Issue 53 February/March 2012 £4.75 Organisers urged to liaise more By Christina Eccles ORGANISERS have been urged to liaise more closely with suppliers to ensure the industry is completely ready for the impact of a packed Olympics’ events programme. In an open letter, secretary Jim Winship addressed organisers on behalf of the Events Industry Forum – an informal group of 26 trade bodies representing the UK events industry. He said members are concerned about official and unofficial events sur- rounding the upcoming Games, as many of them are yet to be finalised – meaning organisers who think they can simply turn to existing suppliers at short notice may be disappointed. He said: “We understand from our members that a large number of the events being planned have yet to be formalised and, in many cases, little has been done to secure the equip- ment and support needed for them to happen. “In some cases we understand there may be an assumption organisers can simply turn to their existing suppliers. “While this might be the case in nor- mal years, 2012 is exceptional with a huge number of events happening across the UK at the same time. This means that in some areas there is like- ly to be excessive pressure on suppliers which they may not be able to respond to. “We are particularly concerned this could result in inexperienced suppliers entering the market with the result that something goes badly wrong and the reputation of the industry as a whole becomes tarnished.” The forum has now asked organisers to bring forward discussions with sup- pliers, ensure they are dealing with reputable companies and coordinate supply chains. He added: “Where events, such as the Torch Relay, are happening on a rolling basis it may be possible for sup- pliers to similarly follow the route. This could also be more economic for everyone. “Together with our member organisa- tions, the forum is very willing to pro- vide advice to organisers on who they should contact for support.” MUTA president Tony Marsh also joined the debate, adding organisers should pick suppliers with care and look for accreditation such as its own MUTAmarq. ■ Do you agree with Jim’s com- ments? Email Christina Eccles at [email protected] with your thoughts. Industry predicts a strong year EVENT organisers are predicting a positive year with increased budgets, social media and new technology at the forefront of their minds, a survey has revealed. The industry poll, commis- sioned by new trade show International Outdoor Event Expo, suggested a bright future for events this year – with over 80 per cent of respondents say- ing their investment budget would be the same or increased in 2012 and continued growth would be maintained into 2013. Over 57 per cent also said they would be investing in new event technology this year and 53 per cent would be purchas- ing AV kit. UBM portfolio director Jonny Sullens said: “The results of the IOEX survey certainly echo the feeling in the industry that 2012 will be an exciting year of growth and change. “With so many external factors at the forefront of our minds, the results will now be fed into our seminar programme to make sure we can provide insight for the areas our organ- iser and brand visitors are inter- ested in.” According to results, the biggest issues facing the indus- try this year will be the econo- my, followed by the upcoming Olympics. Details have been announced for this year’s Rewind Festival, which takes place this summer in Henley-on-Thames. New features include The Grand Palace of Entertainment – as seen on Channel Five’s Fairground Attraction – which will be converted into an acoustic and comedy bar. Also new is a range of food courtesy of Jamie Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts. The line up for the 2012 event includes Kool and the Gang, Right Said Fred and Heather Small (pictured).
Transcript
Issue 53 February/March 2012 £4.75
Organisersurged toliaise moreBy Christina Eccles
ORGANISERS have been urged to liaisemore closely with suppliers to ensurethe industry is completely ready for theimpact of a packed Olympics’ eventsprogramme.
In an open letter, secretary JimWinship addressed organisers onbehalf of the Events Industry Forum –an informal group of 26 trade bodiesrepresenting the UK events industry.
He said members are concernedabout official and unofficial events sur-rounding the upcoming Games, asmany of them are yet to be finalised –meaning organisers who think they cansimply turn to existing suppliers atshort notice may be disappointed.
He said: “We understand from ourmembers that a large number of theevents being planned have yet to beformalised and, in many cases, littlehas been done to secure the equip-ment and support needed for them tohappen.
“In some cases we understand theremay be an assumption organisers cansimply turn to their existing suppliers.
“While this might be the case in nor-mal years, 2012 is exceptional with ahuge number of events happeningacross the UK at the same time. This
means that in some areas there is like-ly to be excessive pressure on supplierswhich they may not be able to respondto.
“We are particularly concerned thiscould result in inexperienced suppliersentering the market with the result thatsomething goes badly wrong and thereputation of the industry as a wholebecomes tarnished.”
The forum has now asked organisersto bring forward discussions with sup-pliers, ensure they are dealing withreputable companies and coordinatesupply chains.
He added: “Where events, such asthe Torch Relay, are happening on arolling basis it may be possible for sup-pliers to similarly follow the route. Thiscould also be more economic foreveryone.
“Together with our member organisa-tions, the forum is very willing to pro-vide advice to organisers on who theyshould contact for support.”
MUTA president Tony Marsh alsojoined the debate, adding organisersshould pick suppliers with care andlook for accreditation such as its ownMUTAmarq.
� Do you agree with Jim’s com-ments? Email Christina Eccles [email protected] with your thoughts.
Industrypredicts astrong yearEVENT organisers are predictinga positive year with increasedbudgets, social media and newtechnology at the forefront oftheir minds, a survey hasrevealed.
The industry poll, commis-sioned by new trade showInternational Outdoor EventExpo, suggested a bright futurefor events this year – with over80 per cent of respondents say-ing their investment budgetwould be the same or increasedin 2012 and continued growthwould be maintained into 2013.
Over 57 per cent also saidthey would be investing in newevent technology this year and53 per cent would be purchas-ing AV kit.
UBM portfolio director JonnySullens said: “The results of theIOEX survey certainly echo thefeeling in the industry that2012 will be an exciting year ofgrowth and change.
“With so many external factorsat the forefront of our minds,the results will now be fed intoour seminar programme tomake sure we can provideinsight for the areas our organ-iser and brand visitors are inter-ested in.”
According to results, thebiggest issues facing the indus-try this year will be the econo-my, followed by the upcomingOlympics.
Details have been announced for this year’sRewind Festival, which takes place this summer inHenley-on-Thames. New features include TheGrand Palace of Entertainment – as seen onChannel Five’s Fairground Attraction – which willbe converted into an acoustic and comedy bar.Also new is a range of food courtesy of JamieOliver’s Fabulous Feasts. The line up for the 2012event includes Kool and the Gang, Right Said Fredand Heather Small (pictured).
The day The Main Eventwelcomed a Prince ...THE Main Event had its first Royal visitorlast month when Prince Charles visitedus and met the team behind the maga-zine that has established itself as themost effective commercial link betweensuppliers, sub-contractors and organis-ers working in the dynamic outdoorevents world.
His Royal Highness met managingdirector Michael Hewitt, group editorJudith Halkerston and sales directorTony Barry who showed him our portfo-lio of magazines as well as new tech-nology associated with Script Media’scorporate video division.
Digital media producer Simon Rodmandemonstrated some of the techniques used, including green screen, to pro-duce broadcast quality videos.
Judith said: “It was a real honour forus to welcome the Prince to The MainEvent offices and we were all thrilled tomeet him. He seemed genuinely inter-ested in the work that we do and wasvery friendly and put everyone at ease.”
Prince Charles also visited other divi-sions of the Acredula Group, Script’sparent company, including the BarnsleyChronicle, Pen and Sword Books andYorkshire Web.
HRH Prince Charles speaks with Script Media studio manager Stewart Holt, reporterChristina Eccles and assistant manager Mandy Mellor.
Script Media group editor Judith Halkerston chats to HRH Prince Charles about the compa-ny’s various titles including The Main Event.
Prince Charles chats to Script sales directorTony Barry.
03 13/2/12 16:13 Page 1
NEWS
4
By Christina Eccles
A LITTLE girl giant and the story of theTitanic will form part of Liverpool’slargest ever outdoor event spectacular.
Sea Odyssey – presented by leadingstreet theatre company, Royal De Luxe– is a magical story of how the humanspirit triumphs over the Titanic tragedy,starring the 30 foot tall Little Girl Giant.
For the first time in the city’s eventhistory, around half the action will focuson North Liverpool – with organisershoping the event will transform this partof the city and enhance its appeal todevelopers and investors.
The marionette giant will wanderaround areas including Stanley Park,Walton Lane, Everton and Anfield withan estimated 250,000 people expectedto attend.
Liverpool city council’s cabinet mem-ber for culture and tourism coun WendySimon said: “Sea Odyssey will be aseminal event for the city. We want theoccasion to not just be a huge successfor the city in April, but bring a longerlasting legacy as a result of the area
being placed in such a unique spotlight.“Tens of thousands of people visit the
north end for football matches, butrarely spend any more time there, sothis is the perfect opportunity to showoff the area and its potential, and as aresult, hopefully encourage investment.
“Everton Park is a prime example of asignificant city asset in close proximityto the city centre which some people,even Liverpudlians, may not be awareof – so it’s a case of highlighting thesehidden gems and transforming people’sperceptions of the area.
“These will be the first steps towardssignificant regeneration and investmentand the event will prove to be a realcatalyst for positive change, not just forthe area, but for the entire city.”
The free event takes place from April20 to 22 and is set to be the mostcomplex event the city council has everstaged.
The full route and visited locations willnot be released until a few weeksbefore the event, but along with NorthLiverpool, parts of the spectacular willalso take place in the city centre.
Sea Odyssey is expected to attract 250,000 people.
Girl giant tofeature in SeaOdyssey event
SECURITY and crowd managementwere high on the agenda when ahigh profile American Football teamvisited London.
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneerschallenged the Chicago Bears atLondon’s Wembley Stadium, theUSA’s National Football Leaguecalled on Integrated SecurityConsultants to provide close protec-tion and security for both footballteams and their officials plus theteam of 34 cheerleaders accompa-nying the Tampa Bay Buccaneers onthe visit.
The spectacular cheerleading dis-plays were a crucial part of the pre-event publicity – with the squadattending several public engage-ments before the match, includingperforming in front of a estimated50,000 people at the NFL TailgateParty outside Wembley Stadiumbefore the game.
The operation required daily meet-ings with NFL’s own security team,as well as constant liaison with ven-ues on the visit.
ISC operations manager SteveMack was the security operations
manager for the visit.He said: “The NFL team received
updates from the US Embassy andwe discussed the overall securitythreat, which was considered‘severe’ in London at the time.
“Plans had to be adapted toaccommodate frequent schedulechanges so we had to be prepared,reacting swiftly to new circum-stances.”
A visit to an Oxford Street sports-wear store was one of the mostchallenging events as the cheerlead-ers needed their own area to per-form in, while the fans were setslightly apart.
Steve added: “Cheerleading is anew experience for the UK public, sosecurity had to be tight. In OxfordStreet, we understood the storelocation and had good liaison withthe management and their security.
“We deployed staff in from otherjobs and to boost our close protec-tion teams while the cheerleaderswere there. We liaised with thehotels or venues throughout the visitand carried out reconnaissance of alllocations beforehand.”
American football team’svisit challenges company
Security was tight for the visit of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their cheerleaders.
RECENTLY reformed pop group Stepswill perform a special concert thissummer as part of the ForestryCommission’s live music series.
The five-piece band will bring their
reunion tour to WestonbirtArboretum in Gloucestershire on July22, treating fans to hits including 5,6, 7, 8, One for Sorrow, Tragedy, andStomp.
Steps to play special concert
04 13/2/12 13:14 Page 1
05 IOEX 10/2/12 13:42 Page 1
NEWS
6
Take That’sProgress tour wasone of thebiggest events oflast summer,watched bythousands ofexcited fans instadiums up anddown the country.The Main Eventheard productionmanager ChrisVaughan speak atthe EventProduction Show.
Chris reveals the challenges ofworking on a must-see tour A MASSIVE mechanical robot, spectac-ular special effects and the eagerlyanticipated reunion between the fourmembers of Take That and RobbieWilliams made this the tour everyonewas talking about last year.
Highlights included a solo section fromRobbie and a set from the four pieceTake That, before the five of themjoined together to sing hits from latestalbum, Progress, which was also thetheme of the live show, plus somefamiliar favourites from their early yearsas a band.
Chris has been working with Take Thatsince those early days and told dele-gates at the Event Production Show’sAccess Sessions, things have changedgreatly since they first went on tour – asbudgets, expectations from fans andthe emphasis bands put on touring tomake money have all grown.
In his role as production manager,Chris has the job of bridging the gap
between the creative ideas of Take Thatand their art department with what isrealistically – and financially – possibleto deliver the best show possible for thefans.
He explained: “Take That are driven toprovide an amazing experience for thepublic – the band are very hardworking.
“Even in the early days, the focus wason producing an amazing show. Sincethey reformed, the band are extremelyinvolved in the artistic process.
“The art department’s job is to comeup with something amazing – their jobis only to care about the show. Theydon’t need to care about the load in orout or how much money is spent.
“We needed to set some parameters.A framework so the art department canremain creative but without the showgoing bankrupt.
“We have to create a budget andstructure. Running a tour is big busi-ness – bands want to make profits from
live touring.“If we remain close to the artistic
process, in control of the finances andhave a desire to produce somethingextraordinary – you can straddle theart/budget gap.”
One of the team’s other challengeswas the joining of two massive separateacts – Robbie Williams and Take That –on stage as a band.
Chris added: “We had to think abouthow we were going to go about joiningRobbie and Take That and make a showout of it. It was decided Take That weregoing to open the show and lead intoRobbie.
“The next section, which broke uptheir two solo bits, was a dancesequence, of about four minutes, whichled into ‘The Flood’. This gave themtime to become a band again beforegoing out into the audience.
“This album direction was very differ-ent to The Circus. The robot had anartistic sense in the show – it wasn’tjust a bolt on to say look what we cando.
“The amazing thing was that although
we had three different set manufactur-ers from all over the world, all the ele-ments came together.
“The ‘Robbie factor’ did put everyoneunder a lot of pressure. We had twomajor acts coming together – it wouldbe like AC/DC joining Metallica for atour.
“We didn’t want to deliberately createbigger and better (than the last tour).We just wanted to produce the verybest show possible.”
Chris Vaughan
Last year’s Progress tour featured amechanised robot as well as the muchanticipated return of Robbie Williams tothe band.
Three set manufacturers from around the world put the tour together.
06 13/2/12 10:39 Page 1
02 Alistage 10/2/12 13:41 Page 1
NEWS
8
A technical error put a Scottish fireworks displayunder the spotlight when 20 minutes’ worth offireworks went off in just one minute. PYRO1’soperations director Martin Allen told The Main Eventhow the incident unexpectedly inspired a new trendand why the company is looking forward to anexciting year ahead.
Shortened displayhelps company’sbookings rocketLAST November, PYRO1 created aninternet sensation when its fireworksdisplay in Oban went off 20 timesfaster than it was supposed to.
The footage went viral – with over1m views on YouTube to date – andthe story was featured in mediaaround the world.
Surprisingly for Martin, much of thefeedback he received about the short-ened display was positive, with manyspectators saying how much theyenjoyed it.
The response was so strong that asa result of what happened in Oban,the company has now developed ashort two to three minute display –dubbed the ‘Obang’ – to provide maxi-mum impact and effect at an event inmuch less time than a traditional,longer show.
He explained: “We went back anddid another five-minute show to makeit up to the town but we’ve had a lotof interest in the shorter, sharper dis-plays, which are very high impact.
“We have done them before at cor-porate events but it’s not somethingthe public get to see very often.”
Other events the company hasworked on include Edinburgh’s spec-tacular Hogmanay celebrations andhigh-profile rugby matches atTwickenham – the most recent attend-ed by a record-breaking crowd of82,000 people.
The match, a contest betweenSaracens and Harlequins, also includ-
ed performances from X Factor con-testants Amelia Lily and Misha B, aswell as the pyrotechnic extravaganza,consisting of 120 silver comets firedhorizontally out across the pitch and200 coloured mine lifts fired verticallyalong the length of the Eastand West Roofs at the stadi-um.
Martin added: “The sequencewas fired as the Harlequinsteam ran onto the pitch justbefore kick-off and wasdesigned to whip the crowdinto a frenzy of anticipation.
“We have provided theeffects for this event for thelast four years and during thattime have increased the quan-tity and impact of thesequence each year. The play-ers can feel the audience'sexcitement and it always her-alds a great game.”
Upcoming projects includerepresenting the UK in a fire-works competition and sourc-ing new products on a trip toChina, as well as possibleevents in the pipeline later inthe year centred around theOlympic Games and theQueen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Martin added: “It’s a veryvaried job. One day you can beat a stadium, the next at acorporate event and then in afield standing in the rain.” PYRO1 put on a spectacular display at Twickenham to whip the crowd into a frenzy.
08 15/2/12 13:00 Page 1
NEWS
9
A music day for45,000 people, asponsored run in aidof Sport Relief and amaritime themedfestival are just someof the major eventsorganised by IpswichBorough Council.Christina Ecclesspoke to eventmanager JamesYoung.
Relationships keyto events’ success SUCCESSFUL events in Ipswich cometogether thanks to a partnershipapproach which keeps the whole townengaged.
2012’s packed programme of eventswill celebrate everything from Ipswich’srich maritime heritage to the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee and the LondonOlympics.
According to James, personal relation-ships are key and even in a difficult cli-mate, building close contacts with localbusinesses means events remain wellsupported.
He said: “Giving people confidence inour events is the key thing. A lot of theteam has been around a while so weknow a lot of people.
“We try and work with local business-es and we know it’s a two-way street –we can’t expect them just to chuckloads of money at us, they have to seea tangible benefit.
“It has got harder to find sponsors fora particular event. Instead companiesare looking at their overall involvementin the events programme.
“We find giving people more lead-intime post and pre event really helps.Coming up with packages and groupingthings together is much more valuablethan focusing on one event.”
James also said the events team ben-efits from a lot of support within thecouncil from other departments such asmarketing and from portfolio holderBryony Rudkin.
He said local people are also keen toget behind events and like the fact thatmany parts of the programme are free.
He added: “We have a lot of supportfrom the local community and like to
keep doing a mixture of events. MusicDay is a free event but alongside thatlast year we had ticketed events to givepeople a different choice.
“As the events team, we know whatwe are talking about and we want to dothings right. We also feel very passion-
ately about promoting the town.“We are looking forward to seeing
people enjoying themselves at ourevents this year. If you can do that in asafe, controlled environment, there’snothing better.”
Council looking for bands for Music Day BANDS and musicians are also beingsought to perform at one of the coun-cil’s biggest events, Ipswich Music Day,which this year celebrates its 21st birth-day.
The event takes place on July 1 atChristchurch Park and features sixstages of live music – with almost45,000 people enjoying the action
last year.James added: “This is the 21st year of
Ipswich Music Day and with the help ofall our partners we plan to make it themost successful to date.
“We have plans to include an acousticstage this year and we hope to intro-duce a chillout area for even moredepth of music on offer. Of course the
event would be nothing without themusic and we are seeking the brightesttalent across Suffolk and East Anglia toperform live on the day.
“It’s a great opportunity for bands,solo artists and musicians to perform infront of thousands of people on a festi-val stage and applications are nowopen.”
� Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubileecelebrations – June 2-5.
� Ipswich Arts Festival – June15-July 8.
� Ipswich Music Day – July 1.� Olympic Torch Relay – July 5.� Indian Summer Mela – July 8� European Cyclo-Cross
Championships – November 3-4.� Ipswich Santa Run –
December 9.
Ipswich Borough Council offers both free and ticketed events to give people choice.
09 13/2/12 10:40 Page 1
10
TICKETING, WRISTBANDS, LANYARDS
Organisers on the lookout forthe latest ticketing technology
From the latest developments in technology to the ever present problem of touts, ticketing is always an interestingissue for organisers. The Main Event found out more.
THE ticketing industry is big business –with many of today’s outdoor events,both free and paid for, using tickets orwristbands to control entry.
And in such a fast moving world,organisers are always looking for thelatest developments in technology,which will make their lives easier andimprove the visitor experience.
ID&C have been pioneering technologyat live events for the past 18 months –having success with cashless paymentsat the Isle of Wight Festival, while serv-icing a number of major American festi-vals with RFID wristbands as part of anaccess control solution.
ID&C’s Craig Bennett explained:“Thanks to some recent exposure fromBBC Radio One and Glastonbury'sMichael Eavis, RFID wristbands havetriggered interest with the everyday fes-tivalgoer.
“Most appear accepting and are look-ing forward to enjoying the benefits orRFID like reduced queuing, faster pay-ments and even being able to sharetheir experiences with their online socialnetwork – all through the convenienceof a wristband.”
Iris Ticketing Solutions’ Luke Pheaseyagreed new developments in technologywill be a major trend for 2012.
He added: “Event ticketing can oftenfollow trends set by the airline industry.So much concern was raised aboutprint at home tickets when they firstbecame widely used. But now they areseen as acceptable – and indeed arenot even used by many airlines – allyou need is your ID.
“The extension of that then is anaccess control system where identifyingthe customer and marking them asentered should be the focus – the tick-et becomes less vital. This implies thatthe event organiser needs to knowmore about the customer – and reducethe amount of generic selling.
“Smaller pre-booked events can man-age this with reports. Semi-fixed eventscan do so with web-enabled devicesthat can verify the customer’s identityagainst the ticketing system. Largerevents may need access control, suchas with barcoded tickets linked to salesand only allowed to enter the eventonce, or via specific gate(s).”
Continued on page 11.
10 13/2/12 16:14 Page 1
However, Sec Print’s Brian Terry wasslightly more sceptical about how wellthis new technology will take off.
He added: “Wristbands with RFID tagsare a good idea, but I think their gener-al use at events is a long way off yet –it needs to be proved it is a workablesystem.
“It’s not an area we would like to getinvolved in. QR barcoding for security onall tickets we produce is our priority atthe moment.”
Ticket Alternative’s Iain Bluett alsoshared his predictions, which include agrowing rise in the popularity of socialnetworking and mobile phones asmethods to buy tickets.
“Mobile ticketing will continue tobecome more and more dominant.Both the ordering of tickets via a smart-phone and the delivery of the tickets viabarcodes on the phones. Facebook willcontinue to play an integral role too.You’ll see more companies allowing youto login to their ticketing system withyour Facebook credentials, andFacebook ticketing apps will keep cus-tomers on the Facebook site withouthaving to redirect them (and possiblylose them) to an external ticketing siteto buy tickets.”
Suppliers have also been sharing theiropinions on the issue of touting –something which organisers have had tobecome increasingly aware of at theirevents.
Iain added: “Security is the name ofthe game. Custom wristbands providean added layer of security and we’vejust introduced a new line of productsfor nightclubs that have hidden UV inkon the wristbands. It’s almost invisibleto the naked eye, but very easy to seeunder a blacklight. Our new line of clothwristbands with a sliding lock are prov-ing very popular because they don’t
require a cumbersome tool to lockthem, but they’re almost impossible toremove without noticeable damage.”
Ticketing companies and organisersare also becoming more closely linked,striving to offer the best deals for festi-valgoers, while making the bookingprocess as streamlined as possible.
New website WeGotFestivals is thebrainchild of paperless ticketing compa-ny WeGotTickets and will offer cus-tomers information on over 200 festi-vals including Field Day, Bearded Theoryand Wychwood.
The site is intended to engage directly
with customers, encouraging them tobrowse and discover festivals, withsome events featured on the homepage through which customers can clickright through to purchase.
Sales manager Edd Lewington added:“We'd been thinking about ways wecould provide customers easier accessto our fantastic independent festivals –and WeGotFestivals was born.
“As well as providing marketing sup-port to our festival clients we are offer-ing festivalgoers an opportunity to dis-cover those hidden gems we all knoware there, but only occasionally
hear about.”This summer’s festivals will also give
organisers the chance to try out the lat-est new products in the world of ticket-ing, wristbands and lanyards.
One company leading the way isIdentilam with products including Badgeand Track, which enables the electronicmanagement and reporting of delegateattendance to events using barcodes orRFID technology.
Other multi-purpose items include theHoodiBag, which can be worn as a lan-yard or converted into a rainproof hoodor shopping bag.
11
TICKETING, WRISTBANDS, LANYARDS
Ticketing companies and organisers are also becoming more closely linked.
11 13/2/12 16:15 Page 1
12
TICKETING, WRISTBANDS, LANYARDS
JLS will be among the acts performing at the concert. Picture by: Steve Vas / Featureflash
A different opinion on touting totraditional event organisers ...By Rory Sloan, head ofproduction, RPM
I HAVE read plenty about toutingin the press recently and havealways struggled to share thesame opinion as the majority ofthe industry.
This is probably the result of verydifferent objectives I have fromthose of more traditional eventorganisers.
Few of the events RPM run arelooking for any financial returnfrom ticket sales; doing one offspectaculars for brands works in avery different way from running aprofitable festival or tour.
Ours and our client’s paybackcomes from increased brand loyal-ty and brand advocacy. The fact iswe often charge simply to ensurethe tickets have a worth and weget our capacity we want.
For a lot of events that we run,the actual event is just the tip ofthe iceberg and the true value ofthe project comes from the wordof mouth, press coverage andsocial media amplification of theevent.
With all this in mind, the closer
we can get to capacity the betterthe result of the event. If some-one has a ticket to one of ourevents which they buy threemonths before the line up haseven been announced, why should-n’t they sell it on to a mate if itturns out they can’t or don’t wantto go? It suits me much better ifthey do.
In the past some of the argu-ments against ticket touting havebeen around individuals corneringthe market and limiting supply inorder to inflate the ticket prices.
My limited understandinggleaned from A-level Economicstaught me about the principle ofsupply and demand.
If it really is the case that supplyis likely to far outstrip demandthen the promoter should be look-ing at holding the event in a venuewith a larger capacity.
If that’s not possible then look torepeat the event. Or finally if noneof those options are available theycan always increase ticket prices,within reason. It is much easier tocontrol who gets hold of the tick-ets these days.
We often organise ticket sales
for events through Facebook soyou know who is coming to theevent and can communicate withthem pre and post event, it doesalso mean you can limit the num-ber of tickets sold to individualsand stop people buying up largenumbers.
Alternatively you can go down apublic ballot route like theOlympics, Wimbledon orGlastonbury. I realise the Olympicshas brought in special laws to finetouts up to £20,000, and I certain-ly wouldn’t encourage people tobreak the law, but it is down toindividual event organisers todecide whether their tickets canbe re-sold.
Personally I think it is just ascriminal and tantamount to theftto not allow someone who, forwhatever reason, has decided notto attend an event they have paidfor and are refused a refund.
The idea that you can only passtickets on for free is outdated andI can only hope that the rise ofwebsites like Viagogo will reduceorganisers’ resistance to ticket re-sales and also ensure consumersare not out of pocket. Rory Sloan
A PUBLIC ticket ballot will give 10,000people the chance to watch starsincluding Elton John, JLS and EdSheeran perform at a special concert tomark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
The historic event, a celebration of themonarch’s 60-year reign through music,will be attended by Her Majesty TheQueen, His Royal Highness The Duke ofEdinburgh and other members of theRoyal Family and will take place aroundthe Queen Victoria Memorial in front ofBuckingham Palace.
Those interested in attending havebeen invited to register via a dedicatedwebsite or by post, with the tickets allo-cated to people all over the countrywho will then be able to attend boththe concert and a special picnic in the
grounds of the palace.The concert will be broadcast live on
BBC One and BBC Radio 2 in the UKand to millions around the world, withthe BBC and Take That star Gary Barlowresponsible for the star studded line up.
BBC One controller Danny Cohensaid: “BBC One is honoured to be thebroadcast host of this magnificent con-cert to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
“This will be a musical event like noother, with Britain's greatest musicalstars performing to celebrate this greatoccasion.”
Other acts performing at the eventinclude Cliff Richard, Shirley Bassey andAnnie Lennox with more to beannounced at a later date.
Jubilee ballot unveiled
12 13/2/12 16:26 Page 1
13
SCREEN HIRE
SUPPLIER of event LED screens ADI.tvhas launched a new range of screenpackages designed specifically to caterfor the summer 2012 events season.
With the Olympics, The DiamondJubilee and Euro 2012, it’s set to be abumper summer for the outdoor eventsindustry and in particular the LEDscreens sector.
Big screens are at a premium overJuly and August, and what is alreadythe busiest period of the year has gonestratospheric with this year’s events.
To cater for this huge increase indemand, ADI has created a range ofscreen packages specifically with theseevents in mind.
These modular all-in-one solutions aredesigned for hire for a few weeks ormonths at a time, creating a seasonalcommunal space to bring the publictogether and help drive local business.
ADI has provided a simple choice forcustomers to choose from three differ-ent screen sizes depending on theirexpected audience size.
The full solution includes the screenstructure, cladding (which can bebranded), control room, television feedand PA – all the customer has to do isdecide where to put it.
Marketing manager Oliver Brindleysaid: “ADI is famed for our huge fleet ofmobile screens, but this summerthere’s a strong demand for screens fortwo, four or even six week hire periods.
“Aside from the fact that most of ourfleet is already booked, there’s not
much point in a mobile screen stayingin the same place for a month. Our“summer screens” are designed to becost effective over a longer rental periodand are an all-in-one solution, encom-passing screen, structure and PA, withthe ability to be branded.
“We’re experiencing very high demandfor our screens, so I’d advise anyoneinterested to give us a call as soon aspossible.”
ADI launch summerscreen packages
LIGHTMEDIA Displays is highly regardedthroughout the event industry for itsprofessionalism and capabilities.
The Lightmedia Displays fleet hasgrown intensively over the years fromwhen Eddie Smith started out in 1997,bringing the first bulb type screen unitinto the UK from the USA.
Products include mobile LED truckmounted screens – with sizes rangingfrom 8sqm – all with high quality resolu-
tion LED screens with a 7mm virtualpixel pitch and the very latest in outsidebroadcast trucks, purpose built to LMDspecification.
The company has worked on manyhigh profile events and recently won thecontract for Cancer Research UK, pro-viding screens for the majority of theirShine and Race for Life events in theUK.
Firm has a variety of screens
SWANSEA city centre will get intothe Olympic spirit this summerthanks to the arrival of a bigscreen in Castle Square.
The square will become one ofthe UK’s Live Sites – a number ofevent spaces in town and citycentres offering live information,videos and news related to theGames via screens.
Decorations such as flagpolesand banners will also be on dis-play as the city embraces theOlympics and surrounding eventssuch as the Torch Relay.
Swansea Council's cabinet mem-ber for culture, recreation andtourism coun Graham Thomassaid: “The Olympics is the biggestsporting event in the world andit's important people all over the
country join in the celebrations inthe build-up to the LondonGames.
“Many Welsh athletes will begoing for gold and the Live Site inCastle Square will ensure citycentre shoppers and visitors havea great viewing point to keep upwith all the live action from theGames.
“The introduction of flag polesand banners will help generateexcitement and ensure local peo-ple feel very much part of thenationwide festivities.
“We have an exciting programmeof events planned around the bigscreen in Castle Square this yearand the Olympic dressing will cer-tainly add to the festival feeling.”
Swansea to hostOlympic events
13 13/2/12 16:16 Page 1
14
SCREEN HIRE
BIG TV is a provider of state of the artgiant LED screens for all event needs.
They specialise in mobile LED screenhire and cover all aspects of event pro-duction with their mobile units housingon-board generators, edit suites, d&bPA sound systems and satellitereceivers.
The larger screen units also have inte-grated stage and lighting facilities,bringing all the clients’ event needs intoone self contained unit.
For live events, Big TV can provideprofessional camera crew and equip-ment, wireless links, mixing technicians,sound engineers and more.
2012 started at a fast pace for Big TVand looks to be the most exciting yearyet for the company.
Production manager Amy Coates said:“We always had high expectations for2012 as an event year because of theOlympics, Euro 2012 and the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee and we’re thrilled thatwe've already managed to secure con-tracts with new clients for several datesthis year.
“Despite the recession and difficulteconomic times in 2011, we’ve workedhard to provide our long standingclients with a high level of service withintheir restricted budgets and we had asuccessful year bringing in new clientswho we're pleased are already lookingat confirming more events this year.”
To cope with demand for 2012, andto keep moving forward, this summerBig TV will be bringing a new mobilescreen into its existing fleet.
Aptly named the Sky-fly, the 30sqmtrailer mounted screen will be posi-tioned on a fully flexible hydraulic armwhich can be raised up to 20m and willbe one of the only screens in the worldthat can be lifted and manoeuvred overa wall.
Managing director Simon Woodcockadded: “We're looking for investmentswith a new outlook and innovativedesign to complement our existing, wellrecognised and respected fleet.”
With this in mind the Sky-fly is set tochange the way screens can be used atevents, keeping Big TV at the forefront
of LED technology and innovation.Simon also feels quality is paramount
to the business.He added: “Any additions to Big TV
need to be a continuation of the highquality equipment our clients are usedto working with.”
The 30sqm screen itself will use SMDRGB LED technology and will have a10mm true pixel pitch, making it one ofthe world's highest quality screens withthe most reliable technology.
The LED panels are manufactured by
Daktronics and have been quality con-trolled with a series of demanding teststo ensure they can cope with any kindof British weather.
“The response from clients so farregarding the Sky-fly has been fantastic,people are as excited about it as weare and already see it as the perfectsolution for their event needs. We’reeager to get it in the market and lookforward to it's first booking,” addedSimon.
Big year for screen providerAdvertiser’s announcement
14 13/2/12 13:14 Page 1
15 LMD 10/2/12 13:43 Page 1
16
VEHICLES AND TRANSPORT
Company working on Madonna’s world tourSOUND Moves – the specialists intimed delivery logistics – work as offi-cial freight suppliers to such celebri-ties as The Black Eyed Peas andCeline Dion, and the company willalso be providing logistics for theupcoming Madonna world tour.
Formed in 1995, Sound Moves nowhas 13 strategically placed offices allover the globe supported by a partnernetwork in over 50 countries.
The company was built around theever growing music sector, and its liveevent clients include XL Video, FonixLed and Vice Media.
Business development managerSimon Jackson said logistics was anumbrella term used by many butunderstood by few, although theindustry's profile in the UK had beenraised recently by commercials such
as British Airways’ London 2012advertising campaign.
Simon said: “British Airways – in itscapacity as airline and logistics suppli-er to the games – advertises its cargoand passenger baggage handling serv-ices in the commercial breaks ofprime-time television shows.
“This highlights a small part of theiroperational involvement in the gamesbut also raises awareness of what iseffectively an ‘invisible product.’ Howmany clients would give a thought tothe process involved in, say, deliveringa stage set, lighting rig and LEDpanel? And why should they? All theend user wants, whether in the UK orabroad, is for their event to be deliv-ered successfully.”
He added that when planning for anyevent, it was vital for organisers and
suppliers to have peace of mind thattransportation by air, road or sea wasdelivered by the appointed logisticsprovider. The service should includeproject planning with multiple contin-gency measures,” he added. “Itshould also ensure the team at desti-nation follow the pre-agreed schedule- and that means having the rightpeople on call locally and in the UK,twenty-four seven.”
With sea and air freight, complexcustoms procedures and paperworkcan be required to ensure that incor-rect information does not delay theequipment supporting a show. A logis-tics provider must be able to generateand process carnet documentation('passport' for freight) and be on handto ensure all customs procedures ateach border crossing are followed. Simon Jackson
Inaugural awards recogniseindustry best practicesBy Christina Eccles
BEST practice in the live events industrywas rewarded at a glittering ceremonyin London attended by several hundredguests.
The Event Production Awards tookplace at the Hilton Park Lane, organisedby The Event Production Show, AccessAll Areas and the White Book in associ-ation with Capitol House Productions,and brought together promoters, suppli-ers and production companies fromacross the industry.
The winners on the night were: Best Set Design/Finishing Touches –
Wellpleased Events. Entertainment Supplier of the Year –
Contraband International. Special Effects Company of the Year –
Quantum Special Effects.AV Supplier of the Year – Creative
Technology. Communications Company of the Year
– Etherlive. Seating Supplier of the Year – Arena
Group. Waste Management Company of the
Year – P-MINUS-Q. Event Furniture Supplier of the Year –
GLD Productions. Flooring and Roadway Supplier – Eve. Supplier of the Year – St John’s
Ambulance. Staging Company of the Year –
Brilliant Stages. Security Company of the Year – G4S
Secure Solutions (UK). Crowd Barrier or Fencing Supplier of
the Year – Eve. Structure Company of the Year –
Arena Group. Employee of the Year Award – Ben
Collins, Stepladder Worldwide.
Event Innovation of the Year –Stepladder Worldwide - Inspiring YourFuture Project.
Crewing Company of the Year –Gallowglass.
Event Production Show SupremeAward – Star Events Group.
Access All Areas Editor’s Award –Shaun Kendrick.
Event Production Show Shell SchemeStand – Designer Flowers.
Event Production Show Space OnlyStand – Keeley Hire Ltd.
Organiser Michelle Lewis said: “Thefeedback for the event was a unani-mous thumbs up from everyone.
“A sell out success on our first awardsclearly shows a gap in the market andwe are indebted to our sponsors andeveryone who put themselves forwardfor an award.”
Trials agreecontract
Club unveilsnew site
THE Equi-Trek BramhamInternational Horse Trials hassigned a three year contract withWoodhouse Specialist EventServices.
The company will supply its tem-porary stabling, trade stands andfeature band stand for the four dayevent, which regularly attracts over50,000 spectators and internation-al competitors.
Event director Nicholas Pritchardsaid: "This alliance is a great boostfor us. Our competitors expect onlythe best from Bramham, andWoodhouse supply just that. We'vehad a long, successful relationshipand having this commitment helpsus to plan ahead, keep on budgetand, of course, get the best sta-bling possible.”
MANCHESTER United’s conferenceand events division has launched anew dedicated website as part ofits plans to promote the club as afirst class venue.
www.unitedevents-manutd.comhas been created to attract poten-tial customers by providing muchmore information on its facilities,images of each of the suites anddetailed layout and seating plansto ensure organisers get the bestlocation for their event.
Director of Venue Karl Evans said:“Everyone knows ManchesterUnited’s success on the field andnow we want to show that its con-ference and events space is just asspectacular. We hope that our newwebsite makes organising an eventwith us as convenient and simpleas possible.”
The winners at the inaugural Event Production Awards.
16 13/2/12 16:17 Page 1
17
VEHICLES AND TRANSPORT
SINCE its entry into the event man-agement sector in 2011 Smiths(Gloucester) Ltd vehicles havebecome a familiar sight at eventsaround the country.
The business runs a fleet of wellover 100 vehicles and machines fromtippers to crushers, and with a suc-cessful 2011 under its belts, is plan-ning further expansion for the 2012season adding music festivals to itsportfolio and specialising in countryevents.
Smiths Waste Management, whichruns events for Smiths, has a reputa-tion for innovating and for its environ-mental awareness.
The award-winning company hasinvested in some interesting technolo-
gy for vehicles in its fleet. A number of Smiths new drag-trailer
lorries have Mercedes 'Stop-Start'technology fitted to save on both fuelcosts and pollution.
As a vehicle comes to a halt atlights or at a junction for instance, theengine automatically shuts down whilethe vehicle is stationary and the driverhas only to press the accelerator forthe engine to start and for the vehicleto set off again.
A further innovation is the drag-trail-er itself. A traditional skip lorry deliversan empty skip and collects a full onein a single journey.
With a drag trailer added, Smithsare able to add flexibility to the jour-ney doubling the work carried out,
doing its bit to cut down on conges-tion and pollution and reducing fuelusage.
Perhaps the most familiar Smithsvehicle seen at events is the JCBGroundhog. These functional, highlymanoeuvrable little vehicles aredesigned to give the operators accessto difficult areas of a site with a mini-mum impact on the environment.
The six-wheel configuration and thelarge tyres of the Groundhog meanthat the 'footprint' it makes on theground is much reduced when com-pared to larger, heavier vehicles.
Groundhogs have been a great suc-cess, even at major events such asthe CLA Game Fair, allowing Smithspersonnel quick access to waste bins
across the whole site and ensuringthat no bin overflows and waste isremoved to larger RCV trucks for dis-posal from site.
Smiths events co-ordinator EmaAshworth said: “The right choice ofvehicle at an event is vital to our per-formance. Access can be restricted,sites can be extensive and ground canbe vulnerable or sensitive.
“We have to ensure that we keepour vehicle movements to a minimumand any damage caused by vehicles isreduced or eliminated.
“We will continue to look for innova-tive ways of using our vehicles anddelivering our service, which is markedout by efficiency, innovation and envi-ronmental awareness.”
Expansion plan for vehicle provider
17 13/2/12 16:28 Page 1
18
VEHICLES AND TRANSPORT
LONDON 2012, The Greatest Show onEarth, promises to be the highlight of avery busy event year.
The rearrangement of events tradition-ally held in July means other summermonths are going to be more crowdedthan ever and Bradshaw RentalVehicles are gearing up to meet thedemand.
Each year the entire fleet of rentalvehicles travel thousands of miles crisscrossing to events of all sizes.
Bradshaw Rental Vehicles have invest-ed in an advanced software planningsystem that allocates vehicles to eachevent in advance, factoring in sufficienttransport time back to base.
The ‘turn around team’ then swinginto action cleaning, re-fuelling andcompleting the 20-point checklist oneach vehicle so it is ready to be loadedonto our transporter for the journey tothe next location.
For 2012 Bradshaw are installingquick response codes on each vehicleso our transport drivers can send the‘turn around’ team the exact identity ofeach vehicle on the transporter and itsestimated time of arrival.
This will enable the team to plan pre-cisely the turn-around schedule foreach vehicle so it is ready in the short-est possible time.
All this planning and precision vehiclemovement means event organisers can
be assured all the vehicles booked willarrive, on-time, clean, fully fuelled andin perfect condition for the event.
So if you have not booked your vehi-cles for a summer event in 2012 –Book now with Bradshaws.
Keep calm andbook early ...
18 13/2/12 13:15 Page 1
19
IOEX PREVIEW
IOEX exhibitor 2CL Communications supplies Two-Way Radio Systems to the Events Industry (above: Glastonbury Festival)
THE brand new International OutdoorEvent Expo (IOEX) launches this March,bringing something different to the out-door event sector.
Industry leading seminars, networking,and some interesting exhibitor namesmake the show at ExCel London a mustvisit for the live production industry.
Organised alongside the successfulInternational Confex, the show coversall areas of event production from festi-vals through to sports and experientialand is tailored for those at the sharpedge of event organising.
Show director Mark Gordon said:“IOEX is designed to cross the bound-aries and draw together the worlds ofsport, experiential and music and
recognise that production teamsincreasingly work across all these sec-tors.
Visitors to the show at ExCeL fromMarch 6 to 8 will be able to sourcefrom international suppliers, networkwith people from all sectors of theevents industry and learn from the edu-cational seminar programme featuringtips and tricks from production greats.”
Seminar Programme The seminar programme represents thediversification of the outdoor eventsindustry with a different theme andoverview for each of the three days,sport on the 6th, live music on the 7thand experiential on the 8th.
The topics and speakers have beendrawn from research conducted by IOEXwhich highlighted that people in theindustry are keen to learn more abouttechnology and how to use emergingplatforms at their events.
Key highlights include: Tuesday March 6‘Building projection – make the worldmove’ allows visitors to hear establishedproduction agencies share their top tipson how to use cutting edge buildingprojection.
‘How to ensure you carry on the con-versation’ showcases experiential, andsocial media experts The Circle Agencydiscuss how to give your event and
brand a strong presence in the realmsof social media.
For venues and suppliers, ‘Beyond thecore’ offers an invitation to learn from apanel of experts from established sportsvenues through to music promoters tofind out how to appeal to new eventverticals.
Stepping out into the global market isa bold move so suppliers who havedone it before give the benefit of theirexperience in ‘Are you ready for theglobal market?’ Discussion includesbranding continuity, crossing customs,laws and regulations, and the debateon using local suppliers or taking yourtrusted people with you.
Continued on page 20
Show promises somethingdifferent for the outdoor sector
19 13/2/12 13:15 Page 1
20
IOEX PREVIEW
Continued from page 19Wednesday March 7 Lord Shaftesbury leads an interactivesession on how to transform an estateinto an event space drawing on the cur-rent transformation of the ShaftesburyEstate. Promoters discuss what makesa venue desirable to them.
‘Cashless payments and ticketing onthe festival scene’ profiles the future oftransactions in the live music space,the festivals using them, the brandskeen to put their name to them andpredictions for the future with Inteletixand Mobile Roadie.
PSA chairman and event planning andcompliance consultant James Cobb will
be on hand to host ‘Houston! -Effective management and contingencyplanning for festivals’ with expert com-ment from Jim Gaffney from MojoBarriers and Roskilde Festival ManagerHenrik Bondo Neilsen.
Thursday March 8 In the world of experiential and brands,it’s all about engagement with your coreaudience and how to stand out fromthe crowd, using the snazziest technolo-gy and the freshest venues.
Explore the world of brand and eventsponsorship from all angles, discussingwhat is needed and how decisions aremade with Julia Bruns from agency Our
Kid Brother, Chris Smith, head of busi-ness development and live events, AEG,and Jade Garrow from Boxfresh. ‘The FFactor, What do families look for atevents?’ invites you to learn from familyengagement specialist Carrie Longton ofMumsnet about how to engage all agesat your event and the Lollibop teamwho have put this into practice.
Show floor feature areas The exhibition will also feature a num-ber of interactive sessions to get peopletalking and encourage networking.
This includes a ‘speed networking’session for landowners looking toextend the use of their estates or land
by making them available for events.Landowners will meet event agencies
and organisers for a quick five-minutepitch against the clock and in return,organisers will be able to find uniqueand untapped spaces to hold their nextevent. The Innovation Incubator opensup the floor for companies with newproducts or services launching soon orwithin the last six months.
In rapid 10-minute pitches which aretaking place across all three days of theexhibition, companies can preview theirinnovation making it easy for visitors tofind all the latest launches in oneplace.
Continued on page 22
Total Displays is showcasing its X-Gloo Event Tent at IOEX, which is being organised by Mark Gordon.
TEMPORARY structures specialistNeptunus gives visitors the chance toexperience a popular addition to itsproduct portfolio at the InternationalOutdoor Event Expo (IOEX).
Neptunus will construct a 5m x 10mAlure Globe at Stand 210 at the inau-gural event at ExCel London.
The Alure Globe provides a venue fora wide variety of prestigious outdoorevents.
Last year, its popularity meant it couldbe seen at events including Wimbledon,Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens,Masterpiece Fair, the Pavilion of Art inDesign in Paris and Bread & Butter
in Berlin. Having evolved fromNeptunus’ Alure range, the Alure Globehas the added visual appeal of an inno-vative curved roof.
It is also equipped with a cassettefloor, high quality entrance, emergencyexit doors and integrated rain gutteringsystems.
Available in unlimited lengths, it has adurable aluminium frame, 4m high wallpanels and full vision glazed panels.
Enquiries: Telephone managing directorApril Trasler on 0116 232 5100
or write to The Old Rectory,Main Street, Glenfield,
Leicestershire, LE3 8DG.
Neptunus goes globalwith new addition
INTERNATIONAL Outdoor Event Expo willfeature a brand new stand from one ofthe event industry’s leading brandingspecialists.
Sunbaba will continue their promotionof the three new product ranges thatwere successfully launched in Autumn2011.
The stand will allow visitors to get aprecise look at the new items and willbe a combined area with specialistevent supplier SRD.
Two highly versatile new promotionalitems and a new type of digitally printedflooring will be on display, with theSunbaba team on hand to discuss theways in which the products can be usedand applied.
The new items will extend the offeringavailable from the company and enablethe highly creative demands of theirclients to be met.
Sunbaba’s Jan Booth said: “We havebeen involved with IOEX since it wasfirst launched. It comes at precisely theright time of year as it offers organisersthe chance to research the products weprovide in a professional and well pre-sented environment.”
The success of the new productranges was highlighted by the compa-ny’s recent nomination for best setdesign/finishing touches at the newlylaunched Event Production Awards.
Sunbaba, which has been helping tobrand events around the UK and Europefor over 15 years, can be found onstand number 420 at the show.
Sunbaba to showcasecomplete event solution
20 15/2/12 13:02 Page 1
21 Grundon 10/2/12 13:44 Page 1
22
IOEX PREVIEW
Continued from page 20On the show floor, key exhibitors will
be launching new products as well asthose that have built outstanding fea-ture areas for the seminars and interac-tive activities.
Losberger is launching ‘Cyclone’ a newstructure for the event rental market inthe form of a 5m x 5m unit that can beadded to in a variety of configurationsto suit any event. This is set apart bythe eye-catching design of the roof
which is unlike anything seen before.Total Displays is showcasing its X-GlooEvent Tent for which it holds exclusiverights in the UK.
This is an inflatable structure designedfor quick and convenient installation atindoor or outdoor events, transportedand installed by one person within tenminutes and operating without the needfor an ongoing air supply.
These can be connected via tunnelelements and fully branded.
Silverstream TV will be broadcasting alive stream of the IOEX action onscreens installed throughout the exhibi-tion by Fonix LED and Big TV.
Eve is showcasing its expansive rangeof trakway systems highlighting its diver-sification into crowd control barrier sys-tems, temporary security and safetyfencing such as the Event Trakpanel, aswell as its acquisition of event andindustrial mobile tower lighting supplier,Brightlights.
Ten by Fifteen is creating a two tieredstructure in a central show positionwhich will host networking on theground floor and the top level will pro-vide a bird’s eye view of the whole exhi-bition as well as International Confex inthe adjoining hall.
Another key focal point on the showfloor comes from Element Domes whichis constructing its unique and futuristicstructure to create the setting forInnovation Incubator.
The MainEvent will
also beexhibitingat IOEX –Come andsee us onN7 withinthe NOEAPavilion
Eve is showcasing its expansive range of trakway systems at IOEX.
Exhibitors to launch new products
The Lollibop team has successfully managed to attract people of all ages to the event.
22 13/2/12 13:16 Page 1
A CARDIFF based personal protectioncompany has expanded its offering toinclude full tour management servic-es.
Primus Protective Consultants,which has worked with acts includingStereophonics and Beady Eye, hasbranched out into tour managementfollowing the success of its spe-cialised security service.
As part of its tour managementrole, the firm will be responsible forall aspects of the acts' security andtour management – from travelarrangements and liaising with hotelsto securing concert venues thorough-ly and ensuring all security measuresare adequate prior to the artist'sarrival.
They will also co-ordinate and over-see all of the artists' promotionalcommitments including press andradio interviews, TV appearances andbook and album signings.
Managing director Sean Colseysaid: “The expansion into providing atour management function for clientshas been a natural progression forus. We found that we were increas-ingly being asked by record labels ifwe could also tour manage the actswe provided security for. For theclient we can fulfil a valuable dualfunction and facilitate the smoothrunning of schedules for their artistsin addition to ensuring their safety.”
23
HARRISON External Display Systems(HEDS) can help dress any event, how-ever large or small.
A UK manufacturer of flags, flagpolesand event products, HEDS has beenestablished for over 40 years and hasbeen supplying the events industry forover ten.
Its sales team offers a full service tohelp brand an event with various prod-ucts whatever the quantity and budget.A special Projects team can also caterfor installations.
HEDS has supplied major events,such as fence scrim and tobe towers for
the Virgin London Marathon, 360degree tubular banners for Glastonburyand fan assisted flagpoles for theOlympics. The flagpole hire and installa-tion services were used at BBC Promsin the Park.
Whatever the event, budget andrequirements, be it bunting or banners,HEDS can brand any product with anylogo. If you can’t find what you’re look-ing for, they will help you make it.
Enquiries: For more information, see thenew brochure enclosed in this magazine,
visit www.flagpoles.co.uk or call 01325 355 433.
Dressing your event
Nick Grecian, MD of Gallowglass and Kirsten Henson, MD of KLH Sustainability officiallyopen Gallowglass Sustainability’s new West London office.
Crew company branches outEVENTS crewing firm Gallowglass haslaunched a new company – GallowglassSustainability.
The firm has joined forces with man-aging director of KLH SustainabilityKirsten Henson to create a service toassist clients, suppliers and contractorsin making cost savings and improvingpublic relations by sustainably planningevents.
Gallowglass managing director NickGrecian said: “Clients such as the BBC
and Eve Trakway have already pledgedto embed sustainability throughout theirorganisations’ working practices, andwe are committed to sharing their val-ues. As a company, we have alreadyachieved BS8901 and ISO14001, butwe need to take this to the next level.Kirsten Henson is ideally placed toensure that sustainability policies con-vert into practical reality throughout thesupply chain.”
Firm expands artistsecurity service
Primus Protective Consultants hasworked with acts including Beady Eyeand Kelly Jones and the Stereophonics(pictured above)
NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
BATHPAQ is a bath-room system inone completepackage, that canbe installed andready to use withinhours.
This new designconcept launchedby Rocal offers acost effective solu-tion to all bath-room requirementsand arrives in anIKEA-style packagecomplete withinstallation instruc-tions. Bathpaq isideal for the morechallenging andinaccessible loca-tions.
The electrics areplug and play, straight in to a 13-ampsocket, so no electrician is required.
The internal plumbing is pre fitted, andthe walls, floor and ceiling are pre fin-ished. This reduces the onsite labourcosts and considerably speeds up theinstallation time.
The segmental walls and shower areof a moisture resistant design manufac-tured from high quality PVCu polymers.Even the door and its outer casing aremade from PVCu making the Bathpaqresilient to moisture.
Bathpaq can be supplied with an
optional Saniflo macerator pump forareas without gravity fed plumbing offer-ing greater flexibility of location. Themacerator pump is capable of pumpingwaste up to four metres vertically and40 metres horizontally.
Bathpaq is suitable for commercial aswell as domestic applications includingtemporary events and hospitality. Due tohigh interest, Rocal is planning tolaunch new sizes and models over theforthcoming year.
Visit www.bathpaq.co.uk or telephone 01652 600184.
