Working Group 'trio-report' June 2018

46 individuals from across the industry (Venues, Organisers and Suppliers) met in tandem at CentrEd, ExCeL London on 27th June, the day before the AEV annual conference; splitting into Technology (cross association), Marketing & Communications and Event Managers streams. We were pleased to see that one of our newest members (The Science Museum Group) were present on all three groups.

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The cross association Technology Working Group welcomed strong attendance across our member venues and inputs from the organisers and suppliers present made for an active meeting.

Discussions moved through agenda items including real time tracking solutions, app investment and cyber security monitoring. Round table updates gave indication that venues and organiser alike are keeping up with the latest tech and the suppliers are able to offer solutions and advise to help satisfy needs.

The venue members of the group will be encouraged to complete a venue connectivity questionnaire at the end of August – created by the groups Chair and facilitated by AEV.

The next meeting takes place during the ESSA conference on 29th November at Stadium MK.

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The AEV Marketing & Communications Working Group last met during the “beast from the east” at Confex.

Sustainability remained a hot topic and venues gave insights into how this was approached in varying ways, from elimination of single use plastics, provision of free drinking water to wormery usage.

Diversity, future proofing via talent/recruitment continues to be explored and will remain on the agenda along with adoption of new tech/VR.

Reports from Magnetic – a research company utilised by Professional Publishers Association (PPA) was shared detailing views on the benefits and ROI of advertising in traditional media.

Roundtable updates and future agenda item discussions brought the meeting to a close.

The group have been kindly invited by Marc Findlay of SEC for a social in either October or November and Christmas drinks have also been suggested.

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11 venues were represented at the AEV Event Managers Working Group. Updates on the 2018 eGuide led the agenda with further updates on the Logistics Sub Group and Talent Survey.

The Group welcomed a guest speaker – Chris Hall - Chris has a wealth of Event Health & Safety and Fire Safety experience in both complex and non-complex environments both indoors and out. The types of clients and events include The FA Group (Wembley Stadium), Virgin Sport, London Marathon, Formula E, NFL, British Heart Foundation, Royal Windsor Horse Show, 2012 Olympics (Technical Advisory for Crowd Safety) and a host of other mass participation events, concerts, festivals, product launches and exhibitions. Chris focused discussion around capacity and fire impact assessments which was well received.

Future agenda items were suggested bringing the meeting to a close.

The next meeting takes place at Farnborough International on 21st November.