Event management space before

At this time of year the phones turn into hot cakes and we have companies from far and wide calling us (often in a blind panic) about their Christmas Party. The conversation generally runs along the lines of “Can you help me, I need to plan our company Christmas party but I think I might have left it to late” or “I need to plan a party but we are making a decision about it at the end of the week so I need you to send me some ideas by the end of the day please?” (no pressure!)

Firstly, on a positive note we have masses of ideas (I’m the OCD saddo that keeps a note pad next to my bed as I regularly wake up in the middle of the night with some creative and genius idea for our clients events!!) on top of which we also have a team that can turn around enquiries pretty quickly. Secondly, whilst many venues, suppliers and entertainment options are already booked in December we are always first to pull great things out of our sleeves! I can pretty much guarantee that there will always be an option that will work for you and we will be sure to pull out all the stops to make it happen.

Event management space after transformation

It isn’t always a venue that clients are after and the type of Christmas party enquiry that comes through varies dramatically. Some ask for an exclusive space within a venue, others want a joiner party or to be part of a larger shared Christmas party which as a smaller group can mean that you get the WOW factor of an event on a grander scale.

This year though we have been asked by a few companies to find an unusual venue or to transform their offices into something themed or magical. It’s all possible, here is a before and after picture of an old church we transformed for a client last year. It doesn’t have to break the bank and can often be a really imaginative and unusual option for companies that want to stay put and not ship everyone across the country. Why not contact us 0845 413 3030 and have a chat about what is possible at your office. We would need to see your office space and get an idea of your budget then we’ll work hard to put together a proposal that will blow your mind and make your Christmas party a success!

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I know this is going to sounds like marketing sales spiel but at DMC Brighton we’ve always been focused on our client relationships. We work with them closely, offering what they require for their events, but at the same time giving them the benefit of our years of experience – making suggestions on a strategic or logistical basis often, and assisting with marketing and PR too. We like to work WITH our clients, not just tick all their boxes

Last week in Meetpie News a study by the World’s Leading Conference Organisers (WLCO) found that associations and non-profit organisations such as the charity sector are increasingly wanting more support from their PCOs and conference organisers. They want a conference organiser that can roll up its sleeves and get properly involved.

We love this – it’s how we like to work. We’re PCO for a large non-profit conference coming to Brighton September 2011 and it’s been exciting to be involved at some of the key decision making points and strategic meetings. As conference organisers it helps us to build a close working relationship with our client, but also gives them real confidence in terms of their event content and the support we can offer.

The development of our online registration and conference IT development services mean that we can create bespoke online registration and submissions sites which give associations and conference groups a vital event portal, not only for communicating efficiently with their existing members, but by helping to increase that membership and promoting the client.

Conferencing methods are really changing, and we’re working well to stay ahead of the game. Contact us to see how we can help with your conference or event? If you’re looking for a PCO that can add significantly to your conference or event, or assist with advice on improving ROI, we could be exactly what you’re looking for

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Now we’re one week into January and, I’m assuming, most of us are back at work now, I was wondering how you are all getting on with your New Year resolutions. Did you even make any and if you did have you managed to stick to them or have you already failed dismally?

I aim to start as I mean to go on and thought I would share a couple of our resolutions with you as they tie in very neatly with some great events we have developed ready for 2010.

· Think about the environment – we think the way forward is all about cutting carbon emissions, reducing the amount of miles travelled for delegates, recycling points and recycled products. Every little helps!

· Give a little back – We are really excited with the new CSR events that we have been developing. There are so many communities out there that need our help and here at Pretty Clever we have the ability to make it all happen. It really is a fabulous opportunity to team build, can be creative and is a fun day out of the office, it doesn’t break the bank AND gives something back to the community.

· Make more time – by investing in others you will raise morale and boost productivity. The same goes for building real relationships and rekindling those that have been in the background. It’s all about the people.

· Don’t spend unnecessarily – but what about the January sales?!!! Lets keep it real, I mean there can’t be that many people out there that hate shopping…can there?! (my business partner assures me there is). Me, I just love the sales and I love a bargain so with that in mind I’ve been working out ways of how we can extend this to our clients. We’ve got some great sales of our own going on, reductions on team building events, FREE venue finding and if that’s not enough what about our Open House Dining = little money, lovely locations and lots of fun. What’s more it will guarantee you a slap up dinner at a fraction of the cost AND you get to make new friends.

And you say you never find anything good in the sales…c all us and grab yourself a bargain!

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View of the lake at Ashbourne House

I have just spent the most delightful day at a spectacular private 85 acre estate in East Sussex. Situated near Battle and set amidst rolling hills the Ashbourne Estate really did take my breath away and is one of those ‘best kept secrets’ that I am simply dying to tell you all about!

This venue provides exclusive corporate and private hospitality and allows you to both experience and enjoy the popular sports of clay pigeon shooting and flyfishing for trout.  If I’m honest I have to say I was a tad sceptical, I mean it was pouring with rain for starters so all in all not the prefect day to do any site visit outdoors, let alone one in the deepest depths of the English Countryside. Surprisingly though from the second I arrived I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Ashbourne is an oasis and can accommodate everything you need! So my mobile phone was out of range (not such a bad thing to happen from time to time!) but if you did need to make contact with the outside world fear not there is a landline in the log cabin. The charming Dougie Chalmers greets all guests near the shooting lodge, then once briefed it’s time to test your skill, put the theory into practise and challenge your opponents. Lunch is simply divine, a beautiful marquee, a steady flow of fine wines and bubbly, delicious cuisine and good company all compliment the scenery perfectly.
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