This unique initiative will connect thousands of young people with the dynamic world of events, providing insights, inspiration, and career pathways into the industry.

With ambassador registration now live on the Schools Engagement Programme portal (schools.thepowerofevents.org), industry professionals in the region are invited to sign up and support the next generation of talent by volunteering as little as an hour to the initiative. The first wave of school engagements will begin in early May across the region, with the ambitious goal of reaching 30,000 young people in the first year.

To kick off this exciting initiative, The Power of Events invites all ambassadors and industry professionals in the region to an exclusive launch reception at the conclusion of the Production Futures’ event on 28th April at AO Arena, Manchester. This event will provide an opportunity to learn more about the programme and network with fellow ambassadors and sponsors.

This programme expansion for 2025-6 is made possible with the sponsorship from leading event industry organisations across the North West, including:

● ACC Liverpool

● Adlib

● AO Arena

● Clarity BT

● Co-op Live

● Aviva Studios, home of Factory International

● Manchester Metropolitan University

● Production Futures

● Sterling Event Group

● World Boxing Championships Liverpool 2025

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The events industry is a vital part of our region’s economy, culture, and identity. The launch of the North West Hub for The Power of Events Schools Engagement Programme is an exciting step in connecting young people with the wealth of opportunities in this dynamic sector. By inspiring the next generation, we are ensuring that Greater Manchester continues to lead the way in events and live experiences.”

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:

“From Eurovision to Taylor Swift to the Grand National, here in the Liverpool City Region we know just how valuable major events are, providing unforgettable experiences, exciting opportunities for local people and boosting the local economy.  This new North West Hub will play a key role in enabling young people to build careers in this exciting and rewarding field and I’d encourage potential ambassadors to sign up to the school engagement programme.”

Zoe Ward – Sales Director ASM Global commented, “The AO Arena is delighted to partner with and support Power of Events on this important initiative, as we reflect their aim to showcase, respect and value the world-leading UK events industry. The North West of England is home to some of the most incredible opportunities for the next generation of event professionals, and we’re proud to be playing our part in shaping the future of our industry.”

Guy Dunstan – General Manager, Co-op Live says: “The North West has long been a hotbed for live entertainment, and only continues to grow as the industry rightfully fixes its gaze on major cities outside of London. We are delighted to be working with The Power of Events to expand into the region, to further foster an incredible pipeline of live event specialists set to make their mark on such an exceptional part of the UK.”

Faye Dyer, Chief Executive, ACC Liverpool “As a leading venue in the North West, ACC Liverpool is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of event professionals. We’re proud to support this vital programme, as it allows us to actively contribute to building a pipeline of talent and showcase the dynamic opportunities within our industry.”

The Power of Events is already operating in 5 regions – East of England, Hertfordshire, Birmingham, South Coast and Edinburgh, with a projection of engaging over 50,000 young people across 300+ school visits in 2025 with the NW region coming online.

Sophie Beasor, Programme Lead for The Power of Events Schools Engagement Programme, commented: “The launch of the North West Hub marks a significant step in our mission to engage and inspire young people across the UK about the diverse opportunities within the events industry. With the incredible support of our ambassadors and sponsors, we look forward to making a lasting impact across Liverpool, Cheshire, and Manchester.”

Get involved today!

Register as an ambassador at schools.thepowerofevents.org and be part of shaping the future of the UK events industry.

For further information or to confirm attendance at the Production Futures launch reception, please register https://shorturl.at/TC6jD

With the themes of conservation, preservation, and restoration, Blenheim Palace has implemented various practices across the wider Estate, including reducing waste, promoting renewable energy, and fostering biodiversity.

Blenheim Palace’s vision for a sustainable future:

Green travel: Visitors are encouraged to travel green, with incentives for those arriving by train, bus, bicycle, or electric vehicle. There are also discounts offered to groups coming via coaches and minibuses and FIT travelling by green transport. Currently 1 in 5 visitors travel to Blenheim Palace via green means.

Carbon neutrality: Blenheim Palace aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2027 and has already implemented a 6.5-hectare solar park that powers the equivalent of 721 homes, avoiding 15,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over 15 years.

Rewilding and biodiversity: Over 200 acres of natural habitats have been restored, with 50 acres of pollinator-rich meadows created in partnership with Rowse Honey. These efforts promote biodiversity, support wildlife, and enhance carbon sequestration.

Reusable schemes: By phasing out single-use cups, Blenheim Palace has prevented more than 100,000 cups from going to landfills annually, reinforcing their position as a pioneer in sustainable waste management.

Community encouragement: Visitors can contribute to sustainability by buying a tree when booking their visit, with over 5,000 trees planted in the past year alone.

In 2025, Blenheim the UNESCO World Heritage Site is set to celebrate its 75th anniversary of opening to the public next year whilst embarking on its most ambitious restoration project in its history, the full repair of large sections of the Palace roof. This two-year initiative reuses existing materials, incorporates recycled insulation, and captures rainwater for reuse, demonstrating Blenheim’s dedication to sustainable heritage preservation.

Next year, will also see Blenheim’s renowned gardens undergo a stunning transformation with new features to be explored every season. 

Dominic Hare, Chief Executive Officer at Blenheim Palace, said, “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Blenheim Palace. From the restoration of our historic roof to the development of pollinator-friendly meadows, every initiative reflects our commitment to future generations. We’re proud to lead by example and inspire visitors to become part of this journey too.”

Blenheim Palace’s dedication to sustainability earned them the accolade of Sustainable Tourism Provider of the Year at the UKinbound Awards for Excellence 2024. As well, the attraction was recently named one of the UK’s Top 100 employers on the list of Best Large Companies to Work For 2024, achieving one of its major 10-year goals, three years ahead of schedule. It was also listed amongst the Best Companies to Work For in the South East; and 14th in the rankings of Leisure and Hospitality’s Best Companies to Work 2024. 

As a must-visit location of sustainable tourism, Blenheim Palace invites groups and visitors to explore its historic grounds with a renewed sense of purpose. From cycling and walking routes to the opportunity to contribute to tree planting, every visit is a step toward preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.

2025 prices for group visits start from £39 for a Palace, Park and Gardens adult ticket and must be booked in advance. Blenheim Palace offers discounts for group bookings of 15+ and free admission for one group leader. There is also free all-day coach parking, a free admission voucher for commercial coach drivers plus a £5 voucher for them to use in the onsite cafés.

The Blenheim Palace Group Sales team are on hand to help with all group bookings and the Partnerships team are available for pricing agreements.

For more information on booking, contact the Groups team directly on 01993 815600 or email groups@blenheimpalace.com. 

For more information about Blenheim Palace’s sustainability initiatives or to book your visit, please visit, www.blenheimpalace.com

Strategic Brand Partner, Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau and Founding Partner, ICC Birmingham, have been instrumental in the show’s growth since its inception in 2021, and have seen the event flourish in the region with more new exhibitors and buyers attending than ever before.

Steve Knight, Senior Business Tourism Manager at West Midlands Growth Company, commented, “We look forward to welcoming delegates to the fourth edition of CHS Birmingham. The event will provide another valuable opportunity to bring event organisers to the West Midlands to meet with our venues and destinations and experience first-hand why the region is at the forefront of the UK’s business events sector.

Steve continued, “Whether it’s political conferences, pioneering medical exhibitions or professional sports meetings, the West Midlands is a proud host with a proven track record of putting on successful events. This region is accessible, creative and welcoming, with world-class facilities and exciting new developments – this is an important exhibition in our conferencing calendar, and we can’t wait to tell our story to CHS Birmingham delegates, encouraging them to consider the West Midlands when placing their next event.”

Meanwhile, Andy Gibb, Managing Director for Conventions at the NEC Group, said: “We’re so pleased to be hosting CHS at ICC Birmingham again. This is the fourth year CHS Birmingham will be hosted at the venue and it’s a testament to the whole city. We look forward to welcoming fellow event industry professionals far and wide to showcase what Birmingham has to offer.”

Commenting on the show’s unique partnership with the city, Lou Hindley, Commercial Director, CHS Birmingham, added: “Birmingham is a unique city in the UK’s events industry, and has been the centre point of international events for decades. It has fantastic venues and hotels, creative agencies, suppliers and partners. It’s no wonder we’ve always felt so welcome in the city, and we are so grateful for the support of everyone in the industry across Birmingham and the West Midlands.  We can’t wait to be back on the 29^th October.”

CHS Birmingham opens its doors 29^th October at ICC Birmingham, with the Welcome Reception taking place the evening before at IET Birmingham: Austin Court.

The Global Policy Forum, now in its sixth year, will bring together more than 250 senior business events leaders, policymakers, politicians, government officials, media and industry stakeholders to discuss the continued development and implementation of a long-term Policy Agenda for the sector.

Robert Wright, Managing Director of Davies tanner and founder of The Business of Events said: “Since our last Global Policy Forum, which was held in late 2023, we have seen some significant changes, including a new UK Government. Our Policy Agenda, which we published ahead of the last General Election, continues to form the basis of developing policy ideas that are designed to unlock the potential in the UK event economy.  We are keen to further explore these agenda items with our senior colleagues from across the industry, along with our leading stakeholders and policymakers, and the Global Policy Forum provides the perfect platform for that.”

The Forum will also be attended by members of the recently reformed All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, along with their commercial partners, to meet with leading figures from across the UK’s business events community.

Sean Spencer, Head of IET Venues and Facilities commented, “We’re delighted to host the Global Policy Forum once again and look forward to welcoming attendees into our inspiring space, IET London: Savoy Place. With so much recent change, the forum is highly anticipated and will allow key members of the events industry to knowledge share and come together to collectively move our much-loved sector forward.”

The Global Policy Forum is an invitation only event, but delegates can now register their interest on The Business of Events website here.

Amber has been brought into the Content & Creative team to produce and oversee all content delivered across all the agency’s own communication platforms and client projects. With a media background and a keen eye for detail Amber has great credentials. Working alongside Joe Gilliver The Chameleon agency owner, Amber, will be central to the agency’s own marketing strategy and she will create content, write copy and use data analysis. The Chameleon agency is on the verge of launching their own event and Amber will be central to building that brand. 

Commenting on the agency’s new business success, The Chameleon Agency, Founder and Executive Producer, Joe Gilliver said: “We are pleased to bring Amber onboard, with her passion for creativity and communication skills she is well placed to join the team. Thanks to a fantastic year at Chameleon, where we have doubled our turnover we are in a place where we can bring on young people like Amber and mentor them for their career in event management and communications. We have a busy few months coming up so Amber will be hitting the ground running with some exciting content campaigns. Welcome onboard Amber!” 

The partnership, which commenced this month (October), will provide MIA members with regular updates and travel trips as Avanti invests in a dedicated MICE Business development role to create a streamlined booking solution for delegates when travelling to meetings and events.

As part of the agreement, Avanti West Coast, which operates train services connecting London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow, will be presenting their offer at the miaSummit exhibition taking place in Liverpool on 7 November.

The transport company will also sponsor one of the MIA’s popular miaConnect agent events while information on Avanti West Coast’s dedicated business services will be available to members via its website and newsletters.

Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the MIA, said: “Avanti West Coast services connect key cities in England and Scotland and, with this development, will be able to offer support to many of our member venues who welcome millions of delegates through their doors each year, it is a logical step to partner with a provider of sustainable travel so our members can add viable business travel solutions to their offering.”

Anna Doran, sales and distribution director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Meetings Industry Association. Rail travel is one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation, and through this partnership, we aim to make it easier for professionals in the meetings and events industry to reduce their carbon footprint.

“To further support this initiative, Avanti’s business development manager, Sophie Morton, will provide a dedicated focus on the MICE market and support event bookers with bespoke rail packages. Together, we can transform how business travel is approached, offering greener alternatives without compromising convenience or comfort.”

The annual fundraising lunch, brought to life by The HAC and its inhouse caterer Searcys, is designed to support the charity’s mission to rebuild lives through employment opportunities in the hospitality sector. By bridging the gap between forward-thinking hospitality employers and those looking to rebuild their lives through careers in hospitality. The funds raised go towards supporting those returning work and an independent lifestyle. 

As champions of charity events, alongside a firm commitment to environmental, social and governance principles (ESG), The HAC and Searcys was a natural choice for the fundraising event. The lunch will take place in the Prince Consort rooms. “Cook & Dine” is a celebration of the UK hospitality industry’s commitment to inclusion and career growth. This unique event showcases the sector’s exceptional talent, with a delicious menu designed by Michelin-starred chef and Only A Pavement Away Patron, Tom Aikens.  

It’s a one-of-a-kind event: guests will have the opportunity to interact with industry leaders, including Searcys MD Paul Jackson, and volunteers from diverse backgrounds as they work back-and front-of-house to prepare, serve and enjoy a world-class dining experience. The event emphasises the charity’s belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to be part of a supportive team and build a rewarding career, regardless of their past circumstances. 

Greg Mangham, CEO of Only A Pavement Away says: “We are excited to announce that Searcys and The HAC is hosting our flagship fundraising events – Cook & Dine this year. The event will be at the famous Honourable Artillery Company – a stunning venue. The money raised from this event will be used to support our members. The generosity and support of Searcys has been amazing and has allowed us to grow the event capacity by hosting it for the first time in this exciting venue. We look forward to welcoming everyone at the HAC in September” 

Sarah McQueen, Catering and Events Director at HAC says: “We are honoured to be part of Only A Pavement Away for “Cook & Dine” and to host this event at the HAC. Our onsite team alongside our wider colleagues at Searcys are committed to making this one of the biggest fundraisers to date and we’re looking forward to being able to showcase world class hospitality to the guests as we support such an important cause.” 

Paul Jackson, Manging Director of Searcys, says: “At Searcys we are proud to be an Employer and Funding Partner of Only A Pavement Away, collaborating with the charity year-round to offer individuals a supportive environment to work in and the stability they need to get their lives back on track. The team at Searcys are passionate about the cause and delighted to be catering for the charity’s flagship fundraising event at the HAC. I am looking forward to seeing our shared ethos and vision come to life at the event in September”.  

The charity event is now sold out; however, the organisers are looking for raffle prizes to be won on the day.  

For more information on how to support, please contact: events@onlyapavementaway.co.uk. 

Pilgrim Street is one of the main roads in Newcastle city centre. The south end of the road was extensively modified in the 1960s when The Royal Arcade of 1832 was demolished to accommodate the construction of a roundabout. Some notable buildings on today’s Pilgrim Street include the Tyneside Cinema, Alderman Fenwick’s House, the 1920s Carliol House and the former Fire and Police Station of 1933 – now home to the 90-bedroom hotel.

As the latest chapter in its story, Hotel Gotham Newcastle honours its rich past while embracing the future. The hotel invites former residents or workers of Pilgrim Street, and enthusiasts of Newcastle’s architectural heritage to share their memories and photographs, bringing the street’s history to life for future guests. This project will be showcased in a ‘Throwback Thursday’ social media series leading to the hotel’s grand opening.

Chris Thompson, General Manager of Hotel Gotham Newcastle, said: “This project is about more than just preserving history; it’s about creating a living archive that will heighten our guests’ experience and deepen their connection to the city’s past.

“Pilgrim Street has witnessed the evolution of Newcastle over the years, from its grand old buildings to its modern developments. We want to capture that journey and celebrate the street’s legacy, offering something truly unique for our visitors.”

Hotel Gotham Newcastle represents a significant investment in the careful restoration of Pilgrim Street, blending modern comfort with historic charm. Opening in Spring 2025, the fire station side will feature 60 bedrooms, a restaurant and a private member’s bar. The police station side will follow in late 2025, offering 30 bedrooms and an event space for up to 120 guests.

If you have a story you’d like to share, and are happy for it to be featured on Hotel Gotham Newcastle’s social media, please send it to info@hotelgothamnewcastle.co.uk. If your story is selected, you’ll be invited for an exclusive early-access tour of the hotel and a celebratory glass of fizz.

For more information on the hotel, and to keep updated on further developments and its grand opening, please visit its website, or follow its Facebook and Instagram.

This partnership marks another significant addition to the Sodexo Live! portfolio, reinforcing its presence in the Premier League. Nottingham Forest fans and visitors can look forward to a transformative experience both on match days and beyond.

Sodexo Live! will deliver a comprehensive range of services, including match day retail operations, the fan zone, premium hospitality delivery, and non-match day sales, marketing, and service execution.

The Club has undertaken a multi-million pound upgrade of its hospitality facilities at The City Ground and in line with Nottingham Forest’s relaunch of its new matchday hospitality offers, Sodexo Live! will introduce exciting and diverse menus designed to elevate the dining experience. The club’s extensive refurbishment plans will be complemented by the global expertise of Sodexo Live! ensuring a world-class entertaining environment for all guests. The food will be led by Sodexo Live! executive head chef Darren Kelly. 

The City Ground will see significant technological upgrades, which will be announced in due course, to streamline service and enhance the fan experience. On match days, attendees will enjoy an improved food and beverage offering, with Sodexo Live! committed to delivering superior quality and variety. Dining options in hospitality will have an influence of local suppliers and ingredients available in the area. 

Sodexo Live! will also manage non-match day spaces, including newly refurbished suites, making the City Ground a premier destination for non-match day events and conferences. The newly upgraded Trentside Lounge, with magnificent views directly overlooking the River Trent, is a brand new events space that will accommodate over 550 guests for conferences and events. Sodexo Live! aims to maximise the stadium’s use throughout the year, providing exceptional service for all types of gatherings or events. 

Sodexo Live! is dedicated to making Nottingham Forest an award-winning stadium experience. A key part of this commitment is enhancing the club’s marketing of the stadium as a year-round venue. This will be driven by a new Sodexo Live! marketing executive, based at the club working in collaboration with the club across new and existing marketing channels.

Additionally, Sodexo Live! will create around 15 permanent roles based at the stadium and build a strong casual workforce of approximately 500 from the Nottinghamshire area, contributing to the local economy and community. 

Claire Morris, CEO Sodexo Live! UK&I, commented: 

“We are absolutely delighted to partner with Nottingham Forest Football Club. This collaboration represents a fantastic opportunity to bring our food expertise in retail, event catering and hospitality to one of the Premier League’s most historic clubs. We are committed to creating an exceptional stadium experience for fans and visitors, ensuring that every match day and event is memorable. Our team is eager to begin this exciting journey and contribute to the continued success of Nottingham Forest.” 

Paul Bell, Chief Operating Officer Nottingham Forest Football Club, added: 

“We are excited to welcome Sodexo Live! to the Nottingham Forest family. With a proven track record in delivering top-tier hospitality and catering services, Sodexo Live! aligns perfectly with our vision for enhancing the matchday experience at the City Ground. This partnership will also bring the best possible service across the stadium and our brand-new Hospitality lounges for this season. We look forward to working with Sodexo Live! and creating a positive impact to all supporters and guests who visit the City Ground.” 

Globally Sodexo Live! supports some of the most well-known and high-profile sports clubs, events, and stadia. In the UK it partners with Fulham FC, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Newcastle FC and the home of Scottish football, Hampden Park as well as the prestigious Ascot Racecourse, to name a few. Internationally it delivers events such as The French Open at Roland Garros, the Tour de France, the Miami Open and F1 in Miami, Indian Wells Open in California, plus stadiums in the USA including the Hard Rock Stadium (home to the Miami Dolphins) and the Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, home to Super Bowl LIX in 2025.

Example hospitality dishes include:

Broad Bean & Baby Leek Ravioli 

Toasted pine nuts, English pea & mint salsa, wild garlic foam, Cropwell Bishop blue cheese soufflé 

Whipped Goats Cheese Mousse 

Home cured tomatoes, candied walnuts, focaccia crisp, black olive dressing 

Roasted Rack of Herdwick Lamb 

Spiced kofta, charred baby gem, Miso Aubergine, Coriander Yoghurt, Minted Peas, Smoked Garlic Pomme puree 

Aegean Pistachio Soufflé 

Caramelised figs, honey ice cream, pistachio brittle  

VOE takes good mental health and well-being very seriously and are delighted to have been in discussions with Rose and Jazz at Safe Hands Counselling to extend a confidential counselling support service to Venues of Excellence members.

The tailor-made counselling support will enable member venues to contact a confidential counselling service provided by two individuals with extensive experience within the hospitality industry, allowing them to have the right care, support and understanding for team members to be confident in in discussing their mental health challenges associated in the workplace and home life to help establish and maintain a healthy work life balance.

Mandy Jennings, CEO, about the partnership commented: “Rose and Jazz are so passionate about counselling and they truly believe how powerful and life changing talking through what’s troubling you can be, which helps their clients to make sense of it all. With their background and understanding of our industry this makes them a perfect partner for Venues of Excellence, as our mission is to support our member venues with sales, marketing and a range of business benefits, but importantly helping to support their teams who may go through tough times, come out stronger.”

Rose McDonald, who has worked over 35 years in the hospitality sector, knows only too well how both personal and workplace stress and anxiety can impact individuals working in the hospitality sector. With this understanding and wanting to support individuals, Rose retrained to become a person-centred counsellor, and now works alongside Jazz Malam to bring a range of counselling services to the industry commented: “Safe Hands Counselling is delighted to offer counselling support to Venues of Excellence members and the wider hospitality industry. There is often a lack of support and understanding of what someone might be experiencing in their personal life which can cause an impact in the workplace.  Jazz and I are passionate that in any situation that is causing any distress, that a person’s thoughts, feelings, emotions and experiences are validated and heard. We have a range of in person and online options to ensure we are as accessible as possible.”

Venues of Excellence provides its members with a range of preferred partner products and services and are confident that by investing in your team’s wellbeing in the workplace, individuals will feel more supported and understood, resulting in a more harmonious workplace and in turn will provide the client with an exceptional customer experience.

We urge hospitality businesses who do not currently have a wellbeing support plan in place to get in touch to see how Safe Hands Counselling can help. Email Rose and Jazz at welcome@safehandscounselling.com to arrange a free 15 minute introductory call and to find out more.