Tom HallWith the Major Events Summit (MEI) coming up in May, we asked two exhibitors about their challenges at sporting events, and past MEI experiences
Ash Austin
Director, Evolution Dome
Evolution Dome primarily started to fill a gap in the market to supply Temporary Inflatable Structures to large outdoor events, festivals and concerts.
It has now completely changed, and much of what we do is large scale conferences, product launches and sporting events such as marathons, triathlons and motor racing events such as the Grand Prix.
Within the sporting and event sector, organisers are always looking to gain more leverage from their event.
Whether that be smaller pop up events, pre and post, fan parks that run alongside the events or different ways to interact via social channels pre, live and post event.
As a company we are really seeing a growth around the retail and sponsorship side of these major events, and large growth is occurring for our structure in the fan park areas and where brands need exposure.
This is the kind of touch point and face to face opportunity we feel will be something that grows over the next few years as its proven to be the best way to get people to engage.
MEI was a really well organised, through provoking and educational event. Having the chance to interact and with the organisers, listen to the issues they had and how these where addressed and a great networking opportunity.
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David Tunnicliffe,
Commercial director, GL events UK
A substantial pipeline of major global events for 2018 has seen our live division securing more than €35m in new event partnerships.
For GL events UK, temporary structures continue to emerge as a commercially and creatively viable alternative to permanent venues, and we will continue to develop products and services that respond to and anticipate the needs of different industry sectors around the world.
Personally speaking, I would like to see a reduction in the links in the chain between event organisers and suppliers on the ground. There is a definite appetite to involve potential suppliers earlier in the planning stages of major events; however, this hunger goes hand in hand with challenges associated with procurement processes.
I found last year’s MEI summit valuable and worthwhile on every level. The format was engaging, the calibre of speakers was excellent, and the networking opportunities on offer were outstanding. In fact, the event sparked conversations that led to two major new projects for GL events UK.
A leading live event for the major, international events industry is the ideal, immersive space in which to engage. For me, it’s an opportunity to listen, to hear others’ views on industry trends, and to contribute opinions, advancing solutions wherever possible. I look forward to the networking opportunities, which I know will be just as valuable as the programme of speakers.
INSIDE MEI
Occurring from 26-28 June in Liverpool, The Major Events Summit brings together the stakeholders from past, current and future Games & host organisations. This year, MEI is partnering with the International Business Festival at the Exhibition centre, situated on the waterfront at the Albert Docks in Liverpool.
The interactive ‘non-conference’ format features round table discussions and workshops.
Themes will include fan engagement, overlay, technology, safety and security & event services.
Additionally there will be a VIP pre-Summit reception for overseas visitors and an Awards Dinner at Liverpool Football Club to recognise the contribution made my suppliers and event organisers.
www.majoreventssummit.com or contact MEI at summit@majoreventsint.com