Published by Neil ThompsonWe were lucky enough to catch up with Emma Cartmell, CEO of CHS Group to talk to her about their upcoming show in Leeds and to find out more about their brand new show in Birmingham in the Autumn
Q: So, Emma, with only seven weeks to go before the CHS Leeds show, how are your final preparations coming on?
We’re going great guns. We’ve made a key strategic shift this year in terms of the show now being appointment driven. The diaries go live next week which means that all of our pre-qualified hosted buyers will start to pre-schedule their appointments. This is where the show gets noisier and more exciting every day. We’re also about to announce our keynote speaker – watch this space!
Q. How important is this show from a timing point of view, to inject some confidence into the UK market place?
It’s massively important. The industry is really struggling right now due to Covid-19 and with so much negative coverage it’s hard for some people to stay positive.
However, it’s important that as an industry we stick together and all do what we can to support each other. There’s lots of reports about events cancelling – but it’s important to remember that the government has said that there is no scientific evidence to stop events going ahead – Cheltenham races is going ahead as we speak with 80,000 visitors.
Equally, it’s really important to remember why these events exist; to stimulate businesses and industries. It could be a tough period for our visitors and our exhibitors, and we want these sort of events to take place to support them and their businesses.
What is great news is that, this week alone, I’ll be going to the Conference News Agency Awards on Friday – let’s report more about the events that ARE going ahead rather than the ones that aren’t.
There’s no doubt that some companies will experience real difficulty during this time. Now is the time to stay strong and resolute – and most importantly show up for each other and offer support where we can. We are a resilient industry and we will survive this.
Q. So, CHS Leeds is going ahead – what can visitors expect?
We’ve got a great show planned again for the 2020 edition of CHS Leeds. Once again, the exhibitor and hosted buyer party will take place at Harvey Nichols. We’ve got a fantastic educational programme, over 200 exhibitors, a brand-new feature area in the centre of the show designed by Eventologists, which gives visitors more space to sit and relax. The cocktail bar returns thanks to Zest Mixology and Preferred Hotels and Resorts, amazing prize draws, lots of networking and business meetings through the day, followed by the after-show party – it’s a jam-packed day!
Q. Have you got any new exhibitors this year? I’ve heard a rumour there’s a Facebook based event industry group going to have a shared stand this year 😊
Absolutely! Delegate Wranglers have an amazing stand share opportunity and will be hosting a meet up/drinks reception at the show.
Event organisers from Delegate Wranglers can apply for VIP tickets at www.chsleeds.com and if they are travelling for more than 90 minutes the can apply to be hosted in a nearby hotel and invited to the renown welcome party.
Q. You announced that you are launching CHS Birmingham later this year – how has that been received and are you looking forward to it?
Yes, we’re very excited about our new show, taking place at the ICC in Birmingham in October. It has been overwhelmingly well received by our peers in the Midlands, and indeed the rest of the UK.
CHS Leeds takes place on 28th April at the firstdirect Arena in Leeds.
More information can be found here: www.chsleeds.com
