Welcome to the latest e-newsletter. We hope you find it informative, interesting and a useful guide to the events industry.

Highlights this issue:  Summer Eventia - Register Now!  Save the date for the Eventia Awards, check out our other events: Inductions, Networking and Events in Action coming your way.  See our new column 'Man About Town' and find out what else Eventia has been up to!

IN THIS ISSUE

Events
News
Membership
Business Briefing
Corporate Responsibility

The Summer Eventia 2010

SECC, Glasgow - 4-6 July 2 days & nights of the best networking & education of the year

Registration is now open so: Book Your Place

Once again the clock is ticking, we’re counting down the weeks to Eventia’s 2010 summer event.  Bigger, bolder and even more thought-provoking than last year’s highly acclaimed event, The Summer Eventia will provide a mix of educational, networking and social activities designed to inspire, inform and entertain event professionals at every level within your organisation.

What's it all about? Visit our website to find out more, click here

Member Induction

Coming Soon...w/c 17th May 2010

This induction event is for anyone interested in learning what Eventia is all about - fabulous for potential, new and existing members.

The event is free to attend, but you must register your attendance.  To register email: philippa.smith@eventia.org.uk

The next induction course is due week commencing 17th May in London.  Keep checking the website for more information www.eventia.org.uk

Eventia Member Networking

Coming soon...w/c 17th May 2010

This event provides an opportunity to meet and network with other Eventia members and Board Members, also to share ideas and values and discuss the future of the events industry.  This event will follow the member induction course and is an after work event from 6pm.  To register your interest email: philippa@eventia.org.uk

VAT Rule Changes – a TOMS Update

The Studio, Manchester – 10th May 2010

January 2010 ushered in changes to the VAT regime that significantly affected event management companies.  This seminar, to be held on 10 May in Manchester, will be led by VAT specialist David Bennett of Saffery Champness Chartered Accountants.  David will consider the practical consequences of these recent changes and what event management companies can do to improve their position.
>to book

VAT Rule Changes – a TOMS Update

Venue to be confirmed, London – 17th May 2010

Due to it's popularity and success the above course is being held in London as well as Manchester.  For anybody affected by the recent changes to VAT rules this is a seminar not to be missed.  More details will be available on the website soon!
>to book email: philippa.smith@eventia.org.uk

Events In Action

Copthorne Tara, London - 7th May 2010

Gain a better understanding of the world of events and get organised! A one-day training workshop for people wishing to gain a better understanding of the world of Events.
>more information and to book

AGM & Elections

Thursday 10 June 2010 Grand Connaught Rooms, London

An important part of the AGM is the election of new Board members, full details of the nomination and election process have now been circulated, but if you missed them then you can access them here. You will need your username and password to log into the website and view the papers.

The 2010 Eventia Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 10th June at the Grand Connaught Rooms, Russell Square, London. This event is for members only

Following the AGM there will be a networking hour with drinks and refreshments sponsored by Principal Hayley Hotels and Conference Venues.

The Eventia Awards

Save the Date! The Eventia Awards will be held on 26th November 2010 at the London Hilton, Park Lane

Categories and entry details are available online, click here to enter.

Deadline for entries is Tuesday 3^rd August 2010, so if you haven’t taken a look and made an entry yet, don’t forget!

Eventia Hosting Opportunities

Eventia attracts a wide mix of companies from all sectors of the industry, and therefore has proven to be an effective marketing platform for companies to showcase their services and facilities through hosting one of our many events held throughout the year.  We now have a new programme of events available, so if you are interested in getting your venue in front of potential clients click here.

Eventia's Man about Town

Welcome to a brand new column which will feature in the newsletter and on the website: follow Mark Gill from First Protocol as he reviews the supplier events he's attended.

Hi all and welcome to a brand new monthly feature reviewing all the fabulous and maybe not so fabulous places I’ve been to in the last few weeks.  With so many invites dropping into my tray which ones can I accept and squeeze into my busy diary……………

Where better to start than a cold evening back in February and the Novotel London West for the 2010 M&IT Awards. With just one awards dinner taking place in February this year it was a chance for M&IT to set the standard.  Overall it was a good night and a chance to catch up with all the usual suspects over a couple of glasses of fizz.  A super job by Kate Silverton as Mistress of ceremonies – she’s a personal favourite of mine and what a fantastic achievement raising so much for charity!  After propping up the bar with Ms Downie and enjoying a gossip it was into bed by 3am – am I losing my touch? Thanks to Concorde Hotels for hosting me for the evening.  Now the baton passes to Eventia for their awards in November.  Can you raise the bar??

Click here to find out what else our 'man about town' has been up to.

UK Events Market Trends Survey 2010 - deadline extended

Deadline for receipt of questionnaires is now 30th April 2010

All UK event venues that meet the minimum criteria (have at least three meeting rooms with a minimum capacity of 50 theatre-style seating in their largest room) are urged to participate in this research.

The research asks venues to provide data on their conference and events business during the calendar year 2009, and includes questions on the number of events held, rates achieved, event duration and size, client type, together with projections for 2010.

>find out more
>get involved

IMEX 2010, 25-27 May

Your essential exhibition for global meetings and events

Experience three days of the best networking, educational and business opportunities on the planet, at IMEX 2010 in Frankfurt.

As the largest exhibition of its kind, it’s a must for any professional involved in planning global meetings and events – and now it’s bigger than ever, featuring 3,500 exhibitors from over 150 countries. It’s the quickest, most efficient way of creating new opportunities, making key contacts and staying one step ahead.

Make sure you reserve your place at this industry-leading event. Entry is free: http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/register.php

Howard's Way Walk 2010

As you know by now through emails and her blog Izania is doing the Howard’s Way Walk covering a 100-mile stretch of the South Downs Way, taking place over the May Day bank holiday weekend, 30 April–3 May.

>find out why Izania got involved
>follow Izania’s training blog
>find out more and donate

MIMA Call for Entries

The Meetings Industry Marketing Awards 2010 are now open for entry

Now in its 9th year, MIMA was created to raise the standards of marketing in the events industry and to recognise the marketeers. This is your chance to demonstrate and be recognised for the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns.

Entry is open to any organisation engaged in the organisation or provision of product or service to the UK events industry. Your organisation does not need to be based in the UK but should be active in the UK market. The subject of your entry must have been featured in your marketing campaigns during the year from 1st June 2009 until 31st May 2010.

To enter simply complete the on-line entry registration and payment form now at: http://www.meetpie.com/mimaregistration.asp

Eventia Venue Location Service

After successful promotion and drinks reception at Confex the Eventia Venue Location Service is now fully operational.  If you need to find a venue then give us a try, this service is completely free and impartial.

>find a venue

The Blades

Everyone is looking for the next big thing, a once in a lifetime experience, a true wow factor…

Well there is nothing like getting the adrenalin pumping than pulling 4 G’s to the vertical before performing the aptly named manoeuvre, the ‘cravat’ in a purpose-built stunt plane over the Northamptonshire countryside. Izania was lucky enough to enjoy (and survive) this experience last month along with a few other event industry folk, all flying with ‘The Blades’ – one of the most sought-after aerobatic teams and the world’s only aerobatic airline!  All the pilots are ex-RAF and Red Arrow pilots and core to the success of this unique company that takes conferences and corporate entertainment sky high.

>more information on the Blades

Education Committee Update

Topical courses are essential for us to provide the right framework for learning - We are currently meeting with education providers and consulting members to ensure our courses are relevant and provide added value to membership!  Some of the topics that arose from the recent education survey and Eventia education committee meeting include: technology forums, social media 101, conducting successful familiarization trips and show-rounds, understanding the business cycle of an event from enquiry to confirmation, presenting to agencies – what works?, effective proposal writing – presenting your offer to an agency or buyer, understanding how the ‘back office’ of a hotel works for newcomers to the industry… to name but a few!  So watch this space for the programme of courses to be finalized.

If you have any suggestions for courses and/or speakers, please get in touch with Philippa.smith@eventia.org,uk at the office.

Welcome to New Members

Eventia would like to welcome the following companies as new members of the association:
Ten80 Events , IET London: Savoy Place, Active Events, UKS&V.

Reminder of 'Member Only' Benefits

We are highlighting here some of the benefits of being a member of Eventia, just as a little prompt so you don’t miss out on any of the services we provide: 

Member Open Forums

Giving members the opportunity to discuss membership and the current state of the industry with other Eventia members as well as the Eventia team.  A real opporutnity to  ‘voice your opinion’ and tell us how we can support your company more.

The forums will take place throughout 2010.  Look out for the next one in May.

Eventia Guide 2010

Your next 12 months marketing starts here.......

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to promote your products and services to the influential and global corporate market. The sales team will be in touch with you shortly to explain the many ways in which you can get involved with this extremely useful and targeted publication.  We do hope you feel able to participate fully!  Venues in particular can benefit from a special offer.  For more information contact: sales@eventia.org.uk or telephone 01926-319992.

Review of Air Transport Regulation – Eventia Regulation Committee responds

Following consultation with members, Eventia Regulation Committee has responded to the Department of Transport Consultation on the review of aviation regulation, but confining itself to possible changes in the ATOL licensing system, which could have a direct affect on agency members.

Key Points from our submission were support for the following:

1. The creation of a level playing field in regulating by inclusion of all direct ticket only and “Flight Plus” services by airlines within ATOL protection.
2. Removal from the ATOL scheme of transactions with larger business customers – in line with the measure under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, this should be a business with a  turnover in excess of £1m per annum, meaning true consumers and small businesses would continue to be protected
3. “Click Through” or Affiliate sales should only be brought within the ATOL remit where there is common ownership of the linked service providers

To view the complete response click here.

Business Visits and Events Topline Strategy

To view VisitBritain's business visits and events strategy given by their new Head of Business Visits & Events, Simon Mills at a recent BVEP meeting log into the member area of the website here.

How the recent Budget will affect the Events Industry

Saffery Champness has put together a special Budget 2010 edition of  their Business Update.  Topics covered include: An analysis of the UK Budget 2010, International Financial Reporting Standards for SMEs, Business entertaining and VAT, Penalties for late PAYE payments.  To read the full update click here.

Also on the budget our very own Brian Kirsch, Head of the Regulation Committee offers up the following comment in his own inimitable style: 'The whole thing was a bit of lame electioneering and an opportunity for the Chancellor to cheer up some rather unhappy Labour backbenchers by having a dig at Lord Ashcroft and increasing stamp duty on homes over  £1m – good old fashioned Labour class warfare!  The budget has achieved very little to tackle the underlying problem that the Government is living beyond its means. Fortunately the City did not take this budget seriously because the real budget will come after the election, and if that doesn’t tackle the deficit, then the City will react badly.'

VisitEngland Strategic Tourism Framework

James Berresford, VisitEngland's CEO has launched England’s First Strategic Tourism Framework – to  download the press release, the video of the launch and the full document click here. The visitor economy is currently worth £97billion a year and employs over 2 million people.  The strategic framework sets out the priorities for the next 10 years and anticipates a total growth overall, year on year, of some 5%, which will deliver an extra 225,000 jobs and grow the visitor economy by a further £50billion over the period.

VisitEngland will take a coordinating role to encourage everyone with an interest and stake in England's tourism to play their part in helping realise the full potential of our industry.

Tip of the month!

If you need to generate your own power look into solar and biodiesel options to reduce air emissions.