What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 30 July 2018

Welcome to another week #EventProfs and as August rolls in this week it's time to remind you about the fabulous Alliance of Independent Event Agencies - if you are small independent agency and you are not a member yet, then you should be! 

The AIEA is an Alliance of independent, small and privately owned event agencies working in the (MICE) sector and is a group of unique and individual companies, sharing our knowledge, experience and resource to enable us to provide the best quality service to our clients. 

Collectively we responsible for a significant proportion of the business generated in the MICE sector, and in addition to providing education, training and a support mechanism for smaller agencies, the Alliance has also enabled us to strengthen our relationships with suppliers.

Our suppliers are hotels and other unique venues that offer first class meeting and event space. The relationships we have with them are vitally important as they provide us, through meetings, forums, exhibitions and fam trips, the information we need and to keep our clients up to date.The main criteria for choosing a supplier is that they fit our client brief. 

We are completely independent and do not favour or exclude any venue based on prearranged override or fulfilment contracts. Our suppliers also understand the value we add to the booking process and work closely with us to make sure our client’s expectations and needs are fulfilled.  
 

The AIEA is finding new and innovative ways to work, and network with suppliers and such initiatives as our irreverent annual awards and summer carnival are underlining the important of this small but perfectly formed Alliance. The AIEA is not for profit and is open to any independent agency with less than 20 employees. For details please see www.aiea.co.uk

Have a great week.

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 23 July 2018

Welcome to another week #EventProfs and its the last week of July already - blimey - where is the year going! We are all so busy these days that managing our time has never been more important and keeping in touch with people never easier, so how come we sometimes fail to stay connected?

From keeping up with friends to finding a new job, or securing a new client or business project, there are endless ways to stay in touch, but how to do it without appearing as stalker and suddenly popping up on someones radar when you have been silent for a long time, and surprising them so much they fail to respond.

If staying in touch and keeping connected with people is a priority, then make a little time to do it and to do it right. Set yourself aside a little time each day, 15 minutes a day should do it. Get a new positive habit and before long it will become part of a daily routine and not a chore.

Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, are ideal for conversations and connections, and if you see something relevant, engage and respond. If you spend time on social media anyway, you might as well make it a positive experience. 

We all enjoy events and it's great to run into people we know, but make a little time to connect with people who you might not know as well, who knows where it might lead - from a new client to a new friend - and once you have made a connection, try and keep them. 

If you haven't done it already then sign up for Google Alerts which is great way of tracking certain words when they appear in news stories. You can also track people so if they change jobs or get a promotion you will know about it and can pop them over a congratulatory message. This could be the start of a whole new client relationship as well.

Don't give up. You might not get  a reply the first time you reach out someone, and whilst you don't need to continually harass them in to submission, a follow up email or message or two is not going to hurt. Just don't turn into a stalker or take it personally, as they are probably as busy as you are.

And, if you don't hear back at all move on. There are lots of people out there so connect with someone who can make a difference and will come back to you. 

Have a great week everyone and stay connected! 

PS. We are all in Linkedin so make sure you connect with us here at Cloud 9

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 16 July 2018

Welcome to another week and it might be true that our World Cup dreams are over, the heat is still here but the sunshine has faded, we have no British success at Wimbledon to applaud and the tiresome Brexit debate is still raging on and on, but we have much to celebrate in this little isle of ours.

So in the spirit of rousing the nation and especially all fellow #eventprofs, here are nine reasons to cheer up and solider on in true British stiff upper lip style.

Firstly, the UK might be small but it's mighty and despite our traffic, it's easy to get around and even getting from London to Edinburgh can be tackled in less than five hours by train. We also have some amazing landmarks such as Stonehenge, Hadrian's Wall and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.Not to mention some stunning National Parks likes the Peak District, Dartmoor and New Forest as well as some cracking coastlines and given our size, we are never more than a couple of hours away from the opportunity to enjoy a soggy sandwich on a beach somewhere.

Second is our list of amazing locations from pretty villages to vibrant towns and cities all with something different to appeal to every taste and requirement. From the delights of Cornwall to the beauty of the Cotswold's, or the hustle and bustle of London to the docks of Liverpool, home of the Beatles (another reason to celebrate!). Let's be honest, the UK has some amazing and iconic landmarks from Big Ben to the Blackpool Tower.

 Creativity is at number three and as the UK's second biggest export, out talents in the creative sector are the envy of the world - and we know as we have asked everyone!  From fashion to film, street art to architecture, us Brits are rocking it. A global phenomenon, Britain has some fab examples of great street art, from the famous Banksy pieces, to stunning film locations such as Chatsworth House which become the home of the dashing Mr Darcy, or Alnwick Castle the home of Hogwarts. Our Advertising scene is thriving and many of our directors have gone on to be Hollywood greats.

On the subject of greats, the our contribution to literature must also get a mention at number four. The world’s greatest playwright is still celebrated globally and his plays still performed at the Globe Theatre in London, and his house in Stratford and The Royal Shakespeare Company today hold critically acclaimed performances throughout the year. William Wordsworth, another of Britain’s great poets, was famously inspired by the beauty and drama of the Lake District but we are not sure what inspired JR Tolkein or AA Milne to deliver the Hobbit or Winnie the Pooh. Add in Roald Dahl and JK Rowling and it's clear we lead the way.

At five is the list of legends and myths, many of which have also enjoyed big screen success in the same vein as our literary greats. From Nottingham's famous Robin Hood, to the monster lurking under Loch Ness, we are also famed for the mystery of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table which includes the sword in the stone.

From Royal myths to the Royal family at six and love 'em or loath 'em there is no denying that us Brits do pomp and ceremony better than anyone in the World. Our Royal family still bring in a huge amount in terms of tourist attractions our new royals seem to have embraced a whole new capture in terms of their public face. The British Monarchy dates back to 1603, although before then England and Scotland each had their own monarchs as far back as 757AD and with such a fascinating history, the British Royals are still an obsession for the world’s media.

At seven is our ability to form an orderly queue.  Whether it’s waiting for a bus, or struggling with a big shopping trolley or to pay for a cheeky kebab in the early hours, we're normally pretty polite and sensible when it comes to waiting our turn. Although none of us have to queue to any longer to use a good old fashioned red phone box (another reason to be proud), we would win every gold if this became an Olympic sport!

For number eight we have to mention the amazing amount and variety of food and drinks available in this little Isle of ours. From Wine to Whiskey, Fish & Chips to a Sunday Dinner, our bland reputation for food no longer stands, and anyone who doesn't like a full English now and again, should be forced to do the washing up for a year - no dishwasher allowed. Additionally, our Afternoon Tea's are legendary and our abilities to embrace new cuisines a shining example of just how fab we are all are.

Finally at nine our events. From the variety of large scale events and festivals including Glastonbury, The Grand National, The Chelsea Flower Show, The Edinburgh Fringe and Pride, to the events we #eventprofs are delivering every day for our clients. With such a diverse and seemingly endless supply of great venues and hotels to choose from in the UK, it's pretty clear why the event industry is booming.

So there are lots of reasons to be cheerful everyone, and if you would like to explore this great nation with an event of your own, then do give us a call. We're always happy to help here at Cloud 9 Towers and our venue finding service is totally free. 

Have a great week everyone, chin up!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 9 July 2018

Welcome to another week #eventprofs and if it wasn't enough that the nation is currently gripped by Football Fever, then throw in the continual hot and sunny weather and Wimbledon and it's looking to be a great summer.

Without wanting to cast a single rain cloud on our sunny outlook though, the longest day is well behind us (21 June for the uninitiated) and before you know it Autumn will be here, so what is there to embrace as the weather cools and we turn out attention to falling leaves and the more normal UK weather of wind and rain?!

Well in a new initiative by our pals and fellow #eventprofs over at Chew Events in conjunction with Sandals and One Night Only, there is a great new competition to recognise the talents within the event industry. What's more, it's all in aid of UK Meetings Needs, our very deserving industry charity.

From the sales people who can sing better than Adele to the conference operation team who are a whizz at comedy, Events R Talented are looking for great performers from our industry and the ultimate winner of the competition will have the opportunity to be the "Star Act" at the M&IT Awards in March 2019.

Taking part is really easy as you need to do is sign up online and then you will have the opportunity to audition. From here the top three acts will have the chance to perform at the EVCOM Awards Lunch in November, from which the ultimate winner will not only shine at the M&IT Awards, but also enjoy a fam trip to a Caribbean Sandals Resort in 2019.

There are some amazing people in our industry, and many of them go unrecognised, so if you know someone in your hotel, venue, supplier or your team who has a hidden talent, then please encourage them to sign up. This could well and truly be their moment in the spotlight.

Have a great week and.....come on England...#ITSCOMINGHOME

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 2 July 2018

Welcome to another week and after all of the glorious sunshine we have been enjoying (in between being inside for the Football!), it's time to turn our attention to Wimbledon which starts today.

In previous years here at Cloud 9 Towers, we have focused on Hotels and Venus in the Wimbledon area, not so much for for accommodation but for their meetings and event spaces - which don't forget we can source for free, locally, nationally and internationally - just ask and we are happy to help.

So rather than roll out the same old story, year after year, we thought we would focus on prestigious properties that feature tennis academies as well as extensive event space, and where better to start than with The Headland in Cornwall.

The hotel is a members of Pride of Britain Hotels and in addition to the amazing sports facilities and spectacular view, the hotel boasts an elegant interiors & epic seascapes with capacities from 4 - 300 delegates - and attractive rates as well. With 95 bedrooms on site plus self catering cottages, the venue also boasts a spa and both indoor and outdoor pools. Perfect for a little dip at the end of a conference or a knock about (assuming you don't hit a shot in to the Atlantic as the hotel has rather distracting 360º ocean views. 

Over on the French Riviera is the Mouratpglou Tennis Academy which is part of the amazing Beachcomber Resort (and in the interests of transparency - Beachcomber is a client).  In 2012 Patrick Mouratpglou became the official coach of Serena Williams, and over the last 20 years, he has used his experience to create a successful coaching method which is now the core focus of the Academy.  Whilst maybe not the first choice as a destination for MICE, this stunning property is certainly flexible and is situated between Nice and Cannes and  with 34 tennis courts, a pro shop, high tech fitness room and a medical centre, its perfect for sports enthusiasts. There is more to the resort than just tennis though, with two swimming pools, including one racket shaped, a 700-square metre spa and two restaurants, its well worth a look.

Part of the (Marriott) Luxury Collection includes the superb Pine Cliffs Resort in the Algarve. The spectacular cliff-top setting provides a stunning location for events, with both indoor and outdoor spaces.Located in a central area of the resort grounds, the conference facilities can cater for up to 700 guests and with flexible accommodation options on site, there are plenty of bedrooms to go round as well. This is a stunning resort and with 13 different meetings and events spaces, its well worth investigating not just for tennis, but for international conferences as well.

In Sardinia, the Forte Village is another dream destination for MICE, and lots of major brands have held conferences at this stunning resort including, Porsche, Ferrari, Vodafone, Volkswagen, Mondadori, Generali, Audi, Siemens and Mastercard. The beauty of Sardinia, the exclusive style of the resort and Business Centre, and the ease of location makes it ideal. There are some special event spaces on site and the resort can cater for large numbers, with a range of halls, and meeting rooms. Want a conference for 2000? No problem. Want an additional room for another 1,000 delegates, not an issue. Even the smallest event would feel right at home in this amazing village. They are also serious about sport, and host professional football teams as well as the legendary tennis academy which was founded by six time Wimbledon champion Mark Woodforde and includes Andy Murray's former coach Jonas Bjorkman amongst the star coaches.

We end our tour of the courts with La Manga Club in Murcia, sunny south-eastern Spain, and this resort is currently the Lawn Tennis Association's (LTA) official overseas training base. In addition to its 28-court centre and extensive leisure facilities, the resort also has over 2300 metres of event spaces and a flexible approach to hosting corporate events of all sizes. With both a four star and five star hotel on site, and eight football pitches, this resort is great for MICE style activities.

If all of the sport is driving you bonkers don't despair, we have a range of venues we can suggest globally for your next meeting or event, and even if you are not fan, we'll throw in strawberries and cream this week for any new venue finding requests.

Have a great week.