10 reasons why you can't miss Square Meal's Venues & Events 2011

1. CATCH UP ON THE NEWS

Not only will we be rounding up all the hot new launches as part of our bite-size seminar programme, we will also be welcoming lots of new exhibitors to this year’s show. Among those represented are 45 Park Lane (the Dorchester Collection’s brand new Mayfair property), the Corinthia Hotel London, the Mint Hotel Tower of London and OXO2 (the new riverside event space from the Concerto Group).

2. MAKE CONTACTS & FRIENDS

Live shows are all about networking and at Venues & Events you’ll be rubbing shoulders with the best of the UK events industry. This is where you’ll meet all the people who can help make your future events great – from venue managers and caterers to suppliers of flowers, furniture, props, technology and entertainment. Don’t forget to connect with fellow visitors: the show has a famously sociable vibe and there’s even a tweetup – follow @squaremealvande and #VE11 for details.

3. FIND GREAT RESTAURANTS

Square Meal’s restaurant editor will rounding up the year’s hottest launches and the best new openings to look out for this autumn, highlighting chef’s tables, private dining rooms, exclusive-hire party options and the best tables for business. This has always been the most popular slot in our seminar programme and, as visitors are always so upset if they miss it, we’ve made sure there’s both a morning (on Wednesday) and afternoon session (on Thursday) for this year’s restaurant talk.

4. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

All around the show, particularly on the Gallery where the restaurant stands are located, you’ll find food and drink samples and there’s of course also a free breakfast or lunch for every visitor, courtesy of Office Diner (that’s one of the most famous features of our show). But it’s not just about eating: most exhibitors have some kind of interactive element and there are plenty of cool products to try.

5. PREPARE FOR THE OLYMPICS

On each day of the show, there’ll be a seminar about event planning in summer 2012, packed with practical tips on how to make sure the Olympics don’t affect your own events. We’ll also have a separate daily seminar offering information and advice for those looking to entertain at the games themselves, complete with a first look at the hospitality structure that’s going into the Olympic Park.

6. TASTE & WIN CHAMPAGNE

Back by popular demand, our interactive Fizz for Events tasting sessions guide visitors through the virtues of cava, prosecco, sparkling wine and Champagne. There are several held throughout the show and spaces can be booked on the day. The Square Meal Casino (another popular feature) will also be making a reappearance at this year’s show, offering visitors the chance to win bottles of wine at the roulette table.

7. JOIN THE COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS

New for this year, our Mixology for Events class will see JJ Goodman of the London Cocktail Club shake up cocktails that work for a crowd, offering tastings, tips and the lowdown on the latest drinks trends. Just like Fizz for Events, the sessions are free and bookable on the day.

8. OFFER COLLEAGUES A FREE CAB

If more than three people from your company have registered to attend Venues & Events 2011, you qualify for a free Addison Lee taxi to take you straight from the office to the show. To book, just make sure everyone’s pre-registered for the show, then email squaremeal@addisonlee.com with your preferred pick-up time.

9. PICK UP YOUR FREE BAG & GUIDE

A different colour each year, the Venues & Events show bag has become something of a collector’s item. They’re a really practical size, great as a carry-on, beach or kit bag – we keep spotting them around town months after the show! Pick yours up free at the exhibition, along with a copy of the 2011 Venues & Events Guide.

10. SOAK UP THE SUN ON THE TERRACE

Let’s hope we don’t jinx it by saying this but, over the past six years, we’ve had some incredible weather during the show and there are few better places to soak up the last of the summer sun than on the terrace at Old Billingsgate – we hope to see you there!

To register FREE for the 2011 Venues & Events exhibition, visit http://www.venuesandevents.co.uk/