Agency Updata
From trends reports and contract wins to new hires and promotions, here's our monthly roundup of updates from the UK agency world
asembl. unveils 2026 Trends Report, highlighting shifts reshaping live experience curation
Leading events specialist agency asembl. has released its 2026 Trends Report, identifying four fundamental principles that will define the success of live experiences in 2026 and beyond. The report, developed through analysis of industry data and recently emerged consumer behaviours, challenges brands to rethink traditional approaches to audience engagement, accessibility, technology and communication.
The report presents actionable insights for event planners, backed by compelling data. From the evolution of brand communities to the business imperative of neurodivergent marketing, the findings reveal both opportunities and obligations to ensure businesses remain competitive in 2026.
asembl. CEO Gavin Farley explains: "This isn't another generic trends report, it's what's genuinely working for our clients right now. When 85 per cent of neurodivergent people are avoiding events and only 33 per cent of advertising isn't ‘overly serious’, it's time to rethink what we're doing, why and for who. These aren't optional nice-to-haves anymore - they're the community strategies, accessibility changes and engagement approaches that are fundamental to staying competitive. The brands, venues and organisers that get and utilise this will own 2026."
First Event promotes Patrickson to head up creative strategy
First Event has announced the promotion of Chloe Patrickson to lead its creative strategy department, reflecting a continued focus on clear, well-planned event delivery in a challenging market.
As budgets tighten and expectations increase, the company is placing greater emphasis on strategic thinking to ensure events deliver defined objectives and measurable outcomes.
Patrickson brings extensive experience in event strategy and will lead a dedicated team responsible for insight-led planning and aligning events with wider business goals. The department supports a more consistent and structured approach to event development, recognising the role of live experiences as ongoing points of engagement rather than one-off moments.
Richard Murphy, MD of First Event, said the decision underlines the company’s commitment to embedding strategic consultancy within its work, ensuring each event is both creatively considered and effective in meeting client requirements.
Universal Live achieves four ISO certifications in 12 months
Universal Live has achieved four internationally recognised ISO certifications within a 12-month period, reflecting the company’s approach to quality, safety and sustainability. The certifications include ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 20121 (Sustainable Event Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety).
As expectations around transparency and operational standards continue to increase across the live events industry, these certifications provide independent verification that consistent processes and controls are in place. For clients, agencies and venues, this offers added assurance that Universal Live operates responsibly across its projects and supply chain.
Managing Director Kirsty Waine said the certifications support the growing demand for openness and accountability, while Operations Director Ben Phillips noted that the process formalised practices already embedded within the business, helping to document and standardise existing approaches to quality, safety and continuous improvement.
DRP secures CCS Framework appointment for major government events
DRP UK (DRPG) has been named as a supplier on the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) RM6364 Media and Creative Services framework, Lot 6 (Events), strengthening its role as a national delivery partner for UK Government and public sector organisations.
The framework supports the delivery of large, complex, and high-profile government events, requiring robust governance, security, operational control, and audience-focused execution. DRP’s appointment enables public bodies to access its event services directly through the framework without running separate tender processes.
CEO and founder Dale Parmenter said the appointment demonstrates DRP’s ability to provide safe, compliant, and reliable event delivery while combining governance and security with creative execution.
This milestone follows a year of growth for DRP, including the opening of its Dean Street office and studios in London, expansion into Europe through the acquisition of RPNext, and recognition as C&IT Global Agency of the Year 2025. The appointment forms part of DRP’s ongoing strategy to expand its government sector work nationally and internationally.
INVNT appoints Caspar Mason as creative director, EMEA
INVNT has appointed Caspar Mason as creative director for its EMEA region, reinforcing the agency’s BrandStory approach and investment in the region as a key part of its global growth strategy.
EMEA plays a central role in shaping INVNT’s creative vision, contributing ideas and perspectives that influence the agency’s global work across storytelling, technology, and experiential marketing. Caspar Mason will lead creative initiatives, ensuring projects deliver strategically aligned, culturally relevant, and engaging brand experiences.
CEO Kristina McCoobery said the appointment reflects INVNT’s focus on innovation-led creativity and its aim to translate brand storytelling into measurable engagement and business impact.
INVNT’s EMEA team has delivered high-profile global projects, including PepsiCo’s International Bottler Conference in Barcelona, CES 2025 and 2026 for Hitachi Digital, and campaigns for Formula E, ABB, Amazon, Meta, Xero, and Pepsi Lipton, combining immersive technology with experiential design to deliver cohesive, high-impact brand experiences.
Vyra bolsters creative power with ex-McLaren, Bombardier & Microsoft event maestro
Vyra has appointed Jason Smith (formerly of 2Heads, Imagination, and Jack Morton) as creative director, marking a key step in the agency’s continued evolution and growth.
Jason brings extensive experience in global live events, having led creative direction for McLaren Automotive, Bombardier, and Microsoft. His appointment reinforces Vyra’s commitment to storytelling-driven, design-led experiential production.
Managing director Joe Duffield said: “Jason’s ability to bring clarity to complex briefs and translate brand stories into live experiences is exactly what our clients need.”
Smith will lead Vyra’s creative vision across major client accounts, driving innovation and deepening the agency’s reputation for premium yet progressive delivery.
Global Infusion Group announces B Corp certification
Catering, hospitality and brand logistics specialist Global Infusion Group has announced that it has certified as a B Corporation (B Corp), joining a global movement of businesses committed to balancing profit with positive social and environmental impact.
Certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit organisation behind the B Corp movement, Global Infusion Group has met rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
