AEO Event Directors'/Managers' Forum

GOING FOR GROWTH!

A Forum for Event Directors, Event
Managers and those who aspire to get there!

Emirates Stadium, London, Friday 30 November

8:15 Registration and coffee

9:00 Chairman's introduction
 
Andrew Evans, M.D. of FreshRM sets the scene with a look at the importance of the ED/EM role, the challenges faced and the need to be interchangeable across the functions of sales, marketing and ops.

9:15 Roger Martin-Fagg sets the economic scene.

Roger resides at Henley Management College. He is an exceptional speaker who addresses many a boardroom table in our industry. He tells us what the world economic picture looks like now and what it is likely to look like in 12 or 24 months from now. A picture of the world we are and will be operating our events in!

10:00 Going Clonning
 
Paul Hancock tells us why Expomedia, after years of operating beyond the UK shores, are now buying UK shows with a view to cloning them around the world. A look at the strategy and how to actually do it!

10:30 Venue planning and support
 
Paul Vincent of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre talks about ADNEC's hypothetical calendar! ADNEC, faced with opening a new venue undertook a programme of research to establish which shows could/should be launched into Abu Dhabi and when they should take place! How did they do this, how did they choose the organisers and how, 18 months on, is it working out?
 
11:00 Coffee break

11:30 Growing online
 
The growing importance of social networking in the business community creates an opportunity for the events industry. Hear a case study from new AEO member Madgex in creating an online events community and, crucially, how to monetise it!

12:00 Going for Growth…but which route and how?!
 
As EDs and EM s what is the route to growth, particularly if you are in a saturated market? Is it bolt-on’s, co-locations, acquisition, cloning or changing the business model. Denzil Rankine of AMR International looks at strategies for growth.

12:30 A state of the nation address

Trevor Foley, EIA CEO leads us into lunch with a look at how the events industry is fairing in the media mix. A presentation based on evidence, case studies and plenty of sales messages that you can build into your own sales and marketing activities. Also an upbeat cameo appearance from David Pearson of event sponsors Interchange Communications – be amazed by the quick-fire stats he will aim at you!

13:00 Lunch
 
14:15 Case Studies of Success, Failure and Turnaround!
 
Tim Etchells sets the pace. A case study looking at the success of last year’s British Motor Show. How did they get a 23% increase in visitors? How did they convince manufacturers to return and more importantly, how is this process going with those who didn't return last year. And, what were the thought processes behind turning the Motor Show into much more of an experience.

14:45 James Brooks-Ward, M.D. of Clarion Events gives a warts n' all picture of the failure of  'Fly '. What was the launch like, how did year two go and why hasn't it seen the 'light of day' in year three?

15:15 Coffee break ...you'll need it!

15:40 Going for Sponsorship

Brand Events Justin Clark is the man behind the  'Taste‘ series of events which not only attract a great deal of big brand sponsorship but they are not companies that are obviously interested in the subject matter of the end. How does he do it?!
 
16:10 Something different to finish with a look at the world of Festivals. How have they become so popular and why are they so appealing to big brand sponsors. (Speaker tba) 

16:45 Closing remarks from your Chairman Andrew Evans. 
 
17:00 A quick tour of the Emirates Stadium before returning to the bar to loosen up for the weekend!

Home time ... whenever you like!