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Play The Bluey Way launches in Bristol with new Bluey mural and family celebration Featured post
Industry News20-09-26

Play The Bluey Way launches in Bristol with new Bluey mural and family celebration

Saturday 19 September, Bristol – This afternoon, families - including celebrities, journalists and content creators - gathered at We The Curious for the special Play The Bluey Way event. The family activation was held as part of an international campaign celebrating the power of play and the joy of connection inspired by iconic Bluey moments.The event marked the arrival of a very special Bluey mural painted by a team of talented local artists. Special guests attended the event, which also welcomed local families and fans to enjoy the experience, with the Bluey costume character delighting visitors throughout the afternoon with her appearances. Among those in attendance were British fashion model Daisy Lowe and her family, along with content creators such as Amy Bell, Fabien and Ellen Beddard (Fab and Ell), Nick and Craig Ford (Two Men and a Lady), Jessica and Dom Lever, and Laura Louise.Taking part in the ambitious project were artists Phoebe Tonkin, Tanith Gould, Alice Humphreys, Joe's Murals and Nina Raines, curated and managed by Bristol-based public art producer Art Sync. The five connected towers, which together form a single Bluey mural, transformed Millennium Square into a colourful celebration of play, creating a unique public installation that families and visitors can enjoy throughout the coming weeks.Azul Amos, Co-Founder at Art Sync, said: “This mural has provided a fantastic opportunity for our team of Bristol creatives. It’s exciting to see BBC Studios embrace this art form and really immerse themselves in Bristol’s creative culture. The scale and timeframe made this a uniquely rewarding experience. I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve put together, and a little sad to see this project come to an end.”With artwork created by Bluey producer Ludo Studio, the mural is inspired by the beloved episode The Creek. The artwork was painted by the five local artists in a studio before being finalised and assembled in Millennium Square, with each painted tower measuring approximately 6.1 metres.The special UK event created a joyful atmosphere for attendees, who experienced first-hand the excitement and meaningful connections that Bluey inspires among families around the world.Another fan-favourite activity enjoyed by guests was crafting and sailing their own Barky Boats in the fountains, inspired by the fan-favourite episode.As part of an ongoing partnership with We The Curious, families and fans will still have the chance to see the mural and take a photo alongside the artwork in Millennium Square for six weeks, until the end of October 2026. During that period, Bluey activities will be available inside We The Curious, helping families continue the fun during October half-term. Bluey merchandise is also available in the shop, including colouring books, stickers and some arts and crafts fun!The activity in Bristol was part of the global Play The Bluey Way campaign launched by BBC Studios, which encourages families everywhere to embrace more play, connection and fun in their everyday lives. The Bristol mural is one of a series appearing in locations around the world, including Brisbane, São Paulo and the Washington D.C. area, each inspired by iconic Bluey moments of play.Additionally, families can discover even more ways to Play The Bluey Way via a dedicated hub on Bluey.tv, featuring downloadable activities, games, play inspiration, campaign updates and interactive experiences. Launching later this month, the hub will also include a personalised quiz that explores each family’s unique play habits, with surprises from favourite episodes, game recommendations and shareable play personalities.Barky Boats, The Creek and more Bluey episodes are available to watch on Disney+, CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. The Bluey feature film will be released in cinemas on 6 August 2027.

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“We’ve Built a Multi-Billion-Pound Industry Full of People Who Fell Into It” Featured post
Industry News14-09-26

“We’ve Built a Multi-Billion-Pound Industry Full of People Who Fell Into It”

14th September 26, Newcastle, UK: The events industry needs to do more to turn itself into a visible career choice for the next generation, according to Event Industry News podcast host James Dickson, speaking in the opening episode of the new Talking People with Paul Borg podcast.Dickson joins Paul Borg, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Newcastle, for the first episode of the series when it drops this week (16th September). The series aims to put the people behind events and hospitality at the centre of the conversation.Having interviewed hundreds of event professionals during more than a decade hosting the Event Industry News podcast, James reflects on his own unconventional route into events and a challenge that continues to face the sector. “We’ve built a multi-billion-pound industry, that is built largely from people who have fallen into (it) by accident,” he says.For James, the opportunity is to identify relevant skills much earlier and show young people that events can provide a deliberate career pathway rather than something they discover later in life.He points to young gamers as an example. Many already understand PCs, graphics cards, cameras, live streaming and switching between feeds, without necessarily recognising that those skills could translate directly into careers in event AV and video production. “All the skills are there,” James tells Paul. “Imagine what could happen if we could identify those young people and give them some additional training at a young age.”The conversation also turns to AI and its implications for employment. Here, James shares the example of a global events agency that has recruited a senior employee specifically to oversee the rollout and application of AI, suggesting that the technology could create new professions as well as change existing ones.For Paul Borg, these are the conversations Talking People has been created to uncover. The new series looks beyond job titles and businesses to explore careers, experiences and ideas through the people working across events and hospitality.Episode One sets the tone with a conversation spanning career pathways, technology, AI and the changing skills the industry needs. Appropriately for an opening episode about an industry many people enter unexpectedly, Dickson admits that his own podcast career began almost by accident too. More than a decade and hundreds of conversations later, it has given him a particularly broad view of the people who make the industry tick.

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CHS Manchester Hosted Buyer Programme Passes 92% Capacity Featured post
Industry News14-09-26

CHS Manchester Hosted Buyer Programme Passes 92% Capacity

14th September 26, Manchester, UK: CHS Manchester has confirmed that its Hosted Buyer Programme is now more than 92% full, with organisers encouraging event professionals to apply as soon as possible, with the programme approaching capacity and with the show debuting later this month.Taking place at the AO Arena on 30 September, the event will bring together event organisers, venues, destinations and suppliers for a day of meetings, education and networking, supported by a wider programme of activity across the city. For hosted buyers, the experience begins well before the show opens. Guests will be welcomed into Manchester the evening before, with the official welcome reception, “Manchester Calling’ at Manchester Central, providing the first opportunity to meet, connect and settle into the city.Hosted buyers will also stay at some of Manchester’s leading hotels, with the city’s hospitality community playing its part in looking after guests throughout their stay.At the show itself, visitors will have access to a schedule of pre-arranged meetings alongside the exhibition, networking and a packed conference and education programme. Beyond the AO Arena, the ever expanding CHS Manchester Fringe Programme will add further events and experiences around the city.Emma King, CEO, CHS Manchester, commented: “We’re delighted with the response to the Hosted Buyer Programme. It’s a terrific programme of value for our guests and a chance to get business done, while having Manchester open to them. We really want to give everyone the chance to get on the programme, and to help us manage the numbers, we’re asking visitors not to leave it too late.The Hosted Buyer Programme forms part of CHS Manchester’s wider approach to creating a productive but highly sociable environment for event professionals. With busy diaries awaiting buyers on 30 September, the programme is designed to make the rest of their experience as seamless, and enjoyable, as possible.Applications for the remaining Hosted Buyer places are now open.

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Crowne Plaza Newcastle Launches ‘Talking People with Paul Borg’ Podcast Featured post
Industry News09-09-26

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Launches ‘Talking People with Paul Borg’ Podcast

9th September 26, UK: The Crowne Plaza Newcastle will launch a new event industry podcast this month, with the hotel looking to underline its commitment to people, from every part of the industry and to share their stories and lived experiences.Talking People with Paul Borg, hosted by the hotel’s General Manager, will launch its first episode on 16 September, beginning a six-part series of conversations with some of the most well known people in the industry, as well as some secret rising stars.The podcast brings together leaders, creatives, educators, media and emerging talent to explore the different personalities and skills that make events happen, as well as some of the bigger questions facing the people within the industry.Guests across the first series include Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio; James Dickson of Event Industry News; Lucy Nicholls, Founder and Creative Director of The PS Events Group; Serkan Uzunogullari from the University of Sunderland; and Crowne Plaza Newcastle’s own Ben Wilson, just starting out in a career in hospitality.The subjects range from leadership, culture and career progression to creativity, education and the expectations of the next generation. The series also looks at the growing influence of AI and technology and what that means for the human skills, personalities and relationships on which the events industry has traditionally been built.“We all say we care about people. Of course we do. But I wanted us to do something that demonstrates that commitment rather than just talking about it,” said Paul Borg, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Newcastle. “At the same time, we get to hear stories from some really exceptional people in a relaxed and informative way.”“This isn't a podcast telling everyone how great our people are. It's about being curious about others. What makes someone brilliant in this industry? How do we find and nurture creative talent? What does the next generation expect from us? How do you build a career? And, as technology becomes more influential, which of those very human qualities become even more important?The launch forms part of a wider change in tone at Crowne Plaza Newcastle, with the hotel also unveiling a new meetings and events film, Your Newcastle. Your Way.The film captures a new lease of life and a new direction the hotel is enjoying under Paul’s leadership, as well as the pace and personality of the hotel through its people. The film focuses on the everyday behaviours that make a difference to organisers: answering quickly, being flexible, taking ownership and understanding how an event should feel as well as how it should function.Paul continues, “There is a new energy here and we wanted to find better ways of showing it. The podcast and the film are very different pieces of content, but the thinking behind them is actually very similar. It feels like the right time to be a little more confident about who we are, how we work and what we want Crowne Plaza Newcastle to stand for.”The first episode of Talking People with Paul Borg will be released on 16 September 2026, with further episodes released as part of the six-part series.

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People Make Mathematics: Glasgow to host the International Congress of Mathematicians for the first time in 2030 Featured post
Industry News02-09-26

People Make Mathematics: Glasgow to host the International Congress of Mathematicians for the first time in 2030

The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) is set to welcome the world’s leading mathematicians in 2030, when Glasgow hosts the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) for the first time.The Congress, which is held every four years and will see thousands of mathematicians and delegates from around the world gather in Glasgow, includes the presentation of the prestigious Fields Medal, which featured in the Oscar-winning movie ‘Good Will Hunting’.Often described as the “Nobel Prize of Mathematics”, the Fields Medal is awarded to between two and four mathematicians under the age of 40 in recognition of outstanding mathematical achievement.The prestigious accolade was a central reference point in the classic movie which told the story of a mathematical genius hiding in plain-sight and received a slew of Oscar nominations in 1998 and saw Robin Williams win Best Supporting Actor and Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Best Original Screenplay.The successful bid to bring the ICM to Glasgow was supported by academics from the University of Glasgow, built around a broader and ambitious vision of accessibility, collaboration and global participation and the message: ‘People Make Mathematics’.For the SEC, securing the Congress enhances its reputation as a destination for some of the world’s largest and most influential academic gatherings. The Campus recently hosted the AGU Ocean Sciences Meeting in February 2026, attracting more than 6,500 scientists, students and policymakers to Glasgow. It was the first time the biennial event had been held outside the United States.Also in 2026 the SEC welcomed the 63rd European Renal Association (ERA) Congress, which set an all-time attendance record with 10,680 registrations and a record-breaking number of scientific submissions.Dawn Lauder, Director of Conference Sales at the SEC, said: “Securing the International Congress of Mathematicians is a fantastic achievement for the SEC and reflects the talent and determination of our team and our ability to deliver world-leading conferences here in Glasgow.“ICM is one of the most prestigious events in the international academic calendar, and the fact that it will be held in Glasgow for the first time makes this particularly special.”Dominic McKay, CEO of the SEC, said: “The ICM is a truly global event, bringing together some of the world’s leading mathematical minds. Our ambition has always been to put the SEC and Glasgow firmly on the international stage for major conferences, and this further demonstrates the strength of that ambition. From the AGU Ocean Sciences Meeting to the European Renal Association Congress, we have shown that Glasgow can host the very best in international science and academia and ICM 2030 will stand as another landmark moment.”Professor Michael Wemyss, Chair of Mathematics at the University of Glasgow, said: "It is a great honour to have been selected by the IMU General Assembly to host the General Assembly 2030 in Dublin, and the ICM 2030 in Glasgow. This brings a generational opportunity to game-change the profile of mathematics in the UK, Ireland and beyond, and to welcome mathematicians from all over the world to collaborate in 2030.“We are particularly proud that our message that People Make Mathematics resonated with the delegates, and that they shared our vision that international collaboration can be fostered in a compact city, where many informal interactions can occur. We passionately believe Glasgow and the SEC will be the ideal congress venue, with its warm and friendly atmosphere, and its values emphasising the importance of people and collaboration."Aileen Crawford, Head of Tourism & Conventions at Glasgow Convention Bureau, Destination Glasgow, said: “Glasgow hosts more international conferences than any other UK city outside London, delivering over £200m in economic benefit from delegate spend annually. However, it's the beyond economic benefit that attracts prestigious academic meetings to our city, such as ICM 2030. Associations are keen to be connected in with the world-leading research from the city's academic institutions, such as the University of Glasgow, who led the bid with partners across the UK and further afield."

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Ready for Business CHS Manchester Unveils Exhibitor Line-up Featured post
Industry News02-09-26

Ready for Business CHS Manchester Unveils Exhibitor Line-up

2nd September 26, Manchester, UK: As event organisers continue to balance tighter budgets, evolving delegate expectations and the need to deliver more with less, CHS Manchester is bringing together an exhibitor line-up designed to help them do exactly that.The inaugural show will welcome an impressive mix of international hotel brands, iconic venues, destinations and specialist suppliers, giving visitors the opportunity to compare options, discover new ideas and build relationships with the people behind them.Global names including IHG Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Marriott Hotels UK, Meliá Hotels International, Treehouse Hotels and Dakota Hotels will be joined by renowned venues including Allianz Stadium, Magna, ODEON, The Jockey Club Venues and Renaissance at Kelham Hall.Meanwhile, destination partners including Destination Milton Keynes and West Midlands Growth Company will showcase their regions, while specialist organisations including Conference Works, Sterling Event Group, Bright Vision, Venues of Excellence, Axxiom Hospitality, Kingfisher Hospitality, RBH Hospitality Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, Legends and Mad Swans complete a line-up that reflects the breadth of today's events industry.Emma King, CEO of CHS Manchester, said: "There is a real energy coming from our visitor community ahead of CHSA Manchester this year. They have events to fulfil, they want to do business, and they’re coming to the show to get things done. I’m so pleased that we have the exhibitors, the people and the personalities to meet this demand, to fulfil some big expectations from planners, and create real momentum in the industry. It’s a great line-up.”Alongside the exhibition, visitors can also take advantage of a packed education programme and networking opportunities delivered with industry partners including NOWIE, beam, mia, SITE, Fast Forward 15 and Evolve, ensuring every conversation extends beyond the exhibition floor.

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GES Goes Live… from the AEO Conference - GES brings broadcast-style studio, original content and a new creative reveal to the AEO Conference Featured post
Industry News01-09-26

GES Goes Live… from the AEO Conference - GES brings broadcast-style studio, original content and a new creative reveal to the AEO Conference

1st September 26, UK: GES is launching a major creative activation at this year’s AEO Conference, designed to both celebrate and shine a light on the people, personalities and ideas shaping the exhibition industry.‘GES Live… from the AEO Conference’ will see GES create a fully functioning broadcast studio at the Vox, Birmingham, on 3 September, interviewing speakers, VIPs and industry leaders live from the heart of the event. The activation has been created in partnership with the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and underlines the brand’s support for both the conference and the wider industry.The studio will have the feel of a sporting broadcast, a place where the action comes back to the studio, conversations continue, and the people behind the event get their moment on screen. Interviews and reactions will be captured throughout the day, with selected content broadcast across GES and AEO social channels during the conference and more released in the days and weeks that follow.Anna Golden, Chief Executive, AEO, commented, “GES is a great partner to the AEO and have really embraced what the conference is about this year. GES Live will give us another way to celebrate the brilliant people and thinking within our industry, while creating content that can take those conversations beyond the day. It’s a fantastic example of a partner bringing its ideas and expertise to the event and making the experience richer as a result. We can’t wait to see the studio go live.”GES Live GES Live has been created using VICO, one of the four designs within The Edit, GES's curated range of premium stand concepts launched last year. Designed to offer exhibitors a more considered, design-led presence, VICO has been reimagined for the AEO Conference as a live broadcast studio and content hub, extending its role beyond the exhibition floor to become a platform for content, conversation and industry insight.Penny Banks, Creative Director at GES, said: "We're incredibly proud to support the AEO Conference, not just through sponsorship, but by actively contributing to the event experience itself. The exhibition industry is built on great people, great ideasand great conversations, and GES Live is our way of helping bring those moments to life to share them with a wider audience. Using VICO as the foundation for the studio felt like a natural fit. It's a great example of how thoughtful design can be adapted to serve a completely different purpose.”GES are also planning one more reveal for the day too, with conference attendees the first to get a sneak peek at a new creative identity ahead of its wider launch post-event.GES Live… from the AEO Conference will broadcast from the Vox, Birmingham, throughout the AEO Conference on 3 September 2026.

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London Hilton on Park Lane Reports Growing Shift as Event Formats Blur Featured post
Industry News01-09-26

London Hilton on Park Lane Reports Growing Shift as Event Formats Blur

1st September 26, London, UK: The days of conferences, networking receptions and gala dinners existing as separate event formats are beginning to fade, as organisers increasingly combine elements of each into a single programme.The trend is particularly evident among returning clients. Around 40% of repeat bookings at London Hilton on Park Lane have evolved beyond their original format, incorporating new culinary concepts, entertainment or production elements to refresh the delegate experience.Aaron Testo, director of groups, conferences & events at London Hilton on Park Lane, said: "Challenging the status quo of a conference, awards dinner or networking event has become a major focus for many of our clients."We're seeing a move towards events that achieve several objectives in one programme, rather than hosting multiple events with individual goals. Clients want delegates to learn, connect, celebrate and build relationships during the same event. That naturally creates a blurring of traditional event formats."The shift is also influencing how organisers approach catering and networking, with food increasingly viewed as a way to bring people together rather than simply provide refreshments."The more engaging and creative a networking opportunity is, the stronger the turnout and the longer people stay," Aaron said. "That's increasingly what our clients are trying to achieve."We're seeing growing demand for interactive food concepts and more social styles of dining because they naturally encourage movement, conversation and connection. It's often where the best conversations happen."Aaron adds that organisers are looking for ways to evolve traditional formats without losing the sense of occasion that makes face-to-face events memorable."People still value moments that feel special, whether that's an awards ceremony, conference or client event," he said. "But they also want those moments to feel more social, immersive and memorable."The most successful experiences aren't built around entertainment or catering for their own sake. Every element should have a purpose. Whether it's live chef stations, personalised food experiences inspired by the destination or interactive entertainment, they should all help people connect, collaborate and leave with something worth talking about."Ultimately, organisers aren't trying to reinvent conferences or awards dinners. They're looking at how every part of an event can contribute to the overall experience and help people get more from being there."

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Hilton Birmingham Metropole Celebrates 50 Years with Immersive Showcase Featured post
Industry News28-08-26

Hilton Birmingham Metropole Celebrates 50 Years with Immersive Showcase

August 2026: Hilton Birmingham Metropole marked its 50th anniversary in spectacular style last night, welcoming event buyers, agencies and industry partners for an immersive celebration that showcased the hotel's creativity and vision for the future of events.Guests were invited on a journey through the venue, experiencing transformed event spaces, guided site visits, live entertainment, innovative production and an evening of celebration that demonstrated the scale and versatility of the UK's largest conference hotel outside London. With a theme of “A Merry Un-Birthday”, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Hilton Birmingham Metropole was transformed into a whimsical wonderland.The milestone allowed the Hilton Birmingham Metropole team to demonstrate its new Strategic Event Partner Programme, which brings together a carefully selected network of trusted event specialists to provide clients with a seamless, fully integrated event delivery experience.The programme formalises long-standing relationships with four specialist suppliers:· Eventologists - creative event design and production specialists· Protec - technical production and audiovisual experts· Apollo Music - bespoke music and entertainment solutions· Showstoppers Entertainment - live entertainment and performance experiencesTogether, these partners transformed the hotel for one unforgettable evening, demonstrating how collaboration and creative excellence can elevate every stage of the delegate journey.Nicola Betley, Area general manager, Hilton Birmingham Metropole, said:"Our 50th anniversary was about much more than celebrating our history, it was about showcasing what's possible when great people come together with a shared ambition to create unforgettable experiences. Seeing the vision brought to life with our incredible partners was a fitting way to celebrate this milestone. These partnerships represent years of collaboration and trust. By bringing together specialists who know our venue, our team and our clients, we're making event planning simpler while giving organisers access to some of the very best creative and production expertise in the industry."The evening highlighted Hilton Birmingham Metropole's continued commitment to innovation, partnership and customer experience, while celebrating the people and relationships that have shaped the venue over the past five decades.

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Marketing leaders with global exhibitions pedigree launch new consultancy Featured post
Industry News25-08-26

Marketing leaders with global exhibitions pedigree launch new consultancy

Plus Ultra Marketing draws on 30 years' combined experience, including senior roles at global exhibitions leader GES, to help event suppliers unlock commercial growth.Coventry, UK - August 2026: David and Michelle Lane, a husband-and-wife team with senior marketing backgrounds in the global exhibitions industry, have launched Plus Ultra Marketing, a consultancy dedicated to helping suppliers in the exhibitions and events industry find and act on their biggest growth opportunities.The pair bring more than 30 years of combined marketing experience across supplier, organiser and venue businesses, giving them first-hand understanding of how event products and services are positioned, marketed, evaluated and bought."The event supply chain is full of brilliant businesses," said David Lane, co-founder of Plus Ultra Marketing. "They know their craft inside out, but knowing where to focus limited time, budget and resources can be difficult. More marketing activity isn't always the answer. The opportunity might be a proposition that isn't landing, leads getting lost between marketing and sales, or something valuable within the business that hasn't been properly explored. Our job is to find where marketing can make the biggest commercial difference, develop the right response and give the business a practical way to move it forward."Plus Ultra structures its work around focused 90-day engagements, each concentrating on the single commercial challenge or opportunity with the greatest potential impact, whether that's sharpening a proposition, building a go-to-market or lead-generation strategy, improving the customer journey, strengthening the marketing-to-sales handoff, mapping a commercial process, or identifying opportunities for automation.Each engagement turns the strategy into implementation-ready plans, frameworks, briefs, templates and tools that clients can put into action using their own teams, external specialists or AI tools, giving them the flexibility to deliver in the way that best fits their skills, capacity and budget."Businesses often know there's more opportunity there, but they don't always know where to focus first - that’s where we add value," said Michelle Lane, co-founder of Plus Ultra Marketing. "We bring an experienced outside perspective, identify what is most likely to make a meaningful difference, and turn that into something practical. The aim is to give clients clarity about what to do next, why it matters, and a clear structure for moving it forward."Beyond the initial 90-day engagement, Plus Ultra can continue to support clients as a strategic adviser - reviewing progress, testing assumptions, and helping determine where attention should move next.Plus Ultra Marketing is now working with event suppliers and other growing organisations looking to sharpen their positioning, improve commercial performance and make more of the opportunities already in front of them. The consultancy has already been engaged by its first client, a full-service contracting business in the exhibitions sector

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Play The Bluey Way launches in Bristol with new Bluey mural and family celebration
20-09-26 Play The Bluey Way launches in Bristol with new Bluey mural and family celebration

Saturday 19 September, Bristol – This afternoon, families - including celebrities, journalists and content creators - gathered at We The Curious for the special Play The Bluey Way event. The family activation was held as part of an international campaign celebrating the power of play and the joy of connection inspired by iconic Bluey moments.The event marked the arrival of a very special Bluey mural painted by a team of talented local artists. Special guests attended the event, which also welcomed local families and fans to enjoy the experience, with the Bluey costume character delighting visitors throughout the afternoon with her appearances. Among those in attendance were British fashion model Daisy Lowe and her family, along with content creators such as Amy Bell, Fabien and Ellen Beddard (Fab and Ell), Nick and Craig Ford (Two Men and a Lady), Jessica and Dom Lever, and Laura Louise.Taking part in the ambitious project were artists Phoebe Tonkin, Tanith Gould, Alice Humphreys, Joe's Murals and Nina Raines, curated and managed by Bristol-based public art producer Art Sync. The five connected towers, which together form a single Bluey mural, transformed Millennium Square into a colourful celebration of play, creating a unique public installation that families and visitors can enjoy throughout the coming weeks.Azul Amos, Co-Founder at Art Sync, said: “This mural has provided a fantastic opportunity for our team of Bristol creatives. It’s exciting to see BBC Studios embrace this art form and really immerse themselves in Bristol’s creative culture. The scale and timeframe made this a uniquely rewarding experience. I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve put together, and a little sad to see this project come to an end.”With artwork created by Bluey producer Ludo Studio, the mural is inspired by the beloved episode The Creek. The artwork was painted by the five local artists in a studio before being finalised and assembled in Millennium Square, with each painted tower measuring approximately 6.1 metres.The special UK event created a joyful atmosphere for attendees, who experienced first-hand the excitement and meaningful connections that Bluey inspires among families around the world.Another fan-favourite activity enjoyed by guests was crafting and sailing their own Barky Boats in the fountains, inspired by the fan-favourite episode.As part of an ongoing partnership with We The Curious, families and fans will still have the chance to see the mural and take a photo alongside the artwork in Millennium Square for six weeks, until the end of October 2026. During that period, Bluey activities will be available inside We The Curious, helping families continue the fun during October half-term. Bluey merchandise is also available in the shop, including colouring books, stickers and some arts and crafts fun!The activity in Bristol was part of the global Play The Bluey Way campaign launched by BBC Studios, which encourages families everywhere to embrace more play, connection and fun in their everyday lives. The Bristol mural is one of a series appearing in locations around the world, including Brisbane, São Paulo and the Washington D.C. area, each inspired by iconic Bluey moments of play.Additionally, families can discover even more ways to Play The Bluey Way via a dedicated hub on Bluey.tv, featuring downloadable activities, games, play inspiration, campaign updates and interactive experiences. Launching later this month, the hub will also include a personalised quiz that explores each family’s unique play habits, with surprises from favourite episodes, game recommendations and shareable play personalities.Barky Boats, The Creek and more Bluey episodes are available to watch on Disney+, CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. The Bluey feature film will be released in cinemas on 6 August 2027.

14-09-26 “We’ve Built a Multi-Billion-Pound Industry Full of People Who Fell Into It”

14th September 26, Newcastle, UK: The events industry needs to do more to turn itself into a visible career choice for the next generation, according to Event Industry News podcast host James Dickson, speaking in the opening episode of the new Talking People with Paul Borg podcast.Dickson joins Paul Borg, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Newcastle, for the first episode of the series when it drops this week (16th September). The series aims to put the people behind events and hospitality at the centre of the conversation.Having interviewed hundreds of event professionals during more than a decade hosting the Event Industry News podcast, James reflects on his own unconventional route into events and a challenge that continues to face the sector. “We’ve built a multi-billion-pound industry, that is built largely from people who have fallen into (it) by accident,” he says.For James, the opportunity is to identify relevant skills much earlier and show young people that events can provide a deliberate career pathway rather than something they discover later in life.He points to young gamers as an example. Many already understand PCs, graphics cards, cameras, live streaming and switching between feeds, without necessarily recognising that those skills could translate directly into careers in event AV and video production. “All the skills are there,” James tells Paul. “Imagine what could happen if we could identify those young people and give them some additional training at a young age.”The conversation also turns to AI and its implications for employment. Here, James shares the example of a global events agency that has recruited a senior employee specifically to oversee the rollout and application of AI, suggesting that the technology could create new professions as well as change existing ones.For Paul Borg, these are the conversations Talking People has been created to uncover. The new series looks beyond job titles and businesses to explore careers, experiences and ideas through the people working across events and hospitality.Episode One sets the tone with a conversation spanning career pathways, technology, AI and the changing skills the industry needs. Appropriately for an opening episode about an industry many people enter unexpectedly, Dickson admits that his own podcast career began almost by accident too. More than a decade and hundreds of conversations later, it has given him a particularly broad view of the people who make the industry tick.

14-09-26 CHS Manchester Hosted Buyer Programme Passes 92% Capacity

14th September 26, Manchester, UK: CHS Manchester has confirmed that its Hosted Buyer Programme is now more than 92% full, with organisers encouraging event professionals to apply as soon as possible, with the programme approaching capacity and with the show debuting later this month.Taking place at the AO Arena on 30 September, the event will bring together event organisers, venues, destinations and suppliers for a day of meetings, education and networking, supported by a wider programme of activity across the city. For hosted buyers, the experience begins well before the show opens. Guests will be welcomed into Manchester the evening before, with the official welcome reception, “Manchester Calling’ at Manchester Central, providing the first opportunity to meet, connect and settle into the city.Hosted buyers will also stay at some of Manchester’s leading hotels, with the city’s hospitality community playing its part in looking after guests throughout their stay.At the show itself, visitors will have access to a schedule of pre-arranged meetings alongside the exhibition, networking and a packed conference and education programme. Beyond the AO Arena, the ever expanding CHS Manchester Fringe Programme will add further events and experiences around the city.Emma King, CEO, CHS Manchester, commented: “We’re delighted with the response to the Hosted Buyer Programme. It’s a terrific programme of value for our guests and a chance to get business done, while having Manchester open to them. We really want to give everyone the chance to get on the programme, and to help us manage the numbers, we’re asking visitors not to leave it too late.The Hosted Buyer Programme forms part of CHS Manchester’s wider approach to creating a productive but highly sociable environment for event professionals. With busy diaries awaiting buyers on 30 September, the programme is designed to make the rest of their experience as seamless, and enjoyable, as possible.Applications for the remaining Hosted Buyer places are now open.

09-09-26 Crowne Plaza Newcastle Launches ‘Talking People with Paul Borg’ Podcast

9th September 26, UK: The Crowne Plaza Newcastle will launch a new event industry podcast this month, with the hotel looking to underline its commitment to people, from every part of the industry and to share their stories and lived experiences.Talking People with Paul Borg, hosted by the hotel’s General Manager, will launch its first episode on 16 September, beginning a six-part series of conversations with some of the most well known people in the industry, as well as some secret rising stars.The podcast brings together leaders, creatives, educators, media and emerging talent to explore the different personalities and skills that make events happen, as well as some of the bigger questions facing the people within the industry.Guests across the first series include Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio; James Dickson of Event Industry News; Lucy Nicholls, Founder and Creative Director of The PS Events Group; Serkan Uzunogullari from the University of Sunderland; and Crowne Plaza Newcastle’s own Ben Wilson, just starting out in a career in hospitality.The subjects range from leadership, culture and career progression to creativity, education and the expectations of the next generation. The series also looks at the growing influence of AI and technology and what that means for the human skills, personalities and relationships on which the events industry has traditionally been built.“We all say we care about people. Of course we do. But I wanted us to do something that demonstrates that commitment rather than just talking about it,” said Paul Borg, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Newcastle. “At the same time, we get to hear stories from some really exceptional people in a relaxed and informative way.”“This isn't a podcast telling everyone how great our people are. It's about being curious about others. What makes someone brilliant in this industry? How do we find and nurture creative talent? What does the next generation expect from us? How do you build a career? And, as technology becomes more influential, which of those very human qualities become even more important?The launch forms part of a wider change in tone at Crowne Plaza Newcastle, with the hotel also unveiling a new meetings and events film, Your Newcastle. Your Way.The film captures a new lease of life and a new direction the hotel is enjoying under Paul’s leadership, as well as the pace and personality of the hotel through its people. The film focuses on the everyday behaviours that make a difference to organisers: answering quickly, being flexible, taking ownership and understanding how an event should feel as well as how it should function.Paul continues, “There is a new energy here and we wanted to find better ways of showing it. The podcast and the film are very different pieces of content, but the thinking behind them is actually very similar. It feels like the right time to be a little more confident about who we are, how we work and what we want Crowne Plaza Newcastle to stand for.”The first episode of Talking People with Paul Borg will be released on 16 September 2026, with further episodes released as part of the six-part series.

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