In comparison, our months of intensive research in preparation for our transition to a more environmentally responsible way of working, seems pretty insignificant. 

However, we had to start somewhere and we’re proud to have been one of the first agencies to address CSR and also to have been one of the agencies invited to comment on the drafting of BS8901 - Sustainable Event Management. 

Green event production is not a bolt-on addition to an existing service - it’s an adoption of attitude and new ways of working.  It’s taking an holistic view of an event and including ‘impact on the environment’ as another area to be considered as a matter of course in the event management process.  It means producing policies, systems and tools to manage and measure. 

We’ve learned some lessons and we’re still learning.

We launched OnePlanet - Sustainable Event Solutions back in November 2006 as a brand identity to our new way of working, but realised not long after that in fact it is our own PARAGON brand that is only identity we need.   

Now many more agencies and suppliers are taking CSR seriously and putting systems and initiatives in place. 

It’s fair to say Clients are not yet banging down our doors to stage greener events.  It’s more a question of us inviting them to knock.  But, it’s only a question of time and the more we shout about successful events produced with a more positive environmental impact, the stronger the desire to stage them will grow. 

Val Payne
Director

If you’d like to book for a demo at their base in Covent Garden, let us know.  Check out their showreel on YouTube.  We also love Kate Moss’s Catwalk appearance.

Then try the Random Word technique.

Choose a word, any word – cactus, sponge, bird – it doesn’t matter.

This is your prompt.  No it’s not silly – just take the word and apply the principles behind the word to your challenge.

The process of linking two things not normally linked will force you to tackle the challenge from a different direction and so stimulate your creative thought.

By using your random word as an initial stimulus, you then apply these thoughts to your challenge.

Say you need to come up with a whole new revamped format for an annual awards ceremony because numbers are falling. Let’s say for argument’s sake it’s always been in a hotel venue and a pretty standard format of drinks reception, dinner, awards and home.

Ideally, you should phone us to sort it for you.  But for the sake of this article, let’s take the word…carrot!

Carrots are used as an incentive, to be inviting,  so take a new approach to your invitations, literally dangle a carrot and design a teaser with the promise of something good to come, ie a invitation to a desirable event could be coming their way. With the invite design blazoning just a glimpse of how your guests will be rewarded with a fantastic.

Carrots are a bright vibrant colour. Add some vibrancy to your event, bring in more colour. Add some fresh entertainment – something in contrast, a bit more crunchy than previous years.  Red is a passionate colour - get passionate about your event!  Orange means vitality and endurance.

Carrots are a simple shape – keep your newly styled event simple, crisp, contemporary.

Carrots taste good, take a look at previous years menus, take a new approach – always had a standard 3 course meal? Change the menu, change the taste, make it more healthy. Up the anti and be innovative. Carrots can be served in different ways. Instead of silver service add interaction to the meal by placing some dishes for guests to help themselves. Theme. Do something differently.

Carrots are a root and are dug out of earth. Shout about the root of your event, it’s history – remind people why they are there.

Get the idea? Now … take your own challenge and use the word …pineapple.

Nuts? Now there’s a thought!

Professional flair bartenders, they’re amongst the world’s best and will certainly liven up your event - and you won’t mind the wait for your drink.

The rawness of the building has been preserved by interior designer Tom Dixon with lots of wood, chocolate browns, huge windows, futuristic bright and sinkable chairs and sofas, a huge bar, snug room, spa and gym, restaurant with superb menu and the breathtaking rooftop pool and semi-open to the elements lounge and grill.

But that’s not all. 

There are areas that can be hired by non-members for corporate events.  The rooftop lounge and the wonderfully named Biscuit Tin (bar, seating area, room for DJ) and adjacent Biscuit Pin, a 2 lane ten pin bowling alley).  Max numbers standing 200.  Well worth a look. 

With plunging cliffs, black sand beaches, tropical forests and over 200 volcanoes, the island’s geography – including El Teide, Spain’s highest mountain – is jawdroppingly varied. And jawdropping is the way to describe the 5* ABAMA Resort.
Perched on a cliff top, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. ABAMA is a careful combination of subtropical architecture and nature.

• 300 rooms within the main hotel and a further 120 rooms and suites in the exclusive villas
• 1,500sqm of versatile meeting space for up to 600 theatre style which is fully equipped with the latest technology
• 8 swimming pools throughout the resort
• an 18 hole Golf course
• 10 excellent restaurants
• 5 themed bars
• a tennis and beach club and private beach

With a good number of flights and charter options plus a good price for the quality, ABAMA really does have everything you need within the resort.

Paragon produce Conferences Worldwide and look after everything from concept, programming and creative, travel managment and ground liaison. We’re just a call away - but we reckon you’ve guessed that!

The cream of the architectural world gathered at the end of November for the 4th Annual Emirates Glass LEAF Awards at the Waldorf Hilton, London.  Attended by over 300 architects and designers the International event, organised ViB Events (part of SPG Media Publishing) was hosted by Maxwell Hutchinson, past president of RIBA, renowned architect and TV/radio broadcaster.

Considered one of the highest accolades in the architectural calendar, the Emirates Glass LEAF Awards recognise and reward excellence within the architectural and design industry.

Commenting on the production of the event, Chris Hayward, Managing Director of ViB Events said “‘We were delighted to work with Paragon on the prestigious LEAF Awards ceremony this year, it was great to partner with such a professional and dynamic company and we look forward to many more years working with them.”

Jacqui Loftus, Paragon MD (front right), joins TOP 100 LIVE EVENT MARKETING AGENCIES FORUM.

In partnership with Event Magazine, Major Players gathered the top 100 players in experiential marketing to participate in a debate about ‘Moving closer to the Brand Guardians - what have media, above-the-line and non-traditional creative agencies done to continue their strong relationship with brands, and what are the changing landscapes?’.

Speakers, Anna Watkins, Mike Mathieson and Tove Okunniwa, talked through their roles in brand activation and their views on experiential.

The Forum took place on Wednesday 14 November at private members’ club The Hospital in Covent Garden.

To see the presentations visit Event 100 Live and take a look at this months copy of Event Magazine.

• 322 bedrooms
• 4 restaurants
• 5 bars
• Spa & Wellness Centre
• Conference Centre – main room seating 800 theatre style

Charter flight into Tivat airport, 45 mins to Hotel Splendid.
 
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