mia venue professional issue 1

[Marketing]generate new business without

extending your budgetsp4

[HR] the agencyworker issue

New rights fortemporary workers P6

Meetingsmarket outlookmia Pathfinder reportP8

Add the WOWfactorLatest in laser projectionsP10

Save energy,save moneyVoltage optimisationP14

FirstimpressionsThe outside environmentP20

meetings industry association

Issue 1 � March 2012

The magazine for members of the Meetings Industry Association

A43049 MIA Venue Issue 1:Layout 1 2/3/12 11:38

Hotels and conference centres are beginning to recognise the many benefits of using ceiling fans. Apart from making massive savings in energy consumption they create a more comfortable and stylish experience for your guests. Widely used abroad they are now being selected by hotels in the UK where the summer months can be very uncomfortable even with the window open and the costs of installing and running air conditioning is prohibitive.

A Hunter ceiling fan costs 95% less to run than an equivalent air conditioning system. If you already have an ac system they can reduce running costs by 40%. They are a much fresher and healthier option too. In winter heating bills can be cut by up to 24% by operating in the reverse.

The Hunter Fan Company is the largest manufacturer of ceiling fans in the world. It has a record for outstanding innovation, quality and value. The company supplies a wide range of fans that are unique and stylish making them perfect for any bedroom, restaurant, bar or common area.

Sty l i sh - Re l iab le - S i len t• Save 95% on cooling costs

• Save 24% on heat costs

• Low energy

• Easy to install

• Save 40% on existing ac running costs

• Lifetime warranty

• 36 stylish models

• As seen on ITV’s 60 Minute Makeover

Keep your gues ts happy wi th a Hunter ce i l ing fan

Cal l 0125 663 6509 or v is i t www.hunter fan.co.uk

TH

E HUNTER


meetings industry association venueprofessional3

venueprofessional magazineis published quarterly for themembers of the MeetingsIndustry Association.

PO Box 515KelmarshNorthamptonNN6 9XWTel: 0845 230 5508e-mail: [email protected]: www.mia-uk.org

contents

Marketing Focus page 4

Agency Worker Issue page 7

Meeting Market Outlook page 8

Laser Projection page 10

Interview - BSA page 12

Voltage Optimisation page 14

UK Conference Market page 18

Are You Green Enough? page20

MIA Training & Events page 22

MIA List page 25

DESIGN PRINT+



Designed and printed by

Barley HouseSopers RoadCuffleyHerts. EN6 4RYTel: 01707 876555e-mail: [email protected]: www.bainesdesign.co.uk

Published by

The Joiners ShopThe Historic DockyardChathamKent ME4 4TZTel: 01707 878026e-mail: [email protected]: www.psapublishing.co.uk

psapublishing

Your feedback please

To all members of MIA - Venue Professional is your magazine and we are keen to get your views andinput on what subjects and content you would like included in future issues.What are the mainfactors affecting your business today?What do you need to know more about? How can we help yoube better informed? Please e-mail your suggestions to [email protected]

This is the first issue of a new publication from the mia,our first hard copy members’ magazine for a number ofyears, it’s simply known as Venue Professional. Flickthrough its pages and you’ll discover a varied mix ofarticles, stories, features and news, all designed toinform, educate and entertain; I hope you find it a ‘goodread’.

Like all mia publications, Venue Professional is produced principally for thebenefit of our members and we’re keen to receive your feedback. The objective isto produce value-rich content that is relevant to your interests. In this and futureissues, you can expect to see features on suchsubjects as reducing costs, increasing revenue,improving standards, employment issues andmuch more. If there’s an item you would like tosee covered, please let us know.

As we move into spring, it’s a positive time forthe association, and despite the economicchallenges, we are seeing growth in ourmembership numbers. This is a testament tothe many initiatives we have launched thatadd value to mia membership, such as the AIMaccreditation scheme, now recognised as thenational standard for meetings and eventsvenues in the UK. I believe Venue Professionalwill become another benefit our memberscherish and I look forward to its lastingsuccess.

Jane Longhurst,mia Chief Executive

welcome

© Copyright 2012. No part of venueprofessionalcan be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system ortransmitted in any form without the prior writtenconsent of the publishers. The views expressed in thispublication are not necessarily those of the publisher.


You can read the books,attend the conferences,listen to the seminars andbring in the consultants butwherever you seek youradvice one thing is forcertain; marketing haschanged. If you areplanning the samemarketing today as youwere five years ago thenthe chances are it’s wrong!In this series of articles wewill explore therevolutionary changes thatthe advent of social mediahas brought to themarketing environment. Wewill help you plan yourmarketing strategy so thatit evolves and improvesbringing you strongerreturns on investment yearon year and we will delveinto the ever-changing andsometimes confusing worldof search engineoptimisation and on-linemarketing.

In this first issue, we start with afew quick fixes.When yourmarketing budget is underthreat, your targets seempermanently out of reach andthe pressure is on – what canyou do? These are undoubtedlytough economic times but formarketers all that means is youhave to work harder; make everypenny of your marketing budgetcount; think differently, keep oneor two steps ahead of yourcompetition and find innovative

ways to push your messagewithout pushing your budgets.

When times are good, it is all toeasy to sit back and take the safeoption. It is simply human natureto resist change for fear offailure. However, when the goinggets tough, change is the onlyway forward. It is theorganisations that drive theirsales forward, that constantlypush their communications andwho challenge pre-conceived

ideas that will succeed. But withthe very first few steps of thatsuccess comes another hugebenefit. It is probably fair to saythat every business competes forwork in a finite market. In aperfectly balanced market supplyequals demand and eachbusiness within that market hasit’s own market share. But whathappens when the marketrecedes? In order for yourbusiness to maintain it’s levels ofrevenue you need to increase

your market share and as you do,the inevitable consequence isthat your competition starts tolose their own market share.Their revenues fall, their abilityto invest in sales and marketingdiminishes and they becomeincreasingly vulnerable andunable to hold their position. Inthis climate, standing still is notan option – you will onlysucceed by constantly pushingforwards.

So, your budgets are tight. Youknow you need to push harder;what should you do?

Consider setting up acollaborative marketing network.Some organisations will find avenue they like, one that worksfor them and simply re-book yearafter year and we’ll explore infuture issues how to nuturethese clients. However, many willwant to ring the changes andchoose a different geographic

location every year. Let us take,for example, a UK-wideprofessional association. Theirmembers will be scattered acrossthe UK. Now they may choose tohold their annual conference inthe midlands every year butequally they could opt for thesouth one year and head upnorth for the next. It is theseclients that you can grab andshare with a collaborativegeographic marketing network.

It works like this. Find three orfour venues that offer much thesame facilities and services asyour own but who aregeographically dispersed.Depending on the size ofyour venue these maybe across the UK,throughout Europeor entirely global. To acertain degree, youcompete with thesecompanies but equally, byeach combining part of yourmarketing resources you canpresent a far more powerfulforce. This can only work withmutual trust and co-operationand the level of activity variesenormously from one network toanother but it does work and itcan be a hugely cost-effectiveway of driving new business. So,if you host a conference for 300delegates and you know thatnext year they’ll movesomewhere else in the country, itmakes sense to point them in thedirection of your network. If youall play the game, you all win.

4meetings industry association venueprofessional

[marketing focus]how to generate new b

extending your bKarl Neal, client director, Kanga Marketing

“”

In order for your business tomaintain it’s levels of revenueyou need to increase yourmarket share and as you do,the inevitable consequence isthat your competition starts tolose their own market share.


meetings industry association venueprofessional

Joint marketing initiativesincrease your budgets. Everyconference organiser will tell youthe first thing they book is thevenue. So why is this importantto your marketing budgets.Simple – it gives you first contactwith the decision maker. Nowthink about what else they mayneed to book. Depending onyour own in-house services andfacilities there is a huge list ofother expenditure –entertainment, lighting, staging,transport, additional localaccommodation, flowers, ice-carvings, etc. etc. Importantly,whilst they may have their owncontacts the chances are theywill want to commission theseservices locally to your venue.

There will be a plethora of localspecialist companies that willwant to engage with your clientsand they’ll happily pay for thechance. Produce a local servicesbrochure – everything you couldpossibly need to complete yourconference or event in one easyplace and give a copy to everycompany that either books orenquires. It’s a win, win, winapproach. You get revenue fromall of those suppliers.

The suppliers get to engage withthe people who have booked theevent. The event organisers havequick easy access to all theservices they need to make theirevent a success.

5

business withoutbudgets.



Save up to £12,000per year in eliminating

Fats - Oils - Grease

Enviro-Tabs™ Tablets or PowderSafe – Simple - Easy

Enviro-Tabs™ work on Hotel and Restaurant Grease Traps, water cooled airconditioning systems and Waste Water systems.

Stop expensive pumping out, or manual cleaningHighly cost efficient!

The Enviro-Tabs™range are non-hazardous, environmentally friendly products thateffectively remove Fats, Oils & Grease, organic pollutants, improve water qualityand prevents blockages, bad smells and acid corrosion in most water systems.

Converts the pollutants into Water and Carbon Dioxide.

Forms a safe “Bacteria friendly” environment, including built-in “Active Oxygen”Raises the Ph value of the water to prevent pipe corrosion.

Permanently kills bad smells.

Requires no equipment or costly power to use - simply drop in tabletsor pour in powder each week – Simple!

In regular use in the Hospitality Industry across the World including the UK.

To see how we could save you money or for more information contact:CONVERSION INDUSTRIES LTD – T/A ENVIRO-TABS

Suite D, Stourside Place, Station Road, Ashford, Kent. TN23 1PP UK.Tel :+44(0)1273-782354 – E-Mail : [email protected] or visit www.enviro-tablets.com

““PPrroouudd ttoo mmaannuuffaaccttuurree iinn tthhee UUKK””

APPLICATIONSGrease Traps • Waste Water Plants

• Industrial Food Processors• Air Conditioning Systems• Car Washes

• Septic Tanks • Fish Ponds



What rights will agencyworkers have?From day 1:• The same access to onsite

services such as canteens,childcare facilities andtransport services

• Access to information aboutjob vacancies

After 12 weeks continuousemployment in the same role:Entitlement to the sameemployment terms andconditions as a comparabledirectly recruited employee,including:• All working time rights – for

example contractual holidayand working hours

• Paid time off for ante natalappointments

• Rates of Pay – your agencyshould advise you on this butfor a full list of what isincluded and excluded youcan see the BIS websitelinked below

What constitutes 12 weekscontinuous employment?To stop employers cutting shorttemporary assignments at 11weeks and then rehiring thesame person a short time later,the regulations also state thatany breaks during an assignmentof less than 6 weeks will simplypause the 12 week accrual andnot reset it. Continuity of theaccrual will also be maintainedduring any maternity, paternityor adoption leave, however the12 week period can be pausedby other factors such as absence

for sickness, jury service, annualleave (i.e. school holidays), shutdowns or industrial action.

What is a comparableemployee?This is someone who is anemployee of the hirer; isengaged in broadly similar workand works at the same locationas the agency worker (or anotherof the hirers premises if there isno comparable employee in thesame location) If there is nocomparable employee then thehirer can apply common senseand provide basic working andemployment conditions as theywould to any directly hiredemployee, covering the areasusually found in most contracts.Finally, the qualifying period isnot backdated to cover periodsof employment prior to 1October 2011, howeveremployees with temps due toqualify imminently need toconsider their options, discussthe changes with their temporarywork agency and make plansaccordingly.

7

[HR] the agency worker issue

The Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) came in to effectin the UK on 1 October 2011 and brought new rights fortemporary workers and new responsibilities foremployers. It aims to ensure that temporary workersreceive the same basic working and employmentconditions as comparable employees directly employedby the hirer. It does not cover the self-employed or thoseworking on fixed term contracts.

The full details of the Agency Workers Regulations 2011 are published by Department for Business Skillsand Innovation and can on their website: http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/employment-matters/docs/a/11-949-agency-workers-regulations-guidance.pdf

Easy steps to takeMake sure you give all the agencies you use a copy of your standard employment contract and make sureyou have a record that they have received it. Whenever you take on a new agency worker, give them acopy of your standard employment contract and staff induction pack and again, get a signature of receipt.Should there be any future disputes, you will then have a clear record that the worker knew about therights and opportunities that were available to them.

Kerry Gilroy, Senior Partner, Propel Human Resources



Indeed, it is important toremember billions of pounds inbusiness is taking place everyday. Britain still has one of thebiggest economies in the worldand, despite its current troubles,when taken as a whole theEuropean Union has the largesteconomy in the world. Businessgoes on, but the critical point tobusinesses within the meetingsindustry is to know how theseexternal factors affect them,allowing them to makeadjustments that capitalise onthe opportunities that exist. Themia Pathfinder report providesthis information. The report iscompiled from researchconducted amongst businessleaders across the industry,including venues, buyers,suppliers and agents. Thisresearch enables businesses inthe sector to make informeddecisions based on reliableinformation. Published quarterly,the results from the autumn2011 Pathfinder report aresummarised in this article.

Trading ConditionsUnsurprisingly, the overall resultsof the survey confirm themeetings industry remains achallenging environment to dobusiness in. However, there areearly signs of improvement, ratesare low, but for the majority haveeither stopped falling or areincreasing. Similarly, businesslevels, i.e. the number of eventsheld, have either held steady orincreased for the majority,although increases are small.

Business VolumeThe report reveals business levelsfor 70-85% are either increasingor remain constant. Across alltypes of meeting surveyed, asignificant number, 30%, areseeing increases in businessvolume when compared to thesame period last year.

Clearly this is a positivesituation, however, for the smallpercentage that are seeingdecreases, the decreases aresignificantly larger than theincreases in business volumeexperienced by the majority.

Government BusinessPublic sector spending cutscontinue to bite with 37%experiencing decreases ingovernment business, with theaverage size of the decreasearound 30.6%. Just 8.7%achieved an increase ingovernment business and for11.5% public sector businesslevels stayed the same.

Rates Recovery ContinuesIn the summer quarter of 2011,the Pathfinder survey revealedincreases in rates achieved weregreater than decreases and whencombined with ‘stayed the same’made up the majority ofresponses. This trend hascontinued in the third quarterresults, with rates rising by asmuch as 30% in some cases,confirming that rates are now ina strong position to begin arecovery, although this isexpected to be slow.Demonstrations of value formoney remain the most effectivemeans to secure new businesswithout eroding rates.

Flexibility the Key toSuccess The market is demandingflexibility in order to maximisebudgets and the sector isresponding. With regards tocancellation charges, 56.8% areprepared to make concessions inorder to meet clients’ needs.Additionally, venues that offerless than a day conference ratesand that allow clients to choosenot to include meals, continue todemonstrate appeal. There isstrong evidence that beingconsiderate to clients’ changingneeds, by showing flexibility inprices and service delivery, is aneffective way to build relationsand attract new business.

The Industry’s GreatestChallengesIncreasing yield and thereduction in governmentspending are revealed by thePathfinder research to be thebiggest challenges facing theindustry in the immediate future.Clearly this is an indication thatbusinesses in the sector need tofind new methods and channelsin which to increase revenue.

Investment in FacilitiesDespite the challenging tradingconditions, investment infacilities remains strong, and ithas done so throughout thethree years that the mia hasbeen conducting the Pathfinderresearch. The latest reportreveals 60% are planning tomake investment to facilities thisyear and 27% of these arepanning investments greaterthan £1 million.

Meetings Market OutlookIn any business climate, concise information on market performance and trends is vitalfor strategic planning and decision making, even more so when times are as tough asthey are today. The current outlook for the UK and European economy is grim for such along period that it is probably more accurate to consider trading conditions as they arenow as business as usual.




Staffing Level Good forMotivationThe forecast for staffing levelsremains high, with 73%expecting them to either stay thesame or increase. This is asignificant plus point for theindustry as employees that feeltheir job is secure and they havea career that is worthdeveloping, will be moremotivated and prepared todeliver better service levels.

Sectors in RecoveryThe industrial sectors financialand professional services,information technology andhealthcare are performing wellaccording to the research,suggesting sales and marketingstrategies to target these sectorswould be likely to reap thegreatest rewards success.

Buying Decisions100% of buyer respondentsreported value for money, accessand location are the mostimportant factors influencingbuying decisions. Quality offacilities, access and capacitywere all also rated as equallyimportant.

mia PathfinderA full analysis of the researchresults is published in thePathfinder report, which isavailable from the mia. Thereport is free to mia membersand available to non-membersfor just £99+VAT. To receive yourcopy, contact the mia on 0845230 5508.

9

t +44 (0) 1568 616638e [email protected] www.forbesgroup.eu

Furniture, Fabrics, Equipment for conference and banqueting.

Page 1 mia Pathfinder Period 4 2011

The mia Pathfinder Report A Snapshot of the Industry

Completed by Meetings and Events Buyers, Venues, Destinations and Suppliers 4th Quarter 2011

October December 2011.



[Adding the WOW factor] incorporating the latestin laser and projections.

The latest technology, including ultra-powerful 35klumens HD+ (2K resolution) projectors and OPSL lasersystems are being used to create breath-taking visualexperiences. This reliable, powerful media adds a realburst of light and colour to an event and yet issurprisingly affordable. This technology, together withthe creativity of experienced designers, producescaptivating shows for any event from conferences orproduct launches to VIP receptions and multimediaextravaganzas.

A laser display can be entirely customised to anyoccasion from a classic single colour beam show to thesynchronisation of vivid multi-coloured laser beams orbespoke complex logos and graphics. If you want to gofurther; video mapping and projections can transforma building, stage set or other façade into an attentiongrabbing attraction.

From a one night event to a longer term project,whatever the communiqué you want to tell, a visualspectacular is guaranteed to seize the imagination ofthe audience.

Images courtesy of www.lm-productions.com



[Adding the WOW factor] incorporating the latestin laser and projections.



[Interview]Amy Clear – Conference and event manager for the Boarding Schools AssociationWhat is the BoardingSchools Association?

BSA is the leading UKassociation representing theinterests of IndependentBoarding Schools across the UK.We provide training, support andadvice for all aspects of runningsuccessful boarding schools andwork closely with our membersto lobby and campaign for thebenefit of the market as a whole.

How many conferencesand meeting rooms doyou book each year?

We hold five annual conferenceswith the most prestigious beingthe Headmasters’ Conferencewhich this year will be at theHilton Hotel, Bristol. We then runan impressive series ofnetworking events, seminars andtraining workshops across thecountry which involves over 50individual bookings.

What are your keycriteria for finding theright venue?

Location – our members arespread across the country andwe do need to vary where wehold the different events eachyear to make it as fair as possiblefor our membership.

Size – every one of our eventsvaries in size so we try to findvenues that can bestaccommodate each one. For theconferences it is also importantthat they have sufficientaccommodation.

Transport – it’s often not easyfor our members to take time outfrom their school commitmentsand so it is essential that thevenue we choose is as easy aspossible for them to get to.

Value – our members have anexpectation for standards andgood value so we need to makesure we meet those expectationsat every event.

What impresses youmost about a venue?

Flexible, helpful staff across theorganisation. We are a non-profitmaking organisation and havelimited staff resources so avenue that makes our life easy isgoing to win our support. Everyone of our events has a packedtimetable so it is essential thatcheck-in procedures, cateringand general guest managementare slick and timely. We go tosome hotels and just feel thatnothing is too much trouble –that’s great for us.

In many ways a school is notthat dissimilar to a hotel and soour members are very aware ofthe attention to detail.Cleanliness is an absolute mustas you can imaging howimportant that is at a school. Butthe other details like freshflowers, comfortable furnishingsand well-kept grounds are allimportant.

What could venues doto make your lifeeasier?

For every event we have to sendour delegates information packsso pdf files of directions andmaps are always useful. We needto plan the layout of the mainconference events so accuratefloor plans are a must. We like asingle point of contact who willmange our event. Inevitably wewill have specific dietary andaccommodation requirementsand it makes life so much easierif we only have to go throughthis once.

The check-in is usually the moststressful time so it is importantthat all the staff at the venue arewell briefed about our event andknow what is happening.

Are you familiar withAIM Accreditation?

I wasn’t until fairly recently. Wealways have to check that thevenues we use are properlymanaged and now we know

about AIM we find it reallyhelpful as it does the job for us.It would be good if there weremore accredited venues aroundthe country.

Are your events beingaffected by the currenteconomic climate?

It’s hard to say but therecertainly hasn’t been any majorimpact and our numbers are stillhigh. Our conferences provide aperfect networking opportunityfor our members so it may bethat when times are hard it iseven more important fororganisation leaders to maintaintheir network of contacts.

What’s the best thingabout your job?

I just absolutely love it. There canbe some stressful moments butall of our members are sofriendly and there is always agreat atmosphere at the events.



[Interview]Amy Clear – Conference and event manager for the Boarding Schools Association

Ca�eica can provide you with an exclusive co�ee machine package and bespoke payment plan to suit all your needs!

FREE Bar’essa Fairtrade co�ee beans for 12 months - enough for over 1500 cups!

All machines come with full installation, training and warranty on parts & labour

5 STARCOFFEE,MACHINES& SERVICE

Tel: 01993 776753 Visit: www.caffeica.co.uk Email: [email protected]

CHINESAM,OFFEEC

AR5 ST5 STAR

VICE& SER

ts & laboury on partanraraining and wtrome with full installall machines cA

er 1500 cups!vor oths - enough f12 monee beans fo�ade ctrairessa F’’essa FFREE Bar

ymenage and bespoke papackou with an evide yoeica can pra�a�eica can prC

01993 776753el:el: 01993 776753TTel:Tel:Tel:el:TTel:el:el:el: 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 01993 776753 eica.co.caff.caff www www.caffVisit:Visit: wwwVisit:Visit:Visit:Visit:Visit:Visit:Visit: www www www www www www www www.caff www.caff.caff.caff.caff.caff.caff.caffeica.co.caffeica.coeica.co

ts & labourtion, ome with full installa

er 1500 cups!or ee beans f

our needs!o suit all yt plan tymenee machine o�o�ee machine e cclusivxou with an e

.ukeica.coeica.coeica.coeica.coeica.coeica.coeica.coeica.co.uk.uk .uk.uk eica.coaffaffeica.coles@c saEmail:Email: saEmail:Email:Email:Email:Email:Email:Email: sa sa sa sales@cles@cles@cles@cles@caffaffaffaffaffeica.coaffeica.coeica.coeica.coeica.coeica.coeica.coeica.coeica.co.uk.uk.uk

Caffeica. The Coffee People.To keep your customers and staff happy, you need three things;the right machine, the right coffee and the right support.

There are a range of machines to suit different ventures, includingBulk Brewers, bean to cup and fresh milk coffee machines.

Choosing the right coffee beans to go with your machine is alsoessential for a great taste.

To enable you to increase your sales, marketing support is nowmore important than ever. These can include Posters, A boards ,branded espresso and cappuccino cups, and loyalty cards.

At Caffeica, we can provide all of the above. We have over 2decades of experience and an extensive range of machines toensure you select the right equipment, as well as a vast range ofgreat tasting ethical coffee beans. On top of this we have alsodeveloped a support and training package that offers anunparalleled level of service.

One of our clients, The Lamb Inn, Great Rissington has said “it’sgreat having proper coffee; it’s added a whole new dimension toour Inn. As well as expanding the choice at our bar/restaurant, ithas given us the option of having new events such as CoffeeMornings”.

We at Caffeica want to help your business with a quality cup ofcoffee.

Call us on 01993 776753 or visit www.caffeica.co.uk for more information.

Barley House | Sopers Road | Cuffley | Hertfordshire | EN6 4RYt 01707 876555 | f 01707 872882

e [email protected] |w www.bainesdesign.co.uk

DESIGN PRINT+

brochures . newsletters leaflets . magazines annual reports . stationery exhibition displays websites



[energy focus]Saving Energy and Saving Money

with Voltage Optimisation



[energy focus]Saving Energy and Saving Money

with Voltage Optimisation

What is voltageoptimisation?Voltage optimisation is theproven technology to deal withthe discrepancy between theactual supply voltage receivedand the optimum voltage yourelectrical equipment needs. Theequipment installed is designedto specifically save energywhilst addressing the problemsof over-voltage and poor powerquality. The outcome is energysaving, reduced consumption,reduced emissions whilstmaintaining equipmentperformance.Considering the UK market, itmust be highlighted that mostof the equipment importedfrom continental Europe isdesigned to operate with anincoming supply lower than thenominal 415V. Such equipmentis therefore forced to functionwith a voltage 10 or 20 voltshigher than that for which theywere designed, resulting inexcess consumption whichamongst other negativeimpacts reduces equipmentlifespan. Voltage optimisationcan mitigate this issue.

What are thebenefits?Voltage optimisationtechnology gives you the abilityto optimise your supply locally,correcting power qualityproblems from the grid, and isdesigned to do so veryefficiently. In the UK andEurope, voltage optimisationunits have achieved averageenergy savings of around 13%over the last five years, makingthis one of the fastest-growingenergy saving techniques onthe market. Major businesses(including Tesco, Asda, RBS andHilton Hotels, and public sectororganisations such as DEFRAand the Land Registry) haveadopted voltage optimisationas a front-line energy savingmeasure.

How can it help mybusiness?An optimised supply voltagecan help you:• Reduce losses in electrical

loads, which are presentdue to over-voltage

• Reduce maintenancerequirements and prolongequipment lifespan

• Reduce your total energyconsumption and electricitybills

• Reduce your CO2 emissions• Reduce your impact on the

environment• Maintain your CRC

commitment by making iteasy to assess carbon creditrequirements

Optimum voltage forequipmentThe Institution of ElectricalEngineers recommended in a1996 report that for safety, allelectrical equipment needed tobe tested across the range230V +10%-14%, so allequipment produced since thenshould be capable of workingfrom 198–253V. This allowedfor the new lower and higherlimits plus an allowance of 4%for voltage drops within theinstallation.

Operating equipment at avoltage higher than necessarycan lead to excessive energylosses in the form of heat.The optimum voltage for a sitemay therefore be lower thanthe voltage actually supplied tothe site, although the actualoptimum voltage will dependon the type of equipment onthe site.

Funding availableIn today’s economic climate, itmay be difficult for yourbusiness to get the credit youneed to upgrade to moreenergy efficient equipment. TheCarbon Trust offers interest freeloans for this purpose.In many cases the interest freerepayments on a Carbon Trustloan are more than offset bythe savings on your energy bills,making optimisation effectivelyself-financing over 2-3 years.

The loan itself, worth between£3,000 and £100,000, isunsecured, interest-free,repayable over up to four yearsand has no application fee. Theloan is for businesses withelectricity spends of less than£500k per annum

For more information seewww.carbontrust.co.uk

Voltage optimisation or power optimisation makes the single biggest impact to assistyou in achieving your energy saving and carbon reduction targets. It is a simple, costeffective and practical energy management strategy.



Need more Association business?Associations are our Business – Make it Yours!!

We are destination marketing specialists providinglead generation and business developmentopportunities to venues and conference industrysuppliers.

We serve the worldwide congress industry bygenerating highly qualified sales leads from ourcomprehensive database of meeting planners andassociation executives.

We assist our clients in maximising revenue andprovide a quantifiable return on investment.

For a quotation or to discussyour requirements in detailplease contact:

Watterston AssociatesTel: +44 (0)118 934 [email protected]

Do you want to increase your sales?We can help!Kanga is a sales focused business providing a full business developmentpackage and physical to digital marketing solutions to help increase sales.

Between us we have over 200 years of sales& marketing experience during which timewe have inevitably built up a huge networkof contacts across many different industriesand markets. We use this network todevelop sales opportunities for our clientsand win new business. Our marketingsolutions teams have unprecedentedknowledge and experience in all thingsdigital and traditional and have worked withsome of the biggest brands in the world.

To find out more, call us on 01707 870183or visitwww.kangamarketing.co.uk



TANZANIA

Luponde Tea70 Burlington Arcade,Mayfair, London, W1J 0QUwww.luponde.co.uk

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water and the British drink about 165million cups daily. It comes from the evergreen plant Camellia sinensis, grows mainly in tropical and sub-tropical climates and prefers acidic soil. The bud and top two leaves are picked for production.Depending on how they are processed they are split into four main types; black, green, white and oolong.No-one is sure of its exact origin but one legend dates back as far as 2737BC, when the Chinese emperortried boiling water with the leaves that had blown into it.

The majority of tea sold in Europe comes from China, India and Sri Lanka andare sold as blends, like English Breakfast. Not only are single estate teasunusual, Tanzania is relatively unknown for its tea production; currently only thefourth largest tea producer in Africa. It was first introduced to the country byGerman settlers in 1902 and commercial production began in 1926, increasingconsiderably after World War II, when the British took over the tea plantations.

The Luponde Tea Estate is one of the oldest organic tea estates in the world andis situated in the Livingstonia Mountains in Southern Tanzania. The climate andhigh-altitude, 7,000 ft, are perfect for growing tender leaves producing a highquality, clean and soft tasting tea which is very red in colour.



[conference]The UK conference market 2012 and beyond

There is little doubt that the UK conferencemarket is becoming increasingly competitiveand margins are being squeezed. Althoughthere are reports indicating a positiveoutlook, we have certainly seen increasingpressure on budgets during 2011,unsurprising given the economic downturnand general move towards greater austerity.

By Michael Foreman, ABPCO Chair

When it comes to predictingwhat 2012 holds forconference and eventorganisers, venues andsuppliers in the meetingssector, one thing can becertain – planning cycles arebecoming increasingly shorteracross the board. There is agreater tendency towardswaiting to see if an event isreally necessary and also tosee how budgets are goingbefore organisations arewilling to commit budget.The Association markettraditionally works on muchlonger planning cycles, buteven here we are seeingchanges, with growingpressure on budgets andsubvention optionsincreasingly becoming a keyelement of winning bids.



change to

Conferences, Weddings & EventsBooking management system

Install £2,000*, support £500 pa*Based on 2 users: £500 per installed PC + 2 days installation & training.

Alternative pricing for read only / Intranet / web users. Monthly pricing available.

[email protected] 01844 214014

REDUCE IT COSTS REDUCE ADMIN

NEW,FAST &

EASYEvents500

Andrew GilmoreAgile Hospitality Solutions Ltd

+44 (0)7739 [email protected]

www.AgileHospitality.com

ABPCO members organiseevents both in theAssociation and corporatesectors and anecdotalfeedback from our membershas indicated this trendtowards short-term planning,requiring a high degree offlexibility on the part of theorganiser and making itdifficult to forecast for bothplanners and venues alike.

The rapid pace of change intechnology is having a hugeimpact on the make-up ofconferences and events. Thewidespread availability of high-speed broadband access andproliferation of apps viasmartphones and tablet devicessuch as the iPad have created anexpectation that these newtechnologies andcommunications channels willbecome a fundamental elementof conferences and events. Thisis even proving to be the case inthe more traditional Associationsectors, such as the medical andscientific communities. Social

media and the use of interactivedevices are becoming morewidely accepted and willincreasingly be deemed an‘everyday’ component ofconferences and events. In thelonger-term, we anticipategreater use of hybrid events,with a view to extending theevent audience rather thancannibalising the face-to-faceevent.

This is one of the reasons ABPCOlaunched its Conference Cloudcampaign in August 2011. Thecampaign calls for venues tooffer free wi-fi for conferencedelegates as ABPCO believesthat wi-fi is becoming the life-blood of conferences and events.As consumers, we have grownaccustomed to the fact that wecan constantly be ‘connected’,this expectation is, if anything,magnified by the business user.In addition to the need to beable to check email, social mediaand more while on the move,delegates want to interact withthe conference content using

these new communicationschannels. They do not want topay venue wi-fi fees in order todo this.

However, there is a cost todeveloping and maintaining wi-finetworks from the part of thevenue and so the debate centresultimately on who pays. InDecember 2011, ABPCO held adebate with venues, PCOmembers, suppliers and otherindustry associations to thrashout the key points. One of theoutcomes of this meeting was aconsensus that there is a need tooffer wi-fi free of charge at abasic level, but that venues needto decide what that offering isand define it clearly to avoid anymisunderstanding.

The Conference Cloud campaignhas attracted over 130 sites thatoffer free wi-fi and gained thesupport of more than 200individual petition signatures inless than six months. We wouldencourage venues to reviewtheir wi-fi policies and look to

develop a basic level of wi-fi freeof charge to conferencedelegates, enabling us toleverage some of the amazingtechnologies available fordelegate interaction atconferences.

In 2012 London welcomes theworld to Britain in the finestsporting event known to man,the Olympic Games. If ever therewas a time to celebrate Britainfor Events, 2012 is the year to doit. In 2012, we are encouragingour members to maintain aflexible approach and to beprepared for shorter planningcycles. We will also be workingon a series of training eventsand round table debates to keepon top of key issues affecting ourmembers, technology andfinancial issues such assubvention and working inconjunction with venues anddestinations for a citywideapproach to name but a few.



[first impressions]are you green enough?

The approach and surroundings to your venueare critical in forming an initial impression. Everyorganisation can contribute to the quality of theoutside environment and improve itsappearance and green credentials. This doesn’thave to cost a fortune and it may well reduceyour maintenance budget.



Here are five quick ideas:Wildflower or perennial meadow: Convert some of yourclose mown lawns into valuable wildlife habitats which only needmowing twice a year.

Native trees and shrubs: Any new planting, particularly ofindigenous British species, will be a mini haven for insects andbirds.

Shaded seating areas: As our weather changes introduce moreoutdoor seats shaded by trees and pergolas to provide healthybreak out spaces.

Maintenance plan: Write a new guide emphasising the wayyou can care for your outdoor areas with the environment in mind.

Lighting: Extend the attractiveness of your external areas withlow or no energy lighting features.

All these will help to address how our climate will change, reduceyour carbon footprint and show your customers that you are doingsomething positive towards the environment.

Images courtesy of www.rgalandscape.com

21


The demands placed upon today’s managementand sales teams are increasing challenging. Asubstantial number of organisations andinstitutions have sought to increase revenuestreams by offering meetings and events services,causing the industry to proliferate. Paradoxically,meetings and events budgets have been cut formost industry sectors, meaning more venues arechasing fewer opportunities. The way a businessenquiry, event presentation, sales meeting ornegotiation is handled by your team can make allthe difference to your chances of success; it’s thepower of people skills and mia has teamed upwith Maxima Training & Development to ensureour members can optimise theirs.

Through the mia Learning & DevelopmentAcademy, mia members can access a series oftraining courses at generously discounted rates.Each is specific to the meetings and eventsindustry, covering a range of topics that can helpyou improve the performance of you keyemployees. A list of the courses available isopposite for more information or to book acourse, visit http://www.miatraining-uk.org/ or contact tel. 01403 731397, email [email protected]

Maximising Sales Negotiation Skills

Maximising Face to Face Selling Skills

Maximising Account Development Skills

Maximising Dynamic Presentation Skills

Maximising Profitable Business from Enquiries

Maximising Telesales Skills

Maximising Profitable Business from Show Rounds

Maximising Profitable Business fromWedding Enquiries

Maximising Sales 2012! London

Maximising your Personal SalesPerformance 2012 – Birmingham

Monday 30th April and Tuesday 1st MayThursday 13th September and Friday 14th September

Thursday 28th and Friday 29th June

Thursday 11th October and Friday 12th October

Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th MarchTuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th AprilWednesday 25th July and Thursday 26th July

Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th FebruaryWednesday 20th and Thursday 21st JuneWednesday 24th and Thursday 25th October

Thursday 24th MayThursday 27th September

Thursday 15th MarchThursday 12th JulyThursday 22nd November

Tuesday 6th MarchThursday 20th September

Friday 18th MayFriday 14th September

Thursday 1st March


www.nonslipbath.co.uk/hotel

BATH SAFETY CIRCLES

Is your hotel covered against slips in the bath?Improve bathroom safety with textured anti-slip bath safety stickers. Tick those Health and Safety boxes that show you’ve taken ‘due care and attention’ against the risk.

For more information and to request a quote go to:

www.nonslipbath.co.uk/hotel or call 01803 867 543

meetings industry associationOptimising Performance



Monday 30th April and Tuesday 1st MayThursday 13th September and Friday 14th September

Thursday 28th and Friday 29th June

Thursday 11th October and Friday 12th October

Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th MarchTuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th AprilWednesday 25th July and Thursday 26th July

Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th FebruaryWednesday 20th and Thursday 21st JuneWednesday 24th and Thursday 25th October

Thursday 24th MayThursday 27th September

Thursday 15th MarchThursday 12th JulyThursday 22nd November

Tuesday 6th MarchThursday 20th September

Friday 18th MayFriday 14th September

Thursday 1st March

23

Through your membership of mia, you are invited to attend a series of networking, education andother beneficial events, the majority of which are free of charge to members. Several events takeplace each month, the educational content covers a variety of topics relevant to your business anddesigned to help you make improvements. The events are an opportunity to meet new people in thesector at all levels of seniority, making new contacts and building strong relationships.

A list of upcoming mia events is below, to find more information or to book your place visit www.mia-uk.org andclick the events tab or contact the mia on 0845 230 5508, email [email protected].


Networking and Educational Events

DATE

Tuesday 6th – Thursday 8th March 2012

Monday 19th March 2012

Monday 2nd April 20129.00am registrationfor a 9.30am start11.30am finish

Monday 16th April 20129.00am registrationfor a 9.30am start11.30am finish

Thursday 19th April 20129.00am registrationfor a 9.30am start11.30am finish

Wednesday 9th May 201211.30am registration for a 12.00 Lunch

Monday 25th June 201211.30am registration for a 12.00 Lunch

Thurs 28th June 2012 9.00am registrationfor a 9.30am start11.30am finish

Tues 10th July 20129.00am registrationfor a 9.30am start11.30am finish

Monday 13th August 20129.00am registration for a 9.30am start11.30am finish

Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13thSeptember 2012

VENUE

ExCel, London

BMA House, London

Conference Aston,Birmingham

Williams F1 ConferenceCentre, Oxford

ACC Liverpool

London – VENUE TBC

Liverpool -Britannia TheAdelphi Hotel

Success factory, Chester,Cheshire

Booths Hall, Red Rooms,Bruntwood, Manchester

Friends House, London

Olympia, London

TITLE OF EVENT

Confex 2012 Exhibition

mia list & AGM 2012

Impact & Influence: Coaching Improved Performance –how coaching can be a valuabletool to improving individuals andteam performance &Discovery: Maximise Your TeamsEffectiveness – how using theDiscovery Profiling system helpsindividuals and teams maximisetheir Both topics – 1 hour each.

Impact & Influence: Coaching Improved Performance –how coaching can be a valuabletool to improving individuals andteam performance &Discovery: Maximise Your TeamsEffectiveness – how using theDiscovery Profiling system helpsindividuals and teams maximisetheirBoth topics – 1 hour each.

The Strength Of One and PowerFor All - How to find, keep andgrow the strength to flourish…even in hard times.

General Managers Lunch

General Managers Lunch

Making Innovation Happen

The Strength Of One and PowerFor All - How to find, keep andgrow the strength to flourish…even in hard times.

Simon Jordan MarketingBusiness Growth Coach, Authorand International Speaker

Office* 2012 Exhibition

SPEAKER

N/A

N/A

James Lee, Maxima Training

James Lee, Maxima Training

John Hotowka

Jane & Gary Payne

Jane & Gary Payne

Graham Wilsonfrom Successfactory

John Hotowka

N/A

PRICES (exc VAT)

Stands are £2,625

Free of charge formia members

Free of charge formia members£60.00 for non-members


£35.00 for members.

£35.00 for members.




Stands are £1,957



[energy cost reduction]

Inside Story – How to play the Utilities GameThis article was written by David Cooper, a director of a UK-wide premier utilities brokerage.

If you buy gas or electricityyou may be interested tohave a little insight into thecommercial utility industry.We are frequently told thatutility suppliers could domore to produce clear noticeletters and customers canoverlook some vital contractdates. Various things such ashow the utility suppliers timethe notice letters, theirappearance (sometimes a bitlike junk mail) and eachsupplier having differenttimings to each other, canmean that the customeroverlooks the renewal letter.BUT, the renewal letter is NOTas important as the speed ofa customer’s response.

Wrapped up in the renewalnotice letter is the ‘Window ofTermination’ during which thecustomer can give notice thatthey want to move. The windowis generally only about 30 dayslong, but it opens and closesmany months before the presentcontract ends and each suppliertimes it differently in theircontract. These ‘secret dates’ ofthe termination window are notobvious but are crucial. Thereare consequences.

Notice of Termination must alsobe given to the supplier in aparticular way by the customeror their broker, even if thecustomer wants to stay with thatsupplier. Once the Terminationnotice is given, all is good, thecustomers or broker have timeand flexibility on their side tothink about organising a newcontract.

However, miss the TerminationWindow and whatever thecustomer does next is irrelevant,because the supplier willdefinitely ‘roll’ the customerfrom the current contractstraight into a new 1 OR 2 yearcontract. It’s perfectly legal, asthe roll over facility is in theoriginal contract the customersigned. The rates detailed in therenewal letter are the ‘roll’ ratesand they will be enforced if thecustomer does not terminateboth correctly and within thewindow. Roll rates can be 50 –150% more than normal ratesand are completely avoidable.

A further problem is if thecustomer DOES correctlyterminate but does NOT put anew contract in place, then thecurrent contract will stop at theend date, the current supplierwill continue to supply, but onlyon OUT OF CONTRACT RATES(typically up to 30% higher thancontracted rates).

Why use a broker?When you have a business torun, all this date managementcan be expensive to get wrong.Getting these dates right isessential and can be aided byusing a broker. The first functionof your broker is getting thecrucial dates for each contractlogged. Full Power has directaccess to our own accountmanagers at each supplier andcan get this information quicklyand easily and will report theinformation back. We cannotstress strongly enough howimportant this first step is.

If you want help, use a Premierbroker that doesn’t charge andhas whole market quoting, aspart market may well miss outon the best prices. Most peoplethink there are 8 or 9commercial suppliers in the UK,but there are 24 and among thesmaller suppliers, some of whichonly work through brokers, aresome very good niche offers.Prices change almost weekly, ifnot daily, so customers cannotpossibly go to the whole market,produce a spreadsheet of all thevariations, make comparisons,select a contract and arrange thepaperwork, so use a broker thatcan do it for you.

For members.Jason Miller is the Senior Brokerat Full Power Utilities Ltd whopersonally deals with allmembers. Full Power’s customerbase is UK-wide and because allsuppliers pay Full Power a flatcommission it allows Full Powerto be impartial and for theirservice to be completely fee-freeto customers. Their customersinclude Sony, Dominos Pizza,Persimmon Homes and CoffeeRepublic to factories,warehouses, schools andveterinary practices. Go towww.fullpowerutilities.com orcall 020 8952 0125 or [email protected]



Last year, to celebrate its21st anniversary, the mialaunched a new initiative,the mia-List. It was anopportunity to recogniseinspiring individuals, at allprofessional levels, whohave a positive effect onthe meetings and eventsindustry. Following anincredibly successful firstyear, the mia-List hasreturned in 2012.

Nominations for the mia-List2012 took place in October2011. The mia is the UK’s leadingassociation for the meetingsindustry and it encouragedeveryone in the sector to takepart, so not surprisingly there

was an impressive response.Preliminary judging took place inNovember to decide a shortlist of20, with the final list beingrevealed at the mia-ListCelebratory Lunch on 19thMarch.

Industry Heroes“The mia-List is an opportunityto recognise those people withinthe meetings and events industrywhose approach to theirprofession is outstanding, givingthe industry a new group ofheroes to look up to” commentsJane Longhurst, mia ChiefExecutive, “It is an initiativedesigned to further ourcommitment to raising standardsin the meetings industry and

complements other miainitiatives, such as AIM. The mia-List showcases those people thatmake our industry amongst thebest in the world, using them asan example of ordinary peopleachieving extraordinarystandards.”

The mia-List NominationProcessThere is no charge to make anmia-List nomination, people cannominate as many other peopleas they like, but they cannotnominate themselves.Nominators are encouraged toconsider people they work with,they could be planners, chefs,receptionists, housekeepers,waiters, porters, technicians,

sales people, agents, corporatecustomers, associationcustomers, journalists, paidemployees, volunteers, publicservants; absolutely anyone.

The mia-List EventThe mia-List is revealed at acelebratory lunch event, this yearheld at BMA House, London. Theevent secures a high level ofinterest and attracts leadingindustry figures who enjoynetworking and socialising.

At time of press, individual andtable places were still availablefor the 19th March 2012 event,contact the mia on 0845 2305508 for more information.

25

Commercial Insurance isstraightforward, if you have aprofessional broker to offer youadvice and tailor products to yourindividual needs.At Clear Insurance, we pride ourselves on havingprofessional and knowledgeable staff who are able tooffer years of industry experience to a wide range ofbusinesses.

We can advise MIA members on a variety of commercialand specialist hospitality related covers, whether theyare micro businesses to multi-million pound turnovercompanies operating globally, including:

> General Commercial> Exhibitions> Cancellation and abandonment> Disaster Recovery Planning> Loss of reputation> Legal expenses

Clear is part of a national network of brokers called Brokerbility which comprise some of the bestindependent provincial brokers in the UK, so you can be sure that we mean business.Clear Insurance Management Limited (Registered No. 3712209) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Wemean business...

www.thecleargroup.com

meetings industry associationThe Search for the Industry’s Finest


QUESTION MORE

Contact: Dev Anand tel:020 8788 7293; email: [email protected]

RT – Russia TodayThe leading news and current affairs 24/7 TV channel for hotel guests globallyAvailable now for top class hotels in the UK & EuropeNo cost to the hotel

into your hotel…take


The Levitas CollectionWe believe that lighting is not merely a source ofillumination, it can be a focal point for an interior. TheBoatswain range of lights have a structural element thatcan become a talking point for visitors, guests and diners.Levitas is a dramatic lighting scheme both in terms of thelight that it casts and in its unique structural form.

The Levitas candles hang as if effortlesslyfloating in air. In the evening and nighttime they cast a honey and almond like light that radiateswarmth and comfort – ideal for restful and relaxing dining.

www.boatswainlighting.co.uk


[what’s new?]Joy of light

Perfectly designed, innovative, charismatic

The new io 3d series from Occhio iscaptivating with its wide range of individual

styling options, its fascinating three-dimensional movability, the very latest LED

technology and unique details that create anunprecedented ease of experiencing light.

The distinctive head seems invisibly joined tothe gently angled, flat-profile arm which

serves as the basis for the remarkableflexibility of the io 3d.

The characteristic grip pads are insulatedagainst heat so that the head can be safely

turned in any direction. Easy to exchange, thepads themselves constitute a distinguished

design feature that allows giving the lamp anew look at any point of time. The lamp is

switched and dimmed manually – withtouch-free and intuitive controls

www.occhio.de/en/

bodycorebodycore’s range of functional training platformsare designed to help health club owners andtrainers guarantee client satisfaction, ensuringboth novice and seasoned health club goersachieve their goals more efficiently or evenexceed them.

The Pro is the perfect platform for performance athletes andis used by elite sports people and the military to achieveresults. With its very high vertical movement and lowfrequency, it delivers a high intensity, very effective workout.

Ideal for: Achieving high levels of fitness, Elite Sports and Military

www.bodycore.com

BolonThe Swedish design company, Bolon, has enteredinto a partnership with the world-famous Frencharchitect: Jean Nouvel.

“We are a cutting edgecompany and we are alwayslooking for partners that thinkoutside the box and dare tochallenge. Jean Nouvel is acreative force, he pushes theenvelopes of both design andarchitecture and sees greatpotential in our flooring. Whenwe first met, Jean Nouvel wasoverwhelmed by the patterns,the multiple dimensions thatcan be accommodated in vividflooring like Create. Immediately, the idea of blurring theedges between floor, ceiling and walls was born. It is apoint of view that fits Bolon like a glove, nothing isimpossible," says Annica Eklund, Managing Director forBolon.

www.bolon.com



discover online successdiscover online success


Complete Hospitality

www.foremostproducts.co.uk

Tel. 0141 944 4443

• Acrylic Stands & Trays

• Announcement & Function Boards Maitre’d Menu Stands

• Bedroom Accessories

• Bespoke Pens & Pencils

• Bins

• Blackboards & Chalkmarkers

• Blotters & Leaning Pads

• Carrier Bags

• Children’s Accessories

• Coasters, Glass Covers & Tray Liners

• Coathangers

• Confectionery

• Conference Cloth & Chair Covers

• Conference Stationery

• Continental Menus

• Executive Gifts

• Food & Beverage Trolleys

• Guest Toiletries & Accessories

• High Chairs

• Hotel Hairdryers & Hand Dryer

• Hotel Kettles & Room Accessories

• Hotel Safety Irons & Guest Mirrors

• Housekeeping Trolleys

• Interior & Exterior Illuminated Cases

• Interior Menu Poster Frames

• Lecterns

• Luggage & Tray Stands

• Luggage Trolleys

• Luxury Bags & Cartons

• Menu Covers

• Menu Frames Notice & Tariff Boards

• Menu & Wine List Covers

• Name Badges & Accessories

• Newspaper & Umbrella Stands

• Parasols

• Pens & Pencils

• Place Mats

• Pop-up & Exhibition Banners

• Postcards & Notes

• Promotional Items

• Restaurant & Bar Accessories

• Restaurant Check Pads

• Room Key Tags

• Ropes & Posts

• Shoe Polishing Machines

• Stickers & Promotional Ribbon

• Table Signs & Inserts

• Table Skirting

• Trays

• Umbrellas

• Umbrellas & Rainwear

• Visitor Books & Restaurant Diary

• Welcome Trays

• Wines & Spirits “Own Label”

• Wooden Accessories

We specialise in the following promotional products:

Call our sales team on 0141 944 4443 or email [email protected]

for more information on our exclusive range of hospitality products.


A design agency run by designers!

Get in touch 01634 816 070 [email protected] www.cherrycommunications.co.uk

the joiners shop the historic dockyard chatham kent me4 4tz

How Strong is your branding?Do you invest in mailers, brochures or a website?Are you happy with your marketing literature and is it working?Does your website perform how you wanted it to? Not sure how much good designs, printing or websites cost?

This is how Cherry works…Free consultation (with no obligation)Quotes prepared Once prices are agreed, we prepare a free visual (still no obligation)If you like our ideas, the designs go live and we complete the job.

So you can see, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain

Promotional literature Brochures and Catalogues Exhibition Banners and Stand Graphics Website Design, Build, Development and SEO

[facilities manager]Thinking ahead to the cooling season? Things have changed.In July 2007 the F GasRegulations came into forcein the UK. As from July 2011these Regulations requirecompany and personnelcertification to be held by ALLcompanies and individualscontracted to carry outInstallation, Service andMaintenance, Leak Checkingand Refrigerant Recovery onyour refrigeration and airconditioning systems.

Companies have to be certifiedby REFCOM, Quidos or BureauVeritas while engineers must bein possession of an appropriateCategory F Gas certificate fromCity and Guilds or CSkills.

As a Facility Manager you willneed to ensure that you are onlyemploying fully certifiedcompanies who send you fully FGas certified staff. It is up toYOU to insist on full compliance.It is up to YOU to check thatengineers and companies canshow you how they comply withthe Fluorinated gas Regulationswhich incorporate the OzoneDepleting SubstancesRegulations.

All your air conditioning andrefrigeration equipment thatutilises HFC or HCFC refrigerantsis included, with mandatory leakchecks to be carried out on allequipment charged with 3kg ormore of such substances and allthese systems MUST have a setor records (going back to July2007) which keep track of thesemandatory leak checks and whocarried them out.

If this news for you why notbook onto an Fgas or FMsseminar at Ellis Training Works?www.ellistraining.co.uk


Complete Hospitality

www.foremostproducts.co.uk

Tel. 0141 944 4443

• Acrylic Stands & Trays

• Announcement & Function Boards Maitre’d Menu Stands

• Bedroom Accessories

• Bespoke Pens & Pencils

• Bins

• Blackboards & Chalkmarkers

• Blotters & Leaning Pads

• Carrier Bags

• Children’s Accessories

• Coasters, Glass Covers & Tray Liners

• Coathangers

• Confectionery

• Conference Cloth & Chair Covers

• Conference Stationery

• Continental Menus

• Executive Gifts

• Food & Beverage Trolleys

• Guest Toiletries & Accessories

• High Chairs

• Hotel Hairdryers & Hand Dryer

• Hotel Kettles & Room Accessories

• Hotel Safety Irons & Guest Mirrors

• Housekeeping Trolleys

• Interior & Exterior Illuminated Cases

• Interior Menu Poster Frames

• Lecterns

• Luggage & Tray Stands

• Luggage Trolleys

• Luxury Bags & Cartons

• Menu Covers

• Menu Frames Notice & Tariff Boards

• Menu & Wine List Covers

• Name Badges & Accessories

• Newspaper & Umbrella Stands

• Parasols

• Pens & Pencils

• Place Mats

• Pop-up & Exhibition Banners

• Postcards & Notes

• Promotional Items

• Restaurant & Bar Accessories

• Restaurant Check Pads

• Room Key Tags

• Ropes & Posts

• Shoe Polishing Machines

• Stickers & Promotional Ribbon

• Table Signs & Inserts

• Table Skirting

• Trays

• Umbrellas

• Umbrellas & Rainwear

• Visitor Books & Restaurant Diary

• Welcome Trays

• Wines & Spirits “Own Label”

• Wooden Accessories

We specialise in the following promotional products:

Call our sales team on 0141 944 4443 or email [email protected]

for more information on our exclusive range of hospitality products.


The essential worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.

pre-register now imex-frankfurt.com

WITH EVERYONE INTHE MEETINGS WORLD

READY FOR BUSINESSBE

You can maximise your time and prepare thoroughly for highly productive meetings. At IMEX ’11, 57,000 appointments were made before the event – leading to at least $508 million worth of business happening right there on the show floor. With IMEX 2012 marking 10 years of bringing people together face-to-face, it’s one of the best opportunities to get serious business done.

To talk business with thousands of like-minded meetings and events professionals, IMEX in Frankfurt is the world’s largest exhibition for meetings, incentive travel and events and it is here where you’ll find all the important contacts you need.

With the bespoke IMEX Online Diary system to make appointments in advance, you’ll be able to plan your schedule super-efficiently and meet the people you really want to do business with.

MAKE BUSINESS WORK FOR YOU. MAKE SURE YOU’RE IN FRANKFURT IN MAY FOR IMEX 2012.

CALL: +44 (0)1273 227311 E-MAIL: [email protected]

IMEX-FRANKFURT.COM

BEADY FOR BUSINESSRE

ADY FOR BUSINESSWITH EVERYONE IN



ADY FOR BUSINESS

ith the bespoke IMEX Online Diary system to make W

important contacts you need. travel and events and it is her

s largest exhibition for meetings, incentive is the world’meetings and events pro talk business with thousands of like-minded TTo talk business with thousands of like-minded

ith the bespoke IMEX Online Diary system to make

important contacts you need. e you’ll find all the e whertravel and events and it is her

s largest exhibition for meetings, incentive ofessionals, IMEX in Frankfurt meetings and events pr

o talk business with thousands of like-minded

THE MEETINGS WORLDWITH EVERYONE IN

ith the bespoke IMEX Online Diary system to make

e you’ll find all the s largest exhibition for meetings, incentive

ofessionals, IMEX in Frankfurt

opportunities to get serious business done.bringing people together face-to-face, it’

. Won the show floorleast $508 million worth of business happening right ther

e made beforappointments weroductive meetings. At IMEX ’11, 57,000 highly pr

ou can maximise your time and prYYou can maximise your time and pr


opportunities to get serious business done.s one of the best bringing people together face-to-face, it’

ith IMEX 2012 marking 10 years of . Wleast $508 million worth of business happening right ther

e the event – leading to at e made beforoductive meetings. At IMEX ’11, 57,000

oughly for e thoreparou can maximise your time and pr


s one of the best ith IMEX 2012 marking 10 years of

e least $508 million worth of business happening right there the event – leading to at

oughly for

THE MEETINGS WORLD

eally want to do business with. r-efficiently and meet the people you schedule super

appointments in advance, you’ll be able to plan your ith the bespoke IMEX Online Diary system to make W

eally want to do business with. -efficiently and meet the people you

appointments in advance, you’ll be able to plan your ith the bespoke IMEX Online Diary system to make

[email protected]:

+44 (0)1273 227311CALL:

IN FRANKFURT IN MAMAKE BUSINESS WORK FOR YOU. MAKE SURE YOU’RE

-efficiently and meet the people you appointments in advance, you’ll be able to plan your

ith the bespoke IMEX Online Diary system to make opportunities to get serious business done.

[email protected]+44 (0)1273 227311

Y FOR IMEX 2012.IN FRANKFURT IN MAIN FRANKFURT IN MAY FOR IMEX 2012.MAKE BUSINESS WORK FOR YOU. MAKE SURE YOU’RE

opportunities to get serious business done.

[email protected]+44 (0)1273 227311

MAKE BUSINESS WORK FOR YOU. MAKE SURE YOU’RE


IMEX-FRANKFURT


.COMIMEX-FRANKFURT



mia venue professional issue 1

Documents

focus page

mia list page

laser projection page

running costs

voltage optimisation

interview bsa page

agency worker issue

uk conference market