The partnership builds on a series of successful collaborations between Formula E and INVNT, including the immersive Fan Village at the Portland E-Prix in Oregon and the global launch of the GEN3 Evo car in Valencia, the world’s fastest, lightest, and most sustainable electric race car – capable of 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds – 36% faster than the current GEN3 and 30% faster than a current F1 car. Together, the two organisations continue to raise the bar for what fan experiences can be across the world’s most iconic motorsport stages.

“Our Fan Village plays a vital role in making the Monaco E-Prix not just a race, it’s about creating space for new generations to fall in love with Formula E,” said Agustin Delicado, VP, Event Operations, Formula E. “Together with INVNT, we’re building an inclusive, sustainable experience that deepens our connection with fans and communities at every level. From live entertainment and our Gaming Arena to educational exhibits and family-friendly activities –  the Fan Village offers something for everyone to enjoy.”

At the Monaco E-Prix, the Formula E Fan Village will feature:

• Immersive Experience Zones, gaming stations, interactive challenges, and photo opportunities
• Driver meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and media moments
• Locally sourced cuisine + cocktails, with food trucks offering local, seasonal as well as plant-based culinary delights, and beverages inspired by Monaco’s heritage
• Live music and DJs, spotlighting Monaco’s vibrant creative scene

Sustainability is a core pillar of the village, with more than 85% of vendors sourced within 50 miles of Monaco, with a focus on reducing environmental impact, uplifting regional businesses, and celebrating local culture.  

“We’re proud to partner with Formula E once again to take a global brand to the next level of fan engagement,” said Claudia Stephenson, Managing Director, EMEA at INVNT. “This activation is powered by local culture and driven by purpose, from the food to the entertainment, to the sustainability embedded in every decision. Together, we’re proving that high-impact experiences can be responsible, accessible and truly inclusive.”

This Formula E Fan Village in Monaco was brought to life through the continued partnership between INVNT and MSM Group (Media & Sport Management) – enhancing commercial solutions and service offerings tailored for talent and brands in the rapidly expanding motorsports industry. With over five decades of experience building standout relationships between drivers, teams, championships, and global brands, MSM Group brings deep motorsport expertise across sponsorship, hospitality, and events. Combined with INVNT’s award-winning storytelling, digital, experiential, and cultural capabilities, the collaboration continues to deliver bold, bespoke experiences that transcend the track and redefine how fans engage with the sport.

“No race feels like the Monaco E-Prix – tight turns, sleek machines threading through storied streets, and an electric buzz that hums through the harbor. With Formula E, we’re channeling that energy to spark new connections with fans and push the boundaries of what motorsport culture can be.” Enrico Zanarini, CEO of MSM Group

www.FIAFormulaE.com 

The Delegate Wranglers and Lime Venue Portfolio are taking their thought-leadership event series on the road once again. DW on the Road – The Future of Events: AI, Trends, Facts, and Tracks will take place at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 7th May.

Designed for event planners, venues, and industry professionals, this immersive afternoon of expert insight and hands-on exploration will tackle one of the most talked-about topics in the industry today: artificial intelligence – along with emerging trends, sustainability, and the next generation of event thinkers.

As headline partner, Lime Venue Portfolio will showcase its pioneering approach to sustainable catering and venue innovation. Attendees will enjoy the brand’s carbon-labelled, plant-based ‘Meetings for Change’ menu, enabling delegates to make meaningful, planet-positive choices around event catering.

Jo Austin, Sales Director at Lime Venue Portfolio, commented: “This is more than an event – it’s a vision of what our industry can be. We’re proud to stand alongside The Delegate Wranglers to champion smarter, more sustainable, and future-focused event planning.”

Event highlights include ‘AI in Events’, a candid conversation on how AI is already impacting event planning and where it could take us next with Felicia Asideu from Cvent and Ed Poland from Hire Space. This session will explore how AI is currently being used by event planners, whether it is adding value, where it could go next, and how AI can fundamentally change the industry.

Attendees can also enjoy a lunch with impact – a showcase of Lime Venue Portfolio’s plant-based, carbon-labelled dining – part of their award-winning Meetings for Change initiative.

There will also be a discussion on the future of events with final-year University of East London students, who will share their research-backed views on the future of events.

A panel wrap-up with Jo Austin from Lime Venue Portfolio and Neil Thompson from Delegate Wranglers will conclude a day rich in insight.

Delegates can also end the day with a high-octane F1 track activity inside the stadium, featuring FI-inspired karts.

The event runs from 10:30- 17:00 on Wednesday 7th May. To register, visit: https://answer.forms.app/thedelegatewranglers/dw-on-the-road-7-may-london

A recent survey conducted by the Gallery found that 43% of respondents believe mindfulness enhances ROI by improving focus and retention, while a study by the award-winning charity Create revealed that 93% of Brits view creativity as vital to their wellbeing. These findings were echoed during a recent roundtable hosted by the Gallery, where 10 industry experts explored the role of mindfulness and inspiration in business events. The discussion revealed that mindfulness is most impactful when seamlessly integrated into the event experience, and not treated as an add-on, but brought to life through thoughtful design, natural pauses, and human-focused environments.

With these insights, the National Gallery is leading the way in embedding mindfulness into event agendas, setting a new standard for how business events can support performances, creative thinking and wellbeing.

Rooted in four key pillars: creativity, mindfulness, enrichment, and connection, this collection of new packages offers immersive experiences that go far beyond the traditional event format. Each package includes a tailor-made guided tour by an art historian, taking delegates through works of art which directly resonate with the chosen theme.

The Creativity package, aimed at inspiring innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, is perfect for brainstorms, strategy meetings, launch events and workshops, and takes delegates on an out-of-hours tour highlighting works from such renowned artists as Van Gogh and Turner.

The Mindfulness package, ideal for team-building days or reflective sessions, offers guided meditation within the gallery. Delegates will immerse themselves in the narrative, colours and emotions of a selected painting, encouraging mindfulness and a sense of calm.

The Enrichment package, recommended for conferences, workshops and training sessions, empowers teams with educational, perspective-broadening experiences, taking delegates on an art history journey to bring paintings to life.

Finally, the Connection package is tailored for networking events and away days. It encourages collaboration by exploring selected artworks through interactive discussions, helping delegates connect to art and each other while also reflecting on the relevance of the pieces to current social and cultural issues.

Clare Arouche, Head of Hospitality & Events at the National Gallery said: “We’re so often directed to be ‘inspired’ by every event and venue that we visit, but at the National Gallery we’re dissecting exactly what it means to be truly inspired through both art and events and how that could facilitate business success. These packages consider the core goal of every event held at the National Gallery and scope out the foundations to deliver an environment that gives delegates the tools to broaden their thinking through our iconic art collection.”

Inspiration Packages for events will be available from 10 May 2025 onwards, please contact venue.hire@nationalgallery.org.uk for more information and bookings.

66 Portland Place to host Event Photography Awards 2025

Awards night returns to the venue for the third year running

RIBA at 66 Portland Place in Central London will host the Event Photography Awards for the third consecutive year on 28th May 2025. It will be one of the final events to take place in the Art Deco venue before its temporary closure as part of a two-year modernisation programme.

Now in its 11th year, the EPAs celebrate the exceptional creativity of events suppliers, the importance and impact of events, and above all, the amazing photographers that capture them. This year’s competition attracted entries from over 20 countries around the world across 18 categories that cover all areas of the event industry, from catering and cultural events to concerts and conferences.  

Over 100 shortlisted images will be on display against the backdrop of the building’s Art Deco Florence Hall and RIBA Gallery, with guests able to vote for the People’s Choice award on the night. The fun and fast-paced awards ceremony will take place in the Jarvis Hall Auditorium with its plush seats, state-of-the-art AV and rich acoustic wood panelling.

The ceremony will be preceded and followed by drinks and food supplied by event caterer Blue Strawberry, who also catered the special 10th Anniversary ‘Best Ever’ EPAs in January. Event Production partner on the night is Visions Group with staff being provided by founders agency Off To Work the founding sponsor.

Thomas Morgan, Head of Venues and Events Delivery at 66 Portland Place, comments: “We’re really looking forward to hosting the Event Photography Awards for the third year running. It’s always a special occasion and this year it’s even more poignant as it marks one of our final events before our temporary two-year closure for a multi-million-pound modernisation programme. We’re pleased to once again showcase some incredible photographers and their work in the home of architecture and against our Art Deco backdrop.” 

Graham Hill, Competition & Event Director, adds: “With its elegant and perfectly sized auditorium set alongside sumptuous reception spaces with huge windows that let in loads early summer light, 66 Portland Place has been the absolutely perfect venue for the Event Photography Awards – and as a not-for-profit exercise, are hugely grateful to Thomas and his team for hosting the event over the past three years. We hope the venue’s modernisation programme goes well and fingers crossed they’ll have us back after it’s complete!”

To register to attend, click here: Event Photography Awards Night 2025 Tickets, Wed 28 May 2025 at 18:00 | Eventbrite

The exhilarating event, held in partnership with the UK’s premier supercar community, Supercar Driver, promises a high-energy day filled with thrilling motoring and motorsport excitement.

Chris co-hosted Top Gear from 2016 to 2022 alongside Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness. Chris is the go-to for brutally honest, no-holds-barred automotive journalism and he has extensive experience (and talent) in endurance racing, a career which began with winning his first race in a Formula Palmer Audi in 2000 and competing in endurance races such as 24 Hours Nürburgring in 2010 and 2015.

In 2023, Chris released his much-anticipated book Variable Valve Timings and it was announced in 2024 that Chris and Paddy McGuinness will front a brand-new three-part road trip series that sees the duo head to Europe, to look at how our European neighbours grow old gracefully and make their years ahead their best yet which is coming soon to BBC.

Headlining the musical line-up, Indie-Pop icons The Hoosiers will be performing an outdoor set at the luxury five-star hotel in North Yorkshire. The band achieved rapid success hitting No.1 in the UK album charts and generating countless singles including the Top 5 hits “Worried About Ray” and “Goodbye Mr A”. Since then, they have embarked on multiple sold-out tours, as well as gracing stages at the likes of Glastonbury, Isle of Wight Festival and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Supercar Driver’s Supercar Sunday, held annually at Grantley Hall since 2022, is set to be an unmissable day out for car enthusiasts and collectors, complemented by an exclusive live cinema screening of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix action from Silverstone, an engaging discussion with guest speaker Chris Harris as he shares insights into his thrilling career and all things automotive, a barbecue lunch, and a programme of entertainment with The Hoosiers as the pinnacle.

Adam Thorby, Founder of Supercar Driver “Supercar Sunday is a stand-out event in the Supercar calendar, evolving from a simple yet elegant gathering into an extraordinary garden party that’s a firm favourite with our members. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Grantley Hall once again this year to showcase an incredible collection of supercars and hypercars, curated for true enthusiasts to enjoy with the very best entertainment and hospitality”.

A limited number of VIP tickets also include exclusive access to a VIP area, Champagne reception and sit-down three-course lunch.

Paul Boulton, Lifestyle Manager at Grantley Hall, said: “Last year’s event saw more than 1,000 guests descend on the lawns of Grantley Hall for the supercar spectacle, to enjoy a showcase of the finest Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys and more.

“While that’s hard to beat, this year is set to be the best yet and will be complemented perfectly with entertainment from The Hoosiers, who have maintained their appeal across generations with some classic hits that will be sure to have the crowds singing along.”

Both general and VIP tickets are available to purchase, starting from £155.00 per person, with VIP tickets available from £275.00 per person. To find out more and book tickets, visit https://www.grantleyhall.co.uk/whats-on/supercar-sunday-general-ticket/.

Lori brings with her a wealth of experience from a range of events and project management roles, including not-for-profit organisation Mary’s Meals where she worked for six years as Trusts and Partnerships Manager. As an event planner at MCI, Lori also worked on a number of events at the SEC, bringing with her a fully rounded picture of the venue and its market.

“We’re delighted to be expanding our association team, as we continue our focus on using our knowledge and expertise to deliver high-quality events to the association market. Lori is a strong addition to the team and brings more than 10 years of events experience that spans charities, not-for-profit organisations and agencies,” said Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales, SEC.

Lori added, “As a planner I had the great pleasure of working with the SEC and have always been a big fan of the venue. The team has always impressed me and it’s so nice to have come full circle and to now be working at this world class venue.”

Among this year’s national association events taking place at the SEC will be the British Society for Haematology, British Society of Gastroenterology, and British Association of Dermatologists.

The agency joins a growing number of event companies both achieving and striving for the certification. Its achievement also underlines the diversity of businesses, from every sector of the event, exhibition, and experience industry, contributing to sustainable business.

As part of the process, limeblue has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement, having met the very highest standards of social and environmental standards, including Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers, and by providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency.

Kim Scillitoe, Managing Director, limeblue, commented, “This is all about values. We’ve always been a business that values sustainability and doing the right thing for and by our customers. The event industry is making progress on its approach to ESG, and we can pack that in at design and concept stage. We can have a real impact, and we take that seriously. It’s why we’re delighted to receive B Corp certification.”

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, commented “We are delighted to welcome limeblue to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that limeblue are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward”. 

The spacious Executive Rooms have been reimagined with comfort, functionality and versatility in mind – perfect for any stay from romantic escapes and golfing getaways, to family staycations, spa retreats or business trips.

This refurbishment isn’t just about aesthetics. Families can now enjoy thoughtful extras such as mini teepees for children, Foxhills-branded colouring books, woodland activity packs and child-sized dressing gowns.

In a nod to innovation and convenience, each room features a Crave tablet with direct access to Foxhills’ AI concierge, CJ the fox. This intuitive technology allows guests to seamlessly book activities or spa treatments, request room service, make dining reservations or arrange a late check-out at the tap of a screen from the comfort of their bedroom.

Further enhancing the hollistic wellness experience, Foxhills has partnered with award-winning skincare brand Proverb as its new amenities provider. Founded by former professional rugby player, Luke Sheriff, and his wife and spa expert, Kirstie Sheriff, Proverb offers performance-led, eco-conscious ‘lifefuelled skincare’ that cares for the mind, body and soul. A brand that aligns perfectly with Foxhills’ ethos: ‘To leave feeling better than when you arrived’, it’s the perfect partner for a country club where sport and active lifestyles are at the fore. Trusted by Olympians and elite athletes, including golfers, Proverb uses clean, natural and organic ingredients to support health, wellbeing and post-exercise recovery.

Mark Thewlis, Hotel Manager at Foxhills, commented: “Understanding our guests’ evolving expectations and seamlessly blending tradition with innovation is at the heart of what we do. This refurbishment not only underscores our commitment to delivering a world-class stay, but also reaffirms our dedication to sustainability, wellness and comfort.”

The room upgrades form part of a wider investment strategy aimed at continually enhancing the resort’s facilities and guest experience. Future plans include a new spa garden, set to launch in 2026. Recent developments have already seen the introduction of padel and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art gym refurbishment, a £2m renovation of the Longcross golf course and TrackMan technology installed at the driving range.

For further information or to make enquiries about booking a stay at Foxhills, please visit http://www.foxhills.co.uk

Congress House has operated as the TUC’s headquarters since 1958, while Congress Centre first began hosting corporate and private events in its 16 multi-purpose spaces in 1999. Over the years, its Congress Hall has been transformed for conferences, award ceremonies, launches, gala dinners and fashion shows, by major brands including Warner Brothers, Microsoft, bareMinerals and Yahoo. The TUC has also utilised its historically significant base for many flagship conferences, rallies and events.  As a sought-after venue for film shoots, Congress Centre has appeared in popular television shows such as Killing Eve and Netflix’s The Crown.

Ruby Chagger, Congress Centre’s Conference & Sales Manager, says: “After more than 25 years delivering world-class events in our iconic building, we’re saddened to have reached the end of this era. It’s been a privilege working with so many leading UK and international organisations, many of which have been loyal clients returning every year for their flagship events. I’d like to personally thank every one of our customers, our entire team for their hard work and dedication to creating incredible events, and the TUC for their long-standing support. We’re very proud of the legacy we’ve created together.”

Congress Centre is no longer taking external hire bookings ahead of its final closure on 30^th June 2025. 

Senior recruitment specialist Robert Kenward shares his latest insights into the shifting recruitment landscape, based on conversations with agency owners, hiring managers and senior industry leaders across the events and experiential sectors. As economic uncertainty looms and hiring confidence wavers, Robert’s first-quarter analysis highlights growing tensions between employers and job seekers, the pitfalls of DIY recruitment, and the inevitability of change in how we work.

Here are the key trends from Q1 2025, along with Robert’s forecasts for the rest of the year.

Q1 Trends

Trend 1: Employers Are Pushing Back
After several years of feeling they have agreed to candidate-led concessions – such as remote working and pay increases – employers are starting to say, enough. With a tightening job market, rising National Insurance contributions, and global economic pressure (particularly from the US), many companies are feeling pushed into a corner, and they’re pushing back. “I’m seeing agencies telling prospective hires: ‘This is what we need. If it doesn’t suit you, this role isn’t for you.’ It’s a tougher market now,” Kenward explains. “The days of pick-and-mix job offers are fading. Employers are being less flexible and more demanding because they feel like they’ve been subservient for too long. It’s a reset moment and it’s changing the tone of recruitment.”

Trend 2: The Rise (and Risks) of LinkedIn Recruitment
With budgets squeezed, some employers are turning to DIY recruitment via LinkedIn, but the results are often chaotic. “LinkedIn is flooded with inane job posts that lack any strategy,” Kenward says. “If your only social content is the odd International Women’s Day post or a black square for Black History Month, then suddenly a job advert pops up with no salary bracket, no compelling reason to apply, and no sense of brand, you’ll be overwhelmed with irrelevant CVs.”

A well-planned social recruitment strategy can be powerful, but Kenward warns that most employers don’t invest in the basics. “It’s not just about posting a job; it’s about understanding your audience, having a clear employer proposition, and actually knowing how to write an advert. Right now, too many companies are just throwing it out there and winging it.”

Trend 3: Working patterns will change
While many employers are holding firm on employee expectations, beneath the surface there’s growing momentum for a sizable structural change in the way we work. “The conversation is no longer if things will change; it’s what that change will look like,” Kenward observes. “The four-day week is still in the mix, but we’re also hearing more about the six-hour day which I think will be the future of work. Either way, we’re reducing the time we expect people to be ‘on’ as we focus more on output. Employers that cling to rigid schedules will be left behind because this isn’t a passing trend, it’s a shift in social behaviour and mindset.”

Forecasts for 2025

2025 is already seeing some important shifts in attitudes and delivery for our industry:

Rethinking the Rules in 2025

2025 is shaping up to be the year that challenges everything we thought we knew about work. “It’s not just about how we hire, where we work, or even who’s leading the charge—it’s about completely rethinking the rules,” says Kenward. “Flexibility isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of smarter, more effective business practices. If you’re only shouting about flexibility as your USP, you’re clinging to old models and you’ll find yourself left behind by competitors who are quicker to adapt to the shifting landscape.”

The UK Employment Bill Will Be Watered Down but still has teeth
While the government’s proposed Employment Bill has sparked plenty of conversation, especially around NI increases, improved worker protections and flexible working rights. Kenward believes we’re unlikely to see the legislation land in its current form. “There’s no political appetite to implement the bill in full,” he says. “What we’ll get is a watered-down version, delayed implementation, and lots of vague commitments that look good on paper. Employers should stay alert, but don’t expect a seismic shift in 2025, however be aware that gut feel and ‘give ‘em a go’ recruitment will land you in hot water.”

It’s Not About Where You Work, It’s About When

Flexibility’25 will be less about location and more about time. The pandemic made hybrid, flexible and remote work the norm, but the next step is rethinking when we work. Weekend schedules, staggered hours, and project-based timeframes are becoming key to productivity. “The traditional Monday to Friday, 9-to-5 doesn’t fit everyone, and clinging to it alienates talented people who work better in alternative patterns,” says Kenward. “If a team member wants to knock out a project on a Saturday morning and take Monday off, why not? It’s about output, not clock-watching. Businesses that embrace this shift won’t just see happier employees—they’ll see better results.”

Senior Leaders Are Back in the Office

Senior leaders are spearheading the great return to the office. “After years of remote work, many MDs and C-suite execs want to be where the action is – three, four, or even five days a week. They’re craving the buzz, the collaboration, and let’s face it, the pub on a Friday, social aspect,” comments Kenward. “After years of makeshift home setups, glitchy Zoom calls, and the isolation of remote work, many MDs and C-suite execs are eager to dive back into the heart of their businesses. For them, it’s not just about working – it’s about reconnecting with the buzz of the workplace. They want to lead from the front and to set the tone for their teams.”

Clinging to the Office Obsession? Say Goodbye to your Team

But even if your leaders want to be in the office, if you’re demanding your team be there more than three days a week, brace yourself – you’ll likely be waving goodbye to most of them within 18 months. “Insist on four or five days in the office, and you’re just accelerating the exodus, says Kenward. “The talent pool is drying up for businesses stuck in the “bums-on-seats” mindset. Employees have had a taste of flexibility, and they’re not going back. Keep clinging to the office-first approach, and the only people left in your workforce will be those too disengaged to care, or worse, those just waiting for a better offer.”

Collaborations and Acquisitions, Not Mergers

In 2025, acquisitions will dominate. The idea of a “merger of equals” is dead; now it’s all about buying success. “Being acquired is no longer a mark of failure; it’s a badge of honour. Smaller companies doing well are becoming hot targets for bigger players, and that’s reshaping the landscape,” says Kenward. At the same time, smaller agencies are banding together to fend off the big guns. “Think partnerships, collaborations, and communities working as one,” states Kenward. “It’s survival of the smartest, not the biggest. These shoal-like strategies, where smaller entities band together to out-manoeuvre the ‘sharks,’ will be increasingly common.”

For more insights from Robert Kenward, subscribe to his Recruitment Report, where he shares no-nonsense updates, industry trends, and advice for employers and candidates navigating the changing world of recruitment.

Remote = never in the office

Hybrid = Fixed set number of days WFH/office

Flexible = Set number of days WFH/office fluid

The next quarterly recruitment report will be published in July 2025.