40-41 M&E feature 29/1/09 12:25 Page 41
meetings & events 41
business out there to be won, it is just a question of
going and finding it.”
Events with a difference
Mark Kempster, managing director of CT Business
Travel Uniglobe, says the value of the pound against the
Euro and air fares are some of the factors influencing
buying patterns. “Clients will be keen to reduce M&E
spend rather than abolish it,” he says. “Those who
previously had a budget for a long-haul incentive or
conference may now travel on a short-haul trip to
Europe. Then there are those who previously travelled
within Europe that may now consider a domestic venue
WE WILL SEE
as a viable cost-effective alternative.” A MOVE
AWAY FROM
Selective invitations
GALA-STYLE
Kempster says his company has noticed that delegate
numbers attending meetings and events have started to
EVENTS TO
fall as the recession kicks in. He believes organisers are A MORE
taking more careful consideration over who’s invited.
CREATIVE AND
“TMCs are going to have to work hard for their input
and return on events. Consideration needs to be given
COST-EFFECTIVE
to the revenue streams, which may now need to include
APPROACH
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: During the evening, more
more careful negotiation with suppliers over rates and ANTICS AT THE ANDAZ fables are recited to diners,
commission. We will also have to look at client It's not often you hear a man and the theatrical element
cancellation policies and how we can protect ourselves.” in a frog mask shouting “Zis begins. Arguments start
Amanda Stranack, director of event management at is a hold up!” in a thick among the actors, in French,
Inntel, says corporates should avoid taking decisions French accent, but that’s the with surreal translations held
which have a detrimental impact on the company’s least you can expect from a up for our benefit. Etienne
ability to deliver good customer service now and night with Christian Etienne. stands between them, an
product innovation in the future. French chef Etienne was imposing figure.
She says: “Decisions to cut event expenditure should at Hyatt’s Andaz Hotel Then we’re on to more
not be taken lightly, as without these communication (formerly the Great Eastern) courses, such as truffle ice
opportunities it will be hard for companies to in Liverpool Street, to launch cream and sweet potato
grow. Staff and customers need to know his Fables cookbook. He’s crisps, and turkey skewers
what is happening during these times: also showcasing the new with seven chutneys
clients will want to know how you can restaurant and what could – absolutely delicious.
help them, and staff will need to know be an exciting new form of The surreal theatrical
what to offer their customer base.” client entertainment for the element, mixed with amazing
meeting and events sector. food and wines (which are
Falling stars As dinner begins, the explained in detail) makes
Stranack urges corporates to work lights suddenly go out and this a unique event – and
closely with their TMC and use its several actors/chefs enter thanks to its humour means it
expertise to develop and implement the restaurant wearing would not necessarily be
strategies to “ensure the best value is achieved animal masks. restricted to foodies.
through choice of venue, duration of event, location The lights fade up and one Andaz’s Studio is the
and style of catering.” She adds: “I’m sure five-star man removes his mask and private dining room of newly
hotels will suffer, with clients more open to four and explains the concept: we are opened 1901 restaurant
three-star venues. Agendas will be shortened to remove to taste a selection of recipes (formerly Aurora).
the need for overnight accommodation, and we will see based on classic French fables By Matt Parsons
a move away from gala-style events to a more creative (such as La Fontaine), using
and cost-effective approach to catering.” ingredients mentioned within For more pictures of the
Businesses are cutting back across the board. But the text. Our first story, for event, see Matt’s blog
there will always be a need for meetings, incentives, example, is The frog who at tinyurl.com/bqzkjq
conferences and events. And TMCs have an opportunity wished to be as big as the ox CONTACT: Andaz Hotel,
to demonstrate that during difficult times they can – so we are served frogs’ legs London, tel: 0207 618 5618
deliver the best value for money. L52159 spring rolls. myandaz.com
ttgbusiness.com ❖ february/march 2009
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58