activate

The Psychology of Participation: How to design corporate events that people actually engage with

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:59:39 GMT

Most corporate events are created with positive intent, carefully planned agendas and a genuine desire to inform, inspire or align an audience, yet many still struggle to generate the level of participation that event owners hope for when the brief is first written.

People attend, they listen, they take notes, and outwardly everything appears to be working, but beneath the surface there is often a noticeable gap between presence and true engagement.

From our experience at Activate, this gap is rarely caused by a lack of effort or imagination. More often, it comes down to a misunderstanding of what participation actually requires. Participation is not something you can request politely at the start of an agenda and expect to materialise. It is something that has to be designed deliberately and earned over time.

To create events where people genuinely engage, you need to understand participation from the perspective of the audience in the room, rather than from the point of view of the stage or the schedule.

Participation begins long before the agenda starts

One of the most persistent assumptions we encounter is that participation happens at clearly defined moments, during a workshop, a panel discussion or a Q&A session near the end of the day.

In reality, the decision to participate is often made much earlier, sometimes before people have even arrived.

By the time an audience is invited to contribute, they have already assessed how relevant the event feels, how safe the environment appears and whether their input is likely to be welcomed or simply tolerated. Those judgements are shaped by pre-event communications, by how the event has been positioned internally and by the clarity, or lack of it, around why they are there.

When people arrive with a clear sense of purpose and an understanding of the role they are expected to play, participation feels like a natural extension of the experience. When they arrive uncertain or disengaged, even the most interactive agenda can struggle to shift behaviour.

This is why, as a team, we pay close attention to framing long before the doors open, because participation rarely begins with a microphone. It begins with intention.

Psychological safety matters more than confidence

In corporate environments, participation often carries an unspoken sense of risk, particularly in rooms where hierarchy, performance perception or internal politics are present.

Speaking up can feel exposing, asking a question can feel like admitting uncertainty, and sharing an honest opinion can feel more political than productive. These dynamics exist whether they are acknowledged or not.

From what our team has seen across leadership conferences, internal forums and global meetings, people are far more likely to engage when they feel supported rather than singled out, and when the environment signals that contribution is valued, not judged.

This doesn’t mean lowering standards or removing challenge. It means offering multiple ways to contribute, designing moments that feel collaborative rather than performative, and creating space where people can test ideas without feeling they are on display.

When participation feels safe, people stop managing how they are perceived and start focusing on what they actually think.

Relevance is the strongest driver of engagement

Attention is not won through novelty alone. It is earned through relevance.

People participate when they recognise themselves in the conversation, when the content reflects the pressures they face, the decisions they are making and the realities of their working lives.

We have learned that even the most creatively produced sessions can fall flat if the subject matter feels disconnected from the audience’s day to day experience, while comparatively simple formats can generate powerful engagement when they address something that genuinely matters.

Designing for relevance requires discipline. It means investing time in understanding the audience before the experience is shaped, resisting the urge to impress, and focusing instead on what will resonate.

When people feel an event has been designed with them in mind, participation follows almost instinctively.

Participation is a social behaviour, not an individual one

Many participation formats unintentionally place the spotlight on individuals, asking people to speak up, share their views or answer questions in isolation.

In reality, participation is deeply social. People take cues from those around them, watching closely to see what feels acceptable, what is rewarded and what is risky.

From our perspective, engagement increases when participation feels collective rather than personal, when people are able to explore ideas with peers before sharing them more widely, and when discussion is framed as collaboration rather than performance.

This is why peer to peer interaction is often more powerful than open plenary discussion. When people learn from each other, participation feels shared rather than exposed, and the energy in the room shifts accordingly.

Designing with this social dynamic in mind transforms participation from something people are asked to do into something they choose to be part of.

Energy shapes engagement as much as content

Engagement is not static, it ebbs and flows throughout the day. Yet many agendas are designed as if attention and energy are limitless, stacking long sessions together, compressing breaks and asking audiences to absorb dense information without pause.

From our experience, participation drops not because people lack interest, but because they lack capacity.

Designing with psychology in mind means respecting natural energy patterns, varying pace and format, and allowing moments to pause, reflect and reset. Silence, when used intentionally, can be just as productive as discussion.

An event that works with human energy, rather than against it, feels more considered and far more engaging.

Technology should make participation easier, not louder

Event technology has the potential to unlock participation, particularly for quieter voices or larger audiences, but only when it is used with clarity and restraint.

We have seen digital tools capture rich insight, extend engagement beyond the room and lower barriers to contribution, and we have also seen them overwhelm audiences and distract from meaningful interaction.

The difference lies in intention. At Activate, we always start by asking what behaviour a tool is meant to support, and whether it genuinely makes participation easier or simply more visible. When technology reduces friction and adds clarity, engagement grows. When it introduces uncertainty or complexity, people disengage.

More tools do not create better participation. Better choices do.

Participation must lead somewhere meaningful

Few things undermine engagement faster than participation that disappears without trace.

When people share ideas, opinions or feedback, they want to know that it mattered, that it shaped the conversation or influenced what happened next.

From our experience, closing the loop is one of the most overlooked aspects of event design. Reflecting contributions back in the moment, sharing outcomes afterwards, and showing how input has informed decisions all reinforce the value of participation.

This builds trust, and trust is what sustains engagement beyond a single event.

People are far more willing to contribute again when they believe their voice counts.

Designing participation is a strategic decision

Participation is not a tactic to be bolted onto an agenda. It is a strategic choice about what an event is there to achieve.

It requires clarity of purpose, confidence in moving beyond passive formats, and respect for how people actually behave in corporate environments.

When participation is designed thoughtfully, events become more than information exchanges. They become spaces where people think differently, connect more deeply and feel invested in what comes next.

At Activate, we see participation as a core design principle rather than an optional extra, because when people are genuinely engaged, events stop being something that happens to them and start becoming something they actively shape.

Design From the Inside Out: How Human Understanding Powers Unforgettable Events

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:49:00 GMT

Some events impress in the moment and fade just as quickly. Others stay with you long after the final session ends. Not because of the staging or the scale, but because something about the experience felt considered.

From our perspective at Activate, that difference rarely comes down to budget or production. It comes down to whether the event was designed around people, or simply built around logistics.

In our industry, it is easy to start with the visible elements. The venue, the format, the running order. These matter, of course. But when they lead the process, the experience often feels polished rather than personal.

The most powerful events we have delivered work the other way around. They are designed from the inside out. Grounded in human understanding and shaped by how people actually think, feel and behave.

People arrive with context, whether we acknowledge it or not

No audience arrives empty headed and ready to be filled.

From what our team has experienced time and again, people walk into events carrying expectations, distractions, pressures and assumptions shaped by previous experiences. Some are expectant. Others are sceptical. And a few are simply tired.

When event design ignores this reality, it asks too much of the audience. When it recognises it, the experience immediately feels more relevant.

We think designing from the inside out starts with asking better questions. What is happening in people’s working lives right now? What are they being asked to deliver? What feels uncertain or unresolved for them?

When these factors are understood, decisions around content, pacing and tone become clearer. The event begins where people actually are, not where we wish they were.

Understanding behaviour matters more than labelling audiences

Audience profiles often focus on role, seniority or geography. These details are useful, but they do not tell you how people behave in a room.

What we have learned through years of live delivery is that behaviour tells a richer story. Who is likely to speak openly and who holds back. Where energy tends to dip. How group dynamics shift when hierarchy is present.

A room full of senior leaders may look confident, yet feel cautious about sharing anything imperfect. A mixed audience may be keen to contribute, but unsure when it is appropriate.

At Activate, we design with these realities in mind. Smaller group discussions, varied facilitation styles or alternative ways to contribute can transform how safe people feel to engage.

When design works with human behaviour rather than against it, participation feels natural rather than forced.

Emotion is not a distraction from business outcomes

There is sometimes an unspoken belief that emotion belongs at the edges of corporate life. That serious objectives require serious formats.

From what we see across leadership events, conferences and incentives, emotion is central to how people process information and make decisions. It shapes what they remember, what they trust and what they act on.

Events that focus solely on information transfer often struggle to create momentum beyond the room. Those that acknowledge emotion, whether through shared reflection, recognition or storytelling, tend to resonate more deeply.

This does not require theatrics. Often it is the quieter moments our team sees making the biggest difference. Feeling heard. Feeling recognised. Feeling part of something larger.

When events connect emotionally, they do more than inform. They align.

Comfort comes before challenge

We often talk about pushing people outside their comfort zones, but comfort is not the enemy of engagement. It is the prerequisite.

If people feel unsure about what is expected of them, they default to caution. If they feel exposed or judged, they disengage. We have seen this play out in real time.

Designing from the inside out means creating a sense of safety early on. Clear framing. Familiar rhythms. A structure that helps people orient themselves.

Once people feel settled, they are far more open to challenge. They will question assumptions, share perspectives and explore new ideas.

The aim, in our view, is not to make events easy. It is to make them humane.

Attention is a limited resource

Attention is one of the most valuable and fragile resources in any event. Yet many agendas are built as if attention is endless. Sessions stack up. Slides multiply. Breaks disappear.

From our experience, designing from the inside out respects how people actually absorb information. It builds in variation, space and moments to pause. It recognises that reflection is not wasted time.

This often means doing less, not more. Fewer messages, delivered more clearly. Fewer sessions, designed with greater intent.

Simplicity requires confidence. But it almost always leads to stronger engagement.

Participation feels different when it has purpose

People know when they are being asked to participate for appearance’s sake.

Interaction without intention quickly feels hollow. Polls that go nowhere. Discussions with no outcome. Questions asked and never acknowledged.

At Activate, we believe participation should always earn its place. People need to understand why their input matters, how it will be used and what impact it might have.

When people see their contribution reflected back, trust builds. When they do not, engagement erodes.

Participation is not about activity. It is about ownership.

Space shapes behaviour more than we realise

Environment has a powerful influence on how people behave.

Rows of chairs encourage listening. Circles encourage conversation. Informal spaces invite connection, while formal settings can reinforce hierarchy.

Our team sees this play out constantly, both in physical venues and digital environments. Some spaces open people up. Others quietly shut them down.

Designing from the inside out means paying close attention to how spaces feel, not just how they look. Where do people gravitate? Where do they retreat?

When environment and intention align, engagement feels effortless. When they do not, even the best content struggles to land.

Clarity builds confidence

Uncertainty is one of the biggest barriers to engagement.

When people are unclear about the flow of an event, the purpose of a session or their role within it, they hold back. They watch rather than participate.

Clear structure, thoughtful transitions and transparent objectives create confidence. This is something we prioritise heavily in our own planning.

Designing from the inside out places a high value on clarity. Not rigidity, but reassurance. Knowing where you are in the journey makes it easier to focus on what matters.

Events live on after the room empties

An unforgettable event does not end with the closing remarks.

People leave looking for meaning. How does this experience connect to their work? What should they do differently as a result?

From our perspective, designing from the inside out means thinking beyond the moment itself. How insights are reinforced. How conversations continue. How participation translates into action.

This continuity turns events into catalysts rather than standalone moments.

The Power of Understanding People First

In a world where production values are high and technology is widely available, human understanding is what truly sets events apart.

Designing from the inside out requires listening, empathy and restraint. It means resisting the urge to fill every space and trusting that people matter more than process.

When events are shaped around how humans think, feel and behave, they resonate more deeply. They feel intentional. They feel relevant.

At Activate, this belief underpins how we design every experience. Because when you start with people, you do not just create better events. You create experiences that stay with them.

Five Key Highlights From 2025

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 11:02:46 GMT

Looking back on 2025, it feels like the right time to celebrate a year that kept us on our toes, pushed us forward and reminded us just how much we love bringing events to life. It has been a year shaped by new client partnerships, international event delivery, smarter event technology and some very special moments within the Activate team. Here are five key highlights that defined 2025 for us as an events agency.

1. A new client partnership and a standout first event

One of the most rewarding milestones of the year was welcoming a new client and supporting them as their preferred events agency across live events, awards ceremonies and exhibition services. Building trust with a new client is always important, but delivering a first event that truly sets the standard is something we take great pride in.

That first event was an awards ceremony for their partners, hosted at the iconic Natural History Museum in London. It was a brief that demanded creativity, precision and meticulous attention to detail. From guest arrival through to the final applause, every element was designed to celebrate achievement while reflecting our client’s brand and values. The feedback we received was fantastic, with both the client and their partners delighted with the experience, setting the foundations for a strong long-term relationship.

2. Delivering events in new destinations

2025 also took us to some incredible new destinations. Our team travelled to locations we had not previously worked in, including the Bahamas and Bergen. Each destination brought its own culture, pace and logistical considerations, which is where experience really matters.

Delivering events in new locations pushes us creatively and operationally. It means collaborating closely with trusted local suppliers, adapting quickly on the ground and designing events that feel authentic to their surroundings while still delivering clear business objectives. These projects strengthened our global event delivery capability and reinforced our confidence working internationally.

3. Smarter event technology with purpose

Event technology continued to evolve our offer in 2025. We developed new technology partnerships to enhance our in-house event registration services, creating a more seamless, efficient and user-friendly experience for delegates from the very first interaction.

Alongside this, we deployed AI technology on exhibition stands, helping clients attract the right audiences, capture valuable insights and extend engagement beyond the show floor. As an event agency, our approach to technology is always purposeful. Every solution is selected to improve experience, efficiency and ROI, rather than adding unnecessary complexity. Seeing these tools perform successfully in live environments has been a real highlight.

4. Quality and sustain importance of quiet, precise delivery

Maintaining high standards sits at the heart of everything we do. Retaining our ISO 9001 accreditation in 2025 was an important achievement for the team, reflecting the strength of our processes and our commitment to consistent quality across all event delivery.

Sustainability was also a major focus throughout the year. We were proud to achieve Silver status in our EcoVadis accreditation, recognising the progress we have made in embedding responsible practices across the business. While sustainability is an ongoing journey, this milestone reinforces our commitment to transparent, practical and meaningful action.

5. Celebrating the moments that matter the most

Some of the most meaningful highlights of 2025 happened away from event schedules and show sites. Within the team, we celebrated one marriage, two engagements and the arrival of a new baby. These moments are a reminder that behind every successful event is a team of people who genuinely care about what they do and about each other.

We also shared a particularly memorable team experience when we were all arrested in "Alcotraz" as part of our summer event. Thankfully it was entirely planned, but it certainly created a shared story that perfectly reflects our team spirit and sense of fun.

As we move into the year ahead, we are proud of what we have achieved together and grateful to our clients, partners and team. 2025 was a year of growth, creativity and connection, and we are excited for what lies ahead.

Corporate Events in 2026: The Essential Shifts Every Leader Should Be Ready For

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:59:39 GMT

The landscape of corporate events is changing once again, and the shifts taking shape for 2026 feel both significant and quietly powerful. Organisations are asking more of their events. Audiences are arriving with new expectations. Technology continues to evolve, yet the desire for connection and clarity remains at the centre of every successful experience.

As we look at the trends emerging across the industry, it is clear that the coming year will reward leaders who focus on purpose, presence and the human side of design. The events that have real impact in 2026 will be those that combine thoughtful planning with an awareness of how people want to learn, interact and spend their time together.

What follows is a look at the essential shifts likely to shape the year ahead.

A renewed emphasis on clarity

In recent years events have grown increasingly complex. Many agendas have expanded, formats have multiplied and audiences have been asked to absorb more content than ever before. In 2026 we expect to see a return to clarity. Delegates want environments that help them focus, rather than compete for their attention.

Leaders are beginning to prioritise space within their programmes. Time for reflection. Time to absorb. Time to engage without being overwhelmed. A calmer rhythm helps people settle into experience and offers a stronger foundation for meaningful discussions.

Hybrid becoming a continuous journey

Hybrid is no longer viewed as a simple split between in room and online audiences. It is becoming a more fluid journey that extends beyond the moment of the event itself. The most effective programmes use digital touchpoints before the event to set context and after the event to reinforce ideas or capture reflection.

This shift allows organisations to build experiences that last longer and reach further. It also allows delegates to connect with the content in a way that suits their schedule and location. Leaders who embrace this broader view of hybrid will be better placed to maintain engagement long after the final session ends.

More international opportunities for participation

There is a growing recognition that people engage more deeply when they feel part of the experience rather than positioned as passive listeners. In 2026 we expect to see more moments where audiences are invited to contribute. Not loud or forced activities, but simple, well-designed opportunities to share insight, ask questions or shape the direction of a conversation.

These moments work best when they are woven naturally into the experience. When participation feels optional and comfortable. For leaders, this shift requires a willingness to design with an open mind, and to create environments where people feel able to offer their perspective.

Technology working quietly in the background

The next phase of event technology will be defined by subtlety. The tools with the greatest impact will be those that enhance the experience without drawing attention to themselves. Touchpoints that support wayfinding. Systems that simplify registration or manage personalised agendas. Lighting, sound and projection that shape the atmosphere gently rather than dominating it.

Leaders using technology in this way can create experiences that feel smoother and more intuitive. Delegates may not notice the technology at all, which is often the sign that it is working at its best.

Flexible formats

Traditional agendas have often relied on tightly structured sessions delivered in a single format. In 2026 we expect to see more variety. Programmes designed with natural movement. Spaces that allow people to shift between concentrated learning and informal conversation. Formats that adjust gently to the needs of the group.

This flexibility does not mean abandoning structure. It simply means designing in a way that reflects how people actually engage. Leaders who consider pace and flow as carefully as content will create experiences that feel more balanced and more memorable.

Purpose becoming a guiding force

The most successful events in 2026 will be those that are rooted in clear purpose. Delegates want to understand why they are in the room, what the experience aims to achieve and how it relates to their work. Purpose acts as an anchor for decisions about content, environment and design. It helps leaders create events that feel honest and aligned rather than busy or fragmented.

Looking ahead

The year ahead offers a chance to rethink how events bring people together. Leaders who approach design with empathy, clarity and intention will create experiences that remain with audiences long after they leave the room. The tools may continue to evolve, but the heart of a great event remains the same. It helps people connect, understand and move forward with confidence.

2025 In Focus: What We Learned From Creating Experiences That Last

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 20:56:50 GMT

Every year teaches us something different about how people come together. Some years feel like subtle course corrections. Others mark a shift in how events truly work. Looking back, 2025 sits firmly in the second category. Across the projects we have shaped this year, a clear pattern has emerged. People want experiences that feel honest and intentional. They want clarity in a crowded world, and connection that feels genuine rather than manufactured. Above all, they want to feel considered.

This has been a year of rediscovering what matters and of laying foundations for what comes next. Many of the shifts we have seen in 2025 have also begun to point towards the future outlined in our 2026 perspective. Here, we reflect on the themes that defined this year and how they continue to influence what is coming.

Design that begins with understanding

Some of our strongest work this year began not with creative direction, but with simple conversations. Before sketches or storyboards, we found ourselves returning to the same questions. What does this audience need? How should the experience help them feel? What would make the day easier, clearer or more inspiring?

Taking the time to explore these questions early on has shaped the entire design process. It affects how we use space, how we pace content and how we create moments that feel natural instead of engineered. This human-centered approach has become a defining feature of 2025. It is also one of the themes that carries directly into the thinking behind our 2026 outlook, where the focus continues to move toward experiences shaped by the needs of the people within them.

Hybrid becoming a living, breathing part of the experience

Hybrid has continued its steady evolution. In earlier years it was a solution. This year, it became a dynamic part of the story.

Hybrid in 2025 has meant shaping experiences that extend across different moments and platforms. Pre-event digital touchpoints that ease people in. Reflection spaces that remain open after the day has ended. Moments designed to feel just as relevant online as they do in the room.

The most successful hybrid work this year has not been about mirroring the live experience. It has been about creating gentle continuity. This shift is closely aligned with what we expect to see in 2026, where hybrid takes on a more fluid and continuous role across the entire event journey.

Narrative guiding the experience from within

Every event contains hundreds of decisions. What gives those decisions coherence is the story that sits underneath them.

In 2025, narrative has become one of the most important tools in the design and production process. When the story is clear, everything else becomes easier to define. It guides transitions, informs the visual language, shapes the mood in the room and helps people feel anchored.

Narrative continues to be a stabilising force as the industry grows more complex. It allows events to feel grounded even as they evolve, and it continues to shape the direction we see emerging for 2026.

The importance of quiet, precise delivery

If 2025 has highlighted anything, it is the value of the work people never see. Backstage teams, technicians, producers and stage managers have shaped this year’s events through quiet precision.

The way a cue is timed. The way presenters move between spaces. The way transitions happen without breaking the energy in the room. None of this draws attention to itself, and yet it defines the experience.

This blend of technical skill and human intuition remains one of the strongest anchors of live events. It is also a reminder that as formats evolve, the craft of delivery holds its place at the centre.

What 2025 has taught us while we look ahead

Reflecting on 2025, several principles stand out. They are not trends. They are constants that will continue to guide the industry into 2026 and well beyond.

Begin with people
Use story as a guide, not an ornament
Build formats that make participation feel easy
Treat technology as a support, not a spectacle
Deliver with care and quiet precision
Pause to learn after every experience

These ideas give events their depth. They also connect directly to the shifts we expect to see develop further in 2026. If this year has laid the groundwork, the next will continue the progression toward experiences that feel gentler, more grounded and more considered. 2025 has shown us what people respond to. 2026 will build on it.

Stay connected

If you would like to follow our reflections, ideas and industry insight throughout the year, subscribe to our newsletter and stay close to the evolving thinking within our team.

From Concept to Connection: The Invisible Work Behind Great Event Design

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:21:54 GMT

When an event feels effortless, the design feels intuitive, and every moment seems to connect… that is rarely by chance. It is the result of meticulous, often unseen work that takes place long before the first guests arrive. Truly great event design is a form of invisible craftsmanship. The audience experiences the story, but they rarely see the structure beneath it.

At Activate, this hidden layer is where much of our creativity lives. It is found in the quiet hours before doors open, in the planning meetings, sketches and strategy sessions that shape how an event will feel. What looks spontaneous to the audience has usually been designed with care and intention. While creativity may be what people notice, collaboration and empathy are what make it work.

Where great design begins

Every remarkable event begins long before a stage is built or a storyboard is drawn. It begins with a conversation.

Our first task is to listen, not only to what a client wants but to why they want it. We ask questions about purpose, desired outcomes and the stories behind the brief. We explore what the audience needs to believe, feel or do as a result of attending. It is only by understanding these deeper motivations that we can begin to translate objectives into something people can experience.

This discovery process is where empathy begins to shape design. We map out how delegates might move through a space, what will hold their attention, and where the emotional peaks and pauses should sit. Every choice is guided by how people will feel, not just what they will see. When we get this right, the experience begins to design itself!

Designing with purpose

For us, design is not decoration. It is direction. Every creative decision must serve a clear purpose, whether that is to inspire, to connect or to communicate.

Our process moves through five clear but flexible stages that ensure creativity remains focused and strategic

Discover

We immerse ourselves in the client’s brand, challenges and culture, taking time to understand the full context.

Define

We clarify what success looks like and identify the emotions and behaviours the event should evoke.

Design

We translate strategy into ideas, visuals and sensory elements that communicate the message clearly.

Deliver

We bring those ideas to life with precision, care and technical expertise.

Debrief

We evaluate impact, gather insight and apply the learning to future work.

This framework keeps creativity grounded in purpose. The most successful events feel effortless precisely because they have been so carefully engineered. Every transition, layout and cue has intent behind it.

The human element: Collaboration and trust

Behind every well-designed event lies trust and collaboration. It is built on shared ambition and the ability to think together creatively.

At Activate, we view collaboration as an essential design tool. We involve our clients in the process from the very beginning, inviting them into the early creative conversations where ideas are still forming. This shared ownership encourages openness and sparks innovation. A logistical challenge or a venue constraint can often lead to the most original solution. A technical limitation might prompt a more engaging story.

Our most successful projects have always been those where client and agency work side by side, shaping ideas in real time. Collaboration is not simply a way of managing logistics; it is how we uncover the most authentic and effective outcomes.

Empathy as a design tool

Empathy is at the heart of every design decision we make. It is what allows us to step into the delegate’s perspective and anticipate what they will notice first, how they will move through a space, and what will stay with them once the event is over.

When we design, we think about rhythm and energy as much as visuals or staging. The subtle dimming of lights before a keynote, the swell of music at a key transition, or the warmth of lighting during a networking session all influence how people feel.

Empathy ensures that design is not only visually striking but also psychologically resonant. It turns logistics into storytelling.

The rhythm of an experience

Every successful event has a rhythm of its own. It isn’t just a schedule of sessions or a sequence of presentations, but a living flow that rises and settles throughout the day. Moments of lively interaction are balanced with pauses for reflection, allowing people to stay energised without feeling overwhelmed.

We often describe it as finding the right tempo. If the pace is too fast, the experience can become tiring; too slow, and the energy fades. The art lies in shaping a journey that keeps people engaged while giving them space to think, connect and absorb what they’ve heard.

When that balance is right, the experience feels natural. Guests may not be aware of the subtle shifts in pace or atmosphere, but they’ll remember how easy it felt to stay involved — and that quiet sense of flow is what defines thoughtful design.

Precision in delivery

The creative process only succeeds when it is matched by flawless execution. Behind the scenes, our technical and production teams work with precision to ensure that every detail aligns.

We rehearse transitions, synchronise lighting and audio, and coordinate backstage flow so that presenters, technicians and stage managers all move as one. When this level of planning is done well, it becomes invisible. The audience experiences only the clarity and flow of the event itself.

Technology supports this precision, but human intuition is what makes it seamless. Our teams understand that timing and judgement cannot be automated. They rely on experience and instinct to anticipate what each moment requires, ensuring that creativity translates perfectly into reality.

Design that lives beyond the event

The end of an event is rarely the end of its impact. The most memorable experiences continue to influence how people think, feel and connect long afterwards.

Our post-event process is focused on reflection. We review feedback, measure engagement and analyse what moments created the greatest impact. This insight is then used to shape future events, ensuring each project becomes part of an ongoing cycle of learning and improvement.

We see every event as an opportunity to build connection, not just between people in the room, but between a brand and its audience over time. When design is intentional and empathetic, its influence lasts far beyond the moment itself.

The art of the invisible

When an event is designed with care, the creative work quietly steps aside and the experience itself takes the spotlight. The way people are drawn naturally into conversation, how a change in lighting shifts the atmosphere, or how music builds anticipation at just the right moment - these are the small, deliberate choices that make a lasting difference.

It’s this unseen layer of empathy, collaboration and precision that transforms an idea into genuine connection.

At Activate, we believe great creativity isn’t always meant to be noticed. It’s felt. It’s the ease with which people move through a space, the comfort in the details, and the sense that everything simply works. Those are the moments that stay with people long after the event is over.

Connect with Activate

If you are planning your next event and want to explore how to turn creative concepts into meaningful, connected experiences, our team would love to help.

Connect with Activate to find out how our design-led, collaborative approach can transform your next event into a meaningful brand experience.

Incentive Events in The Bahamas

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:30:11 GMT

If you’re searching for an incentive destination that perfectly balances reward, relaxation, and memorable experiences, The Bahamas is hard to beat. Endless sunshine, pristine white-sand beaches and warm hospitality make it a standout choice for groups looking to celebrate success in style.

It was my first visit to this remarkable part of the world. While technically outside the Caribbean Sea, The Bahamas certainly embodies the same laid-back rhythm, tropical charm and vivid colour palette that make the region so iconic.

Flying in

Getting there is straightforward. Most major North American cities operate non-stop flights to Nassau, making it convenient for guests travelling from the US or Canada. For European travellers, British Airways offers a year-round direct service from London, with easy onward connections from other European hubs. Accessibility like this makes The Bahamas an ideal base for international incentive programmes.

Where to stay

During my visit, I had the opportunity to experience two outstanding hotels, each offering a distinct take on Bahamian luxury.

Grand Hyatt Baha Marr

If your goal is to impress with scale, energy and variety, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar delivers in every respect. With 1,800 bedrooms (including 230 suites), 51 restaurants, bars and lounges, six swimming pools, a casino, a water park and over 200,000 square feet of meeting space, it offers everything you could possibly need in one place.

There’s a strong sense of excitement here - a vibrant, Vegas-like atmosphere set against turquoise seas. Guests can choose from golf, tennis and art classes, to spa treatments, wildlife encounters and high-end shopping. For incentive groups seeking a resort that feels like its own destination, this is an exceptional choice.

Sandals Royal Bahamian

My stay at Sandals Royal Bahamian offered a completely different experience - elegant, intimate and relaxed. It was my first time staying with the Sandals brand, and the level of service exceeded all expectations.

I stayed in a West Bay Honeymoon Club Level Suite overlooking the complex and the bluest sea I’ve ever seen. Room options cater brilliantly for VIP guests, from private pools and butler service to swim-up suites. The two main pools set distinct moods: East Bay offers calm and quiet, while West Bay is perfect for those who enjoy a livelier poolside scene.

The real highlight, however, is the resort’s private offshore island, Barefoot Cay . A short five-minute boat ride away, guests can unwind on two secluded beaches, dine at the seafood restaurant, enjoy the Zen Garden spa or snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

With activities such as sailing, paddleboarding, waterskiing and tennis all included, it’s an ideal base for incentive guests looking to mix relaxation with activity.

Giving back

One of the most meaningful moments of the trip came during a local beach clean-up organised by the Grand Hyatt’s resort foundation. What initially seemed like a tidy stretch of sand soon revealed just how much impact a small group can make… 50 bags of rubbish later, the difference was clear.

The Grand Hyatt’s foundation focuses on community, culture and conservation. Their approach reflects the growing importance of sustainability in event design - combining responsible tourism with genuine opportunities to give back. Including a CSR element like this within an incentive programme adds purpose and helps guests feel part of something bigger than the reward itself.

Unforgettable experiences

Of course, no visit to The Bahamas would be complete without meeting its most famous residents - the swimming pigs. Our day included feeding the pigs, visiting iguanas and even swimming alongside stingrays. This truly unique experience is something that everyone should try at least once.

We also enjoyed a catamaran trip to a neighbouring island for snorkelling with sea turtles - another incredible highlight that perfectly showcased The Bahamas’ natural beauty and diverse marine life.

These moments go beyond simple entertainment; they create stories that guests will share long after they return home - which is exactly what a great incentive programme should do.

Lasting impressions

People often visit The Bahamas for the beaches or the pigs, but what stands out most is the warmth and energy of the place. For incentive events, it’s a destination that combines stunning surroundings with exceptional hospitality, and offers opportunities for both fun and purpose in equal measure.

If you’re considering The Bahamas for your next incentive event, it’s a destination that truly rewards and inspires in every sense.

Abu Dhabi for Corporate Events: My Adventure Among The Sand Dunes and Skyscrapers

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 13:51:03 GMT

In May, I attended a FAM trip to Abu Dhabi to explore how this dynamic Emirate can better support your next corporate event.

Firstly, I would like to thank Nikki Buse and Roger Bradley at Destinations Unlimited and Keith Barron at the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau for hosting me on this amazing trip. And a big thanks to Gaby Seikaly, Reem Nassar and all the team at Gulf Circle Tours DMC for their hospitality, passion and knowledge and all the incredible venues and suppliers who went above and beyond to showcase what makes Abu Dhabi so special.

I hope my experiences will give you some insight into this dynamic destination and answer the question ‘Why should Abu Dhabi be your next corporate event location?’

What makes Abu Dhabi a great MICE destination?

Key Business Benefits:

Accessibility: Direct flights from major global hubs
Infrastructure: State-of-the-art conference facilities across all major venues
Climate: Year-round events possible (October-April optimal)
Business-friendly: Straightforward visa processes for most nationalities
Time zone: GMT+4 works well for Europe, Asia and East Coast US meetings

Top Abu Dhabi hotels for corporate event groups

The W Hotel Yas Island: A Hotel with the W(ow) Factor

Night one and two were spent at an iconic hotel, the W Yas Island. Arriving after the sun had set our first impression of the hotel was its amazing LED lit façade which can be fully branded with your company logo or event branding. The design details here are beautifully inspired by the local culture from the oil trade-inspired black ceiling to racetrack lines reflecting the Yas Marina Circuit beneath the hotel and reception decorated with 3D pearl divers with nose clips.

Conference Facilities:

The Great Room: 250 pax banquet style
Breakout spaces: 7 studios and 4 boardrooms
Bridge connection: Links to Yas Marina Circuit Conference Centre for groups 250+
Private entrance: Separate access with cloakrooms and facilities

Accommodation:

499 bedrooms across various room types and suites
Yas Marina or Yas Circuit views
7 onsite restaurants including The Garage for breakfast

Personal Highlights:

Watching an F1 car training on the track from my room’s balcony.
Enjoying breakfast at the Garage restaurant looking out over the Yas Marina Harbour, this restaurant had one of the largest, most culturally inclusive breakfast spreads I've ever seen.

Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace: A 24-Carat Luxury Hotel

Abu Dhabi's crown jewel served as our base for nights three and four. Upon arrival to the Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace, we were treated to a cup of their luxurious 24 carat gold coffee. Top tip: hold your breath when you take the first sip, or you’ll blow gold flakes everywhere (some of our group learnt the hard way).

Conference Facilities:

The Ballroom: 1,200 pax banquet with dedicated reception and pre-function areas
Auditorium: 1,090 pax theatre across 4 levels, with attached meeting room, green room, and storage
Additional meeting spaces: Conference Centre, Island Centre, Emirates Centre with 14 boardrooms and 3 meeting rooms
Outdoor terraces: 4 spaces accommodating up to 800 banquet

Accommodation & Dining:

394 guest rooms across various categories
12 restaurants featuring international cuisines

For dinner, we enjoyed a 12-course tasting menu at ‘Strawfire by Ross Shonhan’ a Japanese restaurant. the private dining room for a 12-course taster menu featuring a seasonal sushi and sashimi platter, Japanese Wagyu, Crispy confit duck and the most amazing Caesar salad to name a few.

Food is a big part of the culture in Norway and Bergen is an UNESCO city of gastronomy.

Photos speak a thousand words so here you are…

Unique corporate event venues in Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina Circuit

Another cool option for corporate meetings or incentives is the Yas Marina Circuit an iconic venue in Yas Island with so much potential.

Conference Facilities:

Conference Centre: 1,200 pax standing with 3 built-in screens and sound system
Luna Lounge Rooftop: Overlooks racetrack and marina
18 Villas: Each accommodates 2 groups of 20 for breakout sessions
Sky bridge connection: Direct link to W Hotel
Branding opportunities: F1 car wrapping in company colours, F1 countdown clock, podium, screens around the circuit

Evening Events:

Evening events: Pre-dinner drinks in pitstop area, dinner on the actual track with food trucks, entertainment and DJ from the podium
No noise restrictions: Party late with optional fireworks display from behind Shams Tower
F1 entertainment: have a driver experience around the track

Our group took on the Pitstop Challenge, where in teams of 3 we competed to replace an F1 wheel the fastest. I’m sure it will come as no surprise that I was part of the winning team with a time of 25.1 seconds which felt very impressive until we realised the record is 1.80 seconds. F1 won’t be headhunting us any time soon!

Incentive dining experiences: Outside the obvious

4X4 Sand Dune Safari and Desert Camp

The 4X4 Sand Dune Safari and Desert Camp was an experience I will never stop raving about. After an adrenaline filled drive, racing across the desert and dropping down the steep sand banks we arrived at our evening camp feeling like we’d just stepped into a fairy tale, with soft festoon lighting, low U shape seating and greeted with a glass of prosecco, dates and olives.

What Works for Corporate Groups:

Cultural elements: Local falcon trainer demonstration and history talk
Interactive activities: Henna tattooing, camel rides
Dining: BBQ-style feast with grilled specialties, fresh salads, hummus, seasonal fruit
Entertainment Options: Tanoura Dancer, belly dancer, fire dancer/breather, DJ for dancing under the stars

This informal dinner sparked so many conversations and helped us to build new relationships in a relaxed environment. I even had a go at the Tonoura Dancing; the costume is surprisingly heavy, and I lasted about 5 spins before nearly falling over.

Interactive corporate event activities

TeamLabs Phenomena

One of my absolute favourite activities was TeamLabs Phenomena, an interactive and art exhibition that takes you through different rooms and immersive displays. My favourites were the 360-degree bungee cord room and the pink balloon room. I spent the whole time in awe of what was around me and felt very relaxed I would have loved to have spent more time here.

Planning Considerations:

Some rooms may trigger motion sickness—provide advance warning
Require loose-fitting trousers or skirts/dresses for wet areas
No heeled shoes (removed for entry, some flooring uncomfortable barefoot)

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

For cultural immersion, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an absolute must! The lovely team at Gulf Circle DMC arranged for each of the women to have their own beautiful abayas and we took a guided toured to learn the mosques design and history. As a very special treat, we were able to walk across the carpet and stand beneath the grand chandeliers.

Planning Considerations:

The route from security to mosque is quite long, add golf cart transfers if budget allows
Special access: With government permission, groups can walk on the carpet beneath the grand chandeliers (most tourists view from outside the grand room only)

Ready to make Abu Dhabi your next event destination?

Are you as impressed with Abu Dhabi as I am? Then don't hesitate to get in touch, with years of experience organising corporate and incentive trips at Activate Events, we've got the knowledge and connections to bring your vision to life. Your delegates deserve an experience they'll never forget, and Abu Dhabi delivers that in every way!

About the Author: Francesca Parnell, Project Executive at Activate Events

Creativity Isn’t Decoration - It’s Strategy in Disguise

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:04:33 GMT

How creative thinking turns ordinary event concepts into unforgettable brand experiences.

When people talk about creativity in events, they often think of the surface: the lighting, the staging, the music, the colour palette. Those things matter, but at Activate we see creativity differently. For us, it is not decoration. It is a strategic mindset that drives what we do for our clients. Creativity is the process that helps us transform business objectives into human experiences. It is how we take a message, a challenge, or a goal and turn it into something people can feel, and act upon. For our team, creativity is not the finishing touch, it’s the starting point for everything we do.

Understanding before designing

Before we design or imagine anything, we take time to listen and to understand our client’s world. We immerse ourselves in their brand, their culture, and their audience. We ask the right questions, and more importantly, we listen to the answers. This discovery process is where the real creative strategy begins. When we understand what a brand wants its audience to believe, feel, or do, we can design experiences that move them in that direction.

For instance, a leadership conference might look straightforward on paper, perhaps just another two-day gathering. In reality, it could be much more. It might be a company in the middle of change, a team that needs to reconnect, or a group of leaders searching for a renewed sense of purpose. Once we understand that human layer, the design begins to take shape on its own. At that point, creativity becomes a way to build empathy and engagement. Every choice, from how guests first enter the space to the way key messages are revealed, is guided by the emotion and intent behind the experience.

Turning insight into experience

Creativity doesn’t exist in isolation; it grows from insight. That’s why our process follows a clear and collaborative path that connects strategy, design, and delivery.

Discover

We explore our client’s goals, audiences, and challenges, taking the time to understand both the brief and the context that surrounds it.

Define

We clarify what success looks like and identify the emotional triggers that will make the event meaningful.

Design

We translate strategy into ideas, visuals, and experiences that communicate the message clearly and memorably.

Deliver

We bring those ideas to life with precision and care, managing every detail to ensure a seamless experience.

Debrief

We evaluate impact, gather insights, and feed them back into future work to keep learning and evolving. This approach keeps creativity focused and intentional. Every decision - visual, spatial, narrative, or sensory - is made with clear purpose.

The unseen side of creativity

Some of the most powerful creative work is the least visible. It’s not just the stage design or the opening sequence that makes an impact, but the way the whole experience feels natural.

The lighting that subtly shifts with a speaker’s tone, the music that builds anticipation at just the right moment, or the way guests intuitively move through an event space - these moments come from numerous creative decisions, each shaped by strategy. It’s about the rhythm and flow of the venue, and guiding how people experience it. When it works, the design disappears - the audience doesn’t notice it, and they just feel connected and engaged.

Creativity that drives results

Creativity has a purpose beyond aesthetics. It exists to achieve commercial, cultural, and emotional outcomes - and the impact becomes especially clear when strategy and imagination work hand in hand.

A recent example is the Global Diabetes Forum, where a leading healthcare organisation asked us to help create an event that went far beyond a traditional medical conference. Their ambition was to bring together healthcare professionals, policymakers, urban planners, and designers from around the world to rethink how cities could better support people living with diabetes.

Instead of focusing on production scale or visual spectacle, we focused on designing an environment that encouraged connection and collective thinking. Working inside a 19th-century locomotive factory, we transformed more than 10,000 square metres of industrial space into a living cityscape - complete with green areas, sensory soundscapes, and a central avenue that naturally drew people together.

The result was an event that set a new benchmark for international collaboration in diabetes care and urban health. Delegates left with new partnerships, new insights, and a shared framework for progress. Senior leaders described it as one of the most impactful events the organisation had ever delivered, which is a clear reminder that creativity, when grounded in strategy, can accelerate understanding and drive meaningful outcomes.

Collaboration fuels creativity

At Activate, creativity is a team effort and it’s built into the way we work with our clients. A challenge on the timeline can spark a fresh idea. A production constraint can turn into a more compelling story. By working together, creativity on every project is flexible and thoughtful.

Creativity as a brand language

Every brand has a story, but few make people truly connect with it. Events offer a unique way to show what a brand stands for in a human, tangible way. If a client values innovation, the event should reflect that. If it’s about connection, the venue should encourage meaningful interactions. Creativity is the tool our team uses to turn intentions into experiences that resonate.

The balance of logic and emotion

The most effective events strike a careful balance between logic and emotion. Strategy provides the framework, while creativity gives it meaning. In our experience, too much focus on structure can make an event feel rigid, while too much emphasis on emotion can blur the message. When the two are in harmony, the result is an event that informs, engages, and leaves a lasting impression on those attending.

Creativity as a long-term investment

Every interaction at an event leaves an impression, and over time, those moments build recognition, trust, and connection. When creativity is consistent and intentional, it strengthens relationships and drives real results. When people leave one of our events, we want them to remember what they learned, and what they now understand about the brand. That is the real measure of creative strategy.

See our work

Corporate Events in Bergen: Venues, Incentives & Ideas

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:42:46 GMT

Corporate events in Bergen & the Norwegian Fjords: What works in 2025

I feel like I was incredibly lucky to experience the beauty of Norway on a familiarisation (FAM) trip, along with other agency professionals, to Bergen and the Fjords. I had a preconception that Norway was stunning and expensive – I was right about one of those!   

Venues & hotels

Bergen is an eclectic city with a venue or hotel to suit every client’s wish, whether that is a corporate event in Bergen or incentive travel in Norway. There are your well known, safe pair of hands hotel chains, such as Thon, Scandic or Radisson Blu, but also the unusual, such as Charmante which was a feast for the eyes with jaw-dropping wallpaper or Opus XVI with a bespoke elegance.   

The variety of venues on offer allows you to plan those large conference/congresses at the Grieghallen, the more intimate at the Ole Bull Scene or the more expressive at Galleria Nygaten Art. You are covered to tailor and host a corporate event in Bergen that is right for the client and ultimately your guests. 

Gastronomy

As well as having the infrastructure to support an event they have the food to make you want to come back time and time again – exactly what your guests will be expecting from incentive travel. I was anticipating high quality food, in particular seafood, given our location, but this was another level.

On our first night we experienced the restaurant Cornelius ‘from fjord to table’ which is just a short boat ride away from Bergen harbour. The setting is secluded and spectacular that lets you know you’re in for a real authentic experience. I can safely say the best oysters I have ever had and if you haven’t taken that plunge or been brave enough to try them, ‘go for it’! Oh and yes you are meant to chew rather than swallow straight down! 

Food is a big part of the culture in Norway and Bergen is an UNESCO city of gastronomy.

Photos speak a thousand words so here you are…

Norwegian Fjords experience

Early one morning we set off on the adventure to the fjords by train. A great way to experience the landscape and changing weathers- we went through extremes of fog, snow, rain and sunshine all in the space of 2 hours to Flåm! I’d heard about the Flåm railway being one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and it really was. Great for incentive and corporate event groups taking the 20km journey through twists and tunnels and the chance to get off by an incredible waterfall. 

Who doesn’t love a view point!? But I don’t think you can get much better than this, especially when a rainbow decided to make an appearance for us!

Flåm offers a rustic authentic experience for those wanting to get back to nature. Think wooden buildings, cosy rooms, roaring fires, rugs and fur blankets. The Fretheim Hotel can provide the conference facilities you need whilst Flamsbrygga Hotel offers an entire complex of accommodation, restaurants and even a beer garden.

You can’t visit the Norwegian fjords without getting up close and personal. We had a speed boat guided tour to Gudvangen across the UNESCO World Heritage Fjord.

Come rain or shine this is an experience of a life-time seeing the worlds natural beauty in all its glory. All the gear is provided to make you look the part, even if that doesn’t quite come across in the photos!! 

Arriving at the Viking Valley Experience felt like stepping back in time to immerse ourselves in the culture and history of the Viking Age. The volunteers live onsite in authentic houses and work their trade such as blacksmithing. The food we tasted was outstanding and would be an excellent choice for a memorable dining experience to top off your incentive programme.  

Summary

Like in the UK, weather is spoken about frequently and when we had a glorious sunny day the locals said, ‘it’s always like this’ with a knowing cheeky smile. It rains. A lot. But that shouldn’t spoil your experience or take away from the beauty of this destination.    

A corporate event or incentive experience in Bergen and the Norwegian fjords can be achieved for the right budget and you won’t be disappointed with the outcome of hosting in such a special place.   

5 Reasons Why Mauritius Should Be Your Next Event Destination

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:26:41 GMT

If you're searching for an event destination that will wow your guests, Mauritius is the place to be. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class facilities, it's fast becoming one of Africa's top spots for events. Picture networking on a sunset catamaran cruise, shmoozing over delicious Creole cuisine, or relaxing in luxury beachfront resorts after a day of productive meetings and activities.

I was lucky enough to have spent a week in December experiencing firsthand what Mauritius has to offer, and why Mauritius should be your next event destination.

1. Perfectly equipped for business events and incentive travel

Mauritius isn’t just a pretty face… it’s the ultimate destination for events, incentives, and all things business-y (with a side of fun, of course!). Getting there is easy with plenty of flights, smooth airport transfers, and top-notch meeting spaces that’ll make you feel like a VIP. Oh, and did I mention the MICE VAT Exemption? Yes, please!

And the weather? Absolute perfection. It’s an all-year-round kind of place with temps that hover between 20°C - 28°C.

2. Diverse accommodation options

Having had the pleasure of touring the island, I experienced the vast portfolio of Beachcomber Resorts , which cater to every need and preference. From the chic Shandrani Beachcomber Resort to the family-friendly Victoria Beachcomber, and the luxurious Trou aux Biches Beachcomber and outstanding Paradis Beachcomber, there’s something for everyone. The hospitality teams were outstanding, consistently exceeding expectations, with many surprises along the way.

Mauritius is packed with incredible mid-range and budget-friendly options to consider as part of your programme, ensuring the island remains accessible to groups.

3. Incredible activities for everyone

Where do I even start with the activities? Mautourco , our brilliant ground agent, hooked us up with some amazing experiences. Think speedboats and snorkelling in turquoise waters, market-hopping in Port Louis for local goodies, cooking up a storm, eco rider safaris with ancient tortoises and soaking in the island’s culture and history. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just want to chill, Mauritius ticks every box.

4. Commitment to sustainability

Mauritius takes its environmental responsibilities seriously, with hotels and the government working hard to protect the reef, conserve energy, and keep this little slice of heaven pristine.

One standout experience was tree-planting in the Ebony Forest, a reforestation, a project that’s restoring the island’s native species. Fun fact: they’ve planted over 200,000 trees so far!

5. The best backdrop for literally everything

Mauritius has a way of making everything feel more special… meetings, events, or just about any moment. Picture this: a brainstorming session with the beach in the background or a gala dinner under the stars with the stunning Le Morne as your backdrop.

Some highlights you have to check out:

Trou-aux-Biches : Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating with a cocktail.
Blue Bay Marine Park : A snorkeler’s paradise with coral reefs and vibrant fish. Or stay dry on a glass-bottom boat tour.
Le Morne Brabant : If you’re up for a challenge, the hike to this UNESCO World Heritage site is worth every step for the views at the top.
Le Château de Labourdonnais : A gorgeous 19th-century estate with gardens, a museum, and the chance to sip local rum. Yes, please.

A special thanks to Hosmark, Air Mauritus, Beachcomber Resorts and Mautourco for memories that will last for a lifetime.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch, with years of experience organising incentive trips and events at Activate Events, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

IBTM 2024

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 10:38:11 GMT

This year I was lucky enough to attend IBTM as part of a group hosted by Mags Shaw from Mags Worldwide . Having been a few years since I last had the chance to attend IBTM, I was excited to network, learn and meet with friends both old and new.

The trip started off with an early meet and greet at London Heathrow where we met with Lianne Arkle from All About Flights who had helped organise our travel there and back. After a smooth flight, we landed in sunny Barcelona which was a nice change from the cold temperatures we had left behind in the UK. (Fun fact: the average temperature in Barcelona during November/December is 14°C, which is great for events/groups needing a bit of winter sun!)

We travelled straight to the Grand Hyatt Barcelona , where we were staying for two nights. Upon arrival we were met with Christian Wilk (Senior Director of Sales at Hyatt Hotels) who gave us all a warm welcome to the property. Christian represents a wide array of Hyatt properties across the globe and is based in London. As event agencies, building strong industry connections is a core aspect of what we do. This ensures that when a new client brief arrives, we can immediately connect with the right person within our network to bring our client’s vision to life!

The Grand Hyatt Barcelona

... offers an impressive array of versatile meeting spaces, each tailored to meet diverse needs. Notable among them is Zuu, a former nightclub transformed into a private event space with a capacity for up to 250 guests. Zuu would be the perfect venue for a showstopping evening to conclude a conference or event. It offers delegates the ideal setting to unwind and celebrate after a productive day of meetings, and really has the ‘wow’ factor when you first walk in!

Another standout space is the Pool Bar Terrace, ingeniously repurposed during the winter months (from October to Easter) into the Pool Marquee. This innovative solution involves installing a sturdy temporary floor over the pool, maximizing the use of available space. This area is an ideal setting for events featuring al fresco dining, offering a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for both the cozy charm of winter and the vibrant energy of summer.

Additionally, the hotel boasts 22 meeting rooms, perfect for any event needing multiple breakout spaces of all shapes and sizes; most of which feature excellent high ceilings (something we are always on the lookout for), abundant natural daylight, and a clean, modern aesthetic throughout.

We went on to inspect the different room categories the hotel has to offer. The Grand Hyatt Barcelona has 465 rooms in total, 410 of which are ROH – a mix of deluxe, and premium deluxe categories – topped off with a range of suites for higher end luxury. All rooms in this 5* hotel are very modern in appearance, yet they still retain a sense of familiar charm.

We concluded our tour in the hotel's tapas restaurant (Sofia Bar & Tapas) where we were treated to a delicious dinner. The food was divine and we sampled a range of starters, from Iberian ham platters and grilled goats cheese, to croquetas and (of course) patatas bravas! The main course was octopus with broken potatoes - something a bit different to the norm for most of us. We finished off the evening with a local dessert; éclairs with crema catalana.

Day 1

Up early and rearing to go, we headed over to the Fira Barcelona, where IBTM was taking place. Upon arriving at the event, I was impressed by how IBTM was embracing sustainability, something we also strive for at our own events. Recyclable badges and lanyards were provided for all delegates, reflecting a clear commitment to eco-conscious practices. Additionally, I noticed exhibitors incorporating recyclable elements into their stands, such as seating - a forward-thinking approach that felt truly future-focused.

My day from here was filled with back to back meetings with some of the global DMCs Mags represents here in the UK, and it was a fantastic opportunity to make new connections and learn about different destinations for events. Did you know that hidden beneath Cappadocia’s exquisite landscape, there are over 50 underground cities, all built into the rock faces, including a variety of cave hotels; or that there are over 1,244 islands to explore in Croatia? (Please get in touch if you want to learn more fun facts!)

After a productive day, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our offsite dinner at Can Travi Nou (as organised by Buzz Spain). Can Travi Nou turned out to be a wonderful venue, housed inside a typical 17th-century farmhouse. With lots of flexible space for group/private dining, we were treated to a private room where we all sat round the same table - such an intimate setting which really made you feel at home and allowed conversation to flow. It’s a perfect offsite dinner option for groups/events with great access for coaches/transport.

The food that followed was local, delicious and very generous in portion size! To start, we were served Fideuá (noodle paella with squid, mussels and prawns), followed by roasted piglet knuckle with rosemary scented potatoes (everyone had empty plates at the end of this course and the meat was perfectly cooked)! To finish, we had black forest cake followed by the introduction of a local tradition – to share a drink of dessert wine served from a porrón (a distinctive glass pitcher with a narrow top and a long spout, reminiscent of a watering can). The idea was to drink as much as you can from the porrón by pouring the wine into your mouth from a distance, before passing it to the next person and so on. It was a lively, entertaining tradition and the perfect way to cap off the night. Looking back, I can think of several events I’ve managed in the past where this setting would have been absolutely perfect for the group!

Day 2

Kicking off day two, I arrived bright and early for the first talk of the day, The Power of Human Connection by Simone Heng.

As someone who is currently reading her book, Let's Talk About Loneliness , I was really excited to hear what she had to say about the importance of events in relation to one of the most basic human needs – connection. As expected, it was an enthralling talk where she offered the perspective that in a world that is rapidly developing in the digital/AI space and where people are increasingly isolating themselves from each other thanks to technology, face to face events and networking have never been so important.

Ultimately, the need to connect with others is deeply ingrained in human nature, dating back to the days of cavemen. It’s through meaningful connections that we feel truly supported, fulfilled, and aligned with our purpose. Events play a vital role in fostering these connections, strengthening relationships, and making us feel part of something greater than ourselves. There is no better way to truly connect with your audiences, share a message or create such a collective sense of union. This perfectly aligns with the message we consistently emphasise to our clients here at Activate, and is something we continuously reflect when designing our events. It’s about both embracing the modern, digital world we now live in, whilst still highlighting the importance of face-to-face networking and events. Safe to say the 30 minutes flew by…

Following the opening talk of the day, I began my second day of networking (and connecting!) – both engaging in my pre-arranged meetings with suppliers and exploring everything else IBTM had to offer.

Using this day as a chance to listen and learn from others in the industry, I took the time to attend two other talks throughout the day, in between my meetings.

The second session was a compelling talk on Behavioural Psychology and How It Impacts People and Events by Jules Griffith from mccglc and Ele Mather from PwC. They presented a strong case, emphasising the importance for event professionals to understand the modern psyche of their delegates. By doing so and crafting experiences that resonate with core human psychology whilst engaging all five senses (including smell), events can become truly immersive, leaving audiences not only entertained but also deeply connected to both the brand and the message. At Activate we always like to think outside the box to make our events memorable, working in partnership with our clients to create truly unique experiences that always leave a lasting impact.

A final talk that I managed to attend was on The Gravity of Life – How to Grow from Adversity, Stress, and Uncertainty by Bo Krüger, a moderator and motivational speaker. He stated within his talk that “when you work in the events industry, you have to become friends with stress”, something which I feel every event professional can relate to – after all, we are experts in the management of stress.

It was interesting to learn how Bo argued that instead of fighting against stress, we should be ‘vaccinating’ ourselves from it, in turn something that will help enable us to develop better coping mechanisms when the pressure of events really ramps up. I thought his positive spin on stress and adversity was a fresh take on things and not something that is normally spoken about. Some of his suggested ‘vaccines’ to stress included ice swimming (for the physical shock and learning to cope with this), recreational fear (such as going on rollercoasters, or watching horror movies) to stepping outside your comfort box (such as taking up improv comedy)! The team here at Activate takes pride in our ability to handle stress and adversity, ensuring that our clients always benefit from a seamless experience as we take the pressure off them. That said, it’s always valuable to learn new tips and tricks that we can use to further vaccinate ourselves against stress, maybe a team trip to Thorpe Park is on the cards!

After another jam packed day, it was time to pack up and depart for the UK. Reflecting on my experience at IBTM, I can confidently say I thoroughly enjoyed every moment connecting with the people that make up our wonderful industry. This year’s theme, People, Power, Potential, couldn’t have been more fitting.

Emily Salvage, Project Manager

Why Oman? An Event Planner's Discovery

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 10:36:24 GMT

In October, I had the incredible opportunity to not only attend my first The Meetings Space event, but also to experience it in a country that had always intrigued me – Oman. Often overshadowed by its more well-known neighbours, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Oman is a hidden gem in the Middle East that is definitely worth adding to your travel list.

The event was held at the stunning, newly opened St. Regis Al Mouj Muscat Resort , which had just celebrated its grand opening a mere three weeks before our arrival. However, you’d never have guessed it—the service was impeccable, with staff going above and beyond to ensure every need was met. Nothing was too much trouble, and everyone was warm, friendly, and welcoming. You could tell there was a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes effort to make our experience truly unforgettable, and I have no doubt we would be in good hands with an event should our clients choose this wonderful property. I was also incredibly fortunate to stay in a suite featuring not one, but two balconies, offering breathtaking views over one of the two pools, with the beach and crystal-clear blue sea stretching out beyond.

On the first afternoon, a show round of the hotel highlighted its eight exceptional on-site restaurants and bars, including the renowned Hakkasan and COYA . All the venues provide such an extensive variety of cuisine, it would be perfect for a group looking for dine around options without having to venture into the city. We were also introduced to the stunning Guerlain spa and the airy, modern meeting spaces. The evening kicked off with a lively gathering at Zorba , the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the seafront. The relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect opportunity to meet new people, indulge in delicious dishes, and enjoy some Greek dancing!

Days 2 and 3 were dedicated to making valuable connections with suppliers from across Europe and the Middle East. It was an insightful experience, discovering new hotels and destinations, receiving updates on renovations, establishing important contacts, and reconnecting with familiar faces.

On the afternoon of day two, we were treated to a beautiful sunset Dhow cruise, dressed in our traditional Omani attire. Our journey took us to the stunning Jumeirah Muscat Bay , where we were welcomed to an unforgettable evening in an exquisite outdoor setting. Long wooden tables, traditional Arabian seating, towering palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and an array of incredible dishes came together to create a truly spectacular experience.

On the afternoon of day three, we had the opportunity to choose from a variety of activities, including snorkelling, a Souq city tour, cooking experience, sunset hike and a motorbike tour. I was fortunate enough to secure a spot in the snorkelling group, which sold out quickly! The boat ride to our destination took about 45 minutes, and we were treated to an incredible experience, spotting several turtles and a wide array of fish. The swim was a refreshing escape from the afternoon heat. Each excursion looked like a fantastic way to spend an afternoon, and would offer delegates wanting to explore the local area, some great options to do this in a fun, exciting and different way.

Later that evening, we gathered for the farewell dinner by the main pool at the St. Regis. The dress code was shades of white and cream, and everyone looked amazing. The evening concluded with a DJ and dancing, a perfect way to wrap up my first experience at The Meetings Space.

Huge thanks to all attendees, suppliers, hosts and partners involved in this amazing event!

Megan Whitty, Project Manager

My IHG Hotels & Resorts Hosted Buyer Experience in Los Angeles and Las Vegas

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 12:37:30 GMT

There’s something truly special about a journey filled with ‘firsts’. And my recent trip to Los Angeles and Las Vegas, hosted by IHG Hotels & Resorts , was exactly that - a string of firsts, each more memorable than the last.

Welcome to LA: First Impressions

Kicking off with a premium economy flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles, my excitement for the days ahead was already sky-high (pun intended). Touching down in California for the very first time, I was spoiled from the get-go. Our stay began at the fabulous InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown , where we were treated to a brief show-around of the property, followed by a dinner that showcased the creativity of the head chef. It was a great way to meet some of my fellow hosted buyers and get into the spirit of things.

A Taste of Hollywood and NFL Glamour

The next day started with an early morning hike to one of LA's most iconic landmarks - the Hollywood sign . Our charming guide, an aspiring actress/comedian, kept the group entertained with her wit and insight. Her talent was undeniable, and I suspect her big break isn’t far off.

Following our hike, we headed to SoFi Stadium for my first-ever NFL experience . While I may not generally be a sports fan, watching the game from a luxurious pitch-side suite with full hospitality access was nothing short of spectacular. The atmosphere, complete with great weather and a vibrant crowd, made it a truly unforgettable day. Plus, seeing the cheerleaders perform right in front of our suite was such a unique touch to the experience!

Party Bus Vibes and Manhattan Beach Dining

After the game, we all piled into our shuttle-bus-turned-party-bus and enjoyed what became a sing-along extravaganza on wheels! The energy was contagious, and our faces hurt from laughing by the time we reached our dinner destination which was a trendy Mexican restaurant near the beautiful Manhattan Beach .

Santa Monica Style: The Regent Hotel

The next morning, we visited the newly opened Regent Hotel in Santa Monica . To say the hotel is stunning would be an understatement. We enjoyed an incredible lunch at Orla , their Mediterranean restaurant, which honestly ranks as one of the best meals I’ve ever had. The serene atmosphere of Santa Monica combined with the Regent’s elegance was the perfect way to wind down before heading to our next stop - Las Vegas .

Viva Las Vegas: IMEX and All Its Glory

This was my first time attending IMEX America and my first time experiencing the larger-than-life vibe of Las Vegas. We stayed at the stunning Venetian Hotel , and on our first night, I opted for a more laid-back exploration of the Strip, capping the evening with a take-out dinner in my luxurious room.

The next day was all about IMEX: An awesome whirlwind of meetings, networking, and educational sessions. The event itself was massive, but impressively well-organised, and I found my rhythm quickly. Leaving the show in the afternoon was a bit chaotic with all the Formula 1 preparations going on in the city, but I resisted the urge to walk back to my hotel, heeding the advice of some IMEX veterans: Vegas may look close-knit, but those distances are deceiving!

A Night to Remember at Delilah's

The real highlight of the Vegas leg and probably the entire trip was an absolutely magical evening at the super elegant Delilah’s in the Wynn Hotel . IHG had booked out this modern-day ‘supper club’, and the night was an unforgettable blend of free-flowing cocktails, gourmet dining, first-class service, and enchanting entertainment. Seated right by the stage, I had front-row views of the live performances, and by the end of the night, tables were moved around us as everyone was up and dancing. The night came to a spectacular conclusion when a few night-owls went out to witness the implosion of the Tropicana Hotel - a real “only in Vegas” moment!

Day Two of IMEX and Some Fun at Flight Club

The second day of IMEX felt much more relaxed as everyone found their groove. My schedule was packed with 1:1 meetings with global venues and suppliers, as well as some short but fascinating sessions on topics like AI in Events and Meeting Rooms of the Future . After a busy day, I took advantage of some downtime by lounging poolside with a good book - a perfect way to recharge after a busy day.

That evening, we were off to Flight Club Las Vegas for some friendly competition, which proved to be a super fun networking activity. The night was full of laughter, darts, and a little healthy (debatable!) rivalry, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Las Vegas nightlife.

Wrapping Up at IMEX and Final Reflections

The final day of IMEX flew by, with a few last meetings and a chance to walk the show floor before everything wound down. With some extra time to spare, a few of us headed out for a quick shopping spree at the outlets to further fill our already-overstuffed-with-souvenirs suitcases. As a final farewell, our flight home gave us a stunning view of the Las Vegas Strip, illuminated in all its brilliance - a perfect ending to an incredible trip.

Reflecting on the trip, I couldn’t be more thankful for the tremendous hospitality provided by IHG Hotels & Resorts . From LA to Vegas, from luxury suites to show-stopping supper clubs, and from NFL games to IMEX, this journey was packed with unforgettable moments and truly valuable connections.

Thank you, IHG Hotels & Resorts , for an incredible experience!

Catia Rocha
Project Manager at Activate

Driving Growth Through Innovation

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 13:17:12 GMT

Last week, we welcomed over 300 delegates to Frankfurt for our client’s Technical Conference. The energy from the start set the tone for three exciting days of innovation, collaboration, and fresh ideas.

Day 1: Kicking Off with Innovation

The conference began with an interactive plenary session, where delegates actively participated in discussions and shared insights. A highlight was the "Innovation Box," designed to gather creative ideas for a future-focused strategy.

Guest speakers from our clients suppliers shared valuable insights on industry trends, innovative solutions, and growth strategies. The day concluded with dinner and networking at Depot 1899, a repurposed tram depot, where delegates enjoyed an evening of conversation, food, and even dancing.

Day 2: Technical Sessions and Supplier Engagement

Day two focused on breakout sessions, where attendees explored technical topics and innovative solutions in depth. Active engagement was encouraged, sparking lively discussions and fresh thinking.

The Supplier Marketplace allowed delegates to interact with suppliers through our event app and gamification module, where engagement earned points toward team prizes, creating a fun and interactive way to connect.

Day 3: Wrapping Up

As the conference drew to a close, excitement for the future was palpable. The three-day event fostered collaboration, sparked new ideas, and inspired growth through innovation. The positive feedback from attendees has left us excited for what’s next.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making the event a success. We can’t wait for the next one!

Exploring CSR Initiatives

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 08:29:40 GMT

Corporate Social Responsibility is becoming an increasingly important aspect to business and events today. Incorporating CSR in events allows clients to turn their values into action and it can have a positive impact on attendees as it gives them a sense of purpose and fosters a culture of teamwork.

We are constantly trying to encourage clients to integrate CSR in events. And what better way than to try these activities first-hand. Our colleagues Skye and Romy attended an event organised by GoTo Events and Sleep Pod UK at the Leonardo Hotel St Paul’s to make sleeping pods for the homeless. Here’s what they had to say:

“The day consisted of some ice breaker and team challenges. We started with a quiz, learning some facts about homelessness in the UK so we could gain an understanding of the importance of our activities. We then got competitive in some team games, racing against each other to win our items to build the pods. It was such a fun way to get to know our teammates. We then got to building the sleep pods, following instructions, and working with our team to make sure they were the best of quality as these will be going out to those who need them. And of course, we had to test them out ourselves, wiggling our way through the pods to experience what a night in the pod feels like.

Building these sleep pods is so important for several reasons:

Hypothermia and being subjected to extreme weather conditions causes many deaths for rough sleepers and refugees. Sleep pods provide effective protection as they are insulated, and rain and wind resistant.
They are lightweight to pack and carry for those using them.
Sleep Pods UK use volunteers in prisons to give them meaningful opportunities and a sense of purpose.

Since they began, 10,000 pods have been built. It’s amazing to think how many people this has helped, and even more purposeful to know that the pods we built can be saving someone’s life.”

This is just one activity out of so many that we can foster in events, and we are excited to see what activities we will be incorporating in our own events.

Pan-Asian Training in Hong Kong

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 11:57:22 GMT

Over ten days in October key #Activaters were in #HongKong, making the biggest impact within an ambitious pan-Asian event for a manufacturing client.

The large majority of delegates were based in Asia, so Hong Kong was an obvious choice given its regional hub position and desire to maximise attendance. Indeed, our event was the largest training event delivered to date!

No less than 700 attendees gathered at the Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West for an internal staff training event, while the client was running in parallel a separate training event at the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong.

We found the hotel to be fantastic! We were all really impressed with their exceptional attention to detail throughout our event, and we enjoyed the support of Destination China, represented in the UK by Mags Shaw at MagsWorldwide.

Any event for 700+ participants will present challenges: foremost to us was ensuring each and every one of the participants had the optimum conditions to get the most out of their training and had the best possible experience from start to finish.

Each one of the 700+ attendees had a personal agenda for the event, which required close management from our side in the lead up to the event to ensure changes were reflected and everyone had access to the correct agendas within the dedicated event app. With 7-8 individual track sessions taking place for each of the four meeting slots per day, there was a lot to keep on top of as multiple meetings and training sessions were taking place simultaneously.

Teamwork is critical to the success of any event, and this event was no different. We had to excel at accurate, transparent and timely communication. Proactive risk flagging and mitigation. Creative thinking. Attention to detail. We needed to be on our A-game and use the Activate playbook for large scale events and our joint expertise with large scale events and operating in Asia.

“It was essential for us to work extremely closely with the client team and also local partners like the DMC and Hotel to ensure successful delivery,” explains Emily, who project-managed the event alongside Liz.

Onsite team for the event: Ken, Romy, Paul, Emily

Emily’s verdict on this event: “We really loved working with the client on this event and I would highly recommend the Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West as a venue in Hong Kong for MICE events. The service at the hotel was exceptional!” Needless to say, it feels great to see this event off successfully! Where will the next training event take us? ��

#activateevents #livevevents #globalevents #corporateevents #servicedelivery #excellenceinevents

The World's Most Fun Sandpit

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 10:57:09 GMT

At the height of European Winter to get the call to head off to what we lovingly call “the world’s most fun sandpit,” well, we get excited! And we say ‘yes’!

If you are looking to take your top performing teams for a Winter sunshine incentive, Dubai seems to have all temptations and the right answers.

Between December 2nd and 5th, 2022, Liz Pim, Account Director, joined a familiarisation programme to Dubai. Organised by Nikki Rebuck of The Rep Company (a destination representation company well-established in the UK) and co-hosted by 2xceed and Jan Rienermann on the ground. The group took off from London Heathrow with support from Kathy Bradley at All About Flights and enjoyed the hospitality of Raj Aswal and Atlantis Resorts. We cannot be more grateful for the team going above and beyond to host, accommodate personal requests and ensure the smooth running of each step of the programme!

As you would expect with a professional programme, the experience was centered on destination and experience discovery, with the added bonus of tickets to the Rugby 7s Final.

Liz allowed herself to be won over by the Middle-Eastern charm but also diligently jotted down her observations on the suppliers she met and the experiences on offer so that when it comes to taking our corporate clients to this playground in the sun, the experience is nothing short of extraordinary!

Atlantis The Palm 5*

The hotel is very impressive, with spacious and well-equipped rooms. The meeting space is supported by a separate entrance and can accommodate large numbers. Ultimately, there is no escape from the fact that this is such a popular spot with leisure travelers!

Wavehouse (Atlantis Palm)

This indoor/outdoor restaurant/bar served tasty food ‘pub grub style’ and it was an atmospheric (loud and lively) place to watch England in the World Cup! An experience Liz says she won’t forget in a hurry.

Nobu Masterclass (Atlantis Palm)

Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a cocktail or a sushi masterclass at Nobu’s? Liz and the group were given a choice of these two masterclasses (tough choice for most) and these proved to be great activity options during the hottest part of the day.

White Beach (Atlantis Palm)

This beach is on the Palm complex but feels more secluded and exclusive (no kids running around in this area!) and the restaurant was well set up, the staff were attentive and the sharing plates of food were absolutely delicious!

Dolphin Dip & Play (Atlantis Palm)

“This was my first time seeing a dolphin, let alone getting to touch and be close to one!” exclaimed Liz! She went on to add that “it was a fun experience, the dolphins seemed well looked after.” This is a great souvenir photo opportunity and guests have the option to have the water dip & play experience with sea lions also, or experience a shark snorkel.

Dubai Rugby 7s

“What a day! What an atmosphere! Singing, dancing and … a few drinks! We were in the VIP area (cushioned tiered seating) which was great for atmosphere but once there, getting in and out was a little tricky. The alternative was to be in Hospitality Box which isn’t pitch side, so you miss out on the atmosphere, but get the catering. I think we made the right choice to be in the action!” shares Liz.

Atlantis The Royal 5*

The venue was not yet open, but we were allowed a sneak-peak (no photos though!)

This destination of all destinations for the very lucky ones, is extreme luxury and perfectly suited for the ultimate incentives (think suites with infinity pool!). The recent opening with Beyonce has set the bar very high for what this property has to offer!

Yacht Cruise

Setting off for a lunch cruise allowed us to see the shoreline from the sea and what a photo opportunity that was! Sea, sunshine, drinks and a glistening white yacht to talk about! We loved it!

Tamoka, The Ritz-Carlton 5*

And how did the group wrap up a successful day of all things great and fun? With a visit to the Tamoka beach-front bar, a popular Instagram hotspot! When there, you have it all, a spectacular sunset, a fire show, drinks and dancing…. what more could one wish for?

The Ritz-Carlton property itself looked like an oasis in the city, which Liz thinks would make a great destination for incentives.

Mama Zonia

And finally, for dinner, Dubai Marina in the Dubai Harbour with Mama Zonia! This really earned top marks! Picture yourself sat on the terrace with an amazing view, enjoying the most beautiful sharing food in good company! Liz describes this spot simply as “Incredible food! A must!” Advice we would probably all love to heed!

With guaranteed sunshine, cooler evenings, an excellent infrastructure and a stable political and economic climate, Dubai is the easy incentive address everybody loves.

Contact Liz at hello@activateevents.com for a bespoke incentive travel programme for your team.

2023 Trends to Activate Your Events

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 11:55:41 GMT

As a team, we would like you to know these two things: we will go to great length to learn what are the latest and most innovative solutions for events but we will never fall victims to the need to be ‘on trend’. After all, your company is unique, it has its culture, its values, its strategy and when we are teaming up with you, we are there to work with you and implement the solutions that create the absolute best outcome, best experience, best value, delivered in the most efficient way.

And because we have been busy reading content ranging from Forbes to Campaign Live, and from Event Industry News and Travel Daily News to Amex Global Business, we share with confidence some headline trends that may benefit your event – processed by our team and relayed in this blog.

Stimulate senses
This is one very real benefit of in-person events and brands are taking full advantage of creating activities and décor which stimulates the eyes, the mind, the sense of touch and smell, the adrenaline and real buzz of being on site. Technology plays a big part here as does personalisation: smell, tech image walls, chromatic and scented water fountains etc.

Delegate co-created experiences
How do you create the most memorable experience? You allow your delegates to co-create it! Participating hands-on equals ‘entertainment’ and ‘learning by doing’. Key note here: the experience must be easy so that the reward of having taken part is real. Giving attendees a choice of activities is also key.

Retro feel
Tech novelty is something all event briefs seek. Why? Because technology comes with the wow factor guarantee (albeit, it also brings the fear of ‘will it work onsite”?). Still, the bigger trend is ‘going retro’ all the way to the 1990’s with snacks, décor, music and hosting outfits, even a wardrobe gallery that allows attendees to ‘rewind with a smile.’ We say: most brands won’t want to look back to the analog days!

Collaborate through play
Wellbeing, a sense of joy, a sense of youthfulness and connection, lateral thinking and problem-solving can all come from simply creating playzones and from weaving playtime into the event agenda. This makes for great photo opportunity and solves the ‘giveaway’ conundrum with a personalised gift and memories of a stress-free time.

Uplifting hosting
Few event planning discussions talk about hosting. But herein lies a great opportunity to entertain, be different, come across as more open, approachable and memorable. How? Event hosts are usually ‘on brand’ in terms of tone of voice, dress code, the briefing they received. Is that enough? Or is that the same as with all other events? Hosts can be dancers, greeters, gameshow hosts, they can be counsellors, actors, singers, they can be your CEO! What will you do different with your next event? How will you use hosting as a way of avoiding queues, waiting times and those risky dips in the energy of an event?

Sustainability, Inclusivity and Wellness
At a simple level, being transparent about the impact of your event is a good start and counteracting this with the positive steps you are taking to run a sustainable event and the challenges you are facing in doing this, is also a welcome next step. Seeking participant input for suggestions to become more sustainable could also be a progressive and candid approach.

Allowing and encouraging delegates to be themselves, to show up as themselves and speak authentically (while recognising the framework of a professional business event) could help with audience engagement.

Connecting with local social causes or having the participants vote for the top cause to support in the build-up to the event can also improve the sense of purpose and tie in with your ESG objectives.

And finally, wellbeing – we have taken so many different approaches here, from wellness areas, to tailored wellbeing counselling, to vouchers for wellbeing experiences redeemable post event, to live biking whose energy is fed into producing healthy drinks! We love a challenge so we’re trusting you to be bold!

Other key trends of worth:

flagship events are expected to remain hybrid
mobile apps will continue to be used to deliver personalised event agendas or on-demand content to attendees
polls during event will continue to be used for feedback
consider using event content through channels such as webinars, virtual events and on-demand video content, to improve engagement and the legacy of the event across your company
video content will account for 82% of all internet traffic by the end of the year according to The Cisco Video Networking Index, this means video is KING (use it for pre-event teasers, education, recordings of the best speaker sessions and make it available via dedicated on-site and online hubs)
Air, hotel, venue competition is sky high due to demand. It is effectively a supplier-led market so partnering with an established agency and making that purchasing decision early in the event planning process can both help you be in the right venue, at a rate that you can justify.

When you use your event to show delegates that you care, you cannot fail. When you use your event to show delegates that you have a robust, visionary yet realistic business plan, you cannot fail. When you use your event to create dialogue and connection with your delegates you cannot fail to SUCCEED!

To discuss your next event plans please contact Ken in our Client Services team who is not only incredibly knowledgeable and a top Activater, but also a great industry contact to have by your side: ken@activateevents.com .

#ActivateEvents #CorporateEvents #BrandActivation #2023trends

Emily In Copenhagen

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:02:39 GMT

“Such a fantastic experience, Copenhagen is such a wonderful place!” This is how our colleague Emily Everall sums up her experience during an industry fam trip to Copenhagen in December 2022.

Honouring the invitation from Idea Nordic, Copenhagen Convention Bureau and Destinations UNLIMITED, Activate Events & Communications assigned Emily Everall to be our eyes and ears on the ground and to soak up not just supplier knowledge but most importantly, the culture, the unique character of this extraordinary city and the distinctive opportunities that we can bring to our clients during future events.

“This trip was jam packed with everything Copenhagen had to offer and then some! From the moment we stepped off the plane to the day of departure, we were welcomed with warm Danish pastries and open arms – everyone was ready and willing to show us the best Copenhagen had to offer. I learnt so much about the destination during the trip, networked with some fantastic eventprofs and discovered some really fantastic venues and event spaces. I am really looking forward to our upcoming event to Copenhagen in the near future!” enthuses Emily.

Here are Emily’s highlights from her time in Copenhagen:

1. Sustainability

Denmark has the most ambitious Sustainability Goals in Europe to become carbon neutral by 2025. Denmark doesn’t just talk about it; they live it, and Emily witnessed this first hand through:

The endless bike lanes and popularity of cycling – everywhere and for everyone
The option of using the metro for a warmer ride during the colder months

There is also an emphasis on giving back to local communities, something we experienced by:

A visit to the HQ of a local charity supporting homeless people in Copenhagen to have a warm Christmas, where we learned how they work and how our events in Copenhagen can support their work #csractivity

2. Hotels & Event Venues

A site inspection of Villa Copenhagen
Traditional Danish Christmas lunch at Cap Horn, complete with schnapps and learning some (essential) basic Danish such as ‘Øl’, ‘Vin’ and ‘Skål’
Dessert experience and site visit of Moltkes Mansion
Danish Christmas Dinner at ‘Over Plænen’ with a bird’s eye view over Tivoli Gardens and a tour of the NIMB Hotel
Guided tour of the Scandic Spectrum to discover the modern facilities at one of Copenhagen’s latest and most sustainable hotels
The Glyptoteket, a stunning museum which offers a great space for gala dinners and welcome receptions

3. More Event Venues

Dinner at the Planetarium’s Scandinavian fine dining restaurant, Gemini in a relaxed atmosphere. Situated on Copenhagen’s Lakes in the center of the city
Gammel Strand, Thorvaldsen Museum and Christiansborg Palace are some of the ‘must- see’ sights in Copenhagen, which can also be utilised as event spaces and restaurant venues
Lunch at Opera House and experience the stunning view of Copenhagen from the award winning Almanak Restaurant. Following lunch, we enjoyed a tour of the Opera House

4. Tailored Private Group Activities

Winter Bathing in the harbour at Bølgen, instructor-led and with robes and slippers provided by Marriott
To keep us warm, the organisers invited BeerWalks to share a local Craft Beer with us (just small sips, we promise!) during the tour
Danish pastry baking class: we learned how to bake a Danish pastry called a Kanelsnurrer (cinnamon swirl). We mixed, rolled, filled, baked and enjoyed our work with a warm cup of coffee! Perfectly hyggelich
Christmas market at the Tivoli Gardens in the center of Copenhagen
Tour of Torvehallerne, a high-end food market, to taste local produce, straight from the market to the table
Idea Nordic, Copenhagen Convention Bureau and Destinations UNLIMITED
Copenhagen Marriott
… and the multitude of local hospitality partners who made our time in the “City of Fairytales” truly magical:
25hours Hotels
Villa Copenhagen
Hotel Nimb
Moltkes Mansion
BeerWalks
Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket
Manon les Suites
Scandic Spectrum
Torvehallerne

For the best of Europe in a distinctively sleek and elegant capital city, Copenhagen charms, delivers and stays in your heart. Hoping we can take you there soon!
————————————————-
This is a short fam trip update, retold based on Emily’s time in Copenhagen in December 2022.

October Was a Less Than Typical Month for us

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 11:07:04 GMT

October was a less than typical month for us, with a large 1000 guest event in Spain, a pharmaceutical client which required support Down Under, and a two-day event summit which Activate were both sponsoring and attending as participants. In addition to supporting a range of other key events running smoothly thanks to the Activaters in charge!

The Event Organisers Summit 2022 we were keen to support as after covid where relationships jumped online we felt there was a layer of distance and remoteness that we are keen to remove by spending two days immersed in the world of our prospective clients.

Activate attended the event as as both sponsor and key event industry supplier and we used these two days to connect, ask questions and try to truly understand what are the biggest value points we can generate for our clients, what event formats are best received and where is the market appetite and confidence going into 2023.

Monday 17 Oct, started with our sponsored session: “Why Events are a Must for your Personal Brand,” delivered by Ioana Jago (our marketing Activater). This was a popular session with great energy, questions and feedback.

We continued with two intense days of networking and updating our tech knowledge.

Liz (Account Director) and Louisa (Client Relationship Manager) are now keen to follow up on all those conversations and activate all opportunities for our prospects.

A job well done and as Ioana shared in her seminar, we are keen to continue to “do good work and tell people about it”!

#ActivateEvents #CorporateEvents #LiveEvents

Activate Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 11:11:43 GMT

Paul Bowie, Activate founder and Managing Director, issued the following statement to mark the company’s 10th anniversary.

“The one word that repeats most often, from Year 1 to today is – Passion. As a business owner and as part of a strong leadership team, I know that the key to success is having a passion for your business, if you are part of a team, it’s having a passion for your industry and for your role.

We can all learn to be better at what we do, we can even learn to do new things, however we are unable to learn passion for a business or a role.

If we are very lucky people, we have it within us – I know I have always been passionate about Activate and I believe many of the Activaters past and present have also felt that way! Here we are ten years down the line, many highs and lows and global challenges, financial, environmental and health-related (Covid!) under our belt.

Time to take stock, be proud of what the current team and all those who have been part of Activate’s journey over the years have brought to the company – but not for too long – business never stops, laurels are not for resting on – for Activate it is on to the next project.

These are exciting days – days of achievement, industry, teamwork, and most of all a passion for events and the events industry! We would also like to thank all our industry partners who have supported us in so many ways and have been part of our journey. We look forward to growing existing partnerships and developing new ones as our Activate adventure continues.”

#ActivateEvents

To keep up to date with our people, places and event stories, follow Activate Events on LinkedIn and via #ActivateEvents or say hello@activateevents.com .

Activate Supports UK Events

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:15:46 GMT

The #power of #events! We create it, we feel it, we support it!

Activate Events & Communications is proud to be an Official Supporter and Contributor to “The Power of Events” industry initiative.

Structured as a voluntary, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, The Power of Events (UK) aims to support the events industry by:

Creating a communication hub which will provide event #analysis and #evaluation
Working in partnership with universities in England, Wales, Scotland and Norther Ireland to design and deliver #research and data that demonstrates the social, economic and environmental impact of events across the UK
Providing a #showcase for the UK Events Industry that fully maps out the range of sectors, expertise and networks.

We will continue to support Rick Stainton and Simon Hughes who have been working tirelessly to ensure that the preeminence, world-class expertise and desirability of the UK #eventindustry are showcased, recognised, and respected by the wide business community, in the UK and globally.

Evolving out of the covid response collaborative One Industry One Voice, The Power of Events was created in April 2022 and just two months on they have announced the launch of a splash page for the planned UK events industry comms hub. This captures the work completed on developing a clear vision and mission, the new brand, key objectives and the core pillars supporting this ambitious initiative.

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To keep up to date with our people, places and event stories, follow Activate Events on LinkedIn and #ActivateEvents.

To find out more email hello@activateevents.com .

Monte Carlo Update with Skye Marshall

Mon, 09 May 2022 11:19:31 GMT

We have all done so well in embracing digital connectivity and collaboration but to truly get under the skin of a destination, it takes real life travel.

Fellow Activater Skye Marshall has walked the talk and she has actually explored Monaco like few of us have in a long time, by saying ‘yes’ to a remarkable familiarisation trip to the principality.

We are sharing here an Excerpt from the Diary of a Professional Event Manager:

All in her own words because… it’s all about first-hand knowledge and that personal touch!

Day 1

Self-drive vintage cars from the airport, to the fabulous and recently renovated Le Domain du Mas de Pierre. I was fortunate enough to get behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce!
The evening was spent in Monaco. Where we visited the Hotel Café de Paris and spent the first half of our evening overlooking Casino Square from one of their beautifully appointed suites…. where lots of champagne was consumed!
Visited Monte Carlo Casino. Gambled. Didn’t win. Ahahah.
Drowned my sorrows at the Buddha Bar.
Overnight stay at Le Domaine du Mas De Pierre, I wish we had more time to explore the resort as it was truly sublime. Especially the Spa facilities.

Day 2

Discovery of the Monks wine at the Abbaye de Lérins. Boat transfer to Lérins Island (saw a dolphin on route), where we had a wine tasting in the vineyard.
Checked into Riviera Marriott Hotel La Porte de Monaco which has been recently renovated and is in the middle of la Croisette (the main promenade by the Mediterranean Sea, where the Cannes Film Festival is held). Enjoyed a French ‘gouter’, which is basically the equivalent to our afternoon tea.
Visited Hôtel Martinez by Hyatt and spent the evening in their presidential suite, watched the sunset from the terrace and listened to jazz! Super evening, food was fantastic and so was the company.

Day 3

Helicopter transfer from Cannes to Monaco. First time in a helicopter and wow what an experience, I honestly felt famous! Views did not disappoint.
Private wine tasting at the world’s largest hotel wine cellar (360,000 bottles!) at Hôtel de Paris, Monte Carlo.
Lunch with a view! Completing our trip at the exclusive and new The Maybourne Riviera, built into the cliffs overlooking to Principality – a very exclusive hotel set to open in May 2022.
Ikebana France DMC have crafted a fabulous programme!

French Riviera (a reminder if needed…):

300 days of sun, Cannes city of congresses, incentives & Film Festival.
Nice International Airport (everything within 30 minutes drive) – international flight connections.
Balance between beaches and mountains.

Definitely a winning destination! Thank you all and James Dowson and the team at The DMC Advantage. Skye.

#ActivateEvents #liveevents #incentivetravel

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To keep up to date with our people, places and event stories, follow Activate Events on LinkedIn and #ActivateEvents.

To find out more about Monaco and other incentive destinations, connect with Skye on LinkedIn or say hello@activateevents.com .

Credibility in Relationship Building

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:28:14 GMT

People buy from people and we took time to understand Louisa's approach, her values

and why doing business her way means both delighted clients and strong, durable client-agency relationships.

1. As the face of Client Relationships at Activate Events, may we ask you what draws you to the role?

I have always been a people person and I’m naturally a curious person – I like to understand how people and businesses tick, what interests them, what are their challenges and why they do what they do. This helps when looking at how we can help our clients and also look to grow new relationships.

Recovering from the pandemic, we see lots of change and it has been really interesting having very different conversations with clients about how they are managing their events strategy. I was drawn to working with Activate as I felt a great synergy with the team and their ethos of business in putting clients first and giving them great solutions!

2. Tell us a little about your working style and what you believe is important in forging new relationships and developing the existing ones?

My working style is approachable, honest and consultative. I’m generally interested in the clients and really believe it is important that we develop and nurture our relationships with them. I believe strongly in partnerships and investing in the relationship for the long term. People buy people and our team are a representation of how our business operates – professionally, ethically and with integrity. I suppose that’s why I don’t see myself as a sales person but as a relationship builder.

Our solutions need to match our clients objectives therefore it is important for us to find out what these are, to delve deeper than simply asking for briefs!

3. Given your extensive experience, do you see a difference in your interactions with clients and prospects now versus pre-pandemic? Has anything changed and if so, what are your key insights here?

Yes they have changed, in some respects it’s been easier to grab time with clients on a quick virtual meeting or call rather than getting time in the diary for a face to face meeting. I’m not sure it will go back to pre-pandemic times totally as we are so used to this new way of working. It gives us the opportunity to understand when a face to face meeting is required as a more meaningful discussion and prioritise this.

Virtual technology has certainly served a purpose and we have developed new relationships without face to face interaction but we cannot ignore the value of face to face relationships and the deeper connections we build as a result.

4. What do you think is the biggest challenge for our prospects and clients? And how is Activate answering this?

The biggest challenge we are hearing is what do our clients’ event strategies and calendars look like for the future. There is definitely an appetite to move away from simply virtual events, however, they have provided our clients with greater audience reach and fantastic analytics.

Our clients are most certainly sensitive to how their employees are feeling across different geographies, whether they are comfortable to travel and the volatility of responding to last minute changes. They are therefore looking to us to be consultative in our approach as to what our recommendations would be to support their challenges. Hybrid has been a great middle ground for those clients and we have had to be clear with client’s that this comes at a cost!

5. Tell us a little about the initiatives Activate is planning as a way of improving client and prospect engagement and the visibility of our brand?

Definitely a return to face to face activity for meetings and client events but combining this with some digital think tanks to bring clients and prospects together to learn more about industry insights and network together in short sharp bursts.

We’ve all learnt during the pandemic that shorter events have greater engagement and are more likely to be attended! We are investing in our profile on social platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram to bring to life our people and events that we do. We have great knowledge and expertise in house and we are proud to give people a glimpse of this.

6. Could you share with us a fun or more unusual conversation you had with any of your prospects?

Working from home I find that allows clients to open up more easily. We all have a need for a conversation and open conversations are easier outside the office walls. People like telling their story and it has sometimes been easier understanding clients’ challenges this way, both professionally and personally. Ultimately, a good rapport is essential for a working relationship to develop. Earning and keeping our clients’ trust is definitely a privilege.

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To keep up to date with our people, places and event stories, follow Activate Events on LinkedIn and #ActivateEvents .

Connect with Louisa on LinkedIn or say hello@activateevents.com .

International Womens Day 2022

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 13:06:15 GMT

When I first heard what the theme was for International Women’s Day, I had to look up the meaning on the IWD website. To me equity was to do with money or houses, not the starting point to providing the equality needed in our society.

Equity means providing equal opportunities based on the individual needs of each person, rather than providing all with the exact same opportunities; for some this won’t actually provide them with what they need to succeed. An example on the IWD website is “Imagine that you are babysitting two children, and they are hungry. You go to the fruit bowl, and you start to pick up two apples to give to the children. However, you remember at the last moment that one of the children is allergic to apples. Instead, you reach for one apple and one banana, and that way you’re being fair. You still give one piece of fruit to each child, but you’re also being equitable because you’re giving each child a legitimate way of satisfying their hunger.” When you apply this to other scenarios, some might see it as not being fair because everyone should have the same, surely?

But not everyone starts out life in the same place or with equal opportunities, so it won’t work if we haven’t all had the same to start with. Take a look at the bigger picture and instead of thinking about what is being changed for you, look at how changes you make can impact other lives. There are still prospects out there for us all, you just might need to look in a different place.

I recently read this quote in a book and I had to read it a few times to let it sink in as it just sat so true with me, ‘When you have everything, someone else getting a little something feels like they’re stealing from you’. To me, it doesn’t justify the attitude some have towards equality, but it did make me think about why others think negatively towards it and why they push back, I imagine I would also struggle with this kind of change if it appeared in my life too. We can all struggle with change whether it’s positive or negative; but it’s not about 1 persons feelings, there’s a whole world to consider and at the moment not everyone in our world is given the same chances. Shouldn’t everyone be able to have the same opportunities in life if they want them?

I would certainly consider myself a feminist, which for those that don’t know, means the public support of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes, so basically you want equal rights for everyone – so we should all be feminists! I do my best to incorporate it into my life as well as challenging others beliefs and how they think. Everyone can play a part in being an ally; challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, listen, educate yourself. Nobody is and needs to be perfect, you just have to try.

This is why I support International Women’s Day and all the good it does for empowering the female population in all walks of life. We can’t continue to make the world a better place for everyone if we’re not providing all with the same opportunities.

The advancement of women is imperative for humanity; we are 50% of the population after all…

#EmbraceEquity

Measuring Event Sustainability

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 12:39:14 GMT

Gaining a benchmark for our environmental impact

In 2021, even as the global events world was continuing to push the boundaries of hybrid, and building up client and end-user confidence in this model, at Activate we were experimenting with #sustainability measurement solutions as a way of gaining a benchmark for our environmental impact, and as a way of guiding our global clients towards good-sense business decision-making.

As a global event management company, we are not looking at a single source solution for all our sustainability needs. We are looking at every solution that can help us provide sensible and impactful recommendations in this space.

Our outlook on breakthrough solutions supporting our growth and our clients’ interests, brought us in dialogue with Matt Grey from EventDecision who offer a range of services designed to monitor and mitigate event impact.

In addition to Wi-Fi audits, we were particularly drawn to the TRACK and PREDICT products. “At heart, we are a measurement company, tackling event headaches one at the time,” Matt explains.

TRACK – measures the sustainability of events and places recommendations for mitigation and off-setting solutions. Demonstrating options for measurement from the RFP stage demonstrates both the intent and the ‘how’ of this process, in practical terms. Matt goes as far as to say: “Agencies are gaining a competitive advantage by measuring sustainability from the RFP stage” and moves the ownership of creating a virtuous cycle of positive sustainability decisions on to the agencies, who embrace solutions such as CONNECT – TRACK – PREDICT right from the outset. Then, as agencies, we pass this opportunity to our clients who can say “Sustainability is a buying decision of mine.”

PREDICT – This is a predictive tool which can demonstrate the value for ‘in-person’ attendance and ‘virtual’ attendance, effectively providing two sets of contextual ROI to predict the returns for each model and thus, enable decision making.

Strong focus is placed on ownership , behaviour and intentionality .

Fundamentally, awareness and a favourable sentiment are helpful enablers of sustainability action but change happens at the individual level and this is the point where each of us as individuals and professionals must own the decision and act with intentionality.

COP26 President Alok Sharma stated in his COP26 closing remarks: “We can now say with credibility that we have kept 1.5 degrees alive But, its pulse is weak and it will only survive if we keep our promises and translate commitments into rapid action.”

For small island nations such as Barbados ‘two degrees is a death sentence’ and critically, the time to act is now, the ownership to act is on every one of us.”

We are here for all our clients, prepared with concrete solutions to predict, track, mitigate and off-set events’ only negative impact so that your message and legacy is future-proof, starting today.

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To keep up to date with our people, places and event stories, follow Activate Events on Linkedin .

Connecting Global Teams

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 12:48:11 GMT

Louise Grieg is sharing her thoughts on connecting global teams through pandemic times.

Change is a great accelerator for innovation and learning and Louise has been at the centre of this process for Activate over the past 18 months.

We’ve had to learn fast in the last 18 months. Which ‘new ways’ will stay with you post pandemic?

In a world where virtual events are by-gone words of the pandemic, the one most meaningful thing that’s come up is actually the fact that we get to see our clients quite often. Where in the past, particularly with clients from global locations, we would be limited to having a conference call on a spider phone and you would only meet face-to-face on site, these days we do get to see our clients working via video calls. This really has helped build a strong connection between us.

I always have my camera on when in meetings as it really stimulates conversation. We’ve started to change this culture and not just internally where we always have the camera on but we’ve also seen the impact we had on the culture of our clients who in the beginning would use all calls with the camera off but now they’ve seen how much warmer the connection is how much more engaging the dialogue is when the camera is on, and now are changing their culture and started to adopt a non-negotiable rule whereby for all their events speakers must have the camera on.

Facial interaction and eye contact has really made a huge difference to our client relationships. By always having video calls with the camera on when working with our international client base we are effectively letting each other into each other’s homes. Video, particularly in the ‘working from home’ world has broken the ‘suited and booted’ status down; previously you were always expected in the business world to turn up well-dressed to a meeting and to put a great effort in your appearance. As much as this was a sign of professionalism and courtesy, this led to a certain rigidity and formality of the dialogue, but we are now changing this. Video is part of this honest ‘home-to-home’ interaction and it’s broken down barriers. To me this I think this really is one of the greatest positives of the past 18 months.

Flexibility is also part of our value proposition in the events world, and we can deliver this more comfortably than ever before. A virtual event might have started at 5 pm GMT and go well into the early morning hours for us but with working from home we can schedule our hours, energy and team to suit our clients’ needs whatever time zone they need us to operate in.

One of the key advantages when working with our US clients for instance is the fact that that we effectively have more hours in the day and by the time they go back online we would have sometimes done the work that they’ve briefed at the start of their day and this is this is of huge value to keeping up the momentum of a project. When I run US events clients can call me at 8 or 9 pm GMT and this this is no longer a problem when working from home.

Fundamentally, in the world of events we’ve never been a 9-5 industry, and we’ve never been a 9-to-5 agency, but due to project deadlines and due to client time zones the only criteria of success is that clients are being serviced. Clock-watching is absolutely not part of this equation!

Give us a couple of examples from your event work which show ‘the Activate way’ in practice?

At Activate one main point of difference is that we are not a call centre! I can’t stress this enough – we don’t adopt the approach of an account management team and a separate project management team whereby one client is firstly and introduced to the business by the account manager but ultimately, they end up being serviced operationally by a different team. This is not something that happens in the Activate world.

The way we service accounts is by offering one point of contact, one Activater throughout the whole journey. Our clients go on to work with that one person from beginning to end. We are also building this body of knowledge for each account and each project and we carry that onto the next project.

In your experience what are the common concerns clients have when briefing in a hybrid or virtual event? How do these differ from ‘live event’ briefs?

One of the most challenging aspects of virtual events, especially when servicing a truly international audience is ‘how do you actually allow a virtual client to feel part of the event?’

‘Is the global audience expected to join out of hours?’ For instance, in the case of a European event do you expect Latin America and Asia Pacific to be to be awake and contributing in a live setting or are you expecting them to consume this event in a in a passive way via a recording available on demand? In my opinion it is very important to think of the person at the end of the computer. ‘Death by PowerPoint’ was very much a reality and genuine concern for all live event planners. Now we seem to be dealing with ‘Death by Virtual’, however the emphasis on the drain and drag of attending events virtually for prolonged periods of time seems to be less discussed and less mitigated.

So how do you manage the Q&A and how do you manage the ‘drinking at the bar’ afterwards, how do you manage the networking in a virtual event? How are you doing is in doing this in a way that is inclusive for all the global attendees? Are we sufficiently sympathetic towards those attendees who do join out of hours? Or are these attendees penalised due to their geography? How do we get these attendees involved?

Talking about the complexities of live events versus virtual events … it is very different organising a live event for 400 people as opposed to organising an event for 400 people virtually. There’s much more complexity in the live world than in the virtual space – where the #1 emphasis is on the technical delivery of the event. Unless you are Activate and we deploy the Activate Virtual Events Platform.

What is the latest Activate product innovation and why do you think clients should consider it?

With the Activate Events Virtual Event Platform we believe our offering is different and it takes you outside the proposition of of-the-shelf solutions such as Google meet or Teams or Zoom. We are effectively talking about a virtual event that is so much more than an event we are offering clients a virtual communication platform which is very much designed to facilitate interaction but also achievement of strategic objectives.

This is where the true excellence that Activate can bring is most evident. We are developing a communication platform that serves you for years to come potentially. We’re helping the internet come alive, we are helping people be present in the current landscape. We are also support to for employees in the mental health space, we are introducing well-being zones, we are introducing a leader board for employees to check out their gaming progress… all of this is happening and is enabled by the Activate Virtual Event Platform and this is for us the best way to leverage the opportunities presented to us by virtual events, as a way of connecting global teams, energising global teams and engaging global teams.

What your main motivation for attending IMEX USA?

Talking about IMEX, I am keen to reconnect with thought leaders in the industry. I am also keen to rebuild my presence in the industry after years of involvement with MPI and after becoming a mum. We work with US RFPs and it’s important for us to build the supply networks, the partnerships, particularly with individual properties and with audio-visual partners as using local experts makes complete sense.

I am also mostly looking forward to being inspired by people. I’ve filled my schedule with supplier appointments but also with educational opportunities. I am keen to learn, I am keen to see what’s new and I want to hear the fresh thinking. Incidentally, I also want to meet up with my UK mentor whom I’ve only interacted with virtually so far. I also look for mentorship opportunities within the industry. I want to connect with individuals who are at the similar stage in me in their careers, broaden my perspective and find new ways of thinking and new avenues for professional development for me and for my team in the UK.

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To keep up to date with our people, places and event stories, follow Activate Events on Linkedin .

Employee Engagement

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 11:51:57 GMT

“If you were offered the same job at another organisation, how likely is it you would stay?”

This is the million-dollar question and increasingly, we are seeing clients not take any chances when it comes to employee loyalty and engagement.

Given the perfect storm of competition for talent, dynamic reopening of our societies, an explosion of events and social happenings after the 18-month drought of face-to-face networking and collaborating, we are seeing clients prioritise team events over and above engagement with external stakeholders.

And indeed, this makes complete business sense. Resilience has been a defining spirit for all professional outfits still here today, and while we all had to dig deep, it doesn’t take a specialist to see the need to join-the-dots internally and rally behind the post-pandemic vision as a company whole.

But what is engagement?

A study from the UK government has found over 50 definitions of the word but few matter more than:

Feeling valued
Feeling heard
Feeling trusted
Feeling challenged
Feeling supported to learn
Having a vision that employees can support
Having a richly collaborative and progressive culture
Benefiting from a flexible working frame
Adequate volumes of work (avoiding repeated overwork)
Organisational integrity (what we say is what we do).

This view is echoed by Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development who summarised four key ‘enablers’ of employee engagement based on a David MacLeod study:

Leadership that gives a ‘strong strategic narrative about the organisation’.
Line Managers who motivate, empower and support their employees.
Employee voice throughout the organisation, to involve employees in decision making.
Organisational integrity that states values are reflected in the actual organisational culture (what we say is what we do).

At Activate we work with all our clients to achieve all of this: engagement (through training, networking and pulse-check canvassing and surveys), motivation, a sense of shared purpose and the knowledge and communication lines to enable employee-driven company-wide success.

We continue to deliver global, regional, national programmes using creatively the opportunities of virtual, hybrid and live events.

Once again, it’s time to put employee engagement first, and settle the million-dollar question with a reassuring “100% Yes!”

Contact Ken@activateevents.com for an expert chat on all considerations for successful, Covid-secure engagement through events.

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To keep up to date with our people, places and event stories, follow Activate Events on Linkedin.

Young Talent Joins Activate

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 12:05:13 GMT

Being given a chance, being trusted to learn and seeing young talent take on the challenges of our industry head on is hugely rewarding.

Our latest recruit is driven by the dynamic working environment and the opportunities to shape guest experiences positively.

When Bournemouth University student Romy van der Veen joined us this week, we naturally loved chatting with her about her story so far and her expectations from her 1-year placement with Activate. We’re sharing here our dialogue as this is what we call true ‘green shoots’.

Q1. At what point in your life did you know you wanted to study event management at uni?

I actually looked around Universities looking to do a Business Management course; however, I was always drawn to the Events courses and would go to the lectures to get an idea of this sector. My head turned very quickly as I was very interested in the creative side of business, and from then on, I knew Event Management was what I wanted to go into.

Q2. What do you imagine event life to be like? And what aspects of event life appeal to you most?

What I enjoy about the events industry is how broad it is. There are so many sectors to go into such as corporate, private, tourism, festivals etc. I have always imagined events to be very active, both physically and in terms of communications, having a very close relationship with the client. I think what appeals to me most is the satisfaction post event. Knowing all the hard work you have put in and having fulfilled the clients’ desires. In the future, I would be very keen to do events that involve travel, as this is something I have always aspired to do and would love to accomplish once I leave uni.

Q3. As a digital native, what updates and innovation would you like to bring to the industry? What is your current perception of the industry?

Currently, I think the industry is rapidly innovating, especially due to COVID, there has been a rapid movement to virtual events, giving the ability to create anything of desire. I think in the future, there will be a drive in AR and VR technology, to immerse the attendees in the experience either from home or strengthen the experience at the event. I think this will be a push towards a more sustainable future, where events can use the technology to place people anywhere they want in the world, from their homes.

Q4. Tell us a little about your background and your name? (there must a story there!)

I am half Dutch, and half Flemish. I was born in Belgium, however, I moved here with my family when I was 5 years old. I still speak Flemish at home with my family and go to Belgium often to visit family. I think it’s great speaking two languages, it is a very useful skill to have.

Q5. Being bold and dreaming big, what are the top 3 things you wish to achieve within your 1 year at Activate?

Firstly, I would really like to achieve seeing an event I have helped create. As mentioned before, I know a lot of hard work goes into events and being able to see what you have created must be so fulfilling, especially seeing the client and attendees enjoying the creativeness of the event. I know the past year has been difficult with attending events, but one of my favourite aspects about events is how active it can be.
Over the next year, I would like to visit sites and hopefully any in-person events that are happening to really get a feel of the logistics behind an event.
Finally, it would be great to see what I can achieve by myself.

Q6. And finally, why Activate?

I wanted to start off in corporate events as I feel it is a good foundation to have in the industry, especially as I’m not certain which sector I’d like to go into. I found it very difficult to find a placement due to COVID.

I came across the Activate website and was instantly drawn to the company. I was very intrigued by the virtual events the company had created. To me it showed the company was advancing very quickly in technology and finding innovative ways to create events that I hadn’t seen before.

Welcome on board, Romy! We’ll have a great ride!

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To keep up to date with our people, places and event stories, follow Activate Events on Linkedin and #ActivateEvents .

Incentive Travel 2022+

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 12:01:12 GMT

By now we can all agree, the pandemic is a marathon, not a sprint. And like all marathons, athletes (think ‘your employees’) need all the support they can get to reach the finish line, enjoy the experience and achieve a personal best.

When the social aspect of work has been absent for so long, when so few of us could meet, travel and connect, how do we bring back a real bond and sense of camaraderie?

The Ultimate Incentive: Incentive Travel

Historically, incentive travel has always sat at the top of the reward and recognition pyramid and it treated the most consistent performers, the most improved performers, the most progressive contributors to business growth and innovation to a ‘money can’t buy’ experience.

This led to the establishment of annual or bi-annual incentive travel trips carrying names such as President’s Club, Elite Club, Top Guns Club etc to signify exclusivity, highlight the achievement and ensure there is a beacon for all employees to aim high, work hard, be loyal, engage with the business goals, deliver on KPIs and … be rewarded with the ultimate peer to peer recognition: a place on the company’s exclusive incentive travel programme.

The pandemic has increased the pressure to perform, the risk of job loss and the need to take on extra work due to colleagues being ill, absent or made redundant, while removing the incentive travel beacon (and often the other tiers of a company’s incentive scheme).

Why the Battle for Loyalty Will Intensify

The pandemic has also removed the walls of collocation and opened up all work opportunities to global talent regardless of location. With geographical limitations removed, the best employees will naturally have a huge choice of employment and flexibility will be in the driving seat.

The nature of specialist work where skills are developed over time and knowledge of organisational processes, people and product is intimately linked to performance edge, needs and deserves loyalty to be maintained, rewarded and incentivised. Make your company attractive to your employees and to the top talent in the marketplace. Loyalty matters and incentive travel is proven to improve it.

How to Counteract the Productivity Dip

Burnout and productivity sit at opposite ends of the same concept: work efficiency. Productivity is the throughput and burnout is increasingly the side effect. There are plenty of ways to counteract this:

offering time off
encouraging employees to sign up to community volunteering programmes (giving back is proven to increase a sense of well being and improve mental health);
introducing ‘bring the buzz back /energy days’ in the office where the whole team comes together not to work but to converse, eat, drink and socialise can also bring a much needed boost and change of pace.
And finally, introducing a fresh, company-wide incentive scheme fit for the pandemic era stands to benefit you long term.

Design Your 2022 Incentive Travel Now

Bespoke will always be the key word for true ‘once in a lifetime’ incentive travel and we have dozens of examples of how we deliver this, from vintage rallies in Rome to participating in African dancing and drumming or enjoying a Berber picnic in the Atlas Mountains…these are just some touches within a myriad of possibilities we select and convert into reality for our clients.

However, when engaging with you, we would like to discuss your approach to employee engagement and motivation holistically by looking to motivate the many, not the few, by looking to communicate in a manner that lights up the dream across the entire team and by designing an achievable tiered programme which rewards performance when it happens, in some cases little and often. This will send the right signal to your team and will mean that by 2022 when incentive travel is expected to return en force, you would have secured THE BEST for your team and for your buck.

We are here, ready to discuss options with you.

Contact Ken@activateevents.com to explore our ideas and how we will deliver a Covid-secure programme.

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To keep up to date with our people, places and event stories, follow Activate Events on Linkedin.

Activate Aquires Creating Sunshine

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 11:57:23 GMT

Activate Events & Communications is strengthening its expertise in the creative and technology space with the acquisition of established event production business, Creating Sunshine. The new Activate Events & Communications expansion will support the delivery of integrated global communication and engagement solutions - localised yet strategically aligned - for an increasingly large portfolio of UK-based and international clients.

The Activate team have engaged in a dynamic quest to design solutions that meet the need to connect and engage, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the reduction in live events.

Activate Events & Communications is strengthening its expertise in the creative and technology space with the acquisition of established event production business, Creating Sunshine. The new Activate Events & Communications expansion will support the delivery of integrated global communication and engagement solutions – localised yet strategically aligned – for an increasingly large portfolio of UK-based and international clients.

The Activate team have engaged in a dynamic quest to design solutions that meet the need to connect and engage, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the reduction in live events.

The deal was agreed by Mark Britton of Creating Sunshine and Paul Bowie of Activate, and it is aimed to further enhance the depth of in-house production experience that Activate can offer clients, while delivering a wider offering of virtual and live event solutions to existing Creating Sunshine clients.

The event team of Creating Sunshine have relocated to the Activate office in Crawley, ensuring seamless continuity of service for all clients concerned with projects supported by Louise Grieg (Operations Director, Activate) and Helen Kreuzer (formerly of Creating Sunshine).

Commenting on this new milestone for Activate, Managing Director Paul Bowie said: “The opportunity to work with experienced professionals with the pedigree of the Creative Sunshine team does not happen every day. I really believe the combination of these two companies will create a valued resource and partner agency for clients by providing communication and engagement expertise through a variety of events and mediums, which help to grow their businesses”.

ENDS

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For more information, please contact Paul Bowie, Managing Director, Activate, on:

T: + 44 (0)1293 608 750
E: paul@activateevents.com
W: www.activateevents.com

Activate Events & Communications Ltd is a UK-based corporate event management and communications specialist. Established in 2010, and based in Crawley, Activate is the partner of choice for UK and global brands in healthcare, pharmaceutical, construction, finance and medical devises. The business is ISO certified, UVDB registered, Cyber Security certified, an EVCOM member and a supporter of the MICE industry charity Meeting Needs.

Events delivered by Activate are supported by the Activate Virtual Events Platform, a bespoke, best-in-class solution to virtual and hybrid events. Additionally, the Activate solutions concentrate on achieving organisational engagement and behaviour change through a spectrum of virtual and live communications and collaboration solutions.

www.activateevents.com

Creating Sunshine Ltd was funded in 2001 and as production specialists have acted as the bridge between the message and the audience.

Creating Sunshine completed over 600 projects with solutions ranging from live events, film & video programmes to digital media, team experiences and general internal communication support.

A series of Creating Sunshine firsts:

the first company to produce a business conference at the 02 Arena
the first company ever to share the stage with Cirque du Soleil at The Royal Albert Hall for a major anniversary celebration.
Creating Sunshine has won a Gold, two Silver and one Bronze ITMA awards – Best Conference, Best Financial Conference, Best Event of the Year.

Travel 2.0 Reimagined.

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 12:14:07 GMT

We'll no doubt travel where the heart takes us - to see loved ones, to have that overdue family get-together, to celebrate life and togetherness.

There is also the group who will travel where few do: the explorers of this world and those for whom the glaciers of the Nordics, the Galápagos, the Namibian deserts and the Far East have a greater calling.

And then, there is a group who chase the stimulation of AI, of sensorial art and the latest architectural firsts, man-made wonders and extraordinary for it.

Here are 6 of our favourites (great for a solo visit and we think equally fabulous for a group event ). Go ahead, build your wish list!

1. The Superblue Miami

The newly-opened ultra sensorial and immersive art museum The Superblue Miami has taken both the experiential and the art worlds by storm. As befit for a city unafraid to be bold and bright, there is nothing low-key about it – quite the opposite, this spectacular venue will thrill your mind and lift your heart to very happy beats.

Better still, if you are looking to plan a private party, dinner, or immersive event, Superblue Miami features a 5,000-square-foot flexible programming and events space with exclusive catering and event production by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design. Double tick.

2. The Miami SkyRise

Staying in Miami, we are happy to continue to tempt you with a vertical amusement park, The SkyRise which will offer visitors a 95 mile/ hour (153km/hour) descend from a 1,000 feet (305 metres) height. The attraction is due to open in 2023 and is estimated to attract 3 million visitors a year and will include extensive retail, restaurants and juice bar spaces. You’ve heard it here first!

3. Salina Turda, Romania

For a more down to earth experience we are actually going underground next, inviting you to explore Salina Turda, a year-round leisure complex in a 17th century salt mine in Transylavia. This venue includes an amphitheatre, a Ferris wheel, spa rooms, a mini golf course and a subterranean lake with rowboat tours.

4. The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland

If you are not content with just R&R time underground, in China you can also enjoy a stay at the world’s first luxury underground hotel, the Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland, which has just two floors above ground and 16 below and was build in an abandoned quarry outside Shanghai. Welcoming guests since January 2019.

5. Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen , Rotterdam

Closer to our HQ, in Netherlands, travellers (and businesses) will soon be able to explore a different universe: a new storage facility which is in itself a work of art, and is designed to allow public access to a book and art depository consisting of over 70,000 artworks! “Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the world’s first fully accessible art depot, will open its doors in September 2021 at Museumpark in the centre of Rotterdam. The assignment was to offer a glimpse behind the scenes of the museum world and make the whole art collection accessible to the public. The reflective round volume responds to its surroundings. The Depot features exhibition halls, a rooftop garden, and a restaurant, in addition to an enormous amount of storage space for art and design,” states the architectural firm behind the project.

6. The Harestua Solar Observatory and Planetarium, Norway

Only 45 kilometers north of Oslo, we love the Harestua Solar Observatory inspired by the ‘ugly moons of Mars’ according to architect Ingebørg Skaare. Those moons were the basis for seven imperfectly sphere-shaped visitor cabins that will ring a planetarium, which will also be a new structure. The cabins will range in size between 2-32 persons and will be partially sunken, partially raised above the ground to give visitors the impression of a solar system among the trees. The 3-story planetarium will also be halfway sunk into the ground, as if a glowing planet were embedded in the earth. The project will offer the largest visitor complex of this nature north of the European Alps. The project is ongoing and no doubt, you and us at Activate would love nothing more than to be among the first guests when it opens (exact date not yet confirmed). As if the world has decided to prove IT IS quite enough (sorry, Bond fans!) we really love how these venues are big on both wow factor and otherwordliness!

For decades we have kept abreast the latest and most extraordinary hospitality opportunities and have not hesitated to team up with our destination management partners in all global locations to engineer true ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences for our guests. While physical travel may happen on a more reduced radius still for a while, we are intrepid explorers and think it’s worth starting to build your wish list.

To learn more about how we can activate your business through incentive travel and events, please contact Ken, Client Services Director, at: ken@activateevents.com and +44 (0) 7894 684 213.

P.S. If you liked this piece, please share it with your friends and business network and follow Activate on LinkedIn . #activateevents

Outsourcing for Productivity

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 12:30:30 GMT

As businesses and individuals we have been given a period of grace over the past 12-14 months, a time to RESET, RETHING and REORG.

Unlike money, time can’t be earned back. Are you ship-shape for growth? Or are time-consuming tasks still holding you back?

So what CAN we do about it?

1. Automate (this Harvard Business Review article features plenty of tools for you to try out)

2. Outsource (think of the real value of your time; if a task is less expensive than your earning potential in that time, you know the answer: OUTSOURCE NOW)

3. Use asynchronous communication (i.e. deal with requests when it suits you rather than instantly)

4. Stop treating all decisions like big decisions (act fast, most decisions are reversible)

5. Try task bundling (make those longer phone calls while you power walk; listen to a podcast on your way to work etc)

6. Drop the 60 min mtg time when 15 or 30 would do. We’re all guilty as charged!

We’ll be honest, we can’t help with it all but when it comes to communication and connecting your teams, your brand and customers, let Activate Events take care of Strategic Communication & Virtual Events! That’s one job done! And more strategic time returned to you. We told you we’ll make you rich in no time!

A big shout-out to Steve Glaveski and his revolutionary book and series of productivity workshops.

To learn more about how we can activate your business through events, please contact Ken, Client Services Director, at: ken@activateevents.com and +44 (0) 7894684213.

P.S. If you liked this piece, please share it with your friends and business network and follow Activate on LinkedIn . #activateevents

Who is Activate?

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 12:36:00 GMT

Activate are in the business of global event management at the point where clients in leading industries such as pharmaceutical, medical devices, micro-systems, healthcare, electronics, finance and defense recruit us to run their most prestigious events. Activate operate at the pinnacle of event complexity where compliance, logistics, budget and time pressures are the norm. We design and project-manage the implementation of complex events, globally. We also advise you of the care points and pitfalls of operating events in the virtual space (or in markets around the world).

But today, virtual or hybrid events are the key area of opportunity and if you find yourself having to plan a digital event, you might not know where to begin. From choosing a reliable, secure platform and managing meeting content through to inviting your audience and making sure your chair and presenters are prepared, there is a lot to think about. Whether your meeting is intended for your own staff, suppliers or customers, it’s important to remember that virtual meetings require as much (if not more) preparation as a live meeting and, the professionalism with which they are organised and conducted ultimately reflects on your brand.

Take it from us, the Activate Team is:

sensitive to your culture
KPI driven
anticipative in problem-solving
consultative
tech-savvy
virtual events pros (we know our online meetings from our webinars and from streaming).

And for extra peace of mind, here are our accreditations :

ISO 9001 certified (a safe pair of hands by international standards),
Cyber Secure (UK government backed cyber security standard),
UVDB registered (we use a pre-qualification system in order to manage risk within the supply chain and comply with EU regulations)
EVCOM member (UK’s official event industry association)

So why not allow us to map the blueprint of your next event?

Contact Ken, our Client Service Director at Ken@activatevents.com +44 (0) 7894684213 for an exploratory chat about business solutions in the space of virtual and live events.

P.S. If you liked this piece, please share it with your friends and business network. #activateevents

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