From the outset, the event delivered strongly on its purpose: “bringing members and the wider industry together for learning, networking and collaboration”. With over 200 attendees, exceptionally high engagement, and overwhelmingly positive feedback, the Festival once again demonstrated why it remains a key date in the association’s events calendar. 

A Highly Engaged Delegate Community 

Attendance and engagement were exceptional, with 208 delegates participating and app usage far exceeding industry benchmarks. The event achieved an impressive 82% login rate, demonstrating strong digital engagement and a real appetite for interaction and connection throughout the programme. 

Delegates responded particularly positively to the programme’s balance of learning, interaction, and practical takeaways. Workshops were repeatedly highlighted as a standout feature, with feedback noting that “delegates loved the choices” and that sessions generated “lots of positive chatter” across both days. 

A Warm Welcome and Exceptional Experience 

One of the clearest themes from the event was the strong sense of community and hospitality. Delegates overwhelmingly felt welcomed, with 75.7% strongly agreeing with this sentiment, a testament to the collaborative effort between ABPCO, Nottingham Venues, and the Sheer Edge team. 

The venue itself received excellent feedback, described internally as “AMAZING” and “more than accommodating”. Catering, accessibility, and sustainability credentials were also praised, with dietary inclusivity noted as a particular strength. 

The AV and technical delivery were another highlight, with the team receiving “nothing but the highest praise” for their responsiveness and ability to support last‑minute requirements smoothly and professionally. 

Collaboration at its Best 

For Sheer Edge, one of the greatest successes of this year’s Festival was the seamless collaboration between all partners involved. Clear roles, strong communication, and a shared commitment to excellence ensured a smooth delivery across both days. As noted in the debrief, “the collaborative approach between teams contributed significantly to seamless delivery and a strong on-site experience. 

We worked closely with ABPCO throughout the entire journey, from preregistration and speaker/exhibitor briefing calls to site visits and ongoing venue and end‑client communications. Our team also managed the full build, setup, and delivery of the event app on ABPCO’s behalf, ensuring every delegate had a seamless digital experience. 

In the spirit of ABPCO and Sheer Edge’s shared ethos of giving back, we invited students from Nottingham and Birmingham University College to join us on site. Offering them hands-on experience at an event of this scale was a privilege, and their enthusiasm added real value to the event delivery. 

One of the Event Support Student Volunteers commented “I was a volunteer event staff member at ABPCO and what an experience it was, the speakers were amazing and so insightful, as a final year student about to enter the events Industry, ABPCO was an incredible chance for me to expand my network and meet some Industry veterans. Working on the event gave me a newfound appreciation for events managers. The Sheer Edge Events team have truly mastered the ‘event chill’ skill. I really enjoyed working with them, being able to watch the team in action was so inspiring and beyond work, they’re incredible at what they do, and I really do hope I have the pleasure of working with them in the future!” 

Looking Ahead 

The ABPCO Festival of Learning 2026 not only celebrated the strength of the association events community, but also highlighted the power of thoughtful planning, meaningful content and exceptional partnership. We were thrilled to play a part in its success and look forward to supporting ABPCO, its membership and the association sector in the future, one thing is for certain this sector continues to evolve and innovate. 

If you’re planning an event and want expert support that blends creativity, operational excellence, and genuine partnership, the Sheer Edge team is here to help. 

If you would like some guidance on how the Sheer Edge team could support you with your events, reach out to the team today: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176 

The post Supporting Excellence at the ABPCO Festival of Learning 2026 appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

Function Spaces Designed for Corporate Success 

The hotel offers 14–16 flexible meeting and event rooms, accommodating everything from intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences. Most rooms also have ample natural daylight, with the smaller syndicate rooms making up for this with plenty of lighting inside the space. Their largest space, the Forest Suite, can host up to 320 delegates and can be divided into three smaller rooms for multi-format events. Natural daylight, built‑in AV, and screens across the room for both portrait and landscape layouts, along with adjacent breakout areas like the Ebony Lounge, make it ideal for conferences, exhibitions, and corporate dinners. The lounge area can also be used for reception drinks or a cold buffet lunch service, with easy access to outdoor spaces.  

Smaller suites such as the Ash, Mulberry and Lauren Pellier rooms offer versatile options for training sessions, workshops and private dining. With super‑speed Wi‑Fi and modern AV throughout, the venue is well-equipped for seamless presentations and hybrid formats.  

Service That Makes a Difference 

During our stay, we experienced first-hand the friendliness, professionalism and flexibility of the Crowne Plaza team. Whether supporting our client’s group check-ins, accommodating last‑minute requests, or ensuring the dining experience was spot on, the staff consistently went above and beyond. This aligns with the venue’s strong reputation for exceptional hospitality and customer care. They also have a full list of suppliers that they are able to liaise with on a client’s behalf, so anything that’s required, décor-wise, to extra AV. They even have a star-studded dancefloor on site that is readily available upon request.  

Dining & Delegate Experience 

Location & Practicalities 

Just 2 miles from East Midlands Airport and half a mile from the M1 (J24), the hotel is perfectly placed for national and international delegates. With 114 bedrooms, ample parking, EV charging and leisure facilities including a health club and indoor pool, it’s a convenient and comfortable base for multi-day events.  

If you’re considering Crowne Plaza East Midlands Airport for your next event, whether it’s accommodation, meeting space, or full event management, Sheer Edge are on hand to help. We’ll ensure your experience is seamless from first enquiry to final check-out. 

Get in touch with the Sheer Edge team. We’d love to help you bring it to life! 📩 hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 📞 0330 223 3176 

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At the core of its corporate offering is the purpose-built Knightley Court, a self-contained conference centre designed to deliver both flexibility and impact. Ideal for larger-scale events, this space features the impressive Knightley Suite, which can accommodate conferences, presentations and corporate gatherings in a spacious, well-equipped environment. With integrated AV facilities, adaptable layouts and natural light, it provides a professional yet comfortable setting for productive sessions. 

Knightley Court also includes a selection of smaller, versatile meeting rooms, perfect for breakout sessions, workshops, or more focused discussions. These spaces are complemented by a private lounge and bar area, encouraging informal networking and collaboration throughout the day. A unique addition is the on-site 29-seat cinema, offering a memorable alternative for presentations, screenings, or keynote moments that require something a little different. 

For corporate hospitality and private dining, the Cedars Restaurant provides an elegant and refined setting. Whether hosting a networking dinner, awards evening, or client entertainment, guests can enjoy a high-quality dining experience in beautiful surroundings. Perfect for leaving a lasting impression! 

What truly sets this venue apart is its seamless integration of business and wellbeing. The on-site spa offers delegates the opportunity to unwind and recharge, with facilities including an indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. It’s an ideal addition for multi-day conferences or incentive-style events, adding a restorative element to the overall experience. 

With 60 stylish bedrooms, expansive grounds for team-building activities and a range of flexible event spaces, Fawsley Hall Hotel & Spa delivers a well-rounded corporate offering in a truly memorable setting. 

Looking to host your next corporate event at Fawsley Hall? Get in touch with the Sheer Edge team, we’d love to help you bring it to life! 📩 hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 📞 0330 223 3176 

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Purpose-built with creativity and adaptability in mind, The Box introduces a striking contemporary venue that offers event organisers a true blank canvas. With around 900 square metres of open event space, the venue has the capacity to host over 400 delegates, making it an ideal setting for conferences, exhibitions, networking events and experiential event formats that require room to think big. 

What makes The Box particularly appealing is its flexibility. The space has been designed so organisers can shape it entirely around their event concept, whether that’s a large plenary session, an immersive brand experience, an exhibition-led conference or a dynamic networking environment. The modern design, clean lines and expansive layout allow for a wide range of room configurations, while large windows bring in natural daylight to create a bright and energising atmosphere for delegates. 

The venue has also been thoughtfully positioned within the wider resort to maximise event potential. The Box can operate as a standalone venue or work seamlessly alongside the resort’s existing conference facilities, giving planners the ability to expand their event footprint if required. For example, it could act as a dedicated exhibition or networking hub while conference sessions take place in neighbouring spaces. 

While The Box may be the newest addition, it sits within the established event infrastructure of Wyboston Lakes Resort, a well-known destination for meetings, training and conferences. Set within 380 acres of lakeside countryside, the resort provides a fully integrated event environment where delegates can stay, meet and relax all in one location. 

Alongside The Box, the resort offers a wide variety of meeting spaces across its three dedicated venues: the Woodlands Event Centre, The Willows Training Centre and the Waterfront Hotel. Together these provide more than 50 meeting and event spaces, as well as over 400 bedrooms, allowing organisers to host anything from small strategy sessions to large multi-day conferences. 

With the introduction of The Box, Wyboston Lakes Resort has added a fresh and highly adaptable venue to its already impressive portfolio. For event planners looking to create something impactful, with space for creativity, collaboration and scale, this exciting new venue is certainly one to watch. 

If you’d like to find out more about Wyboston Lakes or enquire about hosting your next event in one of their spaces, get in touch with us today and we’d be more than happy to help.  Let the Sheer Edge team start shaping an event that’s as memorable as the setting. 

📩 hello@sheeredge.co.uk 

📞 0330 223 3176 

The post Venue Spotlight: The Box at Wyboston Lakes Resort – Where Big Ideas Take Centre Stage appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

If you work in events, you’ll know this already: we create incredible moments. We bring people together, spark ideas, build brands, launch products, and celebrate milestones. But we also generate waste. A lot of it. That’s the part of the story we can’t afford to ignore anymore. 

Sustainability in events isn’t a ‘nice to have’ or a tick-box exercise for a credentials slide, it’s a responsibility. Every conference, exhibition, awards dinner and brand activation has a footprint, from the venue energy use to delegate travel, catering, set builds and the inevitable lanyards that somehow multiply overnight. 

Why does it matter now more than ever? Because expectations have shifted. Not only are clients are asking tougher questions, but delegates are also more conscious. Teams want to work with suppliers who share their values. Frankly, the climate conversation isn’t abstract anymore. Extreme weather, supply chain disruption and rising costs are impacting our industry directly. Being greener isn’t just about reputation; it’s about resilience. 

The good news? Events are brilliantly adaptable. With a bit of thought at the planning stage, you can significantly reduce your environmental impact without compromising experience. 

Start with the venue.  

This is one of the biggest levers you have. Look for spaces with strong environmental policies, renewable energy sources, waste management systems and clear sustainability credentials. Ask about their energy usage, food sourcing, recycling rates and water management. A good venue will be proud to talk about it. Location matters too, somewhere well connected by public transport will instantly reduce the reliance on cars. 

Then there’s travel.  

For many events, this is the single largest contributor to carbon emissions. Encourage delegates to travel by train where possible. In the UK and across much of Europe, rail can often rival air travel in terms of on-time performance when you factor in airport queues and transfers. If flights are unavoidable, suggest direct routes over connecting flights, as take-off and landing are the most carbon-intensive parts of a journey. Promote car sharing for regional events and provide clear public transport guidance in pre-event communications. Even small nudges in your joining instructions can shift behaviour. 

While we’re talking comms, ditch the paper wherever you can. Printed agendas, maps and tickets add up quickly. Use event apps or mobile-friendly itineraries instead. QR codes for registration, digital signage and online feedback forms are now standard practice and delegates expect them. If you do need to print, choose recycled stock and vegetable-based inks and only produce what’s genuinely necessary. 

Catering is another big opportunity.  

Work with caterers who prioritise seasonal, locally sourced produce. Reducing meat and dairy, even slightly, can have a significant environmental benefit. You don’t have to make an event fully plant-based (unless that fits your audience), but offering appealing vegetarian and vegan options as the default rather than the alternative is a subtle but effective shift. Be proactive about portion sizes and surplus food, for example, can it be donated? Is there a clear plan to minimise waste? 

When it comes to production, think beyond the ‘wow’ moment. Reusable modular staging, hired furniture and rented décor will always be preferable to single-use builds. Avoid bespoke items that are destined for a skip the following morning. If you’re producing graphics, consider recyclable materials or fabric options that can be repurposed. Ask your production partners about their own sustainability practices; this is a collaborative effort. 

Merchandise is another area worth scrutinising.  

We’ve all seen the branded giveaways that never leave the hotel room. Instead of defaulting to physical swag, ask whether it’s necessary at all. If it is, focus on quality over quantity, something useful, durable and responsibly sourced. Or consider digital alternatives: downloadable resources, exclusive content or post-event access to recordings. 

Waste management on the day needs proper planning. Clearly labelled recycling points, food waste bins and back-of-house sorting systems make a real difference. Brief your event staff and volunteers so they can guide delegates. It sounds simple, but without visible infrastructure and clear messaging, even the most well-intentioned audience will default to the nearest bin. 

It’s also worth measuring what you’re doing.  

Carbon calculators and post-event sustainability reports are becoming more accessible and more expected. Tracking your impact helps you identify where the biggest wins are and gives clients tangible data to report back to their stakeholders. Transparency builds trust, even if you’re not perfect yet. 

That’s the key point:  

Perfection isn’t the goal, progress is.  

No event will ever have zero impact. The aim is to make conscious choices at every stage and to keep improving. Sometimes that means having slightly tougher conversations with clients about budgets, timelines or design ambitions. Often, sustainable choices are cost-effective in the long run, such as reduced print, less waste, and smarter logistics, but even when they’re not, they’re part of responsible planning. 

There’s also a reputational advantage to doing this properly. Brands that take sustainability seriously attract like-minded partners and audiences. They future-proof themselves against tightening regulations and shifting consumer expectations. In an industry built on creativity, leading on sustainability is an opportunity to innovate rather than restrict. 

We believe brilliant and responsible events should be one and the same thing. It’s about asking better questions at the start, choosing partners carefully and being honest about the impact of our decisions. Every delegate journey, every menu choice, every printed page contributes to a much bigger picture. 

We’re in the business of creating experiences. Making sure those experiences don’t cost the earth feels like a fairly important place to start. 

If you would like some guidance on how to make your events more sustainable, reach out to the team today: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or cal us: 0330 223 3176 

The post Sustainability In Events appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

Set within 120 acres of Surrey parkland, this stunning country house hotel offers a peaceful retreat from the everyday, while still being highly accessible, making it an excellent choice for conferences, leadership offsites, strategy days and client-facing events. 

Designed with Corporate Events in Mind 

Pennyhill Park offers an impressive range of 18 meeting and event spaces, allowing events to be tailored precisely to your objectives. From larger suites suitable for conferences and presentations to elegant mid-sized rooms and intimate boardrooms ideal for senior leadership sessions, the venue offers real flexibility. 

Many of the spaces benefit from natural daylight, beautiful views and period features, creating an inspiring environment that feels a world away from traditional conference rooms. Rooms such as Parkview even include private balconies overlooking the grounds, perfect for relaxed breakout moments or informal networking. 

Why Pennyhill Park Feels Extra Special  

What truly elevates Pennyhill Park as a corporate venue is the experience surrounding the meeting agenda. 

Exceptional hospitality, outstanding food (including Michelin-starred dining options) and a world-class spa mean delegates can balance productivity with wellbeing. For multi-day events, this creates space for teams to reconnect, reflect and recharge, something we’re seeing more clients prioritise. 

Its location strikes that ideal balance too. Close enough to London and major transport routes for convenience yet secluded enough to feel like a genuine escape. 

Hosting Your Event at Pennyhill Park:

We work closely with venues like Pennyhill Park to ensure every detail of your event is thoughtfully planned and seamlessly delivered, from venue sourcing and space planning through to on-site support and delegate experience. 

If you’re considering Pennyhill Park for your next corporate event or would like to explore whether it’s the right fit for your objectives, we’d love to help. Get in touch with the Sheer Edge team to start shaping an event that’s as memorable as the setting. 

📩 hello@sheeredge.co.uk 

📞 0330 223 3176 

The post Venue Spotlight: Pennyhill Park, an Exclusive venue combining effortless luxury, flexibility and sense of occasion appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

Ten years of ideas, partnerships, problem-solving, early mornings, late nights and moments that reminded us exactly why we do what we do. To mark the occasion, we asked the team to reflect on 10 moments that sum up our journey so far. What came back was a reminder that Sheer Edge has always been about more than events alone.

It’s about people, relationships, resilience and doing things the right way.

Celebrating Excellence (and being recognised for it)

One of our proudest early milestones was winning the Customer Excellence Award at the Nachural Entrepreneur Awards in 2019. It meant a great deal to us because it recognised something we’ve always cared deeply about, delivering thoughtful, dependable support and putting our clients at the heart of everything we do.

That commitment carried us through one of the most challenging periods the events industry has ever faced.

Standing with Clients Through Uncertainty

When the pandemic turned the world and our industry upside down, we were proud to support many of our UK and US clients as they navigated completely new territory. From reimagining conferences as virtual experiences to finding creative ways to keep people connected, those months were demanding, emotional and, at times, daunting, but they reinforced the trust we have built with our clients over the years.

It was a powerful reminder that events are about connection, whether in a room together or across screens.

Sharing Ideas and Giving Back

The creation of our Inside Edge magazine has been another highlight. It gave us a platform to share ideas, inspiration and insights from across the events and hospitality world and to celebrate the creativity that keeps our industry moving forward.

Giving back matters to us too. Supporting local community projects and committing to environmental responsibility through our Green Pledge, including planting nine trees every year, reflects our belief that businesses should play a positive role beyond their day-to-day work.

A Team We’re Proud Of

Sheer Edge wouldn’t be what it is without its people. We’re incredibly proud to offer flexible working and to have built a team that supports one another, balances busy lives, and brings warmth and care to everything they do. Being a great place to work isn’t a badge we claim lightly!

Small Business, Big Moments

Over the years, we’ve been honoured to be recognised as part of the Theo Paphitis #SBS Network, to be named a Small Business Sunday winner and, most recently, to be included in the Small Business Saturday #SmallBiz100. Attending events at the House of Lords and 11 Downing Street as part of this initiative was a genuine pinch-me moment and a celebration of what small businesses can achieve.

That recognition continued with winning the Enterprise Award at the NNBN Awards 2025. That was a moment that felt like a full-circle celebration of resilience, growth and consistency.

Ten Years of Trust

Above all else, what we’re most proud of is ten years of supporting loyal clients. From corporate meetings and conferences to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, securing hospitality at the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, Super Bowl events, and even U2 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, we feel incredibly lucky to be trusted with such important moments.

That trust, and our exceptionally high client retention, means everything to us.

Looking Ahead

Ten years in, we’re still excited. Still curious. Still committed to doing things thoughtfully and collaboratively. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the Sheer Edge story so far, our clients, partners, community and team.

Here’s to the next chapter, and to many more moments worth celebrating.

If you would like Sheer Edge support, please reach out, we would be delighted to work with you to create your own event contingency plans for your future events.

Email us: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or Call us: 0330 223 3176

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Unbeatable Central Location 

One of the hotel’s biggest advantages is its prime position in London’s financial district, just a short walk from major transport hubs including St Paul’s, Mansion House and Blackfriars stations. This makes it incredibly convenient for both local delegates and international visitors, no matter where they’re travelling from.   

Flexible Event Spaces for Every Need 

With 23 versatile meeting and event spaces spread across four floors, planners have a wide range of options for delivering impactful corporate gatherings. Whether you’re planning an intimate workshop or a large conference, there’s a space that fits the brief: 

• Large-scale Events: The expansive Wren & Shakespeare Suite and Wren Suite can accommodate hundreds of attendees, ideal for conferences, AGMs or gala dinners.   

• Mid-Size Meetings: Suites like the Milton can be configured for theatre-style or cabaret layouts and even split into smaller sections for parallel sessions or breakouts.   

• Smaller Boardrooms & Syndicate Rooms: Intimate spaces such as the Nightingale and Reynolds suites are perfect for leadership offsites, training or team discussions.   

• Want to keep the party going? Utilise their basement Club10 for the perfect space for the ultimate afterparty.  

All event spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art AV technology, high-speed Wi-Fi and flexible catering options, ensuring a smooth, professional experience from start to finish.   

Inspiring Views & Guest Experience 

The hotel’s location next to St Paul’s Cathedral isn’t just convenient, it also offers stunning views that can elevate your event experience and provide memorable backdrops for networking breaks or evening receptions.   

Beyond meeting rooms, the venue brings added value with 432 stylish bedrooms, ideal for overnight delegates or multi-day conferences, and a range of leisure amenities, including an indoor pool, fitness facilities and delightful food and beverage options like Leo’s Restaurant & Bar and the atmospheric Sabine Rooftop Bar.   

Why Event Planners Choose It 

• Scalable spaces for events from small board meetings to 1,200-guest receptions.   

• Excellent transport links for ease of access across London and beyond.   

• Professional service and modern facilities that support hybrid and in-person formats.   

• Spectacular city views that add a memorable element to corporate gatherings.   

Whether you’re hosting a one-day seminar or a multi-session conference, Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s delivers exceptional flexibility, connectivity and style. It’s a definite standout venue in London’s corporate events landscape.   

Want to find out more about hosting your event at the Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s? Get in touch today and we’d be happy to help! 

The post Venue Spotlight: Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s, A Premier Corporate Events Destination  appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

When it comes to finding somewhere that blends world-class facilities with unforgettable experiences, few places do it quite like Disneyland Paris. 

Yes, you read that right, Disneyland Paris isn’t just for family holidays. It’s an incredible and unexpected venue for corporate events, offering a truly unique setting that combines creativity, professionalism and (of course) a sprinkle of Disney magic. 

A Destination That Delivers More Than Dreams 

Located just 35 minutes from central Paris and easily accessible from the UK by train, plane or car, Disneyland Paris offers an effortless international experience. With over 27,000 square metres of flexible event space, it caters to everything from small board meetings and incentive trips to global conferences and gala dinners. 

The Disneyland Paris Business Solutions team provides fully equipped conference centres, high-spec AV capabilities and dedicated event managers who know how to turn any corporate vision into a seamless experience. You can even take over an entire park for a private event. Imagine hosting a drinks reception on Main Street, U.S.A. or a networking dinner beneath the stars in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle! 

Spaces Designed to Impress 

There are two Disney convention centres, based in Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel and Disney’s Newport Bay Club, both offering a range of plenary rooms, breakout spaces and exhibition areas. 

• Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel brings a sleek, modern city feel inspired by Manhattan, perfect for a professional yet creative vibe. 

• Disney’s Newport Bay Club offers elegant lakeside surroundings with a nautical theme, ideal for relaxed conferences or reward events. 

For something completely different, Disney Village provides access to themed restaurants, live entertainment venues and exclusive evening experiences. Whether it’s a gala dinner at Planet Hollywood or a private screening at the IMAX cinema, the options are endless. 

Where Work and Play Meet 

Corporate guests can enjoy after-hours access to the parks, exclusive ride time, or immersive team-building activities led by Disney facilitators. From creative workshops that encourage innovation, to adrenaline-fuelled experiences on iconic attractions, Disneyland Paris redefines what “team spirit” can look like. 

Exceptional Hospitality 

With more than 8,500 hotel rooms across its on-site hotels, plus a huge choice of restaurants, bars and entertainment, everything is within walking distance. Dining options range from fine French cuisine to character-themed banquets, even in the most whimsical setting, Disney’s service standards remain world-class. 

Why Choose Disneyland Paris for Your Next Event? 

Because corporate events should be memorable, not just functional. Disneyland Paris delivers a unique balance of creativity, professionalism, and pure delight, the perfect recipe for inspiration, connection and motivation. 

At Sheer Edge, we love introducing clients to venues that spark imagination and deliver impact. Disneyland Paris is a standout example of just that. 

Ready to add a little magic to your next event?  

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can make this space the perfect home for your next event. 

The post Venue Spotlight: Disneyland Paris – Where Business Meets a Little Bit of Magic  appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

Whether you’re planning a large-scale event, conference or team meeting, it’s important to cover all your bases as much as you can. You need to confirm numbers, dietary requirements, plan payment dates and ensure the venue has all the information they need in good time. These are all the elements that are in your control – but, what about the bits that aren’t?  

For example – you’ve planned a summer conference with outdoor activities and an overnight stay. You’ve confirmed all dietary requirements, the rooming list, everything is paid for and you’re ready to go. However, you wake up on the morning of the event to a thunderstorm. There you have it, elements completely out of your control that are hazardous to the event. You’re prepared, though, because you thought ahead and made a contingency plan! 

Nobody likes to think that things will go wrong, but having a backup for these kinds of scenarios is so important. In this case, you could have already had a chat with the venue about what to do in case of rain – cue an indoor room ready to go, and the activity supplier prepped for this too for being able to adapt the activity to an indoor space.  

If you haven’t pre-planned for things to go wrong, that’s when you get caught out – but we understand that this can be overwhelming. With this in mind the Sheer Edge team offer full event support where we can help come up with contingency plans for you, from initial venue finding to ensuring the day itself runs as smoothly as possible. 

The most important thing to remember is that any event is all about you and your guests feeling relaxed and enjoying themselves – as long as you have that at the forefront of all planning, everything will go great!  

Still stuck? Here are our top tips for contingency planning:  

1. Consider if changes in the weather would affect how your event runs and plan accordingly if it does.  

2. Keep some budget to one side for those inevitable moments where you’ll have to spend that little bit more to accommodate everybody’s requirements.  

3. Check all possible routes to your venue and have a plan in case one route is suddenly unavailable, for example if there are train strikes.  

4. For high-profile events, consider if there are any potential security risks that could arise and ensure budget is there for security support should you need it.  

5. Make sure communication is clear and easy through specified channels on the day. If anything does need checking or changing, the team should be able to easily alert everybody to put a plan in action.  

6. Speaking of teams – have regular meetings and keep them fully trained on all potential hiccups and what the back up plans are. That way, everybody knows what to do should it happen.  

7. Plan for potential staffing shortages. It’s always a possibility that someone could be unwell on the day. To plan for this, make sure that nobody is solely responsible for one task and somebody else is trained to complete that role.  

8. Keep paperwork in check. It sounds obvious but keep yourself covered. If there are photos being taken, make sure you have all the relevant permission forms signed. Any agreements with clients and suppliers have written out, signed and safely stored so that they can be easily checked in case of any incidents.  

9. Technology is great, but it brings its own difficulties. Make sure you have other options should our initial tech fail you and have back up devices with presentations stored on them just in case.  

 Assess all risks in advance. Once you’ve chosen your venue, make sure you do conduct a thorough site visit so you can be sure of accessibility and any other potential hazards that can be planned around.  

If you would like Sheer Edge support, please reach out, we would be delighted to work with you to create your own event contingency plans for your future events.

Email us: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or Call us: 0330 223 3176

The post Making an event contingency plan  appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.