Conference News February 2020 | Page 8

8 News Portable power for outdoor events No cash needed at Wyboston’s venue AV provider Creative Technology has announced its investment in the VOLTstack 5k power station to reduce its carbon footprint. The motive aims towards a sustainable society by minimising environmental impact, using resources wisely and meeting environmental regulatory requirements. The VOLTstack 5k power units by Portable Electric is in association with Green Voltage, which provides a portable method of supplying temporary power on-site. VOLTstack delivers silent and emission-free power, providing a solution for large, outdoor events. It can work alongside or replace diesel generators. The Woodlands Event Centre, a recently-refurbished conference and event facility at Wyboston Lakes Resort, will no longer be taking cash for payments. Simon McMahon, the venue’s general manager, says: “With 90% of us now only using cash for less than 10% of our payments, this initiative reflects changes in the way we pay, especially with the rise of smart payments such as phones, watches and contactless cards. It is in line with our approach to the £3m transformation of the Woodlands Events Centre.” BMA House reveals the gift of giving Research by BMA House has revealed that 17% of respondants still send Christmas cards and gifts with no consideration for the environment. BMA’s research was taken from 375 organisers and suppliers across the industry. Results showed that 23% send sustainable Christmas cards, 11% send sustainable gifts, 18% provide a charitable donation and 10% send electronic Christmas cards. PCMA announces strategic alliances with CEMA and Abu Dhabi PCMA has announced a new partnership with the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA). The agreement will see CEMA co-develop education at PCMA’s four signature events – Convening Leaders, EduCon, European Influencers Summit and Asia Pacific Annual Summit. In return, PCMA will deliver education at the annual CEMA Summit and during CEMA Study Tours. Both groups will collaborate on webinars and other services. Financial terms are not being disclosed. In addition, the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB) has signed an agreement with PCMA. It will entail hosting the Abu Dhabi Advisory Summit later this year, which will aim to increase the event management capabilities within Abu Pictured: Abu Dhabi Dhabi’s MICE industry. Barbican Centre earns gold accreditation The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has announced that it has awarded AIM Gold accreditation to London’s Barbican Centre. It is the third time the venue has received the ranking through the AIM accreditation scheme. Assessors observed extensive work had been undertaken over the past three years to improve areas including the building’s safety, acoustics, technology, lighting and furnishings. AEV confirms 2020 conference venue The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has confirmed its 2020 annual conference will take place at the QEII Centre (pictured), London, 9 July. It is expected to attract more than 200 delegates, with representatives from 40 UK and overseas venues, and many other event industry companies. www.conference-news.co.uk 2020’s theme will be ‘Disruption: The New Norm’ as Dan Thurlow, SEC director of exhibition sales and AEV chair, revealed. He said: “This year we acknowledge that disruption is the new norm and whilst we must learn to adapt, we should also identify the opportunities this presents.”