With expectations rising, the industry is catching up fast. Managing dietary requirements is essential for delivering a professional, well-run event. When handled well, attendees feel included, cared for and safe. Without a clear process risks increase and, for some allergies or medical conditions, the consequences can be serious. 

A dietary events toolkit checklist has been created by the ABPCO Dietary Inclusion Members Group , to help support PCOs, venues and caterers communicate clearly and consistently with event organisers. 

The toolkit is based on real-world experience and designed to work in real event settings. The checklists support early conversations, build shared understanding and set realistic expectations from the start. Together, they make it easier to capture, share and act on the right information while reducing risk and simplifying dietary management. 

As the PCO checklist puts it, “delegate expectations around dietary requirements have evolved, and event processes need to keep pace”. 

Food has become something that’s not just a need to survive, it’s an emotional, cultural and often part of the identity of an event. If someone arrives at an event unsure whether they’ll be able to eat safely, or eat at all, it affects their entire experience. 

We’re seeing more attendees with: 

• Life-threatening allergies 

• Intolerances 

• Religious or cultural dietary observances 

• Lifestyle driven choices 

Health related needs (e.g., diabetes, pregnancy, weight loss medication considerations) 

We need to make sure that everybody feels included and that their requirements are accommodated when we plan any event. One of the clearest reminders from the PCO checklist is that vague information like “no fish/nuts, gluten” simply isn’t enough, because “it does not outline the severity”. That’s why detailed, early and accurate data collection is everything. 

Let’s talk about the serious end of the spectrum. Life-threatening allergies require: 

• Direct contact with the attendee 

• Understanding whether the allergy is ingestion only or airborne 

• Checking whether adrenaline/epi pens are in date 

• Creating a clear emergency plan with the venue 

Ensuring staff know exactly what’s in every dish 

The checklist even recommends treating adrenaline pen readiness like “a safety check, similar to fire extinguisher servicing”. Of course, the 14 major allergens must be declared by law, but the documents also remind us that allergens can appear “hidden in some foodstuffs, e.g. celery in stock powders; fish in wine; tree nuts in cereals”, which is why relying on assumptions is never enough. 

Dietary requirements can reflect: 

• Religious observances (Halal, Kosher, Jain, Ramadan fasting) 

• Cultural identity 

• Ethical choices (vegan, vegetarian) 

• Health needs (diabetes, coeliac disease) 

• Sustainability values 

The checklist highlights that cultural or religious diets are “rooted in tradition, community identity, or religious law”, whereas lifestyle choices are centred on “personal health, ethics, or environmental beliefs”. Both matter, but they’re not the same, and treating them with nuance is part of respectful event design.

The Managing Dietary Requirements at Events Toolkit:  

We’re delighted to share the Managing Dietary Requirements at Events Toolkit hosted on the Meet Cambridge website. 

🔗 https://www.meet-cambridge.com/events-services/sustainable-events-toolkit/equity-diversity-and-inclusion-edi-in-events/managing-dietary-requirements-at-events/ 

This resource is practical, thoughtful and created with real collaboration, including input from the diets working group. At a recent ABPCO Festival of Learning event, great effort and collaboration between the diets working group, PCO Sheer Edge, ABPCO Executive Director Matt Stalker and Nottingham Venues Operations and Catering teams worked collaboratively to support the dietary toolkit requirements. Melissa Sobo at Nottingham Venues summed up the experience beautifully: 

“Working with the diets group felt like everything coming full circle — we weren’t just identifying challenges; we were helping to remove them. The advice shared was there to empower organisers, not overwhelm them.” — Melissa Sobo, Nottingham Venues 

Adding to this, Anita Macdonald, Deputy Marketing Manager, Meet Cambridge and co-lead of the ABPCO Dietary Inclusion Members Group said:  

“Creating truly inclusive events isn’t the responsibility of one organisation or one supplier. It’s something we achieve together. When venues, organisers, caterers, and industry partners collaborate, we remove barriers and raise standards for everyone.” 

The venue/caterer checklists reinforce something we see every day: dietary inclusion is a team sport. 

Some standout recommendations include: 

• Ensuring all staff, including casuals, are trained to answer dietary questions confidently 

• Having a clearly identifiable dietary champion on site 

• Using QR codes for detailed ingredient lists 

• Offering tasting sessions during site visits 

• Using different coloured plates or dish shapes to avoid mix-ups 

• Keeping clear, documented communication between organisers, caterers, staff and other venue users 

We’re dedicated in supporting clients from the very first conversation, ensuring dietary needs are: 

• Captured clearly 

• Categorised correctly 

• Communicated early 

• Managed safely 

• Delivered with confidence 

We work closely with venues and caterers to make sure nothing slips through the cracks, from cross contamination risks to labelling clarity to emergency planning. When every guest can eat safely and happily, they feel more included and the whole event feels better. 

The toolkit is a living bank of resources. If you have ideas, comments, or suggestions for future themes, the team would love to hear from you and welcome: 

• Ideas 

• Feedback 

• Suggestions 

• Themes you’d like explored 

Drop Anita a line at anita@meet-cambridge.com. 

As a PCO who feels passionately about striking the right balance and ensuring everyone feels welcome, seen and included, Sheer Edge would welcome working with you on your next event and help you to implement this dietary toolkit as we did for ABPCO. 

Reach out to us today to find out more: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176

The post Eating Well, Feeling Included: Why Dietary Requirements Deserve a Front Row Seat in Event Planning  appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

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.

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.

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

The post 10 Years of Sheer Edge: 10 Moments We’re Proud to Celebrate  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.

We’re also looking to also do our bit. Here are some steps you could take when planning your next event with accessibility in mind:  

• Consider adding in a ‘quiet’ room’  

Events can be overstimulating even when you’re not diagnosed with a neurodiverse condition. There is a lot of noise, a lot to look at and even more than that to process.  

This can often be incredibly off-putting for guests and team members on the spectrum, meaning you won’t be getting them at their full capacity. To put them more at ease and show support, why not include an area in your events that they can retreat to when they need?  

This doesn’t have to be anything specially decorated or even particularly large, just a designated space (such as an office) that provides a calm and quiet environment. It should be shielded from noise and allow activities such as focused work, relaxation or meditation, or just a time out.  

• Actively plan schedules 

This isn’t just one for the neurodiverse! 

Team wise, have a full plan for each day of the event – who needs to be where and when and what key objectives need to be completed. Make sure everybody has fair notice of any meetings and their aims so that they can plan.  

Attendee wise, allow space in the event programme/app for them to be able to plan a schedule for themselves for what they want to see and achieve.  

• Leave time 

Don’t fall into the trap of over-filling schedules and not leaving space in between discussions, demonstrations etc for people to take a breather and make their way over!  

• Consider all accessibility issues 

While this article has mainly focused on the neurodiverse, it’s important to acknowledge that there are people with other accessability issues that you can accommodate too.  

For example, consider having hearing loops for those with hearing impairments so they can have audio descriptions. Ensure all text and colours are clear to read for the same reasons. Give all videos subtitles, so those who are hard of hearing can fully understand your marketing collatera. 

Consider how content can be tailored for visually impared attendees and provide staging areas and ramps for those in wheelchairs to easily view all panel discussions and entertainment.  

This will all make every single attendee feel valued and the ability to be fully immersed in your event experience – if there’s anything else you want to share with us on making events more accessible, please do get in touch!  hing! 

If you’re looking for support on how to make your events more accessible but don’t know where to start, give our team a call! 

You can reach us by phone: 0330 223 3176 or email: hello@sheeredge.co.uk

The post How to Make Your Event More Accessible   appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.