XC60 launch picks up US accolade…

The big cheeses from the US and international event and experiential markets made their way to Chicago for the 7^th annual Ex Awards Gala recently to learn who would be this year’s winners in over 30 categories.  The Awards, created by the magazine and on-line publication, Event Marketer (www.eventmarketer.com), recognise excellence in outstanding event and experiential programs in 2008.

We were extremely chuffed to pick up a Gold for the best production of an event for the launch of the new Volvo XC60 which took place over 9 weeks in Gothenburg this Summer.

Click here to find out more about the awards and review other winners or here to learn more about the award-winning Volvo dealer experience.

Let’s Rock!

The O2 have a new attraction in the form of the British Music Experience. It is a permanent interactive exhibition dedicated solely to British music.

With so much exciting information at your fingertips, you barely know where to start. Do you want to check out Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust clown suit, take a peek at Amy’s vintage gingham ‘rehab’ dress or eavesdrop on rock industry legends discussing their experiences of Live Aid?

The O2 Bubble is now your musical oyster. If you are a budding rock star, you can also learn to play the guitar, drums or piano; record a song; perfect your dance moves or DJ using the ultimate [British] record box.

Your Smarticket unlocks the interactive media and allows you to have access to both information and, in our case, humiliating clips of dance moves and attempts to play the bass on MyBME (click here and cringe as we attempt The Twist), a great feature on their website (www.britishmusicexperience.com). We think it’s well worth a visit, especially if you can go with children.

With exclusive use options for private parties and corporate events it adds another dimension to the O2’s stable of event space.

5 of the best venues – Delicious Dining

Our ‘5 of the best venues’ series continues with a handful of the most unique dining spots that London has to offer.  When we say delicious, we are not only describing the menu; the setting, the views and the unique status that dining at one of London’s iconic landmarks can lend to an occasion is not to be underestimated.

 

Tower Bridge

 

 

 

 

Completed in 1894, Tower Bridge (www.towerbridge.org.uk) was instantly hailed as a London icon and one of the great engineering marvels of its age.   The Walkways offer fantastic views of many of London’s most famous sights, including St Paul’s Cathedral, sky-scraping Canary Wharf, maritime Greenwich and The London Eye.  Great for receptions for up to 250 people or can alternatively seat up to 120.

 

The ‘Gherkin’ 

 

 

 

 

 

The now infamous ‘Gherkin’ (www.30stmaryaxe.com) is one of London’s most unusual landmarks, located in the heart of the City.  At 180 metres tall, it is the second tallest building in the City of London and the sixth tallest in London.  Its top two floors (39^th & 40^th) are available for exclusive hire on weekday evenings, for up to 250 people.

 

Wellington Arch

 

 

 

 

 

First erected in 1826 as a grand entrance from the west to Buckingham Palace, the Arch (www.uniquevenuesoflondon.co.uk/wellington_arch) more recently served time as London’s smallest police station.  Now, one of London’s best kept secret venues, it holds 3 spaces, one of which gives access to the Arch’s exterior balconies.  Perfect for dinners for up to 36 people or receptions up to 80.

 

Hampton Court Palace

 

 

 

 

 

Henry VIII was renowned for his feasting at Hampton Court (www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace)  and the Palace now offers 10 different spaces for exclusive corporate or private hire; the largest seating up to 280 for dinner.

 

London Eye

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Built to celebrate the Millennium, the London Eye (www.londoneye.com/CorporateEvents)  has become one of London’s most popular attractions.   Single capsules can be hired for up to 25 people or the whole London Eye can be taken on an exclusive basis for an incredible and memorable event.

The top spot for us has to be Wellington Arch – overwhelming history and a sense of total secrecy and privacy make it an incredibly special venue.