Feature
Prepare
to launch
Completely Group has announced
a new Catapult initiative providing
investment and support for new
event launches
L
aunching events and gaining
investment are key components of
many independent organisers’ working
lives, and now the two have come
together with a new initiative from
Surrey-based international organiser
Completely Events, part of Completely
Group. In the wake of the announcement
of a new partnership with Informa
Markets for a London launch, the
company has announced its intention
to nurture and grow new show concepts
from ambitious event professionals, with
the aim of investing in 10 new events over
the next three years.
“For the past 18 years our core
business has predominantly been within
the real estate sector, but the launch
of The South East Wedding Show for
2019 has demonstrated to us that it’s
fairly straightforward to adapt and
expand our portfolio of events when
you have a great idea and a team that’s
engaged, enthusiastic and creative,” says
Completely Group CEO Dom Millar.
“With complementary marketing, digital
and events businesses in the group,
we’ve proven ourselves to be a very agile
organisation, never content with the
status quo.”
Launchers will have access to the
Completely Group event infrastructure,
including custom designed shell scheme,
and team, plus Completely Creative, a
full-service design and digital marketing
agency. Any selected new concepts
from the Catapult initiative will benefit
from the organiser’s in-house expertise,
with the aim of reducing costs and
ensuring competitively-priced events for
exhibitors, participants and attendees.
In addition to the implementation
of concept to fully realised event,
Completely Events will provide full
financial support to carry out the show
and mentor successful applicants, sharing
management expertise, guidance and its
unique lens on organising memorable
events. When it comes to the type of
event which the company might be
interested in considering for investment,
Millar is flexible.
“We’re looking at every opportunity
on a case-by-case basis,” he explains. “As
well as venturing into new markets, there
are many trade and B2C shows that have
perhaps been resting on their laurels and
are ripe for disruption and innovation.
“We’re looking to engage with and
support experienced event professionals
who have identified an opportunity
for a new show, across any sector
and in any format, that will benefit
from the resources, relationships and
infrastructure we have in place as an
award-winning events business.”
The company’s initiative has received
the support of Farnborough International
Exhibition & Conference Centre,
with venue director Michael Watton
commenting: “It’s in all our interest
to help new events thrive. We aim to
support and help de-risk new initiatives
such as this.” EN
If you’re an organiser, or aspiring organiser,
with an innovative launch idea, get in touch
with Dom Millar of Completely Group at
[email protected].
June — 27