The impact of the latest government announcements is still being fully comprehended but there is no doubt the return of in person live events will not happen in any meaningful way until H2 2021. This news further stimulates the migration to digital which shows no sign of slowing. An estimated 64% of brands are planning to integrate virtual platforms into their event planning even when live events fully return. Thus fuelling the market growth by an estimated 32% year on year, valuing the industry, internationally, at an estimated $420 Billion by 2025. In response to this monumental shift to digital events, industry leaders Lex Butler, Founder of agency Wolf and White and HBAA (Hotel Booking Agents Association) Chair and Max Fellows, Founder of Elevate Mentoring and MF Consultancy Ltd, have launched virtualeventsdirectory.co.uk, a new platform that will act as a central hub and marketplace for buyers to connect with suppliers servicing the virtual and hybrid events market. The site will also host a free knowledge and learning section.

HBAA is the events and hospitality association that drives, promotes and models good business between its members. It champions best practice, ethical working and sound commercial judgement, making HBAA membership the mark of quality assurance for the sector. HBAA - setting the standard for the hospitality and events sector

Wolf & White, the agency that brings brands to life by creating unique experiences, connecting them to their audience, developing deeper alignment between brand and consumer. We are the showman, the ringmaster, the performer, helping our clients surprise and delight; giving them the stage on which to express themselves.We make the intangible idea of brand a reality, putting flesh on the bones, tailoring a perfect fit between brand and audience. We are engineers of the impossible, architects of the shared experience.BRAND PERFORMANCE THROUGH GREAT IDEAS!

Zibrant LIVE! The Creative Communications Agency dedicated to creating sparks that lead to brand experiences.Zibrant LIVE! are industry leaders in live production, creative content, powerful video, clever communications and flawless event management. Successful events are always so much more than the tangible services most agencies offer. It is about creating a legacy.Taking the creative minds from both P&MM and Zibrant Events, we have formed a new and exciting agency that is all about developing YOUR BRAND.What do we do? Well, that’s easy, Zibrant LIVE! is about ‘Creating Event Energy’. This enables us to produce the world’s best in event creativity, full event management, high-end production values and supplier management on a global scale. We work with our clients to develop relevant exciting content, work through and plan venue viability which always leads with best fit and an idea at its heart.Bottom line, it’s about creating a lasting experience.We think differently to other agencies, we take the time to get to know you and your brand, so why not take the time to get to know us?

Head of the Global Business Solutions Department, the Global Production Department, Video Production and Communications Departments. Collectively known as Creative Services. Responsible for the strategic development, direction and commercial aspects of the creative service departments, implementing the relevant business development strategies for Zibrant.

Since 1999 I have concentrated on raising my profile in the MICE industry and gaining invaluable experience through the industry sectors to become the best I can be in my field. This has included experience in venue, agency and corporate positions and working for one of the leading event companies in Europe for 5 years as a key Account Manager & Event Producer. My strengths lie in a number of areas, from production management, event producing, logistics & event delivery, showcalling and stage management. I am an accomplished event producer able to manage the technical, creative and logistical elements of all types of live events and roadshows. The type of events range from outdoor public events to corporate, private and blue chip standalones up to 5000 pax and worldwide. I specialise in producing award winning pharmaceutical events and campaigns, using extensive knowledge of the ABPI restrictions and how to creatively overcome these to the clients benefit. My marketing and promotions experience includes planning full marketing campaigns to organising distribution teams, online pr and issuing press releases.

WorldEvents™ is a privately owned international event agency. Founded in 1986, the company has nearly 110 full time staff and a further 100 trained staff who work on a part time basis. Offices are located in the Netherlands, UK and USA with a turnover in excess of €34.5m/£30m/$45m. WorldEvents™ is ranked in the top ten event management agencies in Europe and has won numerous industry awards for the work it has conducted for its clients.

A modern, elegant 4 star hotel in the heart of the city centre of Leeds. Marriott International, is a worldwide operator and franchisor of a broad portfolio of hotels. Its world-renown "Spirit to Serve" company culture, employee-centered practices and customer focus have led the company to be called the most admired in its industry by Fortune Magazine.Deputy General Manager (on rota basis) – managing the smooth running of the hotel departments and dealing with customer queries.Managing departmental meetings on a daily basis with the General Manager.Managing, training, appraising and developing a team of permenant, part time and temporary staff within Conference & Banqueting.Management administration for the General Manager & Revenue Manager.Carry out & manage Health & Safety audits for the Conference department.Manage the Restaurant and Bar when heads of departments were away.Manage and deliver events within the hotel for 10 – 400 pax, ensuring the Marriott ‘Spirit to Serve’ is present in all staff.Engage with clients/customers pre event to plan their events, discuss programmes and requirements.Manage and deliver weddings, Christmas parties and themed nights in line with the sales department’s promotional activities.

The Montpelier Collection Plc was ranked 18th in the top 100 UK Business Travel Agencies (BTW) - the component parts of the company were, Fairs Fare (the specialist Travel division) MeetingsFare (the specialist Venue Finding and Event Management division) and BedFare (the specialist Hotel Booking Agency). The company was sold to Expotel in August 2005. As a dedicated freelance event manager, based in the North of England, I delivered events nationwide and worldwide on their working as a remote/satellite office. Clients included Microsoft, HMPS, Learning Skills Council, HBOS and Canon. The position allowed me to study at the same time at university.Contracted to assist with the initiation and development of the Event Management Division of Montpelier in 2001, growing and expanding the already successful venue finding division. Including the creation of comprehensive SOPs.Contracted to assist in the development of new Customer Service Concepts resulting in customer loyalty ratio of 85% and Customer Satisfaction of 95%Identify, develop and maintain successful strategic business partnerships and relationships with a wide range of National and Global suppliers.Liaise with clients regarding their meetings and venue finding requirements from initial enquiry, venue finding, and negotiation of rates and sourcing of ad hoc suppliers, through to delivery of event.Onsite event management for events over 20, including management of event team and crew.Full fiscal management of all events project managed, with targets of 22% contribution per event.Carry out full site visits, followed by detailed internal and client reporting.Contract review and amendments in line with company SOPs and client benefits.