In2Events 2020 Top Picks

With the new year now in full swing and 2019 firmly behind us, we’ve been busy collating our event related top picks for 2020. Here’s what we’re feeling on the events scene for the year ahead, broken down by venues, destinations, incentive activities and culminated with our top event tip.

Venues

Osea Island, Essex

Approximately 56 miles away from central London, Osea Island is a 380-acre private island situated in the Blackwater Estuary, off the rugged coast of Essex. The island is beautifully remote, connected by a seaweed strewn causeway, which is only accessible by road for 4 hours in every 12; however, being stranded isn’t an issue, as there is boat hire available allowing guests access to and from the island outside of natural tide times.

The secluded estate is rustically gorgeous and boasts 19 properties, each one offering a unique proposition. There is space to sleep a total of 153 guests across 71 bedrooms and 91 beds; with an option of glamping also available for up to 500 people, fantastic for larger groups who are looking for a quirky, out-of-the-ordinary stay.

There are 4 distinct event spaces that can be used for different event formats, and a whole host of quintessentially British activities for guests to get involved with, including: biking, fishing, croquet, tennis, cricket and rounders. For the more adventurous, excursions such as: paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing and river rib boat rides out on the surrounding waters can also be arranged. And, as if that wasn’t enough to keep guests on the island entertained: laser tag adventures, GPS treasure hunts, wilderness cooking classes, axe throwing, and archery are popular team building options available for corporate clients.

Grand Hôtel, Stockholm

Opening in 1874, this exquisite 300-bedroom hotel captures an era gone by, whilst also encompassing all the features you’d expect from a 5* venue. The hotel’s sublime interior décor, paired with an equally impressive exterior, delivers to knockout effect, with the waterfront and Royal Palace views adding to the overall allure of the property. The hotel’s standout meeting spaces can accommodate up to 800 people and would suit all types of events. Our favourite rooms are the Spegelsalen (the “Hall of Mirrors”) – a 300 sqm ballroom providing a perfect space for conferences – and the Vinterträdgården or ‘Winter Garden’ – a huge, flexible space that can house between 120-650 people for conferences, meetings and award ceremonies. We really aren’t using hyperbole when we say this European city location is spectacular, offering timeless charm to all those who visit.

OXO2, London

The OXO2, situated on the South Bank is a great venue. The contemporary space with stunning panoramic views across the iconic city skyline and the Thames, offers a versatile blank canvass, providing a wealth of branding opportunities and the chance to create a truly custom event environment. Set within easy walking distance of both Waterloo and Blackfriars, and with a range of nearby accommodation options available, this venue is an ideal spot for small conferences, dinners and networking events that are looking to impress.

One To Watch: The Londoner, London

Back in December, we were delighted to be invited for a hardhat tour of The Londoner, which is due to open in Spring 2020. Described by Edwardian Hotels as, “the world’s first super boutique hotel” this much anticipated 5* development promises to deliver extraordinary luxury. With a prime West End location, this property in Leicester Square will offer 350 rooms; 2 cinemas; an assortment of restaurants and bars, including a rooftop bar with breath taking London views; a spa; meeting and event spaces and a ballroom that can house up to 864 guests. Expectations are high for this new hotel offering, but we’ve no doubt that it will surpass expectations on every front.

Destinations

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø in Norway is an unbeatable MICE destination due to the fact that there is always something to see and do whatever time of year you visit. The main attraction, of course, is seeing the northern lights dancing above you between the months of September and April, with the ‘midnight sun’ lighting up the sky 24/7 from May to July. If you are looking for the perfect combination of nature and city life, Tromsø is the place to go. Along with the northern lights experience, MICE activities/highlights include Husky dog sledding, Sami Reindeer Camp Dinner, Arctic Drive Snow Buggy experience and a silent dinner cruise on the Brim Explorer (hybrid/electric ship). A trip to Sommarøy island whilst over there is also a definite must; a small fishing village with a population of just 321 – it is an Arctic paradise with its white sand beaches and glorious scenery.

Perth, Australia

Passengers can now fly directly from London to Perth, this game changing route removes the arduous rigmarole of disembarking and boarding a new connecting flight and gets you from city to city in just over 16 hours. Admittedly this is still a long journey, but the time spent travelling is well worth it once you step foot on Australian soil.

On arrival jet lag doesn’t dampen the sheer excitement of being in a new land, and with so much to explore, there’s no way you’d want to spend time in a hotel room catching up on sleep. Tasting western Australian produce at the Coast Port Beach club, sampling the beer at the atmospheric Little Creatures Brewery in Fremantle and taking flight in a private helicopter over Kings Park, are just some of the must-try activities on offer here. The opportunity to get out onto Swan River in a yacht, is also a highlight that can be enjoyed by groups looking for a dynamic experience.

When it comes to venues, Perth doesn’t disappoint; Government House, for example, is an awe-inspiring venue that can be hired for private events and the new Ritz-Carlton, Perth is home to an outdoor bar terrace that can be used as a fabulous reception area for up to 100 people. Perth, as a destination, adopts an everything is possible attitude. The friendly culture and balance of cosmopolitan life and outdoor living is beguiling, and the scope for creating remarkable, unforgettable event programmes in the city is unbelievable.

Incentive Activities

Glacier Adventure

Catch a cable car up to 9,000 ft, to the highest point of the Vaudois Alps, and uncover the fun that awaits on Glacier 3000. Groups can become explorers and embark across the Peak Walk, which is a 107-metre-long suspension bridge that connects walkers to the Scex Rouge peak. The bridge provides absolutely unreal panoramic views of the snow caped mountains: Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Moving from the serenity and calm of observing the peaks, guests can also try the Alpine Coaster, and get their adrenaline pumping on an exhilarating toboggan run, that can reach speeds of 40km/hour over 1km. These are unmissable experiences to include as part of an incentive programme to Switzerland.

Fly High

Space travel may be a while off yet, but that’s okay because until then there’s extreme flying experiences, that are reserved for the thrill seekers among us. Once onboard an aerobatic plane, an air display pilot will take participants up, up and away and showcase the big five extreme manoeuvres: the Cravat, the Inverted Loop, The Ruade, The Inverted push-up to Lomcevak and the Mulleroid. This activity may not be for everybody, but for the right crowd, the opportunity to fly among the clouds, experience 3G and 6G forces and perform in the skies, will be a draw hard to resist.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Perhaps one of the most glamorous ways to travel, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is an elegant, charming and luxurious way to journey through Europe. Groups who step onto the stunning Belmond British Pullman carriages will instantly be transported back into a time gone by, and will set off from London, champagne in hand, whilst taking a seat in sumptuous surroundings and relishing a delectable brunch. Once the Channel is crossed, guests will step aboard the magnificent Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and settle in for an exquisite overnight stay. After marvelling at the incredible scenery that sits beyond the windows and perhaps a visit to the Bar Car, guests will experience the gastronomic delights of a four-course dinner, prepared by French chefs, and an evening of first-class entertainment. Following a good night’s sleep in a wonderfully cosy cabin, groups can anticipate their afternoon arrival in Venice, but not before enjoying a fine breakfast, three-course lunch and a selection of pastries. Like a dream, the train will glide into Santa Lucia station, where guests will disembark with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Rib Ride

When in Abu Dubai, this is a great way for groups to gain a unique perspective of the city’s skyline. With a rich seafaring heritage, a rib ride tour will allow guests to explore by water the contemporary architecture, as well as gain an insight into the history and culture of this wondrous destination. Including a boat tour, whilst in the capital of the UAE, is a fun, speed-fuelled and fascinating activity for groups, and a perfect way to take in views of the turquoise ocean and golden sands that frame the coastline.

GPS Treasure Hunts

Bring groups together for a fast-paced, competition fuelled treasure hunt. With a challenge set, GPS Treasure Hunts are fantastic for teambuilding or exciting networking interactions. Set against a rural backdrop or in the hustle and bustle of a city destination, it’s an interactive opportunity for delegate groups to work together, unpick clues and most importantly have fun together. Available in destinations across the world, this incentive activity is a ‘treasure’ – pardon the pun.

Top Event Planning Tip and Trend

Personalisation is a trend that will continue setting the president for the way in which events are planned in 2020. Gone are the days where an event and all its many components could be designed for the masses, now attendees want experiences that are tailored to them and their contextual requirements; they want tangible value from an event programme that speaks to them directly. This year, live events will need to take this into account, even in small ways to leverage the best results.

Of course, there’s so many amazing venues, destinations, and incentive activities that we could wax lyrical about, but we hope you’ve enjoyed our top picks roundup. Watch this space for more updates on what’s hot in events throughout 2020. If you’ve read anything that’s piqued your interest, or you want to find out what working with In2Events could do for your next event, then connect with the team. Call: 02392 320 581 or email: info@in2events.co.uk