Waking the political giant characterised by the British Government was the overwhelming theme drawn from three days of BIG Conversation at The Meetings Show which took place at Olympia, London, on a remarkably high note – against all the odds posed by public transport strikes.

“We encountered an amazing number of people interested in the development of the Institute of Event Management, many of them wondering when the Government’s approval – thanks to the IEM’s recognition as a “legal entity” – would be matched by some appropriate financial support,” said IEM Chair Susan Spibey.

“A lot of visitors to the Conversation Zone operated by the IEM in partnership with EFAPCO – the European Federation of the Associations of PCOs – welcomed the development of a professional qualifications and lifelong education system dedicated to the meetings and events sector, one of the highest-yielding sectors in the British and global tourism sector.

The surreal, provocative, informative and entertaining Visual Minutes illustrated on-stand by three CreativeConnection artists every day, were hot debating features among exhibitors as well as visitors,” Susan Spibey added.

“Eventually, the Institute’s British formation could well become a blueprint for European, even global, networking. We were delighted to take part, earlier this year in the joint ThinkFORUM organised in Athens by EFAPCO and its Greek member association HAPCO. And it was logical to have EFAPCO involved in the Meetings Show discussions.”

EFAPCO Vice President Piotr Wilczek, from Poland, agreed: “There is great potential in our two organisations working together to develop European perspectives. Our Federation has been working on a pan-European educational research programme for some time and our member associations have been helping to develop certification programmes for congress and event organisers. The IEM model is evolving as a great complement to these activities.”

The eye-catching Mural Minutes developed by the CreativeConnection artists, offered a zany collection of visuals based on stand visitors comments, opinions, even offers of help in the IEM’s development.

A collection of hot questions, which attracted plenty of excellent answers. Did visitors know about the IEM? Was it important to have a qualification from a recognised professional body? Did having a degree in event management make it easier to work in the sector? Would visitors like to be part of a global network of recognised professionals? The Minutes illustrate these issues and many more.

The IEM and EFAPCO representatives were certainly wowed by the CreativeConnection’s input and interpretations. It is a communication and graphic facilitation agency made up of artists, visual facilitators, coaches, animators, producers, trainers, digital strategists and consultants.

CreativeConnection’s core strengths include visual scribing and graphic facilitation and these are infused into everything the team undertakes with a focus on ‘Transformative Narrative’. The key to success is their ability to listen, record and then visualise.

The team delivers a range of services that cover a variety of needs, designing bespoke packages that incorporates a range of services to maximise and achieve project objectives, ensuring maximum engagement with the audiences. Key services include: animations, visual minutes, consultancy, training and away days.

“Visual communication is a proven way of enhancing business communication and our creative thinking and visual scribing can help clients achieve this.We believe story is the sole source of creativity, conflict, imagination, change and engagement,” said CreativeConnection’s Training Manager & Artist, Jess Harvey.

“It was great to work with Susan and her colleagues from the IEM. We captured and engaged in some great conversations tackling the need for the recognition, knowledge and standards-setting that the Institute will provide within the events industry.

“We wanted people to share knowledge, skills and best practice, and to create a network of professionals to gain and provide support for one another in the future development of this ever-evolving career sector. I look forward to seeing the next steps of the journey, and hope that we’ll get to work with IEM again in the future.”

The new Institute of Event Management and the European Federation of the Associations of PCOs have joined forces to present a dedicated Conversation Zone at The Meetings Show which takes place next week at Olympia in London.

Leading personalities from both organisations will be engaging show visitors in discussions about ways in which the meetings and events industry can develop appropriate professional skills to serve the sector which is developing at a relentless pace.

The IEM will be further developing the “big conversation” it launched with spectacular visual minutes at its last Stakeholder Meeting, at the NEC Birmingham.

Members of the UK-based Creative Connections team, who devised the graphic minutes packed with ideas and inspiration, will also be on hand to develop a Meetings Show Special.

IEM Chair Susan Spibey said: “Once the Institute is up and running with a comprehensive programme of qualifications related to industry skills and professional development, we may well be able to develop European dimensions with EFAPCO and its member national associations of PCOs.

“And we are also talking to the United Networks of International Corporate Events Organisers, UNICEO, about ways in which me might be able to work together,” she added.

“It is highly appropriate that Geneva-based UNICEO will be occupying the stand next to our Conversation Zone.

“The IEM has recruited an array of British industry leaders, keen to establish an internationally-recognised qualifications programme, and if we can secure appropriate funding in the near future we could look at an autumn launch. And in the meantime we’re focused on creating a powerful, joined-up approach to convince the UK Government that as the nation’s largest events organiser they should equally support the development of the IEM.”

EFAPCO’s President, Ivo Miksa, said: “I’m delighted EFAPCO is taking part. The Meetings Show attracts an impressive range of European participants and features an enterprising mix of business and educational sessions.”

“We have already discussed ways in which EFAPCO and IEM can work together. Indeed IEM leaders including Susan Spibey, joined us in Athens for the joint HAPCO-EFAPCO ThinkFORUM, hosted by our Greek members, earlier this year.

“Last year’s Meetings Show conference sessions highlighted new measures impacting the conduct of medical meetings – notably the new PHARMA code – and underscoring the fact that the PCO is NOT dead. We are operating in a fast-evolving sector and we are here to stay, with new services and new skills!”

By intriguing coincidence, both organisations are likely to play active roles during an education session next Tuesday morning when Portuguese PCO Linda Pereira will be leading a session titled “The PCO is Dead”. She intends to examine the modern-day and future role of the PCO in the context of new and emerging business models that impact the meetings and events sector. “What does the industry expect from PCOs and what new skills do they need to develop?”

When the latest Disney On Ice production ‘Princesses & Heroes’ was brought to the Middle East by Sports & Entertainment Solutions FZ LLC this May and June, Showforce were on hand to provide the  full spectrum of staffing solutions including stage crew, skilled technicians, logistical personnel, demonstrators, follow spot operators and event staff.

The performances wowed audiences with spectacular artistic skating, acrobatics and stunning full scale production.  It will feature eight Disney Princesses including Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White, alongside Frozen characters Anna, Elsa and even Olaf the snowman.

Showforce’s event staff photo call

The first part of the tour took place at the Qatar National Convention Center from May 27^th to 30^th, before moving to the Dubai World Trade Centre from June 10^th to 13^th,Showforce commenced work on May 19^th. First onsite, from their team, was an assistant production manager who is worked closely with Sports & Entertainment Solutions’ production manager, overseeing the smooth running of the project.

An experienced team of stage crew led by a crew manager assisted with all aspects of the production. The work began with the team unloading containers and moving kit in to the venue. They then assembled the ice rink, once complete a team of two worked 12 hour shifts on rotation for 48 hours, monitoring the water being turned into ice.

Additional stage crew assisted with the installation of staging, trussing, lighting and sound. With 11 shows on the Doha leg of the tour Showforce also provided follow spot operators and stage hands for back of house to ensure that everything ran smoothly.  Once the run in Qatar came to an end the crew had just 48 hours to dismantle all the kit and load it onto to trucks heading to the UAE.

During show days almost one hundred of Showforce’s event staff were on-hand to help front of house, from selling tickets and merchandising to VIP hostesses and ushers guiding guests to their seats.

Showforce’s merchandising staff are happy to help show attendees

Ali Haidary, Founder & CEO of Sports & Entertainment Solutions FZ LLC, said: “Showforce has been working with us on our Disney shows since Mickey’s Music Festival in February and March of 2014. They have always provided us with incredibly professional and highly skilled personnel and their assistance with delivering successful shows has been invaluable. Their assistance with the Princesses and Heroes tour has been no exception, we’re delighted with the support we have received from them and the shows have been an incredible success.”

Ian Spendlove, Showforce’s founder and chief executive, added: “This is our second year assisting Sports & Entertainment Solutions FZ LLC with the prestigious Disney shows and we’re hugely proud of our involvement. Our ability to provide them with a turnkey staffing solution makes us the perfect supplier for the production. ”

Showforce’s involvement in this latest Disney production is part of a four year contract that they were awarded by Sports & Entertainment Solutions FZ LLC in February 2014.

When 25 companies in the event industry came together at Sandown Park, on 17th June to raise money for industry charity, Behind the Scenes UK, at their annual karting day, leading crewing company Showforce was only too happy to submit a team and lend their support. Other companies competing included White Light, Stage Electrics, Wonder Works, Brilliant Stages, Digico and Crewsaders.

The karting day saw 25 teams of up to 6 drivers race for 3 hours on an open air course with organisers promoting a competitive atmosphere of skulduggery, out-manoeuvring and general all out ‘race to win’ attitude. There was also a Formula One style pit stop challenge where the team quickest to change their tyres could claim bragging rights off the track as well as on it! With a BBQ and lots of opportunities to network with clients, catch up with old friends and raffles and stalls to assist with fundraising, a great day was had by all.

Showforce at the Behind the Scenes karting event

The Behind the Scenes UK charity was created to provide financial assistance to entertainment technology professionals, or their immediate family, who are seriously ill or injured. Anyone is eligible for assistance who has earned their living in the industry for at least five years, whether behind the curtain, behind the camera, on the road, or working for companies that manufacture or supply entertainment technology products and services. The charity exists solely to aid those who work behind the scenes; it does not assist performers.

Ian Spendlove, Showforce’s founder and chief executive commented: “The Behind the Scenes karting event is a great opportunity for the industry to get together and raise money for a fantastic cause. We were delighted to be involved and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day – obviously winning, and beating a few of our competitors in the process, made the experience all the more pleasurable. We’re already looking forward to defending our title in 2016.”

To kick-start the hugely successful ISES Accelerate, ISES UK welcomed a host of creative event professionals from around the globe to celebrate the launch of the conference the night before on Thursday 14^th May.

Sponsored by George P Johnson, and designed by Jacqui Partridge at Partridge Events with Peachy Productions, Beach Blanket Babylon Shoreditch (a Blank Canvas venue) was a hub of ISES UK members and international guests alike. TBR Floral Design transformed the venue with its wonderful displays, alongside a fantastic graffiti wall installation from The Ice Box. With Purple Grape providing some delicious catering and Exquisite Cocktails serving up its famous liquid nitrogen ice cream creations, the Opening Party proved to be a fitting start to the conference.

Kelly Baker, President of the UK Chapter and Brian Acheson, Immediate Past President of the International Special Events Society hosted the night, introducing ISES Accelerate’s key speakers and ensuring the networking started early!

Concluding the conference on the morning of Saturday 16th May, 15 guests were given a mini tour of the heart of London, via five fantastic event venues: OXO2, Skylon, 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, Inn the Park, and Central Hall Westminster.

All photos from the Opening Party shot by the lovely Lynda Kelly can be found here, and a highlights video created by Present Communications is up on our YouTube page, or search #ISESAccelerate for more pictures from all three days.