Set the conditions for a successful end to the year!

With the summer events of Ascot, Glyndebourne and Wimbledon now over for another year, the quieter month of August provides the perfect time to clear the decks and get ready for the busy final months of the year.

It's not quite back to School, but now is the time to do your homework! Complete your expenses, reconcile your event budgets but most importantly use the next few weeks to do valuable research on new venues, new concepts and generally gen up on the latest trends in the market.

Do you know what venues have opened in the past couple of months? Have you tried and tested the latest restaurants? Have you been on any venue site visits to familiarize yourself on the event space? Have you researched new suppliers? Have you thought about Christmas parties? August is the perfect time to undertake all of these tasks. As soon as September comes, the busy autumn season will be underway and it will be more difficult to try and fit all these things into your busy schedule.

Charlotte Aikman Marketing & Events is constantly researching the market and keeping abreast of the latests trends. If you would like to tap into this knowledge, why not give us a call. We can add value to your business and set you apart from your competition.

E: charlotte@charlotteaikman.com
T: 07958 734383

The perfect venue at the right price...

Now is the time to negotiate....

With the enivitable toll that the current climate is taking on the events market, lots of venues are offering very competitive venue hire and daily delegate fees. So, if you have a key event which you are planning but are finding it hard to locate a cost effective venue for, why not give us a call?

Charlotte Aikman Marketing & Events offers a free venue finding service. Having worked across the globe organising all types of events for over 10 years, we have both the knowledge and the strong relationships with venues in every corner of the globe. We will do all the research until we find you the perfect venue that caters for your specific requirements. We will then negotiate with the venue to get you the best deal possible.

You have nothing to lose, so why not give this stressful and time consuming task to us and see the results for yourself?

Riding out the recession with team spirit!

Would your team benefit from a teambuilding day to boost morale and re-focus?

In these difficult economic times, investing in your employees is crucial. Keeping morale up can be ever more difficult when in more cases than not, budgets are being cut and redundancies are being talked about, yet at the same time expectations of individuals are higher than ever.

Charlotte Aikman Marketing & Events are experts at delivering cost effective events that help to re-focus teams and ensure that you achieve the best from your workforce. Communication within a company is key and we know how to help your employees recognize this.

With marketing budgets being scrutinized, these internal events are often put on the backburner or worse cancelled. However, it is important to recognize the value of such events. If your employees are happy and more importantly focused, you have the best chance of them delivering to the high standards you require. Teambuilding days do not need to be a huge expense. With some careful planning, a day or afternoon of either physical or mental activities can have a hugely positive effect.

If you would like to know more about the different ideas out there, why not give us a call? It could be the best money you spend all year!

T: 01628 891886 / 07958 734383

E: charlotte@charlotteaikman.com

www.charlotteaikman.com

What makes Charlotte Aikman Marketing & Events Special?

We are a small marketing agency with a wealth of experience gained across different sectors organising events across the globe.

We pride ourselves in offering a personal service tailored to your requirements. No job or budget is too small. We will come up with unique and effective ideas that achieve your goals and set you apart from your eager competition. We know how tough this market is.

Based in Marlow, Buckinghamshire yet working on events worldwide, the services we offer are vast. Anything from basic advice on what works and doesn't work, to entire event co-ordination from conception through to delivery. We have built up trusted relationships with a host of suppliers that guarantee value for money without compromising on quality.

Whether you are a private client looking for help in organising a wedding, birthday party or other special occasion or a client looking to organise something a bit different for your company, we can assist you in achieving your goals.

We have the knowledge - why not tap into it?

If you think our services could benefit you or your company, please do not hesitate to contact us to find out more.

T: 07958 734383
E: charlotte@charlotteaikman.com

Entertain your leading ladies!

Is Ascot the event?

Gone are the days when only men hold the senior positions in firms. Despite this fact the leading ladies often get overlooked when it comes to client entertaining. You'll often hear of budgets including many a golf day, rugby ticket or football match, but it's not often you hear of events focused on the fairer sex.



With Ascot having taken place this week it seems relevant to debate as to whether this is the key event to entertain your female clients at? Or would it be Chelsea Flower Show? Or Wimbledon? Or even a luxurious spa day? Charlotte Aikman Marketing & Events would be keen to hear your thoughts!


Remember the key factor when entertaining clients is the quality time you spend with them. Would they prefer a ticket to an event which they enjoy but wouldn't otherwise to be likely to attend - Wimbledon for example? Or would they prefer to put their glad rags on and go for a jolly day at Ascot?


If you would like to find out more about where best to entertain your leading ladies, why not given us a call? We have many ideas to share.

T: 07958 734383/charlotte@charlotteaikman.com

2009 Jack Wills Varsity Polo - the best way to have started your summer!

As anticipated, the 2009 Jack Wills Varsity Polo was a raving success with thousands of party goers, despite the very British wet weather! Nothing seemed to dampen the spirits of those that attended.

For the second year in a row, Charlotte Aikman Marketing & Events collaborated with Jack Wills to create an event which is now a secure fixture in many young people's diaries.

As promised, the event was bigger and better than last year and featured JWUnsigned, Silent Disco*, bike polo and much much more. (* more details to follow shortly)




Oxford & Durham, Millfield & Harrow and Harvard & Yale all battled it out on the pitch to give viewers much action to watch.

Below are a few pictures from the fantastic day.....




If you think an event like this could be of value to your company, why not get in touch with us to see what we can create for your needs.

2009 Jack Wills Varsity Polo tickets now onsale

The 2009 Jack Wills Varsity Polo tickets are now available to buy online at http://www.jackwills.com/Community/Polo/Default.aspx

Combined Ticket*

All Inclusive day and Evening Ticket £50 / £70 on the day (if any left)
Last year we sold out so get yours early!

Including

• Best view of the Polo all day
• Bike Polo throughout the day - anyone can take part!
• Assortment of catering tents and bars within JW enclosure
• JW Retail Marquee
• A selection of JW Unsigned Live bands and a signed Headlining Act (TBA) playing all day
• Selection of top London DJ’s (TBA)
• Pimms Bus and Magners area
• JW After Party (for combined ticket holders only)
• Silent Disco (for combined ticket holders only)
• JW Goody Bag

Day Ticket

Day entry only ticket £10 (£15 after 16th May 2009)

Including

• Best view of the Polo all day
• Bike Polo throughout the day - anyone can take part!
• Assortment of catering tents and bars within JW enclosure
• JW Retail Marquee
• Pimms Bus and Magners area

For any further information, please visit the Jack Wills website.

Tips for promoting your events

In this increasingly difficult economic climate, in order to get the most out of your events, it is imperative to know how best to go about promoting them. Here are some useful tips:-

Really understand the purpose of the event and what you are hoping to achieve from it

Is making money the most important aspect? Is it a networking event? Is it purely a marketing event to increase your brand awareness? Is it an educational event?

The money's in your communication

Regular communication by varying means (newsletter, blogging, emails etc) will help to increase your visibility, help people understand how you can add value to their business and give you an opportunity to promote your events. It takes time to build up your mailing list, but it is well worth it and the results will speak for themselves.

Research thoroughly

Research is crucial! There is little point in holding an event unless there is a demand for it. In this environment people will only attend an event if it is beneficial to them in some way.

Focus your PR efforts

Whether it be the internet, radio, magazines or weekly and daily newspapers, it is essential to focus your efforts and understand the deadlines behind getting your event promoted. Ensure you are targeting the right type of magazine. Research the demographics of the readers or listeners before you choose where to advertise.

Strategic partnerships

Do you know of anyone that could help you and in return you can help them in someway? Partnerships can be invaluable, but choosing the right partnership is crucial. Really understand how you can be mutually beneficial to each other and what you expect to gain from the alliance.

I hope these tips are useful. If you require any further advice or information, contact us:-

T: 01628 891 886 / 07958 734383

E: charlotte@charlotteaikman.com

CONFEX 2009 - Let your imagination flow!

Confex is the place to be for all event professionals this week.

"As the leading event for event organisers; it brings together people who organise any kind of event with providers of venues, destinations and event support services both in the UK and across the world."

Taking place at Earls Court until Thursday, the venue is packed full new ideas, keen suppliers and generally any information you could possibly want when planning your event.

For more information, including a list of all exhibitors and seminars, please visit the Confex website.

http://www.international-confex.com

2009 Jack Wills Varsity Polo

Following the success of last years' event, planning is now underway for the 2009 Jack Wills Varsity polo.

We've taken all the best bits from last year, added your suggestions and mixed in some new stuff! We are truly confident that it's going to be another fantastic success!

Once again, Charlotte Aikman Marketing & Events will be collaborating with Jack Wills. The varsity polo is the perfect backdrop for the evermore popular brand which goes hand in hand with long summer days, glasses of Pimms and a rocking party!

Tickets for the 2009 event will be going on sale in March (via the Jack Wills website - www.jackwills.com), so keep your eyes peeled for them! We really did sell out of the party tickets last year so please please please book early to be part of the big party!

To remind you of the fun that we all had last year, please take a look at the Varsity polo 2008 video by clicking below.



Feel free to drop me a line or give me a call for any further information about the event.

If you are a business or brand, perhaps you like what you see and think that you could benefit from something like this. Clearly this sort of sporting event come party formula is a winner and can be adapted to the needs of your business. It doesn't have to cost the earth and the last two years have undoubtedly contributed to the strength of Jack Wills as a brand.

T: 01628 891 886 / 07958 734383
E: charlotte@charlotteaikman.com

Top hospitality events for February

Maintaining strong client relationships is key during tough economic times.

Below are the top hospitality events to take your clients to in February:-

Cirque Du Soleil, The Royal Albert Hall, London
Showcasing Quidam the new and highly commended production from Cirque du Soleil. This new production is mind blowing with artists combining acrobatic, gymnastic and performance art.
The word Quidam is a Latin word for a nameless passer-by living in our anonymous society. This production is based on a young girl that fumes; she has already seen everything there is to see, and her world has lost all meaning. Her anger shatters her little world, and she finds herself in the universe of Quidam.

6 Nations Rugby
Sat 14th Feb
France v Scotland, Stade de France
Wales v England, Millennium Stadium

Sun 15th Feb
Italy v Ireland, Stadio Flaminio

Fri 27th Feb
France v Wales, Stade de France

Sat 28th Feb
Scotland v Italy, Murrayfield
Ireland v England, Croke Park

For more information on tickets and hospitality packages, please contact us:
T: 01628 891 886 / 07958 734383
E: charlotte@charlotteaikman.com

Recent Event - 2008 Jack Wills Christmas Party

1920's Jeeves and Wooster British Themed Event

Before I start to focus on marketing plans for 2009, I want to post a few pictures from our final event of 2008

The Jack Wills Christmas Party

The event took place in 'The Theatre' at The Institute of Contemporary Arts. A blank space, the theatre is a perfect location to have any themed party. With black walls and an excellent in-built AV system, you can fully transform this space into any theme that you might wish for.

Jack Wills, the 'University Outfitter' for the traditional preppy British crowd, decided to host a party that would capture the essence of this truly trendy and evermore popular brand. The ICA was transformed using a pallette of rich reds, sultry blacks and sparkling silvers, against a backdrop that captured the PG Wodehouse inspired theme - all we really lacked was Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie!

The simple use of silver feathers, a few baubles and some red branches set upon a plain black tablecloth - the results are astounding!










Instead of numbering tables, relevant names were given to each table - Jeeves, Wooster, Stilton and Bassett to name a few. Other theming included British flags, feather bowers, union jack covered chaise longues, stuffed pheasants and hat stands with bowler hats.

The food and drinks were also inkeeping with the theme and 1920's era. Amongst many other things, guests were served Tom Collins cocktails, a quince and stilton tart for starter, a shoulder of lamb for main course and a chocolate and hazelnut desert.

After the meal and speeches guests danced the night away with tunes played by DJ Dan Browne.







I highly recommend the ICA - the space is as versatile as you can get and the venue is in an ideal location on The Mall. If you would like to find out more about the venue or indeed discuss any future parties you may be planning, please do get in touch.

Whilst this was a Christmas party we are constantly planning and executing similar events such as charity dinners, product launches or just an in-house team-building event and would welcome the chance to show you how we can make a difference to your company.

Tel: 01628 891886 / 07958 734383
E: charlotte@charlotteaikman.com