Members of Team Wales, who led the winning bid to host the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 at ICC Wales, Newport, will be flying out to Singapore for next week’s 40^th staging of the prestigious international event.

At the closing ceremony, the Congress Bell will be presented to Culinary Association of Wales (CAW) president Arwyn Watkins, OBE, and the Welsh delegation which includes ICC Wales sales director Danielle Bounds and Peter Fuchs, group culinary director of The Celtic Collection and ICC Wales.

During the handover, delegates will also hear for the first time the song ‘When you return to Wales’, which has been gifted by CAW ambassador, Katherine Jenkins, as the 2026 Congress & Expo anthem. Katherine is founder of Cygnet Gin, a CAW sponsor.

“This very generous gift demonstrates Katherine’s commitment and support to bringing this global event to Wales,” said Mr Watkins. “We look forward to sharing the song with delegates during the congress bell handover ceremony.”

When Wales welcomes thousands of chefs from around the world in 2026, it will be the first time that any part of the United Kingdom has hosted the global event in Worldchefs’ 98-year history.

“A global event of this magnitude will provide a fantastic platform for Wales to showcase its food, drink, hospitality and tourism industries,” added Mr Watkins.

“With a congress theme of ‘Pasture Passion Plate’, we are confident that we can bring together the best businesses in Wales to partner with us and influence the congress agenda across the four-day expo.

“We aim to deliver a legacy that supports the ambition of Wales on the world stage, not only making memories but also business partnerships that will support the Welsh economy.”

ICC Wales sales director Danielle Bounds said: “We can’t wait to attend the Worldchefs Congress & Expo in Singapore and take up the baton to host the next staging of this amazing event in 2026. This is undoubtedly one of the one most important international events taking place in Wales and the UK in the next two years and we look forward to welcoming chefs and delegates from all over the world to our incredible facilities at ICC Wales.

“Our culinary philosophy is a huge part of what we do at ICC Wales and hosting this prestigious event will provide a brilliant opportunity to showcase Wales’s amazing wealth of produce, as well as our growing food and drink industry to a global audience. Hearing the beautiful anthem by Katherine Jenkins at the closing ceremony in Singapore is going to be an inspiring taste of all that awaits them in 2026.”

Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2026 will host the finals of four Global Chefs Challenge competitions – Global Pastry Chef, Global Chef, Global Young Chef and the Global Vegan Chef. As hosts, the CAW receives a golden ticket into each of these finals and the search is now on to find talented chefs to represent Wales.

Team Wales has worked tirelessly since 1999 to secure the Worldchefs Congress & Expo. Relationships have been built with Worldchefs presidents from the 110 member countries which resulted in Wales winning a closely contested vote against Italy in December 2022.

The ground-breaking partnership will deliver great value to event organisers and attendees at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The partnership means event organisers and guests at Copper Box Arena, which is managed by GLL, a charitable social enterprise and worker-owned cooperative operating under the community-brand Better, will gain access to exclusive accommodation packages at The Stratford Hotel.

These include discounted room rates and priority booking all through an effortless booking process, ensuring a stress-free experience for all visitors.

Daniel Le Grange, Head of National Events at GLL, which operates Copper Box Arena, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with The Stratford Hotel, combining world-class events with luxury hospitality to strengthen the visitor experience at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“This partnership will allow us to provide our visitors with fantastic hospitality options, improving their overall experience and consolidate Copper Box Arena’s reputation as a top destination for sports, entertainment, and large-scale events.” 

Both venues share a commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and promoting East London as a vibrant hub for sports, entertainment, and tourism. The partnership aims to strengthen the area’s position as a leading destination for unforgettable events.

Alberto Cambus – Director of Sales and Marketing, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Copper Box Arena, a venue renowned for hosting a vibrant mix of world-class events.

“We are delighted to offer guests luxurious and seamless experiences that perfectly complement the energy and excitement of events at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

“Our hotel is perfectly suited for group stays, making us an ideal choice for teams and event attendees. This partnership also strengthens our presence within the sports and e-sports community.”

Copper Box Arena recently secured a bronze award for the Most Versatile Venue at the Conference & Events Awards 2024 and has hosted major international sporting events that include boxing, netball, basketball and tennis (Billie Jean King Cup) amongst others such as high-profile esports events like League of Legends and Rocket League as well as hosting Bauer Media, Mace Awards, GT7 Launch, Fiat 500x Launch, and H&M.

Copper Box Arena and The Stratford Hotel look forward to welcoming you! We’re excited to provide unforgettable experiences for visitors at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a leading destination for events, tourism and business.

For more information or to hire the venue, please visit https://copperboxarena.org.uk

Pilgrim Street is one of the main roads in Newcastle city centre. The south end of the road was extensively modified in the 1960s when The Royal Arcade of 1832 was demolished to accommodate the construction of a roundabout. Some notable buildings on today’s Pilgrim Street include the Tyneside Cinema, Alderman Fenwick’s House, the 1920s Carliol House and the former Fire and Police Station of 1933 – now home to the 90-bedroom hotel.

As the latest chapter in its story, Hotel Gotham Newcastle honours its rich past while embracing the future. The hotel invites former residents or workers of Pilgrim Street, and enthusiasts of Newcastle’s architectural heritage to share their memories and photographs, bringing the street’s history to life for future guests. This project will be showcased in a ‘Throwback Thursday’ social media series leading to the hotel’s grand opening.

Chris Thompson, General Manager of Hotel Gotham Newcastle, said: “This project is about more than just preserving history; it’s about creating a living archive that will heighten our guests’ experience and deepen their connection to the city’s past.

“Pilgrim Street has witnessed the evolution of Newcastle over the years, from its grand old buildings to its modern developments. We want to capture that journey and celebrate the street’s legacy, offering something truly unique for our visitors.”

Hotel Gotham Newcastle represents a significant investment in the careful restoration of Pilgrim Street, blending modern comfort with historic charm. Opening in Spring 2025, the fire station side will feature 60 bedrooms, a restaurant and a private member’s bar. The police station side will follow in late 2025, offering 30 bedrooms and an event space for up to 120 guests.

If you have a story you’d like to share, and are happy for it to be featured on Hotel Gotham Newcastle’s social media, please send it to info@hotelgothamnewcastle.co.uk. If your story is selected, you’ll be invited for an exclusive early-access tour of the hotel and a celebratory glass of fizz.

For more information on the hotel, and to keep updated on further developments and its grand opening, please visit its website, or follow its Facebook and Instagram.

Now in its fourteenth year, the esteemed list recognises inspiring individuals and teams who continually go the extra mile and play a pivotal role in making their organisations so successful.

The 2024 miaList individual finalists for the 10 available positions are:

• Amy Paget, Friends House
• Amy Phillips, ICC Wales
• Ash Brown, The Grand Hotel Brighton
• Aoife McVeigh, Visit Belfast
• Aziza Yessi, Mercure Manchester Piccadilly
• Becky Andrews, Pavilions of Harrogate
• Chanel Goy, Hotel Football
• Christie Gaskin, Hilton Brimingham Metropole
• Clair O’Mara, Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport
• David Gardner, First Travel Solutions
• Emma Williams, Keele University Events and Conferencing
• Emma Woodcock, Keele University
• Francesca Pacinella, Barbican Business Events
• Jenner Carter, Lime Venue Portfolio
• Jo Lake, Brighter (part of Clarity Business Travel)
• Josh Billings, Wyboston Lakes Resort
• Mark Globe, INTX
• Rekah Lyons, The Belfry Hotel & Resort
• Susan Tattersall, University of Leeds Conferences and Events
• Victoria Webb, Millennium Point Birmingham

Outstanding professionals, students and apprentices who have been in the industry for less than a year will also be recognised under the Rising Star category. The 2024 finalists include:

• Amy Ford, Eventurous
• Carys Brealey, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate
• Coral McMeakin, The Bath and West Showground
• Daisy Cooper, Titanic Hotel Liverpool
• Davina Burton, Whittlebury Park
• Chloe Turner, ICC Wales
• Rose Griffiths, emc3

Following the association’s annual miaSummit, a ceremony will be held at the Hilton Liverpool City Centre on Thursday, 7 November, where additional titles will be recognised. These titles, including three new categories – Best New Initiative, Event of the Year, and Campaign of the Year – will be determined by an online vote next month.

These finalists include:

Venue of the Year (Over 300 delegates)

• Hilton Birmingham Metropole
• ICC Wales
• QEII Centre
• Sandown Park Racecourse
• Spaces at The Spine
• St James’ Park – Sodexo Live!
• The Bath and West Showground
• Whittlebury Park

Venue of the Year (Under 300 delegates)

• Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa
• Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate
• Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
• The Grand Hotel Birmingham
• The Square at Chester Zoo
• The Victory Services Club
• The Woodlands at Hothorpe Hall
• Warwick Conferences

Supplier of the Year

• Eventurous
• First Travel Solutions
• INTX
• MeetingPackage
• Reftech
• TranslateAble

Agency of the Year

• AE (Associate Events)
• Broadsword
• emc3
• Eventurous
• HeadBox for Business
• Seren Events PCO
• Worldspan

Team of the Year (Sales & Marketing)

• De Vere Tortworth Court
• Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
• ICC Wales
• Eventurous
• Friends House
• Inntel
• The Bath and West Showground

Team of the Year (Events & Operations)

• Barbican Business Events
• Brighter (part of Clarity Business Travel)
• ICC Wales
• Keele University Events and Conferencing
• Manchester Central
• The Grand Hotel Birmingham
• RIBA at 66 Portland Place
• Whittlebury Park

Team of the Year (Destination)

• Liverpool Convention Bureau
• Meet Bristol & Bath, Visit West
• Meet Devon South West England
• Meet In Wales
• NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau

Sustainability

• Coventry Building Society Arena
• Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre
• emc3
• Eventurous
• event:decision
• Inntel
• Warwick Conferences
• Wyboston Lakes Resort

Event of the Year

• Poundland Annual Conference 2023, Butlin’s
• Infected Blood Enquiry, Central Hall Westminster
• Graduation & Inauguration 2024, Fast Forward 15
• Fertility 2024, Seren Events Ltd
• Vegas Agency Ball, Leonardo Hotels
• Project Sunflower, Worldspan
• Travel Counsellors 2023 Annual Conference, Sparq Live

Campaign of the Year

• Launch of The Master Suite at The Belfry Hotel & Resort
• QEII Centre & Distracted Economy Report
• Valorfest 2024 – Valor Hospitality

Best New Initiative

• Central Hall Westminter
• RAAC @ St. Catherine’s College
• The Venues Collection

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Fast Forward 15
• Friends House
• Inntel
• NASUWT – The Teacher’s Union

Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the mia, said: “To receive a record number of entries for a third consecutive year demonstrates the importance event professionals are placing on recognising their teams and employees. Along with a rising number of entries, our judges have been blown away by this year’s exceptional standards, which is testament to not just those on our shortlist but those serving our sector across the UK. With just three months until our awards ceremony, we are looking forward to celebrating these achievements in person later this year.”

miaList team voting will commence on Monday 9 September. To find out more information and purchase a ticket to the 2024 ceremony, visit www.mia-uk.org/miaList.

With its grand interiors adorned with festive decorations, the Castle creates a magical atmosphere that instantly puts guests in the holiday spirit. The festive décor includes Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and traditional ornaments, creating a picturesque setting for any corporate gathering. For 2023, the Castle will be themed to C.S. Lewis’s timeless tale, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, where your delegates can wonder through the magical kingdom of Narnia whilst attending your Christmas corporate event.

One of the most popular Christmas corporate events at Leeds Castle is its annual Christmas party packages. The Castle, Maiden’s Tower and Fairfax Hall offers a range of party packages to suit different budgets. From arrival drinks to a sumptuous festive feast, every detail is meticulously planned to ensure a memorable evening for all attendees. Live entertainment, such as live bands or DJs, add to the ambiance and keep the party atmosphere alive throughout the night.

For a more formal gathering, Leeds Castle offers corporate Christmas lunches or dinners in its elegant dining rooms. The Castle’s award-winning catering team creates a menu featuring seasonal dishes, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Working closely with clients, they can accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delectable meal in a truly enchanting setting.

In addition to the festive celebrations, Leeds Castle also offers team-building activities specifically designed for corporate groups. These activities range from treasure hunts around the Castle grounds to team challenges, not only are these a fun and enjoyable experience for employees but they also promote teamwork and communication within the organisation.

With its stunning surroundings, festive ambience, and exceptional attention to detail, Leeds Castle is the perfect venue for Christmas corporate events. Whether it be a festive party, a formal dinner, or a team-building activity, the castle provides a unique and unforgettable experience that participants will cherish for years to come.

So why not choose Leeds Castle’s Christmas corporate package to celebrate the festive season with your clients and colleagues by hiring the Castle, the Maiden’s Tower, or the Fairfax Hall for your company’s Christmas party. What’s included?

• Fairfax Hall from £75 per person + VAT. Min 100 and Max 200 guests. Includes a reception drink on arrival, three course dinner, DJ and room hire from 7pm until midnight.
• Maiden’s Tower from £99 per person + VAT. Min 50 guests and Max 80. Includes a reception drink on arrival, three course dinner, DJ and room hire from 7pm until midnight.
• The Castle from £149 per person + VAT. Min 50 guests and Max 100 Includes a reception drink on arrival, three course dinner, DJ and room hire from 7pm until midnight.

That was the impact that the recent Instant Book Industry Leaders Roundtable made on Kerrin MacPhie, CEO of the Meetings Industry Association before adding “this is needed now. It gives 24/7 accessibility to book small meetings, releases the pressure on venues suffering from staff shortages, helps to raise awareness and helps agencies to find out about availability without having to wait for hard-pressed venues to respond. It’s something that the whole industry can get behind.”

20 senior executives from major hotel groups and venues, industry associations, venue booking agencies, travel management companies and event agencies shared their views and experiences and agreed the next steps in discussions. They were brought together by venuedirectory.com in association with beam at XCHG at 22 Bishopsgate, London.

Juliet Price, Development Consultant at beam observed: “the leaders were absolutely honest, sharing information and ideas that will make this work for everyone. beam is looking to share best practice across the sector and will support both those that are already using it and those who have yet to engage with Instant Book.

“Why can’t you book a simple meeting at any time of day? Instant Book is the next big revolution for the meetings industry.”

Michael Begley, Managing Director of venuedirectory.com concluded; “the responses of the industry leaders capture the powerful impact and excitement that came from these meetings, and everyone agreed to meet again in a few months to discuss further progress.

“From major hotel groups and agencies to independents, the roll-out of Instant Book is gaining momentum quickly as, from meetings like today, organisations realise that, unless they engage with it, they are missing out on the tremendous benefits and business it is bringing.”

www.venuedirectory.com

The 2022 Christmas Trails featured a more expansive list of locations than ever before, ranging from Kew Gardens and Blenheim Palace to Leeds Castle and the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. As always, WL’s role was to work closely with Culture Creative, Sony and the designers involved to bring their vision to life. WL’s Technical Director Dave Isherwood comments: “We’ve worked with Culture Creative and Sony for over a decade now and have a very strong, collaborative relationship. We also work specifically with their lighting designers, such as Tony Simpson and Adam Povey, in order to help fulfil their designs for the various locations. With the trails taking place outside, it’s vital we supply them with the appropriate equipment; fixtures that are able to sustain the often quite harsh weather conditions whilst also being flexible enough to deliver their artistic vision”.

Wanting to ensure they continued to offer an unparalleled service, for the 2022 Trails, WL decided to specifically invest in a range of new fixtures. Dave explains: “Over the past couple of years, we’ve been monitoring the exciting development of outdoor fixtures; given we often supply projects based outside. As a company, we want to be able to offer LDs the full functionality they are familiar with on interior products, but on exterior rated fixtures – without massive size and weight penalties. After looking at many options, we decided to invest in several specific ones which we knew would be perfect for the Trails and beyond”.

The fixtures WL invested in included the CHAUVET Professional E910 FC (IP65 Profile), CHAUVET Professional ColorStrike M (IP65 Strobe/Flood/Blinder with tilting head), CHAUVET Professional PXL Bar 16 (IP 65 tilting batten), Ayrton Perseo (IP65 framing moving head profile) and Martin MAC Aura XIP (IP65 moving head wash). Dave explains: “We invested in these fixtures for numerous reasons – all of which we believe will be to our clients’ benefit. The E910 FC is a high-performance ERS-style fixture with full RGBA-Lime colour mixing and colour temperature presets of 2800 to 6500 K that match the output of a tungsten source to perfection, whereas the ColorStrike M is an IP65 rated motorized strobe/wash with two ultra-bright, white light tube elements surrounded by an electrifying, colour-mixing, and pixel-mappable face. Similarly, the Aryton Perseo is the first compact multi-function luminaire with an IP65 enclosure rating developed by Ayrton for intensive outdoor use whereas the Martin MAC Aura XIP is the first of the MAC Aura family to be rated for outdoor use, with close to zero compromises in weight, size, and aesthetics due to Martin’s smart outdoor-capable design”.

Another fixture that WL invested in was the CHAUVET Professional Expo PAR (IP 65 WW PAR). Yet, rather than simply investing, the company actually had in hand in its development. Dave explains: “We started talking to Culture Creative and Sony early last year about what they wanted from their lighting fixtures; both in terms of artistic output and energy usage. At Kew Gardens, one of their most well-known sites, they were keen to dramatically reduce their use of tungsten; although the challenge would be to find a unit that could replace the hundreds of 1K Par Cans they are usually reliant on. As such, I spoke to CHAUVET Professional as I knew they were developing a prototype which I thought would satisfy the needs of Culture Creative and Sony; and which would eventually become the Expo PAR. We were invited along to look at the product and offer our feedback on its features and application. It was fantastic for us to pass on our client’s specific requirements and see them implemented as we knew there was a strong market for this product. The end result is a warm, white LED PAR that has the same intensity as a 1K tungsten Par Can. We ultimately ended up investing in over 500 of them – 450 of which were used on Kew!”.

Another hugely significant feature of the Expo PAR is the energy saving it offers clients. In total, there is also an energy saving of about 85% compared to the PAR they replace on a like-for-like basis; making it much more economically and environmentally viable. Dave adds: “As a company with a strong commitment to sustainability, this is another reason we’ve invested so heavily in this particular fixture. We are always looking at ways in which we can lower our power usage and now even report on the (theoretical) power consumption of the equipment on our rental contracts. For instance, we recently calculated a total energy reduction of around 36% from 2021; a fact we’re extremely proud of”.

All of the products that WL has invested in are now available for customers to hire. Anyone interested should visit HireWL.com or contact a member of the Customer Service team.

Dave concludes: “Whilst the products we invested in were initially for the 2022 Christmas Trails, these are now available to anyone working on any form of outdoor project. Ultimately, our investment in these fixtures signifies our continued commitment to the latest technology, fulfilling designer’s needs as well as our sustainability and environmental aims”.

Pioneering lifestyle aparthotel brand Locke has announced the opening of its ninth property, Turing Locke, located in the heart of Cambridge’s sustainable new development, Eddington. The launch marks the continued international growth of Locke, which has opened four locations in London, Dublin and Munich so far this year.

Named after the revolutionary computer scientist Alan Turing, Turing Locke comprises 180 stylish apartments (including one- and two-bedroom apartments, up to 74sqm), which each feature Locke’s signature fully fitted kitchens, living and dining space – ideal for extended stay guests. The aparthotel also includes a restaurant, cocktail bar, coffee shop, retail space, co-working area, gym, meeting and events space for up to 150 guests, along with a seasonal rooftop terrace and central landscaped courtyard.

Designed by Stirling Prize-winning architects dRMM, with interiors by the globally renowned design firm AvroKO’s London studio, Turing Locke takes its design cues from the avant-garde movements established in Cambridge. The aparthotel seamlessly combines mid-century design choices with modernist flares, set against a calm and cosy colour palette of greens, pinks and teal.

Turing Locke will serve as a focal point for the new community of Eddington, which has been developed by the University of Cambridge as an exemplar of sustainable living. Just a 15-minute bike ride from the historical city centre and a 30-minute drive from London Stanstead Airport, Turing Locke is well located for business and leisure travellers alike.

Sustainability has been a central focus in the construction and design of Turing Locke, which features on-site renewable energy sources, biodiverse landscaping, and responsibly sourced furniture, lighting, and timber – as well as 200 cycle parking spaces and 20 electrical vehicle charging spots. These measures have reduced the development’s carbon emissions by 20%, and targets BREEAM Excellent certification. As part of a brand-wide initiative, Locke has partnered with climate positive procurement consultancy Dodds & Shute to source timber, furniture, and lighting from responsible suppliers. As a result, Locke has offset 116.53 tonnes of carbon emissions – equivalent to protecting 4,307 trees.

Stephen McCall, CEO of Locke’s parent company edyn said, “Turing Locke marks our ninth Locke opening, and a milestone in our commitment to sustainability. It has been an honour to work alongside the University of Cambridge to create our new home in Eddington, which has enabled us to take significant strides towards becoming a more sustainably conscious business. Our ambition is to create a new community hub in Cambridge and establish Eddington as one of the City’s most exciting new destinations, where locals and visitors alike can meet, work and exchange ideas.”

Working with locally-renowned partners to create two new food and drink destinations – KOTA and Dutch – Turing Locke will firmly establish Eddington as the new hotspot in Cambridge, creating exciting opportunities for existing local businesses.

KOTA expands across three areas of the building, including a restaurant, seasonal rooftop terrace and coffee shop. The main restaurant and courtyard area specialises in lazy brunches, barbequed flavours, cocktails and craft beer; while the coffee shop serves third wave coffee roasted in-house by London-based roasters Saint Espresso, alongside juices and light bites. On the seasonal roof terrace, KOTA showcases an innovative cocktail menu and small plates.

Dutch features an extensive cocktail menu alongside expertly sourced spirits, wines and beers, plus locally sourced platters of British cheeses and cured meats and salads, tortillas and tapas-style small plates.

A permanent art installation by local artist, Fiona Curran, emboldens the courtyard space, which aims to connect the rich history of Cambridge with its progressive future by drawing on references from archaeology and astronomy. The destination will also host an evolving cultural programme, which will include regular talks, workshops, exercise classes and more, and will be available to attend to locals and guests.

Turing Locke co-habits the building with the new 150-room Hyatt Centric Cambridge – Hyatt’s tenth hotel in the UK and the debut of its lifestyle brand Hyatt Centric in the country. Turing Locke and Hyatt Centric Cambridge share the courtyard space and all communal areas, including the food and beverage offering at the hotel.

Room rates at Turing Locke start from £120 per night. Discounted rates are also available for mid- to long-stay guests.

To celebrate its arrival in Cambridge, Locke is currently running a special offer of £80 per night until 31st January 2022 with the promo code HELLOCAMBRIDGE.

myGP – the UK’s largest independent GP booking and healthcare management app that connects patients with primary care – has announced its intention to provide the people in England with a simple, clear means of communicating their verified vaccination status, via their Smartphone.

The new vaccination status feature will display, within the patient profile page of the myGP app, whether or not a patient is sufficiently protected from COVID-19; illustrated via a few personal details and a simple green tick, which will appear 21 days following the final vaccine dose, when a patient is considered protected from the virus. This ‘tick’ will act as a clinically assured means of proving one’s vaccination status, displayed in real-time, generated directly from a patient’s medical record.

myGP – home to the myGP TICKet feature – is developed by Hammersmith-based iPLATO Healthcare. Currently available to patients at 97 percent of England’s GP practices, myGP has spent years working alongside the NHS to gain NHS accreditation. As a result, the app already enables around two million patients in England to view their medical records, request repeat prescriptions, request GP appointments, and access other complementary healthcare services. More than 200,000 patients in England have accessed their medical records via the app in just the last two months.

Economic recovery, at capacity

Currently planned for release in February 2021, and dependent upon availability of the clinical data, the myGP TICKet could allow businesses whose viability depends upon operating at capacity – such as the arts and hospitality sectors – the ability to open either full or part-time to vaccinated individuals, without the need to observe strict social distancing rules. In addition, the technology will reduce the administrative burden on GPs, who will likely be inundated with requests for verification of vaccination status as people begin to return to everyday life around the country.

Since the start of the pandemic, myGP has regularly undertaken patient research, to gauge feelings and intentions regarding their health, access to primary care, and their intentions regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. Last week, upon learning that a vaccine had been approved, myGP asked 2,000 adults if they intend to have the new vaccine, of which 31 percent said no. However, of this group, 23 percent said they could be swayed to have the vaccine if it meant they could attend live events and other activities without strict social distancing measures in place.

Tobias Alpsten, the innovator behind myGP TICKet and Founder and CEO of iPLATO Healthcare and myGP comments on why it could be a game-changer for the UK: 

“Not only does our research tell us that the public would respond positively to this kind of incentive; we believe that our solution can provide an economic lifeline to industries who have been crippled by the pandemic. 

Further, this innovation will absolutely relieve administrative burden on GPs by simplifying an individual’s access to his or her own vaccination status. The myGP TICKet means that patients will not have to contact their GPs, get certificates printed, apply for vaccination passports, or other long-winded solutions. Simply download the myGP app, register, and it’s done.”

Katie Coull, Artistic Director of Charity ‘Artists for Essential Workers’ (AFEW), comments on why the myGP TICKet could be game-changing for the arts:

“Being unable to operate at capacity has been absolutely crippling for artists and arts venues alike. The ability to fill a venue to capacity, even just part of the time, would make a world of difference to the organisations who provide Britain’s cultural lifeblood. We are fully in support of anything that can open our doors earlier than planned.”

James Balfour, CEO of 1Rebel, one of the UK’s leading fitness brands, explains why the myGP TICKet will help bring the country’s fitness industry back:

“The fitness industry has been faced with unique struggles during the pandemic, due to social distancing requirements. Exercise has been a buzz word during the pandemic, but gyms have been one of the casualties of the lockdowns and tier-systems, despite low transmission rates, and the well-known physical and the mental health benefits it brings. 

“Any solution that will help group exercise in particular get back to business safely, will be very welcome by 1Rebel. We can’t wait to get back to helping boost the nation’s health; including having a  positive impact on England’s economy.”  

Register here to be notified when the myGP TICKet technology is live: www.myGP.com/ticket

Each of the museums is able to accommodate and manage virtual and hybrid events on site, with the added option of being able to simultaneously live stream across any of the museums. By offering these capabilities, the group hopes to safeguard against ongoing social distancing guidelines, whilst taking the stress out of organising hybrid or virtual events. 

One of the many benefits of hybrid events is the extended reach beyond the current 30-person limit on face-to-face business meetings. As well as the live audience, remote delegates can view and interact with the content, and all delegates can revisit the streamed sessions via video on demand giving longevity and increased engagement to content beyond the live event.

The Science Museum in London will be using its versatile, blank canvas space Illuminate, which features cutting-edge AV technology, for hybrid and virtual events with its technical partner White Light having delivered hundreds of live-streamed events across their portfolio. The versatility of Illuminate’s level 4 and 5 means event hosts, presenters and a live audience [of 30 in total] can be on site, and if greater capacity is required, the four-room Smith Centre can be fully integrated for content relay with a full complement of AV technology installed throughout.

Both the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester and the National Railway Museum in York have recently launched a new, dedicated studio space complete with high-definition screens and a state-of-the-art camera for seamless hybrid and virtual events. The studio allows for a minimal number of presenters and two dedicated technicians are onsite to ensure a seamless live stream for virtual attendees either at home, in another of the museum’s spaces, or even at one of the other museums in the group. The technology found in these studio spaces has also been adapted to be used at the Science and Media Museum in Bradford and Locomotion in County Durham.

Ben Lheureux, Head of Catering & Events, at the Science Museum Group, says: “It is important for us as a group to continue to evolve our event capabilities as we navigate this ‘new normal’. Companies are looking to bring their teams together safely and within the current Government guidelines in order to reboot company cultures and carry out necessary training, so we’re pleased to be able to offer both the option of meetings for up to 30 in our Covid-compliant museums, alongside broadcasting and live streaming capabilities to extend the reach of events.

“Our aim is to help take the stress out of organising hybrid or virtual events with clients able to make use of the cutting-edge technology at each of our museums. By implementing this offering across our group of museums we are also able to provide the opportunity to livestream events across any of our sites for companies who may have staff or delegates located across the country.”