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GES strengthens creative team with new Creative Lead appointment Featured post
Industry News07-10-26

GES strengthens creative team with new Creative Lead appointment

7th October 2026: GES has further strengthened its creative capabilities with the appointment of Francesca Culy as Creative Lead. An anthropology graduate with experience spanning art and marketing, Culy brings a combination of creative thinking, cultural insight and commercial understanding to the newly appointed role.Working alongside GES’s wider creative and design teams, she will coordinate creative projects and contribute to the development of ideas and solutions. The appointment represents another step in GES’s continued focus on creativity as a core part of its client proposition. It follows the appointment of new Creative Director, Penny Banks, in 2025, reflecting the company’s commitment to investing in the people, skills and expertise needed to strengthen its creative output.Penny said: “Creativity has an increasingly important role to play in helping our clients stand out and create experiences that genuinely connect with their audiences. Francesca brings an interesting combination of skills and experience to the team.We have continued to look at how we build the right creative structure and talent, and we’re delighted to welcome her to the team.”Francesca’s previous roles have included a project and marketing coordinator position at an art consultancy in Sydney, Australia. Commenting on her appointment, she said: "I’m really excited to be joining GES and to bring together my experience across creativity, culture and project delivery in a global live events environment. I’m looking forward to exploring how creativity can shape experiences that are more thoughtful, sustainable, and connected to the communities around them, while bringing different perspectives to the work. I’m excited to collaborate with the wider team and see where we can take those ideas.”

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Poole Takes to the Water to Say a Final Farewell to Barfleur Featured post
Industry News07-10-26

Poole Takes to the Water to Say a Final Farewell to Barfleur

Coastal Cruises Poole invites the community to join a very special farewell cruise as one of Poole Harbour’s most familiar ships prepares to make her final departure.On Monday 12th October 2026, Coastal Cruises Poole will take to the water to escort Barfleur on her final sailing from Poole, marking the end of an era for a vessel that has been a much-loved sight in the harbour for more than three decades.For generations of local residents and visitors, Barfleur has been part of the fabric of Poole’s maritime landscape, carrying thousands of passengers between Poole and Cherbourg and becoming an instantly recognisable sight as she arrived and departed from the port.Now, members of the public will have the opportunity to be out on the water to witness her final departure and give her a proper Poole send-off.Coastal Cruises Poole’s Solent Scene will depart from Poole Quay at 7.30am sharp, with passengers able to enjoy bacon baps, tea and coffee as they begin this unique morning on the water.The boat will sail close to the Ro-Ro berth to watch Barfleur’s final loading before taking up position for a special farewell sail-past. In accordance with the Harbour Master’s Notice, Solent Scene will then follow approximately 50 metres astern as Barfleur makes her way out of Poole Harbour.The cruise is expected to return between 9.00am and 9.30am.Carol Scott, Director of Coastal Cruises Poole, said:“Barfleur has been such an important part of Poole’s maritime story for over 30 years, and for many people she has been a familiar sight throughout their lives. We wanted to give people the opportunity to come together, get out on the water and give her the farewell she deserves.“It will undoubtedly be an emotional morning, but also a celebration of the memories, journeys and connections Barfleur has created over the years. We are honoured to be able to play a small part in this very special moment in Poole’s maritime history.”Passengers are encouraged to wrap up warm and bring their cameras for what promises to be a unique opportunity to witness a piece of Poole’s maritime history from the water.

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£3.5m on the Table for Start-ups and Scale-ups as IBTM World Confirms More Investors Featured post
Industry News07-10-26

£3.5m on the Table for Start-ups and Scale-ups as IBTM World Confirms More Investors

7th October 26, International: Start-ups and scale-ups will have access to up to £3.5m of investment capital across the cohort and a programme of coaching, pitching and commercial opportunities, as IBTM World confirms the remainder of the 15 investors to its Ignite programme this year.Delivered by IBTM World in partnership with specialist growth consultancy allpoints, Ignite has been designed to put ambitious businesses directly in front of investors actively looking for opportunities within the events industry and its wider technology and service ecosystem.The investor group brings significant experience of building, buying, investing in and exiting businesses, with more than 25 successful exits, acquisitions and investments represented across the cohort.Ahead of the show, start-ups and scale-ups will receive dedicated coaching and investment-readiness support from allpoints, helping founders sharpen their investment proposition, and ensure their business is focused on the needs and opportunities shaping the business events industry.At IBTM World, they will have the opportunity to pitch on the Future Stage, network and meet investors and tap into IBTM World’s buyer diary to secure pre-scheduled meetings with potential customers from across the global business events industry, opening their businesses to a much broader international community of buyers and event professionals.Max Fellows, Founder and CEO of allpoints, said: “£3.5m of potential investment gets attention, but Ignite is about more than putting money on the table. These are pre-qualified investors who are actively looking for opportunities, backed by people with first-hand experience of growing, acquiring, investing in and exiting businesses.“We’ll be working with the entrepreneurs ahead of the show, so they arrive prepared to make the most of that access. Add the Future Stage, the IBTM World diary and thethousands of buyers and event professionals attending the show, and the opportunity becomes much bigger than an investment pitch.”Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director, IBTM World, added: “Ignite gives start-ups and scale-ups something incredibly difficult to recreate independently: access to investment, expertise, potential customers and an international industry community in one place.“We want to see the next generation of businesses bringing their ideas to IBTM World and using the platform to accelerate what happens next. With the investor community already in place and ready to engage, there has never been a better opportunity to join us as a start-up.”Start-up spaces for Ignite remain available, but limited, with the final cohort now taking shape ahead of IBTM World, which takes place in Barcelona from 17–19 November.Successful applicants will gain access to the full Ignite programme, including investor introductions, coaching and investment-readiness support, Future Stage pitching, the Ignite Lounge, the IBTM diary and the wider international buyer and event professional community attending the show.Applications are now open

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ARC Brings Neverland Drone Event to Life to Support Seriously Ill Children Featured post
Industry News01-10-26

ARC Brings Neverland Drone Event to Life to Support Seriously Ill Children

1st October 26, UK: Arena Racing Company (ARC) is continuing to demonstrate the versatility of its racecourses with the launch of a major new drone show, Neverland, in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity).The event, taking place at the group’s Royal Windsor racecourse, 3rd October, will transform the venue for an evening of large-scale family entertainment, centred around a 600-drone display and accompanied by an immersive soundtrack and wider entertainment programme.The event will support GOSH Charity, with one £1 of every ticket sold helping to support seriously ill children from across the UK. In 1929, J.M. Barrie gifted all rights to Peter Pan to GOSH, and it continues to receive royalties for public performances of the play.Ahead of the event, the ARC team were able to visit the hospital, meeting some patients and families to learn more about where the money will be going towards. Complete with costumes, play and giveaways, the visit allowed the team to create some fun for the children while connecting directly with the cause the event is supporting.Julie Coates Walker, Group Head of Sales at ARC, commented: “There is a huge amount of work that goes into creating an event like Neverland, but our visit to GOSH was a lovely reminder of why it’s so important to support this cause.. Our teams are passionate about creating great experiences, so taking a little of that energy directly to the children and families at the hospital was incredibly special.”GOSH Charity exists to support seriously ill children treated at GOSH, helping to give them the best chance, and best childhood possible. Money raised from this event will help GOSH Charity support GOSH’s most urgent needs, including funding state-of-the-art medical equipment, vital support services for children and their families, ground-breaking research and child-centred medical facilities.Neverland is the latest in a growing programme of outdoor events taking place across ARC racecourses, as the group continues to develop the use of its venues beyond traditional racedays.With extensive outdoor space alongside permanent catering, hospitality, technical and operational infrastructure, ARC racecourses provide ready-made environments for concerts, festivals, mass-participation events, corporate experiences, and large-scale public entertainment. Drone shows are an increasingly exciting addition to that mix, combining technology, creativity, and live production to create highly visual experiences for large audiences.

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“We’re underselling the industry to young people”: Event leaders urged to promote career potential Featured post
Industry News30-09-26

“We’re underselling the industry to young people”: Event leaders urged to promote career potential

People can build rewarding careers and “great livings” in events, but the opportunities are not always visible to the next generation.The events industry must do more to show young people that they can build rewarding, long-term careers within the sector.That is the message from Serkan Uzunogullari, Senior Lecturer in Tourism, Hospitality and Events at the University of Sunderland, and Paul Borg, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter.Speaking in the latest episode of the hotel’s Talking People with Paul Borg podcast, the pair discuss why many people still “fall into” events and how the industry can make its career pathways clearer.“Events can be someone’s first job, a part-time job or a graduate role, and then develop into a career in management, operations or one of many other areas,” Serkan said. “It has a low entry point but a very high ceiling.“However, students don’t always see that pathway. I think we have to put our hands up and admit that we are still underselling it.”Paul began his own hospitality career behind a bar before becoming a hotel General Manager. He believes the industry should speak more confidently about the opportunities it offers.“There can be long days and unsociable hours, and we should be honest about that. However, the reward from delivering an event can be huge,” Paul Said. “There is real potential to progress and make a great living, and I don’t think we talk about that enough.”The episode also explores how education providers and employers can work together to prepare and retain new talent.The University of Sunderland works with employers through mentoring, placements, live projects and site visits. Several of its students and graduates have joined Crowne Plaza Newcastle, starting in areas including reception and food and beverage before progressing into conference, events and management roles.Serkan said universities can teach event design, planning, marketing and audiovisual production, but cannot fully recreate the pressure of live delivery.“We can expose students to controlled pressure and give them opportunities to organise smaller events,” he explained. “What we cannot replicate in a classroom is the pace, emotion and experience of managing hundreds or thousands of people.“That is why universities and employers must work closely together. Graduates may understand the theory, but employers need to meet young talent halfway and help them develop operational confidence.”Paul concluded: “We need more event and hospitality professionals to go into schools, colleges and universities, talk openly about their own careers and show young people where an entry-level role can lead.“But this cannot stop at telling them the opportunities are there. Employers need to open their doors through placements, mentoring, workplace visits and part-time roles – and then give young people the training and support to progress. If we want the talent our industry needs in the future, we all have a part to play in developing it now.”Talking People with Paul Borg is a six-part podcast series featuring event leaders, creatives, educators, media professionals and emerging talent from across the meetings and events industry. The episode featuring Serkan Uzunogullari is available now via Talking People with Paul Borg.

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CHS Manchester prepares to bring the events industry together at the AO Arena this week Featured post
Industry News28-09-26

CHS Manchester prepares to bring the events industry together at the AO Arena this week

28th September 26, Manchester, UK: CHS Manchester will open its doors at the AO Arena this week, bringing together months of momentum, industry support and collaboration for the inaugural edition of the show on Wednesday 30 September.An exhibitor line-up packed with leading venues, hotels, destinations and suppliers will be joined by a Hosted Buyer Programme approaching capacity, a major education programme and a growing Fringe Programme across the city. Together, they underline the confidence that has built around the show over the last 12 months.For buyers and visitors, the focus is firmly on value. Thousands of conversations and meetings will take place across the show floor, supported by content across the Revolution Stage, Manchester Stage and Industry Hub, alongside networking, hospitality and experiences throughout the day.The gathering begins the evening before with Manchester Calling, CHS Manchester’s official welcome reception at Manchester Central. Hosted buyers will also be staying across some of Manchester’s leading hotels, while the wider Fringe Programme will take CHS into venues and spaces across the city.Manchester itself has played a major part in the build-up. Its venues, hotels, partners and events community have embraced the show and the people coming to it, creating a sense that the city is opening its arms to the industry and is ready to show visitors what Manchester can do.Victoria Braddock, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, commented, "Bringing CHS to Manchester has been a masterclass of collaboration in practice. Together with the CHS team, AO Arena, and with the support of partners and venues from across our visitor economy, we have an incredible supershow kicking off in Manchester this week where every detail has been meticulously thought through."And now an amazing mix of conference buyers, exhibitors, and suppliers will descend on the city ready to do business and make things happen. That's the Manchester way of doing things and we're so excited to welcome everyone and for them to see what's in store. Whether you visit Manchester all the time or have never visited before, we hope the CHS community have the chance to enjoy the city, to work hard, but most importantly, to have fun!"Gemma Vaughan, General Manager at AO Arena said, “We’re thrilled to welcome CHS to the AO Arena and to Manchester. Whilst we’re best known as one of the UK’s leading music and entertainment venues, our £50 million redevelopment has opened up an exciting new chapter for us. Hosting CHS is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the versatility of the AO Arena and demonstrate that we’re about much more than live music. We’re proud to welcome the CHS community to Manchester and excited to give them a taste of what our venue, and our city, can offer for business events. We can’t wait to bring everyone together.”Emma King, CEO, CHS Manchester, commented: “The momentum behind the show has been incredible, and now we get to bring everyone together. Manchester has given CHS a massive hug and that warmth will be everywhere this week.“We’ve been asked whether getting bigger means becoming less CHS. Absolutely not. We’re doubling down on everything that makes CHS, CHS. That means brilliant business and content, but also looking after people properly. We’ll be throwing out love bombs and value bombs throughout the show; if someone needs help, whatever it is, we want to be there. We want people to feel genuinely valued from the moment they arrive.”That approach will run throughout the show, with the CHS team given the freedom and resources to solve problems, make people’s days easier and add unexpected moments of hospitality. It is part of an ambition to ensure that increased scale brings more CHS personality, rather than less.The support surrounding the show also reflects wider confidence across the events industry. Associations, partners, exhibitors, speakers, buyers and the Manchester events community have all played a part in building towards this week.Most importantly, the meetings and conversations taking place at CHS Manchester will turn that confidence into business. New briefs will be discussed, relationships will begin and opportunities will move forward.For an industry built on bringing people together, that makes this week an important moment: a gathering in Manchester that can create momentum long after everyone has gone home.

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Aviva Studios to Put Neurodiversity and Live Events on the Agenda at CHS Manchester Featured post
Industry News24-09-26

Aviva Studios to Put Neurodiversity and Live Events on the Agenda at CHS Manchester

24 September, Manchester, UK: Aviva Studios, the home of Factory International, will bring the conversation around neurodiversity, accessibility and the future of live events to CHS Manchester later this month with Factory International’s Access Manager Jay Millard joining the show’s speaker programme.Jay will deliver ‘Expanding Access - A Conversation about Neurodiversity and Live Events’, looking at how increasing public awareness of neurodiversity is changing expectations among audiences and what this means for event organisers.The conversation is particularly timely following recent updates to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Statutory Code of Practice that now explicitly names autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions as constitutive of a disability under the Equality Act; a change that lends greater clarity to the legal protections owed to neurodivergent people by event planners and, as such, adds further momentum to a much wider conversation around access and inclusion.Jay brings extensive experience from across the arts and cultural sectors and has been at the heart of conversations around how live experiences can welcome disabled audiences for the past decade. Her previous work has included developing access strategies and practical provisions across major cultural programmes such as LEEDS 2023 Year of Culture. Now as Access Manager for Factory International, Jay leads a holistic approach that embeds accessibility as a core principle at Aviva Studios and throughout the organisation, from programming and visitor experience to venue operations, marketing, and community engagement.At CHS Manchester, she will encourage event planners to think about accessibility differently. Jay comments, “I really want event planners to come along and be part of this conversation. There is so much knowledge and good practice within the arts and cultural sector that can translate brilliantly into conferences, brand experiences and live events. This is about sharing some of that thinking, talking openly about where the challenges are and hopefully encouraging people to look at their own events slightly differently.”The session will explore some of the hurdles organisers can encounter when looking to improve accessibility, alongside the creative possibilities that emerge when inclusion is considered earlier in the process.Expanding Access - A Conversation about Neurodiversity and Live Events will take place as part of the CHS Manchester speaker programme at the AO Arena on 30th September 2026.

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The Power of Occasion: What Makes an Event Feel Important? Featured post
Industry News24-09-26

The Power of Occasion: What Makes an Event Feel Important?

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.

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New Film, New Mindset: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Puts Its People Centre Stage and on Screen Featured post
Industry News22-09-26

New Film, New Mindset: Crowne Plaza Newcastle Puts Its People Centre Stage and on Screen

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.

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Play The Bluey Way launches in Bristol with new Bluey mural and family celebration Featured post
Industry News20-09-26

Play The Bluey Way launches in Bristol with new Bluey mural and family celebration

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.

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GES strengthens creative team with new Creative Lead appointment
07-10-26 GES strengthens creative team with new Creative Lead appointment

7th October 2026: GES has further strengthened its creative capabilities with the appointment of Francesca Culy as Creative Lead. An anthropology graduate with experience spanning art and marketing, Culy brings a combination of creative thinking, cultural insight and commercial understanding to the newly appointed role.Working alongside GES’s wider creative and design teams, she will coordinate creative projects and contribute to the development of ideas and solutions. The appointment represents another step in GES’s continued focus on creativity as a core part of its client proposition. It follows the appointment of new Creative Director, Penny Banks, in 2025, reflecting the company’s commitment to investing in the people, skills and expertise needed to strengthen its creative output.Penny said: “Creativity has an increasingly important role to play in helping our clients stand out and create experiences that genuinely connect with their audiences. Francesca brings an interesting combination of skills and experience to the team.We have continued to look at how we build the right creative structure and talent, and we’re delighted to welcome her to the team.”Francesca’s previous roles have included a project and marketing coordinator position at an art consultancy in Sydney, Australia. Commenting on her appointment, she said: "I’m really excited to be joining GES and to bring together my experience across creativity, culture and project delivery in a global live events environment. I’m looking forward to exploring how creativity can shape experiences that are more thoughtful, sustainable, and connected to the communities around them, while bringing different perspectives to the work. I’m excited to collaborate with the wider team and see where we can take those ideas.”

07-10-26 Poole Takes to the Water to Say a Final Farewell to Barfleur

Coastal Cruises Poole invites the community to join a very special farewell cruise as one of Poole Harbour’s most familiar ships prepares to make her final departure.On Monday 12th October 2026, Coastal Cruises Poole will take to the water to escort Barfleur on her final sailing from Poole, marking the end of an era for a vessel that has been a much-loved sight in the harbour for more than three decades.For generations of local residents and visitors, Barfleur has been part of the fabric of Poole’s maritime landscape, carrying thousands of passengers between Poole and Cherbourg and becoming an instantly recognisable sight as she arrived and departed from the port.Now, members of the public will have the opportunity to be out on the water to witness her final departure and give her a proper Poole send-off.Coastal Cruises Poole’s Solent Scene will depart from Poole Quay at 7.30am sharp, with passengers able to enjoy bacon baps, tea and coffee as they begin this unique morning on the water.The boat will sail close to the Ro-Ro berth to watch Barfleur’s final loading before taking up position for a special farewell sail-past. In accordance with the Harbour Master’s Notice, Solent Scene will then follow approximately 50 metres astern as Barfleur makes her way out of Poole Harbour.The cruise is expected to return between 9.00am and 9.30am.Carol Scott, Director of Coastal Cruises Poole, said:“Barfleur has been such an important part of Poole’s maritime story for over 30 years, and for many people she has been a familiar sight throughout their lives. We wanted to give people the opportunity to come together, get out on the water and give her the farewell she deserves.“It will undoubtedly be an emotional morning, but also a celebration of the memories, journeys and connections Barfleur has created over the years. We are honoured to be able to play a small part in this very special moment in Poole’s maritime history.”Passengers are encouraged to wrap up warm and bring their cameras for what promises to be a unique opportunity to witness a piece of Poole’s maritime history from the water.

07-10-26 £3.5m on the Table for Start-ups and Scale-ups as IBTM World Confirms More Investors

7th October 26, International: Start-ups and scale-ups will have access to up to £3.5m of investment capital across the cohort and a programme of coaching, pitching and commercial opportunities, as IBTM World confirms the remainder of the 15 investors to its Ignite programme this year.Delivered by IBTM World in partnership with specialist growth consultancy allpoints, Ignite has been designed to put ambitious businesses directly in front of investors actively looking for opportunities within the events industry and its wider technology and service ecosystem.The investor group brings significant experience of building, buying, investing in and exiting businesses, with more than 25 successful exits, acquisitions and investments represented across the cohort.Ahead of the show, start-ups and scale-ups will receive dedicated coaching and investment-readiness support from allpoints, helping founders sharpen their investment proposition, and ensure their business is focused on the needs and opportunities shaping the business events industry.At IBTM World, they will have the opportunity to pitch on the Future Stage, network and meet investors and tap into IBTM World’s buyer diary to secure pre-scheduled meetings with potential customers from across the global business events industry, opening their businesses to a much broader international community of buyers and event professionals.Max Fellows, Founder and CEO of allpoints, said: “£3.5m of potential investment gets attention, but Ignite is about more than putting money on the table. These are pre-qualified investors who are actively looking for opportunities, backed by people with first-hand experience of growing, acquiring, investing in and exiting businesses.“We’ll be working with the entrepreneurs ahead of the show, so they arrive prepared to make the most of that access. Add the Future Stage, the IBTM World diary and thethousands of buyers and event professionals attending the show, and the opportunity becomes much bigger than an investment pitch.”Claudia Hall, Exhibition Director, IBTM World, added: “Ignite gives start-ups and scale-ups something incredibly difficult to recreate independently: access to investment, expertise, potential customers and an international industry community in one place.“We want to see the next generation of businesses bringing their ideas to IBTM World and using the platform to accelerate what happens next. With the investor community already in place and ready to engage, there has never been a better opportunity to join us as a start-up.”Start-up spaces for Ignite remain available, but limited, with the final cohort now taking shape ahead of IBTM World, which takes place in Barcelona from 17–19 November.Successful applicants will gain access to the full Ignite programme, including investor introductions, coaching and investment-readiness support, Future Stage pitching, the Ignite Lounge, the IBTM diary and the wider international buyer and event professional community attending the show.Applications are now open

01-10-26 ARC Brings Neverland Drone Event to Life to Support Seriously Ill Children

1st October 26, UK: Arena Racing Company (ARC) is continuing to demonstrate the versatility of its racecourses with the launch of a major new drone show, Neverland, in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity).The event, taking place at the group’s Royal Windsor racecourse, 3rd October, will transform the venue for an evening of large-scale family entertainment, centred around a 600-drone display and accompanied by an immersive soundtrack and wider entertainment programme.The event will support GOSH Charity, with one £1 of every ticket sold helping to support seriously ill children from across the UK. In 1929, J.M. Barrie gifted all rights to Peter Pan to GOSH, and it continues to receive royalties for public performances of the play.Ahead of the event, the ARC team were able to visit the hospital, meeting some patients and families to learn more about where the money will be going towards. Complete with costumes, play and giveaways, the visit allowed the team to create some fun for the children while connecting directly with the cause the event is supporting.Julie Coates Walker, Group Head of Sales at ARC, commented: “There is a huge amount of work that goes into creating an event like Neverland, but our visit to GOSH was a lovely reminder of why it’s so important to support this cause.. Our teams are passionate about creating great experiences, so taking a little of that energy directly to the children and families at the hospital was incredibly special.”GOSH Charity exists to support seriously ill children treated at GOSH, helping to give them the best chance, and best childhood possible. Money raised from this event will help GOSH Charity support GOSH’s most urgent needs, including funding state-of-the-art medical equipment, vital support services for children and their families, ground-breaking research and child-centred medical facilities.Neverland is the latest in a growing programme of outdoor events taking place across ARC racecourses, as the group continues to develop the use of its venues beyond traditional racedays.With extensive outdoor space alongside permanent catering, hospitality, technical and operational infrastructure, ARC racecourses provide ready-made environments for concerts, festivals, mass-participation events, corporate experiences, and large-scale public entertainment. Drone shows are an increasingly exciting addition to that mix, combining technology, creativity, and live production to create highly visual experiences for large audiences.

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