The Show which is being held on Thursday 26^th April in the Centenary Pavilion at Leeds United Football Club is aiming to help Meeting and Event Organisers sift through the myriad of technology in the Events industry to identify the technologies that really do improve our Events.

The new Technology Playground is ideal for visitors who want to check out the latest mobile applications, discover new ways of running meetings or simply sit down and ask questions about social media. It will give visitors to the show the chance to ‘play’ with new technologies in a relaxed environment and ask the team of friendly experts any burning questions they might have.

Want to know how to get your events to trend on twitter?

Organisers can chat to Carrie Cunliffe who’s running the Shows Twitter Competition. Playf.es is an innovative game powered by twitter, which creates interest in a fun way, to promote an event, company, service or product.  The game rewards people for tweeting about your product/service through using your hash-tag and is the crowd based promotion tool of the moment.

Tweet your way to Milan!

The Conference and Hospitality Show itself has been using this to great effect, since it launched its own twitter competition last month.

Twitterers who tweet about this year’s Conference and Hospitality Show are in with a chance of winning a city break to Milan. The Show has increased its online presence and is keen to reward its followers with the opportunity to win a 2 night stay at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Milan with flights from Leeds Bradford International Airport. Twitterers can follow Emma on @emmacartmell and use the hashtag CHS12.

Show Organiser Emma Cartmell explains:

“We were aware that many of our past visitors and exhibitors were tweeting great things about the show and we wanted to express our thanks to everyone who supports us by offering this fantastic prize to one of our most prolific twitterers! Since we launched the competition we been indundated with tweets – it is really a great tool!”

Intrigued about using Apps at your events?

The Show has its own event App, downloadable via the website, designed to make your visit to the Show as productive and seamless as possible, the App allows you to plan your day at the touch of a button!

Developed by American company Falafel Software, the App  is known as EventBoard, and is a hassle free way for any event to create a mobile program. Mike Dugan, Director of Marketing at Falafel (pictured) will be flying in from the States to take part in the Technology Playground and is offering all visitors who see him at the show a free App for their next event.

Ever wondered how WiFi can improve your events? 

Ask Max WiFi!  Richard has the answers for you. Richard Hughes’ understanding of event communications via wired and wireless technology is second to none. In the last 12 months Max WiFi has provided voice and data communication services for a number of high profile events including the Ryder Cup and Hampton Court RHS Flower Show. Richard set up Max WiFi in January 2006 and is very aware that as technology becomes more complex and the demand for real-time knowledge becomes more commonplace, the communications solution becomes more pertinent and relevant to today’s events. He will also be taking part in the Panel discussion ‘Please Turn On Your Mobile Phones’ at 10.00am.

What’s a QR code and do you really need one?  

Jonny Ross of Jonny Ross Consultancy specialises in Digital Marketing and Organic Search.  With more than 13 years’ experience in small business management, he has a proven track record in the retail e-commerce field. Jonny has also created a highly successful operation in the field of e-business and now he specialises in providing and enhancing digital services in the business to business sector.  Jonny will provide help with QR codes, how to use them and how they benefit your events.

As well as networking opportunities, the event will include a  workshop with presentations on the latest industry global trend research commissioned by Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and an opportunity to judge innovative ideas for events being showcased in an events expo by Events Management undergraduates. The event will run from 11am until 2.30pm and is designed to help attendees develop creative ideas, learn about trends to enhance their global competitiveness and share ideas to help shape the future of events in their own companies and in the region.

The itinerary is as follows:

11:00: Register, meet and greet over a tea or coffee

11.15-12:00: Visit and judge innovative event ideas expo

12:00-12:30:  Yes, there is such a thing as a free lunch! This one will be healthy and will give you the energy boost needed to fuel creative thinking!

12:30-13:45: Speakers  – Including Richard Murphy, Director of First Events and the latest findings from the Meeting Professionals International Research team

13:45-14:30: Visit and judge second innovative event ideas expo

To register for the event, follow this link:  http://yenshapingthefuture.eventbrite.com/

Contact us:

Email: d.bottomley@leedsmet.ac.uk

Linkedin: Group-Yorkshire Events Network

Twitter: @YEventsNetwork, #YorkshireEventsNetwork

The one day show taking place on Thursday 26^th April at Leeds United Football Club is aimed at attracting Meeting and Event Planners from across the UK and features over 100 hotels, venues and industry suppliers who are exhibiting from across the North and Scotland, a strong seminar programme and even an appearance from celebrated chef, Yorkshire born James Martin.

Show organisers, Event Management 360, have announced that the Show will commence with a VIP breakfast meeting at which the keynote speaker will be James Berresford, the Chief Executive of Visit England, the organisation responsible for marketing England as a visitor destination.

The first seminar of the day – entitled “Because you’re Worth It” will look at how measuring the added value of events can improve return on investment (ROI) and raise the Organiser’s personal profile and will be presented by Samme Allen, UK President of Meetings Professional International.

Show Organiser, Emma Cartmell of Event Management 360, said:

“Attracting such high level industry speakers such as James and Samme shows how well regarded the Conference and Hospitality Show has become. We are now the only show of its type outside of London and are proud to be flying the flag for Leeds and Yorkshire”.

The Show, now in its 3^rd year, has seen a 50% increase in exhibitors and has now become one of the UK’s leading Events Industry Exhibitions despite other competitor shows seeing a reduction in exhibitors and footfall in these challenging economic times.

When asked to explain this trend, Nicola Lockwood, Head of Conference Leeds, a major sponsor of the Show said:

“The Conference and Hospitality Show has built a reputation for attracting high quality buyers and offering good old fashioned Yorkshire common sense – we are about doing business, providing educational seminar programmes, creating a welcoming atmosphere and all in one day!”

Yorkshire Post also covered the story yesterday, to read the article click here

The Conference and Hospitality Show, which is taking place on the 26^th April 2012 at Leeds United Football Club (LUFC), has over 100 exhibitors taking part in the one day show and according to Organisers Event Management 360, they have been inundated with venues and suppliers wanting to raise awareness of new products and developments.

Emma Cartmell, of Event Management 360 said:

“As the only event of its kind outside of London, the Conference and Hospitality Show is attracting a much wider audience and I’m delighted that we’re able to fly the flag for the Meetings and Events Industry in the North. The exhibitors are showcasing some amazing new facilities and I am overwhelmed at the size and pace of the new development, this is fantastic news for the UK.”

Leeds is 4^th Most Popular Destination in UK

The new facilities and refurbishments are evidence of the growing popularity of Leeds and the region as a Meetings destination. Conference Leeds are now ranked as the 4^th most popular destination in the UK for conferences and events as part of the annual British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2011/12. Improvements to the transport infrastructure have also brought new business with over 60 direct flights to Leeds Bradford Airport and work has now begun at the Airport on the next major stage of its £11 million passenger terminal development..

Major New Developments in the pipeline

Exhibitors such as LUFC, the Leeds Marriott Hotel and the University of Bradford are all showcasing exciting new projects.

The first phase of the multi-million pound East Stand redevelopment at LUFC has been completed. A brand new floor has been created offering luxury executive boxes and two modern, high specification event spaces.

The Leeds Marriott Hotel has also undergone a £500,000 transformation with a refurbishment of its existing bar and restaurant in a stunning design which reflects the cities history and nearby Heaton Mount, an Italianate mansion forming part of the University of Bradford, has just revealed 42 new ensuite double bedrooms as part of their new look conference facilities.

Further along the North East Coast, the iconic Scarborough Spa is now competing in the global arena to attract major national and international conferences and events following a £6.5 million refurbishment.

Business is booming farther afield too!

Sheffield International Venues are celebrating after attracting a host of high profile events to the area in 2012 including the Fitness Industry Association and Matrix Flame 2012 Conference and are playing host to the USA Olympic Diving Squad; whilst Sheffield City Hall continues to grow its reputation by hosting the prestigious Young Enterprise Gala Evening attended by the Deputy Prime Minister, business leaders and young people in business.

The Holiday Inn at Seaton Burn, Newcastle has recently completed a refurbishment to the public areas on the ground floor including the reception, lounge area and two main function rooms.

Further North, Visit Scotland are expecting a boom in business over the next few years with £2 billion worth of investment in tourism facilities and major events such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the return of the Ryder Cup in 2014.

Newcomers make a luxurious  impact!

Newcomer Raithwaite Hall near Whitby is the first luxury UK hotel to be operated by the Capella Hotel Group. Opened in October 2011 the luxury conference retreat has immediately attracted attention from some key corporate buyers including luxury car brands who recently hosted a launch there.

5* Award winning luxury venue Rockliffe Hall in County Durham has also just opened a new meeting room option – The Gatehouse – a private, stand alone facility in the grounds of the resort.

Quality and Development go hand in hand

Many of the venues in and around Leeds have the coveted AIM Meetings Industry Association (MIA) Accreditation – a testimony to the quality and standard of many of the venues on offers. However one of the venues in particular has been recognised as outstanding by the MIA.

Well Met Conferencing at Leeds Metropolitan University is the first University venue to receive the prestigious AIM Higher Gold accreditation from the Meetings Industry Association for its exceptional standards of customer service.

To register to visit the Conference and Hospitality Show and meet all of our great exhibitors visit our Registration page

Delegates attending the show will have the opportunity to learn about the wide assortment of facilities on offer, from quintessential university accommodation and 4-star luxury residence to small and large conference suites and team-building escapes.

As an additional bonus, buyers visiting Well Met’s stand will be given the opportunity to win a team-building experience, courtesy of Carnegie Great Outdoors – Leeds Metropolitan University’s outdoor pursuit’s provider. Delegates looking for a multi-activity residential programme or a team development day can enjoy a range of activities including everything from kayaking and open canoeing, rock climbing and abseiling to hill walking and mountaineering, sea level traversing, ice climbing and caving.

Carnegie Great Outdoors has worked with numerous clients including Aviva, YHA and The Armed Forces to provide innovative learning experiences that are combined with fun and adventure.

Kate Davis, Business Development Manager of Well Met Conferencing, said:

“We are very fortunate at Leeds Met to be able to offer our delegates such variety – from outdoor team-building experiences and first-class accommodation to lecture theatres and meeting rooms.

“Our partnership with Carnegie Great Outdoors is one that no other University can claim and the prize on offer for delegates attending the show is a really exciting one. We hope it will attract even more visitors to our stand where we can also showcase the variety and flexibility of our portfolio of venues. From listed buildings to iconic contemporary venues, grand halls to state-of-the-art technology in our seminar rooms, we really do have something for everyone.”

The show will also provide a great platform to celebrate Well Met’s recent accolades, including being awarded the Gold Accredited in Meetings status by the Meetings Industry Association (the only university in the UK to achieve the status), as well as launching a new ’12 for the price of 10’ special delegate conferencing offer.

Weetwood Hall Conference Centre and Hotel in Leeds is celebrating after been declared as one of only two venues in the country to be re-accredited with the prestigious AIM Gold accreditation from the Meetings Industry Association (MIA).

2011 was a fantastic year for Well Met Conferencing.  The University was the first in the UK to achieve the AIM Gold accreditation from the MIA too, whilst the Carnegie Village was awarded a 3* hotel-equivalent rating by the AA.

Sheffield International Venues are celebrating after attracting a host of high profile events to the area in 2012 including the Fitness Industry Association and Matrix Flame 2012 Conference and are playing host to the USA Olympic Diving Squad.

Conference Leeds is delighted to be ranked as the 4^th most popular destination in theUK for conferences and events as part of the annual British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2011/12.

Sheffield City Hall continues to grow its reputation by hosting the prestigious Young Enterprise Gala Evening attended by the Deputy Prime Minister, business leaders and young people in business.

The Queens Hotel in Leeds is celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year with numerous events throughout the year and has seen many celebrities through its doors including Mylene Class, and Nick Hewer from the Apprentice.

And a newcomer makes impact!

Recently opened Raithwaite Hall near Whitby is the first luxury UK hotel to be operated by the Capella Hotel Group. Opened in October 2011 the luxury conference retreat has immediately attracted attention from some key corporate buyers.

The first phase of the multi-million pound East Stand redevelopment at LUFC has been completed. A brand new floor has been created offering luxury executive boxes and two modern, high specification event spaces. The next phase will see a hotel and nite club development on site.

The Leeds Marriott Hotel has undergone a £500,000 transformation with a refurbishment of its existing bar and restaurant in a stunning design which reflects the cities history.

Italianate mansion Heaton Mount, part of the University of Bradford, has just revealed 42 new en suite double bedrooms as part of their new look conference facilities.

Following a £6.5 million refurbishment, the iconic Scarborough Spa will now compete in the global arena to attract major national and international conferences and events. The 12-month project has transformed the Grade II Victorian building to create state-of-the art facilities suitable for hosting up to 3000 delegates with over 20 events already secured this year worth over £ 3.5 million in economic value to Scarborough.

5* Award winning luxury venue Rockliffe Hall in County Durham has opened a new meeting room option – The Gatehouse, a private, stand alone facility in the grounds of the resort.

The Holiday Inn at Seaton Burn, Newcastle has recently completed a refurbishment to the public areas on the ground floor including the reception, lounge area and two main function rooms.

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has begun work on the next major stage of its passenger terminal development, with an £11 million construction project to deliver impressive new facilities and a significantly improved passenger experience.

Visit Scotland are expecting a boom in business over the next few years with £2 billion worth of investment in tourism facilities and major events such as the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the return of the Ryder Cup in 2014.

Emma Cartmell, of Event Management 360 said:

“As the only event of its kind outside of London, the Conference and Hospitality Show is attracting a much wider audience and I’m delighted that we’re able to fly the flag for the Meetings and Events Industry in the North.”

Over 100 exhibitors

With a wide variety of venues and suppliers on show, this year’s exhibitors include: the North East Hoteliers Association, Leeds Hotels and Venues Association, Odeon Cinemas, Visit Scotland and some of the North’s newest luxury resorts such as Rockliffe Hall inCountyDurhamand Raithwaite Hall near Whitby.

Packed programme of Events

Features for 2012 include:

• A thought provoking education programme covering everything from Event Planning, use of Social Media platforms to personal well being
• An action packed demo zone with culinary demonstrations from 3 celebrated chefs, including Yorkshire-born James Martin
• A Technology Playground which give visitors the chance to ‘play’ with new technologies in a relaxed environment
• A Conference and Hospitality Show Event App downloadable by visitors to the show

Meetings Organisers can register to attend the event for free or apply to be a hosted buyer by clicking here