It may have only been a four-day week, but the MICE industry was still busy gearing up for a busy autumn.
From the a major US-buyout and the GMB readying the brazier to Beyonce trying out for the England cricket team, it’s 10 things we learnt this week…
1. Grass Roots in full bloom
Global engagement group Grass Roots made headlines this week after being taken over by California-based Blackhawk. It’s the story of the week and significant for the company who began life in the UK back in 1980.
2. Jeremy Corbyn probably just wants to sit down
The Labour Party Conference has again been making headlines, and not always for the right reasons. As a result of a leaked email by the boss of GMB Union stating that they were firing up the brazier, security professionals Showsec retracted their offer to run the show.
3. Glasgow is the best of British
Exciting times for the Glasgow business events industry. A new global index which measures sustainability gave Scotland’s second city the nod. In fact, the city was the only British one to make the list.
4. There are two Gordon Ramsays
As if there wasn’t enough cursing in the world, it transpires that there is more than one Gordon Ramsay. The additional Ramsay was on hand at the opening of Southampton Solent University’s new conference centre, and we’re pleased to report his language was far more family-friendly.
5. Astronaut Major Tim Peake needs guidance
Well, sort of. Mobile app Guidebook announced a partnership with the New Scientist Live event, and his Astronautness Major Peake will be on hand to open the show.
6. QHotels are very hungry
Hungry for awards, that is. The hotel brand have been shortlisted for two gongs with Caterer.com.
7. Agents don’t like getting wet
The Meetings Industry Association (mia) held their third “Agents Day” and, as we saw in the gallery, it was mildly moist outside. The pictures they sent us show the agents wearing pac-a-macs as they tackle various activities. It looked fun, if wet.
8. Preparation is key
As clichés go, “preparation is key” is up there with “it’s a game of two halves” and “at the end of the day,” but VenuesLanarkshire got in touch with their top five tips for successful events. And would you believe, there is no such thing as too much preparation…
9. Emirates Old Trafford isn’t just about cricket
One minute you’ve got Joe Root bowling out Mohammad Amir, the next you’ve got Beyonce demanding someone puts a ring on it. And then, just a week later, Rihanna has her umbrella. The team at OT are slick at turning things around, as you’ll see in the time-lapse.
10. A Tale of Two Cities
New York and London have always joined at the hips, but now they’re joined at the lips too. Smith & Wollensky, a newly opened restaurant and event space at the Adelphi Building, will partner with ILEA UK for the venue’s official launch party. Worth getting on the guest list…
