SPRING 2016
Supporting RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
WHAT TO DRINK IN
2016
THE WONDERS OF
La Manga
Olympic Pitfalls Win an iPad Mini
Welcome to EVOLUTION MAGAZINE
Hello A very warm welcome to the Spring 2016 edition of Evolution magazine. I’ve been organising events at Evolution International for more than 12 years now and, as CEO too, it never ceases to amaze me at just how much change and innovation takes place in the Events industry on a daily basis – a reason why I love working in live events! At Evolution magazine, we look to harness that change and innovation, sharing with you some of the best bits of what we’ve discovered over the past couple of months, as well as what might be coming up in the next few. This magazine is here for you, so please let me, or a member of the team know if there’s anything else you’d like to see featured or commented on – and please feel very free to share your news of Events industry change and innovation with me. Good luck with our competition and I hope you enjoy Evolution!
ANDI SWAIN CEO EVOLUTION INTERNATIONAL
Copyright © Evolution International 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
10 CONTENTS 15
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Team Bonding Evolution share some escapades with you – but don’t tell your delegates, we like to keep it a surprise!
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Olympic Pitfalls Guidelines for your events, straight from the horse’s mouth (so to speak).
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La Manga With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Murcia is the perfect place to locate one of the best tourist and sports resorts in Europe.
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Win
Incentive should be special Evolution’s expert partners, Barrhead Travel, give their pick of the best destinations to suit every type of traveller.
an iPad Mini
10 Laura’s Lunches
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Evolution Event Co-ordinator, Laura Silvester shares her pick of some amazing restaurants recently visited.
11 What to drink in 2016 Majestic Wine suss out the top drinks trends for 2016.
12 Stanbrook Abbey Hotel Venue hosts a range of exclusive events from conferences to dream weddings.
14 Here comes the summer You’ll have to be quick if you want to bag one of our Super-Structures for your Summer Fun Day, Party or Festival.
15 Staff Profile Q & A This issue we ask Evolution Production Manager Clay Robinson what makes him tick.
16 Ronald McDonald House Charities Being a charity close to Evolution’s heart, CEO, Andi Swain talks about his personal family experience at Ronald McDonald House Oxford.
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“COMING TOGETHER IS A BEGINNING. KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS. WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS.” HENRY FORD, INDUSTRIALIST
Those that P L AY T O G E T H E R , S TAY T O G E T H E R A life motto that Evolution firmly believes in and strives to achieve; we bring individuals, teams and organisations together, to share news, ideas, successes and even sometimes failures, in order to create a strong foundation for relationships to develop. Working together at these events will stimulate the creativity, innovation and motivation of your colleagues, teams and organisation. At Evolution, we call it Team Bonding, and we’re delighted to share some of our escapades with you – but don’t tell your delegates, we like to keep it a surprise!
“WHERE WORDS FAIL, MUSIC SPEAKS” HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN, FANTASIST Just imagine it, after an informative morning session and tasty lunch, your delegates return ready for an afternoon of presentations, to find this…
The round tables and cabaret seating are gone, replaced with row upon row of musical instruments - violins, cellos, trombones, trumpets, drums and many more. All the ingredients needed to create your very own symphony orchestra. Two hours (and a lot of hard practise and rehearsal work) later, the musical sections reunite in the main room as one orchestra to play a four minute concert. The results are outstanding, the achievement monumental and the buzz, long lasting!
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“I’M NOT ONLY THE BEST-KNOWN DAREDEVIL ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH, I’M THE OLDEST” EVEL KNIEVEL, STUNT PERFORMER Definitely one for the great outdoors… high ropes, low ropes, no ropes, Wokefield Park sees team mates working together to utilise their physical resources, in order to out-perform their fellow challengers. Resurrecting a love for the outdoors, this challenge unleashes the inner child and sees participants thriving on adrenaline. Whether it’s GPS City Navigation, The Biscuit Olympics (think of ‘The Jaffalin!’), breaking world records, high speed (and low speed) driving tests or boat building, there are so many terrific ways to engage, enthuse and motivate your audience, creating long lasting memories and success.
“EXPERIENCE IS THE TEACHER OF ALL THINGS” JULIUS CAESAR, EMPEROR Well, this is one heck of an experience Julius! Teams are given the task of building their chariots from flat packs - jazzing them up to look all fancy. Then, with a team member on the back of the chariot, race against each other. Indoors or outdoors, this team bonding experience is hugely fun but incredibly serious - lessons will be learned!
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“
THE OLYMPIC
RINGS ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE (IOC). THEY ARE A MARK PROTECTED AROUND THE WORLD AND CANNOT BE USED WITHOUT THE IOC’S PRIOR
”
WRITTEN CONSENT
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Beware the O LY M P I C P I T FA L L S They come around once every four years, gathering countries from around the world to compete in multiple sporting challenges - reigniting that patriotic flame us Brits love to light, yes, it’s the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Providing us with the perfect ready-made theme for our events, awards and team activities, this year’s competition sees the added bonus of Rio as a back drop, which of course, means a whole raft of post conference themed beach parties to look forward to.
With more than 200 Nations represented across 28 sports, including both Rugby 7s and Golf for the first time, the Olympic Games really do hold something for everyone. But a quiet word to the wise… although the games have moved on from LOCOG and London 2012, the Olympics are still very much a commercial enterprise when it comes to sponsorship, advertising and IP! Here are some guidelines for you and your events, straight from the horse’s mouth (so to speak).
THE FAMOUS FIVE OLYMPIC RINGS… If you wish to use the rings for any of your events, you may want to get permission from the IOC first: “The Olympic rings are the exclusive property of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They are a mark protected around the world and cannot be used without the IOC’s prior written consent”. You can email them directly at: legal@olympic.org
AND THE BIG, BIG DISCLAIMER… When it comes to logos and online posts, copying content, all be it logos, names or slogans, directly without permission is strictly forbidden. This also applies to the general theme of a web site, so be sure to differentiate your content from that of the official Olympic Games. “IOC Trademarks, the IOC logo, and any other product or service name or slogan contained in the Site [www.olympic.org] are trademarks of the IOC, and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the IOC.” “You may not use metatags or any other ‘hidden text’ utilizing ‘Olympic(s). or any other name, trademark or product or service name of the IOC without our prior written permission. In addition, the look and feel of the Site, including all page headers, custom graphics, button icons and scripts, is the service mark, trademark and/or trade dress of the IOC and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without our prior written permission.” And that’s just when it comes to the web site.
If you are unsure on where you and your event stand, you can view the charter at: www.olympic.org/Documents/olympic_charter_en.pdf or find the IOC’s regulations on: www.olympic.org
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THE WONDERS OF
La Manga WITH OVER 300 DAYS OF SUNSHINE A YEAR, MURCIA IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO LOCATE ONE OF THE BEST TOURIST AND SPORTS RESORTS IN EUROPE.
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EVOLUTION MAGAZINE
PUTTING RETENTION ON THE EVENTS AGENDA As the Economy develops and organisations expand, keeping hold of your existing ‘talent pool’ becomes ever more difficult, with promotions, salary rises, bonuses and benefits probably forming part of your ‘retention’ plan. However, the less explored ‘quality of work-style’ approach could well swing the balance in your favour in this competitive world, as well as gaining you a tick from the Finance Department at the same time. In recent years, holding conferences and events overseas has diminished, which in part, is down to the perceived cost and ‘team jolly’ tag attached. However, the sheer motivation and work-style benefits of inviting your delegates to the airport (bypassing the airport hotel conference venue) and taking them straight into the departure terminal to travel overseas, can have an amazing impact. It’s fair to say that your event is already off to a winning start! In this issue of Evolution, we take a look at how holding your conference abroad can cost less than holding it in London… and we take a sneak peek at 2016’s hottest incentive travel destinations!
MICE REPORT FROM EVOLUTION’S S PA N I S H O F F I C E - L A M A N G A RESORT BACK ON THE MAP!
Sue Cheung, head of Evolution’s Spanish office in Los Alcazeres, Murcia region, was recently invited back to perennial favourite La Manga Resort, to view the results of their €5m refurbishment programme. Sue reports… “It’s been very noticeable that we’ve been organising lots of events up and down the Spanish coast for our UK and European customers – from Barcelona and Sitges, to Alicante and Jerez. However, with La Manga just 15 minutes from us here in Los Alcazeres, and in such a beautiful location, it has been an equally noticeable absentee – so I met with Luke Murphy, Director of Sales for UK & Ireland, for a refresh of the facilities. The centrally located 5* Príncipe Felipe hotel (the main accommodation) has been refurbished to a very high MICE standard with bright interiors and quality fittings; luxuryend without being ostentatious, and a very comfortable home for your delegates. The Las Lomas apartments are also in the process of complete refurbishment. All of the meeting spaces, including The Grand Ballroom, have been updated and refurbished too, giving the central meeting area a new lease of life.
La Manga Location
However, what really sets La Manga apart, is its location and absolutely stunning views. Combine that with masses of outdoor space – tennis courts, football, cricket, 3 golf courses and its own beautifully set private beach, it provides a brilliant setting for a few days away from the office.
FA C T S
Mar Menor, Costa Calida, Murcia, South East Spain
Connections San Javier Murcia Airport (MJV) - 15 minutes (Ryanair, Jet 2) Alicante Airport (ALC) - 70 minutes (BA, Iberia, Easy Jet) Bedrooms
Príncipe Felipe hotel 5* - 192 bedrooms
Los Lomas apartments 4* - mix of 1, 2 and 3 beds
Meetings Grand Ballroom seats up to 400 theatre style - divides into 4 sections. Extensive additional meeting space from large outdoor terraces to small break out rooms.
The beach is a particularly attractive feature for MICE groups. Accessed via a steep, winding roadway, the completely private space is perfect for themed parties and beach bar BBQs, with a wooden boardwalk leading to La Cala restaurant and its decked terrace overlooking the water. Equally stunning, the Panorama Lounge, sits at the top of the hill overlooking the Mar Menor and Mediterranean seas. Its floor-to-ceiling glass walls and split level terrace make for an amazing setting for formal dinners and parties. In conclusion, I was very impressed with the new look La Manga – the investment has certainly put it firmly back on Evolution Spain’s radar. If you feel that La Manga may work for your event, I’d love to show you around.”
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The incentive SHOULD BE A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE WITH MANY ORGANISATIONS BRINGING INCENTIVE TRAVEL BACK INTO THEIR REWARD SCHEMES, THE TRAVEL PROGRAMMES THEMSELVES HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO EVOLVE – THIS TIME BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER. EVOLUTION’S EXPERT PARTNERS, BARRHEAD TRAVEL, GIVE THEIR PICK OF THE BEST DESTINATIONS TO SUIT EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELLER.
Tallinn, Estonia THE HISTORIAN
At its heart, is the Medieval Old Town - an area of cobblestone streets, gabled houses, and village squares that developed during the 13th and 15th centuries, when Tallinn boomed as a key Hanseatic commercial hub.
From the romantic Tsarist-era Kadriorg Park, to the unforgettable wooden house district of Kalamaja, the city’s architecture reflects many different ages. Along with a modern shopping and business district, the centre’s amazing blend of old and new has something to suit every taste.
Having long been the main draw for newcomers, the Old Town’s unique history earned it its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1997.
Thanks to its small size and compact layout, Tallinn is easy to explore on foot, and just a two-to-three hour flight from many European capitals, the city is a perfect short haul destination, waiting to be explored.
Tallinn never fails to amaze visitors with its historical charm.
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Antigua and Barbuda THE SUN WORSHIPPER Lying between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this twinisland country has a population of around 81,000, providing the perfect destination for rest and relaxation. With 365 beaches, banana plantations and championship golf courses, visitors can forget all their troubles, whilst soaking up the sun and indulging in island life. For full day activities, Antigua and Barbuda offers boat tours, diving schools and excursions, providing a feel for what the country is all about. Including Palm Front Rum Shacks, local Rasta’s serving fresh coconut milk straight from the nut and swimming with stingrays, this island has everything you expect from an idyllic holiday location.
Jukkasjärvi, Sweden THE INNER ESKIMO For many visiting Jukkasjärvi, the main attraction is the original Icehotel. Founded in 1989, the hotel is made up of 30,000 m3 of snice (combined snow and ice) and about 1,000 tonnes of pure ice. Also moonlighting as an art exhibition, the hotel’s walls, floors and ceilings are the work of designers from all creative disciplines. With different artists and art work every year, each rendition of the hotel is available to visit for a limited time only, as come spring, the hotel melts and returns to nature. Outside of the hotel, visitors can enjoy some time at the Sami Siida – Sami Camp, learning about the history and traditions of nomadic people, through activities such as crafts and meeting their reindeer.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil THE PARTY ANIMAL From dazzling beaches and rainforests, to bustling urban centres, and of course, the carnival, Brazil’s capital, Rio de Janeiro, is one of the most exciting incentive destinations in the world, for a host of reasons. If you’re lucky enough to be in the city when the annual carnival falls, be sure not to miss out on the incredible parade. Taking place in the Sambadrome and passing through the streets, as many as 50 thousand performances take part in the celebration. With definite themes and brilliant outfits, the carnival is an exotic, pulsating and colourful affair. Throughout the rest of the year, Rio offers the amazing Iguassu Falls, situated on the border of the Argentinian province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Paraná, as well as treks through the jungle and helicopter trips over the gorge.
Cape Town, South Africa
With the promise of excitement and activity, Rio de Janeiro’s buzzing atmosphere ensures there will never be a dull moment in the city.
THE ADVENTURER Cape Town is still the top incentive destination for companies in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only does the city cater for large organisations, but it is also great for smaller groups and even individuals. Offering activities such as abseiling, paragliding, diving with great white sharks, surfing, speed boat trips or going on safari, Cape Town provides many opportunities to get your pulse racing. With fantastic beaches, and an average of three thousand hours of sunshine each year, visitors can wind down with dinners around the camp fire, or relaxing strolls along the sea’s edge late into the evening. There are great air connections from the UK, and with a favourable exchange rate, Cape Town offers an experience that is not only hassle free, but a great value for money.
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L A U R A’ S L U N C H E S EVOLUTION EVENT CO-ORDINATOR, LAURA SILVESTER SHARES HER PICK OF SOME AMAZING RESTAURANTS RECENTLY VISITED NEW IN TOWN MARCO PIERRE WHITE AT THE DOUBLE TREE BY HILTON, ISLINGTON On 16th February, Double Tree by Hilton, London Islington opened a brand new Marco Pierre White Steak House, Bar & Grill. Using French techniques to cook British cuisine, Marco’s dishes are both traditional and uniquely recognisable. This restaurant is all about offering guests outstanding food in a glamorous setting – and all at affordable prices. As well as serving a large variety of steaks, this menu will feature some of Marco’s signature dishes like French onion soup and fried haddock served with triple cooked chips. 60 PENTONVILLE ROAD, LONDON N1 9LA www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk
ON OUR DOORSTEP THE HAND & FLOWERS, MARLOW, BUCKS Whereas some restaurants may pride themselves on their formal atmosphere, The Hand & Flowers treats guests to a relaxed setting, whilst providing high quality ingredients and strong flavours. On their menu, you can expect to see classic dishes with a twist, such as: half beer roast chicken, duck à l’orange or sample an apple and custard slice with bramley sorbet. As the first pub to receive two Michelin stars, not to mention a collection of four AA rosettes, your guests will enjoy fantastic food in a relaxed, informal environment. 126 WEST STREET, MARLOW, BUCKS, SL7 2BP www.thehandandflowers.co.uk
NICE SURPRISE MR TODIWALA’S KITCHEN AT THE HILTON T5, HEATHROW Spending the best part of two weeks on four separate client conferences at the Hilton T5, what a terrific surprise to discover amazing Indian chef Cyrus Todiwala. Yes, he of famed restaurant Café Spice Namaste in the City – has taken up residency at the Hilton T5. His Indian cuisine is simply stunning… try the ‘Kitchen Menu’, a beautifully crafted platter of Indian Street food. But be warned, this is NOT a High Street Curry House! Credit: Sally Kettle Photography
POYLE ROAD, COLNBROOK. SL3 0FF www.mrtodiwalaskitchen.com
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Credit: Sally Kettle Photography
MAJESTIC WINE’S COMMERCIAL GUIDE
‘WHAT TO DRINK IN 2016’
It’s always great to have clients in the know, especially when it comes to alcohol, and luckily for us, we have our own bonafide expert, our customer, Majestic Wine, who has been keeping its ear close to the ground, sussing out the top drinks trends for 2016, guaranteed to take your party from merely memorable to unforgettable.
England vs. France
Think local, think Craft
The popularity of English sparkling wine is set to grow exponentially this year. Home grown bubbles don’t just make a lovely addition to any summer party, but they could hardly be any more appropriate in the year of the Queen’s 90th birthday - and Euro 2016. Champagne is so old hat! Why not try: Nyetimber Classic Cuvée 2010
If 2015 was the year that Prosecco went viral, 2016 is the year that cult Craft Producers will get a taste for the big time. Dream of serving up incredible cocktails at your event? Work with a crowd of craft beer lovers? Or simply want to pimp your welcome G&Ts? Craft spirits and craft beers are an unforgettable addition.
Prosecco: the fizz on everyone’s lips
Get bang for your buck
Speaking of bubbles, there’s no dip in the popularity of party favourite, Prosecco. Light, fruity and comparatively inexpensive, it’s absolutely perfect for a crowd. Over 70 million bottles of Prosecco were drunk in the UK alone last year - you can’t argue with that many people!
We predict that this is the year that wine drinkers get savvy. With more and more information available, wine is shaking up its old school image, showing people that quality exists at all price points.
Why not try: Prosecco Corte Alta
Take a look at: majesticwinecommercial.co.uk
Why not try: Sipsmith’s London Dry Gin
Why not try: L’Abeille Picpoul
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The Evolution of S TA N B R O O K A B B E Y HOTEL Once a Worcestershire hall owned by a countryman, to housing a community of silent order Benedictine nuns, Stanbrook Abbey Hotel has a history as bright as its future. Today, the venue hosts a range of exclusive events from conferences, to dream weddings, as well as being a mustvisit destination for both day trips - enjoying a meal at Sister Charlotte’s restaurant or George’s Bar, to overnight stays in one of the luxury guest rooms. From the historian, to the daily visitor, the path of evolution for Stanbrook Abbey has been one of interest to many. Originally identified as Stanbrook Hall, which is now the Presbytery, the site is best known for being the home of an order of nuns, who lived in the property from 1835 until 2012. Giving an insight into some of the architectural history of the building, Martin Page, General Manager of Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, said: “The former convent is constructed of red brick with stone dressings and Gothic windows. When they arrived on the site, the order of nuns employed architect Edward Welby Pugin who designed the abbey Church, which was inaugurated by consecration in 1871.
“We have even seen Krypton Factor style events inside the building, to sheep dog training on the grounds.”
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“The Abbey’s Gothic Revival Tower is a familiar local landmark and the building itself is of national significance, as part of the architectural history on Roman Catholic Buildings.” Situated in Worcestershire, the transformation of the Abbey, from nunnery to hotel, has attracted worldwide attention, proving popular with some of the country’s largest corporations, utilising the location for team building exercises, meetings and training days. Mr Page added: “Since the Abbey re-opened in 2015, following two years of extensive renovations, we have seen an interest from all areas, such as: leisure guests, weddings and corporate events. “Due to the vast indoor and outdoor spaces across the 22 acres, as well as smaller more intimate areas, we are able to accommodate and adapt to most requirements, including the very unusual. We have even seen Krypton Factor style events inside the building, to sheep dog training on the grounds.” www.stanbrookabbey.com
F O R YO U R S TA N B R O O K A B B E Y E X P E R I E N C E SPEAK TO LISA WIGLEY ON 01908 965555
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Here comes THE SUMMER We’ll be taking a more detailed look at the summer in the next issue of Evolution, but in the meantime, you’ll have to be quick if you want to bag one of our Super-Structures for your Summer Fun Day, Party or Festival. Our Big Tops can seat up to 700 for a dinner and as many as 3,000 for a standing event. Fully kitted out with staging, sound and lighting, your audience is protected from the great British summer weather, and the atmosphere inside is truly amazing! All we need is some flat ground.
On a smaller scale, a Turtle gives your bands and performers a perfect stage to wow your audience, as well as offering plenty of cover from that nasty sunburn. Ideal for smaller events, festivals and parties, the turtles are fully self-contained and ready for your show - it is even possible to join two together, making a temporary indoor space suitable for a formal dinner of around 120 people.
Win an iPad Mini
It’s competition time! We are offering you the chance to get your hands on an iPad Mini. Super easy to enter, all you need to do is answer the three following questions by visiting the ‘competition’ page on our website www.evolution.international 1. Name three Team Bonding activities that Evolution can organise for you? 2. Across what time frame did the Benedictine nuns live in Stanbrook Abbey? 3. Name one of the 70s ‘Super Bands’ that Evolution’s Clay Robinson toured with? Terms and Conditions apply
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Clay Robinson JOB TITLE PRODUCTION MANAGER
S TA F F P R O F I L E Q & A WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE? Overseeing and managing event projects, and putting together the technical production requirements - including full kit lists, health and safety documentation and crew schedules. This also involves preparing quotes and coming up with innovative solutions for each client’s brief. Then leading the technical team on site.
HOW DID YOU GET IN TO THE JOB? I was first offered a freelance warehouse position, which then lead to a full time warehouse technician role. Over time, as I’ve developed personally, promotions have taken me to my current production manager role.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING AT EVOLUTION? The different challenges that each job brings, as well as being able to travel all over the UK and abroad.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING THERE? Three and a half years.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PAST TIME OUTSIDE OF WORK? I am a very enthusiastic airsoft skirmishe, I play every weekend at different sites all over the country. I also play guitar and write music and songs.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE KIND OF MUSIC? Heavy metal, branching out into its sub genres such as DeathCore and Djent. Some band examples would be Five Finger Death Punch, Born of Osiris and Ozzy Osbourne.
TELL US AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF? For 10 years before joining Evolution I toured and worked with famous bands from the 70’s including The Bay City Rollers, The Osmonds, David Essex, Alvin Stardust and many others. I worked as their instrument technician, tour manager, stage manager and front of house sound engineer.
WHAT THREE THINGS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU TO A DESERT ISLAND? My Partner for company, a guitar for music and a hunting rifle for food.
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Supporting RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES
“WE SPENT 14 MONTHS IN THE HOUSE WHILST GEORGIA RECEIVED TREATMENT AND WE WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET THROUGH IT, IF IT WASN’T FOR THE AMAZING SUPPORT OF RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES.”
Helping a sick child fight their illness is challenging enough for a family, without the additional stress of deciding ‘who stays at the hospital tonight’, or the finances that occur when finding a temporary arrangement. Ronald McDonald House Charities is an independent charity that provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation at hospitals across the UK, enabling families of seriously ill children to remain close by and maintain a degree of normal family life, whilst treatment is ongoing. Being a charity close to Evolution’s heart, CEO, Andi Swain talks about his personal family experience at Ronald McDonald House Oxford. “After our daughter was born, she was transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford - an hour from our home, my wife and I spent the first few weeks sleeping on the hospital ward. “When we were told about the Ronald McDonald House, which was right on top of the ward, we couldn’t believe what an amazing facility it was. We had our own bedroom and bathroom in the house that we could call ours, as well as a communal kitchen and comfy sitting areas. Full accommodation was provided day and night, 365 days per year. “Having spent ten months at Ronald McDonald House Oxford, Georgia developed further complications and had to have more lifethreatening surgery.
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“The House had become our second home and we even spent Christmas and New Year there. Being together kept us strong and sane for Georgia and our elder daughter, Mia, in a time that was full of anxiety and uncertainty. The House staff were amazing and always there whenever we needed them.” “We spent 14 months in the House whilst Georgia received treatment and we wouldn’t have been able to get through it, if it wasn’t for the amazing support of Ronald McDonald House Charities.” To demonstrate Andi’s eternal thanks to the support shown to his family by the Charity, Evolution donate their services free of charge to the Oxford House Fundraising Ball and support their other fundraising events. The Ronald McDonald House at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital was the eleventh House to open in the UK, and the first UK House to be opened within the hospital building itself. In 2014, the House helped 635 families stay close to their children in hospital. Founded in 1989, the Charity has been keeping families together for more than 25 years, helping over 60,000 families across the 14 Houses in the UK. If you’d like to discover more about the Charity, visit www.rmhc.org.uk
Turning this... Sports Hall, Hertfordshire late afternoon 2nd March 2016.
into this.
That same Sports Hall in Hertfordshire late afternoon 3rd March 2016, ready for an Innovation Awards Dinner for 500 guests.
• • • • •
Venue Finding, Booking and Event Management Technical Production and Audio Visual Equipment Content Creation - Video/Filming, PowerPoint, Animation Theming/Themed Parties and Events Team bonding, Entertainment, Speakers
To find out more about any of the articles, venues or services featured in the Spring 16 issue of Evolution get in touch with: Andi Swain
Creative Director
Lisa Wigley
Head of Events
Neil Woodward
Technical Production Director
Laura Silvester
Exclusive meetings and Fine Dining
Lauren O’Brien
Parties and Celebrations
Anya Day
Video and Animation
MK Office Lisa Wigley
Bucks Office Neil Woodward
Spanish Office Sue Cheung
Evolution International Challenge House Sherwood Drive Bletchley, Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK3 6DP
Evolution International 5 Fieldside Farm Quainton Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP22 4DQ
Evolution International Avd. Río Nalon 9a 30710 Los Alcazeres Murcia Spain
To contact any of the evolution team, call +44 (0)1908 965555 or email them personally using their first name and last name e.g. andi.swain@evolution.international
www.evolution.international