The power of people was the main talking point at the AEV's annual conference at Harrogate
Convention Centre
Delegates enjoyed an icebreaker
event at The Cold Bath Brewing Co the evening before the conference, which began at pace with a short rundown of
the day's schedule from conference emcee Samme Allen.
Then motivational speaker Marcus Child's keynote address The Power of People explained motivation, the science
behind thoughts of success and achievement, and the importance of inspiration.
The morning session explored diversity,
equality and inclusion, the political landscape for events and concluded with a
wide-ranging 'fireside chat' between Kate Nicholls OBE, chief executive, UK
Hospitality, and Shaun Hinds, chief executive, Manchester Central and AEV Chair.
The afternoon delivered a thought-provoking
session on the future of venues from Ben Heath, Principal, Grimshaw. The
sustainability panel followed, chaired by Anna Abdelnoor, CEO of isla, with
three Net-Zero champions from member venues: Kate Vandenburg, Business Design
Centre; Louise Day, Manchester Central; and Stephane Bazire, Silverstone
Circuits.
Chris Holt MBE, chief executive of CHC Global -
the AEV's partner in risk management - gave a sobering assessment of the
current environment of risk and how it is changing, with the venue perspective
in mind. Finally, Max Fellows delivered the closing keynote address, showing
why and how to make a success of personal branding.
AEV director Rachel Parker said: "My
thanks go to Harrogate Convention Centre for making us all feel so welcome, our
icebreaker sponsor Ungerboeck, and the supporters of our conference who make it
all possible, CHC Global, nQ Legal, ASP, EventWell, CVent, the Barista, Perton
Signs and Jonas Event Technology.
"The power of people was
evident in the room today, and I hope that every delegate and member venue will
have found something to inspire them, to take back to their workplace and in
their own personal development.”
There were several students among the
delegates, including Lydia Shires, International Events Management student at
The University of Huddersfield, who said: "It was fascinating to hear
from industry experts about sustainability and diversity within events.
Additionally, I loved listening to Marcus Child and his motivational speech and
also the tips on building a personal brand from Max Fellows. I am now feeling
even more motivated to graduate from university and continue working towards my
career goals."
Laurie Perfect of ExCeL London
posted about the event, "To be around so many experienced people with the same passion
towards their work as me, was so inspiring. I look forward to attending the
next one!"
