The document discusses networking and how it has become increasingly important, especially during economic downturns. It highlights a networking event speaker who discussed how networking helps businesses, particularly when times are tough. It also summarizes an ACE networking event that was well-attended and successful for facilitating business connections. Additionally, it provides a regional focus on Manchester, outlining facts about the city and what it has to offer as a conference destination.

1. EVENTFUL
JULY 2009
TIMES THE ASSOCIATION FOR
CONFERENCES AND EVENTS
www.aceinternational.org
FROM THE CHAIR
When financial markets Successful networking
boosts business
are in downturn the
situation calls for creative
thinking. As members of
the Association of
Conferences and Events
(ACE), we are all in the
Networking is vital to good business and more companies are
enviable position of facing the economic downturn by strategic networking
being able to help and
support each other. Meeting and
greeting people working in the same
industry is time well spent and, as
chairman of ACE, I am delighted to
champion the series of ACE Industry Get
Together networking events organised
throughout the year.
The events held to date have attracted
an impressive number of attendees and
we hope this trend will continue allowing
more members to benefit from the
exchange of ideas and expertise. A range
of inspirational, motivational and
specialist speakers have presented short
and sharp insights into key topics which
has added value and interest to these
unmissable events.
This issue of Eventful Times highlights
a range of services offered by our
members and features everything you
need to know about our regional focus,
Manchester. Until next time, have a When the economic going gets tough, the London, held earlier this year.
successful summer. tough get networking. As companies working “When there is money flying around it is
in the conference and events industry work much easier to throw it at a problem. We don’t
Best wishes harder than ever to secure a slice of the market, recognise the many challenges out there. But
Michael Sharp increasing numbers are recognising the when times are harder we have to be more
ACE Chairman and Managing benefits of networking. creative in our response and networking
Director “Networking helps businesses at all times becomes vital.
but particularly when times are tough,” says “I went to an event just six months ago and
Central Hall Westminster
Andy Lopata, guest speaker at the ACE was shot down in flames when I suggested
Networking Event at the Caledonian Club, CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
www.aceinternational.org EVENTFUL TIMES JULY 2009

2. INDUSTRY NEWS REGIONAL FOCUS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE gains they hope to achieve and set
goals which make the process
industry get together event, the
response was extremely positive.
FACT FILE REGIONAL FOCUS
Manchester
networking as an effective tool. easier to evaluate. “I think 80 per cent of the people
But now, when I speak to groups While electronic networking is a attending were still networking
of professionals, they all agree on growth area, Lopata believes that two-and-a-half hours after my
the importance of networking. the methods selected will depend talk. That’s a fantastic sign.”
And I think this sizeable shift in on what a company or individual Gordon Lyster, director of Events What you need to know to be in the know
attitude comes down to the hopes to achieve. “It’s different and Publishing, and organiser of
economic climate.” horses for courses,” he says. “If you the ACE meet-up networking . What sort of city is 3. Which organisations come to
Lopata, an industry expert in want to raise your profile and events, agrees there is currently a Manchester? Manchester?
strategic networking, trainer, awareness of what you are doing, networking buzz. “I really saw Manchester is the original The city has now firmly
guest speaker and author, believes then Facebook is a very powerful benefits of networking when I did n To contact Andy Lopata see modern city. First established established itself on the political
networking is an underused tool. I recently added a story to my some work in the venture capital www.lopata.co.uk. as a Roman settlement, it is party conference circuit. The
business tool. “There are different website about someone who was space a couple of years ago. I saw Companies interested in an perhaps better known for the Conservative Party is set to host
levels of networking. Many of us made redundant but, through how VCs, corporate financiers and initial consultation with Andy role it played in the industrial its annual conference in
network instinctively without Facebook leverage, got a job entrepreneurs running high- Lopata may be able to secure revolution. Through successful Manchester in 2009 and 2011.
really realising we are even doing within three days. These sites have growth companies were able, funding to cover costs. regeneration schemes, new The Airports Council International
it. Others actively network by really advanced how we interact through networking, to use a wide Contact Lopata for details. building projects and strong and World Youth Student Travel
attending events but without an with other people. I would never circle of contacts to put together economic investment, Conference both take place during
understanding of why they are just recommend one method as individual project teams to get n For details of the ACE Meet- Manchester is once again a 2009 and are further proof of
doing it, which means they are not different online networks have stuff done. In the events business, Up networking events see working centre with a unique Manchester’s status as a world-
networking strategically.” different purposes.” given the need to pull together the www.meetup.com/ACE- visitor appeal. class conference destination. The
To reap networking rewards, When Lopata spoke about right talent quickly and cost Conference-and-events- 2. Is business booming in city’s Lowry Hotel has been voted
people should be asking networking in the conference and effectively, it is no wonder there is industry-get-together Manchester? the UK’s best venue for service
themselves what effects and events industry at one recent ACE such a buzz around networking.” It’s not just Manchester’s standards and the fourth best
football teams that are world hotel in the UK to hold a Manchester is a working centre with a unique visitor appeal
Getting out
class. The city’s conference conference or event, just behind
industry is also proving that it’s the bigger venues of Celtic Manor, two weeks of theatre, opera, Manchester. Manchester’s ring
premier league. Recently The Grove and Hilton London music and performing arts. road connects Manchester to
named the third-best Metropole. 5. Is Manchester accessible? motorways north, south, east
conference destination in the 4. What else is happening in With the UK’s largest airport and west. The M6 connects
Outdoor events sector could benefit from world by readers of Conference Manchester? outside of London, Manchester is Manchester to London (4hrs)
people holidaying at home and Incentive Travel – Europe In summer 2009 the Manchester the gateway to the North of and Birmingham (2hrs) and
magazine, Manchester is now International Festival will England, a short distance away Scotland (Edinburgh 4 hrs).
Could the recession be good news Country, says visitor numbers in firmly established on the showcase a number of original from the Lake District, Liverpool, n Information: 087 222 8223
for the outdoor events industry? her region are holding and annual conference and meetings works. At this artist led, Lancashire, Cheshire and North Email touristinformation@
Predictions are for an increased outdoor events are going ahead as circuit, attracting business commissioning festival, visual Wales. Most major cities in the UK marketing-manchester.com
amount of people staying on planned: “In terms of visitors to travellers from far and wide. works will take centre stage during have direct train services into www.visitmanchester.com
home ground this summer, taking the region we have an upwards
holidays in this country, to save trend and we are holding our Could the recession be good news for the outdoor events industry?
hard-earned cash. targets which is very encouraging. MORE FACTS ABOUT
The Met Office has predicted a We have regular outdoor events The UK is well placed in terms of Pablo Janczur is Event Director MANCHESTER Successful Events Without the Stress
hot summer which will aid the that take place here, including the venues for outdoor events, for Push 4, the media and events
outdoor events industry, adding a Shakespeare Birthday including farmland and stately production company, based in . Manchester Population Opened in 1761, The
warm glow to the 500 music Celebrations, which happened in homes which have developed a Wales: “Here in Wales we have In Manchester there is a Bridgewater Canal was the
festivals taking place in the UK this the spring, and attendance was wide programme of outdoor seen a couple of long-standing, population of 437,000. first man-made waterway in
season. In a National Trust survey, excellent. None of these events events. Then there is the musical events go so I’m just 2. First Computer Britain.
earlier this year, 84 per cent of have been cancelled despite the forthcoming London 2012 wondering how many will happen In 1948 at Manchester 6. First Commercial Railway
people surveyed said days out general mood of caution. We also Olympics to further encourage this year. University, the first computer The Duke of Wellington
were as, or more, important to have some new outdoor events business. A range of activity is “There are others, like the to have a stored programme opened the Liverpool to
them this year. coming to the region this summer expected in the lead up to 2012 Cardiff Summer Festival, which and memory was developed. Manchester Railway in 1830,
Sian Thompson-Smith, visitors which is a good sign. We are and the Olympics authorities are we are involved with, that will be 3. Votes for Women marking the start of the
services manager at Shakespeare feeling really positive.” encouraging this development. as good if not bigger and better The Women’s Social and railway revolution.
The outdoor events industry is this year. But that is publicly Political Union, later known 7. Professional Football
not beyond the bite of the funded, not a purely commercial as the Suffragettes, was League
EVENTFUL TIMES IS PUBLISHED BY recession and the black cloud on
the seemingly sunny outdoor
event. But the big food events, for
example the Big Cheese, in Cardiff,
founded by Mancunian
Emmeline Pankhurst in 1903.
In 1888 the world’s first
professional football league
events horizon comes in the shape still look good. 4. Birthplace of was set up at the Royal Hotel,
of cancelled events. Some festival “I’m an optimist but there are Vegetarianism Piccadilly.
organisers are feeling the financial some events this year that just Inspired by the sermons of 8. Manchester Busy Bee
Publisher: Gordon Lyster. Editor: Lisa Millard. pinch and there have been a aren’t happening. Let’s say I’m Rev. William Cowherd, the Adopted by Manchester in
Deputy Editor: Alan Seeley. Production Manager: Phil Long. number of casualties. remaining cautiously optimistic.” vegetarian movement began the 19th century, to EventElephant is a self service, self build online product. +44 (0)208 334 8068
It has all the web features that you’ll need to PLAN, eventelephant.com/organisers
Business Development Manager: Rob McGowan. in 1809 in Salford Bible symbolise industriousness, PROMOTE and ORGANISE your events and to
Contact Information: Phone +44 0207 93 8533 We also have some new outdoor Christian Church. the logo can still be found MANAGE your attendees.
5. First Commercial Canal dotted around the city.
Email: gordon@eventsandpublishing.com
Website: www.eventsandpublishing.com
events coming to the region this EventElephant is the EASIEST, QUICKEST and
CHEAPEST way to sell out all your events from
large multi-day conferences to training days to
summer, which is a good sign networking dinners. An event organiser’s best friend
2 JULY 2009 EVENTFUL TIMES www.aceinternational.org www.aceinternational.org EVENTFUL TIMES JULY 2009 3

3. THE VENUE
FOCUS ON THE VENUE
Aztec Event Services
Eventful Times puts the focus on Surrey-based Aztec Event Services
Thepoint4 better business
The new conference facilities at The Royal National College for the Blind, situated in a
Aztec Event Services delivers a dinners and roadshows. Aztec is events combine, such as an beautiful part of the West Midlands, has created something truly special for businesses
range of services to the events also the in-house AV team at The exhibition with a conference, our and organisations across the UK. Tony Larkin, Head of Events and Conferencing, tells
industry and is known for its Emirates Stadium as well as a staff work seamlessly, as a single
professionalism and attention temporary communications team, under the direction of a Aztec Event Services’ managing
Eventful Times what makes it such an exceptional venue
to detail. As an organisation, company providing internet and single project manager.” director ,John Robson The Royal National College for rich in history, crammed with The Royal National
Aztec describes itself as telephony services to events and Some clients use more than one the Blind has hit the headlines culture and a stone’s throw from College for the Blind,
providing creative audio and exhibitions. To others Aztec is a Aztec service and the specialist event in all respects. many times in the last year, not some of the country’s most home to thePoint4
visual solutions for events with creative services company options can be combined to meet “Our aim is to deliver exactly only for the exceptional results stunning countryside. It is also a conference facility.
impact. providing design, artwork, visuals, all event requirements. what our clients need and we of its students, but as home of city with huge ambitions for its
John Robson, managing pre and post production video “Commonly a trade exhibition pride ourselves on achieving the British Blind Paralympic most famous educational
director of the Surrey-based production and editing, and even would employ two or more this every time.” Football Team which played in establishment.
company, explains the web streaming for events.” aspects of our portfolio,” says Beijing last year; as one of the The Royal National College for
company’s versatile remit: “We
provide a myriad of services. To
The range of services is
impressive but there is an Aztec
Robson. “ At Datacentre World at
The Barbican, recently, we
FACTfile selected pre-Olympic training
camps available to visiting
the Blind has raised millions, and is
still campaigning and counting, to
some people Aztec is an AV signature throughout. provided exhibitors with screens, Aztec Event Services nations in 2012; for opening redevelop its campus, not only in a
company that hires screens, “The common thread to all of computers and internet Limited, the world’s first Blind Football bid to build on its reputation as
computers and projection these perceptions is that Aztec connectivity. We provided the Units -2, Falcon Business Academy and for winning the the leading specialist college for
equipment to exhibitions. To provides technical services to live exhibition organisers with stage, Centre, chance to host the 2010 World people with sight loss (and
some Aztec is a technical events. We have dedicated staff set and audiovisual equipment 4 Wandle Way, Mitcham, Blind Football Championships... student success stories abound),
staging company that provides and equipment in each of the and services for their conference Surrey CR44NB Less, to date, has been made but to establish a world-class new
the complete technical technical areas that allow us to rooms. We also produced a sting, Tel: 020 8687 3340 of one driving force of the sports and conferencing centre,
solution, comprising of sound, provide specialist expertise for filmed the event, edited it and Fax: 020 305 9093 aforementioned success thePoint4.
lights, projection and stage set each type of live event,” says encoded it. And altogether, we Web: www.aztec.net stories – the college’s fabulous In the heart of the West
to corporate conferences, gala Robson. “Where different types of contributed to a hugely successful new facilities. Known as Midlands, and easily accessed
thePoint4, this stunning from major cities like Bristol,
conference and sports centre, Cardiff, Gloucester and
ACE Out and About which opened as this feature
went to press, is staggering in
its scale, incredibly impressive
Birmingham, this new centre
combines first class meeting and
conference rooms, a bespoke
The latest ACE Conference and ACE-conference-and-events- in its quality and attention to catering service, a uniquely
Events Industry Get Together took industry-get-together. detail, and great value for accessible sports hall, gym and
place on May 19 at the British These ACE networking get money for organisations who spa, and hotel standard
Dental Association in London. The togethers are a chance to meet are signing up to use it as a accommodation. This all comes
event featured a presentation by others in the industry, share ideas venue for their training with the chance to support a good
motivational business speaker and network. The events ACE sessions and meetings. cause as all profits from the
Michael McGrath and guests
enjoyed the opportunity to
members are responsible for
range from professional training Your base for better business
conference centre are ploughed
back into the work of the college
thePoint4 benefits
network with other members and seminars to corporate hospitality, Hereford, a small, picturesque which transforms the lives of n The choice of conference café bar on-site.
people in the industry. For incentive trips, business city in the West Midlands, is hundreds of people every year. rooms. Individual rooms n Take-it-easy extras
information on forthcoming conferences, exhibitions and seating 25 and a conference including a gym, spa,
events go to www.meetup.com/ award dinners. ACE member, Rahul Dass of the British Dental Association hall for over 300 run complementary therapy
alongside beautifully kitted- treatment rooms and hotel-
out breakaway rooms for standard accommodation.
large or small groups. All the facilities, including the
n Technical support on tap gym and spa, are accessible
and equipment (from video for delegates in wheelchairs
conferencing to cordless or for those with sight loss.
presenters) to meet every
need. Your literature can be CONTACT INFORMATION
supplied in alternative thePoint4
formats, including audio or The Royal National College for
large print, for delegates who the Blind
require it. Venns Lane
n Catering to suit your taste, Hereford HR1 1DT
timetable and budget – just Tel: 01432 376621
book in advance. Or enjoy Email: info@rncb.ac.uk
the superb new bistro and Web:www.thepoint4.com
This photo taken at the Caledonian Club shows David Hinder of Hiscox Event manager Anne Honore chatting to Tim Woolford of Trek Wireless Modern design and accessible facilities at thePoint4
Insurance (left) at the Caledonian Club
4 JULY 2009 EVENTFUL TIMES www.aceinternational.org www.aceinternational.org EVENTFUL TIMES JULY 2009 5

4. QA ACE NEWS
SPOTLIGHT ON...
Q: Have you seen changes in the users of the service stand up in
ACE Membership
Kate Connell
market this year? front of an audience of over Established in 1971, ACE is one of
A: The main changes we have 100 people and share their the broadest membership EVENTS DIARY
seen are in the hotel and good news. organisations in the meetings
conference centre sector. industry. ACE acts as a forum and ACE EVENTS industry: 2 days of exhibitions, showcase and
Conference Director at Event-X We have been able to negotiate Q: What are the core elements information centre for members September 6 professional education
based in Purley, Surrey very good rates for our clients as of a successful event? involved in all facets of the ACE Conference and Events Industry Get http://www.edays.es
the competition for events has A: My list would be: an industry including corporate Together, 6:30pm, The Window, Islington, Contact Info: +34 902 90 31 90
become very intense. In terms of excellent programme with a companies, professional London.
Q: What does your job involve? service and free advice on possible the number of events we are variety of sessions; inspiring institutions, charities, societies, A guest speaker will give a short presentation and July 20-23
A: I liaise with all our existing speakers suited to specific events organising, so far we haven’t seen speakers; good venue with local authorities, trade there will be ample time to meet other people TS2 2009, McCormick Place, Chicago, USA
clients as well as looking for and client budget. Having now a reduction. excellent facilities and location; associations and educational working in the industry. This is one of a series of Total Solutions Marketing for the Exhibit Event
new opportunities and new been involved in the conference catering offering good quality bodies. All these members popular networking get together events organised Professional.
clients. I have both a strategic management industry for over 25 Q: How many events a year do food and a variety of options; organise events, purchase venues, throughout the year. http://www.ts2show.com
approach in terms of ensuring years, we also offer services on a your organise? technical facilities; and facilities and services from a Register free at: www.meetup.com/ACE-
Event-X is best placed in the consultancy basis. A: This varies, but in general networking opportunities. comprehensive range of suppliers. Conference-and-events-industry-get-together/ TRADE FAIRS
market to attract new business between 25 and 30 events. To support ACE members, a mix of July 8-9 September 22-23
and I also ensure that we Q: What range of events do you Q: What are your hopes and advertising, promotion, data E-days, Palacio ds Deportes de Madrid, Madrid, Event UK 2009
deliver events to the highest organise and for what sort of Q: What has been your personal expectations for the future? gathering and networking Spain NEC Birmingham, Birmingham
standard possible. Delivering client base? favourite event and why? A: Having been involved with opportunities are available. The event of the year for the Spanish events Register free at www.event-uk.com
high quality events has led to A: We manage events that range A: There have been so many over Event-X for the past nine years, To find out more about your
most of our work being repeat in size from a small seminar of 30 the years. However I recently we have seen steady growth in membership organisation call
If you would like to see your events, business news or views in Eventful Times,
business which we are very attendees to regional roadshows; attended a Carer’s Conference for our event management and John Thompson on:
email the editorial team: gordon@eventsandpublishing.com
proud of. to an annual conference with an our client, Skills for Care. The aim venue-finding service. We 0480 457595 or email
attendance of 500 plus people of the event was to showcase would like to continue to ace@aceinternational.org
Q: What are the services that with an exhibiton. The majority of projects in and around the North develop our core business and
Event-X offers? our clients are based in the public West. Some of these projects would be delighted to continue
A: Event-X’s core business is
event management. We also
offer a free venue finding
or not-for-profit sectors. To keep a
good client mix, we do also have
clients from the private sector.
asked the users to share their
experiences with the audience. It
was very moving to see carers and
offering an excellent standard
and quality plus value-for-
money service to clients. Virtual Venues?
If you believe everything you read potential clients see a 360 degree
 in the papers these days it would view of a venue over the web.
be very easy to assume we all now Visitors can move around inside
live in virtual worlds. Sitting at our the venue, view a selection of
 PC’s talking online to friends we rooms and also see rooms laid out
 never meet and no longer needing in various formats such as for a
to travel as we can now use conference, banquet, board room
 Goggle’s Street View to see the etc.
 world. This exciting technology will be
 So how can this technology on show at the ACE event at the
benefit the conference and events Hallam Conference Centre on June
 industry especially in promoting 29th.
 venues to a wider audience? Contact Trek Wireless on
 Online virtual tours as produced 020 7544 8527
 by ACE Member, Trek Wireless let or via www.trekwireless.co.uk
 evonprint 63 x 185 ad (ace newsletter):Layout 1 30/1/09 14:15 Page 1
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Does your business stand
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out from the crowd?
 Using the latest technology and an experienced


team, we have everything you need to help get
your business noticed.
 Tel: 01273 494631
 Email: info@evonprint.co.uk
 Units 80-84, Mackley Ind Est, Small Dole,
 W. Sussex, BN5 9XR

DESIGN • PRINT • DIGITAL • FINISHING • DESIGN • PRINT • DIGITAL • FINISHING • DESIGN • PRINT • DIGITAL • FINISHING
6 JULY 2009 EVENTFUL TIMES www.aceinternational.org www.aceinternational.org EVENTFUL TIMES JULY 2009 7

5. CENTRAL HALL
W E S T M I N S T E R
LONDON
A very warm welcome
to this special venue
committed to
service excellence
� Meetings Conferences up to 2,000
� Exhibitions up to 1,400 sq metres
� Filming and Photo Shoot Locations
� Concerts and Recitals
� Audio Visual Services
� Banqueting
� Art Gallery
� Café – 200 seats – Groups welcome
PLEASE CALL US FOR Storey's Gate, Westminster, London, SW1H 9NH
T: 0207 222 8010 F: 0207 222 6883
CURRENT SPECIAL OFFERS
8 MAY 2009 EVENTFUL TIMES E: info@c-h-w.co.uk www.aceinternational.org
W: www.c-h-w.com