Jody Osman’s Post

As an event planner I'm deeply invested in the art of creating memorable experiences, I’ve always found inspiration in the grandeur and meticulous planning of global events like the Cannes Film Festival. The festival, renowned for its celebration of international cinema, offers invaluable lessons on how large-scale events can profoundly influence local markets and bring substantial benefits to local communities. Here are some key reflections: 1. Boosting Local Economy: The influx of thousands of visitors, including filmmakers, celebrities, and journalists, significantly boosts the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and local services experience a surge in demand. The Cannes Film Festival is estimated to generate millions of euros in revenue for the local economy annually, showcasing how international events can drive economic growth. 2. Promoting Tourism: Cannes transforms into a global focal point during the festival, drawing attention to the city’s beauty and cultural significance. This spotlight promotes Cannes as a prime tourist destination, encouraging visitors year-round. Similarly, hosting international events at Drream Sets and Dream Arena can position our venues and surrounding areas as attractive destinations, stimulating sustained tourism growth. 3. Enhancing Cultural Exchange: Global events like Cannes foster cultural exchange by bringing together diverse groups of people. This melting pot of cultures enhances mutual understanding and showcases local traditions on a global stage. By hosting international events, we can facilitate similar cultural interactions, enriching the community and promoting a global perspective. 4. Infrastructure Development Preparing for large-scale events often leads to infrastructure improvements, benefiting the local population long after the event concludes. Cannes undergoes various upgrades, from transportation enhancements to beautification projects. Likewise, investing in our venues to accommodate significant events can lead to lasting improvements in local infrastructure. 5. Job Creation and Skills Development The logistical demands of hosting international events create numerous job opportunities, from event planning to hospitality services. These events also foster skills development among local workers, contributing to long-term employment benefits. By attracting large-scale events, we can create jobs and enhance the skill set of our local workforce. #Cannes #CannesFilmFestival #GlobalEvents #LocalIndustry #EventIndustry

The Most Underused Element of Any #Event So often at an annual #conference the most asked question is, "Where are we going next year?" Then, on the second day, there is the big announcement. Usually it is accompanied by a video that has a lot of footage from the local convention bureau showing the amazing location. Drone shots of the city. Fireworks on a bridge (if it has one). Theme parks and out door activities. Laughing people having fun dining out, doing amazing things and everyone looking amazing. We get to the conference and then it is solid learning sessions 9am to 5pm and sometimes later. No fireworks on the bridge. Hardly any bungy jumping. Not much touring around the city at all. The most underutilised element of any event is the location. Why travel somewhere exotic only to be locked in a conference room all day? The worst I experienced was a conference at the amazing Singapore Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Conference Centre. It was in all the promo material and the event was in the basement with no windows in what was, essentially, a concrete bunker! Make sure at your next event to take advantage of the location. No one has ever left a conference saying "Oh I wish there was more content" (usually they say "Oh my brain is full".) So reach out to the convention bureau and discover what fun things/locations you can take advantage of to really make your event memorable. Your delegates will love you for it!

Last week, the EventSummit was the place to be. In short, it was once again the place to look around, meet each other, make new contacts, and see and listen to how the industry is developing.   Unfortunately, we couldn’t meet you here this year, therefore we are very curious about your experiences and impressions. Besides the fact that it is a great reunion in the events industry, where you will certainly meet your colleagues, how did EventSummit surprise you and what is your ultimate lesson?   Share us your thoughts, ideas, and "must-haves" by leaving a message in the comments! Meeting Magazine, De Feestcaravan, Postillion Hotels, The Hague Venues, Rotterdam Ahoy, Meetingselect, Royal Jaarbeurs, Groningen Conventions | Groningen Congres Alliantie, Maison van den Boer, High Profile Events bv Haarlem Marketing, Friesland Convention Partners, Dopper, Minor Hotels, Leonardo Hotels Benelux ,Time to Momo, Networkapp®, CLC-VECTA Centrum voor Live Communication, Radisson Blu Hotel Amsterdam Airport, Discover Belgium, Master in Event Management, Crown Plaza Hotel, Yellenge, Xsaga, YOIN excellent meeting places, MeetingLinq BV, NH Hotel Group, Utrecht Convention Bureau, Oceandiva, Heirloom - Venues of Utrecht, Vandervalk, kameryck, De Ruwenberg Hotel Meetings Events, Martiniplaza BV, Spant!, Fokker Terminal, Theater De Flint, Hotel Mooirivier, Do you want to know more about what VGF can do for you? Visit https://lnkd.in/gasCGpt or feel free to contact Paul Gruijthuijsen via [email protected].   #vgfisready #eventprofs #prefinancing #guarantee #conference #eventplanners #events #locationowners #reunite #MeetinNetherlands #NBTC #location #financialadvantage #evaluate #communication #network #planning #international #funding #tradeassociation #professionalization #EventSummit #JaarbeursUtrecht   Photo credit: Butino

What’s your dream location for a corporate event? 🤔 Whether it’s a historic castle, a luxury train, or somewhere tropical, we want to hear your ideas! Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇 #EventPlanning #ConferencesUK #CorporateEvents

After 12 years on the trot I decided to take a break from Cannes this year. To do Cannes well requires a big type of energy. Energy I don’t have to spare at the minute. The undeniable thing about the festival is that it’s great for meeting people. My FOMO levels have been pretty minimal, but missing out on meeting clients, colleagues and friends from around the world - new and old - is definitely what I've missed the most. Egos, yachts, beach parties et al aside, the reason companies can justify the expense for an excursion to the South of France is that it drives business. The maths work, as evidenced by the increasing size of the festival. Check out Brian Morrissey’s ‘The Rebooting’ newsletter for a robust case in support of this (link below). But the downside to that bloatedness is that there seems to be a growing divide in terms of access, which only serves to support those organisations with the financial clout to pay for a private performance with Lenny Kravitz/dinner at Hotel-du-Cap/transatlantic travel on a chartered private jet (none of these are made up). As Lola Bakare phrased it, there are ‘layers of social stratification’ that seem to be deepening. Part of me says fair enough, it’s a feature not a bug. But then I saw Brian Collins & co’s invitation to escape for “small, curated (but unfussy) events about the real creative and business challenges of the day.” Yes, in a chateau, but open to all. Which has me thinking, if an event like Cannes becomes a meeting venue exclusively for those with the deepest pockets, then we need a new way to convene for the thousands of small and medium sized independent creative and technology companies that make up this industry. How do you possibly rise above the noise as one of those - not just in Cannes, but for the other 51 weeks of the year too? In an oversaturated market the opportunity for differentiation is clear, but it feels like new spaces are needed for the best new and existing independent entities to get the spotlight. Not another industry echo chamber dominated by the same people/companies, but a space that showcases the best and most exciting brains in a way that drives business, not just likes, pats on the back and strokes of the ego. I have some thoughts on what that could be, but it ought to be shaped by the industry so I’d love to know what other people think. If you’re reading this and feel the same way, drop me a DM and let’s chat. 

Back at the Conference & Incentive Travel (C&IT) Festival this week, and almost as excitingly, back in my old stomping town of Bristol. Oh how I’ve missed you ♥️ Loving talking measurement and metrics with agencies and corporate event teams alike - it’s definitely one of the key themes of the event which is music to my ears. Creating events is an art, and measuring events is a science. Doing both is the future of our industry. #eventprofs #corporateevents #eventmeasurement

𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Choosing the right venue isn't just about aesthetics—it's strategic. Understanding attendee locations ensures seamless logistics and maximum enjoyment. 🔹 Proximity is Key 🔹 Seamless Transportation 🔹 Scenic Delights 🔹 Cultural Considerations WATCH our video short for expert tips 🧠 and see the full video at the link in our comments section. #EventPlanning #CorporateEvents #VenueSelection #EventProfs #BusinessEvents

If you are attending IMEX check this out !!! Link below !

Check out this blog by Dreams Travel Consulting