Sledge

At Sledge, we know that events aren’t just about the projects we deliver. They’re also about the connections we make along the way, the impact we have and the communities we build. Several years ago we produced a TEDXTeen talk for the We Are Family Foundation, where teenagers from around the globe came together to share their visions of bringing peace to the world. Now we’re supporting one of the former speakers, multi-award winning human rights campaigner and former refugee, Meltem Avcil, to host her own event. An independently organised TED event, TEDxKing’s Parade St will be happening next week in Cambridge on 28 August. The theme of the event is ‘Transformed’, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to hear from people sharing their personal transformation stories, and how these lessons can impact society. Since Meltem first spoke at our TEDxTeen event, we’ve been incredibly impressed by her determination. We’re so proud of how far she’s come and now we’re honoured to be supporting her at her own event. If you’d like to join us, you can still grab tickets at the Cambridge Junction website. You can also discover more about the event here: https://lnkd.in/e3WxNsZf We hope to see you there! #Sledge #SledgeEvents #MakingAnImpact #TEDtalks

Last month M&IT Magazine reported on the rising popularity of outdoor events. As well as offering a more informal environment for attendees, they also allow you to arrange a wide range of activities, meaning event planners can get more creative than ever. Check out our top tips for making the most of your summer events. 🌧️The British weather is known for being wildly unpredictable. One minute you’re basking in 30 degree sunshine, then next you’re cowering under a giant brolly at a BBQ washout. Planning for every eventuality is really important. Make sure you’ve got cover if it rains, heaters if it’s cold and the option for fans and easily accessible water if it gets hot. ☀️As the event draws closer you’ll get a better idea of what the weather is going to do, so we recommend working with a flexible venue, who can help you to plan the final details according to the forecast. 💡The right lighting can turn your event from a village fete to an outdoor wonderland. Even in a beautiful green space, the final touches and decorations can still add an extra wow factor. 🦟Whatever you do, don’t forget the bug spray! Even in colder climates, mosquitoes, wasps and other creepy crawlies can put a damper on outdoor celebrations. Whether it’s nets, citronella candles or individual protection options for guests, it’s important to plan ahead- especially if you’re near a lake or water feature. 🌍It goes without saying that you’ll leave the space pristine, but we also think it’s worth considering ways that your event can leave a positive impact behind. For example, a tree planting activity or a voluntary beach clean up. What’s the best outdoor event you’ve ever been to and what made it special? Tell us in the comments below! #Sledge #Events #OutdoorEvents #SummerEvents

Following on from a summer of colourful LGBTQ+ events, this weekend saw the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park host UK Black Pride. Attracting thousands of people, it was brilliant to see so many people come together to celebrate diversity and inclusion. It’s part of a rising trend for inclusive events, and it’s something we love to see. As well as allies and supporters offering solidarity, these events offer a safe space for people to be themselves - especially for those who are exploring their sexuality for the first time or facing hostility. As an agency we’re committed to creating inclusive events and we’re always looking for ways to improve the ways we do this. Are you taking extra steps in your business to ensure people feel included? Share in the comments below. #Sledge #Pride #BlackPride #InclusiveEvents

We think Edinburgh is a great city to visit at any time of year- but especially during the Fringe Festival. A true expression of creative freedom, the event is a brilliant example of what performers can achieve when they come together and support each other. 🎭 For event planners, it also shows what you can do when you break out of your comfort zone and embrace creativity. So if you’re looking to push boundaries at your next event, why not take a leaf out of their book? 😆 Whether that’s hiring comedians to perform, trying out an improv class at your next teambuilding session, or encouraging people to write and share their own creative work, we think drama and comedy is a fantastic way to connect people. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below. #Sledge #SummerFestivals #EdinburghFringe #FringeFestival #Comedy

As the Olympics come to a close, we’ve been reflecting on the incredible achievements of this year’s athletes, and how they can inspire our lives. 🏊 From Tom Daley’s triumph in the diving after 16 years of competing at Olympic level, to Adam Peaty overcoming his mental health battles and addiction challenges to take a silver medal home, we’re in awe of not just their talent, but also the grit and determination. 🤸 While some athletes are just starting their careers this year, we’ve also seen gymnasts like Max Whitlock and Becky Downie compete in the Olympics for the last time, throwing everything they have into those final performances. Although they missed out on medals, the legacy they’ve left behind and their sheer commitment to their sport has been astounding to watch. 💪 Athletes prove that whatever happens, we can keep going in the face of adversity. Whether it’s taking time out for setbacks or simply believing in your own abilities, we can all learn important lessons from Olympians, both in business and in life. What’s your take away from this year’s Olympics? And how will you take that inspiration into your day-to-day life? #Sledge #InternationalEvents #Olympics #OlympicPride

Are you travelling this summer? Between frantic packing and finishing up at work, your carbon footprint probably isn’t top of your agenda. But even a few small changes can make a big difference to the places you’re visiting. Whether you’re flying to Europe or camping in Wales, check out some of our easy sustainability tips before you travel. 🚮 Always take away your rubbish from campsites and picnic areas, researching the nearest recycling areas for disposal. 🛒 If you’re self-catering, try to support small businesses if you can. At Sledge we love a farmshop- and sometimes they’ll introduce you to new local delicacies. 🏄 Consider renting the equipment you might need for your trip, for example diving gear, hiking sticks and paddleboards. 🏊 Try to borrow plastic holiday toys for the pool and beach, such as inflatables and buckets and spades. (Plus think of all the loft space you’ll be saving when you get home!) 🚆 We love booking trains instead of flights when we can, especially for getting around Europe on extended trips. 🛏️ Reuse your towels by hanging them up at hotels, and request weekly instead of daily sheet changes. 🌍 Explore places that are off-the-beaten path. Not only will you be reducing pressure on very busy hotspots, you’ll also be supporting local business in less established areas. Do you have any top sustainability tips for summer holiday travel? Share them in our comments below. #Sledge #Sustainability #Ecotravel #SummerTravel

☀️ The (great) British sunshine, live music, creative performances, glamping, brand activations. We're at peak summer festival season – experiences that are loved by many, and known for creating memories that last a lifetime, especially when the days become shorter, and the cooler weather sets in. So, how can we bring elements of the B2C to more corporate environments, and similarly evoke a positive response in attendees, so much so, that the event remains in their minds long after it ends? In this project showcase, we reflect on how team Sledge carefully fused education and learning with connection and play, resulting in a five-day Glastonbury-esque tech focused experience that inspired, engaged and excited. ➡️ Swipe for more. #Sledge #festivals #brandactivations #corporateevents #liveevents #eventagency

The sun’s out, the schools are closed and holiday mode is in full swing. But even if you’re off work it can still be a busy time- especially if you’re struggling to think of fun activities for kids that can rival the iPad. That’s why it’s so important to take time out to breathe, recuperate and reenage with life outside your usual work and home life bubble. If you’re not going away this summer, why not look into joining some local community initiatives? After all, there’s no reason to wait until September to explore something new. 🧑🌾 From gardening and rewilding projects in local parks, to tree planting or volunteering at a fun run, there’s plenty of options to choose from. Head to your local council’s website to check out what’s on in your area. ❤️🩹 Research from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations shows that volunteering and community involvement can improve your mental health, with 77% of people saying it boosts their wellbeing. 🐇 Whether it’s learning how to protect local wildlife or using tools to repair a children’s climbing frame, getting involved in community activities can teach new skills and give you the opportunity to try things you’d never usually do. 🧑🤝🧑 It can also help you to meet people locally, making new friends and adding to your existing support networks. Do you volunteer locally? Tell us about some of the best community projects you’ve ever been involved with? #Sledge #Volunteering #Community

Can events boost employee engagement, and even alleviate stress? This year has been a challenging one for many, and both the internal and external pressures employees face can no doubt impact their work. It's important employers step up, champion cultures that place their people at the forefront, and support their wellbeing. In our view, internal events can add a whole lot of value here, and the key is empowering employees to shape such experiences. Our Creative Services Director, Rebecca Shanks recently delved into this notion with M&IT Magazine, and shared a selection of the key ways to champion employees through events, as well as outlined some of the benefits organisations can expect from embracing such an approach. Swipe for some of the high level takeaways, and you can read more here: bit.ly/4cT9CFU. #Sledge #internalevents #employeeexperience #employeewellbeing #companyculture #events

Congratulations to our MD, Sarah Yeats, who has been named in the inaugural CN Agency100, a carefully selected network of the most prominent and influential event industry professionals from agencies across the UK and Ireland who not only lead, but inspire innovation and progress 🥳 Designed to drive collaboration and excellence, and provide a space for industry leaders to share best practice, this new initiative is closely aligned with our overarching agency vision and values of working together to elevate the sector as a whole, and will see Sarah take part in the 2024-25 programme. Thank you to the Conference News team for recognising Sarah, who is very much looking forward to sharing her views, experiences, and insights, and connecting with the wider CN Agency100 community! #Sledge #CNAgency100 #eventagency #eventindustry #eventprofs #events