What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 27 May 2014

Welcome to another short week and we are gearing up for the Midlands Media Awards next week in Birmingham which celebrates the achievements of journalists and broadcasters. Part of our role in managing this prestigious event, which attracts an audience of over 300 guests, is to source suitable entertainment and this got us thinking about this weeks blog.

Just what makes great event entertainment and how do you source suppliers that are going to add sufficient sparkle to your event?

Chocolate Fountains whilst still popular are a little old hat now but there are all sorts of new ideas popping up for events all the time and we thought we would share some of our favourites with you.

At a recent trade show we found a rather novel event supplier who with the aid of some black card and a pair of scissors, delivered a rather spectacular portrait silhouette of both Rubina and Shannon and we have to say that they are both pretty good likenesses.

The Roving Artists are pretty special and you might be interested to know that the silhouettes are part of a living tradition stretching back to Georgian times. The first silhouettists were portrait miniaturists seeking to broaden the appeal of their art by creating a quicker (and less expensive) kind of miniature. Calling their new portraits ‘shades’ they started a craze for cheap, on-the-spot profiles which went viral throughout eighteenth-century Europe and the New World. People rapidly discovered a passion for small, inexpensive likenesses of family and friends which could be passed around as personal mementos. The craze lasted for over 100 years, until the invention of the camera which did the same job far better.

Cutting a silhouette requires the same careful hand-eye coordination that an artist needs to draw from life, but without the luxury of time. A silhouette artist does not stop to plan his work, but cuts straight into the paper with barely a glance at his subject, producing an instant portrait with an ordinary pair of scissors and a extraordinary amount of skill. This traditional technique is known among artists as cut and hope!

Photo booths at events are always a popular addition especially when you can dress up or adopt a fake identity...

Smiley Booth was another event supplier we came across at one of the many trade shows we've been to. Photo booths enable companies and individuals to add a touch of fun to their events and ensure that everybody who attends them will have a memento of the day that they can treasure for years to come. With the ability for your guests to leave video messages and the opportunity to keep a copy of every photograph that is taken, you too will have many souvenirs to remind you of your special event.

Not only can they provide you with a photo booth, but Smiley Booth can also drive traffic to your website through thousands of user driven experiential impressions travelling via Facebook/Twitter or other social media to friends, family and colleagues. For more in-house or informal occasions these can be password protected for company security.

To have a Photo Booth at an event is the ideal way for your company or brand to make a lasting impression and create a memorable experience for your guests or customers. You may not be able to look at your colleagues the same again, but it's totally worth it!

Another fantastic entertainment source is the Ideas Box Company, they can provide a variety of unique and innovative ideas to add extra dimension to your events, from Rock Climbing to Ski Blizzards! They also provide a number of different tricycles where you can collect all kinds of different goodies, depending on the tricycles you'd like to hire, you could have Cheese, Pick & Mix, Pimms, Espresso, Waffles or many more! 

But to end with a bang, something that we think really brings the WOW factor is their new

Revival. The Revival is a 50's inspired, fun, interactive catering unit with bespoke lighting system, sound system and Wi-Fi. It can offer a huge variety of catering options including; Breakfast Baps and Cereals, Crepes & Waffles, Espresso, Teas & Hot Chocolates, Pick and Mix, Candy Floss & Popcorn, Ice Cream & Sorbets and Hot Dogs & Hamburgers! 

The outside is polish aluminium which looks stunning, and  has a large hatch to serve from, as well as a door for guests to come inside and choose their Ice Cream, Pick & Mix and Candy Floss. 

So there we have it, we've barely scratched the surface of just how many event entertainment and suppliers there are out there to help your event go that extra mile and to give your guests the memorable event they deserve!

That's all for this week folks, enjoy!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 19 May 2014

Welcome to yet another week at Cloud 9 Towers, and after a fun and fulfilling week last week, attending familiaristion trips, shows and exhibitions, we'd just like to thank everyone for their kind hospitality and introducing us to some lovely people!

We discovered a number of new and interesting venues from Universities to Hotels on the trips and to give you an idea on some of the few great, funky venues that are out there, we thought we'd list the top 10 best themed hotels around the world! (As a chocoholic, I'm sure you'll know which is Shannon's favourite!)

Last month, plans were unveiled for the world's first Ferrari Hotel, inside a theme park dedicated to the car brand, which will open in Barcelona in 2016. The hotel promises five-star luxury, with 250 rooms, a number of restaurants and a driving simulator. We wonder if the beds will be shaped like Ferrari Formula One cars and the alarm clocks will sound like the exhaust note from a 458 Italia Speciale?!

If you fancy a journey into space, you could splurge on a journey with Virgin Galactic, but a considerably cheaper option would be a stay at Barcelona's Barceló Sants Hotel, which has been designed to resemble the inside of a space shuttle. Windows have been replaced with porthole-style bubbles containing images of outer space, the traditional reception area has been replaced by a 'boarding desk' and the two restaurants, Oxygen and Hydrogen, specialise in 'brain food' designed especially for astronauts.


However, most people go on break to relax, but if you're the kind of person who's rarely detached from their gadgets, the Sol Wave House might just be for you, because it's the world's first Twitter-themed hotel. There are two Twitter concierges whose services can be procured with a quick tweet, and by using the hashtag #SocialWave, guests can interact with each other and order room service. Just be aware that your nearest and dearest might quickly tire of tweets informing them how fab your hotel is while they're slogging it out back home!


If you're a chocoholic in need of a sugar fix, then you will love this quirky Hotel, where all of the rooms are inspired by different types of dessert! It's the only place where guests can doze off surrounded by murals depicting syrup sponge or spotted dick and custard, or recline on piles of chocolate-shaped cushions. Other perks include complimentary handmade chocolates and the chance to take part in dessert-themed cookery workshops, and chocolate is a staple of both the restaurant and bar menus.


 
Have you ever dreamed of sleeping on the forecourt of a petrol station or within the chassis of a supercar? If so, head to this car-themed Hotel in Germany, where guests will also find a large spa (or 'body tuning' department) and the enormous Motorworld car museum next door. 




Put on your sunglasses, because this Belgian Pantone Hotel is an explosion of colour. Here, it's all about the contrast: white walls provide a blank canvas against which the colours pop, and there are colour cards on the walls which provide an added insight into the trends relating to the shade in question. Everything from the coffee cups to the stationery has been colour-co-ordinated and even the toiletries are eye-wateringly bright!


One of the world's most bizarre theme hotels is the Cabbages and Condoms safe sex-themed resort in Thailand. There's an important message behind the unusual decor, which includes lampshades made from condoms and uniforms bearing safe sex slogans. The founders are keen to kerb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and reduce unwanted pregnancies by hammering home the importance of safe sex, and a large chunk of the profits are donated to the Mechai Viravaidya Foundation, which supports underprivileged children from some of Thailand's poorest areas.


Rock and rollers will love Brighton's Hotel Pelirocco, which has 19 rooms dedicated to music greatness, including Let's Get It On, which has Motown murals on the wall, gold lamé curtains and a vintage record player (complete with a section of classic Motown records), and the Pressure Sounds room, which has Lee 'Scratch' Perry wallpaper, Rastafarian-themed decor and funky egg chairs.

Manga fans can pay homage to the literary art form at San Francisco's Hotel Tomo, the inspiration for which is Japanese comics. Quirky plastic characters can be found on bedside tables and desks, and framed manga prints adorn the walls. Guests will find bottles of sake in their rooms and the hotel is located in the middle of San Francisco's Japantown area, just a short walk from the city's main sights. 


Ancient Rome is the theme for this spectacular hotel, which has been modelled on the Colosseum. Expect beautiful mosaic flooring in the bathrooms, bedrooms with enormous walls murals depicting fighting gladiators, and a spa inspired by Roman baths. Guests arriving at the hotel are greeted by the sight of enormous marble horses and the hotel restaurant resembles an enormous medieval banqueting hall, the highlight of which is a beautiful wall mosaic depicting the last supper.

So that's it, some great themed Hotels, I'm sure you'd agree! Also, please don't forget to give us a shout about FUSE by Cloud 9, which is our FREE Venue Finding Service that goes an extra mile with other elements included at no cost, if you need help looking for that perfect venue! 

Have a great week folks!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 12 May 2014

Welcome to another week and after yet another short week, normal service is resumed and we're all hands on deck here at Cloud 9.

The judging sessions have now taken place for the Midlands Media Awards, nominations have been announced and tickets are now are sale, which means we're in full preparation mode for the awards ceremony that will be taking place on Thursday 5 June at The Holte Suite, Aston Villa Football Club! 

Not only are we preparing and organising ourselves for that prolific event, but a week after, the CIPR Northern Conference will be taking place up in Manchester with a great line up of speakers and a fantastic networking opportunity!

So, in the run up to a rather hectic month, half of the team have been let loose and are attending a number of different conferences, exhibitions and familiarisation trips...

First of all, Paula has been kindly invited to an upscale & luxury MICE event by Accor from Tuesday to Thursday. It will begin with an overnight stay and networking at the Pullman's St Pancras Hotel, and a trip on the Orient Express the next day (which Paula was shocked when she found out Shannon had never heard of it!). 

After a luxurious train journey and a walking tour around Cantebury, the group will be travelling back on the British Pullman Train, with Afternoon Tea, to then finish the fam trip by checking out from the Pullman's St Pancras. Also during the trip, they will be introduced to a number of different other Accor Hotels, such as Sofitel Brussels, London St James, Luxemburg, Pullman Brussels Midi, Germany, Mercure Paris Hotels, MCGallery Italian Collection and many more!


Rubina on the other hand, will be attending the Academic Venue Show at Earls Court in London on Wednesday. During the show, you can meet representatives from such a great range of venues and be inspired by key industry speakers, all in one day.

Meeting, conference and accommodation teams from 50 locations across the UK are ready to show everything academic venues can offer. There is an incredible range of meeting and training facilities and quality accommodation, all supplemented by award winning catering and support services - all packed into one free-to-attend show.

With exhibitors Barcelona, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Colchester, Cornwall and many, many more you are sure to the perfect venue for your next event, at this show!

Also, at the end of the week, Shannon will be at the Office Management & PA Exhibition and Conference at ExCeL in London on Thursday. This show has been specifically designed to give Office Managers and PAs an educational, inspiring and fun day out of the office.

The Office Management & PA Exhibition and Conference will provide visitors with hundreds of ideas, expert advice, and real steps to career progression. At the show there will be an outstanding educational conference schedule to provide attendees with an expert knowledge and new skills to take back to the office, headline speakers from the world of business, hands-on training workshops, and there's a chance to relax and make contacts too in the Champagne bar or networking nail bar! 

We're all looking forward to attending these events and hopefully meet some lovely, interesting people along the way.

That's all from us this week folks, have a great week!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 6 May 2014

Welcome to another (short) week and if the Bank Holiday weather hasn't been all that you hoped it may be then it may be time to escape and here at Cloud 9 Towers we have just the thing that might appeal to you. 

If you fancy a mixture of stunning surrounds, five star accommodation, a little culture and the opportunity to mix with some of the senior business leaders from across Europe then an exclusive event at the wonderful boutique Barcelo Formentor Hotel on 10 July is an ideal escape.

Daniel Barenboim KBE, who is an Israeli Argentine-born pianist and conductor, is giving a unique performance in Europe, on a stage overlooking the sea.  He has served as music director of several major symphonic and operatic orchestras and made numerous recordings.

Currently, he is general music director of La Scala in Milan, the Berlin State Opera, and the Staatskapelle Berlin; he previously served as Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre de Paris. Barenboim is also known for his work with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, a Seville-based orchestra of young Arab and Israeli musicians, and as a resolute critic of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Barenboim has received many awards and prizes, including an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, France's Légion d'honneur both as a Commander and Grand Officier, the German Großes Bundesverdienstkreuz and Willy Brandt Award, and, together with the Palestinian-American scholar Edward Said, Spain's Prince of Asturias Concord Award. He has won seven Grammy awards for his work and discography.

As if the opportunity to see Barenboim first hand was not enough, the setting for the event is also truly world class. The hotel Barceló Formentor is a luxurious establishment located in the Formentor Cape, North from the Mallorca island, at the foot of the famous Formentor beach and surrounded by 1,200 hectares of Mediterranean forest. Throughout its history, the hotel has been the place of choice for numerous renowned characters as a place to repose and relax.

This famous hotel is surrounded by crystal clear waters and spectacular views over the Formentor Cape bay. The Barceló Formentor Hotel has a romantic and peaceful appeal. A special hotel due to its magnificent rooms, the soothing sound of the waves and the sea breeze that drift round in the hotel, and the peace inspired by its Mediterranean gardens and memorable views.

There are some fantastic packages available to be a part of this very special event, either as an exclusive sponsor which includes a private dinner with the Maestro himself, or just as a client, but places do tend to sell out fast.

The publicity that surrounds this event is second to none, so if we can help secure your place, please make sure you contact us asap as tickets do tend to sell out rather quickly.

In other news this week, please don't forget that the Midlands Media Nominations were announced on Friday so it's now tine to book for the Awards ceremony on 5 June, and although the early bird discount is now over for the 2014 CIPR Northern Conference, you can still book tickets for the event on 12 June online.  Make sure you don't miss any events by checking our online diary regularly!

Finally this week, the team are getting geared up for this years Meetings Show in July, and each of us has had several invitations to attend via different sources. The Meetings Show has been specifically designed to maximise your time. From 8-10th July Olympia London, buyers and exhibitors will be inspired to do business, develop industry knowledge and networking with the best in the industry.  Spread over an exciting week in July, The Meetings Show will be the place to be in 2014.

As well as finding these events incredibly useful, the opportunity to connect with existing and new venue suppliers, we also really find the educational aspect of these events a worthwhile reason to attend.

In 2013, The Meetings Show had a full 3 day educational programme, developed by their Education Panel of leading industry figures and designed to ensure meetings professionals from every sector came away with new ideas and inspiration and although this years programme has yet to be announced, we will feel pretty confident that this years programme will be even better.

 So that's it for this week, enjoy!