A recent investigation carried out by The QEII Centre in London has brought to light a concerning revelation: the UK economy is facing an annual cost of £19.9 billion due to distractions in meetings and events. The Distracted Economy Report delves into the challenges associated with maintaining the attention and engagement of attendees in national MICE events. This study explores the alarming trend of attendee distraction in both in-person and online MICE gatherings. According to the findings, a substantial 83% of participants admit to being distracted during in-person meetings, with this fi ..read more

In the fast-paced world of business, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. One way to achieve this is by incorporating cutting-edge technology into your corporate events. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool that can enhance various aspects of event planning and execution. In this blog, we’ll explore innovative ways to seamlessly integrate AI into your corporate events, creating a futuristic and engaging experience for both organisers and attendees. Personalised Attendee Experience Leveraging AI can help tailor the event experience for each attendee. Imple ..read more

In the bustling world of events, where every detail matters and success hinges on flawless execution, event management agencies play a pivotal role. Yet, despite their indispensable contributions, there’s a looming question: Are event management agencies undervalued? In this analysis, we’ll explore the intricacies of the event management industry, shedding light on whether these agencies receive the recognition and appreciation they truly deserve. Event management agencies operate behind the scenes, orchestrating events with precision and finesse. Their work involves strategic planning, logi ..read more

Undoubtedly, the significance of health and safety in the realm of events cannot be emphasised enough. Every individual involved in orchestrating an event, be it organisers, venues, suppliers, or contractors, bears a legal obligation to establish a secure environment for both the workforce and attendees. Navigating through numerous variables, a spectrum of risks and hazards, and the inherent uniqueness of each event can make health and safety seem like a complex terrain. The Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA), representing premier suppliers to the events industry, places a centra ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate event planning, strategic considerations play a pivotal role in shaping destination preferences. As we navigate the post-pandemic era and looming economic uncertainties, a myriad of factors, from budget constraints and safety concerns to the growing emphasis on sustainability, are influencing decisions. This blog delves into the intricate web of considerations that event planners grapple with, exploring the nuanced trends and shifting paradigms that define the choices for corporate events in the upcoming year. From the resurgence of domestic option ..read more

A recent study conducted by Athena, the Art Deco events venue in Leicester, sheds light on the top priorities for event planners in 2024. The findings reveal that independent venues, hybrid events, inclusivity, accessibility, and sustainability are the key focus areas for planners this year. Melanie Else, Events Manager of The National House Building Council, emphasises the growing interest in independent venues due to their adaptability, flexibility, and bespoke services. She notes that planners are increasingly considering independent venues to maximize value and provide a unique experienc ..read more

The demand for Event Apps has steadily increased for a number of years now. Whether event organisers aimed for sustainability, sought operational efficiency at live events, or simply desired a better user experience for attendees, an app became the preferred solution to introduce a digital element to their events. The current state of technology has advanced significantly, making apps more sought after than ever. Several factors contribute to this trend. A notable one is our increasing reliance on mobile devices. Studies indicate that people now spend an average of 4.8 hours per day on their ..read more

In a global shift towards environmental consciousness, the events industry is witnessing a remarkable surge in sustainability initiatives. This green wave extends beyond event planning, with hotel chains taking a lead role in adopting eco-friendly practices. Let’s explore how these chains are setting an example and contributing to the rise of sustainability in the events industry. Marriott International, a global hospitality giant, has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts. The hotel chain has committed to reducing its environmental footprint by setting ambitious goals. Initiatives ..read more

Here at Hippo we like to get to know our clients and suppliers well, but we also like for them to get to know us! So, throughout 2024 we’ll be running a series of ‘Get To Know A Hippo’ interviews of our Hippo team. So, to start off, let’s find out a little bit more about our Director, Steve… Why did you want to work in events? I love creating something from nothing. From having that initial conversation about an event to then actually being there seeing it take place with everything is going well brings with it a huge sense of achievement, pride and that internal satisfaction that all the ha ..read more

1 year since I started working at Hippo Events and what an exciting year it has been! Despite Steve’s well-crafted gradual development plan for me, I found myself diving headfirst into the thick of it right from the beginning. It feels like I blinked, and a whole year has passed! Over the past year I have learnt more than I could put on paper, from how Venue Finding works and the details of basic AV equipment right through to using formulas on Excel (although arguably those formulas are still an area I need to work on!) Having worked on the hotel operations side of events previously, my perc ..read more