Find the Perfect Venue

Long after the presentations have finished and the ballroom has emptied, it’s not always the agenda that is the most memorable. People remember the atmosphere, the conversations and the feeling of being part of something that mattered.Yet the things our industry measures aren't always the things people remember. Attendance, dwell time, app engagement and ROI all matter, but they don't fully explain why one event stays with people long after another has been forgotten.That is the power of occasion.Working in hospitality for more than three decades, I’ve seen how the setting, welcome and smallest details can change the way people respond to an event. These aspects influence whether guests simply attend or feel that they are part of something genuinely significant.Occasion starts with anticipationA sense of occasion begins long before anyone takes a seat.It starts with the invitation arriving in an inbox. The anticipation of attending. Choosing what to wear. Travelling to a place that feels different from the everyday. Walking into a venue with heritage, character and a genuine sense of occasion signals that this isn't an ordinary day.In my experience, guests arrive with expectations already forming. The invitation, destination and venue all help to establish the importance of an event before its formal programme has begun.Creating a sense of occasion isn't about extravagance. It's about creating the expectation that something meaningful is about to happen.We remember moments, not programmesAsk someone about an event several months later and they are unlikely to recite the running order. They are much more likely to describe one or two moments: a keynote that moved the room, the conversation that led to a new business opportunity, a genuine welcome from a member of staff or a thoughtful detail that made the experience feel personal.From what I have observed, those moments often shape how people remember the entire event. It is why hospitality should never be regarded as something that sits around the programme. It is part of the experience itself.Environment influences behaviourAnyone who works in hospitality sees how differently people respond to different surroundings. Inspiring spaces, a warm welcome, thoughtful lighting, genuine hospitality and personal touches can help delegates feel recognised, valued, at ease and more willing to connect.The environment itself becomes a form of communication. Before a speaker has said a word, it tells delegates whether they've simply been invited to an event, or whether they've been invited to something their organisation believes is worth investing in for them. This is supported by Hilton’s 2026 Why We Gather report, which found that 55% of attendees see deeply personal, thoughtful service from staff as one of the standout factors that makes a meeting memorable. The research also highlights the importance of thoughtful room layouts, acoustics and lighting in turning event spaces into places of genuine connection.It reinforces something those of us working in hospitality see every day: the setting matters, but it is the way a space makes people feel – and the human interactions that happen within it – that gives an event its significance.Occasion has commercial valueIt's easy to dismiss occasion as something intangible or purely aesthetic. But I believe its value can be seen in how people behave. When people feel welcomed, recognised and part of something meaningful, they're more likely to stay longer, participate more actively, build stronger professional relationships and leave with a more positive perception of the event. These are not simply signs of good hospitality; they contribute to the outcomes organisers want their events to achieve.Perhaps that's why occasion deserves to be viewed less as an aesthetic choice and more as a strategic one. The best event design isn't simply about logistics; it's about creating the conditions in which people feel comfortable enough to engage, collaborate and connect.Because, in the end, the most successful events are remembered because they made people feel that their time, their contribution and their presence genuinely mattered.

Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter has launched a new short film showing how its frontline employees are trusted to use their judgement, respond quickly and find solutions for event organisers.Moving between the hotel’s kitchen, event spaces, sales office and technical production, the film follows the team as they navigate changing requirements, last-minute requests and the everyday challenges involved in delivering an event.Rather than focusing solely on the hotel’s physical spaces, the film places its people and service culture at the centre of the story, capturing the small interactions and quick responses that shape the overall experience.At its heart is what the hotel calls a new “yes mindset”: giving employees the confidence to take responsibility, act without unnecessary delays and find the best possible outcome for the client.Paul Borg, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter, said: “Event plans rarely remain completely unchanged. Timings move, rooms need to be adapted and new requests arise, sometimes while an event is already taking place. What matters is how quickly and positively a venue responds.“There is a new mindset here at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle; we want our people to feel confident making decisions and doing what they believe is right for the client. That doesn’t mean promising the impossible. It means listening properly, avoiding an automatic ‘no’ and doing everything we can to find a solution.“Our team understands the hotel, but they also understand the warmth and personality that people associate with Newcastle. We want every organiser and guest to experience that combination of highly personalised service and genuine North East hospitality.”Through a fast-paced series of interactions, the film shows the team adapting an event space, responding to a technical request, sourcing ingredients and attending to the small but important details that can make an organiser’s life easier.Watch the film on Crowne Plaza Newcastle’s website.

Saturday 19 September, Bristol – This afternoon, families - including celebrities, journalists and content creators - gathered at We The Curious for the special Play The Bluey Way event. The family activation was held as part of an international campaign celebrating the power of play and the joy of connection inspired by iconic Bluey moments.The event marked the arrival of a very special Bluey mural painted by a team of talented local artists. Special guests attended the event, which also welcomed local families and fans to enjoy the experience, with the Bluey costume character delighting visitors throughout the afternoon with her appearances. Among those in attendance were British fashion model Daisy Lowe and her family, along with content creators such as Amy Bell, Fabien and Ellen Beddard (Fab and Ell), Nick and Craig Ford (Two Men and a Lady), Jessica and Dom Lever, and Laura Louise.Taking part in the ambitious project were artists Phoebe Tonkin, Tanith Gould, Alice Humphreys, Joe's Murals and Nina Raines, curated and managed by Bristol-based public art producer Art Sync. The five connected towers, which together form a single Bluey mural, transformed Millennium Square into a colourful celebration of play, creating a unique public installation that families and visitors can enjoy throughout the coming weeks.Azul Amos, Co-Founder at Art Sync, said: “This mural has provided a fantastic opportunity for our team of Bristol creatives. It’s exciting to see BBC Studios embrace this art form and really immerse themselves in Bristol’s creative culture. The scale and timeframe made this a uniquely rewarding experience. I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve put together, and a little sad to see this project come to an end.”With artwork created by Bluey producer Ludo Studio, the mural is inspired by the beloved episode The Creek. The artwork was painted by the five local artists in a studio before being finalised and assembled in Millennium Square, with each painted tower measuring approximately 6.1 metres.The special UK event created a joyful atmosphere for attendees, who experienced first-hand the excitement and meaningful connections that Bluey inspires among families around the world.Another fan-favourite activity enjoyed by guests was crafting and sailing their own Barky Boats in the fountains, inspired by the fan-favourite episode.As part of an ongoing partnership with We The Curious, families and fans will still have the chance to see the mural and take a photo alongside the artwork in Millennium Square for six weeks, until the end of October 2026. During that period, Bluey activities will be available inside We The Curious, helping families continue the fun during October half-term. Bluey merchandise is also available in the shop, including colouring books, stickers and some arts and crafts fun!The activity in Bristol was part of the global Play The Bluey Way campaign launched by BBC Studios, which encourages families everywhere to embrace more play, connection and fun in their everyday lives. The Bristol mural is one of a series appearing in locations around the world, including Brisbane, São Paulo and the Washington D.C. area, each inspired by iconic Bluey moments of play.Additionally, families can discover even more ways to Play The Bluey Way via a dedicated hub on Bluey.tv, featuring downloadable activities, games, play inspiration, campaign updates and interactive experiences. Launching later this month, the hub will also include a personalised quiz that explores each family’s unique play habits, with surprises from favourite episodes, game recommendations and shareable play personalities.Barky Boats, The Creek and more Bluey episodes are available to watch on Disney+, CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. The Bluey feature film will be released in cinemas on 6 August 2027.