Exhibition News March 2019 | Page 8

News The month at a glance What stories, topics and trends have been making headlines in recent weeks? Ten ways to improve your event’s sustainability 1. Demand more of your venue Informa’s London On Water Boat Show rebrands The London On Water Boat Show has been rebranded as the London Yacht Show ahead of its 2019 edition, taking place from 8-12 May. The rebranding provides a better fit for manufacturers and dealers who attract high end net-worth customers, giving them a platform to showcase their models, on water, in the City of London. Andrew Williams, president, maritime, Informa Global Exhibitions, said: “Since we acquired this event at the end of 2018, we have worked to understand the needs of the event’s exhibitors. “We have consequently taken the decision that we needed to relaunch this event with a brand-new focus on luxury lifestyle yachting and boating, complemented by luxury brands.” Informa’s portfolio includes the Monaco Yacht Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and Miami Yacht Show. 08 — March 2. Set a sustainable policy for exhibitors 3. Demand zero landfill Immediate Media acquires Upper Street Immediate Media, the special interest content and platform company, announced the acquisition of Upper Street Events Ltd, a producer of consumer enthusiast events, in January. Upper Street Events is a producer of over 15 events a year at the heart of the UK’s thriving art & design, craft, cycling, dance and specialist travel scenes. The combination of Upper Street’s special interest events with Immediate’s existing portfolio of brands will create a number of future growth opportunities. In the craft sector alone, Immediate reaches over four million passionate and active crafters every month across its current content platforms. Immediate Media CEO Tom Bureau commented: “The acquisition of Upper Street Events is a further step in Immediate’s multiplatform transformation, complementing our strategy of focusing on special interest content and communities. “We see significant opportunities for growth and development in the events space, both in the markets Upper Street already operate in and with our portfolio of market-leading brands. “This deal enhances our ability to offer our consumers world class content, products, services and experiences, across print, digital and live events. I look forward to welcoming the talented Upper Street team to Immediate.” Upper Street CEO Julie Harris added: “I genuinely can’t think of a more perfect home for Upper Street’s market leading, consumer events.” Harris, along with CFO Mark Kerswell, left Upper Street Events following the acquisition. Paul Byrom, who was previously MD of Upper Street, returned to the business under Immediate. 4. Push for modular exhibition stands 5. Re-think ticketing and badging 6. Use locally-sourced food producers 7. Ban single-use plastics in hospitality 8. Put surplus food to good use 9. Reduce food and drink waste 10. Reward and acknowledge achievements By Sam Rowe, Ceo, Ignition