Adam Quigley, head of events at Ministry Venues talks about the importance of peer-to-peer discussions in the meetings industry.
Event organisers need to let off steam, vent their frustrations and sometimes have a good moan about the industry. But where to do this? It’s probably not advisable to unburden your existential woes to the boss.
This is the reason why Event Huddle, a free networking event was formed. Now in its fourth year, the forum gathers every month with speakers and panels delving into the hot topics in the industry.
It’s not just shining a torch on what’s getting everyone’s goat. It’s also a gathering for event professionals to share best practice and learn from industry leaders. The subjects covered include wellbeing, sustainability, agency commission, as well as the best ways to utilise social media.
Adam Quigley, head of events at Ministry Venues, which hosts more than 400 corporate events across their portfolio of spaces said: “It’s designed to start the conversation, to tackle issues like is it time for agency commission to change? The industry murmurs about these things but doesn’t openly discuss it.”
Stress is a huge issue in the industry – and people are beginning to talk about it, although Quigley says: "I’m not sure the industry has a consolidated view on this. On the panel, no one had a consolidated view."
A peer-to-peer gathering for sharing best practice and learning from industry leaders.Fast turnaround times are becoming much more common. “It’s all instant. There are shorter leads on bookings. I understand from the client’s point of view because everything in the world now is on the internet – you can find out information,” Quigley said.
“The events industry has been slow to react to this. You still can’t book a venue online. They are starting to look at it. Meeting rooms yes – but venues is a more complex process. But you can’t even get an accurate quote online.”
And this is where Event Huddle comes into its own. To have an open and frank discussion with peers on the challenges and triumphs they have experienced.
Recently, the topic centred on whether the events industry was doing enough to support staff with mental health. On the panel was John Martinez, CEO of event tech company Shocklogic; Kate Corfield, business development manager at Ministry of Sound Group; James Hitchen, general manager at the Event Marketing Association; and Chris Hill, owner of The Law of Addiction.
During the discussion, Martinez said it was his duty to make sure that staff can talk openly at work. He has introduced ten minutes of meditation in the office. It’s not obligatory but he does it himself to encourage others to join in.
To remove the stigma around therapy, everyone in Shocklogic now sees a counsellor on a rotating basis. Martinez believes this removes employees’ fear about speaking up about their mental health.
