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Arena Racing Company (ARC) has partnered with experiential events specialist KDM Events to introduce SolarBuddy: The Hour of Power, a purpose-led team-building format reflecting growing demand for experiences that combine engagement with measurable social impact.

The collaboration forms part of ARC’s wider focus on developing outdoor and experiential group activities for corporate clients, with SolarBuddy positioned as a flagship CSR-led experience for meetings and events programmes.

The move comes amid continued growth in demand for ESG-aligned event content, as organisers look to integrate purpose, learning and legacy into conferences and incentive activity.

“The Hour of Power” is a hands-on workshop in which participants assemble solar-powered lights for children living in energy poverty communities, including Cambodia, Tanzania and Papua New Guinea.

The activity highlights global energy inequality, with an estimated 770 million people still lacking access to safe, reliable lighting. Each solar light enables children to study after dark, reduces reliance on kerosene and supports improved health and household savings.

SolarBuddy data indicates each device can positively impact up to five people over its lifespan, while also reducing carbon emissions.

The session begins with a brief introduction to energy poverty, followed by teams collaborating to build the lights and write accompanying messages for the recipients.

Danielle Matthews-Brown, Group Event Sales Manager at Arena Racing Company, said: “There is clear demand from clients for experiences that go beyond traditional team building and deliver genuine purpose. SolarBuddy gives teams a shared focus while creating tangible impact, which aligns strongly with how organisations are now approaching meetings and events.”

Sarah FitzGerald, Director of Partnerships at KDM Events, said: “Businesses are increasingly seeking event experiences that deliver meaningful outcomes, while leaving participants feeling energised, connected and inspired. This format is designed to integrate CSR more directly into team engagement rather than treating it as a standalone add-on.”

Only available through KDM Events, SolarBuddy can be delivered nationally and is now available throughout Arena’s portfolio.

30th June 26, Manchester, UK: Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, will continue its partnership with MAD//Fest this July, supporting two sessions at MAD//Fest London that explore the evolving relationship between brands, culture, sponsorship and social impact.

The activation follows a successful year for the partnership, which saw MAD//North return to Aviva Studios in March, bringing together thousands of delegates from across the creative, media and marketing industries.

Taking place on the event’s Sports Stage, the first session, Sport, Culture and Cities: Building a Multi-Venue Sponsorship Strategy, will see Tom Whiteside, Group Head of Sponsorship at Aviva, joined by Jane Hector-Jones, Brand Partnerships and Sponsorship Director at Factory International. Together, they will explore how sponsorship strategies are evolving beyond traditional sport to encompass culture, place-making and audience engagement across multiple venues and destinations.

The second session, Sponsorship for Social Change: The Brands Doing Well Out of Doing Good, brings together Jane Hector-Jones again, and Scott Branch, Senior Vice President and Integrated Business Lead at THE-TEAM. The discussion will examine how brands are using partnerships and sponsorship to create meaningful social impact, drawing on examples from sport, culture and community engagement.

The sessions reflect a growing appetite from brands for partnerships that go beyond visibility alone, creating experiences, conversations and connections that resonate with audiences in more authentic ways.

Stephanie Williams, Head of Events at Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International, commented, "One of the things we've really enjoyed about working with MAD is the quality of the conversations that take place. The MAD//Fest sessions bring together people who are doing genuinely interesting work across sponsorship, culture and brand partnerships. What we’re seeing at Aviva Studios is brands that want ideas, creative partners and opportunities to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. That's something we love doing when we're hosting events."

The appearance at MAD//Fest London continues a successful collaboration between the two organisations, with both committed to creating events and experiences that inspire, challenge and connect creative communities.

29th June 26, Manchester, UK: CHS Manchester has announced Manchester Central as the host and sponsor of ‘Manchester Calling’, the official curtain-raiser to this year's event and a new addition to the CHS Manchester experience.

Taking place on the evening before CHS Manchester opens, Manchester Calling has been designed to ease the industry’s arrival in Manchester, reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces and start the conversations that will continue throughout the show.

The evening will begin with dedicated networking opportunities for both exhibitors and hosted buyers, before opening into a larger shared reception, creating a relaxed and informal environment for the wider CHS Manchester community to come together. Hosted by Manchester Central, the evening will form part of CHS Manchester's wider ambition to create an event experience that starts before the doors open and continues long after they close.

Emma King, Founder and CEO of CHS Manchester, said: "We've always believed that some of the best conversations happen before the event even begins. You're catching up with friends, meeting new people, hearing what's happening in the industry and starting conversations that often become opportunities later on.

"Manchester Calling is exactly what it sounds like. It's our chance to welcome the industry to Manchester, set the tone for the event ahead and create an environment where people can relax, enjoy themselves and do business in the way our industry does best; through conversations, relationships and shared experiences."

Stephanie Newton, Commercial Director at Manchester Central, added: "Manchester is a city known for bringing people together, so we're delighted to be hosting Manchester Calling and helping to kick off CHS Manchester in style.

"The evening creates a fantastic opportunity for exhibitors, hosted buyers and industry professionals to connect in a relaxed setting before the show begins. It's a natural extension of the hospitality and community spirit that both Manchester Central and CHS Manchester are known for."

Manchester Calling will take place at Manchester Central on the evening before CHS Manchester opens (29th September), offering attendees the chance to settle into the city, connect with peers and begin their CHS Manchester experience ahead of a packed day of learning, networking and business.