Oyster's celebrate Summer Party success

Around 370 corporate, agency and association event planners and NTOs came together for the recent annual Oyster Summer Party organised by Beyond Certainty at Kensington Roof Gardens.

Attendees, who included HSBC, Goldman Sachs, FT, Black Tomato, CL events and  Banks Sadler enjoyed a variety of entertainment, food and activities linked to the 24 Oyster destinations who  participated in the event, which has been heralded a great success.

Activities took place in a variety of themed areas and included a truffle making demonstration from Flanders and a cow stacking game to win a trip for two to Switzerland. While entertainment included Can Can dancers from France, The Human Beat Box on the main stage and a Kylie impersonator with Britain's Got Talent act Stavros Flatley courtesy of Cyprus rounding off the lively evening.

"We were thrilled with the response to the evening and to be able to meet with so many new and familiar faces." comments Oysters representative Sarah Mathews, from The Belgium Convention Bureau - Flanders Brussels.  

"The Oyster's Summer Party really represents an opportunity for buyers to meet a number of international destinations in a fun and vibrant party atmosphere and it's great that so many could join us during a busy events week for the industry."

An informal survey on the evening was also conducted to find out whether buyers were holding the same, more or less overseas events.  Guests were encouraged to put a pearl into jars labelled with up, down and the same.  'Up' seemed to receive the most number of votes with a jar full to the brim, whereas the jar labelled 'same' received the next number of votes. 'Down' received the least number of votes with the jar half empty.

Sarah adds; "It was encouraging to see that a large number of buyers were looking to hold more overseas events. We see The Oysters and our events as a real opportunity to change perceptions and showcase the potential of our destinations and I look forward to the next Oyster party in 2011."

Notes to editors:

About the Oysters

The Oysters are a collection of international tourist boards and convention bureaus from popular overseas destinations. Each Oyster is specifically dedicated to providing UK-based event planners with inspirational, up-to-date and impartial advice for their next event, meeting, conference or incentive programme.

For further information, images or to arrange an interview please contact:

Karolina Throssell

T   01892 619100

E   karolina.throssell@daviestanner.co.uk

Some links to our convention bureaus:  Lene Corgan, Flanders-Brussels Convention Bureau Belgium, Belgium – Flanders, Belgian Convention Bureau for Brussels & Wallonia, Belgium – Wallonia, Cyprus Tourism Organisation & Lillian Panayi.

Four More Destinations join The Oysters Summer Party

This year's Oysters Summer Party is set to be bigger than ever as four more conference and incentive destinations have just signed up to add more fun and glitz to the season's hottest networking event.

Finland, Iceland, Norway and Oman join 20 other destinations from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and Asia to sweep registered guests off their feet on a wondrous journey of discovery through some of the most spectacular meeting and event hotspots in the world, without even leaving the City.

Now in its third year, the annual Oysters Summer Party being held on the 7^th of July at the Royal Exchange in London is a unique opportunity to sample a delectable array of gourmet cuisine, entertainment and culture from around the world.

Visit the links to know more: Overseas Convention Bureaus, UK-based event planners, UK-based event organizers, industry meetings specialist, industry meetings specialist UK, Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau & Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau.

The Oysters Summer Party, 5th July 2012, One Marylebone, London

The Oysters – the network of conference, meetings and events professionals working out of London – are pleased to announce that their annual Summer Party this year will be held on 5^th July 2012, at one of the capital’s most spectacular venues, One Marylebone.

Once again, the occasion will be organised by Beyond Certainty, one of the UK’s most successful events management specialists. Catering will be provided by the highly regarded team from The London Kitchen.

An unrivalled opportunity to enjoy business and pleasure

The Oysters Summer Party, now in its fourth consecutive year, has firmly established itself as one of the annual highlights for the business travel industry. It not only gives registered guests the chance to network freely and informally with representatives from right across the world under one roof, but also allows busy professionals to let their hair down ‘out of office’ - and mix business with pleasure in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Save the date!

Last year’s Summer Party was widely accepted to have been the best yet. And this year’s event promises to be even better. So this really is an occasion not to be missed by business travel industry specialists.

The venue is superb. The food and drink will be excellent. And the organisation and entertainment will be truly first class.

Save the date: 5^th July 2012 at One Marylebone.

But, please remember, there is likely to be a huge demand for tickets, so it’s advisable to book early.

What’s on the schedule for the fourth Oysters Summer Party?

The timetable is as follows.

·        Guests meet up with The Oysters at One Marylebone at around 4pm

·        Representatives and guests discuss and debate current industry issues in our workshop between 5-6pm

·        Then there’s the chance to hear about the latest views and trends from one of the top speakers in the business

·        From then on, it’s party time until late, when everyone can enjoy the very best the world provides – great company, outstanding food and drink, marvellous music and a superb line-up of activities, games & fun from across the planet.

What else is on the ‘menu’?

Oysters hospitality at its best. Wonderful food. A spectacular choice of alcoholic and other drinks. Fabulous entertainment. Great prizes. And more than one or two exciting surprises. Each destination will be determined to showcase the best their country can offer, tempting guests with a whole variety of experiences. There’ll be delicious gastronomic treats from across the globe, from Maltese pastizzi to Japanese sushi, Swiss chocolates to Spanish tapas. And the bars will be international in quality and quantity…..from a splendid array of beers and wines to a range of spirits, exotic cocktails and soft drinks. And there’s a stunning programme of entertainment guaranteed to keep everyone happy right through to the early hours.

Who’ll be there?

Anyone who’s anyone in the conference, events and meetings sector. Guests will be able to meet Oysters representing over XX countries from right across the globe, including Australia, Belgium, Flanders, Canada, Cyprus, Dubai, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Early booking recommended

Demand for this event is always high and space is limited. So we strongly suggest that you book your place and register as soon as possible.

About The Oysters

The Oysters are a group of conference, events and meetings specialists from leading international tourist boards and convention organisations throughout London. Every Oyster is an experienced professional, committed to providing events planners with free, impartial advice for events, meetings, conferences or incentive schemes around the world. Our regular online e-newsletter, Pearl, keeps you right up to date about The Oysters and the business in general.   

About Beyond Certainty

Beyond Certainty is one of the country’s most imaginative bespoke events management companies, with over 10 years of experience in the UK and worldwide. In the last few months alone, Beyond Certainty it has organised successful events in the USA, India and throughout Europe, as well as in the UK. The company’s client list ranges from premier FTSE 100 companies to major tourism organisations. Its offers a complete range of services, including venue-finding, complete event management, hospitality, catering, transport, security and all technical requirements – from lighting to sound, décor to entertainment.

About One Marylebone

One Marylebone has become one of the capital’s most sought-after destinations for event organisers and private clients. Ideally situated close to Regents Park, the Grade 1 listed location has been stunningly refurbished to the original designs of Sir John Soane, it comprises three unique spaces and a beautifully appointed landscape garden. Imposing and elegant, the venue offers maximum choice and flexibility, and caters for a wide selection of events.

About The London Kitchen

The London Kitchen is one of the capital’s most successful and highly regarded catering specialists. The company is preferred caterer to The Roundhouse, Old Billingsgate and The Fleming Collection. The London Kitchen team is led by managing director Damian Clarkson, who has featured in Tatler’s ‘Must Have List’ and Event Magazine’s ‘Top Ten’. In 2008 he received the accolade of ISES Caterer of the Year, and he has also appeared as a food expert on ‘The Apprentice’ and BBC Radio 2.  

Some links to our convention bureaus:  Lene Corgan, Flanders-Brussels Convention Bureau Belgium, Belgium – Flanders, Belgian Convention Bureau for Brussels & Wallonia, Belgium – Wallonia, Cyprus Tourism Organisation & Lillian Panayi.

The Oysters 4th Annual Summer Party – once again the hottest place to be!

The Oysters Summer Party, now in its fourth consecutive year, has firmly established itself as the highlight of the year for the meetings and incentives industry. And this year's event on July 5^th exceeded even the highest expectations as over 150 guests arrived in summer sunshine to network and party in the scintillating atmosphere at one of London's most stunning venues - One Marylebone.

Representatives from 20 participating destinations put on a spectacular range of experiences showcasing each country's unique assets, including a Kylie impersonator from Australia, Santa Claus from Finland and superbly attired Cypriot folk dancers – whilst Sweden's sexy male model (dressed only in fetching underwear) created quite a stir. Guests arrived to the beat of South African drummers and then embarked on an odyssey of Oysters hospitality at its best. They sampled a fantastic range of dishes from all over the world, from delicious Irish oysters to savouries from Cyprus, Italian limoncello to dates from Oman. The more adventurous enjoyed fascinating gastronomy classes featuring Maltese kannoli and sushi from Japan, as well as food tasting from France's Olive Tapenades Atelier.

There was a spectacular selection of drinks - alcoholic and otherwise – went down well as the temperature went up. Cocktail enthusiasts were spoilt for choice, learning to create their own with a Canadian mixologist, enjoying a stunning German artistic cocktail show or tasting an exotic selection from Portugal. The Swedish Ice Bar proved equally popular, whilst beer lovers were treated to excellent Flemish and Belgian brews.

After all the eating and drinking, guests could indulge in some well-deserved pampering with an Icelandic hand massage at the Blue Lagoon Spa. The 'Wellness' corner was also a huge draw, with Maltese nail-painting or head & shoulder massages as well as Swedish massage physiotherapy, whilst Dubai’s henna tattooist and South Africa's face painters were kept very busy. Switzerland's intriguing farm animal-themed football table was also inundated with devotees - possibly inspired by Euro 2012!

The stunning programme of entertainment included a whole spectrum of activities, including games, draws & raffles with prizes ranging from wine to gourmet food, holidays to weekend breaks. Music and dancing continued well into the early hours and, for some, way beyond!

Once again, the occasion was organised by Beyond Certainty, one of the UK's most successful and creative events management specialists. Led by the indefatigable Haralambos Stavrou, the Beyond Certainty team transformed One Marylebone into a stunning global showcase. The catering, provided by the illustrious team from The London Kitchen, was exceptional. The evening could not have happened without the magnificent support of The Meetings Show, the event's headline sponsors, as well as Kerzner.com, the party’s bronze sponsors.

Oysters' spokesperson Marie Anne Barthet Brown commented: "We knew that this year we would have our work cut out following the success of previous events. But the response from guests has been amazing. Our grateful thanks go to all who contributed to making our 4^th Annual Summer Party such a wonderful occasion. We’re all looking forward to next year’s event."

For media enquiries and further information, please contact Marie Anne Barthet Brown.

Email: marieanne.barthetbrown@visitmalta.com

Tel: +44 (0) 20 8877 6993.

Visit the links to know more: Overseas Convention Bureaus, UK-based event planners, UK-based event organizers, industry meetings specialist, industry meetings specialist UK, Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau & Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau.

Discover why the world is your Oyster – in Manchester

Manchester, 18th October 2012. The Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa, London Road, Piccadilly. If you’re involved in the conference, meetings or events business, it’s the place to be. That’s when the Oysters – the network of conference, meetings and events professionals working out of the UK – are holding their first networking evening in the city. The evening is sponsored by The Meetings Show, a major player in the UK’s meetings industry and organised by Beyond Certainty – one of the most creative events organisers in the UK and overseas.

Why 18th October will be the place to be for the events industry

The Oyster Manchester Networking Evening gives everyone involved in the events industry an unrivalled opportunity to network informally with leading destinations from national convention organizations from all over the world, as well as events industry specialists – all under one roof.  Everyone will also enjoy fantastic hospitality from right across the globe, including scintillating international music, food & drink from many countries and much more.

Who’ll be there?

Anyone who’s anyone in the conference, events and meetings sector. Guests will be able to meet Oysters representing, countries from right across the globe, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, France, Oman, South Africa, Sweden and Switzerland. 

Early booking recommended

Demand will be high and space is limited. So we strongly suggest that, if you’re involved in the industry, you book your place and register as soon as possible.

About the Oysters

The Oysters are a group of conference, events and meetings specialists from leading international tourist boards and convention bureaus throughout the UK. Every Oyster is an experienced professional, committed to providing event planners with free, impartial advice for events, meetings, conferences or incentive schemes around the world. Their regular online e-newsletter, Pearl, keeps you right up to date about The Oysters and the international events sector.   

About The Meetings Show – our headline sponsor

The Meetings Show is one of the UK’s leading events organisers, specialising in arranging conferences, exhibitions and meetings for professionals.   

For more information about The Meetings Show, please go to www.meetingsshow.com 

About Beyond Certainty – organisers of the Manchester Networking Evening

Beyond Certainty is one of the country’s most imaginative bespoke events management companies, with over 10 years of experience in the UK and worldwide. 

Some links to our convention bureaus: Claudio Zemp, Monica Sanchez, Angela Bates, Carlos Oliveira, Hungarian Tourism, Roger Bradley, GCB German Convention Bureau e.V., Andrew Daines & Janice Grant.

The Oysters go down a treat in Manchester!

The Oysters go down a treat in Manchester!

The Oysters Manchester Networking Evening a big success

Manchester was the place to be on Thursday 18^th October. It had nothing to do with football, but it was a big night for the meetings and events industry. The Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa was the location for the first networking event in the city hosted by the Oysters – the network of conference, meetings and events professionals working out of the UK.

Making contacts, exchanging ideas

The event attracted high calibre guests from right across the north of the country who were keen to enjoy the opportunity to meet informally with key tourist office and convention bureau representatives and events organisers from all over the world. Participants made important contacts with Oysters and their meetings specialist partners from across the globe, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, France, Malta, Oman, South Africa, Sweden and Switzerland. Ideas were exchanged, new contacts made and venue options explored. But while networking was the main feature of the evening, it wasn’t all about work.

Music, food and fun

Guests were treated to exceptional hospitality, including music, food and drink across the globe. It made for a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to discuss their requirements with the Oysters and their expert partners in a casual, comfortable environment where everyone felt right at home. There was pretty universal agreement that the evening was a resounding success, with all the participants expressing the hope that the Oysters first Manchester networking evening would not be the last.

Thanks to the sponsors and organisers

A major ingredient in the evening’s success was the generous help and  assistance of the evening’s sponsors and organisers. The headline sponsor wasThe Meetings Show, a leader in the meetings industry. The event was organised with characteristic efficiency by Beyond Certainty -one of the UK’s most creative events organisers – who also acted as a sponsor. 

About The Oysters

The Oysters are a group of conference, events and meetings specialists from leading international tourist boards and convention bureaus throughout the UK. Every Oyster is an experienced professional, committed to providing event planners with free, impartial advice for events, meetings, conferences or incentive schemes around the world. Their regular online e-newsletter, Pearl, keeps you right up to date about The Oysters and the international events sector.

For more information about the Oysters, please visit our website at www.oystersworld.com  or contact Donna Abberley on donna@southafrica.net or Marie Anne Barthet Brown on Marieanne.barthetbrown@vistmalta.com

About The Meetings Show

The Meetings Show is one of the UK’s leading events organisers, specialising in arranging conferences, exhibitions and meetings for professionals. The company enjoys an excellent reputation for large-scale international events such as The Meetings Show UK, scheduled to take place between 9^th-11^thJuly 2013 at London’s Olympia. This show, organised by meetings professionals for meetings specialists, will feature destinations from more than 50 countries from 6 continents. Its main focus will be a large exhibition – complemented by outstanding networking opportunities and professional education.

For further information about The Meetings Show, please visit the company’s website at www.themeetingsshow.com

 About Beyond Certainty 

Beyond Certainty is one of the country’s most imaginative bespoke events management companies, with over 10 years of experience in the UK and worldwide. In the last few months alone, Beyond Certainty it has organised successful events in the USA, India and throughout Europe, as well as in the UK. The company’s client list ranges from premier FTSE 100 companies to major tourism organisations. Its offers a complete range of services, including venue-finding, complete event management, hospitality, catering, transport, security and all technical requirements – from lighting to sound, décor to entertainment.

Some links to our convention bureaus:  Finland Convention Bureau, Riitta Balza, Ines Lebaek, Spanish Tourist Office, Meetings & Exhibitions Hong Kong, Lindsey Thorpe, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau, Turismo de Portugal, Israel Government Tourist Office, Maris Kuklis & Dubai Business Events.

Summer Party 2014 Update - (29/04/2014)

Is the Summer Party in your diary yet?

OK. July seems a long way away. But the Oysters Summer Party is now firmly established as one of the most successful and anticipated networking and fun events of the year. So there’s no time to waste. To avoid disappointment, mark the date in your diary planner now - 9^th July at Floridita, one of the capital’s most desirable locations, perfectly situated in Wardour St. in the centre of Soho. Registration is now open at http://oystersworld.com/events-london-party.asp and, as usual, this annual extravaganza is already attracting a huge amount of attention, therefore you are encouraged to book early.

And if you’re a football fan, you won’t miss the World Cup semi-final….

9th July is a big day for the Oysters, but it’s also the date of the World Cup semi-final. However, if you’re a footie enthusiast, there’s no need to miss out - you can enjoy all the fun of the Oysters Summer Party and follow all the action from Brazil. The match will be screened live at Floridita, so partygoers will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. So join us on 9^th July for all the excitement of the party and the game itself, whichever national team happens to be playing (although at the moment no-one appears to be betting their mortgage on the England squad making it that far…….) 

A big thank you to all our sponsors

Without the generous support of our sponsors, the Summer Party simply wouldn’t happen. So we’d like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their invaluable contribution to one of the industry’s most popular occasions.

About Beyond Certainty – Summer Party organiser & Headline Sponsor

Beyond Certainty is one of the country’s most imaginative bespoke events management companies, with over 10 years of experience in the UK and worldwide. In the last few months alone, Beyond Certainty has organised successful events in the USA, India and throughout Europe, as well as in the UK. The company’s client list ranges from premier FTSE 100 companies to major tourism organisations. Its offers a complete range of services, including venue-finding, complete event management, hospitality, catering, transport, security and all technical requirements – from lighting to sound, décor to entertainment. For further information kindly visit www.beyondcertainty.com or call on 08453 700 444.

The Meetings Show – Silver Sponsor

The Meetings Show is one of the UK’s leading events organisers, specialising in conferences, exhibitions and meetings for professionals. The company enjoys an excellent reputation for large-scale international events such as The Meetings Show UK, which takes place between 8^th-10^th July at London’s Olympia – an ideal meeting place for buyers and suppliers but also an exceptional networking and educational opportunity. For further information, visit the Meetings Show website (simply go to www.themeetingsshow.com or follow the latest news on Twitter @MeetingsShowUk)

AIM Group International & Kerzner International – Bronze Sponsors

AIM Group International

With over 50 years’ experience in event and meetings management worldwide, AIM Group International is one of Europe’s leading industry specialists. The company’s DMC brand ‘Follow Our Sun’ comprises a multi-national team of experts in Congress Organisation, Destination Solutions, Events & Meetings Management, Association Management, Education and Creative Communication. For further information, visit the AIM website at www.aimgroupinternational.com, click here or follow the company on Facebook or Twitter.

Kerzner International

Kerzner International is a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts. They include a selection of the most elegant and exquisite properties in the world, located in Australia, Dubai, South Africa, Mauritius, Mexico, The Bahamas, The Maldives and Morocco, with new openings shortly in China, Montenegro and Saudi Arabia. For more information, kindly click on here or log on to www.kerzner.com, www.atlantis.com or www.oneandonlyresorts.com 

MIMN – Supporting the industry charity

At the Summer Party and throughout 2014, the Oysters are delighted to pledge their continuing support for the Meeting Industry Meeting Needs (MIMN) charity. MIMN is a registered charity dedicated to raising funds for worthy causes relevant to the meetings and events industry. For more information about MIMN, please visit http://www.meetpie.com/Modules/MIMN/

Some links to our convention bureaus:  Blanche Savereux, Ursula Winterbauer, Japan National Tourism Organization, Margaret Mann, Malta Tourism Authority, Marie Anne Barthet Brown & Business Events Canada.

About Oyster World

In the current economic climate, the Oysters are your perfect first point-of-call when organising your event. Offering a wide range of services completely free-of-charge, they can ensure your overseas event runs as smoothly as possible.

Whether it's sourcing the most suitable accommodation; unique or unusual venue; award-winning destination management company; or the best event supplier, the Oysters can provide you with all you need.

The Oysters can also assist with site inspections, provide bid support, presentation tools, organise educational trips and keep you updated on the latest news from their country.      

The Oysters are:

•  Specialists in the events and meetings industry

•  Offer a range of valuable services free-of-charge to UK-based event organisers

•  Represent world-class destinations experienced in hosting successful events for clients

•  Provide accurate information and advice for your meetings needs

Some links to our convention bureaus:  Lene Corgan, Flanders-Brussels Convention Bureau Belgium, Belgium – Flanders, Belgian Convention Bureau for Brussels & Wallonia, Belgium – Wallonia, Cyprus Tourism Organisation & Lillian Panayi.

Your perfect Event Solution

The Oysters are a collection of international tourist boards and convention bureaus from popular overseas destinations. Each Oyster is specifically dedicated to providing UK-based event planners with inspirational, up-to-date and impartial advice for their next event, meeting, conference or incentive programme.

The Oysters are:

• Specialists in the events and meetings industry
• Offer a range of valuable services free-of-charge to UK-based event organisers
• Represent world-class destinations experienced in hosting successful events for clients
• Provide accurate information and advice for your meetings needs

Visit the links to know more: Overseas Convention Bureaus, UK-based event planners, UK-based event organizers, industry meetings specialist, industry meetings specialist UK, Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau & Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau.