Meet In Wales has announced the next evolution of its Sector Strategy campaigns, this time focusing on the destination’s creative industries. The digital content campaign which showcases feedback from the producers, directors, production designers and actors behind HBO’s global TV sensation Game of Thrones’, prequel House of the Dragon, highlights the destination's strengths for business events. It also narrates the journey of conference ambassadors within the creative industries, covering areas such as advertising, media, broadcast production, esports, and gaming.
Supported by Creative Wales, HBO, the network behind the series has now released the much- anticipated second season of House of the Dragon, using North Wales as a key location and underlining the destination’s natural landscapes, its affinity with storytelling, and its strong links to the wider international creative and media industries.
Meet In Wales is capitalising on Creative Wales’ support for the production through its Sector Strategy, showcasing the destination’s national ambassador program, one of few countrywide initiatives of its type, and the significance of conference ambassadors in the creative sector. Equally, the destination is using the campaign to highlight the unique settings and landscapes that business event organisers can make the most of while in Wales.
The initiative also follows on from Meet In Wales recent focus on the esports and gaming industries, and once again shows Wales as not only a highly-connected destination, but one with an increasingly global reach, on the biggest stage. Maintaining a positive relationship with HBO cast members has been a rewarding experience and cast members including Eve Best (Princess Rhaenys Targaryen), Emma D’Arcy (Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen), Freddie Fox (Gwayne Hightower), and local favourite Rhys Ifans (Ser Otto Hightower), have all shared their thoughts on working in Wales and the strengths of the destination.
In addition to boosting the local economy with over 250 local people employed to work as crew members, the campaign also hears from Executive Producers, Directors, Production Designers, and Screenwriters including, Loni Peristere (Executive Producer / Director), Alan Taylor (Executive Producer / Director), Geeta Vasant Patel (Co-Executive Producer / Director), Jim Clay (Production Designer), and Ryan Condal (Executive Producer / Showrunner / Writer), all of whom bring to life how the natural landscapes of Wales contributed to the final production of the show.
Speaking at the time of production, Kevin de la Noy, Executive producer, said: “It was great to be shooting in Wales with its stunning scenery and landscapes that bring to life our Westeros. I had no hesitation in taking House of the Dragon there, as we knew the support from Government and the local populous would help us achieve remarkable footage, and we were blessed with the most glorious weather too. Thank you, Wales!”
Wales’ core sectors strategy consists of; Renewables, Life Sciences, FinTech, Creative, Cyber Security & Compound Semi-Conductors, Food & Drink, High Value Manufacturing, and Tourism.
Meet In Wales has announced the next evolution of its Sector Strategy campaigns, this time focusing on the destination’s creative industries. The digital content campaign which showcases feedback from the producers, directors, production designers and actors behind HBO’s global TV sensation Game of Thrones’, prequel House of the Dragon, highlights the destination's strengths for business events. It also narrates the journey of conference ambassadors within the creative industries, covering areas such as advertising, media, broadcast production, esports, and gaming. Supported by Creative Wales, HBO, the network behind the series has now released the much- anticipated second season of House of the Dragon, using North Wales as a key location and underlining the destination’s natural landscapes, its affinity with storytelling, and its strong links to the wider international creative and media industries. Meet In Wales is capitalising on Creative Wales’ support for the production through its Sector Strategy, showcasing the destination’s national ambassador program, one of few countrywide initiatives of its type, and the significance of conference ambassadors in the creative sector. Equally, the destination is using the campaign to highlight the unique settings and landscapes that business event organisers can make the most of while in Wales. The initiative also follows on from Meet In Wales recent focus on the esports and gaming industries, and once again shows Wales as not only a highly-connected destination, but one with an increasingly global reach, on the biggest stage. Maintaining a positive relationship with HBO cast members has been a rewarding experience and cast members including Eve Best (Princess Rhaenys Targaryen), Emma D’Arcy (Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen), Freddie Fox (Gwayne Hightower), and local favourite Rhys Ifans (Ser Otto Hightower), have all shared their thoughts on working in Wales and the strengths of the destination. In addition to boosting the local economy with over 250 local people employed to work as crew members, the campaign also hears from Executive Producers, Directors, Production Designers, and Screenwriters including, Loni Peristere (Executive Producer / Director), Alan Taylor (Executive Producer / Director), Geeta Vasant Patel (Co-Executive Producer / Director), Jim Clay (Production Designer), and Ryan Condal (Executive Producer / Showrunner / Writer), all of whom bring to life how the natural landscapes of Wales contributed to the final production of the show. Speaking at the time of production, Kevin de la Noy, Executive producer, said: “It was great to be shooting in Wales with its stunning scenery and landscapes that bring to life our Westeros. I had no hesitation in taking House of the Dragon there, as we knew the support from Government and the local populous would help us achieve remarkable footage, and we were blessed with the most glorious weather too. Thank you, Wales!” Wales’ core sectors strategy consists of; Renewables, Life Sciences, FinTech, Creative, Cyber Security & Compound Semi-Conductors, Food & Drink, High Value Manufacturing, and Tourism.
Meet In Wales has announced the next evolution of its Sector Strategy campaigns, this time focusing on the destination’s creative industries. The digital content campaign which showcases feedback from the producers, directors, production designers and actors behind HBO’s global TV sensation Game of Thrones’, prequel House of the Dragon, highlights the destination's strengths for business events. It also narrates the journey of conference ambassadors within the creative industries, covering areas such as advertising, media, broadcast production, esports, and gaming. Supported by Creative Wales, HBO, the network behind the series has now released the much- anticipated second season of House of the Dragon, using North Wales as a key location and underlining the destination’s natural landscapes, its affinity with storytelling, and its strong links to the wider international creative and media industries. Meet In Wales is capitalising on Creative Wales’ support for the production through its Sector Strategy, showcasing the destination’s national ambassador program, one of few countrywide initiatives of its type, and the significance of conference ambassadors in the creative sector. Equally, the destination is using the campaign to highlight the unique settings and landscapes that business event organisers can make the most of while in Wales. The initiative also follows on from Meet In Wales recent focus on the esports and gaming industries, and once again shows Wales as not only a highly-connected destination, but one with an increasingly global reach, on the biggest stage. Maintaining a positive relationship with HBO cast members has been a rewarding experience and cast members including Eve Best (Princess Rhaenys Targaryen), Emma D’Arcy (Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen), Freddie Fox (Gwayne Hightower), and local favourite Rhys Ifans (Ser Otto Hightower), have all shared their thoughts on working in Wales and the strengths of the destination. In addition to boosting the local economy with over 250 local people employed to work as crew members, the campaign also hears from Executive Producers, Directors, Production Designers, and Screenwriters including, Loni Peristere (Executive Producer / Director), Alan Taylor (Executive Producer / Director), Geeta Vasant Patel (Co-Executive Producer / Director), Jim Clay (Production Designer), and Ryan Condal (Executive Producer / Showrunner / Writer), all of whom bring to life how the natural landscapes of Wales contributed to the final production of the show. Speaking at the time of production, Kevin de la Noy, Executive producer, said: “It was great to be shooting in Wales with its stunning scenery and landscapes that bring to life our Westeros. I had no hesitation in taking House of the Dragon there, as we knew the support from Government and the local populous would help us achieve remarkable footage, and we were blessed with the most glorious weather too. Thank you, Wales!” Wales’ core sectors strategy consists of; Renewables, Life Sciences, FinTech, Creative, Cyber Security & Compound Semi-Conductors, Food & Drink, High Value Manufacturing, and Tourism.
Destination Emirates Old Trafford has relaunched its Players and Media Centre to further strengthen support for conferences and events held at the venue. The centre, which originally opened in 2012, has seen an increase in use by planners looking to take advantage of its event spaces, on-site studio, and broadcasting capabilities.
The Players and Media Centre relaunch will see the facility more closely integrated into the venue’s meetings and events product, meaning it can be used as an add on to existing events, or as a space in its own right. Within the centre organisers have access to the Lancashire TV Studio, Press Gallery, Players’ Lounge, Sensory Room, and the outside Eco Terrance.
Within the Lancashire TV Studio space, planners can take advantage of a four-camera set up, with a furnished studio including sofas for interviews, all sat in front of the iconic backdrop of the Emirates Old Trafford ground. The studio – which is equipped with lighting and broadcast-quality microphones – acts as a blank canvas and can be designed to match a client’s branding, as well with the opportunity to customise on-screen content.
The Players & Media Centre already broadcasts around the world through its hosting of international and domestic cricket, throughout the summer. The centre is set up with satellite connectivity allowing international streaming of events, filming of pre promotional conference content and trailers, as well as during and post event interviews, and to fuel social and marketing content.
The use of the studio at Destination Emirates Old Trafford can be packaged into the hire of the centre, adding even more reach to hybrid conferences. It is also available for those looking to record and film podcasts and TV shows.
“The vision of Destination Old Trafford is to add as much value to conferences and events as possible,” commented Angela Hodson, Sales Director, Emirates Old Trafford. “We have seen a steady increase in streamed and broadcasted events, and more and more of our clients want to build in a media and content aspect. It’s a natural step to offer these as part of a specific package that gives them a professional service built on our own experience in international sport.”
Event professionals across Birmingham and the West Midlands are preparing to welcome CHS Birmingham as the industry recognises the impact of Birmingham on the UK, and international, event industry, while celebrating the fourth outing of the show in the city.
Strategic Brand Partner, Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau and Founding Partner, ICC Birmingham, have been instrumental in the show’s growth since its inception in 2021, and have seen the event flourish in the region with more new exhibitors and buyers attending than ever before.
Steve Knight, Senior Business Tourism Manager at West Midlands Growth Company, commented, “We look forward to welcoming delegates to the fourth edition of CHS Birmingham. The event will provide another valuable opportunity to bring event organisers to the West Midlands to meet with our venues and destinations and experience first-hand why the region is at the forefront of the UK’s business events sector.
Steve continued, “Whether it’s political conferences, pioneering medical exhibitions or professional sports meetings, the West Midlands is a proud host with a proven track record of putting on successful events. This region is accessible, creative and welcoming, with world-class facilities and exciting new developments – this is an important exhibition in our conferencing calendar, and we can’t wait to tell our story to CHS Birmingham delegates, encouraging them to consider the West Midlands when placing their next event.”
Meanwhile, Andy Gibb, Managing Director for Conventions at the NEC Group, said: "We're so pleased to be hosting CHS at ICC Birmingham again. This is the fourth year CHS Birmingham will be hosted at the venue and it's a testament to the whole city. We look forward to welcoming fellow event industry professionals far and wide to showcase what Birmingham has to offer."
Commenting on the show’s unique partnership with the city, Lou Hindley, Commercial Director, CHS Birmingham, added: “Birmingham is a unique city in the UK’s events industry, and has been the centre point of international events for decades. It has fantastic venues and hotels, creative agencies, suppliers and partners. It’s no wonder we’ve always felt so welcome in the city, and we are so grateful for the support of everyone in the industry across Birmingham and the West Midlands. We can’t wait to be back on the 29th October.”
CHS Birmingham opens its doors 29th October at ICC Birmingham, with the Welcome Reception taking place the evening before at IET Birmingham: Austin Court.
Georgina Porter (Georgie) has joined Lime Venue Portfolio as Business Development Manager as the brand reports another positive trading year and continues to service increasing volumes of enquiries.
The appointment of Georgie is part of the brand’s strategy to continue to work hand in hand with event agencies, offering them vast venue options both in terms of geographically and venue type, within the portfolio This, alongside great service and expertise in all areas of the sector, creates mutual value for both agents and the portfolio’s venues.
The Lime Venue Portfolio Agency Partner Programme and Agency Development Programme have seen significant growth over the last 12 months. The programmes are supported by an award-winning central sales hub, servicing agency partner enquiries, quickly, efficiently, and accurately. With Georgie’s appointment, the brand can expand the reach of the programme and increase face-to-face contact with acute understanding of agency businesses.
Georgie brings with her a wealth of experience working across venue brands within the meetings and events market, but specifically in supporting event agencies and their clients. In that time, she has built a strong network and a fine reputation for supporting customers. As part of her role Georgie will work with partners to further support the strategy, giving additional support to Lime Venue Portfolio customers from an account management perspective.
“We love Georgie, and she has a great reputation in the UK meetings market,” commented Jo Austin, Sales Director, Lime Venue Portfolio. “She’s got a brilliant network, she’s well known, and she has loads of experience working directly with event agencies. It means she can be a consultant as well as a salesperson and underlines our aim to support our customers, and to bring more value to them on top of our venue brands.”
“Ask any meeting planner, and at venue search stage, their main requirement is about being quick, accurate, and getting the detail right when it comes to venue enquiries. At Lime Venue Portfolio I know we do this exceptionally well; however, we also provide knowledge, data, and intelligence that helps them upskill and develop even better meetings and events,” comments Georgie. “It’s been brilliant to see how collaborative the LVP team are with our clients, from training to information sharing, campaigns like neurodiversity to Meetings for Change, the Meeting Room of the Future and wellbeing. As a business development manager, you want to help your clients, Lime Venue Portfolio gives you the tools you need to do so.”
The event industry is set to convene at the ICC Birmingham next week with the organisers of CHS Birmingham expecting one of its most successful shows in the event's short history, in terms of productivity and experience.
The show, which is themed ‘How to be an Event Organiser’, but also follows the broader branding of ‘Growth’ from CHS Birmingham, will underline just how important industry exhibitions are in injecting positive momentum, as well as servicing the ever-increasing demand for face-to-face events.
According to Lou Hindley, the show’s Commercial Director, the momentum ahead of this year’s show has never been higher, “Our buyers really want to have a productive and enjoyable experience with us. Many of them will arrive with enquiries and ideas in hand but they also want to leave, inspired, educated and happy.”
“The real challenge for us is to balance this incredible appetite from our buyers, with giving them the chance to see our educational programmes, take some relaxed time to network with their industry colleagues as well as meeting with our exhibitors,” continues Lou. “As usual we’ll have our lunch and networking breaks, we’ll have our Welcome Reception the night before, and we’ll try to make time for relaxed and informal business. There is a real energy coming into the show from both our buyers and exhibitors which we are really excited about”.
CHS Birmingham 24 will be the fourth outing in the city from CHS and follows a similarly successful event in Leeds earlier this year. The show continues to provide the balance between buyer and exhibitor care and experience, whilst creating productive and inspiring business environments.
CHS Birmingham opens its doors on 29th October at ICC Birmingham, with the Welcome Reception on the evening of 28th October taking place at IET Birmingham: Austin Court.