Articles by Editor

DRPG Experience Welcomes New Creative Talent

Creative communications group DRPG has announced two key leadership updates within its Live Division, reinforcing its commitment to creative excellence and world-class experiences. James Khan joins as Head of Creative for Environments from Smyle, bringing over 25 years of experience in exhibitions, museums, and immersive brand storytelling. Meanwhile, Brad Harris has been promoted to Head of Creative for Events, building on a 15-year career at DRPG. Together, their appointments mark a bold step in DRPG’s continued investment in talent, innovation, and sustainable growth across its global operations.


My Career Story with Meghan Rhoades, Director of Global Events at Avaya, in Conversation with David Caldwell, Managing Vice President, Sales at Maritz

In this episode of the ICE 5at5 Podcast, David Caldwell, Managing Vice President, Sales at Maritz, sits down with Meghan Rhoades, Director of Global Events at Avaya, to explore her career journey in the events industry. Meghan shares how her role has evolved as Avaya shifted from large-scale conferences to smaller, curated experiences, and reflects on the skills needed to succeed, from staying calm under pressure to building meaningful connections. She also offers advice for those entering the industry and highlights why adaptability, organisation, and passion are key to a lasting career in events.


Allianz Stadium Unveils Meetings & Events Vision

Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, has unveiled a bold new vision for its meetings and events business, coinciding with the arrival of the Radisson RED London Twickenham hotel. The launch marks a major step in the stadium’s evolution into a complete meetings and events destination, combining world-class hospitality, flexible spaces, and advanced technology. With the addition of 150 stylish bedrooms, a new restaurant, and upgraded AV and digital infrastructure, Allianz Stadium is positioning itself as one of the UK’s most dynamic and design-led venues for corporate and experiential events.



ACC Liverpool Secures Fifth Consecutive Labour Party Conference Following 2025 Success

Liverpool has been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Labour Party Conference — the fifth consecutive year the event will take place at ACC Liverpool. The decision follows the success of this year’s gathering, which brought thousands of delegates and visitors to the city and generated more than £30 million in economic impact. The milestone reinforces Liverpool’s reputation as a world-class destination for major national events.


Case Study: Inside the Global Launch of the BBC’s Planet Earth III with Sally Brookes, Sarah Bidder and Jenny Walsh

In this episode of the ICE 5at5 Podcast, host Jenny Walsh speaks with Sally Brookes (Head of Global Events, BBC Studios) and Sarah Bidder (Senior Event Manager, BBC Worldwide) about the global launch of Planet Earth III. They discuss the ambition to break away from traditional premiere formats, the creative decision to spotlight the producers behind the lens, and how an immersive venue experience brought years of extraordinary content to life. From engaging new audiences to sparking worldwide buzz, Sally and Sarah share the objectives, challenges, and standout moments that made this launch truly one of a kind.


Exhibition Centre Liverpool Marks 10 Years of Events, Visitors and Impact

Exhibition Centre Liverpool is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of major events, millions of visitors, and significant economic impact for the city region. Since opening in 2015, the venue has hosted more than 500 events, welcomed over 2.2 million visitors, and generated an estimated £320 million for the local economy. From Comic Con Liverpool and the Labour Party Conference to acting as Eurovision’s media hub, the venue has become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s world-class waterfront events campus.


Scottish Event Campus to Host Series of IEEE Conferences, Starting with CleanTech Summit, 2-3 October 2025

The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow will host the IEEE CleanTech Summit 2025 this week, bringing together global leaders in engineering, science, and technology to address urgent sustainability challenges. The event marks the start of a landmark series of IEEE conferences at the SEC through 2027, reinforcing the venue’s reputation as a world-class hub for international meetings.


Convene Hospitality Group Launches as Parent Company for Convene and ETC.Venues

The formation of Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) is a strategic move leveraging the brands’ combined strengths, expertise, and market reach to better serve clients and partners in more places and exciting new ways. It unites an existing portfolio of brands while providing a vision and structure to scale the platform through the addition of new brands in the future. Ryan Simonetti will serve as President & CEO of CHG.


Crowne Plaza Newcastle Celebrates 10 Years of Events Impact

Crowne Plaza Newcastle is celebrating 10 years as one of the city’s leading meetings and events hotels. Since opening in 2015, it has welcomed over a million guests, hosted global brands and local charities alike, and played a key role in Newcastle’s growth as a business events destination.