There are plenty of fresh new faces making their CHS debut at first direct arena, Leeds on 30th April 2019, for the tenth anniversary CHS19, the premier events and hospitality expo of the north. 

We’re also delighted to welcome back some CHS regulars and superfans, who are happy to share their tips and advice for CHS newbies, to help them get the very best from their inaugural trip.  As you would expect from one of the UKs premier conference and hospitality events, there is a wide range of venues, event spaces and iconic places for delegates to see and discover, some for the first time, such as Everyman.

Jenny Stanley, Head of Sales at Everyman Media Group PLC, explains what delegates can expect to see.  “Everyman is the leading independent cinema group in the UK.  We have 27 sites across the UK, and our portfolio is growing.  The brand is redefining cinema, bringing an innovative lifestyle approach to our venues, where our customers can enjoy a warm and friendly atmosphere, with an excellent food and drink selection and fantastic customer service.

As well as debut attendees, new to the CHS experience, expect to see lots of superfans, who will be making their annual pilgrimage to the biggest annual conference expo outside of London, like Claire Ellison-Tope, Partner at Just Venues, who said:  “I think for an exhibitor it’s really good because it’s big, but not too big, so it’s easy to get around and delegates get to see everything.  You get a chance to see people and chat and find out what’s new, which is great for us.  It’s the perfect place to get new contacts and update your knowledge, not just with group hotels, but the smaller independents are there too.”

Exhibition space for sold out in record time, and the sponsorship opportunities were snapped up with brands happy to celebrate the tenth landmark anniversary of #CHS19. 

Lyndsey Cowgill, Marketing Manager at Continuum Entertainment, said: “This is the first time that we have exhibited at the Conference & Hospitality Show and we felt that the landmark 10th anniversary was the perfect event to launch our new corporate offering at The Emmerdale Studio Experience. 

“It’s a ‘must’ for any fan of the show and our new corporate package provides a truly unique and creative location, and we’re really excited to launch our venue hire offer in our home town of Leeds.  

“Delegates at #CHS19 will be the first to check out our cost-effective room rates, and it is the perfect launch pad in front of an audience of event professionals, on the lookout for something new, innovative and exciting for their corporate events and team builds.”   

According to Becky Wood, CEO & Founder, BEE Events and The YES (Yorkshire Executive Support) Network, they’re in good hands, she said:  “Attending CHS19 is an effective and time-efficient way for me to be introduced to a diverse range of high quality and national venues and suppliers, network with my peers and be inspired and educated in a fun and entertaining environment. CHS gets bigger and better every year and no doubt this year will be no exception with the exciting 10th-anniversary celebrations.  

“I would encourage anyone conducting an Executive Support role or working in the hospitality industry to attend CHS19 and my top tip would be to plan your schedule for the day in advance to maximise your time.” 

If you’re on the lookout for new and different, then #CHS19 should have plenty in store that fits the bill.  The tenth anniversary has certainly drawn an enthusiastic crowd and some well-known brands, old and new, such as ‘80’s favourite The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, as Ruth Fearon, General Manager, explains:  “We’ll be taking a mini version of The Crystal Maze with us, and for anyone who’s a fan of the television show, this is a ‘must-see’ event. 

“The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience in Manchester and London are the ultimate team experience, perfect for corporate team building events.  It’s frantic, interactive with great mental and physical challenges and, of course, a great adventure for group parties too.  Our Maze Masters will be there on the day to talk delegates through the game explain the corporate opportunities available, and have some fun trying to master the maze!” 

For Laura Blaire of the National Trust, CHS is one of the calendar events of the year, she said: “The amount of learning, conversation and contacts I’ve made over the years, it’s something you don’t get to experience at a conference in the North anywhere else.  The fact that it is aimed in part at PAs and EAs make this one to add to the list to attend.” 

Michelle Hudson, Events Manager, Box Tree Events, Ilkley agrees, she said: “We keep coming back because it is such a great networking opportunity and we also use it for team building.  I would advise anyone new to the show to get out there and meet some great local businesses and it’s a great platform to promote your brand.” 

Which is great advice for Hayley Smith, Senior Business Development Manager at Chelsea AFC, who are exhibiting at the Conference & Hospitality Show following a five-year break, Hayley said: “We’re looking forward to taking part in #CHS19.  It is such a landmark anniversary and we get great feedback about it from other suppliers, that we felt this was the perfect opportunity for us to make a return visit and promote the Chelsea brand outside of London. 

“We’ve got a great profile in London and work with a lot of agents, but we also think there’s a lot of opportunity in other locations, particularly in the north.  #CHS19 is the perfect event, aligned to our strategy of raising our profile to a wider market in the regions.  It’s a great opportunity for us to talk about our meetings and events space which can hold up to 1,000 people.   

“We’re looking forward to spreading the word about our two on-site hotels, health club and spa.  Corporate clients often make use of our top-flight Yoga instructors and mindfulness sessions during breaks in their team building sessions, and these are just some of the offerings available at Chelsea.  The new stadium may have been temporarily put on hold, but we are most definitely still here and well and truly open for business.”

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