The QEII Centre announces anticipated economic impact ahead of an October re-opening

The QEII Centre is getting ready to host events this autumn following the government’s announcement that the business meetings and events industry can re-open from October.  

Between April and July, the QEII sales team secured a number of new national and international events for the end of 2020 and into 2021, including the Paradigm Shift Leadership Summit in October 2020 and the Global Excel Summit 2021 in April.  

The booked events will generate circa £800k in additional revenue for the Centre and are estimated to contribute to the economy around £14.7m in Gross Expenditure, £6.9m in GVA.  

Preparations based on new health and safety guidelines have also been made for the Centre’s re-opening and the QEII management team has consulted industry bodies and the UK government to help shape post Covid-19 venue operating guidelines, while also liaising with global competitors who are ahead of the UK in the Covid-19 pandemic infection cycle.  

Measures made to reassure clients and delegates of a safe return to the Centre and event activity, include enhanced cleaning measures and physical distancing procedures incorporated into event planning. Catering operations have also been adapted to minimise contact whilst still delivering exceptional quality. 

Other measures include the installation of thermal scanners at the entrances to the Centre to assess body temperatures for delegates, contractors and staff, enhanced signage, and physically distanced room layouts. Garment bags will also be used for coats placed in the cloakrooms to help stop contact between items.  

An animated video has also been produced to walk clients and delegates through the measures and what to expect when returning to the Centre, which can be viewed here.

The Royal Society welcomes hybrid events

The Royal Society offers the most up to date, state of the art audio-visual facilities that can assist with hybrid events. As well as general projection and sound equipment, the Society also offers a number of enhanced technology solutions, which include webcasting, several filming and recording options and reliable wireless facilities.

Using the in-house HD camera system offers a number of options to meet the clients’ filming and webcasting requirements. Facilities are available in the Wellcome Trust Lecture Hall and the Kohn Centre.

As plans are undertaken to reopen, The Royal Society continues to work hard to support the UK and global effort to tackle the Coronavirus.

The audio-visual team is based in-house and will provide guidance and advice as soon as it’s needed.

The team can be contacted at [email protected] or on 020 7451 2612.

Church House Westminster has safely reopened for events of up to 30 people

Church House Westminster has now reopened for in-person events of up to 30 people as of 1 August 2020.

The venue has successfully been granted the ‘We’re Good To Go!’ COVID-19 Industry Standard. In partnership with Visit England, the standard confirms that Church House Westminster follows government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring processes are in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social/physical distancing.

In addition, Church House Westminster has been accredited as AIM Secure by the Meetings Industry Association.

Now is the time to utilise the power of face to face events to help businesses to get back to what matters most – making connections, collaborating creatively and collectively sharing ideas.

The Grade II listed building in central Westminster offers 19 versatile event spaces and a combined area of almost 2,000 square metres, which allows for more than ample social distancing. The large space also makes a variety of event formats possible – from workshops to training seminars, meetings, forums and breakout spaces to facilitate networking.

A full list of Covid-secure event measures are available to view.

Although live events for now are limited to 30 guests, the venue’s use of hybrid event technology means virtual attendees of up to 1,000 can join an event, making it not only cost-effective, but also safe and sustainable.

One Great George Street receives recognition for stringent safety measures

One Great George Street has been officially recognised by Visit England as being fully compliant with government guidelines, in regards to health & safety, hygiene and social distancing.

The venue has also been accredited by The Meetings Industry Association as AIM Secure (assurance of excellence in business meetings and events).

These accreditations serve to give planners and delegates full assurance of the venue’s commitment to an outstanding quality of service, regardless of size or circumstance.

Measures undertaken include thorough maintenance and deep cleaning, stringent plans for the safe operation of catering and staff training.

A full list of measures can be found here.

 

IET London: Savoy Place offers extensive range of hybrid event packages

IET London: Savoy Place has released a comprehensive series of hybrid event packages to break down the borders of events in London to far-reaching audiences.

The IET as an organisation has exerted a worldwide pioneering ability to revolutionise and inspire for almost 150 years and Savoy Place, supported by an unparalleled tech team, continues to lead the way in redefining the nature of events through innovative AV, placing delegate integration at the forefront.

Savoy Place was already well-versed in the streamlined delivery of technical AV long before lockdown. In recent weeks, the approach of the AV teams has been to refute the concept of online streaming as an interim makeshift solution for live events, and endorse the elevated importance of interaction through the use of the very best technology to come up with a worthy solution.

Savoy Place is offering the unique services of IET.tv, using its in-house video and webcasting team with its own independent broadcasting channel, offering both live and post-event uploads to the highest standards. Hybrid events require top quality AV and video production so that virtual participants are provided a similar experience to in-person participants. Knowing every inch of the venue like the back of their hand, the experienced team know every angle and hidden trick to ensure the lighting, sound and delivery of video is of unbeaten quality.

To ensure the success of hybrid events, the venue’s AV team has been integrating popular online meeting platforms into their own AV system, so online and live audiences can interact simultaneously with presenters and speakers, as well as with each other. Multi-layer video switchers and digital sound desks allow the management of audio and video coming from different sources and locations and can merge them together in a multilevel communication layout. The packages offer optional add-ons like Sli.do, which can be embedded into the streaming to encourage interactivity.

RSA House launches new intimate wedding packages

In light of the new regulations, RSA House is now offering a ceremony-only package and intimate wedding package for up to 30 guests.

For those with thwarted wedding plans up until now, a smaller wedding with close friends and family will now be possible at short notice in August or September at RSA House.

The new intimate weddings package and ceremony-only package have been created for couples that want to safely celebrate their love in these current times and beyond. All the procedures in place are in accordance with the government guidelines to ensure the venue is a safe space and the team is keen to support each and every couple, adapting their offer to couples’ needs in any possible way.

Just steps away from The Strand in the heart of London, RSA House is a hidden gem. With the glorious Georgian architecture, stunning interiors and iconic sweeping staircases the house superbly combines contemporary design with period features to provide surprising spaces under one roof.  The house is absolutely everything you could dream of for an exclusive London wedding.

For more information on weddings at RSA House, contact the team on 0207 451 6817.

 

 

Regent’s Conferences & Events gains AIM Secure accreditation among plans for a safe reopening

Regent’s Conferences & Events has been accredited with AIM Secure merit, a new endorsement instigated by the meetings industry association to recognise venues that are fit for events in response to COVID-19.

This was granted following the measures taken to offer a professional commitment to upholding legal compliance and health and hygiene protocols, with the safety of clients and staff at the forefront.

As the venue begins to welcome back clients, some of the measures can be found below for the reassurance of both event planners and their delegates:

  • Working in partnership with you to produce bespoke risk assessments for your event, complying with safe distancing and personal safety as outlined
  • High touch points have been identified for additional thorough cleaning throughout the day
  • Staff have been trained on the safe use of PPE, working practices and personal hygiene requirements
  • Sanitiser stations have been implemented across the venue
  • Safe distancing markers and reminders are clearly visible across the venue
  • An isolation room is available if any delegate begins to show signs of symptoms

The team is regularly assessing the changing regulations and updating their responses accordingly to ensure the safety of everybody on site.