Philippa Bowers, creative director at Fisher Productions
How well did your business perform in 2013?
"We were very successful in 2013, in the last 18 months we have broached out to the Far East and Middle Eastern market. Our clientele are not just the UK but the international events market. Rather than our corporate clients requesting one-off large events, we are finding we are managing lots of accounts that require our services on a regular basis throughout the year."
What plans do you have for events, your clients and the business in 2014?
"In 2014 we are focusing on driving research; we are hungry for new ideas to stay ahead of the game and finding new products to bring to the marketplace."
What do you think we can expect from the event industry next year?
"I believe that we can expect a rise in the marketplace of competitors resulting in agencies pushing the boat out, willing to show what they can do. In the past, agencies have been rather conservative towards how much they spend and proving their talents. Creativity — true creativity — requires risk. They’re undeniably intertwined, and to create something really meaningful, you must be willing to go outside you’re comfort zone in order to achieve it."
Chris Parnham, chair of the Hotel Booking Agents Association
How well did your members perform in 2013?
"Our members have reported an average growth of 5% in 2013 and we expect at least the same growth next year. Confidence for 2014 is higher than it was this time last year, so I think these are conservative estimates, with hopes being set a little higher."
What do you think we can expect from the industry next year?
"I think the industry will continue to grow in size and confidence throughout 2014. The growth will be steady and planned. Many clients will be looking to try out new suppliers to breathe new life and creativity into their events schedule, and to also save on cost."
Rick Stainton, managing director, Smyle
What has the last 12 months meant to the event industry?
"A year of transition that has a good and bad Olympic legacy – some companies have gained new relationships with clients and partners in the industry that will create exciting opportunities both in the UK and overseas. The downer is that some may have created surplus capacity on the back of a spike in business that failed to realise the expected continued momentum into 2013. This has resulted in restructuring and redundancies from a number of significant industry players, as well as a lot of expensive pitching for big contracts that could fill the hole, leaving some nursing expensive and morale-sapping hangovers when unsuccessful."
How well did your business perform in 2013?
"We have invested more time and resources into boosting the internal team, particularly among senior management, as well as all other departments growing in terms of staff numbers. We started the year at 29 staff and currently have 39 employees. All key accounts have grown, some by as much as 50%, which had countered the one-off Olympic activity and set us on course to break through the £10m turnover mark so achieving a 20% annual growth."
What plans do you have for events, your clients and the business in 2014?
"2014 is looking to be a record year already. We have approximately £3m of business already booked, but the same time last year we had only £1m. The signs are good that the investment in the team alongside some significant new wins in the IT, telecoms and automotive sectors will support our turnover target. We are looking forward to being involved in the delivery of the opening and closing ceremonies of next year's Ryder Cup."
What are your thoughts on the event industry in 2013/14? Share your thoughts and your own highlights with us by commenting below.For more in-depth and print-only features, showcases and interviews with world-leading brands, don't miss the next issue of Event magazine .