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The Association of British Neurologists.

                 

 

Affinity Events was in Bournemouth for the Association of British Neurologists annual meeting this month. The team provided a full event management package including production management, delegate registration, venue management, health and safety management and much more.

Affinity also organised an exhibition of 25 Pharmaceutical companies and a wide range of charities, as well as the event’s gala dinner.

We look forward to working with the ABN on their meetings in 2011 and 2012.

“Thank you for so many contributions to the success of the recent meeting of the Association of British Neurologists in Bournemouth. The conference was a great success in all respects“

Alastair Compston
President
Association of British Neurologists

Posted in Academic & Conferences & Delegate Services & Exhibitions & Meetings & Seminars & Receptions & Dinners & Technical Production & Testimonials

Home Improvement Agencies annual conference 2009

Foundations, the national body for Home Improvement Agencies, used Affinity Events to meet set, sound, lighting and audio-visual requirements for its annual meeting in Stratford-upon-Avon last week.

Around 250 delegates and speakers met at the Holiday Inn for the 1.5 day conference, titled Transforming Services, Transforming Lives. The Affinity team looked after their main venue and four breakout rooms.

“Thank you for making my job so much easier this year. I could relax knowing that it was all going smoothly. You were able to respond to last minute requests and pleas with good humour - quite a few colleagues commented on how professional you were.”

Foundations Communications Executive, Lynne Bonnett

Posted in Conferences & Events by Client & Meetings & Seminars & Not For Profit & Technical Production & Testimonials & Types of Event

Amsterdam 400

Baptists from around the world were supported by Affinity’s technical team as when they gathered in Amsterdam this year.

The European Baptist Federation (EBF) employed Affinity to work in its main meeting space at the RAI centre, where delegates celebrated 400 years of Baptist life in Europe.

“We found Affinity professional, easy to work with and they provided excellent technical support for our event. We would certainly recommend them for similar events.”

EBF General Secretary Tony Peck

Posted in Charity & Conferences & Events by Client & Meetings & Seminars & Not For Profit & Technical Production & Testimonials & Types of Event

Moorlands College events management course

Students at Moorlands College in Christchurch got involved in event management when Affinity trainers ran a course there this month.

Based on a “live event” scenario, the two-day course guided a group of 23 students through: choosing an event venue; putting together an event team; planning; coping with change; budgeting; marketing; health and safety; licensing and more.

Alistair McKitterick, Lecturer in Biblical and Theological Studies at the college, said: “Many thanks for a most enjoyable and rewarding experience.

“Student feedback has confirmed the value of this kind of training for their future. Affinity’s trainers were warm and engaging, full of wisdom and helpful anecdotes. Their technique added a level of excitement.”

Affinity trainers are pictured above with the ‘winning’ event management team from Moorlands. Do contact us if you’d like to find out more about Affinity’s training programmes.

Posted in Academic & Company News & Events by Client & Not For Profit & Testimonials & Training

Baptist events in 2009

Staff at Affinity Events Ltd are delighted to be working with the Baptist community again this year.

In July, we will travel to Amsterdam to support the European Baptist Federation’s “Amsterdam 400” celebration at the RAI Centre. We have also been appointed by the Baptist Union of Great Britain and BMS World Mission to work with them at the annual Baptist Assembly at the Bournemouth International Centre in May.

In this important 400th anniversary year, Affinity is pleased to continue its relationship with the Baptist denomination after managing the Baptist World Alliance Centenary Congress at Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena.

Posted in Charity & Conferences & General News & Technical Production

Coaching Psychology conference

Affinity travelled to London’s Regent Street in December to support a flagship European conference.

The Special Group in Coaching Psychology (SGCP) with the British Psychological Society (BPS) appointed Affinity as event manager for the 1st European Coaching Psychology Conference.

The two-day conference hosted nearly 300 delegates. Many were UK-based and there was strong representation from Denmark, Germany, Sweden and even Australia. In total, 20 nations were represented.

A very busy programme included six keynote speakers, a host of workshops and masterclasses, panel discussions and meetings. Affinity handled all delegate registration and management, both in advance and live. Its staff worked with the venue, the University of Westminster, to ensure delivery of all catering and technical aspects. A lively exhibition area was managed by Affinity, as was the design and production of delegate badges and tote bags.

Delegates enjoyed being near the capital’s Christmas lights during the conference – though for Affinity staff there was little chance for last-minute seasonal shopping!

“We found Affinity Events to be a friendly, accessible, helpful resource. Their support on the ground at our conference was excellent: they demonstrated real commitment to ensuring the event ran smoothly.”

Vicky Ellam-Dyson, Chair, BPS SGCP

Posted in Academic & Conferences & Delegate Services & Events by Client & Exhibitions & Not For Profit & Testimonials

Are you an Affinity fan?

Affinity Events now has its own Facebook page. It would be great to see you there!

To become a fan, you will first need to join Facebook. Then find the Affinity Events Ltd page and join the gang!

If you want to start any discussions about events management, or work you have done with Affinity, or want to make useful suggestions about how we can use our Facebook page, why not leave us a comment?

See you soon!

Posted in Company News & General News & Website Updates

New staff for 2008

Affinity is delighted to welcome three new members of staff this year – two event managers and a delegate services manager.

Anna Potts is the most recent addition to the team, joining the company this month. Becca Ennis started with us in July and was a key part of our busy summer programme. Fiona Davis has provided crucial office, delegate and event administrative support for eight months.

These new appointments represent an exciting stage in the company’s life, allowing us to develop and grow in new ways.

Anna has worked in events management, PR and journalism, most recently as Assistant Lambeth Conference Manager. She was previously Coventry Cathedral’s Events Manager and Press Officer - a large, busy venue and a Christian environment. Anna’s journalism training makes her a valuable asset in terms of communications and PR.

Becca is with Affinity for one year of her degree in Event Management. Having grown up with events, Becca has worked in various contexts including production, stage and venue management. In her spare time, Becca works as event manager for a local not-for-profit music organisation.

Fiona oversees delegate services, event and office administration. Before joining Affinity, she arranged and ran curriculum meetings and workshops around the world for an international education organisation. She gained experience of marketing and conference planning with a publishing company and has been a teacher in the UK, Argentina and Sri Lanka.

All three have already become vital parts of the Affinity Events team and they look forward to meeting you.

Posted in Company News & General News

Walsingham youth pilgrimage 2008

Affinity was delighted to manage the  2008 Youth Event at Walsingham for the second year running. Our team of event and production managers worked with the organisers for several months, creating an infrastructure, planning the layout of the campsite, obtaining technical equipment and liaising with volunteer teams.

Unfortunately, the 2007 sun did not show its face. Instead, heavy rain and hail caused flash flooding. A 6-inch river ran through the Big Top and piles of ice appeared around site. Affinity’s event and steward managers worked successfully on traffic, site and venue plans to overcome this, enabling the final event to take place in a dried-out Big Top. Departures went ahead without a hitch.

A new addition for 2008 was an ecumenical service. We are already looking forward to next year!

“Thank you for managing with such consummate professionalism. Already the Youth Pilgrimage is unimaginable without Affinity Events.  Creating safe space is vital in enabling it to happen.

“I was especially impressed with the way departure from the site was managed. Pass on my thanks to the team - they were absolutely first rate.” 

Father Philip North

Posted in Charity & Event Campsites & Not For Profit & Testimonials & Youth Events

Lambeth Conference

Following our appointment as the Lambeth Conference event manager, Affinity started an 18-month planning process with the conference organisers. Regular meetings took place with various teams including: emergency services; infrastructure suppliers; venue managers; stewards; technical suppliers; local authorities in Canterbury and London; catering co-ordinators.

This communication between groups of interested people led to the compilation of a complex operating plan for the conference, supplying everyone with relevant information to ensure the effective delivery of the conference.

The planning process culminated in the conference build starting 10 days before the arrival of the delegates, with the main venue being specifically designed and built for the Lambeth Conference.

The Conference lasted for three weeks with delegates taking part in plenary and group sessions. Affinity set up an exhibition area for 45 exhibitors . A full, three-week programme for the bishops’ spouses and over 60 fringe events became an integral part of the overall programme. Affinity Events managed the Walk of Witness, one of London’s biggest faith demonstrations supporting the delivery of the Millenium Goals, as part of the conference activity.

Affinity is proud to have been associated with this momentous event.

“I would like to underline my gratitude to you and all your colleagues at Affinity Events for all that you contributed. I am under no illusions about the complexity of the logistics for which you were responsible, both in Canterbury and on the London day”

 

Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams

Posted in Conferences & Exhibitions & Meetings & Seminars & Not For Profit & Receptions & Dinners & Technical Production & Testimonials