Chris Robb’s Post

True life: do I plan events or do they plan me? 🥳 Everyone in the event industry knows the highs and lows affect not only your work load, but your personal life as you work through the mile long to do list. No matter how prepared you are, your fait and stress levels are often resting in the hands of others. You are always waiting on something: people to register, money to come in, that logo from a sponsor, a liquor license, a site map, a check to be cut, that quote to make sure you can swing the lamb pops instead of the shrimp and the list goes on. Today was an event first for me: we fully planned a grand opening celebration complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony, live music, cycling parade, even a world record attempt, and it was cancelled 12 hours prior due to inclement weather. Although I am disappointed, and still trying to wrap my head around the amount of time spent planning this event, I somehow find myself still proud of it and feeling like it was a huge success. Part of me even feels the post event blues today when the packed vehicles never made it out of the lot. This got me thinking, how much of an event is truly executed before anyone steps foot in the venue? In a weird way, I felt like we checked all the boxes when the reality is, the event didn’t even see the light of day and probably never will. Yes we hope to celebrate this milestone for the org in a different capacity, but this exact event was over before it began. I’ve learned that so much of planning events is identifying what makes them successful and how event success is measured differently to every person at the table. Sometimes it’s the guest experience, or overall energy, sometimes its the approval of supervisors, colleagues, and board members, sometimes it’s financial, and usually it’s a combo of all that and more. So much of that success is determined in the months leading up to the event that by the time it’s show time, you have already scored yourself on how you did and identified ways to improve for next year. In any case, I have come to the conclusion event success for me is truly knowing you did everything in your power to figure out what could go wrong, and agonize and analyze every possible detail and outcome to ensure they go right. Unfortunately for me, the weather in Seattle had other ideas today. The good news is, in addition to the work being done for the event, the most important work has been done and will continue to be done at Outdoors for All thanks to my passionate coworkers and our volunteers: lives will continue to transform. Regardless of a party, we are expanding to the Eastside and more folks with disabilities will enjoy adaptive recreation because of that expansion. Although the official Grand Opening of Outdoors for All Lake Sammamish didn’t happen today-the team and I threw one hell of an event…or at least we would have. 🙃

FAIRDAY PLANNING RETURN TO PERTH 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ The report to Council notes Pride WA is proposing a new structure to PrideFEST for 2024 – 2026 with a 10-day program of major events including an Opening Concert on 15 Nov and the relocation of Fairday into the city on 17 Nov, both at Supreme Court Gardens. Through the Major Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program, Council is being recommended to approve over $1m of cash and in-kind assistance to PrideWA. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPONSORSHIP 👨🏻💻 Council is being recommended to approve just under $200k of sponsorship for 3 major sectors that represent strategic importance to the City of Perth’s economy. BIKE PLAN FOR PERTH 🚲 The draft Bike Plan has been informed by findings from: A program of community and key stakeholder engagement; A review of the City’s previous Cycle Plan 2029; Data collection and analysis, including bike counts across key city locations; and a high-level review of current best practice. WALKABLE CITY PLAN🚶🏻♀️➡️ This new plan will guide the City’s future project priorities over a 10-year period and will help to secure funding from various external sources, including the Perth Parking Levy. EVENT SPONSORSHIPS 🎪🤹🏻♀️ $1.35m is being recommended to support a range of events across the City of Perth for 2024/25 FY including Strange Festival, Telethon7, Chinese New Year, Perth Garden & Outdoor Living Festival, Carols in the City, ANZAC Day, EQ Fun Fair, City to Surf, Laneway Festival, Diwali, and Dom Dolla. ENERGY UPGRADE PROGRAM ⚡️ $25k is being recommended for approval to support the program which aligns with the City’s Strategic Community Plan and Sustainability Strategy. This is aimed at supporting Perth’s community to transition to a low-emissions and renewable energy future. NEW SIGNS POLICY 🪧📢 Council is being recommended to adopt a new draft revised Planning Policy for Signs. The report discusses that the focus of the Signs Policy is to support businesses by providing guidance in the provision of signage that supports the identification and promotion of businesses, organisations, and buildings. PARKING LOCAL LAW 🚙 Council is being recommended to approve that public notice be given of the intention to make the City of Perth Parking Amendment Local Law 2024 To read the full June Agenda, follow the link here: https://lnkd.in/gRP6HWkM #Perth #CityOfPerth #Australia #CityOfLight #EastPerth #WestPerth #Nedlands #Crawley #Northbridge #PerthLife #PerthWA #PerthGram #PerthIsOk #CelebratePerth

Adele led the way. We’ll see more of this in 2025. But is this the environmental future of large-scale outdoor events? The big names in entertainment are constantly pushing boundaries of how to bring their craft to their audiences globally - whether on world tours or residences. In the touring model they go to their audience. In the residency model their audience comes to them. But now we’re seeing another model enter the mix - the pop up experience. The events and entertainment industry is of course no stranger to pop ups, but the latest 10-show experience by Adele in Munich, Germany has taken it BIG. Built specifically for this experience was • an 80,000 people pop-up, mega-stadium • a 200m-wide LED screen • a festival park ‘Adele World’ with an English pub, F&B outlets, farmers markets, merch, Bavarian beer garden and a ferris wheel and carousel. Adele coped a lot of criticism for not doing a stadium tour and making the people fly to her, especially given the Munich site sits close to the 75,000 capacity Allianz Arena. But the theory that a destination event is any worse for the environment than a stadium tour is flawed. I don’t think either one's necessarily better than the other. Let’s compare: Touring: - 80-100 trucks on the road - Hundreds of crew flying from city to city - Crew accommodation in each location - Private minibuses - Re-turfing of stadium venues - and so on… Pop Up: – Brand new venue and operations set up – 500,000+ ticket holders flying in from all over the world – Inflated local accommodation and transport prices – 1-3 month use of temporary materials and equipment – and so on… Ultimately these are two very different experiences. There is no way you could achieve the same patron experience as Adele did in Munich in a stadium. You can be green-conscious and aim to reduce your footprint as much as humanly possible, but let’s not kid ourselves. Ultimately both models impact the environment negatively - that is the unfortunate nature of large scale outdoor events. Image: Fast Company

Day two of Host City 2024 got underway with a keynote address from Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Business. He reminded the conference that  Scotland continues to be a destination for global cultural, sports and business events. “I go around the world and speak to international businesses, and get such amazing feedback about Scotland’s ability to host major events. It’s a very important dimension to Scotland’s global standing.” The first panel of the day looked at how events can inspire action towards sustainable city development. At the heart of this question is the balance between financial drivers and supporting community needs. Celine Payelle, Vice-President and General Manager, Events & Experiences, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, explained that social impact is a key priority of her organisation. “We have proven that investing in the cultural industry has profound benefits for a community.” She explained how  Cirque du Soleil works with local schools, distributes free tickets to people who may not be able to afford them, and hires local entertainers and artists. “This doesn’t always make immediate financial sense, but it has a significant long-term social impact.” Joel Lavery, Strategic Lead Major Sporting Events at West Midlands Growth Company, said that the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games was the start of “bringing swagger back to the city”. He stressed the importance of political leadership in hosting big city events.”You need politicians to make brave decisions around funding and enabling events.” Billy Garrett, Director of Culture, Tourism and Events at Glasgow Life, echoed this point, saying that cultural and sporting events have been significant in bringing Glasgow out of the shadows of its industrial decline in the 1980s. “The redevelopment of the city through events has been a purposeful strategy. We have layered one event on top of another to build an enduring legacy.” Joel explained that public sector subsidies of major events are becoming more challenging. “Local authorities and governments have too much competitive pressure on budgets. So rights holders need to do more to develop commercial partnerships with the private sector.” Billy added that, regardless of the funding model, impact measurement is key. But he warned that not everything that can be counted, counts. “Other, less tangible impacts, such as civic pride, are incredibly important, but rarely part of an evaluation framework. While that is hard to measure, it must be factored in.” Joel ended the panel by encouraging delegates to think beyond social impact. “That feels like a given now. The next play is to frame as a boost for the share price of a city…its international reputation and its ability to act on the global stage, and what that then means to new inward investment opportunities.” Our thanks to Duncan Mackay for moderating the panel! #HostCity2024 #hostcity #SustainableCities #EventLegacy #CulturalImpact

Sportspeople and event organisers would agree that nothing worth doing comes easy. Last weekend, months of work came together as I put on the hospitality for the Singapore T100. Thank you to Professional Triathletes Organisation team and MetaSport Management, Nathalie Marquet Market and Nerida Rigg for their trust in me. You show such commitment to this magnificent event! Here are some similarities our preparations may have with the outstanding athletes’ training. 𝟏. 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 Sports events may take place in one day, but they often take months, if not years, of planning/training. We discussed all the logistics and equipment needed with the venue and vendors while taking into account local conditions on the ground. This involved: - Who was providing what, which things we had to source externally and what had to be imported. - Road closures and transport of perishable food items. 𝟐. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 We strategized on how many bodies we’d have to account for and feed as well as how many staff and volunteers we’d need to provide the best service. 𝟑. 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲 The triathletes used the latest in cutting-edge technology from sensors on the track to measure distance between bicycles to smart wetsuits measuring performance. The catering team required a high level of technology to keep us in touch, and track foot traffic in the tents to cater meals at just the right time. This prevented food waste and kept everyone well-fed at the same time. 𝟒. 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 The environment was on everyone’s mind, and we were proud to go the extra mile to provide a solution that removed the need for plastic bottles in each of the tents. This wasn’t easy as every single cup had to be procured and brought on-site where it could be used and sanitised for reuse. And just like a true sportsman, I can't wait to do it all again. Thanks Rebecca Downie for the video showing the sheer scale of the event. How’s the view from your office? Isabel Alvarez Fernandez Stephane Michel Edward Ong, CEM, CMP, DES

If you are looking for a life-changing event. Here is your calling. Last summer I attended The DO Lectures, how did I end up there? - Whilst living in Amsterdam, we opened our doors to fellow travellers and like-minded cycling enthusiasts who were on a road trip. One evening, the wonderful Alice Beese came by. She had to leave early, but in the short amount of time she stayed, we spoke about The Do. An intimate and magical gathering that inspires you to literally Do what you need to do, and reach your full potential. A life-changing event. What she told me that evening sparked me to start following The DO Lectures on LinkedIn. Early this year, I read a post which led me to subscribe for the waiting list.  I got a ticket and felt lucky, but hell did I know what I got myself into. After some though years living amidst our full home renovation with two young (and lovely) children, during COVID-19, I could use some well deserved ‚me time’. Time to reflect, and time to look forward. Receiving knowledge and inspiration of a place far from home. A place which needs a journey to discover. And well, a journey it was. Life-changing? I am getting there. I think it becomes life-changing if you really start to ‚Do it’. To try, and reach your full potential. This week, it felt right. I started writing about it. Sharing my experiences about my personal journey. So that you, my loved ones, can get there too. Since two days, some of the most impressive talks I have witnessed in my life are to be found online. This is what The Do Lectures does with speakers. They invite them to provide a talk that is their unique life story. A talk that can only be given by them, and a talk that embodies the power to inspire to Do. Have a watch, you won’t regret it. And please, make time for it. These talks aren't an easy to watch. They require full attention. Yes, they do. While you are at it. Truly listen, write down the hidden gems in your notes, open up and embrace the emotions. Be inspired and follow your own path.    Talks in first comment.

RunThrough Announces Inaugural Women's-Only Event in Partnership with StoneX: A Celebration of Women’s Running London, UK: RunThrough, the UK's largest and Europe’s fastest growing running events company, is proud to unveil its inaugural women's-only running event, the RunThrough Women's 5 and 10k, in partnership with StoneX. Scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 26th, this event will be hosted at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the iconic venue of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in female participation in mass participation events, marking a significant shift in the landscape. Despite initial setbacks, women have emerged as the driving force behind this resurgence, surpassing male participation in 2023 and showing a positive outlook for the future. RunThrough, the UK's largest and Europe's fastest-growing running events company, acknowledges and celebrates this trend by actively promoting inclusivity and introducing women-only events to provide a supportive environment for female runners to feel encouraged to participate and enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits that running can bring. StoneX (NASDAQ: SNEX), a global financial services network, has joined forces with RunThrough as the title partner for this event. Their support underscores their commitment to empowering and supporting women in the workplace, as part of their internal "Women in StoneX" initiatives. Lucy Harfield, Brand and Community at RunThrough, expressed excitement about the event, stating, "We are thrilled to bring this event to life in partnership with StoneX. As industry leaders in running events, we want to lead by example and deliver more events that celebrate and empower women through running. This event aligns perfectly with our ongoing mission to inspire an active nation and create a truly representative running community." The RunThrough Women's 5 and 10k event aims to create an inspiring, safe, and fun environment for women to run together. Regardless of running ability, age, or background, this event offers a unique opportunity for women to come together as a community and celebrate women's running. Rana Khatlan, Events Marketing Specialist at StoneX, amplified the shared excitement over the event, stating, “StoneX is thrilled to announce our partnership with RunThrough for their Women’s 5 and 10k runs. This event perfectly aligns with our Women of StoneX initiative, which aims to empower women, provide a supportive platform for them to thrive, and build community.” Registration for the RunThrough Women's 5 and 10k event is now open, welcoming women of all ages and abilities to join in the celebration of women's running. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a historic event that celebrates female empowerment through sport.

In February, a unique niche project called the "Events International Market Capability Development Program" was completed, conducted by Enterprise Estonia (EAS) in collaboration with Visionest Institute. The program involved 10 prominent and well-known Estonian events, intending to enhance their international market capabilities and attract more foreign visitors to their events, thereby developing Estonian tourism. Among the 10 events were sports competitions, concerts, and food festivals. What made the training program special was the combination of five training days and individual mentoring sessions. From the training days, participants gained practical knowledge and valuable connections with other prominent event organizers. During the mentor meetings, a specific plan was established for entering the international market. The training program was intensive and was conducted for the participants over a period of just three months. As a result of the training program, the events developed strategies to attract foreign visitors, acquired knowledge on entering the Latvian and Finnish markets with a small budget, prepared marketing, and communication plans for the international market both for traditional and social media, and found several common areas for collaboration among themselves. Rainer Aavik, the tourism manager of EAS and KredEx joint institution, has stated that international sports and cultural events held in Estonia have a wide-ranging impact. "Considering the increasing share of neighboring markets in tourism statistics, the most effective recipe for attracting people here is good events and their loyal repeat visitors. In addition to bringing income to the Estonian economy, every international sports or cultural event helps to market Estonia globally. A well-organized international sports event with international interest and participation brings us positive attention and increases Estonia's visibility in international markets," commented Aavik. We are pleased to have contributed to the development of events organized in Estonia!

Congratulations to our sister club Azania Athletics Club on the successful execution of the 5km Mandela Day Fun Road Running Event this past Saturday! In partnership with CITY OF FOREST HILL Shopping Centre, this event was not just a race but a community celebration that raised funds for the NGO homes in Olievenhoutbosch (Dimphonyana). Their dedication and hard work have truly made a positive impact where they serve. A special thank you to all the participants, the Olieven community, and their partners. Your support and enthusiasm were instrumental in making this event a triumph. Organizing and executing a safe, fun, and impactful event is no simple task, but Azania Athletics Club managed to check the important boxes, putting them in a position that could even convince Central Gauteng Athletics. (CGA) to give a green flag for hosting an official event. Here are some key highlights that demonstrate Azania Athletics Club’s exceptional organizational skills: Comprehensive Planning: Detailed planning covering all aspects of the event ensured a seamless experience from start to finish. Safety and Security: Implementation of robust safety protocols and medical support guaranteed a secure environment for all participants. Community Engagement: Effective communication and engagement with the Olieven community and participants created a supportive and enthusiastic atmosphere. Logistics and Operations: Efficient management of resources, transportation, and venue setup facilitated a smooth and enjoyable event. Volunteer and Staff Coordination: A dedicated team of volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to support the event and assist participants. Marketing and Promotion: Successful marketing strategies attracted a diverse group of participants and spectators, enhancing the event’s reach and impact. Their achievement is a testament to the power of teamwork and community spirit. We are confident that this success positions you well for future endeavors, including hosting official events sanctioned by CGA. Thank you once again to everyone involved. Let’s continue to build on this momentum and look forward to many more successful events in the future! Run Alex NPO 🍉💚

Zoom in and zoom out: Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games’ approach to #sustainability Major sporting events always have the potential to captivate large audiences. Not only can these events attract billions of viewers globally, but also tens or hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of in-person attendees. Multi-sport tournaments allow those watching to experience events they may not have even considered before. However the impact on the environment can be substantial. Over recent years, major event hosts have placed a greater emphasis on operating as sustainably as possible. Germany’s hosting of #UEFAEuro2024 has also paved the way for more sustainable major events. The Euros are perhaps useful signpost for the country’s staging of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games from July 11-27 next summer, which will feature thousands of student athletes across 18 different sports. In a bid to set a benchmark for the International University Sports Federation’s flagship event, the local organising committee recently published a pre-Games paper entitled ‘Zoom-in and Zoom-out: The Sustainability and Legacy Approach’. “Sustainability was already defined as a core conceptual element in the bid book, as was the focus on the SDGs,” Helen G., Rhine-Ruhr 2025 organising committee’s Senior Manager, Legacy and Sustainability, tells Global Sustainable Sport. Read more: https://lnkd.in/euz2Aau8 Get our latest news and features first! Sign up today to receive the free Global Sustainable Sport weekly newsletter every Thursday: https://lnkd.in/eJBCRH4p Mike Laflin