What women want

The demand for ‘women only’ events is on the increase, report several members of The BNC who met at an aquitide ‘Stunning Impact for Success’ evening, writes Melissa Ruel

Conference, Event and Marketing Managers from companies such as Schroders, S J Berwin, Council of Mortgage Lenders, Clifford Chance and Euro Finance were chatting over champagne and canapés at London restaurant, hush, before participating in a design lesson and taster seminar on the psychology of colour. Before long, the normal, light and routine ‘get to know-you’ conversation turned into a healthy, thought-provoking debate about the rise in demand for interesting and stimulating women-only dos.

After agreeing that demands for women only events were coming in thick and fast the notion was then turned on its head: “But should we really be organising single sex events?” asked Julia  from CML. “Isn’t that working against what women should be trying to achieve?”

Other questions that we tried to answer during our pre-session chat was “Is there a women-only equivalent of ‘golf day’ incentives that are habitually organised for men?” and “Do all women like chocolate-themed events?!”

We also discussed what women want (depending on what the object of event is) as women are complex creatures with so many tastes, interests and desires. For example half of those in the room would say “Yes please!”, if they were invited to a rugby event the other half said a definite “No”!

Christina Ioannidis, Managing Director of aquitude and host of the evening, was intrigued to hear the intelligent chatter amongst BNC members. “This is fantastic that women from the same industry can get together within The BNC and share ideas and discuss trends and share the demands of business!”  She herself agreed that there is a definite increase in women only events and her company is busier than ever, providing creative and bespoke business events for companies who want to entertain, inspire and reward their clients and colleagues.

“There are lots of companies out there to choose from but we are different. We are quite quirky, very creative and passiona

te about events that bring out the best in people. We like to have an element of surprise and go that one step further. For instance, you might book a chocolate making and tasting event with us but we could also have on show a display of chocolate coloured diamonds. We like to link contrasting features for something really interesting, different and memorable. “

Designing one-off items is also another key signature to the training and consultancy work that aquitude does. After educating and inspiring groups with interactive lessions on style and colour the creative directors work with each guest to sketch a personal key item of clothing or accessory.  “Perhaps it’s your own take on a Hermes scarf or a Gucci handbag that you’ve seen but want to develop with your own sense of style or perhaps it’s a chunky necklace made out of different stones or a pair of shoes that you just can’t find in the stores. You can design it here.” 

The evening was just a small taster of what aquitude can do for corporate groups. BNC members on the night especially liked the added touch to the event that aquitude includes. Christina explains: “Six weeks after your event with us we will deliver to your offices the actual products that your delegates designed. They have no idea that their sketches have been turned into a real product and it will be a memorable gift from you to them.”

www.aquitude.com

Are women only events on the increase in your company? Join in the debate! Send your views and experiences to:

melissaruel@thebnc.co.uk

BNC members make noise about Hush

Strictly hush, the private events floor of hush, in Mayfair, was a big hit with the BNC members who attended the aquitude colour and design evening. They instantly saw it as a setting for a future dinner, reception or presentation and asked for a site inspection before the colour and style lesson began.

Although situated in a quiet, upmarket courtyard in one of London’s most fashionable addresses, hush immediately transports you to another land with its entrancing North African decor. It is incredibly atmospheric throughout, and appeals to every one of the five senses. Delicate incense beckons you in; candles flicker against the warm terracottas, oranges, golds on the walls and ceilings; food is satisfying, flavourful and unique; seating is a mixture of textured sofas and large floor cushions to encourage groups to mix, meet and chat.

It is strictly hush’s ethos is to create a space where groups can share food, sit comfortably and enjoy one’s surroundings and conversation with others. Therefore, aquitude chose the perfect location to host a group from The BNC, where each meeting’s emphasis is on networking, knowledge sharing and making connections and friends within the events industry. The exotic, quiet and sumptuously relaxing environment aided the learning/ team-bonding that was required.

BNC members who attended that night were already visualising the perfect group event with appropriate entertainment, which can be brought in or hired through the venue, such as belly dancers, fortune tellers and other exotic artistes.

Strictly hush is soon to be given an IT refurbishment. Various a/v equipment will be installed and Wi-Fi access made available throughout.

www.strictlyhush.com