Summer Events
esearch carried out
earlier this year by
Venue Search London
revealed that 66% of
companies planned to stage a
summer event, with predictions that
budgets per head would decrease in
line with a preference for a more
informal style of events.
At RIBA we have noticed an
increase in demand for a more
pared-back style, particularly when it
comes to summer parties. Clients
are hesitant to opt for a fully themed
package, but equally those tasked
with organising the company
summer party often don’t have the
time to plan a fully bespoke summer
soiree. For 2020, we are launching a
‘Build Your Own’ experience – a
subtle nod to our architectural roots
– the premise of which is to offer
multiple F&B options at different
price points that can be selected as
a standalone package, or in
combination with another to suit
budget and preference. If we can
ease the burden of F&B, it gives
planners more time to flex their
creative muscles as much or as little
as they like with regards to theming
and entertainment.
Summer is definitely the season
for socialising, making it the perfect
time to host a company party, not
least because it’s a proven way to
support workplace morale,
relationship-building and retention.
Build your
own event
this
summer
Caterina Alves, head of venues, outlines what’s
on offer this summer at RIBA at 66 Portland Place
The great thing about summer
events is that they’re naturally more
informal than a big end of year
celebration. All you need is a great
space, delicious food and drink and
great company. It really doesn’t have
to be more complicated than that.
Many packages currently on the
market are ready-made with little
room for flexibility, so by offering
different options that clients can mix
and match, you can easily
personalise your guest experience.
Street party-style food is the current
favourite for standing receptions, but
within this we are offering multiple
options that can be selected either
on their own or combined. For
example, a client can choose to have
a BBQ at a set price per head to
cover all their catering needs, or they
can opt to combine this with a food
market, iced treats and a classic
summer sangria, offered unlimited
for as many hours as budget allows.
F&B plays such an important part
in an event, especially in the
summer. By simplifying our offering
we’re aiming to help take the stress
out of planning an event, meaning
organisers can enjoy the summer
months this year.
www.conference-news.co.uk
“ALL YOU
NEED IS A
GREAT SPACE,
DELICIOUS
FOOD AND
DRINK AND
GREAT
COMPANY. IT
REALLY
DOESN’T HAVE
TO BE MORE
COMPLICATED
THAN THAT.”