etc.venues has acquired close to £2 million of workspace bookings for the second half of 2020 as a result of changing working practices resulting from COVID-19. Research conducted by the group has shown that ongoing uncertainty has made commitment to workspace a challenge as organisations are shunning long-term contracts for flexibility. It has also shown event organisers are being creative within the bounds of the regulations, bringing together groups of up to 30 in separate hired locations and connecting them virtually.
Nick Hoare, Chief Operating Officer of etc.venues which has 18 venues in London, Birmingham, Manchester and New York, said regular workspace bookings have added an exciting additional strand to the business: “We are expecting many of the bookings to continue into 2021 while new enquiries continue to arrive as organisations review their workspace needs and costs. Some need additional room to accommodate extra staff and activity resulting from the pandemic, while other organisations have decided to operate without an HQ, with staff mainly working from home, so are booking rooms as a place to maintain connections with their team, suppliers and clients by meeting face-to-face on demand.”
Performing Artistes Brings Virtual Events Production Arm In-house
Supplying motivational and keynote speakers, awards, conference and seminar hosts and facilitators, Performing Artistes is continuing to produce interesting formats for 2020 and beyond.
The corporate entertainment service has recently invested in a state-of-the-art presentation studio in its London offices, and this facility is now being made available to clients for professional broadcast-quality virtual events.
In September, it hosted its first virtual awards live from the new studio with hosts Colin Murray and Zoe Lyons linking pre-recorded material of sponsors and nominees, while getting involved with the audience via Twitter.
In October, it partnered with DPRG to create an interactive show rounding up a three-day flagship thought leadership event including a fine dining cook-along experience hosted by celebrity chef Mark Heirs, interactive challenges and entertainment hosted by Pete Firman with special guest comedian, Lucy Porter.
Most recently, the studio hosted its first virtual conference produced by Supreme Stage in Portugal with contributors from across Europe. The host Tanya Beckett was set against a corner greenscreen, with two camera feeds from different angles, which were superimposed on the virtual set as she interviewed panellists.
To download The Business of Speaking, Performing Artistes’ latest guide to making the most of talent at virtual events, visit Performingartistes.co.uk
Awards Open to Recognise Membership Organisations
Membership organisations from across the UK are being given the chance to shine with the launch of the 2021 National Association Awards.
The independent awards aim to celebrate the hard work and success of associations, societies and membership organisations across the events sector.
The awards are open for entries until 17th December, and the winners will be crowned at a ceremony at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington on 22nd April.
Categories include Best Conference; Best Event; Best Magazine; Best Newsletter; Best COVID Response; Best Membership Initiative; Best Website; Best Blog; Best Lobbying Campaign; Best Partnership; Outstanding Director; Outstanding Volunteer; Best Internal Team and Best Social Media.
There is also an award for Association Branch/Region/Area/Chapter of the Year and awards for National Association/Federation of the Year in three categories – up to 1,000 members, up to 10,000 members and over 10,000 members.
Awards Director Damian Cummins, said: “Everyone in the UK has had an exceptionally tough year this year and many people taken some comfort from the fact they are a part of a membership organisation or association – whether this be through financial support, advice helplines, discovering a new hobby or simply avoiding the loneliness of working from home by taking part in online networking events with like-minded individuals. They are doing amazing work and we want to help them get the recognition they deserve.”
To enter the awards, or for more information, go to Naawards.co.uk.
Outdoor Events are Critical to Staff Wellbeing
As the pandemic continues, it is more important than ever for companies to address the mental health and wellbeing of their employees, particularly when we come out of lockdown.
Michael Hanson, Founder of leading Yorkshire-based event management company, What an Event, has seen first-hand the need for face-to-face team building activities: “We have many clients whose staff are suffering from ‘virtual fatigue’, and physical interaction is critical to ensure team dynamics, morale and productivity remain high.”
It is widely recognised that outdoors is the safest place to be to both avoid transmission of the virus and to boost wellbeing, and What An Event is working with numerous COVID-compliant venues to provide bespoke outdoor based events that can bring people together safely, and provide a much-needed uplift where virtual events simply can’t deliver the same impact.
“Once restrictions start to ease after the November lockdown, we hope to be back in the position of being able to hold indoor events for up to 30 people in COVID-secure hospitality venues, and larger groups for outdoor events.”
With flexible booking terms, risk assessed activities, and safety procedures in place, start planning now and give your staff something to look forward to.
Contact Email mike@what-an-event.co.uk or ring 01765 658049 for more information and inspiration for your next event.