With more than 160 delegates representing over 100 companies, the ESSA 2016 Conference, November 24, at Ricoh Arena, exceeded all previous attendance records for this annual industry event.
Ably chaired by the energetic and irrepressible Han Leehouts of Sales & Pepper, the conference got off to a flying start with a keynote address from Simon Hartley, who, having coached gold medalists and championship teams to success, stressed the importance of differentiating between “want” and “need” when it comes to true innovation.
The ESSA conference always features speakers from within and outside the association, and this year it was industry stalwart, Phil Soar’s chance to deliver an arresting and eye-opening look at the business of events from a careful analysis of the data and statistics, generated by UK events. Economist Dominic Swords focused the delegates on what Brexit means for their businesses, with a compelling, jargon-free presentation that cut through the fearmongering, and gave delegates an insight on how to plan positively for their businesses in the face of Brexit.
Information Technology Rentals returned to the conference again this year, once more providing each delegate with an iPad, allowing them to interact with each presentation and panel session through questions, comments, and during Graham King's presentation, sketches of pigs!
Graham King, with customary antipodean verve, delivered a lively and engaging presentation that elicited a great deal of audience interaction via the iPads, and underlined the wider importance of maintaining professional conduct as a route to success. Luke Facey, chair of the ESSA Stand Builders Forum struck a serious note with his announcement and explanation of the cross-association “Stop the Drop” campaign. This important campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks of working at height, and the best way to promote safer practice when working at height.
The conference also featured two Industry Focus panel sessions. The first, chaired by Andy Gibb of Ricoh Arena, was a discussion about how the industry could better work together, and generated some robust discussion and debate, particularly around the issue of build-up and breakdown times. The second panel session was hosted by Adam Parry, editor of Event Industry News and discussed the meaning of innovation in events, and what it should mean.
Olympic athlete Derek Redmond gave the closing address, an inspirational account of the emotional and spectacular ending of his athletic career at the 1992 Barcelona games, and the gold medal-winning career he had enjoyed up to that point. Redmond stressed the importance of recognising the strengths of your colleagues.
ESSA director, Andrew Harrison brought the day's proceedings to an end with thanks to headline sponsors, beMatrix, event sponsors, Europa International, Octanorm, & Mash Media, and event partners Aztec, Information Technology Rentals, Jungheinrich Event Hire, Perton Signs and Towergate Coverex.
With the conference proper at an end, delegates joined one another for networking drinks, and the evening after-party where they enjoyed food, drink and joining the surprise dance troupe in dancing to their Street Dance, Brazilian and Las Vegas sets.
