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

In 2024 so far the events industry has been characterised by a surge in short-lead events, most notably for the months of May and June (peak season!), and a concurrent shift towards prioritising the quality and scale of the events. The prevalence of short-lead event planning persists as a prominent trend in 2024 so far, reflecting the industry’s ability to act swiftly to find meeting space. Whilst February is looking like an average month the back half of January and March / April are extremely busy, with availability on venues still quite hard to come by. We are also seeing an ever present ..read more

1 year since I started working at Hippo Events and what an exciting year it has been! Despite Steve’s well-crafted development plan for me as his first full-time employee, 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 ev ..read more

As the festive season wraps us in its warm embrace, the team at Hippo Events wants to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for the joyous journey we’ve shared throughout 2023. As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the magic of Christmas, we reflect on the incredible collaborations and memories we’ve created together. This year has been filled with exciting events, seamless partnerships, and memorable moments, and we couldn’t have achieved all of this without the unwavering support of our amazing clients and dedicated suppliers. Your trust and commitment have been the dr ..read more

OK, so on first thought a January Christmas party might sound like an unusual idea, but in recent years we have seen a big increase in festive celebration taking place in the new year. Below we take a look at the reasons why more and more organisations are switching to January to bring their colleagues together and explore the benefits of doing so. The annual pressure to book the best venue or bar in town for a memorable Christmas party is one which most organisers feel. However, rarely do we see Christmas parties organised far in advance, which means you’re often left with the below-par ven ..read more