Second edition of unique forum for the live events industry confirmed
Etherlive, the noted technology specialist for the live events sector, has confirmed it will hold the second edition of The Gathering at iconic riverside venue, Somerset House.
On Tuesday 8th November industry professionals from corporate event organisers to agents and production companies will debate the sector’s
pressing IT issues and scrutinise the latest technology trends including: Is sensitive information safe on the Cloud? Should events and brands invest in onsite networks themselves? Do mobile apps offer value? Can RFID technology help event management?
Etherlive’s autumn showcase, The Gathering, follows on from the hugely successful inaugural event, held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in March 2011.
The kick-off event featured inspirational panellists such as Dale Barnes, Head of Advanced Technology at Virgin Media, Joanna Wales, Head
of ICT at Ascot Racecourse, and Ian Irving, former director of Sledge and founder of Tailors of Shoreditch.
The Gathering will be split into two halves, the morning session – from 8.00am to 11.00am -focussing on corporate events. The afternoon session
– from 2.00pm to 5.00pm – will involve production companies and other 3rd parties working on events.
Organisations to have confirmed their attendance for the morning session include the BBC, McCann Erickson, while the afternoon session will see
many of the UKs leading production companies attending.
Speakers at The Gathering will include Elke Fabian, head of events and exhibitions at Sony Europe, Chris Smith, director of WOMAD Festival, Ben
Hardy, organiser of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Paul Pike, head of Intelligent Venue Solutions and Luke Williams, chief social media
strategist at RT Media.
Topics to be debated in the morning’s corporate session include Maximising Content, Security at Conferences, The Onsite Social Network
and Don’t Let IT Bite You. The afternoon session’s panels are Engaging Internal Events, Festivals of the Future, Exhibition Evolution and
Managing Municipal Events.
The Gathering represents Etherlive’s commitment to translating the latest event technology, such as high density wireless, next generation
communications, RFID and interactive media into workable solutions for today’s live event professionals.
Etherlive recently won the contract to supply all communications and connectivity for the 2012 London Media Centre, adding to a portfolio
which includes Nokia and Thistle Hotels, as well as outdoor events such as the WOMAD, Cornbury and Greenman Festivals.
Tom McInerney, director at Etherlive said: “We are delighted that Somerset House have partnered with us for the second showcase, which
like its predecessor will pursue the answers to today’s technology dilemmas for event organisers. The number of new issues up for debate
signifies the importance of technology in the sector and rapid rate of change.”
