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Following overwhelming feedback from attendees, CHS Birmingham is tackling the subject of AI throughout its return to Birmingham later this year, 28th October, the 5th 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, 28th 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.

Hilton Cambridge City Centre’s head chef, Ermal Cani has been crowned one of the winners of the Passion For Plating 2025 Aviko MasterChef competition, showcasing extraordinary culinary creativity and skill in one of the industry's most prestigious events.Originally from Albania, chef Ermal discovered his passion for cooking after moving to the UK in 2000, transforming a hobby into a career through dedication and experience. Having worked at renowned establishments such as Hilton Hotels and Marco Pierre White restaurants, he has built a reputation for innovation and excellence. Currently, he serves as the executive head chef at Bull & Bass Restaurant, located within Hilton Cambridge City Centre, where he leads a team of 17 culinary professionals. His expertise in Mediterranean, Asian, and fusion cuisines shinesthrough in every dish, combining the finest ingredients from land and sea to create bold, mouth-watering flavors. Bull & Bass offers a diverse à la carte menu, alongside seasonal specials and its signature monthly Friday Supper Clubs, featuring Tanzanian nights, Surf & Turf, and seasonal-themed experiences, all designed to bring exciting global flavors to the heart of Cambridge.Reflecting on his journey in the competition, chef Ermal highlighted the Dish Mystery Box challenge as his personal favourite. Given a selection of eight market ingredients, he crafted a charcoal-grilled cauliflower steak with a green peppercorn sauce, accompanied by vegan Aviko gratins. The challenge required instinctive creativity and quick thinking—qualities that define his approach to culinary artistry."Creating dishes that leave a lasting impression is what drives my passion for cooking. Seeing guests enjoy and appreciate the flavours I put together is the most rewarding part of the job," said Ermal Cani, head chef, Hilton Cambridge City Centre.As part of his achievement, chef Ermal has been invited to Aviko HQ from October 14th to 16th, where he will tour their factory and gain deeper insights into their innovative food production. His remarkable success has also earned him an interview with Euronews Albania, further cementing his status as an emerging leader in the culinary industry.The Passion For Plating competition, held annually, celebrates chefs who push the boundaries of creativity and excellence in plating. With this prestigious win, chef Ermal continues to inspire the next generation of culinary artists while redefining the dining experience for his guests.Hilton Cambridge City Centre is part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount that can’t be found anywhere else and free standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

Hilton Cambridge City Centre is celebrating a remarkable achievement after securing two prestigious accolades at the SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards 2025.The hotel was honoured with the Gold Award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), recognising its exceptional commitment to responsible business practices and creating positive social and environmental impact. This award highlights organisations that prioritise sustainability, community engagement, and ethical operations—areas in which Hilton Cambridge City Centre has shown ongoing leadership.In addition, the hotel received the Silver Award for Hospitality Business of the Year, a category that celebrates hospitality organisations delivering consistently outstanding service, exceeding guest expectations, and building lasting customer relationships. The award spans across a range of hospitality businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and event companies.These accolades are a testament to the team’s dedication to excellence in both guest experience and corporate responsibility. Hilton Cambridge City Centre continues to set high standards in the region’s hospitality sector, and this recognition reflects the hard work and passion of the entire team.

Comedian and comedy writer Beth Sherman has shared her top tips for using humour in business to aid connection, persuasion and impact ahead of her appearance at The Meetings Show 2025. The 7-time Emmy-winning comedy writer will deliver a session Humorizing Business: Laughter As A Tool For Leadership at the UK’s leading platform for the meetings and events industry when it returns to Excel London on 25-26 June. Beth, a writer on the biggest shows in American comedy, including The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and Ellen, will also be available to ‘borrow’ as a member of the Human Library, a line-up of thought leaders, innovators and specialists who will hold 15 minute 1:1 conversations during the show, and hold a Hosted Buyer Masterclass for hosted buyers on 24 June. Humour isn’t traditionally associated with the corporate world, but Beth’s approach has proved popular with business since she started supplementing her work in entertainment with corporate speechwriting, editing and executive presentation coaching 10 years ago. “Clients started inviting me to speak to teams and conferences about how to use humour in the way they’d experienced it with me— by which I mean not simply for laughs, but for connection, persuasion, and impact,” she explains.Here, as an exclusive ‘warm up’ to her appearance at The Meetings Show, Beth Sherman shares her top tips for event professionals on how to inject humour into business events.Use humour for connection“I often frame humour as a love language, by which I mean a way to say things you couldn’t or wouldn’t say directly; a way to say things between the lines. In a high-stress industry like events, it’s a particularly useful way to tell clients and colleagues, ‘Even when things are bonkers, I keep my cool and I’m easy to work with.’ (I’ve found that standing up and declaring, ‘I’m easy to work with’ in the middle of a crisis tends not to communicate the right message.)”Be human – ask about the snacks! “Humour that resonates isn’t about jokes. It’s about truth. All we do as comedians is observe and report truth. The reason it works so well is because we attach that truth to the element of surprise. At a conference or networking event, when everyone’s having the same conversation over and over again, any deviation from, ‘Who do you work with?’ or ’Where are you based?’ will have the element of surprise. Genuinely asking, ‘Have you done any recon on the snacks?’ or shouting over too-loud music: ‘This is the perfect volume for conversation’, not only breaks the ice, it makes you human and encourages the other party to lower their guard a bit and be human as well.” It’s all about balance “I like to think of humour as seasoning. If you think of it like salt, sometimes it’s appropriate to use a lot – like movie theatre popcorn. But sometimes just a tiny bit is plenty. A few flakes of sea salt on chocolate is amazing. Too much is just weird. It’s all about balance. So, I would say that it’s not about right and wrong times, it’s about understanding why you’re using it and how much to use. Comedy devices like understatement, gently used, can be great for relieving tension.”Know when to move on… or apologiseIf no-one laughs at your joke, what do you do? “If it's an innocuous joke in a presentation, and didn’t offend, it just fell flat, I’d say keep moving and don’t bother acknowledging it. It’s not a big deal. Don’t make it one. But if you’ve said something that hurt people, own it and apologize. We all make mistakes. It’s how we handle them that matters.” Break the ice with an unusual question“One question that I love asking in workshops and masterclasses is ‘What’s the dumbest way you’ve injured yourself?’ Those stories are true, human, usually hilarious and always telling. The other day a woman volunteered that her husband’s dumbest injury happened when he jokingly tried to saw a frozen pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream in half because he didn’t trust her to keep her spoon out of his half. His effort resulted in twelve stitches and a very awkward drive to the hospital.”Listen to Beth Sherman on Stage Two at The Meetings Show on Thursday 26 June at 10:40am and ‘borrow’ her from the Human Library on both days of the show Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 June. The Meetings Show 2025 will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show. To find out more and register as a buyer, hosted buyer, or visitor, visit: themeetingsshow.com/register Free online registration for visitor buyers will close on 24 June. All onsite registrations will be charged at the ticket price of £999.

The Warwick, a new culinary destination at Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa in Leamington Spa, is set to launch this summer; Wednesday 18 June 2025. The restaurant marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel, combining refined British dining with a contemporary aesthetic. Led by award-winning chef Stu Deeley, The Warwick will offer a menu focused on bold, seasonal flavours — all served within the hotel’s historic setting.This launch marks a homecoming for Stu Deeley, who worked at Mallory Court and the Eden Hotel Collection early in his career. Originally from Birmingham, Stu gained national recognition after winning MasterChef: The Professionals in 2019, following years spent perfecting his cuisine in respected Midlands kitchens such as Simpsons, The Wilderness, and Mallory Court. He later became Chef Director at Hampton Manor Estate, where he founded the Michelin-recommended Smoke, earning praise for its ingredient-led and open-fire cooking. Beyond the kitchen, Stu is committed to nurturing young talent. He collaborates with the catering department at Halesowen College, where he once studied, and has launched the Stu Deeley Professional Chef Academy. Through the academy, he offers lessons and work placements to help students develop the skills needed for a successful career in professional kitchens.His menu truly showcases how the seasons dictate the dishes, with a strong focus on using produce that is in season and tastes as it should. He uses ingredients from the Mallory Court Kitchen Gardens, valuing its mature, year-round growing capabilities, carefully managed by a skilled team of gardeners. The five-course Taste of the Season menu is priced at £105, with the option of a three-course menu at £90. Each dish highlights his attention to detail and commitment to quality produce — from Cornish crab paired with Isle of Wight tomatoes, evoking the feeling of an Italian holiday, to his poussin with Asian influences and a Jamón sauce inspired by his favourite city, San Sebastián in Spain. Not to mention the delicate peas and mint gazpacho from the garden, paired with burrata and globe artichoke. The menu is truly a labour of love, featuring nostalgic dishes from Stu’s childhood, such as the baked Alaska, which has evolved over the years.The Warwick takes its name from the historic town of Warwick, steeped in centuries of heritage, nobility, and craftsmanship. Drawing inspiration from Warwick Castle and the region’s medieval legacy, the name evokes tradition, strength, and refined British character. It reflects the restaurant’s commitment to time-honoured flavours and British provenance, offering a dining experience that is both elegant and young in the rich history of the area. Stu Deeley, Executive Head Chef, comments: “Coming back to Mallory Court feels like a full-circle moment for me. It’s a place with deep roots, not just in its history and gardens, but in the people — many of whom have been here for decades. What really excites me is the potential. We have a bigger blueprint here than I’ve ever had before, and that opens the door to creating something truly special. My focus is on classical flavour combinations, ingredients that speak for themselves, and food people genuinely want to eat — not just admire. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel, I just want to make it turn really, really well.” Whether it’s a special occasion or a relaxed weekday dinner, diners can expect confident cooking, bold British flavours, and an experience that balances warmth with quiet sophistication. The Warwick promises a menu full of heart — rooted in the seasons and designed to be remembered.

Planning an event is about more than just finding a beautiful space—it’s about creating an experience where every guest feels welcome, included, and comfortable. That’s why this year’s The Meetings Show at Excel London on 25-26 June, is set to be a must-visit for anyone looking to make their events truly accessible and impactful. So, what can you expect at The Meetings Show 2025? Well, it’s all about options—whether you’re planning a high-energy conference, a calming wellness retreat, or something entirely in between, you’ll find the perfect solution for your needs – everything from iconic historical settings like the University of Cambridge’s college buildings to ultra-modern spaces like Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. With more than 650 exhibitors from venues and hotels, to destinations and technology solutions under one roof, there is no shortage of options. But it’s not just about the spaces themselves. It’s about the people behind them. The Meetings Show is your chance to connect face-to-face with venue representatives, ask questions, and get insider tips on how to make your events more inclusive. Want to make sure your event is accessible for all? Not sure how to accommodate a range of dietary or sensory needs? This is your opportunity to learn. And with other top venues on the floor—Hilton, Melia Hotels & Resorts, Greater Miami CVB, Meet in Ireland, Visit Wales, The Hoxton, and so many more—you’ll have plenty of inspiration to choose from. The Meetings Show 2025 is more than just a showcase—it’s a space for event professionals to connect, learn, and leave with fresh ideas for making their events welcoming to everyone. Education sessions will run over two days of the show across three spaces, providing inspiration and invaluable knowledge to buyers. Curated by an expert team using feedback from previous attendees, industry focus groups, and global meeting and event designers, the programme, sponsored by Fontainebleau Miami, EICC, Abu Dhabi Tourism, Venues of Excellence and Eastside Rooms is highly relevant to today’s event professionals. Opening sessions include a look at the future of events with organisational psychologist and futurist Dr Graham Norris and an exploration of improvisation with the enigmatic spontaneous poet, Judge the Poet. The 7-time Emmy-winning comedy writer Beth Sherman will be demonstrating how you can use humour to connect quickly, build trust, and inspire action. And it doesn’t stop there. This year’s show is packed with wellness options to help you recharge. Start your morning right with Go! Running Tours, offering a choice of a 5k running tour at a pace of 6 min/km or a 3k brisk walking tour. Both start at 7:00 am on Thursday, June 26, from the Custom House entrance at Excel London. It’s the perfect way to explore the area, get active, and network along the way. Prefer a calmer start? There will also be a variety of wellbeing sessions, including yoga, perfect for anyone needing a moment of calm. So if you want to plan better, more inclusive events, don’t miss it. Register here now to secure your place at the show. Free online registration for visitor buyers will close on 24 June. All onsite registrations will be charged at the ticket price of £999.

The Meetings Show, the UK’s leading event for the meetings and events industry, returns this year with a renewed commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and wellbeing for all attendees. In partnership with EventWell, and with a focus on neuroinclusion and mental health, The Meetings Show 2025 is set to provide a safe, welcoming, and empowering space for every participant.This year’s show will feature an enhanced range of wellbeing initiatives, including the return of the popular Quiet Room, designed as a calming, sensory-friendly space for anyone needing a break from the show floor. Additionally, through the EventWell partnership, all attendees will have access to a Buddy system, providing support to those who would prefer to navigate the event in a pair or a small group. The Meetings Show 2025 is also championing accessibility within its education programme. Thanks to a collaboration with GevMe, all educational sessions will feature AI-powered live captioning, ensuring that content is more accessible and digestible for all attendees. Further enhancing accessibility, the partnership with Lim will explore new ways to make content clear, engaging, and inclusive through live visual communication visuals to support group learning and direction."The Meetings Show has always been about bringing people together, but this year, we are making it clear that inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do," says Jack Marczewski, Portfolio Event Director at The Meetings Show. "Enhancing our partnership this year with EventWell was crucial, we are making sure that everyone can access, engage with, and enjoy everything the show has to offer."EventWell have chosen The Meetings Show as their official partner for Event Wellbeing Week (June 23-27), with the powerful theme: “The Power of Pause: Self-Love as a Radical Act.”  This partnership further cements how The Meetings Show champions neuroinclusion and balance at the heart of everything they do. As part of this, attendees can participate in a variety of wellbeing sessions and access a range of support services.After years of growing pressure, rising burnout, and post covid attrition in the events sector, the return of Event Wellbeing Week couldn’t be more timely. “Let’s be honest, our industry has worn burnout like a badge of honour for far too long,” says Helen Moon, Founder & CEO of EventWell. “This week is about flipping that narrative. It’s not just about bubble baths and breathing apps, it's about real, strategic self-care. About boundaries. About rest. And about reclaiming the space we need to actually thrive in this brilliant industry.” Attendees, exhibitors, and industry professionals are encouraged to explore the wellbeing and inclusivity initiatives on offer and to be part of a more supportive, accessible industry.The Meetings Show 2025 will be co-located with Business Travel Show Europe and TravelTech Show. To find out more and register as a buyer, hosted buyer, or visitor, visit: The Meetings Show. Free online registration for visitor buyers will close on 24 June. All onsite registrations will be charged at the ticket price of £999. 

Strata has been appointed as the brand experience agency for OMODA & JAECOO in the UK, overseeing the full 2025 events calendar for both automotive brands. Owned by Chery Automobile, China’s fourth largest carmaker, this marks a major UK market entry and positions Strata at the heart of a integrated launch programme.The scope of work includes end-to-end event delivery, production and creative strategy. The programme will include multiple vehicle launches, lifestyle and national events, sponsorship activations and media test drive support.This is more than a single campaign. It is a fully integrated agency relationship, positioning Strata as the lead partner for all UK launch and experiential work tied to the ambitious growth of OMODA & JAECOO in the region.This major client win further cements Strata’s position as a leader in the UK experiential and events sector. The appointment follows the successful JAECOO 7 launch in January and a competitive pitch process that saw Strata come out on top across all evaluation areas, including creativity, automotive expertise, flexibility, case studies and team capability.Strata’s proposal was built around a shared creative framework that gave both OMODA & JAECOO a consistent core while allowing each to express its individual brand identity. The agency also demonstrated how its integrated delivery model and close collaboration with partner agencies would deliver both efficiency and impact.Strata’s track record in the automotive sector, with experience currently across 23 brands, was a key differentiator in the decision. Its ability to offer a single-agency model delivering full-service support was also a decisive factor.This win is a testament to the strength of Strata’s proposition and a reflection of its collaborative, embedded approach. The success was made possible by the combined efforts of creative, production, technical, event operations, marketing, logistics and client service teams.Victor Zhang, UK Country Director OMODA & JAECOO UK commented "Strata has been instrumental in helping OMODA & JAECOO achieve an ambitious launch schedule with flair, originality and quality. Together, we are working to make a real impact on the UK's automotive landscape."

The 2025 corporate Christmas events season is set to be bigger, bolder, and more meaningful than ever, according to newly released research from The PS Events Group. The findings, spearheaded by Founder, CEO, and Creative Director Lucy Nicholls, highlight a shift towards immersive, value-driven, and high-production experiences that prioritise family-friendliness and align with the modern workforce’s evolving expectations.“The way companies celebrate Christmas is evolving dramatically,” says Nicholls. “We are seeing a significant shift towards events that not only entertain but also create meaningful, lasting connections between employees, their families, and the companies they work for. Our research highlights four key trends shaping corporate Christmas parties and events in 2025.”Trend 1: Events Are Getting Longer & More HolisticEvents are now being extended into multi-day gatherings that offer a blend of work-life balance, engagement, and celebration. Increasingly, briefs ask for three-day experiences, often with wellness and lifestyle workshops, family-friendly activities, and fun evening celebrations.“Modern professionals value space and time over jam-packed schedules,” says Nicholls. “A well-paced, holistic approach fosters comfort, and deeper engagement, and allows companies to deliver their messages more effectively. It’s about taking employees out of their everyday environment and immersing them in refreshing and rewarding experiences.”Trend 2: Meaningful, Value-Driven Experiences Over Traditional GiftsRather than focusing on standard party formats and generic gifts, businesses are curating experiences that align with their core values. This includes personalised interactive experiences, storytelling-driven events, and CSR-led initiatives that give back to the community.“Employees want experiences that resonate beyond the event itself,” Nicholls explains. “Personalisation, creativity, and purpose-driven celebrations are becoming the new standard, reinforcing long-term loyalty and deeper emotional connections with their companies.”Trend 3: High-Production, Transformative Event ExperiencesInvestment in high-quality event production is on the rise, as businesses prioritise impactful, immersive experiences. Elements such as dynamic lighting, projection mapping, interactive displays, and top-tier speakers or performers are becoming essential components in crafting unforgettable celebrations.“High production doesn’t have to mean high cost,” says Nicholls. “It’s about innovation and fresh execution. Companies are increasingly seeing the value of well-produced events in terms of employee engagement, loyalty, and brand perception.”Trend 4: Focus on Families & ChildrenA growing number of companies are incorporating family-friendly elements into their Christmas celebrations, recognising that the festive season is an opportunity to strengthen both professional and personal bonds.“For a global car brand last Christmas, we created a magical Christmas village experience featuring immersive theatre, workshops with Mrs Claus, and a visit from Santa himself,” Nicholls shares. “By including families, companies create more inclusive and memorable events that foster a sense of belonging and appreciation.”Final thoughtsWith planning for 2025 Christmas events already underway, businesses that embrace these key trends – longer event durations, personalised value-driven experiences, high-production execution, and family-friendly celebrations – will create celebrations that truly resonate with employees.Nicholls concludes: “Christmas events aren’t just about festivity; they’re about crafting experiences that employees will remember, appreciate, and carry forward into the new year.”