Many sectors have been using virtual as an event platform for a long while and this will be be an easier step into the "new normal."

For some, the virtual event was not a new concept. It was something that had been adopted and incorporated more and more into marketing plan

It was the news so many of us in this industry were so desperate to hear and when it did come, we came back down with a bump!

You wouldn't be wrong to think that MEaT was practically born from planning and organising charity and fundraising led events. Over the past few years we have had the privilege to help clients and support a number of great causes. A few weeks back however, we were tasked with planning a fundraising event in honour of the late great Les Reed OBE. With the lyricist Barry Mason, Les wrote The Last Waltz (1967) and Winter World of Love(1969) for Englebert Humperdinck and I’m Comi

Finland...that will be snow, Lapland and the Northern Lights. But what if we told you it was that and much more. So much so that we believe it to be an ideal place for meetings, conferences and incentives all year around. Working with the Finland Convention Bureau we discovered that as much as winter in Finland is quite spectacular. It also offers so much across the other seasons. This is why moving forward, we are opening up Finland to our clients and private groups. Let's s

It's amazing to think what can come from a chat over a coffee on a cold January day! But from minute one, we knew that working with Ross and Emily from Body Transformation Academy would be a fun and inspiring journey. We discussed the possibilities of putting together an awards night for their clients. Ross and Emily explained that the industry tend to fall short in providing these sorts of occasions and they want to do this for their clients as well as set them apart from ev

How you deal with venues, from sourcing through to relationship building and contract negotiation can be difficult for events industry professionals. MEaT Director and Founder James Bacon was recently in London at the BNC Event Show discussing the topic, which proved to be quite a lively panel discussion. Speaking at the BNC Events Show, James explained why he believes transparency and relationships with venues are a valuable resource to event planners. Is there a logical or

We are well and truly into festival season and last weekend we attended a bespoke independent day festival - Clockstock. Clockstock as a festival began in 2018 out in Ibiza. It was put together by legendary club promoters and brand Clockwork Orange. Founders, Danny and Andy always looking to raise the bar and push for something new, bigger and different took over Benimussa Park near San Antonio. The venue, a former zoo provided a unique and different festival event that saw o

Familiarisation (FAM) trips tends to provide such a variety of opinions and stir up interest within the events industry. MEaT Director and Founder James Bacon was recently in Madrid at the C&IT International Forum discussing the topic, which proved to be quite a lively panel discussion. FAM - How it adds value to clients. Speaking at the International Forum, James explained why he believes FAM trips are a valuable resource to event planners. Especially for those who are based

Last weekend we were in North Wales for a Full Moon Yoga Retreat that we planned and organised for one of our yoga clients. The event covered the entire Easter weekend and focused around relaxation, self discovery, power and spirituality of the full moon and of course yoga. Firstly, in terms of location Nantlle near Caernarfon is absolutely stunning. The mountains and lakes within the valleys are truly breathtaking. It's also so peaceful with practically you and just the loca

Last week we were invited up to Trump Turnberry for a FAM visit. The first thing that would spring to mind (other than Trump) would be Golf. Here is why we think you need to look beyond this and realise it has so much more to offer for Corporate and Private groups. Trump Turnberry Resort: The location is breathtakingly beautiful. Set on the west coast of Scotland, you view is drawn to the sea and Ailsa Craig that overlooks the resort. Due to time of year, we were unable to ta

Following the success of previous years. We are delighted to be invited back by AJ Hills Ltd to plan and organise their annual Charity Fundraising Ball. Keeping within a formal dinner and dance format. Our team has been tasked with arranging everything from venue, menus, entertainment, promotion and managing ticket and table sales. This year the chosen charity is Horseback UK who provide an amazing service using Horsemanship to inspire recovery, build self esteem and a sense

As an event based company that covers pretty much across the board when it comes to events. We have always tread carefully with Stag and Hen bookings. It's mainly because there are so many very well equipped companies out there that can offer an all round packaged deal. So it would be like us selling holidays against the likes of TUI..! That being said we are not adverse to organising that last hurrah..! We are all about experiences and memories so for those who are looking b

Knowing how to correctly plan your event will make a significant difference between a successful opportunity or time and money wasted. For many clients we are involved in every aspect of their event, from start to finish. But some we come in after the initial discussions and when a plan should have been put in place. For many companies, just asking 5 key questions in your event planning stage can make such an impact when it comes to organising and hosting. Why are you doing t

So often when speaking with clients about their event planning. Most admit they simply either have no time to organise it, could do without the additional work or in some cases all of the above. Their next plan would be to delegate the job, which generally sees it being pushed onto the office manager or a PA / Secretarial position. In some cases, and taking nothing away from people in each role. This tends to work out ok. As mentioned some by nature are natural organisers and

November saw the return of our Annual Autumn Ball. This was the third year in which we planned and organised the charity fundraiser for our client AJ Hills Ltd. This year we focused on raising funds for two Kent based charities - Demelza Hospice and Friends of the Wisdom Hospice. Both do amazing work working with people and families offering end of life care for children and adults respectively. The night as always was a huge success in which we managed to raise just short of

We went to The Rum Festival: Kent, last Saturday. More and more events "festivals" are popping up from Gin to Prosseco and we always take a keen interest on behalf of our clients. This one especially caught out eye...rum being a particular favourite tipple of ours. Held at the Kent Event Centre in Detling, we were in high hopes after successful ventures there over the past few years involving various different spirits and wines. However....on arrival as much as the lovely tas

When you have the chance to book that dream holiday, do you know what to do when there? Of course if your dream involves a beautiful relaxing setting, this may be straight forward to achieve. However those looking at multi stop vacations, it takes a lot of planning! This is exactly what happened when we were approached by the Jennings family from New Zealand. They were about to embark on a 3 week tour of Europe covering several of the major cities along the way. Covering all

Autumn is upon us, but there will be no let up in your event calendar. Here are our 10 tips to help guide you through planning for any up coming events and hopefully making life that little bit easier! Please note: We hope the following provides a starting point for your event planning. Each event is different, but following the basic steps will ensure a smoother set up with less hidden surprises along the way! 1. Develop Event Goal and Objectives: The very first step is

So it seems there is something to this yoga lark then...? For nearly 18 months now we have had the privilege of working with legendary Yogi and Peace Activist - David Sye. For many years his unique brand of "Yogabeats" has pushed boundaries within the yoga world and as such developed a following from those wanting to know more than just positions. After a fantastically successful Summer Solstice Retreat this year...our first real dip into actually planning and organising yoga