ABPCO News

ABPCO 2010 Annual Conference on YouTube!

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0000

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.

Barbican becomes first ABPCO Corporate Member

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0000

ABPCO is delighted to welcome it's first corporate member - the Barbican.

Barbican, head of corporate sales, Anthony Hyde: "ABPCO offers experts within the UK conferencing industry the perfect forum to unite, share ideas and improve through education and networking. Venues are more than just suppliers to the industry, they are partners and this alliance demonstrates our desire to continually move closer to organisers and create long term relationships. Associations provide nexus points for our industry, they bring together professionals, educate, measure success and reward achievement."

The new Corporate Membership category allows supplier organisations within the industry to become a part of the Association, sharing ideas and growing ABPCO for the benefit of all involved.

ABPCO, treasurer, Michael Foreman: "We are delighted to have the Barbican on board as one of the 1st new corporate members of ABPCO. Our venues in the UK rival the best in the world and we feel that bringing these and other partner suppliers on board into our membership will not only cement existing relationships but offer new and exciting opportunities to work together. We are confident that most major venues and convention bureaus will follow the Barbican's lead in joining this programme and look forward to the positive impact that this will have moving forward."

ABPCO Welcomes First UK Destination Corporate Member

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Visit Manchester, the tourist board for Greater Manchester, has joined ABPCO as a corporate member and will now benefit from the strong credibility within the UK business tourism market that ABPCO membership brings.

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said: "Manchester was recently named the Best UK Destination at the 2010 Confex Awards and we're delighted to keep the city at the forefront of business tourism by working with organisations such as ABPCO.

"This new membership - a first for a UK destination - will ensure that we gain the greatest exposure to the most influential clients in the conference and meetings industry."

Rebecca Cadman-Jones, chair of ABPCO, said: "We are delighted to have Manchester on board as a corporate member. Manchester is a vibrant, forward thinking city and we are looking forward to working closely with them in the future."

ABPCO Welcomes New Corporate Member - The SECC

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0000

The Scottish Exhibition + Conference Centre (SECC) has become ABPCO's newest Corporate Member.

ABPCO aims to share experience and best practice between some of the UK's best known conference and event organisers. The association also works to maintain and further increase quality standards across the meetings industry.

Between them, ABPCO members organise approximately 3,500 events each year.

Ben Goedegebuure, Director of Sales, SECC comments; "Continuously engaging with the conference and meetings industry is important for a venue of our stature and we are keen to contribute, hear and share best practice wherever we can.

"ABPCO's standards help ensure members deliver quality meetings and events and always put their clients first, which matches our strategy at the SECC; so it seemed a natural step to join."

ABPCO Chair Rebecca Cadman-Jones adds; "The SECC has an enviable track record of delivering professionally organised, memorable meetings and events for all of their clients.

"Their experience as a venue will be hugely beneficial to our members and their commitment to quality and continued improvement is second to none."

In 2010, the SECC is celebrating its 25th anniversary as one of Europe's most successful conference, exhibition and concert venues. Since opening its doors in 1985, the Glasgow-based venue has hosted more than 3,900 events and welcomed over 28 million visitors.

ABPCO and MIA to join ICCA at their Summer Debate

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:00:00 +0100

ICCA UK & Ireland is told hold its 2010 Summer Debate at the International Convention Centre at Excel London.

The debate will take place from 15 to 16 July and is supported by both the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) in a collaboration that follows recent efforts to work closer together.

"Since the Association Summit took place in Birmingham last year during National Meetings Week, we have been looking at ways in which we can work more closely with other associations in the sector that share our values, and I'm delighted that both the MIA and ABPCO will be participating in and supporting this event," said ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter chairman James Rees.

The programme for the debate will include a series of keynote sessions, workshops and a welcome reception. ABPCO's annual AGM will also be held during the event.

The Meetings Industry Marketing Awards 2010 - Open For Entry

Wed, 05 May 2010 13:58:00 +0100

Are you proud of your latest brochure, web site, DVD, PR, direct or brand marketing campaign? Would you like your organisation's achievements recognised by the UK meetings industry?

This is your chance to demonstrate and be recognised for the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

Now in its 9th year, MIMA was created to raise the standards of marketing in the events industry and to recognise the marketeers. There are twelve award categories - covering print, electronic and visual marketing methods - with gold, silver and bronze awards presented for each. Further details can be found in the enclosed brochure.

The 2010 MIMA judges represent some of the biggest names in the events industry - their expertise and independence guarantee the prestige and credibility of the awards - they include:

Susan Boissier, VIE at home; Sue Burgess, Inntel; David Campbell, Banks Sadler; Christine Dunn, Ogilvy; Sue Goddard, Honda UK; David Hackett, BI; Andrew Hall, Oki Systems (UK); James Haslam, Oracle User Group; Paula Hearn-Lynch, Boehringer-Ingelheim; Patti Heaven, Axa Sun Life; Graham Keene, WorldEvents; Chris Lester, Bauer Automotive B2B; Linda Lynch, RSA (The Security Division of EMC); Philip Marchant, Spar (UK); Des O'Hare, Association of Colleges; Jacinta Scannell, Happening Conference and Event Management; Clare Sheppard, Kindred Agency; Mick Silver, Xerox Europe &UK; Lyn Simmons, Specialist School Trust; Mark Taylor, BI; Nick Wilson, Creative Travel & Event Management, Sarah Wright, Barclays

Entry is open to any organisation engaged in the organisation or provision of product or service to the UK events industry. The entry subject must have been featured in marketing campaigns during the year from 1st June 2009 until 31st May 2010.

Do you plan to enter? Then you need to complete the entry registration and payment form - you can use the form on the enclosed brochure or go on-line at www.meetpie.com/mimaregistration.asp

Entry fees (non-refundable) are £295 + VAT for the first entry/category and £195 + VAT for additional entries/categories. You can pay by credit card on-line (a receipted invoice will be sent by return) or you can pay by credit card or cheque by returning the registration form attached (again a receipted invoice will be sent by return).

Then you have until 30th June to complete and return the entry application form - you can use the form on the enclosed brochure or download it at www.meetpie.com/mima_entry.asp - along with your supporting evidence.

Is your marketing the best? This is your chance to find out!

You could be a winner at the Gala Presentation Dinner on 18th October at the Park Plaza Riverbank London.

Be recognised for your marketing excellence and enter now!

For more information contact: GILLIAN LUIS-RAVELO GLRavelo@cat-publications.com

BVEP reviews three main Party Manifestos ahead of election

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:01:05 +0100

Industry body prepares to publish its own manifesto and issue to new government and newly elected MPs.

A team from the Business Visits & Events Partnership (BVEP), the umbrella organisation for the UK business tourism and events industry and of which ABPCO is a member, has reviewed all three of the main political party manifestos and is set to issue its own industry wide document to the new government and parliament following the forthcoming elections on May 6th.

Chairman of the BVEP, Michael Hirst OBE, said the contents of the party manifestos were "encouraging" with "a recognition that the importance of events to the economy and the community is beginning to gain some political traction and the creative industries, of which Events are a part, should be further supported."

Key highlights from the three manifestos that were considered relevant to UK Business Visits and Events included;

Labour

Use 2012 and Sporting Events to boost UK tourism
A biennial Festival of Britain from 2013
Showcase major cultural achievements across creative industries

Conservative

Glasgow, Brighton and Manchester highlighted as 'dynamic destinations'
Lottery allocation restored for sport, heritage and the arts
Commitment to seeing sport, the arts and creative industries flourish. and promoting Britain as an attractive tourist destination.

(The Conservative Party has also published a separate Tourism Report which calls for further support for the events' Sector)

Liberal Democrats

Arts are a central part of civic & community life
Creative Industries are the fastest growth sector and culture and heritage play a vital role in boosting tourism
Proposal for a Creative Enterprise Fund to help the establishment of more businesses in the sector.

The BVEP's own 'Manifesto for Business Visits & Events' which has been created by a separate government affairs group within the BVEP after extensive consultation with all of the major UK industry associations in membership of the Partnership, is to be published at the end of May and distributed to all incoming Ministers and MP's following the general election.

Michael Hirst concludes; "Whilst we still have a long way to go to establish business visits and events firmly in the minds of politicians, the three main manifestos are certainly encouraging, and demonstrate that the work we have done over the past 12 months has, at the very least, caught their attention. The publication of our own manifesto will continue to push forward that message and ensure the industry receives the recognition and support it deserves".

The publication of the 'Manifesto for Business Visits & Events' comes ahead of the event at the House of Commons on 20th October, during National Meetings Week, where all new MP's are being invited to attend a reception and presentation on the sector.

ABPCO Supports 2010 Association Congress

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:02:48 +0100

ABPCO is supporting this year's Association Congress - the 4th annual event for association managers and association conference and event organisers.

Taking place on 12-13 July 2010 at the Millennium Conference Centre, London, delegates will be attending from UK, European and international associations.

ABPCO is delighted to be able to provide our members and friends a £100 reduction on the two-day delegate pass and £50 on the one-day, up until 21st May. To obtain your discount use the priority code 'sor87196' when you register.

The two-day programme includes workshops and plenary sessions covering marketing, selling sponsorship and exhibitions, developing programmes, retaining membership, raising the value of your events and professional development. There will also be a welcome reception, conference dinner and round-table lunch discussions each day including up to 10 hours of face-to-face networking time. Plus case study presentations from leading associations and a strategic level panel session.

The Association Congress is Europe's leading association conference. It's a must-attend event for all levels of executives in associations, societies and institutes concerned with improving the 'Return on Investment' of their services, addressing the effects of the current economic pressures and growing and developing their revenue. In these challenging times, trade and membership organisations are under intense pressure to provide high return on investment on services and events to their members. The conference will demonstrate how to maintain and grow your membership base and revenues and maintain relevance in the face of increasing commercial pressures.

For a detailed agenda and to register visit www.associationcongress.com

ABPCO confirms Manchester for 2011 conference

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:48:44 +0100

ABPCO has confirmed that Manchester is to host its annual conference in January 2011. Following a successful ABPCO committee meeting in Manchester in summer 2009, the Association was impressed with the variety of venues available in the city and an enthusiastic bid from the Visit Manchester team.

Manchester United Football Club will be the primary conference venue for the event. Delegates will be accommodated in the Edwardian-built Midland Hotel and will enjoy a welcome reception at Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, located on the historic site of the world’s first purpose-built passenger railway station.

The three-day conference will include practical workshops in addition to group sessions and team-building exercises. The theme for 2011 is yet to be confirmed, but is expected to build on 2010’s focus of ‘Change Matters.’ Registration will be open to non-ABPCO members and a wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available. A full programme will be announced in September.

ABPCO chair Rebecca Cadman-Jones commented: ‘Manchester is such an exciting destination which offers a fantastic delegate experience, boasting versatile venues and architecturally stunning buildings. We are thrilled to be holding our annual conference in Manchester’s vibrant city centre and to be working again with the enthusiastic Visit Manchester team.’

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, added: ‘We are delighted that ABPCO has chosen Manchester as the host city for their 2011 annual conference. We are also proud to be Corporate Members of ABPCO and that we were the first destination member to join the association. We trust they will have a successful conference and we will do all we can to ensure that their experience of the city is unforgettable.’

Future technology to form part of content for 2010 Summer Summit

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 08:30:33 +0100

The future of technology and the use of iphone apps for Congresses are to be looked at, as part of this year’s ICCA/ABPCO/MIA/AIPCO Summer Summit on 15^th and 16^th July 2010 at the new ICC London ExCeL.

For the first time the summit, titled ‘Today’s Challenges, Tomorrow’s Vision’ is being collaboratively organised with support from the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) and the Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers (AIPCO).

Other topics on the agenda include how to attract international business to UK and Ireland destinations, the role of technology in future meeting structure, as well as the challenge of managing crisis and risk, with particular focus on the disruption from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano.

Chair of ICCA UK & Ireland Chapter, James Rees comments; “We’ve put together some engaging content and informative speakers as part of the Summer Summit and expect it to be both an enjoyable and enriching programme for delegates. The event also represents a great example of our industry associations and organisations working together and pooling resources and I’m thankful to ABPCO, MIA and AIPCO in providing their support.”

Speakers at the high-profile event include representatives from Congrex UK, ABPCO, AIPCO, MCI, Kenes UK, MIA, HRG, Hiscox, VisitBritain, Visit London, VisitBrighton and Visit Manchester with a keynote from Arthur Leathley of Virgin Trains.

Lunch on the first day is being supported by Tourism Ireland and delegates will also be treated to a gala dinner supported by Visit London on the first evening at Foreman’s Fish Island which overlooks the Olympic Stadium.

Delegates who have already registered their place include VisitScotland, Visit Manchester, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, Twickenham Experience Ltd, SECC, AECC and Business Events Sydney.

Tickets are available at £135.00 to members of ICCA/ABPCO and MIA, while tickets for non-members are priced at £195.00. Further details and the link to register can be found at www.iccaworld.com/dbs/UK-Ireland

Fee squeeze & agency consolidation likely following budget says ABPCO

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 10:19:56 +0100

With public spending reduced and now increased VAT following the emergency budget, Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs) are likely to come under yet more pressure to reduce fees and deliver more for less, according to ABPCO.

Rebecca Cadman-Jones, ABPCO Chair, commented: ‘PCOs have already been hit by the recession, with buyers looking to squeeze budgets and reduce fees where possible yet expecting the same levels of service delivery. With the new VAT increase, non-VAT-registered organisations such as charities and some public sector bodies will have to carry that additional cost. We will be urging our members to stand firm when it comes to fee cuts in order to avoid price wars that hurt everyone.

ABPCO members are vetted against stringent eligibility criteria so we know that they are the best in the business. With our industry expertise and buying power, ABPCO member fees are often covered by cost savings on negotiating better supplier deals on behalf of buyers. We will be encouraging members to draw on that pedigree, communicating the benefits of using professional organisers who can deliver high quality conferences and events that make a difference.’

Agency consolidation as VAT rise hits freelancers hard

ABPCO anticipates that the VAT rise to 20% with effect from January 2011 will have a big impact on smaller agencies and freelancers. For those with a turnover of less than £61,000 per annum who are not required to register for VAT, the 2.5% increase could be a bridge too far in terms of increased costs that they are unable to reclaim.

Rebecca Cadman-Jones continued: ‘Smaller agencies will struggle to manage increased costs if they are unable to reclaim VAT or not registered for the flat rate scheme offered by HMRC. This could lead to further consolidation in the agency sector, with one-man operations forced to shut up shop and potentially look to consolidate with larger agencies.’

ABPCO corporate members increase as Visit London signs

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:08:59 +0100

ABPCO corporate members are on the increase as Visit London, London’s official visitor organisation and convention bureau, becomes the latest destination to join its Corporate Membership Scheme. The new scheme, launched earlier this year, allows supplier organisations within the industry to become part of the association, contributing to ABPCO’s development and expanding its remit.

Becky Graveney, Head of Associations at Visit London, commented: "We are delighted to join forces with ABPCO and proud to be a part of their Corporate Membership Scheme. We have always regarded the ABPCO ‘badge’ as a quality mark, one which represents excellence in the UK meetings industry and is not given lightly.

It is particularly relevant for London to support ABPCO and to engage with their membership to ensure that members are fully up to speed with the huge opportunity and new developments in London in preparation for the influx of business to the capital. With the recent launch of the new ICC London Excel and the London 2012 Olympic Games just around the corner, there is much to get excited about. We look forward to developing lasting relationships with ABPCO members across the country.”

ABPCO Chair Rebecca Cadman-Jones said: "We are delighted to welcome Visit London on board as our newest corporate member. Visit London represents the gateway to destination UK with London as a key attraction for overseas buyers and the international market in general. We look forward to working with Becky and the team at Visit London.”

Visit London joins The Barbican, SECC, ACC Liverpool, Visit Manchester and Mexia Communications as corporate members of ABPCO.

ABPCO appoints first corporate member to new exec

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:52:53 +0100

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has appointed its new executive committee, following its recent AGM held at the joint Summer Summit event in London’s ICC ExCel. The new executive committee includes a corporate member representative for the first time in the Association’s history. Representing ABPCO Corporate Members ACC Liverpool, BT Convention Centre Head of Sales Kerrin MacPhie has been appointed to represent the interest of the Association’s Corporate Members.

Rebecca Cadman-Jones of K-C Jones conference&events retains the role of Chair, while Kenes UK MD Michael Foreman is appointed Vice-Chair, relinquishing his previous role as treasurer. Jacinta Scannell, MD of Conferencing at Happening, and Sue Raey of Benchmark Communications remain on the committee. They are joined by new members Martin Jack of Think Different Events, Jennifer Jenkins of MCI UK, Mike Lyon of Write Style Communications and Anthony Lishman of Conference Centres of Excellence.

ABPCO Chair Rebecca Cadman-Jones commented: ‘The appointment of our first corporate member representative to the executive committee represents a new era for ABPCO. The aim of our corporate membership scheme is to develop a partnership approach to working with venues, destinations and other suppliers and it is fitting that they have a voice on our executive committee. We welcome Kerrin and the other new members to the team and look forward to an exciting period of development for ABPCO over the next year.’

BT Convention Centre Head of Sales Kerrin MacPhie added: ‘It is an honour to take up this role as the first corporate member representative on the ABPCO executive committee. I look forward to working closely with ABPCO members to forge closer partnerships between suppliers and PCOs to the benefit of the meetings industry as a whole.’