RUNNING a successful conference, exhibition, awards dinner or launch event does not happen by luck – just ask thriving W17, which delivers total event management. Careful planning with a meticulous attention to detail means that managing director Julia Watson and her team have been delivering bespoke, cost-effective solutions for a decade. “Often delegates will be unaware of how much planning has gone in to an event,” said Julia, who is based at offices in Cheyne Walk, Northampton. “But we know how important it is to get the planning right to ensure the event meets the ne
RUNNING a successful conference, exhibition, awards dinner or launch event does not happen by luck – just ask thriving W17, which delivers total event management. Careful planning with a meticulous attention to detail means that managing director Julia Watson and her team have been delivering bespoke, cost-effective solutions for a decade. “Often delegates will be unaware of how much planning has gone in to an event,” said Julia, who is based at offices in Cheyne Walk, Northampton. “But we know how important it is to get the planning right to ensure the event meets the needs and ideals of the organisers. We work closely with our clients to ensure we can help them create the look and feel they want from their event.” This attention to detail has enabled W17, since setting up the business 10 years ago this year, to have long-term partnerships with clients including The British Chambers of Commerce. In such a competitive industry it is testament to the Northampton-based team’s high standards that 2014 will be the sixth year they have coordinated the chambers’ annual awards dinner in London. Clients from a wide range of sectors at a local and national level call on W17 for their experience. Recently, this included the team heading off to Cyprus to work as part of a wider team with the European Commission to deliver an awards ceremony. Julia said: “We value the opportunity to build relationships with our clients who feel confident in trusting their prestigious events to us. We believe the success of any event is always thinking at least one step ahead. “The small things make the difference between it being an ‘ok’ event and one that everybody is talking about for all the right reasons. Ok is not good enough for the organisers and it certainly isn’t good enough for us. “We have a different set of eyes from everyone else at the event and nobody really sees what we see. It is important that we are always thinking ahead and knowing we can handle any challenge or resolve any issue in a calm and professional way. We will work with clients from concept to completion or simply support an in-house team.” This attention to detail means W17 is able to not only suggest the best venue but ensure basics like insurance, health and safety and other criteria have been met. Julia said: “Our experience means we know what is expected and we are in a position to pre-empt any issues that might arise.” W17 is able to offer yet more solutions when it comes to finding the entertainment to make the right impression at the right price from nationally acclaimed speakers and celebrity comperes, to specialist acts like living statues and high-wire acrobatics. Julia said: “We hope organisers, whatever their needs, will come and talk to us and find out how we bring their event to life.” Finding the right venue can be one of the biggest challenges for organisers. W17 can take the headache out the search. The venue finding service is just one of the ways that enables W17 to stand out from the crowd and it’s a free service. Julia said: “The venue and the food are often key parts of a successful conference or event. It really is important that we get it right.” The diverse range of venues means W17 can recommend something to suit each client’s needs and budgets. “We suggest specific venues, but we are totally impartial when we make our recommendations to make sure we find the right location for each client, here in the UK or further afield” said Julia. “It is easy to leave things to chance but we do not believe in cutting corners. It has to be right first time.” To contact W17 call 01604 621155, email or visit the website www.w17ltd.co.uk