Soaring Worldwide - Powering Reputations

Recent research by the worldwide network of top-quality A/V equipment, simultaneous interpretation specialists and event support experts, the Congress Rental Network, shows that confirmation time for events has dropped on average to two weeks – with occasions as short as two days.

Panagiotis Podimatas from PC Podimatas in Greece, chairman of the CRN comments: “Perhaps a decade ago you could plan events three or four years down the line, but now given the fast pace of business and phenomenal improvement in transport and communication facilities, the confirmation time for most events is down to two weeks. This means we have to be always on the move, manage our resources effectively and respond to ever changing client requirements.” Read the rest of this entry »

So what should you look for in a PR and communications agency.  Following the theft of my old canoe I have recently been trying out a few new boats in my hunt for a replacement.  The results have been surprising and left me with a choice of three:

The same as before – a trusted reliable Explorer made by Mad River Canoes.  I know how it paddles, I know how it reacts in most water types, I know how versatile and well built it is.  Above all, it was a delight to use before and we worked well together as a team.

A We-no-nah Prospector – something new and different for me.  Livelier handling and better turning abilities – a particularly strong contender for white water paddling.  But reputed to be harder to track in a straight line on long lake (or loch) trip.  From a brand point of view I know it well having paddled and raced a whole bunch of their other boats.

An Old Town Charles River – a century old design with a modern twist.  It falls somewhere between the others on the white water and can be tough for the unwary in a high wind.  However, it is a little lower at my preferred paddling position – not a big issue for many, but for someone of a shorter stature such as me… major bonus. Read the rest of this entry »

During the month when HIC welcomes Home & Gift, a trade show celebrating 50 years in Harrogate and attracting over 13,000 visitors, Harrogate International Centre (HIC), one of the UK’s leading destination and event venues, has today announced the appointment of three new non-executive directors to its Board.

The appointments are aligned with the progressive, strategic development of HIC’s business model, which culminates at the turn of the year with the completion of an £11million pound capital investment programme to complement its existing facilities.

Nigel McClea, Maggie Punyer and Richard Taylor will join the Board in late summer, with a very specific high level of expertise, to support the profile of HIC’s core business.  The profiles of the three non–executive directors are:

• Nigel McClea:  With a forty year legal career with Pinsent Masons Solicitors, latterly as head of the 350 strong Leeds office, Nigel is passionate about the Yorkshire region and is Harrogate born and bred.  Educated at Ashville College and Queen’s College, Cambridge, Nigel is currently Chair of Marketing Leeds, Chair of Leeds Ahead and a Trustee of the Hepworth Wakefield Gallery
• Maggie Punyer:  A recognised leader in the UK events industry for most of her career, Maggie has been bringing major conferences and exhibitions to Harrogate for nearly 30 years.  Specialising in the agency and procurement market, spanning many different commercial sectors, Maggie is passionate about Harrogate as a destination and HIC, as one of the founding, pioneer venues of the industry
• Richard Taylor:  A founder member of the group of entrepreneurs that acquired a single fish and chip restaurant in Guiseley, Leeds in 1988 and transformed it into the global brand success , Harry Ramsden’s, the world’s most famous fish and chip restaurant company.  Educated at Leeds Grammar School and the London Business School, his early career was with Grand Metropolitan, Jardine, Matheson in Asia and American President Lines in the USA

Angus Houston, HIC Director, commented, “In a time of significant change, and fluid and volatile economic markets, we are delighted to welcome Nigel, Maggie and Richard to the Board of HIC and look forward to the significant contribution that they are likely to give to HIC as a business and Harrogate as a destination.  These are extremely exciting times for HIC, with the new exhibition hall development coming on stream shortly, alongside some fundamental strategic changes to our business model.”

Don Mackenzie, Leader of Harrogate Borough Council and Chair of the HIC Board said: “These are very significant appointments to our Board. Each new director has a proven record of success, which we are delighted to bring into the HIC at this time and with these appointments I am confident we are in excellent shape to face the future.”

The appointments have been made at a time when HIC is witnessing a steady phase of growth.  HIC has achieved a remarkable £180 million contribution for the local economy during the 2010/11 financial year, hosting around 150 events and attracting in excess of 290,000 visitors each year.

Following the release of official figures, it has become clear that the worldwide recession has had little impact on the city of Kyoto’s event figures in 2010.

Kyoto Convention Bureau recorded a 66% jump in total attendees and an increase of 35.8% in overseas attendees despite the rest of the world seeing a slowdown of business due to the global economic recession.

Kyoto Convention Bureau’s international marketing manager James Kent said: “The increase in number of attendees is very encouraging.  In fact the average attendance at events has risen dramatically from 381 to 691 per event.  Most exciting though for our team is the 36% increase in international business, which clearly demonstrates the impact our global marketing and promotional campaigns are having.”

Year                           2008           2010

Total Attendees        65,200       108,619

O/S Attendees         11,966         16,246

James continues: “We expect the number of meetings to remain low in Japan through 2011, due to the tragic tsunami and earthquake disaster. However, we are extremely delighted that the ISTH Council has unanimously decided that the Society’s XXIII Congress and 57th Annual SSC meeting will proceed as planned in Kyoto, July 23-28, 2011. We welcome ISTH’s decision to proceed with their conference in Kyoto and thank them for this show of solidarity with the people of Japan.”

“Japan has been going through a tough time recently but we want to send out the message to the world that not all of Japan has been affected by the disaster and that the country is still open for business. We hope that ISTH’s conference will be able to carry that message and their attendees will help us retain positive growth figures for the future.”

The Barbican, known for its green credentials and innovative sustainability measures has joined the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC).  To ensure maximum benefit, individual memberships have been provided to members of staff from all areas of the business.

The GMIC is the premier global community solely dedicated to sustainability in the meetings and events industry, not only through education but also by spearheading research, policy and standards.

Anthony Hyde, head of corporate sales, said:  “It is great to be a part of GMIC on a global level and we are particularly looking forward to the launch of their UK chapter. It is a non profit professional meetings association with member representation in over 20 countries. The GMIC is 100% focused on advancing sustainability in the meetings industry by helping individuals and leaders of all levels.   As a venue committed to green credentials, it will provide a wonderful opportunity for us to share  ideas with other organisations within the events industry.   Above all, to ensure the entire Barbican becomes engaged with and involved in the GMIC, we have provided individual membership to a range of influential people across the organisation, including the head of event management, our head chef and facilities manager.”

The Barbican has extensive and progressive environmental policies and schemes in place. Its environmental sustainability working party is dedicated to a vision of sustainable energy and resource use and it has won the prestigious Chairman’s Cup in 2011 for sustainability initiatives.

As one of the UK’s leading event venues, the Barbican has made direct investment in recycling facilities for the public, and implemented new recycling initiatives like a comprehensive food waste composting programme involving both of their catering partners. This initiative will allow the venue to compost 100% of their food waste.

The centre has also been promoting environmental awareness among their contractors, clients and visitors and communicates their sustainable policies to contractors through contract specifications. The Barbican also promotes its green/recycling credentials through colourful plasma screen displays across the foyers.

I seem to be in a bit of a simile and metaphor mood at the moment when it comes to these blogs.  Today I was ruminating on how good reputation management is like growing tomatoes…

Ok, sounds a little crazy but I have my reasons. A couple of weeks ago we spent the best part of a day cutting and tidying up the hedges around our house.  It is a fairly big job as some of them are eight to ten feet high.  However, we are not topiary fanatics, so it is something that only needs to be done a couple of times a year to keep them in line.  Like all gardening tasks I am sure the job would be made easier if they were attended to a little more often but there size means ladders etc – so it is never going to be less than a half days work.

Reputation management is very different – much like the tomatoes growing in our greenhouse it needs daily nurture.  Watering, feeding, tie-ing up, picking out shoots – all the little tasks that not only improve the crop but keep the plants alive.  Without this work (particularly the water), the tomatoes would die in a matter of days.

And so it is with a reputation, it needs constant management, through the right message, PR and communications you can maintain your reputation on an ongoing basis. By spending a little time on it each day you are effectively watering it.  The feed comes from the new stories, ideas and campaigns that can inject new life, whilst effective management and planning act like the ties to ensure strength and continuity.  Also, by focusing on the positive and effectively managing negative stories and crisis situations you are picking out the side shoots that could otherwise take over and take energy and sustenance away from the main plant.

Hmmm, I wonder what other metaphors and similes I can find in the garden.  I’m sure there is something to be found in talking to the plants or watching acorns growing into oak trees…

The Congress Rental Network, a worldwide network of top-quality A/V equipment, simultaneous interpretation specialist and event support experts, has announced a switch in its focus, to include event activities above and beyond SI.

Panagiotis Podimatas from PC Podimatas in Greece, chairman of the CRN comments: “The CRN has a history and reputation as the worldwide voice of SI experts.  However, most of our members provide considerably more than just SI equipment, a fact we wanted to reflect in our communication and promotional activities.  We operate in over 38 countries and all our members provide a range of audio visual services.  By extending our focus we can help them sell these additional services, benefiting both our members and clients.  Just one example is our Canadian member, Mediaco.  In addition to SI, they provided extensive A/V and event support to the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver as well as various events surrounding recent political debates and elections.”

In addition to SI services, CRN members throughout the world provide:

•    Set design and build •    Projection and presentation equipment •    Audio and sounds systems •    Lighting design and installation •    Technical advice and consultancy

CRN members are specialists in congress equipment hire, with experience in installing and operating state-of -the-art equipment for event organisers in countless venues around the world.

Church House Conference Centre, one of London’s most versatile conference and event venues, has been used for the last two weeks by the BBC for the recording of a series of panel interviews focused on privacy issues.

Radio 4’s PM and iPM shows used the centre to record and broadcast high profile interviews with well known individuals for a series called The Privacy Commission.  The programme discussed the recent rows about injunctions and raised questions in relation to the existing laws, use of social media and the role of parliament and judges in making the law.

Church House Conference Centre, general manager, Robin Parker said: “It was really interesting to have the BBC use the venue for such a controversial and high profile subject.  The panel interviewed high profile speakers and individuals such as Hugh Grant, Max Mosely and Zac Goldsmith.  Ultimately I believe it was our location, so close to Parliament and the country’s political elite, combined with our peaceful setting that made us the perfect choice.”

Church House conference Centre is renowned for hosting high profile corporate and public events. Recently, the British Chamber of Commerce’s annual conference was held at the Church House Conference Centre. The conference was attended by a number of leading public figures such as George Osborne, the Chancellor, David Frost, director general of the BBC and other members of parliament.

Church House was also used by international media for the coverage of the Royal Wedding as its terrace offered a panoramic view of the City of Westminster.

Harrogate International Centre, which has achieved a remarkable £180 million for the local economy during the 2010/11 financial year, has attributed its success to its marketing and sales strategy.

HIC’s head of sales and marketing; Alison Griffin said: “Our success in the last financial year would not have been possible had we not adopted a range of new and exciting marketing strategies. We knew the challenges that the industry was facing because of the global recession but were determined to create more opportunities for business by being creative and optimising our marketing and sales avenues. We decided to go that extra mile by taking a few risks and using whatever resources we had. Some of the strategies we adopted were quite simple and cost effective like making extensive use of social media. We needed to have faith in our team and I am pleased to report that it paid great dividends.”

Some of the marketing steps that HIC adopted are as follows:

* HIC wanted to re-engage with past and lapsed clients, reminding them of what it has to offer – in particular the warmth and high levels of service common to the town and venue. Through the use of a DM campaign early in the year several lapsed clients returned, the ROI hit more than 1,100% and we won an award for the campaign. * HIC organised a number of fam trips, which allowed potential buyers and the press to have a firsthand experience of Harrogate town and the HIC.  These ranged from traditional venue and destination tours to live music concerts and even a murder mystery weekend. * Through the use of a professional PR agency, coverage across the media has trebled, with a greater focus on key messages, the venues selling points and positive stories. * Extensive use of social media has also allowed the venue to reach out to untapped markets, building a community through HIC’s blog, twitter, Linked In and Facebook pages and groups.

Alison continues:”Our marketing strategies required a lot of engagement not just with the potential buyers but also the local community. At every step we have promoted the town along with the venue. Above all, people don’t just come to Harrogate for the venue – there is far more here on offer and we continually try to present a cohesive and developed offering to potential clients.”

It occurred to me after my post mentioning the Day Of The Triffids a couple of weeks ago that there was a second part to the quote I used that I find rather interesting in terms of events and professional speakers. Whilst certain elements of it are clearly out dated, classist and patronising – there is still an element to it that is entirely relevant and of interest.

The character Coker clearly believes that it is not just the content of a presentation / speech that matters – but the way you say it. No great surprise to anyone reading this in the events industry… However, his stance actually goes further than we would ever dare today to suggest accent and hidden social classes also impact on the impact of a presentation.

“Half the political intelligentsia who talk to a working audience don’t get the value of their stuff across – not so much because they’re over their audience’s heads, as because most of the chaps are listening to the voice and not to the words, so they knock a big discount off what they do hear because it’s all a bit fancy, and not like ordinary normal talk. So I reckoned the thing to do was to make myself bilingual, and use the right one in the right place – and occasionally the wrong one in the wrong place, unexpectedly. Surprising how that jolts ‘em. Wonderful thing, that English caste system. Since then I’ve made out quite nicely in the orating business. Not what you’d call a steady job, but full of interest and variety. Wilfred Coker. Meeting addressed. Subject no object. That’s me.”

The above is a direct copy from the 1980 version of the book published by Penguin.

And let’s face it, he is to a large extent right. If the speaker uses an accent and language that we empathise with, understand and are even a part of we are certainly going to pay far more attention than someone who knows nothing about their audience.

In fact he goes one step further to suggest it is in the best interest of the speaker to learn to speak differently, adopting stronger or weaker accents and terminology depending on the audience. And so, this begs the question – should professional speakers also be actors, able to change and assimilate audience needs at will – in order to achieve retention of their message. I certainly think so, in fact one of the best examples I know of is Billy Connelly. If anyone has ever seen recordings of his live stand up shows they will no doubt have noticed that his accent is considerably broader when he performs in Glasgow than almost anywhere else. Perhaps it is conscious thought, maybe it is intuitive – the result is a greater connectio with the audience…

Back to Coker though… I also love the fact that he clearly uses the element of surprise in his speeches and presentations. The wrong word in the wrong place is a method, that even sixty years ago when our modern event industry was in its infancy, would make an audience sit up and take notice.

He is right, it is vital that we use the right messages in the right place to achieve audience interest. However, the wrong message can occasionally be just as (if not more) powerful.