Best New Event by an Association
Eurogas – European Renewable Gas Conference ‘European Renewable Gas: Evolution or Revolution’
Eurogas is the association representing the European gas sector. With its progressive mindset, Eurogas advocates for low-carbon and renewable gases-based solutions to be an integral part of the energy transition and a carbon neutral future.
Looking at challenges for the energy sector to deliver at least 55% Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction by 2030 and to deliver a climate-neutral Europe by 2050, this in-person event entitled ‘European Renewable Gas: Evolution or Revolution?’ was designed to focus with its 1st edition on the role of renewable hydrogen and biomethane in this context.
The concept was to share insights by experts and policymakers as well as provide interaction with the audience as key elements for this event.
The nice summer weather contributed to the positive atmosphere of the event and of the Renewable Gas Barbecue which followed the conference.
National Residential Landlords Association – The Landlord Conference 2023
The NRLA’s sell-out Landlord Conference 2023 conference brought together association members and other property professionals, with a programme of expert speakers and panel discussions covering hot topics in the sector, including mortgages, legislation, energy efficiency and compliance.
Hosted by respected BBC journalist, Clive Myrie, the programme was designed to support landlords at what was a particularly challenging time, given political and economic uncertainty following increased interest rates and inflation – and with the shadow of dramatic legislation change looming on the horizon.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove was the keynote speaker for the event and took part in a question-and-answer session with delegates – a huge coup for the association – offering members direct access to the man making the decisions directly affecting them and their businesses.
The commercial team worked with existing key partners and suppliers to develop sponsorship and exhibitor packages, with a waiting list for stands generated from the inaugural 2022 event.
Sales targets, in terms of tickets and exhibitor packages, were exceeded, with satisfaction rates among exhibitors an almost perfect 4.94 out of five. The satisfaction rate among delegates was 4.3 out of five, with 86% saying they would definitely be back in 2024.
The Digital Entertainment and Retail Association – ERA Summer Party and Retail Champion Awards 2023
Too often a constraining factor on new events is a sense of obligation to deliver glitz, glamour and a three-course meal, all of which demands significant budget.
In the face of huge music industry events like the Brit Awards, ERA decided to take the opposite route with its Summer Party & Retail Champion Awards held for the first time on 6th September, 2023, and instead focus on the desire to create human connection.
Hosted in the iconic EastCheap Records, the event saw over 170 people come together to honour 7 individual nominees who had been supportive of ERA and its membership over the past year.
These ranged from retailers to suppliers to charity and partners.
The atmosphere was low-key, low-ego, and very warm with attendees overwhelmingly hugely positive about the event.
Proof of concept affirmed, the event will return for its second outing in 2024.
The Personal Investment Management and Financial Advice Association – Women’s Symposium 2024
PIMFA’s Women’s Symposium is a pioneering two-day event dedicated to the UK wealth management and financial advice community, created as an empowering, safe space for women and their allies to offer true value, learning and development both personally and professionally.
This inaugural event was an ambitious undertaking with nothing like it existing in our industry. As a not-for-profit organisation we had to think creatively and strategically at every turn to deliver a high-class event that tapped into ‘emotional’ as well as ‘intellectual’ stimuli.
Our 63 strong speaker agenda was the product of a truly collaborative effort across the sector and allowed us to deliver everything from regulatory deep dives to sessions tackling challenging topics on menopause, harassment, and allyship.
To be truly inclusive, the event was free, and we encouraged individuals from all backgrounds and stages of their careers, to join us for keynote and motivational talks, industry panels, developmental roundtables and practice-based streams.
PIMFA are proud to have delivered on our commitment to promote DE&I, that we welcomed 370+ people (250 was the target!) and thrilled with the amazing feedback (an 81 NPS score) and were so moved by it that we have been motivated to make this submission.
World Commerce & Contracting – AI Contracting Week 2023
In June 2023, WorldCC’s CEO Sally Guyer noticed increased interest in AI’s impact on contracting, prompting the creation of a survey and a popular insight report. This led to the conception of AI Contracting Week, aimed at engaging members, promoting sign-ups, and positioning WorldCC as a leader in tech trends. Feedback indicated high member interest in AI, with strong engagement in AI-focused webinars and LinkedIn polls showing significant perceived impact.
Research involved senior leadership, regional teams, and LinkedIn, securing prominent speakers. Partnering with Icertis, the event secured $48,000 in sponsorships, and an additional $80,000 for research. A robust marketing campaign using HubSpot drove awareness, with a 43% conversion rate from landing page views to registrations. The event, held September 25-28, 2023, featured sessions from experts at top companies, covering practical AI uses and ethical considerations.
The event saw 2420 registrations and a 31% increase in new memberships. Attendees rated it 9.1/10, with 85% feeling more confident using AI and 93% gaining a deeper understanding. Due to its success, WorldCC will expand this event series in 2024 to include additional focus weeks.
