Good business, lasting business, is built on people.  People you trust and respect.

Integrity is key, simplification of operational process, efficient communication and, above all, complete transparency.

Whatever your budget for an event is, (if you have one at all) you’ve probably had to fight hard for it and every penny counts more than ever.

Defining the budget clearly from the start,  for us as a supplier, means we can get costs worked out around realistic creative ideas and logistics, right from the start.  Saving valuable time for everyone and allowing us to focus resources in the most effective way.

It also means we get an earlier look at the likely risks and opportunities that will impact on additional cost or savings.

At Paragon…you can expect us to tell you what the costs are every step of the way.

If you make changes to the brief, then we show you the cost breakdown and YOU decide to approve or disapprove.  If we recommend changes, we show you the cost breakdown and YOU decide whether to approve or disapprove.  So, when it comes to paying the bill…there are no surprises.

We’ve always worked this way.

Why not give us a call to talk over your next event?  0870 224 2644

Take a look at ‘The Gallery’ page to see some of the events we’ve been involved with.

We came across this US article by accident - some interesting ideas here.

The environment, global warming, overflowing land-fills, sky rocketing energy prices; these words have become part of our everyday language. As have earth friendly solutions, recycling, sustainability & corporate or social responsibility.

Today’s market place is going green. It’s all around us - green initiatives are on everyone’s mind; am I doing enough, could I be doing more? Consumers are starting to pay attention to earth friendly companies, and businesses that want to make a difference in the world are choosing to go for the green.

Whether your interest in the environment is purely from social responsibility or if increased pressure in the market place is driving your decision - or a little bit of both, adopting green practices can only enhance your companies brand image. Going green gives you something to talk about and puts you ahead of the competition.

10 Tips for going green:

1. Building a booth or looking for banner stands? Use earth friendly materials such as bamboo. Bamboo is a renewable agro-forestry product and the fastest growing plant on the planet. It is a viable replacement for wood and metal as it has a rapid maturity cycle of 3-4 years and it provides a critical component in the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
2. Determine longevity - for long term exhibits pick materials that will not weather or degrade quickly. For short-term displays use materials that are easy to recycle or reuse.
3. Use recycled material - increase the sustainability of your exhibit by using as much recycled, reclaimed or rapidly renewable material as possible. The process of recycling aluminum takes about much less energy than it does to create new aluminum form ore. When you are finished with your exhibit recycle it - make sure it doesn’t end up in a landfill.
4. Print Green - make up banner and signs with water-based inks on cotton fabric or bio-degradable plastics. Biodegradable laminates, water based adhesives, recycled paper for brochures and promotional materials all contribute to a greener planet. Go for the green with giveaways - avoid items that come in plastic packaging (unless biodegradable) or plastic items (unless recycled). Instead choose re-useable items such as pens, mugs or cotton tote bags.
5. Eco-accessorize - don’t forget about flooring, racks and other accessories. Bamboo flooring and literature racks promote sustainability too.
6. Energy efficient lighting - LED lighting reduces energy use by up to 90% over conventional sources. Incandescent bulbs are inefficient and emit only 10% of the energy they use as light - the rest is given off as heat.
7. Detoxify - Chemicals, sealants, vinyl and paints all have a direct negative impact on the environment. Oil and latex-based paints are toxic to the environment, evaporate into the air and contribute to global warming. Look for non-VOC paints, stains and PVC-free carpeting, water-based or low-VOC padding and adhesives.
8. Lighten Up - modular and portable exhibits tend to be lighter than custom displays. When shipping think about using lighter materials and less packaging materials. Buy locally to further reduce shipping and delivery.
9. Refurbish - give your old exhibit new life with earth friendly materials such as cotton graphics. Using exhibits that can be easily changed rather than replaced will mean less consumption of materials over time. Keep your exhibit in good repair and replace broken or damaged parts.
10. Use suppliers that not only offer green options but also operate with environmentally conscious conditions such as waste reduction programs and recycling in-place. Be sure to ask your supplier for more advice on how you can create an earth friendly display for your next exhibit.

Going green doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. There are many more options available today and the list keeps growing. Green, recycled and earth friendly materials can cost less than their non-recycled counterparts. Research your options and know that every little bit counts - from using recycled paper to printing biodegradable banners - you can be rest assured you are making a positive contribution toward greening the planet.

Kira Turner is a marketing manager at Lumichrom Graphics*Exibits*Displays in the US.  For more information on green exhibiting visit us at http://www.lumichrom.com/green/greenintro/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Ernst & Young captured the Spirit of Barcelona last July, engaging 170 key clients and guests at a Party within the stunning Antoni Gaudi’s Casa Battló.

A key attendee at the Fund Forum International Conference, Ernst & Young awarded the production of the party to, Paragon Europe, with the brief to produce an exclusive VIP event where guests would experience the true Spirit of Barcelona through taste, architecture, music and dance.

Hundreds of candles lit the entrance to the venue and guests’ were guided through dramatically lit rooms to the famous rooftop terrace, where the first sight of Gaudi’s architectural high jinks is likened to the first taste of a really good Margherita.

Chill Out music, Flamenco and a finale Fire Dance entertained guests who were then transported to Barcelona’s uber cool Carpe Diem Lounge Club to dance until the small hours at the Club’s beachside terrace.

Call the Paragon Team for a competitive quote for your International event.
0870 224 2644

If you’ve not come across the works of Leicestershire born artist Julian Beever then you’re in for a real treat.  From a Transformer emerging from an NY subway, swimming pools, fountains and gaping holes to Batman and Robin scaling the face of a tall building, his pictures are distorted to create a 3D effect from a specific angle.  Using just chalk and masking tape.  Call the Paragon team on 0870 224 2644 to find out how anamorphic street art can make your brand a real crowd puller. 

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.

Attended by over 300 architects and designers the 5th International event, organised ViB Events (part of SPG Media Publishing) took place at The Dorchester and was hosted by renowned designer and broadcaster Laurence Llewlyn-Bowen.

MD Jacqui Loftus with Laurence

Paragon Europe provided full production, filming and entertainment.

The pies ’n’ pints package holiday culture is still alive and kicking in Tenerife but away from the dense concrete resorts of the southern coast, the largest Canary island has a dazzling offer for incentive conferences.

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!

It was no small feat creating an authentic Medieval village in the grounds of Tudor Dorney Court near Windsor for our client, a well known pharmaceutical company.

Blazing braziers, torches, wenches, King, Queen, minstrels, fireaters and gorgeous and gallant fighting knights.  All this and a hearty feast of soup, hog, roasted vegetables washed down with ale, mead and wine.

Our client and guests through themselves into the theme and sang, danced and laughed through the evening which ended with a spectacular firework display.

If you fancy feasting, give us a call on 0870 224 2644.

Fancy a Swinging 60’s party?

Or choose from one of our easy peasy entertainment packages for your party this year. Perfect if you’re being careful with budget but still want to achieve a truly memorable event.

Choose from:

Swinging 60’s
Tudor Banquet
Burlesque
Grab That Game Show
Mini Cabaret

Each package includes theming, music and management.

Yes, we’re lucky enough to have an MD with Membership, so spending time in this uber cool, but relaxed haven in a converted old tea warehouse off Shoreditch High Street, is no problem at all.  In fact, any excuse and we’re in there.  For us, there’s plenty of space to meet clients and not be overheard in a variety of areas of differing designs for different moods.  All of them comfortable.

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.

We’ve been to 2 demos so far of this amazing holographic projection system and frankly we’re looking for a good excuse to go again.  The Musion Eyeliner is a unique HD projection system that brings spectacular 3D holographic performances to the live stage, for conferences, launches, retail window displays - in fact just about anywhere.  Live or vitual presenters can appear alongside and interact with 3d animations, people or images.  

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.