What's Floating Around Cloud 9? June 2019

Welcome, and we can't quite believe we are in June already #eventprofs. In addition to our usual busy schedule we are also gearing up for The Meetings Show which takes place towards the end of the month.

Whilst an incredibly useful Trade Event to attend, it can be tricky taking a few days out of the office when so much is going on, but the Meetings Show, a little like CHS which we attended at the end of April, does allow you to make connections and re-establish existing working relationships. 

In today's world it's difficult to commit to even a day away from the office, but being placed within an industry that demands face-to-face interaction, the show offers an opportunity to connect with over 3,000 meetings industry professionals to source new suppliers, learn about the latest innovations and grow your network - all in one go. It features more than 700 of the finest destinations, hotels, venues, DMCs and technology providers exhibiting on the show floor. All looking to meet with premium-level MICE buyers under one roof. Exhibiting provides the opportunity to get ahead of your competition and put yourselves in the minds of the buyers looking to place business with new suppliers at the show.

Over 3,000 meetings industry professionals visit the show to take advantage of the new connections, networking opportunities and education programme we offer across the three days of the show. Visiting companies typically feature event management companies, agencies, corporates, associations, charities and not-for-profits, PAs and EAs and many more. 

The show features over 80 free-to-attend educational sessions in ten dedicated content streams delivered by the most creative thinkers in the industry. Visitors, hosted buyers and exhibitors alike can attend the sessions most relevant to them and learn more about the latest trends & innovations affecting their sector right now. 

As a team we're particularly invested in some of the educational sessions and we'll be enjoying the show as hosted buyers with our own AIEA Group - and staying at the new Hard Rock Hotel.

Hope to see you there! 

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? Week Commencing 12 June 2017

Welcome to another week and it's a busy one as The Meetings Show will take up the majority of the week. The Meetings Show is now in it's 5th edition and is the premier event for the meetings industry based in the UK. 

 
In today's world it's difficult to commit to even a day away from the office, but being placed within an industry that demands face-to-face interaction, the show offers an opportunity to connect with over 3,000 meetings industry professionals to source new suppliers, learn about the latest innovations and grow your network - all in one go.
It features more than 700 of the finest destinations, hotels, venues, DMCs and technology providers exhibiting on the show floor. All looking to meet with premium-level MICE buyers under one roof. Exhibiting provides the opportunity to get ahead of your competition and put yourselves in the minds of the buyers looking to place business with new suppliers at the show.

Over 3,000 meetings industry professionals visit the show to take advantage of the new connections, networking opportunities and education programme we offer across the three days of the show. Visiting companies typically feature event management companies, agencies, corporates, associations, charities and not-for-profits, PAs and EAs and many more. 

The show features over 80 free-to-attend educational sessions in ten dedicated content streams delivered by the most creative thinkers in the industry. Visitors, hosted buyers and exhibitors alike can attend the sessions most relevant to them and learn more about the latest trends & innovations affecting their sector right now. 

As a team we're particularly invested in some of the educational sessions and we'll be checking out the AIEA Session delivered by Martin Ellis from Team Umbrella on Tuesday who is looking at whether progress has slowed us down.

We're all hosted buyers at the show and in addition to the exhibition itself, there are range of great social events surrounding the show.

In an new addition to the event for 2017 is The Meetings Show monthly news which features a range of authors including a regular monthly post from Event Director, Steve Knight, as well as guest pieces from partners and friends from the industry and beyond.

We're sure Steve won't mind us blatantly copying his content from his June edition:

"The doors will soon open at Olympia for the fifth edition of The Meetings Show. The stage is set for another successful show with more than 700 exhibitors, including many who are new to the show. 

Over the last five years, The Meetings Show has gone from strength to strength as we have cemented its position as a market place, meeting place and learning place with a wealth of opportunities for everybody from the industry to come together to do business. We have a lot of support from the industry, and I would particularly like to thank Dubai Business Events, as sponsors of our hosted buyer lounges, and the Barbican and Searcys, who are hosting our Association Meetings Conference. 

But The Meetings Show is not just about doing business. It’s a place to network with your peers, and there are many events taking place throughout the week where this can happen. In particular, we have once again partnered with MPI for the Post Show Charity Party. In support of The Event Apprenticeships Support Scheme, the Post Show Charity Party is a great opportunity to relax and network with industry friends, hosted buyers and exhibitors, whilst enjoying an open bar and complimentary food. Attend the show on Tuesday 13 June and cross the road to join us at 6pm at the Hand & Flower pub. Tickers are only £50 and can be purchased here [insert link].  

In this month’s newsletter we get Splash Event Solution’s top tips for generating effective event feedback, find out more about the ICE Awards, talk to Advisory Board member Christian Mutschlechner and LiveBuzz tells us more about its new Dynamic Email Builder (DEB) tool. And as always we bring you the latest news from the exhibitors you can meet on the show floor. 

The whole team at The Meetings Show is looking forward to welcoming you to Olympia. But remember, to avoid the £20 onsite registration fee make sure you register today – www.themeetingsshow.com/register! Make sure you keep up with everything that happens throughout the week and join the conversation by following us on Twitter @meetingsshow – don’t forget to us the hashtag TMS17. 

We look forward to seeing you!"

Steve Knight
Event Director

Well said Steve - we look forward to seeing you and all of our fellow #EventProfs this coming week!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 25 January 2016

Welcome to another week and we're gearing up for CONFEC Red here at Cloud 9 as Paula is off to Abu Dhabi next week as pat of our educational experiences oversees.

In an exclusive and intimate results-oriented business setting, CONFEC Red 2016 will bring together the United Kingdom’s top agencies, corporate and incentive organisers to meet with international major and emerging hotel chains, individual properties, unusual venues, convention bureaus, tourist boards and DMCs to participate in a series of one-on-one meetings over two dedicated business days.

As we're keen to encourage more of our clients to expand their horizons and start exploring the Middle East, this is the perfect opportunity for us to get some real first hand knowledge on the ground.

The event takes place amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, gurgling fountains and Venetian-inspired buildings at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. It offers a luxury beach resort experience minutes away from the city center. The honouring of different cultures can be found throughout the Abu Dhabi resort, from the Bedouin-inspired spa to the array of dining experiences. Located across from the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand osque, this Abu Dhabi luxury resort offers a breathtaking setting and numerous facilities. It looks pretty good to us!

Whilst we are on the subject of trade shows, April is certainly a busy month. Not only is the CHS Show set for Leeds on 26 April, but we are already getting inundated with invitations to attend IMEX in Frankfurt from 19-21 April. The current count is seven invitations and we're still in January (just)!

However, the award for getting in early really has to go to Sandals who issued an invitation to attend the Meetings Show with them  in December and that's not until July!

So why are trade shows and keeping your knowledge about venues, destinations, hotels and DMC's important? It doesn't matter how long you have spent in the industry, its an ever changing landscape with new venues, changes in ownership, new opportunities for delegates in locations, new flight and travel options all to consider.

You might not have anything relevant or concrete to discuss and direct business to place there and then, but we've often found a hidden gem for a client, and more often than not been able to share our knowledge with clients in order to provide them with a wider portfolio for their consideration. Plus, you never know which enquiries might be next - a phone call could make all the difference and if you don't know anything about a certain region,  then its unlikely your client will have much confidence in your recommendations.

However it is a balancing act. We've had some amazing invitations here in the last few months alone and whilst we quite fancy sipping Mojotos in Manila in the Philippines, or Scuba Diving in the Seychelles, we might struggle to place any business there so we've had to politely decline.

What is great is that we've done a little business in Dubai in the past and are hopeful of more, so the Middle East is certainly one for the checklist here. We just hope that Paula is not sold for any camels - she's probably not worth more than one and it would be embarrassing to find out!

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? 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!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 18 November 2013

Welcome to another week and its all about EIBTM this week - where the global meetings and events industry connects - so we are off to Barcelona!

EIBTM is the leading global event for the meetings, incentives, conferences, events and business travel industry, taking place in the award winning business and tourism destination of Barcelona. The event gathers over 15,000 MICE industry professionals for three days of focused access to a dynamic business environment with over 3,100 exhibitors, thought provoking professional education and business networking to drive your business into the future.

The event runs from 19-21 November 2013 for another must attend exhibition and on the 18 November for the EIBTM Forum, is a  thought provoking conference, open to all EIBTM participants.

We lucky to be going as guests of Accor but its not a complete jolly as we have a very very early start and a packed schedule of meetings throughout the event. However, even the busiest schedule allows a moment to enjoy the view from the Pullman Barcelona Skipper hotel, which is where we are staying. Barceloneta Beach is temptingly close. Multiply that temptation by two - for the two swimming pools - then factor in the tasty tapas in the Blend Restaurant and you have all in all a rather lovely hotel!

We are well versed in attending events as Hosted Buyers but this will be our first time at EIBTM so we are perhaps a little more excited than usual -  and on asking around about tips to make the most out of the event, the overwhelming advice seems to be - wear flat shoes! 

This reminded us about our trip to the Meetings Show back in the Summer when Paula did have a rather unfortunate shoe mishap and had to cancel a couple of pre-scheduled appointments to make a timely dash to Kensington High Street in search of a shoe shop! 

We are also already making sure we are signed up for the other leading event shows next year so we can ensure a Cloud 9 presence at all of the leading industry events.

Some of the team are off the the BNC Global Event Show in February at the Brewery in London. The BNC Global Event Show is an exciting exhibition based in the heart of the City of London. The Show is designed to bring top event planners together with leading UK and international event suppliers in a refreshingly relaxed environment.

The also have leading experts from the events and meetings industry to present interesting seminars and discussions. Stay at the cutting edge with talks on a range of topics such as marketing, event creation, food and drink and much more. Past guests in include Michael Douglas from Genie Mobile on the possibilities for mobile technology, Kate Conway from Tesco on harnessing the power of digital, William Thomson from Gallus Events on organising experiences, and Sam Bompas from Bompas & Parr on the exciting uses for jelly for events! 

One of our favourite shows returns next year and that is the Conference & Hospitality Show in Leeds in April which is the only exhibition outside of London for the meetings industry so make sure you register and keep checking their site for updates and news.

Of course one of the bigger shows within the Industry was always Confex which seemed to have lost some of its sparkle over the last few years, but with new owners in place, and a thankful return to Olympia (we do like Excel but its a pain to get to for us!) we are hoping for a better event. 

International Confex is established as the UK’s leading exhibition and has been supporting the meetings and events industry for 30 years.

 

In this diverse and vibrant industry, International Confex's role is to provide the annual meeting place for the events world and to connect event professionals such as yourself with the best venues, destinations, finishing touches, technology and event support services the industry has to offer.  With the help of our fantastic exhibitors and event experts, International Confex is the place to be to do business and seek advice and inspirational ideas for your events and it's a great opportunity to get that all important face time that can be so difficult today.

 

International Confex takes place over two days in March in London’s Olympia and hosts over 900 exhibitors covering four areas - UK Venues & Destinations: Discover tourist attractions, unique or traditional venues, sporting venues, castles or country manors. The best thing about it is you only need to travel to one place, Olympia London.

 

International Venues & Destinations: Travel the world (no need to book a flight it's all in Olympia) and discover inspiring destinations, venues, resorts and incentive travel ideas and get amazing ideas for your next events outside of the UK.

 

Something Special: Something Special does exactly what it says on the tin and connects you with market leading suppliers who can provide those vital finishing touches for your events that will leave your guests and clients speechless with sudden urges to tweet about how fabulous you are.

Logistics: Whether you're seeking the latest audio visual, graphics, security, or lighting, our exhibitors can ensure that your events run smoothly and efficiently providing you with some jaw-dropping and cost effective  technology.

 

Over 7,000 visitors from leading agencies, associations and corporate organisations come through the doors to meet new and existing suppliers, attend high-level seminars, see new show features and most importantly, network with fellow event professionals.

 

So a bit of a Trade Show Special this week, enjoy or maybe in the spirit of EIBTM our sign off this week should be olé