What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 26 January 2015

Welcome to another week at Cloud 9 and we'd like to start of by thanking Moulden Marketing for hosting Paula at Conventa, despite the nightmare flight and luggage logistics, she has had an interesting time away!

There's a lot of travelling within the MICE industry and no matter how long you have been in the business, you always come across new experiences and as mentioned above, travelling terrors! Which brings us on to the topic of top tips for surviving a long haul flight, we'd like to share with you...

If you are travelling long haul this year, check out these top tips for ensuring a stress-free journey:


1. Book a Decent Seat 
Most airlines that fly long haul allow you to select your seat in advance of the flight via their website or app, although some do charge for the privilege so keep your eyes peeled!

2. Pick the Best Airline
The top airlines have improved things for long haul passengers over the last few years including seats with more space in front of your knee; 'wings' on the headrests to support your head; and on-demand seat-back entertainment.

3. Avoid Peak-Time Flights
You will have more space, more air, more personal service and arguably a nicer experience all round on a half-empty flight. You may also pay less for it as fares vary due to demand.

4. Wear Layers
You've got to contend with airports at each end, and different levels of air-conditioning on the plane, so layers are best.


5. Drink Water
At least one litre every five hours is the recommendation from researchers at St John's University in Taipei. Dehydration on flights happens because passengers don't drink enough water, drink too much alcohol and the cabin microclimate increases the rate of dehydration.

6. Break the Journey
For any flight more than 12 hours, you are likely to have to change planes during the journey or disembark while the aircraft refuels. Use this break to get some sleep, freshen up or stretch your legs while enjoying some sightseeing.

7. Beat Jet Lag
Set your watch to the destination time as soon as you board to help you adjust to the time difference. Flights east generally cause worse symptoms than those westbound.

8. Stay at the Airport
Having to leave home in the middle of the night to catch an early morning flight is not likely to help with the long haul journey. Start off with a full night's sleep by booking an airport hotel the night before departure.

One other tip, Cloud 9 would like to add is, always pack essentials i.e. straightners, make-up, travelling documents, the correct currency etc. in your hand luggage!

This week at Cloud 9 Towers is yet again another eventful week, as we celebrate the birthday of our Event Executive, Shannon Jenkins, some of the team are attending Moulden Marketing Destination Showcase and the deadline of the CHS Awards approaches!

The CHS Awards provide hotels and venues with a unique opportunity to showcase their facilities, compete in each of the 13 carefully chosen categories and be nominated for the Award Ceremony taking place on Thursday 30 April 2015 at The Queens Hotel, Leeds.

With guaranteed exposure to a receptive audience of hosted buyers, an industry seal of approval for a job well done, a great platform for promotional marketing and first rate networking, the Awards are open to any hotel or venue outside of the M25.

Judged in two key stages by leading industry professionals and then by agency decision makers, the Awards, which will be fun, fair and credible, will also offer the perfect environment for entertaining clients and customers alike in a relaxed setting.

The nominees will be announced on 24 March 2015, the day of the Conference and Hospitality Show 2015, giving you something great to shout about on the day! Increase your brand exposure, have a real platform for PR as part of this exciting and innovative programme. www.chs-awards.com

Thanks for reading and we hope you all have a fantastic week - enjoy!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 19 January 2015

Welcome back to another week at Cloud 9! 

Within the Meetings, Incentives and Events industry, we can imagine that your diaries are already starting to look chock-a-block (especially if you read our blog last week!). However, we do have an additional event we'd recommend you add to your diaries as part of Moulden Marketing; it would be a journey of a lifetime...

Traversing the Tropic of Cancer through India – Bangladesh - 12th October – 17th November 2015

From the Arabian Sea to the border between India and Myanmar, the journey covers a distance of almost 4300km and explores how uniquely different the West is from the East...

On your once-in-a-lifetime journey, we will take you along a line that connects places that would otherwise be extraordinarily different and diverse. The Tropic of Cancer divides India almost equally into two and is remarkable in the locations that it connects. Experience how much more to India there is than outsourcing, IT, economy, snake charmers or elephants. The tour highlights include meeting a number of influential and passionate people that live or work in this incredible country, from a Bollywood director to an evening with a well-known UK TV presenter and New York Times best-selling author and a famous fashionista.

The journey is divided into 3 chapters. You can choose to travel on all 3 chapters, any 2 consecutive chapters or along a single chapter.

Chapter I – Across Gujarat: Your journey starts from close to the Western border of Gujarat. On a no-moon day you might be able to see the lights of Karachi, Pakistan from Lakhpat. You then wind your way through a region that is known for the myriad hues and precise prints. Speaking with hands, craftsmen here would create carpets and wearable prints of such fine quality that it is constantly exported. Learn more about these arts whilst also visiting the stories that the various temples and palaces of Gujarat speak of.

Chapter II – Central and Eastern India: Buddhism in Sanchi. Tigers in Satpura. Mughal architecture in Bhopal. French architecture of Chandannagar. British architecture in Kolkata. Terracotta crafts in Bishnupur. A new concept in education in Santiniketan. Baul (similar to wandering friars) music across the border. Fishing with Otters in Tangail. Sarees in Dhaka. Grassroot initiatives in Kushtia. Need we say more ?

Chapter III – Bangladesh and the Easternmost extremity of India: Bangladesh is an enigma – and we know that it isn’t at the top of your mind of holiday destinations in India. But a journey along the country is brilliant fun. Trust us. We have been there. For starters, the food is awesome. For the mains, the country is known for the exquisite sarees that it manufactures – some of which may cost more than the latest on the Milan runway. As you travel along the country, you will be stunned by how green it is. You will be stunned by how polite people are. You will be stunned by how they are themselves trying to change the country. As you cross into Tripura and Mizoram, you will miss the country. But Tripura and Mizoram are awesome in themselves. Your journey would end near the rolling meadows of Meghalaya. From your resort near world’s wettest region of Cherrapunji, you can set forth to explore the root bridges, the 800 odd caves or just take it easy and grab a beer… and compare this beer to the one you had on the white sands.

If that isn't quite up your street, then why don't you have a look at Moulden Marketing's Destination Showcase!

Held at The Radisson Blu Portman, London on Thursday 29th January 2015, this free-to-attend one-day Destination Showcase will bring together over 45 international suppliers of the MICE industry including Hotels, DMC's, Convention Bureaux & Tourist Boards from around the world. The workshop allows guests part or full-day attendance, and the opportunity to select suppliers of your choice for 15 minute appointments.

- Determine your arrival and departure times based on your busy schedule! Choose from AM, AM/PM or PM only appointment slots.

- Select which suppliers you would like to meet, and they pre-allocate the appointments for you! List of suppliers available here

- An opportunity to build relationships with senior MICE dedicated suppliers.

- Network with colleagues, expand your destination and venue knowledge, and WIN PRIZES including a range of 4* & 5* hotel stays!

That's it for now folks, have a great week!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 12 January 2015

Welcome to another week and now that the festivities are well and truly over its time to look ahead and start planning in detail!

Here at Cloud 9 Towers our diaries are already filling up with a marvellous mix of meetings, events, trade shows, client events and fam trips and without a doubt there will be a lot more to schedule into an already packed year.

If you are in the Event Industry then you’ll want to make sure that you have saved the date for all of the following shows and events and maybe, just maybe, we’ll see you there!

JANUARY
The Hospitality Show
19-21 January
The show will once again be providing a launch pad for British hospitality and food service opportunities, covering all things catering and tableware-related, as well as putting an emphasis on careers and technology. The latest product innovations from old and new exhibitors alike will be on display, while attendees can also enjoy the featured attractions.
NEC, Birmingham
Call 0207 886 3064
Visit www.hospitalityshow.co.uk

FEBRUARY
Event Production Show
18-19 February
This year, International Confex will be co-locating with the Event Production Show and, while the two will remain largely independent, there will be a steady flow encouraged between both in appropriate areas. The Event Production Show's offerings will be geared

towards the live event industry, including indoor, outdoor, sporting and music events. Attendees can avail of infrastructure suppliers showcasing their capabilities and offering details about the latest technologies. With over 200 exhibitors expected, inspiration will be rife.
Olympia, London
Call 0208 971 8282
Visit www.eventproductionshow.co.uk

Confex
18-19 February
International Confex will be following in the footsteps of last year's successful turnout, creating a community for buyers, suppliers, venues and destinations. The companies exhibiting will encompass UK and international destinations, venues, hotels and event support service suppliers. A focal point will be the 'Technology Sector, while the Technovation Station will provide hands-on access to the latest events-centric projects. 
Olympia, London
Call 0208 971 8282
Visit www.international-confex.com

Office Management & PA Show 
18-19 February

The Office Management & PA Show - which has grown over the past two years and attracts over 3,000 PAs and office managers - will also be co-locating with International Confex and the Event Production Show at London's Olympia. The event's core visitors are looking for solid business education on how to improve themselves professionally - and improve their business through their role - by extending their skills in negotiating, cost saving, external communications and networking.
Olympia, London
Call 0208 971 8282
Visit www.om-pa.co.uk

Business Travel Show 
25-26 February 
Now moving to the Grand Hill at London's Olympia, the Business Travel Show will be meeting the corporate travel sector's needs, delivering business developments along with networking and branding prospects. Over 6,000 corporate travel buyers and bookers from across the UK and Europe will be conducting business with more than 200 suppliers spanning the industry, including global travel brands and start-up companies.
Olympia London
Call 0207 970 4435
Visit www.businesstravelshow.com

MARCH
Best of Britain and Ireland
11-12 March

Best of Britain and Ireland will be holding its annual showcase for two cor sectors, serving the domestic tourism market and the conference, event and marketing industry. Visitors will be able to source new products and services as well as acquire information on the latest attractions, destinations, associations, regional tourist boards and more. 
NEC, Birmingham 
Call 0173 340 5735
Visit www.bobievent.com

Conference and Hospitality Show
24 March
The Conference and Hospitality Show is a free to attend event which connects event organisers with a variety of venues and suppliers. And in 2015 there will be an overarching focus on inspiration, with it generating a motivational education programme. More then 100 exhibitors will be putting in a an appearance, while Demo Zone will be offering interactive displays.
Centenary Pavillion, Elland Road, Leeds
Call 0751 236 5822
Visit www.conferenceandhospitalityshow.co.uk

MAY
IMEX
19-21 May

During the course of three days, IMEX will be playing host to 3,500 global exhibitors, featuring tourists boards, international hotel companies, technology providers and more. Also renowned for attracting high quality buyers, 15,000 senior decision-makers are predicted to be in attendence.
Hall 8, Messe Frankfurt, Germany
Call 01273 227 311
Visit www.imex-frankfurt.com

JULY
The Meeting Show UK
7-9 July 
Organised by meeting professionals, the event is centred on a large exhibition as well as networking prospects and professional education. Destinations from over 50 countries will be on display and the hosted buyer programme is the largest in the UK - drawing figures from the corporate, association, agency and public sectors.
Olympia, London
Call 0207 970 4410
Visit www.themeetingshow.com

SEPTEMBER
The Venue Expo 
8-9 September

The Venue Expo 2015, now in its second year, will once again be attracting MICE industry professionals, venues, hospitality suppliers and event support suppliers from all corners of the UK. Taking place at the brand new Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, visitors have the chance to attend seminars and conduct business with one another. 
Exhibition Centre, Liverpool
Call 0151 702 7752
Visit www.thevenueexpo.co.uk


Square Meal's Venues & Events
16-17 September
In 2014, Square Meal's Venues and Events saw over 7,000 event organising professionals descend to meet over 250 of the UK's top venues and suppliers - and the 2015 show is set to do the same. Spread across colourful floors will be a host of expert seminars, tasting master classes and workshops; ideal for anyone who plans events as part of their job.
Old Billingsgate, London
Call 0844 412 7963
Visit www.venuesandevents.co.uk

OCTOBER 
Office*
13-14 October 
Offering a unique platform where key corporate buyers can meet and do business with a range of relevant and carefully selected suppliers, office* successfully welcomed 4,019 attendees to its 2014 event. This year, Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants and Office Managers, among others, throughout the UK will be browsing the electic floor, accessing the education programme and meeting with 175+ exhibiting brands. 
Olympia, London
Call 01273 645 127
Visit www.officeshow.co.uk


The Showman's Show
21-22 October
The Showman's Show was held in 1984 and it has since emerged as the only outdoor show of its kind in the UK. The event has been capable of appealing to 5,000 visitors and in excess of 340 exhibitors who demonstrate the most sophisticated structures, equipment and entertainment demanded by the event industry at large.
Newbury Showground, Berkshire
Call 01747 854 099
Visit www.showmans-directory.co.uk

NOVEMBER
World Travel Market
2-5 November

World Travel Market - the leading global event for the travel industry - is a vibrant must attend business-to-business event presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and International travel professionals. It is a unique opportunity for the whole global travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business.
ExCeL, London
Call 0208 271 2160
Visit www.wtmlondon.com

IBTM World
17-19 November
Held in Barcelona, the Global Meetings and Events Exhibition (EBITM) offers professional education and networking opportunities across a three day programme. The event features over 3,000 suppliers from over 100 countries across the world and information on industry trends.
Fira Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain
Call 020 8271 2127
Visit www.ibtmevents.com

So that’s it for this week folks, enjoy! 

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 5 January 2015

Welcome to our first blog of 2015 - we hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year.

Cloud 9 Towers are now open as usual and raring to go and get stuck into 2015. As we all know, after a couple of weeks out of the office, it can take a little while to get back in to the swing of things. So, as a motivation for you all this new year, below are the top 10 New Years resolutions for business success...

1. Learn how to delegate and do more of it - There are so many things to do when you're running a small business, it's easy to delude ourselves that we need to do all of them. Then we wonder why we're so tired and frazzled and have no time to do anything else! Determine Your Personal Return on Investment, and decide to let someone else do some of the tasks for a change. Delegation is the key to a healthy work-life balance.

2. Promote your business regularly and consistently - Too often the task of promoting a small business slips to the bottom of the to-do list in the press of urgent tasks. If you want to attract new customers, you have to make promotion a priority. Make a New Year's resolution to hire a marketing expert, or take the time to create a marketing plan on your own and follow through. 

3) Make business planning a weekly event - Planning is vital if you want a healthy, growing business. Business planning lets you take stock of what worked and what didn't work, and helps you set new directions or adjust old goals. So why do it just once a year or once a quarter? Set aside time each week to review, adjust, and look forward - or even better, make business planning a part of each day. Not only will this help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track, but you'll feel more focused and relaxed.

4) Learn something new - What you choose to learn may be directly related to your business or completely unrelated. Learning something new will add to your skills and add a new dimension of interest to your life - another important part of achieving a healthy work-life balance. Depending on how you choose to learn, you may meet new and interesting people, who may become customers, colleagues, or friends. How will you find the time to learn something new? By delegating, remember?

5) Join a new business organisation or networking group - There's nothing like talking to other business people for sparking new ideas, refining old ones, and making contacts. Whether it's a group specifically designed for networking or an organization dedicated to a particular type of business, in person or over the 'Net, making the effort to be a part of a group will revitalize you and your business.

6) Give something back to your community - There are all kinds of worthy organisations that make a difference in your community. Make a New Year's resolution to find a cause that matters to you, and give what you can. Make this the year that you serve on a committee, be a mentor, volunteer, or make regular donations to the groups in your community that try to make the place you live a better place. And those that give get. 

7) Put time for you on your calendar - In Schedule Time for You, recharge and refresh yourself; a healthy work-life balance demands time out. All work and no play is a recipe for mental and physical disaster. So if you have trouble freeing up time to do the things you enjoy, write time regularly into your schedule to "meet with yourself" and stick to that commitment. If you won't invest in yourself, who will?

8) Set realistic goals - Goal setting is a valuable habit - if the goals lead to success rather than distress. Make a New Year's resolution that the goals you set will be goals that are achievable, rather than unrealistic pipe dreams that are so far out of reach they only lead to frustration. If you have trouble setting realistic goals.

9) Don't make do; get a new one - Is there a piece of equipment in your office that's interfering with your success or something that you lack that's making your working life harder? Whether it's an old fax machine that's a pain to use, or the need for a new employee to lighten your work load, make a New Year's resolution to stop putting off getting what you need. The irritation of making do just isn't worth it.

10) Drop what's not working for you and move on - All products aren't going to be super sellers, all sales methods aren't going to work for everyone, and all suppliers or contractors aren't going to be ideally suited to your business. If a technique or a product or a business relationship isn't working for you, stop using it. Don't invest a lot of energy into trying to make the unworkable workable. Move on. Something better will turn up.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is like maintaining a good relationship; you have to keep working on it. But if you apply these New Year's resolutions throughout the year, your success is guaranteed!

We're also interested in hearing what your New Year's resolutions are?!

That's all for this week folks, and we wish you all a fantastic 2015!