Venues & Events Show 2011 - Lucky Seven

Trade shows aren’t supposed to be fun. It’s business, remember. But when your business is the events industry, and the exhibitors you’re coming to meet have made eye catching their profession, it’s never going to be dull. As 7,821 London event organisers flooded into Old Billingsgate on the 21st and 22nd September, their heads were turned, not only by crowd-pullers like Benefit makeovers, test-tube cocktails or gourmet sausages, but by the volume of industry intel and tips, ideas and inspiration you can cram into a two-hour visit. Not to mention the Addison Lee cab ride over, free Office Diner lunch (packed up or sit-down) and – lest we could forget – this year’s bag, in an arresting shade of green neon.
‘I come because I know I’ll get a great overview of what I need to be aware of in the event industry as well as new ideas and venue finding,’ says Mo Robertson, events and awards co-ordinator at the BBC. ‘I make sure my holidays don’t clash with it!’ It’s been said that the exhibition is the Venues & Events guide in 3D, with a colourful array of venues, event suppliers, restaurants, caterers and hospitality providers fluffing their feathers in the buzzy exhibition halls.

The programme of bite-size – that’s under half an hour – seminars, were sharpened up again this year, attracting over 1,400 bookers over the two days. Staples like Top New Restaurants, Christmas Parties and Hot New Venues remained popular, while a new take on the Social Media masterclass brought bookers up to speed with more recent trends. This year, a creative workshop led by London Fashion Week organiser Charlotte Lurot had attendees working in groups to brainstorm ideas for a Mulberry fragrance launch, while a hundred or so hospitality bookers packed the seminar room to hear about corporate entertaining options for the London Olympics next year.
Across the Gallery, the creative juices (and plenty more) were also flowing at our drinks masterclasses. TV wine guru Joe Wadsack talked bubbles, from cava to vintage Champagne, in the ever-popular Fizz for Events tasting. Meanwhile, the latest addition to our line-up, bartender du jour JJ Goodman from the London Cocktail Club, led Mixology for Events, delivering event-friendly cocktails and plenty of banter to packed-out seminar rooms.
But the hottest ticket of the show was surely the Canapé Cup, the Oscars of finger food, at which a panel of 350 VIP readers summoned its inner Michael Winner to critique a selection of canapés by top London caterers and venues. Who took home the most coveted prize in canapé catering? See our report on p.99.
As tradition now dictates, the sun shone on Old Billingsgate’s riverside terrace, which was showing off a fresh look this year. The garden party feel of the space was created by a carpet of astroturf and swish garden furniture by Velvet Living under Ten by Fifteen’s elegant marquee, all set to a soundtrack of ivory tinkling by the Duelling Pianos. It made an impressive backdrop for the first-night exhibitor party and a generally well-used retreat to soak up the views, jot down notes and enjoy a hotdog in the sunshine before heading back to the office.

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This article first appeared in Square Meal Venues & Events, Autumn 2011.