Hellenic Bankers Association (HBA) – UK | Ένωση Ελλήνων Τραπεζιτών Μεγάλης Βρετανίας’s Post

"Who is the Golden Connection you are seeking?" is one of my top 10 Great Questions recently. I fell in love with it so much, I'm hosting 3rd workshop this week around it. I won't lie to you. It's because of The Gathering again. That lovely field in The Garden, North of Porto invited me to propose such a workshop and I said YES! It was exactly 2 weeks ago. Shocking amount of value delivered to a table of 10 people, within 90 min. resulted in turning it into an on-going setting. We called it a Golden Table and we have giants sitting with us. They also told me sth. like: "Alex, this workshop is pure gold. You have to do it for more people." And who am I to refuse to such request, most especially that it's pure fun for me to do it. Again, yesterday. I did such session for The Regenerative Marketing Movement, which brought 8 people, inc. key players. This time we needed 120 min. Results, again = tons of value, connection, collaboration. We are also planning next rounds. If you want to tap into the power if this Great Question, come to Moos tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. Very short notice & this is not a coincidence. This is another product of mine, a little bit like platform 9 & 3/4 from Harry Potter. You have to be aligned (have free time, be around town, see this post) to be able to join it. Session at 3pm is free. Session at 8pm needs a ticket for Cosy Berlin festival from you. Details in the link in the comment.

Watch the magic unfold: See how we turn ordinary spaces into extraordinary event venues with these incredible before and after transformations, showcasing our attention to detail and creative vision! #EventDesign #EventPlanning #EventProfessionals #MICEIndustry #EventStrategy #EventTrends #EventSuccess #EventSolutions #Plan3Media

Ever thrown a party in a shoebox? No? Well, that's basically what happens when we ignore the power of venue choice! Listen up, event planners and gathering gurus: we've been so caught up in guest lists, logistics, and agendas that we're forgetting the silent superstar of successful events - the space itself. Priya Parker, my go-to gathering guru, drops this truth bomb: "the choice of venue is one of your most powerful levers over your guests' behavior." And get this - even comedy king Jerry Seinfeld claims "the room is doing 80% of the job." Mind. Blown. 🤯 Your venue isn't just a backdrop; it's your event's secret weapon. It shapes how people connect, engage, and contribute. So before you book that generic conference room or cavernous hall, ask yourself: Does this space spark the magic I'm after? Maybe a cozy nook will ignite deeper conversations, or an airy loft will unleash creativity. Whatever you choose, remember: your venue is your silent partner in creating unforgettable experiences. I'd love to hear you how think about the role of venue in your event design process! #eventprofs #venueselection #eventinnovators Liz Lathan, CMP John Chen, CSP® Richard Mulholland

In preparation for one of the biggest conferences of the year, City of Austin officials and event planners are already preparing for the influx of attendees that are expected to hit the street. As discussions continue around street closures and permits, parking and curb management should also be top of mind. With an increase in attendees, city planners will need to plan to mitigate congestion and increase commuter safety – this is where implementing a parking management system can help! Check out this article from Chad Swiatecki at the Austin Monitor to read up on how Austin is preparing for SXSW: https://hubs.ly/Q02n3r6x0 ➡️ If you’re interested in learning more about how solutions like Passport can help prepare cities for events like this, visit our website: https://hubs.ly/Q02n3qnJ0

The biggest big news since the last big news... I'll be appearing at this year's The Design Conference at Brisbane Powerhouse, Meanjin, June 05-07. The lineup (wow!), venue and program all look amazing and everyone I know that's been says it fills your 🧠 and ❤️ with absolute goodness. As well as the talk, I'll be running a special Bare Brand Strat workshop at the conference, for all those who want to delve a little deeper into the some hands-on, fluff free strategy. Third release tickets are open for a wee while longer, so scope the site, grab a spot and I'll see you there! https://lnkd.in/gzx-9twW If you can't make it in person, you can join all 3 days via the live stream to access all talks, interactive QnAs and 6 months on-demand access. I have a special friends and fam 20% discount for this, which you can cop right here: https://lnkd.in/g9ua9TSe Big shout out and thanks to Matthew Haynes, the TDC team and all the sponsors and partners for making this happen and getting me involved. I'm hyped! 🙌 ----- Let the transformation begin. Finding and owning your creative flow is a life-long pursuit that requires guidance, discipline and an open mind. The Design Conference is a wonderfully confronting experience that introduces you to your dream future, how to grasp it and the connections that can make it a reality. Expand your mind and let the transformation begin. #thedesignconference #conference #australia

The advanced nature of our solutions, can set your business apart in the mega venue industry. In an era where the extraordinary becomes the expected overnight, standing out in the mega venue industry requires not just innovation, but foresight. That's precisely where we shine. At GRMN CONNECT, we're not just at the forefront of venue solutions; we're actively defining what the future looks like. Let me tell you why we're up to 36 months ahead of all standard industry solutions. Visionary Innovation: Our approach to innovation is not just about keeping up with trends; it's about creating them. With a team that dreams big and an R&D department that turns those dreams into reality, we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Our solutions today were conceptualized from the future's needs, ensuring that when the industry catches up, we're already setting new benchmarks. Proven Track Record: Confidence comes from a history of not just meeting but exceeding expectations. Our portfolio is a testament to our ability to predict and adapt to market shifts long before they happen. This isn't just foresight; it's our commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the mega venue ecosystem that allows us to innovate with precision and purpose. Unparalleled Customization The secret to our advanced positioning? Our bespoke solutions are tailored not just to the current needs of our clients but to their future aspirations. This level of customization means we're not just providing what you need now; we're preparing you for what's next, ensuring that our solutions evolve with your venue. A Partnership for the Future Choosing us means you're not just selecting a service provider; you're choosing a partner who is as invested in your success as you are. Our confidence stems from our unwavering commitment to your venue's potential, pushing the limits of today to ensure you remain the benchmark of tomorrow. Why We Lead: Being 36 months ahead isn't just a figure—it's a philosophy. It's about knowing that in the fast-paced world of mega venues, being ahead means being prepared for the next big thing, even before the industry realizes what that is. Our solutions aren't just advanced; they're a leap towards the future, designed with the wisdom of experience and the excitement of innovation. In essence, our confidence is matched only by our achievements and our ambition by our dedication. With GRMN CONNECT, you're not just keeping up; you're setting the pace, ready to embrace the future of mega venues today.

At nearly every event, there are last minute changes. At innoVia, we’re experts at navigating them. We know how to expect the unexpected and turn a challenge into a seamless experience. 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲? 𝗡𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺. When the entire City of Copenhagen lost power during a major event, we kept the energy alive—literally. With emergency lighting in the General Session and a naturally lit reception, the event continued without missing a beat. 𝗦𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗲? 𝗪𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. When a key participant fell ill after arriving at the venue, we set up a video conference feed to their hotel room. They didn’t miss a moment, and neither did the event. 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁? 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹. When a presenter’s flight was canceled, we swiftly pivoted to bring them in virtually, ensuring the hybrid meeting proceeded as planned. 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝗠𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲? 𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗻 𝗜𝘁. Just last week, a client updated their branding right before an event. Everything from custom scenic elements to printed materials were adjusted to align with their new look. 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗽: Always have a Plan B, extra equipment ready, and team members you can rely on for help in a pinch. We’re ready for whatever comes our way because for us, the show must always go on! #SummerSeries #EventPlanning #EventManagement #innoVia #TipsAndTricks #CorporateEvents #LastMinute #EventProfs

#geobiz - WHY I WON’T BE THERE. I have always looked forward to the the UK’s annual survey show in the various forms it has manifested itself over my 40 years in the industry. But sadly that’s no longer the case. This year I’m not going to bother. The current format of Geobiz has ruined the experience for me. The survey show/exhibition (whatever you want to call it) was never just a trade show to see the latest equipment - and it was always a lot more than just a couple of days of seeing the lastest toys to buy, an evening meal and an insufferably dull after-dinner presentation. It was a social glue for the industry. A chance to network, chat about the state of things and pick up the latest gossip. It was always at a not-particularly-high-end venue that moved around the country so most people could get to it every few years - it was cheap for exhibitors and had a folksy feel that made us all think it was OUR event. That has all gone. The event, and I think the industry, is now a lot poorer for it. Geobiz is now just a relatively small part of the huge Digital Construction event. It’s bland and it’s lost. There are far more people there - many times the amount exhibitors could have expected in the old days - but the vast majority aren’t genuine prospects, they’ve just wandered in from the other Digital Construction halls. I find I meet fewer people in the crowds and expanse of EXCEL in a day than I met in half an hour in the previous venues. Maybe I’m being unrealistic on wanting to go back to a survey show that is much smaller, purely dedicated to our industry and changes venue each year. I’m not saying I’ll never go to Geobiz again but it’s gone much lower down my list of priorities each time I’ve made the dreadful journey to Docklands and paid £10 for a crappy cheese sandwich. Is it just me who thinks we had something much better before?

Innotrans 2024: Food for thought This was my first time at the event and here are my current reflections as I travel home. - Travelling there by train was one of the highlights and there is nothing like experiencing the networks that the industry is here to serve. - The scale of the event was wild. I felt the breadth of innovation and thinking that is out there. There are brilliant tried and tested products that we can use to make Scotland's Railway better and this gave me a lot of hope. - On the flip side, the lack of diversity was stark. I'm pretty used to the male dominated environment of rail but this felt like another level. If the homogeneity of the attendees at this event are anything to go by, we have a serious challenge to address. It shouldn't be news to anyone that more diverse thinking delivers better outcomes. If we don't tackle this issue then we will not deliver what we need to as an industry. - I loved hearing the perspectives from panels and exhibitors who are working all over the world. Noticing the similarities to our work I. Scotland and learning from the differences. Getting out of our bubble and gaining exposure to new ideas and different ways of thinking is super rewarding and sparks so many ideas. - I'm thinking about data, systems thinking, regional and metro vs national approaches, decision making and procurement timelines, financing, how to quickly get existing proven solutions onto our network, small leverage points, the culture around innovation, diversity and equity in our organisations and so much more. - A sense of our purpose, the customers, businesses, communities and passengers we serve was a little bit absent. While there is a place for more inward focus on technology and innovation, I think it is super important that the industry maintains a line of sight to the people we exist to serve. Keeping the user in mind throughout all that we do. - We have an awesome team in Scotland's Railway and it was great to experience the event with new people from across our business. Reflecting together makes it all the more enriching and we need to weave this into how we approach our day to day work. Now time to let some of these ideas percolate and turn them into action 🌟

I approve this message! When it comes to ensuring diversity in panel discussions, the solution can be "one-two-three": 1. **Make Diversity a Priority**: First and foremost, diversity must be a core value when organizing a panel. This means setting explicit goals for the inclusion of individuals from various demographic backgrounds, such as gender, ethnicity, and age, as well as from different professional and personal experiences. An inclusive panel not only enriches the discussion but also signals to everyone that diverse perspectives are valued. 2. **Reflect Your Audience**: Secondly, think carefully about the composition of your audience or the target audience. The panel should mirror this diversity to some extent, providing relatable figures and role models. This not only enhances engagement but also ensures that the content is relevant and resonant. When your panel reflects the diversity of your audience, it fosters a deeper connection and a more meaningful exchange of ideas. 3. **Incorporate Emerging Voices**: Lastly, consider the inclusion of emerging voices in the field—those whose perspectives may not yet have been widely recognized but who offer fresh, innovative viewpoints. This can include younger professionals, those working at the grassroots level, or experts from underrepresented regions or sectors. By giving a platform to these voices, you not only enrich the discussion but also help challenge and expand the traditional boundaries of your field. By following these three steps, you can ensure that your panels are not only diverse but also dynamic and insightful, reflecting a broad spectrum of thought and experience.