We sat down with Sarah to find out more about why she has chosen to support Groundwork NE and Cumbria, Dynamo North East, and the Whitley Bay Junior Park Run, and why she believes that giving her team time to work on causes they care about is more than just a nice thing to do…

Over to you Sarah!

You sit as a voluntary director for the environmental, sustainable charity, Groundwork NE and Cumbria. How did you get involved with the team there?

“Sustainability wasn’t something that was always front of mind when Cat and I started the business, but as I learnt more about the issues facing the events sector and our global communities, it has become something that I am really passionate about. When I first started looking at taking on a trustee role back in 2019, after researching a few different charities, I found Groundwork NE and Cumbria and thought it would be a great fit. I loved their environmental work, but it was also their societal projects focussing on improving people’s prospects that made them stand out to me. The team delivers amazing initiatives that provide opportunities for communities across the North East and Cumbria, from projects for young people to build their confidence, through to using gardening as a focus to bring together older men who might be isolated, and an enterprise scheme to encourage entrepreneurship.

I became involved with Groundwork NE and Cumbria in 2019 as a trustee for the main charity and as I found out more, I also became a voluntary Director of their trading arm, The Greenhouse Company (Groundwork). After a year or two, I realised that my skills and experience were well placed to help this side of the organisation thrive so in 2022 I decided to focus on the trading arm which raises crucial funds that go straight back into the core charity, and I became Chair and stood down from the main Charity board.

Supporting the trading arm of the business means that I am using my skills to steer and support the brilliant team to generate revenues so the charity can deliver even more projects, positively impact more people, and create greener places in our region. We are currently working on how to grow the trading arm using our experience managing buildings such as the sustainable business centre, The Greenhouse in Stanley, the visitor centre, and the Land of Oak and Iron in Gateshead which is really exciting to be part of. The non-for-profit sector is not my background, and alongside being able to volunteer my time and experience, I have learnt a lot from the team and other trustees about things like charity legislation, reporting and funding, and sitting as a trustee has played a huge part in my personal development and continued learning as a business leader.”

Tell me about your role at tech network Dynamo North East?

“I have been involved with Dynamo since its inception in 2014 and as a volunteer director since 2019, and in the early days that role very much focused on using my skills in business management to support the founders to set activities up that furthered the reach and impact of the north east’s tech sector. The tech sector is fascinating to me, especially here in the North East, and Dynamo is a community interest company that supports the tech sector by investing time and resources into projects that celebrate tech companies in the North East and help them to flourish. Recently the organisation has merged with Sunderland Software City which has meant we have benefited from wider expertise and teams and my role has become more hands-off as the fantastic executive team develops the organisation and drives it forward which is fantastic to see. I am passionate about tech for purpose and at the moment I’m excited to be working with the team to drive impact through the development of new events and initiatives which I find really exciting. I enjoy finding inspiration from what other areas of the UK are doing and looking at how that can be translated into what we do here in the North East; that is where I feel like I can add real value to my role at Dynamo, which is an evolution from the early days when it was much more tactical.

For both Dynamo and for Groundwork NE and Cumbria I like the opportunity to do that strategic thinking piece and be the ambitious voice in the room on where we can develop opportunities and evolve as an organisation. I think that is where I add value and it aligns with the role I have here at BeaconHouse Events.”

You use your event experience to help get kids into sport through Whitley Bay Junior Park Run, is that a cause that is close to your heart?

As a business owner, I’m a big believer in finding something that brings you joy and fulfilment. I’m a big sports fan, especially encouraging young people to get involved and seeing people’s personal achievements through sports, so being a volunteer run director for the Junior Park Run in my local area is a complete departure from work and something I love being part of. While I only have to ‘direct’ a run every six weeks or so, I get involved as a marshal, scanner or in other roles most weeks in between. Being a run director means making sure that week’s run happens in a safe and fun way, which includes shout-outs for volunteers, managing the roster, setting up the course, and making sure everyone is where they are meant to be on the day, which isn’t a million miles away from my early days as an event manager, I guess! There are seven-run directors and we take it in turns; it is just such a fun team to be part of, though it doesn’t always feel like that in the winter months’ wind and rain!

Do you also encourage the team at BeaconHouse Events to get involved with causes that they care about?

I think it is essential, especially when you run or work in a small organisation like ours, to gain experience from outside. Catherine and I always encourage the team to take time to find charities or causes to get involved with outside of their day-to-day roles. As well as being fantastic for their personal development, it also invigorates them and brings new energy, inspiration, and creativity to the projects that they are delivering for BeaconHouse.

Being involved in other organisations as a volunteer or trustee allows you to be immersed in other ways of thinking and operating and that is incredible for personal development. It doesn’t always have to be something as time-consuming or ‘grand’ as sitting on a board, it could be simply volunteering a few hours each year with a charity project like the tree planting initiative we recently supported at The Children’s Foundation. It’s about getting insight into what’s important to other people and seeing how those projects are delivered.

We have grown as a business and certainly, since COVID people’s expectations have changed around where they find fulfilment at work. Where in the past we may have looked more at training opportunities directly linked to job roles, today we take a more holistic approach and look at where our team can experience things that are seemingly unrelated to the events sector. Every one of those experiences will add value to the individuals taking part and they will bring that back to BeaconHouse and add real value to our growth and the success of our clients.

To speak to the team about your event ambitions for 2024 or to find out more about current opportunities to work together email info@beaconhouse-events.co.uk

There are lots of things to consider when you are choosing the perfect venue for your next event, from accessibility to sustainability and ambiance. We always consider what our client wants to achieve with their experience and how the venue can enhance that vision.

Post-pandemic more and more people are choosing to stage their events outside of London, and the North East is a strategic option if you are looking to attract Northern audiences and create a unique, accessible, and memorable experience. Satellite events are also growing in popularity, where you might have a main conference in London and then smaller events held in other parts of the UK. This not only helps audience inclusivity, but it can also provide more opportunities and reach for sponsors too.

With so many venues to choose from, we’ve been reflecting on some of our top venues in the region and why we love them…

• The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead

You can’t beat the views from the foyer of The Glasshouse, and over the years we have loved bringing events to life in this unique cultural space, including the much anticipated annual Atomicon conference and our sustainability roundtable, which brought together our supply chain to discuss how collaboration can help us reach Net Zero. The team at The Glasshouse has worked hard to create a venue that focusses on accessibility, and the gorgeous glass dome and amazing acoustics will definitely wow your delegates.

• The Fire Station, Sunderland

Chosen for its unique features and accessible city centre location, The Fire Station in Sunderland was the venue for our TechNExt 2024 industry dinner. Business leaders and sector experts gathered in the state-of-the-art auditorium, which boasts world-class acoustics, before enjoying a delicious three-course meal. The rooms are flexible enough that they can adapt to any event, and delegates can enjoy amazing views across Sunderland’s cultural quarter.

• The Catalyst Building at Newcastle Helix, Newcastle

The Catalyst Building is a building of national importance. Home to not one but two National Innovation Centres, the National Centre for Ageing and the National Innovation Centre for Data, it is an inspiring venue that provides the perfect backdrop for delegates to have big conversations and think differently. The UK’s National Centre for Ageing is a long-standing client of BeaconHouse Events, and we leapt at the opportunity to support the team in delivering the UK-China healthy ageing exhibition and event, which took place on Chinese New Year at the Catalyst building. The 170-seat theatre is an impressive space, and the team can cater for large conferences or smaller, more intimate events, depending on your brief, with some truly unique collaborative spaces.

• Fredrick Douglas Centre, Newcastle

When we are designing events, it is important that we choose venues that have a range of different spaces that can adapt to different parts of the agenda or can provide break-out spaces and quiet rooms so everyone feels welcome and included. At the Fredrick Douglas Centre, you’ll find social spaces, lecture theatres, and an auditorium that seats 750 people alongside a 200-seat lecture theatre and a range of smaller rooms and exhibition spaces. Just a 0.5mile walk / 5-minute electric scooter ride from Central Station, the venue is spread over several floors and is a fantastic base for your international delegation.

• The Garden Room at Biscuit Factory Newcastle

The Garden Room at the Biscuit Factory, Ouseburn Valley, is one of the newest spaces in the city. This stunning room transports delegates into a tropical plant-filled oasis, inspired by Victorian Winter Gardens. We’re big fans of spaces that give your delegates photo opportunities so they can share their experience long after your event is over, and with a floor, an indoor waterfall, and luxurious chandeliers, this has to be one of the most Instagrammable conference venues in the North East. The Garden Room can seat 120 people for banqueting and receptions for up to 200 people, and it even has an onsite pizza oven. What’s not to love?

• The Common Room, Newcastle

Right in the heart of the city centre, The Common Room is a jewel in Newcastle’s crown. The Grade II-listed building combines rooms steeped in North East history with open and accessible spaces that are versatile enough to bring almost any event to life. We love to see the look on our guests’ faces when they see the 39-foot-high stained-glass window in the library room. This space offers an inspirational setting for innovative events, where delegates can be surrounded by stories of the region’s innovative history. This October, we’re excited to be bringing the #CyberFest Community Conference to the The Common Room. CyberNorth will be welcoming speakers and attendees from around the UK, and there couldn’t be a more perfect setting.

• Wylam Brewery, Newcastle

Over the last 10 years, we have worked closely with the team at Wylam Brewery to bring a wide range of events to life in this iconic setting, most notably the highly anticipated Dynamo Dinner and the 2023 Opencast Q1 conference. Wylam Brewery provided our delegates with the perfect venue for an evening of creating invaluable connections while enjoying delicious food accompanied by locally sourced beverages, including their own brewed beers. The layout of the venue lends itself to having a prominent stage for keynote speakers and meaningful opportunities for fostering connections and forging new relationships, and we can’t wait to work with the team again to create another unforgettable experience.

• City Hall, Sunderland

Last but not least, we’ve chosen the newly refurbished City Hall in Sunderland. In 2023 City Hall hosted the Main Stage event for TechNExt festival, and the light, welcoming, and easily accessible space certainly added to the overall experience. TechNExt festival was created to bring people together, inspire new ways of thinking, and showcase our region as a world-class hub of tech and innovation. This flexible, modern space gave us a platform for panel events, networking sessions, private rooms for press briefings, and VIP chill-out rooms for our speakers before they took to the stage.

The micebook awards are global and recognise the event industry’s ability to craft and shape unforgettable moments. The development of ‘The Good Festival’ ambition for TechNExt in 2023 scooped BeaconHouse Events the coveted prize at the prestigious ceremony in London. Guests from across the national and international event space were welcomed to the The Landmark London to enjoy an evening of celebration and storytelling with other recognised businesses.

The ‘Best Sustainable Event’ category focused on ambitious and innovative approaches to sustainability in the global events sector. The ‘Good Festival Ambition’ was proactively created by BeaconHouse Events and was recognised by the judges for driving the ‘for good’ agenda for the festival.

Sarah Thackray, Co-Founder and Director at BeaconHouse Events said; “Sustainability was a key ambition for the festival. From the start, the team was committed to delivering consistent, considered actions that pushed the festival forward when it came to sustainability, rather than focusing on lofty promises and big statements. The Good Festival Ambition and the Sustainability Code of Conduct made sure that all aspects of the festival could be interrogated and teams could sense check decisions and hold each other accountable throughout the process.

The Good Festival concept was entirely created and led by BeaconHouse Events including all initiatives introduced, and whilst we had some resistance (especially to our vegetarian by default approach) we kept pushing the agenda forward with the mission to shift behaviours and drive real sustainable change.

Seeing this work recognised on a global stage is an enormous achievement for the whole team. This year we celebrate 10 years in business and it is incredible to be recognised alongside some of the biggest names in the sector, congratulations to winners Worlds Better & HP Industrial, you inspire us every day with the work you are delivering. As a North East business it was particularly exciting to be the only Northern business to be recognised on the evening, we are proud to be representing the incredible work being delivered in the region when it comes to sustainability.”

Over the past year, BeaconHouse Events has spearheaded collaborative efforts to offset its carbon footprint ethically and instigate sustainable practices industry-wide. This includes ‘meat-free by default’ catering at major events (a tactic that significantly reduced the carbon impact with one simple, measurable change), an investment into in-depth carbon tracing technology trace and donating the carbon credit equivalent to local charities and community organisations including Groundwork NE and Cumbria who align with the business’ mission.

From launching as a team of two back in 2014, BeaconHouse Events has now delivered over 1000 events over its decade in business, and today we employs a talented team of experts to bring events to live for a high-profile client portfolio which stretches across the UK.

Despite the global pandemic delivering a major blow to the global events sector, we are grateful to be thriving; reporting a 25% increase in turnover in 2023/24 through a mix of in-person, digital, and hybrid events for their national client portfolio. Our co-founders Catherine and Sarah are keen to invest the success of the agency back into the local community by supporting initiatives that contribute to creating a thriving North East economy for the people who live and work right here in the region.

BeaconHouse Events was established in 2014 to design environments and experiences that bring people and ideas together; creating space for conversations that could change the world. After careers in media, linguistics, HR services and events, Catherine and Sarah joined forces to create an organisation that delivered brilliant events through clever thinking, sustainable solutions, and exceptional customer service – and BeaconHouse Events was born!

We have been reflecting on the past ten years and while there have been some major achievements, including national award wins and our largest capacity event which welcomed over 24,000 attendees, there have been some turbulent times to navigate too. In 2020 the future of events looked bleak, but with the support and dedication of our incredible team, we were able to pivot the business and invest in technology solutions that still allowed people to connect when they needed it most. Since then, we have continued to evolve the experiences that we create to better suit today’s working patterns and global teams, but our vision remains to drive lasting, positive impact with every event that we deliver, whether it be a conference, exhibition, membership, awards ceremony, celebration, virtual, hybrid, outdoor event, or festival.

It feels like only yesterday that we decided to embark on this journey together. We wanted to take the learnings from our individual career experiences and use them to create something better than what the sector was doing already; something that had a positive impact on the people working to deliver the events, that offered a great experience to clients and that fitted with our joint and individual ambitions for the future. One major driver was being able to partner with clients who were delivering great work that we believed in to allow us to have a positive impact on our team and the communities around us.

While our client portfolio has taken us around the world over the past 10 years, we are proud to call the North East home. Events are ultimately about people, and we would like to mark this milestone year by partnering with charities and community groups who are working hard to raise aspirations and create opportunities for people who live and work in our region. This forms a key part of our ESG strategy which aims to position us as a leading voice when it comes to driving positive change across the event sector. It includes a considered and consistent commitment to support projects focused on health and wellbeing, quality education, and climate action in the North East.

Our ESG strategy is based on key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, otherwise known as the Global Goals, which look to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Our strategy particularly focuses on Climate Action, Responsible Consumption and Production, Quality Education, and Good Health and Wellbeing; all areas where we can have an authentic and lasting impact both in the North East and across the events sector as a whole. We have already partnered with The Children’s Foundation, Groundwork NE & Cumbria, and a grassroots football team and we are working with our team to identify local initiatives that they are passionate to support.

Financial resilience has formed an important part of our strategy over the past ten years. Without a robust business model, you simply don’t have the capacity, skills, or resources to invest back into the wider community. Everything that we have planned works in tandem with our growth plans for the coming years and allows us to support our clients to achieve both their business ambitions while supporting them to reach their own ESG goals too.

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us and believed in the power of events over the last ten years. We have some big plans for the next decade so watch this space!

To speak to the team at BeaconHouse Events about your event ambitions email info@beaconhouse-events.co.uk.

TechNExt is a collaboration between Sunderland Software City, Dynamo, and the team here at BeaconHouse Events, and this year we’re going even bigger! 2023 saw over 3,000 attendees take part in a line-up of 52 community-led fringe experiences alongside its flagship events programme. TechNExt 2024 promises to build on that momentum, with four flagship events – the mainstage conference, industry dinner, Tech Talent Live, and the festival party – set to return alongside a new programme of over 75 fringe events taking place across the region.

New for 2024 is a schools’ challenge that sees the festival join forces with regional schools to inspire students about technology and showcase the fantastic opportunities technology offers them. TechNExt 2024 will also have a renewed focus on the Good Festival Ambition, developed and pioneered by BeaconHouse Events, which promotes sustainable, diverse, and inclusive event practices.

TechNExt is a festival that epitomises the vibrancy and diversity of the North East’s tech sector. Through both its curated and community-led events, TechNExt offers a unique space for tech experts, startups, students, and the wider business community. Speakers for the Main Stage conference of TechNExt24 include Avril Chester and David Grey alongside some of the most exciting voices in the global tech sector.

David Dunn, CEO of Sunderland Software City, said: “TechNExt 2023 set a new benchmark for tech events in our region. It has been instrumental in showcasing the North East as a hub of technology innovation and talent.

“The overwhelming response to last year’s TechNExt just shows what a vibrant tech community we have in the North East. Its return in 2024 is a testament to our thriving business ecosystem.”

Sarah Thackray, co-founder of BeaconHouse Events and director of Dynamo said: “As we prepare for TechNExt 2024, we’re excited to build on this momentum, bringing together the brightest minds in technology and business.

“TechNExt is not just a celebration of technology but also a platform for promoting sustainable and inclusive practices. Our Good Festival Ambition is at the heart of this vision, setting out our commitment to an even more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable event.”

TechNExt is a festival that epitomises the vibrancy and diversity of the North East’s tech sector. Through both its curated and community-led events, TechNExt offers a unique space for tech experts, startups, students, and the wider business c

The festival already has the support of key partners and sponsors, including 2024 headline sponsors Leighton, Opencast, and Sage.

To see the full programme of events and book your tickets please visit https://technext.co.uk/programme/

By being strategic about your chosen charity, you can forge a partnership that is both beneficial to the charity and your business rather than being a transactional experience that lacks value on either side.

More and more people want to work for and do business with organisations that have a clear sense of purpose, and who are using their platform for good. There are lots of ways that you can leverage your event to raise funds or awareness for your chosen charity partner – that could be anything from allocating a percentage of ticket sales to their cause, holding auctions or raffles on the day, giving free sponsorship space with donation links or inviting a representative to tell their story as part of the proceedings, it just takes a little creative thinking so that any activities fit naturally into the proceedings and don’t seem shoe-horned in or out of place.

With so many non-profits delivering amazing work, how do you manage the process of finding who is the best fit for you?

 

1. Define your values and goals

Understanding your business’s purpose and values, the goals of the event, and what you aim to achieve through your CSR efforts makes it much easier to find a charity or cause that aligns perfectly. Consider what causes resonate with your attendees and the theme of the event, or where you can have a positive impact on the future of your sector or workforce. Whether it is environmental, conservation, social justice, mental health, or education there will be issues that disproportionally affect the people who live in your area, or work within your sector. By establishing what you care about as a business, you can use your events programme to make long-lasting and meaningful changes.

 

2. Ask your team for input 

CSR activities are a fantastic way of engaging your people and giving them pride in the place where they work. Ask for ideas for local initiatives that they care about, or to submit ways that you can get attendees excited about supporting your chosen charity. Involving your team in the decision-making process helps you to embed your values across the organisation, gives them a way to get meaningfully involved, and creates excitement for what’s possible. If there is an authentic connection between your team and chosen charity it will be much easier to communicate how and why you have chosen to partner together, rather than it coming across like a PR stunt.

 

3. Build a partnership 

Choosing a charity or cause to partner with shouldn’t be a one-hit wonder. Striving for a longer-term relationship that outlives the event allows you to consistently communicate what matters to you and have a golden CSR thread that runs through everything that you do. By consistently communicating how and why you have chosen to support a specific cause, you can have a much more authentic conversation with your delegates than you could if you simply hand over a cheque.

 

4. Do your due diligence

When you are looking to work with a particular charity, make sure you take some time to do your research and seek transparency about how funds are allocated, the governance structure, and the impact of their programmes. Most charities will have annual reports and financial statements that are available online for you to browse and independent reports evaluations are a great way to assess credibility. By making sure that your chosen charity is reputable you can be confident that your efforts are directed towards trustworthy and effective organisations.

 

5. Ask the charity what matters to them 

Speak to charitable organisations in advance of your event and ask them what would be most beneficial for them. It could be that they need funding for a specific project that aligns with your business values, or maybe they would like the opportunity to engage with your cohort of delegates to raise awareness for their mission or would really value being part of the event’s digital presence. Have conversations about where you can add the most value before, during, and after the event and you can build a relationship that makes sense for both parties.

At BeaconHouse Events we love to create ‘good’ experiences for our clients. To speak to our team about bringing your next event to life email info@beaconhouse-events.com or call 0191 691 3456

 

The Good Work Pledge recognises businesses’ efforts to be a fair employer, their commitment to staff health and wellbeing, and their demonstration of social and environmental responsibility in the region. Since we were founded in 2014, our vision has always been to drive positive, lasting impact both in our sector and across the North East, and we are always looking at how we can build a thriving culture built on a robust business model and financial resilience. 

Everything that we have planned works in tandem with our growth plans for the coming years and allows us to support our clients to achieve both their business ambitions and to allow our talented team to grow and develop with the business, in a supportive environment in which they are proud to be a part. 

Alongside offering a living wage and working with our team to communicate our vision and build a thriving culture, we have been working hard to show what being a Good Work Pledge employer is. Here are just some of the things we have been up to recently… 

• Supporting The Children’s Foundation to carry out their vital work with children and young people in the region. To give the next generation the best start possible, we funded a school to take part in the Fuzzy Subjects mental health session, which encourages children to talk about tricky subjects with colourful puppets. 

• We donated the carbon credit equivalent from twelve months of business operations to local environmental charities, including Groundwork North East and Cumbria. The donation will go towards supporting the charity to deliver its nature-based Solutions portfolio of environmental community initiatives, including the continuation of Revitalising our Estuaries, (RoE), a pioneering programme of river estuary restoration across the North East.

• Working in events can be a stressful career, and we take that seriously. In early 2024, we took the full team offsite to Ouseburn Farm to learn more about mental health in the workplace, with the full team now mental health first aid trained. 

• We continue to deliver against our four-year ESG strategy that aims to deliver considered, achievable actions, help us reach responsible carbon neutrality, and drive sector-wide change from inside our organisation.

• We know that having time to do something you are passionate about is important, so every member of the team has 2 days per year to volunteer or learn about a cause that is important to them. Our co-founder Sarah sits on several non-profit boards, and Katie M and Sophie completed an afternoon of tree planting at the Children’s Foundation community allotment.
• We have signed the Net Zero Carbon Pledge for the event industry. Engaging now means being a part of a global collaboration for action and is part of our commitment to lead the way in making our sector more sustainable. 
• We developed and launched the first in a series of Sustainability Supply Chain round tables. In January 2024, we welcomed 10 local suppliers to the conversation, a mix of experts working in AV, venues, catering, and print, to discuss the issues they are facing in creating a sustainable supply chain and start positive conversations to make real change in the industry.

We have big plans for the rest of 2024 to continue, and expand our commitment to promote health and wellbeing, valuing and rewarding our current and future workforce, stepping up our social responsibility, and ensuring we are giving back to the local region that we love. 

To find out more about working with BeaconHouse Events and to speak to the team about engaging your workforce in 2024, email info@beaconhouse-events.co.uk 

Choosing the right music sets the vibe for your event, and more and more we are seeing clients embrace the power of the playlist to get people energised and ready to engage. Over the last year, we have seen some brilliant examples of clients using music in innovative ways, from speakers at Atomicon entering the stage to an empowering song to get the crowd going to a full delegate sing-a-long with Big Ian Douherty to launch the Good Work Place Pledge in 2023. The team at Opencast put energy centre stage, with every conference speaker walking onstage to their own choice of uplifting music, which can sometimes be themed specifically to the topic in discussion.  

Our team at BeaconHouse Events loves to get creative when it comes to event details, and music isn’t just nice to have; it can create those moments of surprise and connection that can elevate your delegate’s experience with you. 

Forget the dodgy DJ; we asked the team for their top tips on choosing the music for your next event…

Get creative 

Just because you’re planning a corporate event doesn’t mean you can’t be creative when it comes to incorporating music into the day. Consider the points in your event when delegates might need a little pick-me-up, or if there are breaks in the schedule when you could surprise and delight with a pop-up live performance. Think about whether your delegates know each other already or if they will be meeting for the first time. Could a musical start to the event act as an icebreaker to get people feeling at ease, or an interactive musical teambuilding to end the formalities of the conference ? If people want to let their hair down, why not consider live band karaoke as an alternative to the original dancefloor? 

Playlists with purpose

Music has the power to connect people and really set the tone of your event, so think about the environment you are trying to create and plan your playlist accordingly. Consider whether you are asking your delegates to be reflective, to stimulate new ideas, or to be excited about the year ahead and spend time planning your music around your purpose. More clients than ever are working with us to create staff engagement experiences and bring their teams together in a meaningful way. Think about the last festival or gig you attended; music is a fantastic way of giving people a feeling of togetherness if deployed thoughtfully. While music isn’t always conducive to a learning environment, it is perfect for creating structure and signaling the end of one segment and the beginning of another, which can break up learning and make it easier for people to stay focused and retain messaging. 

Make it memorable 

Pairing key ideas with music can make them more memorable, so think about the messages that you want people to take away from the day and plan your music accordingly. Research shows that people’s memory for faces is vastly improved when they listen to emotionally touching background music, while other studies show that music is intrinsically linked to our mood. Why not share a QR or link to an online playlist from the day to help people reflect or feel inspired when they are back in the office? 

Consider Accessibility 

Remember that loud noise can be overstimulating for some delegates, so make sure to create quiet spaces where people can get away from the hustle and bustle and turn off for a while. Events can be overwhelming, so these spaces could incorporate quiet, calming sounds to help people take a moment to themselves. A silent disco is an accessible way for people to share in an experience together, choose their music through headsets, or just enjoy the peace and quiet. 

Work with professionals 

Finding an audio-visual partner that you trust will take away a lot of stress on the day! A professional team will make sure that everything from the speaker mics to the band sounds amazing. You may have chosen the perfect audio accompaniment for your event, but if the sound quality is bad, that is what people will remember. Ask your chosen venue about their sound systems and talk them through the brief for the event. If you’re enlisting the help of an external team, make sure you talk them through the number of attendees, the floorplan, and the layout in advance so they can provide the best experience possible. 

A client giving us the scope to get creative is music to our ears. To discuss bringing your next event to life, email info@beaconhouse-events.com or call 0191 691 3456

What is your purpose? 

Before you get into the full details of event planning, it’s important to have a clear vision of why your event exists. Put some time into considering the purpose of the event and consider what you would like the atmosphere to be like for delegates—is it a formal occasion, a celebration, or maybe a way to engage your staff and help them connect? Taking this into consideration will help you choose a venue that matches your goals for the event and will help you play to your venue’s strengths to create the best experience possible.

Understand your audience. 

Understanding who will be on-site is crucial when you start to narrow down your short list of potential spaces. As well as the number of delegates that will be attending, research the demographics of the people who will be involved and what they will be doing as part of the experience. If your event is a family-fun day, for example, you should consider whether the space is child-friendly. Other things to think about are break-out areas for delegates who may need quiet zones or places to pray and discuss how they will be interacting—is there space for tables to take notes during the speakers? Do you need smaller break-out rooms for seminars, or is there room for a dance floor?

Sustainable travel options 

You might have found the perfect venue, but if it is tricky to get to using sustainable transport, your delegates might be put off before they even arrive. Make sure you communicate green travel choices to delegates well in advance so they can plan. Include information on safe walking routes to the venue, e-transport options like e-bikes or scooters, and the closest bus and rail connections so people don’t have to rely on cars or taxis to reach you. If you know you have delegates arriving from the same location, offer a ride-share service or encourage car-pooling by putting delegates in touch with each other ahead of the event.

Location, location, location 

Consider where your delegates are travelling from when you’re scouting out the perfect location. If it is a new city, they might want to be pretty central so they can enjoy exploring in their downtime or have the option of a range of nearby accommodations if they will be staying over.

Choose a space where everyone is welcome. 

93% of disabled people are not wheelchair users, and 1 in 4 people that come to an event will have some form of disability, most of which won’t be visible. Ensure that the venue you choose will give everyone the same opportunities to join in and have the same great experience. Research your chosen venue and consider what accessibility barriers there might be for a wheelchair user—someone who is D/deaf or has hearing loss, someone with visual impairment, or someone who is neurodivergent, autistic, or has dementia. Speak to the staff on-site to understand their processes and training, so every delegate gets a warm welcome and an equitable experience.

Layout and capacity 

Assess the capacity and layout of the venue to make sure that it can comfortably accommodate the number of attendees and the type of event activities planned. No one wants to be crammed in like sardines or feel like there is lots of dead space. Consider the flexibility of the venue’s layout to accommodate different event setups, such as presentations, workshops, networking sessions, and dining areas. Chat with the venue staff about how spaces can be manipulated with screens, folding walls, or other furniture so you can make the most of each area you have available.

Signals and services 

Picture this: You’ve found the perfect rural venue—it’s gorgeous and set in miles of countryside. but the WiFi drops out during the live stream of the keynote speaker. It may seem obvious, but double-check the services that are offered by the venue in detail and consider where you will have to bring in outside support to make the venue suitable for your requirements. This could include audiovisual equipment, Wi-Fi accessibility, technical support, catering services, and event staff on-site. Make sure you factor in any external support costs into your event budget so you don’t get any nasty surprises further down the line.

‘Tis the season. 

Event planning can take months, and it’s important to think about the time of year that your event will take place when you are making your booking. There are lots of things to consider if you are booking ahead of time: what will the temperature in the room be like, will the lighting be okay if the sun is rising or setting at a different time, and is there an in-door option if your outdoor summer event suddenly becomes a washout? Consider other factors, like local events that might cause traffic and public holidays, that may affect the availability and pricing of the venue too.

Brand Alignment 

Last but not least, does your chosen venue match your organisation’s brand? Look for a venue where the ambiance matches your brand values and aesthetic. Whether it’s a modern, sleek space for a tech product launch or a sophisticated, formal setting for a gala dinner, the venue’s look and feel should be chosen to reflect your theme and how people think about your brand. Consider the interior design, lighting, and overall decor to ensure that they enhance the event’s atmosphere and don’t jar with your messaging and tone.

We know that event planning can seem like a daunting process, and the team at BeaconHouse Events is here every step of the way, from strategy to styling, to make sure your event programme goes without a hitch. Get in touch with the team to discuss your ideas at info@beaconhouse-events.co.uk or give us a call on 0191 691 3456.

The event, hosted by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead, brought together some of our fantastic North East supply chain to discuss how we can achieve more together. Rather than move away from those suppliers who haven’t quite nailed their sustainability strategies yet (who has?) we want to work with our community to support them, to learn from each other, and to inspire others working in the event space to do the same. The energy, ideas, and discussion in the room were fantastic; we talked about everything from energy, transport, eco-scoring supplier databases, menu carbon labeling, food waste, materials second use, navigating red tape, data collection, and carbon reporting and certification.

BeaconHouse is on a mission to drive sustainable change in the events industry, starting in the North East and with our own organisation. We are motivated to collaborate and encourage our team, clients, suppliers – and our audiences – to make positive changes. Attendees came from a host of different organisations across the region, including venues, audio visual partners, and print solutions and the discussion centered around the fact that global carbon emissions are at a critical point globally, with the events industry being responsible for up to 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

Where are we now

Between November 2023 and January 2024, we surveyed businesses within our supply chain to discover what they believed to be their biggest challenges when it comes to sustainability. Energy was found to be the biggest concern for those surveyed with Transport and Mindset & Habits both identified of secondary importance when it came to the organisations’ event challenges. Together the group discussed areas in which they can influence delegate choices with many of the venues sharing tips for nudging behavioural change such as carbon calculating menus and management systems that award points to delegates for greener travel. Ingram AV, a trusted partner offering Audio Visual Solutions, also shared their movement towards greener energy via their solar-powered NRG innovation which has already resulted in a huge reduction of carbon at large-scale events.

What’s next?

This isn’t a quick fix or big promise, we all know that there is a lot of work to do. This roundtable event marked the start of our five-step plan to reach Net Zero by 2030. Over the rest of 2024, we aim to share our vision with as many of our suppliers as possible and engage with them to understand how we can make progress together. By the end of the year, we will share a draft code of conduct for input, and ask our supply chain to commit to making considered and consistent change together. From here we aim to improve our data collection processes to make it as easy as possible for our suppliers to share accurate data with us. We will be moving towards collecting evidence of sustainable practices from the fantastic supplier teams that we work alongside.

Between now and 2030 we will continue to track our events’ carbon footprint using the TRACE tool and explore an eco-scoring system, both so our suppliers can monitor their performance and as a method of creating a preferred supplier list to take into consideration their sustainable credentials. But we know that environmental focus around sustainability is only one part of ESG, so as well as adjusting processes to make sure that as a supply chain we are ethically lowering carbon across our events, we will also be looking beyond carbon at how we can add social value too. That means looking at how we, and our suppliers treat people within our businesses and support people in our local communities to thrive.

This first discussion was an exciting first step towards creating a sustainable and future-focused event supply chain in the North East, that can have impact more widely across the UK. The next meeting will take place in May where participants can update on the success in tackling these challenges and discuss further measures that can be taken to reach our goals.

If you are interested in hearing more or taking part in the next roundtable event email sarah@beaconhouse-events.co.uk.

 

 

 

We are social creatures and we live in a world that thrives on connection. Opportunities for like-minded professionals to get together in the same room are getting rarer and rarer, but strategic networking gives us a space where we can discuss big ideas, create new opportunities and have conversations that help us expand our world. In 2024, networking is about so much more than collecting business cards or LinkedIn QR codes, it is about community building, innovation and strategic professional growth. The trick is to choose where you spend your time carefully, as without proper attention you may end up with a calendar full of networking sessions that offer little or no value to your personal growth or business ambitions. Take time to establish what you hope to gain from the process and set yourself a set of clear goals or actions for each networking event that you attend, that way you can easily measure where you are getting the most value.

With teams feeling more pressure than ever and diaries bursting at the seams, why should you make time to attend networking this year?

Expanding your world

In an increasingly online world, it can be easy to get stuck in an echo chamber of your immediate network. Making the time to attend networking sessions, even if they are digital or hybrid events, is an effective way of opening the doors to new people and ideas that can inspire you and help you expand your worldview. Innovation happens when new conversations happen, and that can be difficult if you stick to your immediate colleagues or network.

Exchanging ideas and having big conversations

Being part of a collection of diverse viewpoints and experiences gives you access to a wealth of new knowledge and a wealth of creativity and innovation. By speaking to people who have different skills and life experiences, you can exchange and challenge ideas and find the right people and skills to help you solve complex problems. Networking events give you access to people from different sectors, in different stages of their careers, or with different lived experiences who might help you to approach things from a different angle.

Career advancement

A study by LinkedIn revealed that 79% of professionals consider networking an essential part of their career success. Making meaningful connections with other people in your field can lead to mentoring opportunities, peer support and new conversations that can drive professional development. By speaking to people who have forged the path before you, you can get important insight to help you achieve your career goals, and you could support others along the way too.

Professional visibility

Investing time in regular networking keeps you relevant in your space and ensures that you stay visible and part of important conversations or advancements in your field. By attending conferences, seminars, trade shows, or social get-togethers, you can build a reputation as a thought leader within your core field and you’ll be front of mind when someone is looking for your specialist skills.

Growth through learning

Burnout can creep in when we get stuck doing the same thing day in, and day out, but making time to learn and develop is the key to thriving. A lot of industries will have to change and adapt to new landscapes over the next year, and networking can help you stay abreast of the latest trends or technologies in your sector. Talking to peers gives you access to a consistent stream of information and keeps you at the forefront of your sector’s developing landscape as you navigate 2024 together.

Building confidence (for you and others)

Walking into a room full of strangers can be nerve-racking and it often gets pushed to the bottom of the pile if you find it uncomfortable. Being a confident networker doesn’t happen overnight, it takes practice and as more and more organisations move to a permanent working from home structure, the next generation of talent is losing the chance to practice those interpersonal skills that make our workforce vibrant and creative. Networking can increase your confidence in group situations, which can help you be more assertive in the workplace, but it also helps to future-proof our workforce by providing opportunities for the next generation to get out of their comfort zone and flourish.

Finding your support systems

Whatever stage you are at in your career, there will be times when things don’t go to plan, and if the last few years have taught us anything, it is importance to know who you can turn to when the unexpected happens. Consistent networking will help you cultivate a community of people who will have your back when you are facing a time of crisis or change. By making the time to network with a diverse range of people, chances are that someone has tackled your problem before, or can offer advice on how to traverse the issue – likewise, you could offer support to others drawn from your own experience. Finding the right mentor to offer guidance and learning opportunities will be invaluable in your career journey, and future mentors can often be at networking events, or via relationships that you build there.

In 2024, networking isn’t a selfish endeavour engineered to push sales targets and gather leads. Networking is a holistic endeavour that will elevate you as a leader in your field while building a supportive network of diverse minds who will help you reach your goals and be a reassuring community when times get tough.

Hoults Yard is full of furry colleagues, so we thought we would head out with office pups Luna and Raven sniff out the best local places for office pups (and their humans) to enjoy when they need some time away from the office… 

Our event manager, Katie often brings her lab Luna to the office. Talking about what it means for her work-life balance she said, “It’s amazing. I had always wanted a dog, but I didn’t think that there would be enough flexibility working in events to do it. About a year into the role I decided that I would like to get one so I spoke to Sarah and Cat and asked if I could change my working hours to have longer lunch breaks so I could cycle home and walk her, and I asked if she would be able to come into the office sometimes and they said yes. When she was just a pup she would just come in on a Friday so she wasn’t too disruptive, but now that she is older she comes in all the time. Bringing Luna into the office gives me a real incentive to step away from my desk over lunch and get some fresh air; I value that hour to be able to think, come up with new ideas, and re-focus, especially during busy periods.” 

Hoult’s Yard is full of furry colleagues so we thought we would head out with office pups Luna and Raven sniff out the best local places for office pups (and their humans) to enjoy when they need some time away from the office… 

Cake Stories 

Based in the heart of Hoult’s Yard, Cake Stories is a lunchtime favourite for the BeaconHouse team. Dogs are welcome inside the café or you can choose to enjoy a delicious lunch or tasty coffee in the outside seating space during the summer months too. 

Lunchtime walkies 

We always encourage our team to step away from their desks at lunchtime and stretch their legs. With Hoult’s Yard just a stone’s throw from Newcastle’s iconic Quayside, there are plenty of opportunities to get some fresh air and regroup. The office is perfectly located to take a lunchtime walk by the river or along the Hadrian’s Wall cycle path which is easily accessible nearby. 

Full Circle Brew Co.

Our Hoult’s Yard neighbours at Full Circle Brew have an amazing dog-friendly beer garden at their Newcastle Tap Room. With an ever-evolving range of great beers, this venue is a great option for relaxing after work – they even have a bespoke pizza oven so you can grab a Naples-inspired pizza if you’re feeling peckish too (we’re sure there will be a four-legged friend who can help you with the crusts…). 

Discount Pet Superstore 

Just behind Hoult’s Yard on Brinkburn Street you’ll find a treasure trove of natural dog treats, food, and pet supplies that your pooch will love. Discount Pet Superstore sells all of the essentials to keep your dog calm and happy while they are spending time in the office with you, and the staff are always on hand with some pats and a biscuit if you pop in with your dog too! 

Kiln 

Just a ten-minute stroll from Hoult’s Yard and you’ll find yourself in the Ouseburn Valley. There are tonnes of dog-friendly pubs and eateries in the area, but one of our team’s favourites is Kiln. You can choose from amazing brunch and lunch dishes, and their Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired evening menu is served from 5pm too, making it a great choice for an early tea after work. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside, so it’s the perfect venue all year round. 

Do you enjoy having your four-legged friend in the office with you? Let us know your favourite places to visit together and find out more about life at BeaconHouse Events over on our social channels!