Twickenham Pitchside Tent To Return for Summer Corporate Hospitality and Events

Following overwhelming feedback from attendees, CHS Birmingham is tackling the subject of AI throughout its return to Birmingham later this year, 28^th October, the 5^th time it brings the industry together in the city.

AI continues to dominate industry dialogue with CHS’s research indicating uncertainty and fear amongst event professionals. This year however, the show has launched a bold new theme: “You + AI – Hype, Hope, or Headache?”, promising conversation, positivity, and honesty.

In a world where long term business planning feels impossible, and professionals are wondering if a chatbot can do their job better (or cheaper), CHS Birmingham is creating space for real conversation – led not by tech companies or futurists, but by the events community itself.

The show has become one of the industry’s best loved gatherings, known for its human-first approach, its famously generous hosted buyer programme, and an education track that entertains, informs, invigorates and nourishes its guests.

“The feedback we’re getting from our community is one of massive opportunity, underpinned with a feeling of insecurity and general jittery-ness right now,” said Emma King, Founder and CEO, CHS Birmingham. “Everyone’s talking about AI, but not everybody has worked out what it means for them. Anything from The Terminator, to being replaced by a bot, or just having a sweet little digital secretary saving them hours of spreadsheet hell. This year we’re not just going to talk about it – we’re going to poke it, question it, and learn from it. That’s the CHS way.”

The educational programme will underscore the wider discussion taking place across the show, exploring the impact of AI in the most CHS way possible: direct, practical, entertaining, and relevant. Highlights will Include:

• Hacks & Apps: A high-speed download of every app, plug-in, and tool that might just save your job (or at least your Monday morning). No gatekeeping, no waffle – just good tech.
• Human vs Machine: The Debate: One mic. Two sides. Can humans really outthink the machines, or have we already handed over the keys?
• Town Hall: The Questions: A proper heart-to-heart with the experts. Bring your anxiety, bring your confusion, and bring your voice – everyone gets a say.
• Security, Regulation, and Legislation: OK, not the sexiest bit. But if you’re planning events with data, delegates, and digital tools, you’ll want to know what you’re legally responsible for. Spoiler: it’s quite a lot.
• Town Hall: The Answers: The experts return, armed with useful info and actual answers to the questions raised earlier. No fluff, no sidesteps, just clarity.

In the meantime, while AI might be the headline, CHS remains a marketplace where business gets done. With a high-class lineup of exhibitors, a beautiful and curated show floor, and a warm, supportive community vibe, CHS Birmingham continues to deliver for event professionals who need to build better, faster, and smarter events.

“This is our industry’s moment to not pretend we’ve got it all figured out and start figuring it out together,” Emma concluded. “CHS Birmingham is where that starts, it’s what events are all about.”

CHS Birmingham takes place at ICC Birmingham, 28^th October 25. For more information, visit: https://hello-chs.com/birmingham/.

Lime Venue Portfolio is set to release the third and final edition of its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Event Planning Guide series, with the ‘G’ Guide making its debut at The Meetings Show.

The comprehensive guides, released over the past year, address each element of ESG, offering practical frameworks for member venues and event organisers. The ‘E’ (Environmental) Guide was launched in November at the Event Sustainability Live, followed by the ‘S’ (Social) Guide at International Confex. Together, these resources form part of Lime Venue Portfolio’s wider commitment to advancing sustainability, social value, and long-term event legacies across the sector.

As part of this campaign, Lime Venue Portfolio will host its signature Roundtable sessions with event agency leaders at The Meetings Show, which runs from 25-26 June. A key highlight will be the ‘Governance: The Final Frontier in ESG’ session, which will delve into themes from the guide and discuss how the industry can demonstrate genuine progress through governance tools such as auditing, reporting, and compliance.

Jo Austin, Conference & Event Sustainability Lead at Compass UK&I and Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio, commented: “This series is about equipping organisers with tangible tools – from food waste reduction templates to guidance on communicating sustainability achievements. We believe these guides can drive real change across the events landscape.”

Delegates at The Meetings Show will be among the first to access the ‘G’ Guide and speak with Lime Venue Portfolio’s team about the complete ESG series. Following the event, the guide will also be available for public download via the content hub at www.limevenueportfolio.com.

The crew of Coastal Cruises Poole vessel Fortuna sprang into action today when two paddleboarders got into difficulty in the fast-moving waters of the Swash Channel, just outside Poole Harbour.

The incident occurred during the Poole – Swanage Jurassic Coast Cruise when Fortuna’s captain spotted the individuals struggling to stay afloat and clearly in distress. Responding without hesitation, the vessel’s crew coordinated swiftly with Solent Coastguard to initiate a rescue.

Thanks to the quick-thinking and professional conduct of Captain Jamie Moysey, Crew Luke Johnson, and Chris Furniss, both paddleboarders were brought safely onboard Fortuna and returned to shore unharmed.

“This is a perfect example of the high level of vigilance and seamanship our crews maintain at all times,” said Carol Scott, Managing Director at Coastal Cruises Poole. “We are extremely proud of Jamie, Luke, and Chris for their calm, capable handling of what could have been a very serious situation.”

This event underscores the vital role that commercial passenger vessels and trained crews can play in supporting marine safety in busy harbour areas.