory service further and are working closely with ABPCO to develop innovative channels to ensure ABPCO members are kept up to date on risk awareness and insurance issues through their new website so we look forward to a productive year'. Contact details: Mark Blair, Assistant Director, Towergate Coverex 01622 607308 Mark.Blair@Towergate.co.uk. http://www.abpco.org/news/a-new-year-and-a-new-partnersh/ http://www.abpco.org/news/a-new-year-and-a-new-partnersh/ Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:11:25 +0000 Now not only are we on Facebook but ABPCO also has a group on Linked In. Search for us at www.linkedin.com & please remember that the Group has been created for you - our members & friends & with your input we can make this a really useful communication tool. Looking forward to catching up with you there! http://www.abpco.org/news/abpco-links-in/ http://www.abpco.org/news/abpco-links-in/ Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:54:10 +0000 At ABPCO we understand the importance of social networking as a way of communicating in this ever increasingly digital age... Check out our ABPCO Facebook page • Keep up-to-date with industry news • Find information on Association events • Chat with members & friends of ABPCO New Facebook members welcome! Search for ABPCO at www.facebook.com & remember - there'll always be a place for face-to-face communications! http://www.abpco.org/news/abpco-on-facebook/ http://www.abpco.org/news/abpco-on-facebook/ Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:20:10 +0000 The event industry suppliers association, ESSA, has launched a helpline for those who encounter a health and safety issue while working in halls and venues, and need a resolution, fast. A quick call to the helpline will be patched through to an ESSA qualified health and safety expert, who will help with on-site issues as they happen. If the issue cannot be resolved over the phone, ESSA will despatch the expert to the venue. With the aim for every service desk in the halls to have the ESSA hotline 0845 1242 999 number clearly visible, it will provide a first point of call for immediate support when and where it is needed most. "Issues often arise in the middle of the most hectic part of an event, usually build up and break down," said ESSA sirector Chris Skeith. "Seldom is an answer close to hand, which can cause delays and problems for all concerned. "We have created the ESSA helpline to provide a quick and easy route to an answer. We appreciate that some issues may not be immediately resolved over the telephone, which is why help can also be provided on site." http://www.abpco.org/news/new-events-health-safety-helpl/ http://www.abpco.org/news/new-events-health-safety-helpl/ Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:01:39 +0000 Marketing Manchester, Manchester Central and the Midland Hotel are showing their support for ABPCO but hosting the first meeting of the new Executive Committee on 24th & 25th August. ABPCO Executive Director Lesley Maltman commented "we are delighted to be taking this important meeting to Manchester, a city which ABPCO last visited almost 3 years ago. The Executive are looking forward to seeing the developments within this exciting destination and meeting with Marketing Manchester to discuss ways in which we can further develop our relationship to the benefit of both the City and our members" http://www.abpco.org/news/manchester-supports-abpco/ http://www.abpco.org/news/manchester-supports-abpco/ Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:02:41 +0000 IMEX 2010: 25-27 May, Messe Frankfurt, Germany The essential worldwide exhibition for meetings & incentive travel With global business experiencing unprecedented change, IMEX is the show that exceeds your expectations every time. Three vital days where you'll meet more top people in the global industry than anywhere else. Where new contacts, new ideas and new strategies will provide the tools and business you need to thrive in today's business climate. IMEX is the only global exhibition to combine an international hosted buyer programme with thousands of buyers from the German outbound market. The 3,500 exhibitors from across the globe include national & regional tourist offices, convention & visitor bureau, hotel groups, conference centres, cruise lines, airlines, destination management companies and more. "In a word, IMEX has been fabulous - visitors are deadly serious about doing business, meaning that no time is wasted. It's been fun too." Martin Sirk, ICCA Be inspired. Make great contacts. Do more business. Don't miss IMEX 2010. Over 8,900 visitors. 3,700 international hosted buyers. 4,300 German buyers. 3,500 exhibitors. 157 countries. www.imex-frankfurt.com ]]> http://www.abpco.org/news/imex-2010/ http://www.abpco.org/news/imex-2010/ Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:54:27 +0000