AOK Events

For the third year running AOK Events have been placed in the Top 50 Great Places To Work in the UK, with us chalking up a remarkable 19th place in 2024 🎉 We are the only company of 50 employees or fewer from the hospitality industry to achieve this accolade. To say we are incredibly proud is an understatement. We have the best team! The last 12 months has been a ground-breaking one for the Company, with us becoming an employee-owned business after purchasing 65% of the company's shares from AOK Events shareholders through an Employee Ownership Trust. All of our staff are incredibly motivated to make unforgettable happen, day in day out, for our roster of wonderful clients. If you add in company trips to Morocco and Slovenia; 8 brilliant new members of staff; one of our best financial years on record; significant progress around improved employee wellbeing; becoming a more sustainable business; the launch of our new Destination Management Company, flexible working and countless nights out...you can see why we really are A Great Place To Work. #UKBestWorkplaces #bestworkplaces #gptwcertified

Kat’s Acts Present: London Showband 🎷🎤 One of the best ways to create a memorable event is to book a great party band who will keep the dance floor full all night long. Our incredible London Showband offer just that, with their showstopping lineup options. Offering anything from a 5 piece to a 16 piece, they are the ultimate party band, comprising of some of London’s finest session musicians. Across 300 events in the last three years, they have brought a new standard to premium entertainment – moving the goalposts for where the sound of a luxury band can be! The Showband have unparalleled experience on the session circuit having worked with the likes of Elton John, Craig David, Becky Hill, Gabrielle, Alexandra Burke, Misteeq, Zara Larsson, Clean Bandit, The Sugababes, Jay Sean, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Shola Ama, Kelly Rowland and Kelis. You might have also caught some of them on stage in the West End and around the UK in productions such as Motown the Musical, Les Miserables, Sister Act, Saturday Night Fever, Miss Saigon and The Lion King. ⭐ Our entertainment experts can source any act for you and your event. Let us know your dream band and we will do our best to book them for you! ⭐

Jolly Team-Building: Bring Your Team Together 🎄 The holiday season is a time for celebration and connection, making it the perfect opportunity to bring your team together. Team-building activities strengthen bonds, boost morale, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking to enhance collaboration, show appreciation, or simply enjoy some fun, these activities are perfect for your next event. 🤩 Jo Malone Perfume Experience Exclusively hire the wonderful Jo Malone Fitzroy store located at 6 Mortimer Street for two hours after the store has closed. The staff will welcome you and your group with champagne and delicious canapés on arrival. You will enjoy a sensory experience, testing and trying the different scents and products that Jo Malone offers. As well as enjoying a relaxing arm and hand massage by highly trained beauty therapists. All of your guests will be able to take a gift bag home of their favourite products from the evening. 🚶 Walking Tour of Borough Market Enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes tour of Borough Market, exploring the people, the place, the food, the history and the significance of the market to the wider local area. Led by a highly knowledgeable guide, this three-hour tour explores the many nooks and crannies of Borough. The tour includes talks and tastings from traders (tea, cheese, charcuterie, oysters, and more) and finishes in a hidden wine warehouse with a glass of English sparkling wine. 🍴 Harrods Dining Hall Safari Enjoy a dining hall safari at Harrods’ world-renowned Dining Hall. From expertly curated menus to live music entertainment, the Harrods Dining Hall is a gastronomic paradise. It is made up of six restaurants in a historic setting guaranteed to impress. Go on a unique journey to discover the flavours of the Dining Hall by choosing from four restaurants to experience. Their hero dishes are specifically selected by the greatest chefs in the world of dining. Each dish will be paired with an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage to complement your experience. 🤡 Circus Skills Experience the fun of the circus as you and your colleagues take on a variety of classic skills, including juggling, tight-rope walking and even fire poi! Perfect as either an indoor or outdoor event, your group can choose to work collaboratively to accomplish the various skills or challenge each other in teams. The expert tutors mark your efforts along the way. Corporate team-building activities are a good idea for several reasons. They can improve team dynamics and enhance engagement, creativity and communication. But it is important to consider your group’s needs and choose a team-building activity accordingly. Our team of event experts can help you make the right choice for an unforgettable experience. Tell us your favourite team-building activity 👇 #teambuilding #teamactivities #makeunforgettablehappen

Getting To Know Our Caricaturist ✏️ ✨ Our Caricaturist, Francesco, is a favourite amongst clients with his quick and witty portraits. He can create paper or digital caricatures for your guests and can fully brand his designs with your logo or event name. Guests can instantly share their digital designs on social media, which is always a huge hit! Digital designs can also be printed so guests have a great physical take away from the event. We caught up with Francesco to learn more about his craft and what he loves about working on events. 1️⃣ What makes your act unique? “Caricatures are a great way to offer a unique memento from the event that people will cherish and treasure. They have the power to unite people and spark conversation, and I've never had a disappointed model!” 2️⃣ Favourite summer event you have worked on: “I did a whole summer of events in 10 major UK cities dedicated to cycling and families. That summer, I drew hundreds of people on a personalised branded custom template with race bicycles for this event. I am glad I could help make that day memorable for all the families who took part.” 3️⃣ Favourite venue you have performed at? “Not the most comfortable one, but one of the most memorable for me was drawing inside the Golden Hinde in central London... the replica of the ship used by Francis Drake to travel the world in the XVII century!” 4️⃣ Most interesting reactions you have had from an audience: “I have received a lot of hugs and even some kisses (on the cheeks!)” 5️⃣ Why do you like working with AOK Entertains? “Lovely team to deal with a personal touch, much warmer than other large event agencies. Glad I found them!" Interested in booking our incredible Caricaturist? 🎨 Contact our entertainment experts today to take your event to the next level! #corporateentertainment #caricaturist #evententertainment #unforgettableevents

Why private cinema screenings work 🎬 Private cinema screenings aren’t just about the films; they’re a strategic way to foster relationships and boost morale. Here’s why they’re such a hit: Exclusive Atmosphere: Offering a VIP experience shows your team and clients that you’re willing to go the extra mile to provide something special. Networking Opportunity: A relaxed setting encourages mingling and networking, strengthening professional bonds and fostering a sense of community. Stress Relief: In today’s fast-paced world, taking time to relax and enjoy a good movie can significantly reduce stress, leading to a happier, more productive team. Memorable Moments: Creating shared experiences strengthens bonds and builds a positive association with your brand. What makes a private screening even more effective, is having it in the right venue to match the film, theme and guest experience. Here are some of our favourites in London: 🎬 Prince Charles Cinema, Soho: The small art house cinema has an intimate charm. 🚶 Electric Cinema, Notting Hill: A cinema unique for its historic grandeur. 🍕 Everyman Cinemas: State of the art screens and comfy sofas, as well as fresh pizza to your seat! 🎞️ Curzon Mayfair: A unique venue with its elegant retro flair. 🌳 Hall One at Kings Place: Decked out with stunning oak veneer, originating from one 500-year-old tree. 🍿 Odeon Luxe, Leicester Square: A boujis Odeon with IMAX screens. 🎳 Ham Yard Hotel, Soho: A booking at the Ham Yard includes access to their exclusive bowling alley. Whether you're looking to take your team's families on an adventure with Paddington in Peru or bond over an old classic with clients, we are always here to help you make it an unforgettable experience. Let us know which film you would plan a private screening around in the comments 👇 #privatecinema #familyday #corporateevents #eventmanagement

London is filled with exclusive members’ clubs, but did you know you can host your event in one? Offering a sense of exclusivity and sophistication, private members’ clubs are a popular option for a range of events, including meetings, drinks receptions and dinners. Take a look at some of our favourite members’ clubs with event spaces, available for hire: 🎨 The Groucho Club The Groucho Club is nestled in the heart of Soho, and is renowned for its beautiful contemporary art collection, forming a sophisticated backdrop for any event. 🖼️ Mortimer House Mortimer House is set in a seven-storey Art Deco building in the heart of Fitzrovia. Here, it brings together beautifully designed meeting rooms and dynamic event spaces under one roof. 🏙️ The Conduit Located in the heart of Covent Garden, The Conduit is home to private meeting spaces, a dedicated events floor, a lounge bar, a restaurant and a rooftop terrace overlooking the London skyline. 🗝️ The Twenty Two The Twenty Two is a boutique hotel and private members’ club set within an Edwardian manor, which overlooks London’s historic Grosvenor Square. Featuring 31 bedrooms and suites, the venue also offers several spaces that can be hired out for private events. 🛋️ Home Grown Established in 2019 as part of the Home House Collection, Home Grown is a stylish private members’ club set in a stunning six-storey Georgian building in the heart of Marylebone. The club features unique meeting spaces, plush business lounges, and 35 distinctive bedrooms. 👭 Allbright AllBright is a private members’ club for women to connect & collaborate. The club is housed in a gorgeous Mayfair Townhouse extended over five floors, with luxurious interiors and flexible spaces for events of all shapes and sizes. 📍 Eight Moorgate Just minutes from Liverpool Street Station and adjacent to Finsbury Square – Eight Moorgate is in the perfect location for any occasion. They offer eight fully serviced, flexible meeting rooms that can be customised to meet the unique needs of your event. 🏡 1 Warwick 1 Warwick has nine thoughtfully designed meeting rooms that vary in size and layout, accommodating up to 20 people. All rooms are equipped with the latest AV facilities and provide a relaxing and inviting atmosphere to give a ‘home from home’ feel for guests. ⚜️ Coya The very well-known restaurant in Mayfair has a hidden gem: a beautiful members’ club that can be hired out exclusively for events. Embellished with golden décor, an exotic marble topped bar and contemporary hanging art, the room is a beautiful space for all types of events. #venuefinding #membersclubs #exclusivespaces

Launching the Artist Series for Nicholson at Unit X 🖼️ Our client, Nicholson, was looking to host a launch party to celebrate their first artist collaboration with Shaquille-Aaron Keith, whom they asked to create two bespoke paintings for the labels of two flavours of Nicholson gin. Taking place on the opening evening of London Fashion Week, Nicholson wanted the event to have a “WOW” factor, appropriate for the high-profile guests and influencers. Through floristry, event décor, and a custom bar, we achieved a consistent feel and aesthetic for the event, drawing inspiration from Shaquille’s Caribbean roots. Celebrating the artworks and this new direction for the Nicholson brand, the evening was complemented by bespoke cocktails and themed canapés, while also showcasing the on-tap Nicholson cocktail range. What we did: 🔍 Venue sourcing and liaison ✏️ Delivered the full aesthetic design of the venue, including lighting and décor 🌺 Curated an immersive bottle display area featuring florals and elements from the artwork ⚡️ Provided enhanced venue AV and production 🍹 Arranged bespoke bar builds and design 🚚 Managed logistics for swag display and stock transport 🍊 Arranged catering, with a bespoke menu inspired by the theme and incorporating the gin 🎥 Coordinated content capture, including photographer and videographer 📋 Full AOK Events management The clients were absolutely delighted and the event exceeded expectations. We received really strong feedback, confirming that the event had served it’s intended purpose, generating buyer interest and the artist Shaquille Keith, was thrilled with the look and feel of the event and how his artwork was displayed, stating it was a big moment in his career. #brandlaunch #londonfashionweek #eventmanagement #artistseries

🐚 Back in the UK after an incredible few days at inVOYAGE Mykonos. The calibre of meetings was outstanding, with insightful and relevant information shared by the talented Julie Masters our guest keynote speaker. The beautiful backdrop of the destination made the experience even more memorable! Face-to-face time with 26 venues/hotel suppliers proved to be invaluable for knowledge building and I have come away inspired and excited to share my findings with clients and colleagues. It was also a great way to catch up with industry friends ❤️ new friendships were made along with a lot of laughs and memories! As someone in the events industry, I know how much goes into organizing a seamless event. The inVOYAGE team excelled in all aspects, running everything to perfection. Thank you to everyone involved in making an unforgettable weekend possible. 🎇 Until next time Mykonos … 🫶🏼 Myconian Collection Hotels & Resorts Eventmakers Nammos Hotels & Resorts inVOYAGE The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Richard Joslin #inVOYAGE #EventIndustry #Networking

No introduction needed for this jam-packed September Recap! 🍂   Event Highlights: 🚗 We were back in Monaco for the 25th year with Aon to support them with branded cars, various meetings and dinners for Rendez-Vous des September 🧖♀️ Hosted an event at Jo Malone where guests enjoyed a sensory experience 🌳 We assisted NetApp with an overnight meeting retreat at the beautiful Estelle Manor 🎨 Full installation and event management at Unit X, showcasing a gin launch, with bespoke bottle artwork décor, visual merchandising, themed canapés and cocktails with live DJs 🥂 Organised an evening drinks reception for Arch Insurance at the stunning Garden at 120; a public space that can’t be booked for events other than for residents of the building 🇬🇧 Assisted with a Partner’s Retreat for an international law firm which included coordinating 20+ private tours & activities over two days, alongside afterparties with entertainment at Jeru & Old Bank of England Pub 🇩🇪 Managed a conference, activities, hotel accommodation for a group of founders in Berlin Favourite venues booked: 🌸 Drinks reception at Mr Fogg’s House of Botanicals 🖼️ Gala dinner at the V&A 🎤 Summit at the Kimpton 🪩 Party at Crazy Bear Favourite entertainment booked: 📸 AI Photo Booth, notebook foiling station and a DJ for LinkedIn 🎺 Fanfare Trumpeters, a Silhouette Artist and Roaming Band for Google's Global Team Event 🥁 LED Drummers for Girlguiding Volunteers Celebration  🎤 Ravneet Gill for the Food and Drink Federation Awards 🗽 Bespoke Greek statues for a client's event at Bacchanalia Corporate hospitality news: 🎈 Coldplay announced a record breaking 10 nights at Wembley Stadium in August and September 2025 🖤 Oasis added two September dates, so will be playing a total of 7 nights at Wembley Stadium 🏉 England start their Autumn International Series at home to the ‘All Black’s on Saturday 2nd November. The newly named ‘Allianz Stadium’ will also host fixtures against Australia, South Africa and Japan 🏏 We are now on-sale with England v India Test Match hospitality - 10th – 14th July 2025 🍽️ The team went to a number of our client’s offices this month for ‘Lunch & Learn’ sessions, sharing valuable insights to on corporate hospitality trends, 2025 event summary and when to book Company news: 🍹 We had team nights out at Clays and BAM Karaoke Box ❤️ We were recognised as a Great Place to Work in the Retail and Hospitality sector, our fourth GPTW accreditation this year 🌍 Charlie, Beth and Jon were invited on glamorous Fam Trips to Monaco, Mallorca and Dublin, while Hollie explored Mykonos at inVOYAGE   Favourite Trustpilot review 💚 “The AOK Events team, specifically Alice, have been absolutely outstanding to work with this year. Communication from start to finish is excellent, no ask is ever too much or too big, everything is managed professionally and to the highest standard.” #monthlyrecap #eventmanagement

Today was Giles Toosey’s last day for AOK Events , where he has been the most magnificent Non Exec for the last dozen years or so. He leaves, not because we’ve fallen out, not because he wants to work elsewhere, not because our funds for a consultant have dried up. He’s stopped working for us, because everything at AOK Events is working so seamlessly, we just don't need him like we used to. Over the last twelve years, he has professionalized almost every aspect of our business. He's helped upgrade our CRM, introduced a myriad of different sales processes and reports, overseen an accounts department overhaul and helped on three acquisitions. He loves helping people too and he has always provided an ear or sounding board for anyone at AOK Events who has needed some help. He leaves today with the endorsements of happy customers ringing in our ears, record sales, credit control under control, a happy workplace and a hugely exciting future ahead for us all, particularly with our EOT in place. He will be greatly missed and he has friends here for life. #events #eventprofs