Procurement
Cvent pioneers new route for government event business
GLOBAL EVENT PLATFORM, CVENT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED ONTO THE UK ONLINE PORTAL FOR THE PROVISION OF TECHNICAL SERVICES TO GOVERNMENT. THE TEAM EXPLAINS HOW YOUR COMPANY MIGHT ALSO BENEFIT FROM GETTING ONTO THE G-CLOUD FRAMEWORK?
N avigating the complexities
of procurement can be a big challenge for event organisers in government organisations. From compliance with procurement regulations to ensuring data protection and financial transparency, these hurdles often slow the process of securing vital tools and services.
G-Cloud is a UK government and procurement initiative designed to streamline the acquisition process. It enables public sector organisations – from universities to police forces – to find pre-approved suppliers quickly. Suppliers listed on G-Cloud undergo a rigorous vetting process.
For event organisers in governmentlinked organisations, this means access to a trusted pool of suppliers without the need for lengthy procurement exercises. Whether a university is planning a conference or a local council is hosting a community event, the G-Cloud framework can save time and, often, money.
Cvent believes it is the first endto-end event technology platform to be listed on the G-Cloud and Nick Tinker and Jake Dennett from the company share their thoughts on how planners in the public sector can make the most of the system.
1. Time savings The platform’ s pre-approval process means immediate access to suppliers without the need for additional vetting.
Consider a university planning an annual conference. Normally, a procurement team might need to review the supplier’ s data protection policies, security protocols, and financial records – a process that could take weeks. With G-Cloud, these checks are already completed.
2. Simplified procurement processes Public sector procurement teams often don’ t understand what it is that organisers need or when they need it. Complex tendering processes can have significant impacts on event deadlines.
Above: Nick Tinker
Above: Jake Dennett
“ Whether a university is planning a conference or a local council is hosting a community event, the G-Cloud framework can save time and, often, money”
By using G-Cloud, organisers can simply search for‘ event technology’ or similar and find trusted providers, knowing that the procurement process is nearly 90 % complete. Moreover, suppliers are required to outline their pricing models clearly, ensuring transparency.
3. Trusted vendors The rigorous vetting process means event organisers can choose vendors knowing that they meet high standards. Cvent underwent a nine-month-long approval process, during which both its technology and business operations were scrutinised.
4. Cost efficiency In an era where public sector budgets are under pressure, the ability to secure cost-effective solutions is critical. G-Cloud’ s pricing is transparent and, by using a single supplier, organisations can consolidate spend.
5. Compliance & real-world applications Compliance is a major concern for public sector organisations, whether they are purchasing services or data management. The G-Cloud framework mitigates these risks by ensuring that all listed suppliers adhere to government-mandated standards.
For example, universities and local councils that host events often handle sensitive attendee data. By choosing a G-Cloud-listed provider, organisers can be assured that data is stored and managed securely, meeting all relevant legal requirements.
To date, G-Cloud has had limited traction within the event management space. However, its potential to transform the sector is immense. In particular, sectors like education and local government stand to benefit. And, for Cvent, joining G-Cloud means it can now support organisations that are required to procure only through the system. n
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