Last weekend we produced a fun family day out, where colleagues & clients of OWA Ceilings were invited to walk or canoe their way around the stunning scenery of Ross-on-Wye, whilst raising money for Alzheimer’s Society.

We couldn’t have asked for better weather (slightly cooler than the recent heatwave!) to welcome groups of friends and families to the Hostelrie at Goodrich. After a quick bite to eat the groups set off on the days activities looking rather smart in their one-off event t-shirts!

Everyone was welcomed back with an array of fun entertainments for the children: they jumped in to the circus ring to test their juggling skills, sat patiently for face-painting and made friends with balloon animals (oh and had few balloon sword fights too).

The day went on with a delicious local BBQ and wonderful live music from our two-piece band, we even pitched tents for some weary participants to stay over in a beautiful nearby campsite.

A wonderful day and a wonderful cause. Here’s to the next one!

Photographer: David Vincent

Utilising London’s largest hotel, last week the Effective Events team worked with the world’s largest global provider dedicated to banking and payments technologies: FIS, to produce their annual International Client Conference.

FIS’ Global Banking Perspectives 2013 brought together over 300 of the banking sectors most influential people for an engaging three day conference. In order to provide the perfect blend of educational and networking opportunities (as FIS offers it’s attendees each year) we recommended London’s Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel – providing spectacular views along with high-spec conference technology and flexible meeting space, it’s the ideal hotel for tourists and business guests alike.

Day one saw the first of many successful user groups take place on the flexible Plaza suite level, where rooms can be divided or expanded to fit the exact needs of each meeting.

As important as finding the right venue is, it’s also essential to ensure guests are entertained in the evenings of multiple-day events. On arrival night we put on light refreshments in the Exhibition area to officially open the event and allow guests to undertake a little informal networking.

Night two needed a change of scene to keep delegates energised so we took everyone on a scenic river cruise aboard the stunning Silver Sturgeon. Guests mingled with welcome drinks (and beautiful sunshine!) on the top deck  before heading inside to enjoy a delicious dinner & soulful sounds of our live band.

Our knowledgeable UK based team also provided additional services such as group dinner reservations and airport transfer services to ensure delegates arrived relaxed and ready for productive conference days. Have a look at our other DMC services here.

The Effective Event Solutions team includes experienced show stand designers & builders. For the 2013 Imbibe show we worked with First Drinks Brands Ltd to produce enticing and engaging exhibition stands in line with individual brand values.

For Reyka Vodka we designed an Icelandic shack complete with weathered metal walls and window ‘views’ across the stunning landscape that this lava-filtered spirit hails from.

For Tia Maria we created a dark and sumptuous cocktail bar, which served espresso martinis and other classics in keeping with the brand’s ‘When the sun goes down ..’ tag line.

We also brought to life the idea of a ‘Masterclass zone’ which featured lively presentations from Brand Ambassadors for the likes of Hendricks, DeKuiper, Mount Gay rum and Glenfiddich. This took the form of a versatile cube with interchangeable wall hangings and a mixologist providing samples throughout the day – we took the concept one step further for Sailor Jerry’s rum by bringing in cinema seating & low lighting to create an entirely new atmosphere for their short films.

Imbibe Live is the intelligent, annual exhibition for anyone who sources, buys or serves drinks in the licensed on-trade and is keen to improve their offering and knowledge.

The event attracts over 8,000 drinks professionals across two days and a strong presence to engage with each and every attendee is vital – we were delighted to work with these brands in producing visually exciting stands which did just that.

If you’re looking for a stand that will grab (& hold) the attention of your target audience for future shows, get in touch with us now!

Disaronno proudly sponsored “Smash & Grab: The Story of the Pink Panthers” which premiered at Doc/Fest with an exclusive pre-screening bar run by the Effective Event Solutions team.

VIPs were invited to sample classic Disaronno Sour cocktails in advance of the premiere which also featured a Q&A with the films director Havana Marking. Our team of experienced mixologists kept the party going all evening for lucky Disaronno fans & film-goers.

Doc/Fest: brings the international documentary family together to celebrate the art and business of documentary making for five intense days in June. Now in it’s 20th year, Sheffield Doc/Fest is one of the top three documentary festivals and markets in the world.

Film synopsis: In their own words and with unprecedented access, the most successful jewel thieves of all time take you into their world: the post-Milosovic Balkans, the modern diamond trade and a 21st Century crime gang. But as the thieves brazenly commit their crimes across the world – Europe, Asia and UEA – Interpol and global police forces are tightening their grip. As many of the criminals responsible for are caught and extradited, this film asks: Is this the end of the Pink Panthers?

This annual celebration brings together William Grant & Sons colleagues, from a broad range of roles & locations across the globe, to reward their outstanding achievements.

For 2013, we took the winners to One Mayfair and transformed the old church venue into a stunning banquet hall with upper tears holding three bespoke bars: Hendrick’s Gin on the roof terrace, Sailor Jerry’s tiki bar and a sultry whisky lounge with Glenfiddich, Balvenie & Grant’s.

Guests arrived on ‘special service’ Stand Fast routemaster buses after a whistlestop tour of the capital. Greeted with cocktails and champagne the guests had a chance to catch-up with old friends and network with new ones before taking their seats for the ceremony.

Radio 2’s Nigel Barden was our host for the evening, presenting awards with his usual wit and flair, whilst everyone enjoyed a sumptuous 4-course dinner.

It was a truly special occasion for all the hard-working winners and proud day for our team who made sure it was memorable one!