There has been a lot of debate recently on whether AI is eventually going to replace humans across the events industry. Our answer to this, as clear from above, is very much ‘no’ – but, it is important to get on board with it as a useful tool for our day-to-day work and use it as a way to take some of the admin out of the artistry.  

AI can be used in a number of ways to elevate an event experience. For example, it could: 

Streamline scheduling, drafting emails, summarising briefs, organising supplier info.  

AI can take the repetitive tasks off our plates so we can focus on the meaningful ones. 

Speed up research, for example creating a comparison of shortlisted venues with accessible breakout spaces, giving a quick comparison of catering options.  

AI can gather the basics fast, leaving humans to focus on a judgement call based on their experience. 

Support creativity without replacing it.  

AI can help brainstorm themes, entertainment ideas or teambuilding concepts — but it is limited according to what information is available already online. The final direction still comes from human taste, brand understanding and event expertise. 

Enhance guest experience using chatbots, personalised schedules, event apps and integrations, smart registration systems. It can even provide a synopsis of keynote sessions giving ‘take home’ points (talk to us about the event apps that can support with this). 

These tools make events smoother, but they’re only as good as the humans designing the experience. 

To reiterate, AI can’t replace human expertise in events. Our sector is based on emotional experiences and, whilst AI tools can analyse sentiment, it can’t feel it. It’s up to actual feet on the ground to sense the energy in a room, read a client’s micro-expressions during a site visit or adjust the tone of a gala dinner because the audience is responding differently than expected. The backbone of a great event is human intuition and the real-life relationships that drive the industry – such as venue partnerships, supplier trust and client rapport. These things are built through years of living and breathing a specific career path, AI can help organise information but it can’t nurture relationships, negotiate contracts or reassure a nervous client in the midst of planning their first or fiftieth major event.  

Remember, on-the-spot problem solving is a human sport. Last minute dietary requirements, speakers or key attendees being stuck in traffic, sudden weather shifts – all of these things require an actual person to deal with the unpredictability of events. Software can’t physically step in, rearrange a room layout our charm a supplier into performing a miracle turnaround. Creativity isn’t formulaic, so we can use this as a tool to form ideas but AI can’t originate the spark that comes with cultural awareness, humour and storytelling. This only comes from concepts built from real people who understand their audience and trends.  

To summarise our point, the events industry will always need human hosts who make guests feel welcome, event managers who can stay calm under pressure, creative minds who bring themes to life, producers who understand how to pace a ceremony, judge atmosphere and tell a story and, finally, people who care deeply about the experience they’re creating.  

Sure, AI is absolutely becoming part of the toolkit, just like online registration platforms, digital seating plans and events apps, but tools don’t replace talent, they amplify it. The future is human-led and tech-supported.  

AI can help us work smarter, but it can’t replicate the heart of what we do. 

Blog created by Laura Bradley, our valued event support, marketing and PR expert. 

For guidance on how you could make AI work for your organisations events, get in touch today: hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176 

The post AI & The Human Touch: Why Events Still Need Both appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

Entertainment sets the tone 

Whether you’re hosting a conference, gala dinner, team day or celebration, entertainment shapes the energy in the room. It breaks the ice, lifts spirits and creates shared moments that spark conversation. Even simple additions can transform the atmosphere. These touches matter because they humanise the event. They give guests something to react to, something to enjoy together and something to remember. In a world full of back‑to‑back meetings and digital overload, that sense of delight is powerful. 

Themed days and nights: immersive by design 

One of the strongest trends we’re seeing is the rise of themed events, not just in décor, but in entertainment that fully supports the concept. A 1920s Gatsby evening with live jazz and flapper‑style performers instantly transports guests. A festival‑inspired summer party with roaming entertainers, acoustic sets and interactive stations creates a relaxed, exploratory vibe. Even corporate team days can benefit from a theme, giving structure and personality to the experience. 

Themes help guests step out of their everyday mindset. They encourage engagement, creativity, and playfulness, all of which lead to stronger connections and better outcomes for your event. 

Team‑building activities that actually work 

Entertainment isn’t always about performance; sometimes it’s about participation. Team‑building activities continue to be one of the most effective ways to bring people together, especially after periods of remote or hybrid working. The key is choosing experiences that feel fresh, inclusive and genuinely enjoyable. 

Think problem‑solving challenges, creative workshops, interactive games, or outdoor adventures. Activities like cocktail‑making, escape‑room‑style puzzles, or collaborative art projects give teams a chance to bond without feeling forced. They also create natural talking points that carry into the rest of the event. 

When designed well, team‑building entertainment boosts morale, strengthens relationships and helps people feel part of something bigger, all while keeping the day fun and dynamic. 

Small touches with big impact 

Not every event needs a full entertainment programme. Sometimes the simplest ideas deliver the biggest smiles. Singing waiters are a classic example: unexpected, joyful and guaranteed to get guests involved. Close‑up magic is another crowd‑pleaser, offering intimate moments of wonder that feel personal and special. 

Other subtle additions (caricature artists, roaming performers, live illustrators, or acoustic musicians) can enhance the flow of an event without dominating it. These elements weave naturally into the guest experience, adding texture and charm. 

Why entertainment matters more than ever 

As expectations rise and audiences become more discerning, entertainment plays a crucial role in shaping how your event is perceived. It signals care, creativity and attention to detail. It shows that you’ve thought about the guest journey, not just the logistics. Most importantly, it creates emotional resonance, the thing people remember long after the agenda is forgotten. 

Bringing your event to life 

At Sheer Edge, we work with a wide network of trusted suppliers, performers and activity providers to help you craft experiences that feel authentic, engaging and perfectly suited to your audience. Whether you’re planning a themed celebration, a team‑building day, or simply want to add a touch of magic to your next event, we can help you find the right entertainment to elevate the occasion. 

If you’d like inspiration or support with entertainment ideas, team‑building activities, or themed event concepts, the Sheer Edge team is here to help. 

The post The Power of Entertainment: Why Every Event Needs That Extra Spark appeared first on Sheer Edge Events.

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 

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