The sun is shining (albeit with some delayed April showers), and here's May's digest for event planners, the latest news stories and developments in corporate events, conferences and brand experiences.
South by Southwest (SXSW) is set to make its debut in Shoreditch, London, in June 2025, bringing its renowned multidisciplinary conferences and cultural festivals to the UK. The event will feature groundbreaking visual arts, design, fashion programming, and immersive experiences in public spaces, celebrating creativity, culture, and technology.
Randel Bryan, managing director of SXSW London, emphasises the festival's role as a platform for innovative minds and creatives to share their visions, aiming to build on Austin's legacy by fostering meaningful connections and unique experiences. Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomes SXSW, stating, "I am delighted to welcome SXSW to London for the first time ever – confirming our place at the heart of Europe’s tech and creative sectors and as a global capital of culture."
Skiddle, the UK’s leading independent ticketing platform, has released early results from its 2024 mental health survey targeting music and event professionals. Launched in April, the survey aims to highlight post-pandemic challenges and the effects of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis on the community.
Duncan King, Head of Festivals and Partnerships at Skiddle, noted that the findings reveal a troubling state of mental health among industry professionals, underscoring the need for more support and resources. The survey, supported by several mental health charities, reveals significant issues, including financial insecurity and substance misuse. Skiddle will continue to share insights and resources throughout Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 to assist those in need.
Survey Link: Skiddle Mental Health Survey 2024
BMA House in Bloomsbury has launched its enhanced summer party packages alongside significant refurbishments to its Garden Room, in collaboration with catering partner Company of Cooks.
The venue, nestled within a Grade II listed building, boasts exclusive outdoor spaces like the Courtyard and the Garden, ideal for summer events. The ‘Fun in the Sun’ package includes venue hire, welcome drinks, a summer BBQ, a comprehensive drinks package, entertainment options, and full event support. The refurbished Garden Room now features a flexible layout, eco-friendly materials, and advanced AV systems, enhancing functionality and comfort for all events. Venue Manager Kat Winfield highlights the commitment to sustainability and creating memorable experiences. Explore more at BMA House.
ExCeL London and long-term catering partner Levy UK + Ireland have teamed up with food environmental data experts Foodsteps to cut the embodied carbon emissions of millions of dishes served annually. Foodsteps will provide detailed data on the lifecycle footprint of ingredients, aiding ExCeL's chefs in creating lower-carbon recipes, alongside a new labeling system to guide visitors towards more climate-conscious food choices.
Kevin Watson, Business Director & Net Zero Lead at Levy UK+I, underscores the initiative's significance, stating, “Partnering with Foodsteps allows us to better support our clients and customers, it demonstrates why the menu is such a powerful and important ally for meaningful change.” The partnership aligns with ExCeL's Net Zero goals, including having 50% plant-based menus and reducing kitchen waste to under 1%.
The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has announced significant leadership changes. Ian Taylor, managing director of exhibitions at NEC Birmingham, has been appointed as the new AEV chair, following the departure of Shaun Hinds, CEO of Manchester Central, who steps down after 18 months in the role. Kerry Villa, COO of ACC Liverpool, has been elected as the new vice chair.
Taylor, previously the vice chair, expressed his excitement about taking on the new role and building on the strong foundations already in place at AEV. Villa, who has served on the board for seven years, shared her pride in being part of an energised and collaborative team dedicated to supporting venues across the events sector. She highlighted the significant benefits of AEV membership and looked forward to contributing to the AEV’s future agenda, especially as the organisation celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Taylor emphasised the crucial role of the events industry in driving £70bn of trade into UK businesses and the importance of ensuring this impact is understood at the government level. He committed to championing UK venues and representing the interests of AEV members effectively.