Event Plan: Being Innovative and Learning to Adapt:
When the pandemic arrived in Ireland, the event industry was hit hard. Life as we knew it changed forever for everyone working in the event industry. The new reality was here whether the team at Event Plan liked it or not, and so we thought, are we going to move with the change or let the change move us?

From May 2020, we started getting calls from clients about different ways to do business which would have been traditionally carried out face-to-face. However, due to the pandemic, this was not possible. Therefore, as a team we began brainstorming ideas of what to do next. Subsequently, VE Studio Cork was born. VE Studio Cork was established through a collaboration between Cork’s best-known event management company, Event Plan and audio visual and digital specialists, CAVS in August 2020.

The first of its kind in Munster, the studio allows for virtual and hybrid-virtual events to take place in a safe, controlled and socially distanced environment. This will enable people to experience the atmosphere they would expect from physically attending a conference, corporate event and more from the safety of their own work or home space.

Engaging live-streaming event space which includes:

• Pre-produced content
• Audience interactivity
• Scalable end-to-end event solutions
• The combination of multiple-camera and virtual camera set-ups
• State-of-the-art digital projection, visual and audio technology

All of which help to create a unique and interactive live event experience. Events can be pre-recorded, recorded as live or run completely live-streamed with the ability to connect to any social media, online video, or digital communications platform.

Among the many services we offer include:

• Corporate events
• Webinars
• Livestreams
• Product launches
• Conferences

The event space can be adapted for multiple purposes; the only limit is your imagination.

As we navigate through these different times and embark on this new venture, we are extremely grateful to have successfully pivoted within a continuing and evolving business climate. Virtual events are here to stay, and we are excited to embark on the new opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to working with our clients and industry colleagues again. We ask that you support us going forward and help the event industry get back on track. For enquiries or more information contact us on 0214399723 or info@vestudiocork.ie.

A Moment in ‘Thyme’ – The Imperial Hotel, Cork announces launch of a brand new Brasserie at Seventy Six on the Mall with regional producers, charity partnerships and a sustainable approach.

With the introduction of excellent cocktails using high quality Irish liquor from Killahora Orchards, ornate bird cages inspired by The English Market and quirky desserts by the famous duo, Ber and Becky, the offering has evolved into something modern, dynamic and fun and so ‘Thyme at Seventy Six on the Mall’ was born.

The emphasis is on regional, seasonal and sustainable and is in line with their recent ‘Because We Care’ programme which was launched as a response to COVID-19. Sourcing from their neighbours is important not only to support the local economy but also to minimize carbon footprint and the impact on the environment.

Charity donations have been built into the menu with a €1 donation on some menu items. Each time these items are ordered a donation will be made to Cork Simon and Irish Guide Dogs.

Executive Head Chef, Jerome Joyce is working with a vast array of suppliers from County Cork and The English Market which is located a mere 400m from the hotel’s front door. Ballycotton Seafood, Tom Durcan and the world- renowned Fingal Ferguson’s Gubeen Smokehouse to name but a few.

The new menus have things like seafood platters, gigas oysters and market fish of the day as well as some delicious cuts of local Hereford beef like rib ye on the bone and the classic fillet. Desserts include a café gourmand for guests who may wish to opt for something a little lighter.

Bastien Peyraud, General Manager at The Imperial Hotel says “We are so passionate about supporting our local economy here at The Imperial Hotel and Thyme was designed with that as the main focus. Supporting our local farmers & producers and donating to our local charities is at the forefront of what we want to achieve. We want to do business in a way that makes us really proud. We also want to create a really fun experience for our guests so we will also have live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. We are so excited to unveil ‘Thyme’ to our guests look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Grande Dame of Cork very soon”

Thyme at Seventy Six on the Mall is open for reservations Monday to Sunday from 5pm til late

For reservations:

www.imperialhotelcork.ie

021- 4274040

Over the past seven years Keep Cork Meeting has grown into Cork’s largest meetings and events expo with over 200 attendees and 40 exhibitors in 2019. Keep Cork Meeting aims to encourage more conferences, meetings and events in to Cork, and gives hotels and other tourism service providers locally the opportunity to showcase their offering to the corporate market. 

Sadly, in March of 2020 the Cork Convention Bureau took the decision to postpone Keep Cork Meeting 2020 until a later date when the event can be held safely and deliver the same personal interaction of previous additions.

Even though we’ve had to postpone Keep Cork Meeting for now, we are still here to assist in planning meetings, events and conferences for future years and if you would like to get in touch, we would love to hear from you by emailing info@corkconventionbureau.com

In the meantime, please enjoy a quick look back through the fun and festivities at previous Keep Cork Meetings:

 

2019

In 2019, Keep Cork Meeting returned to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the second year in a row for its 7th annual business tourism showcase. At the event attendees got to experience the very best of Cork’s business tourism offering, including accommodation options, unique Cork venues, food and drink options, activities and interactive experiences, as well as  advice from Event Management experts in attendance.

 

 

 

2018

In 2018, Keep Cork Meeting was first held in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The theme of this event was ‘What’s new in Cork’ highlighting the new venues, conference facilities and meeting spaces that are on offer in Cork as well as encouraging new ideas on how to market Cork as a business tourism destination. The format of the event was slightly changed this year also, moving to a morning event, which was very well received by attendees. For a timelapse of the event click here: KCM2018Timelapse

 

 

2017

In 2017, Keep Cork Meeting was held in Devere Hall, UCC. Attendees got to enjoy a glass of wine and some tasty bites, while learning about the business tourism offering from 40 of Cork’s best hotels, venues and activity providers.

 

 

 

 

 

2016

In 2016, Keep Cork Meeting was held in Cork County Hall. This event brought together over 150 meeting and conference organisers from a broad variety of Cork companies including Abtran, EMC, Stryker, Boston Scientific, Eli Lilly and Pepsico. Also, in attendance were Cork Conference Ambassadors, who are integral components of Cork’s success as a business tourism destination. The event presented unique interactive experiences from spa treatments to cocktail making and dance offs!

 

 

2015

In 2015, Keep Cork Meeting was held in Cork City Hall. With each of the forty exhibitors showcasing a unique product offering or activity, it was a great opportunity for businesses and organisations in Cork to sample the best of Cork’s Business tourism product and lesser known activities all under one roof.

 

 

 

 

2014

In 2014, the second Keep Cork Meeting was held in the unique venue of Cork City Gaol. CCB played host to over 120 guests from a wide selection of Cork companies such as EMC, Stryker, Merck Sharp & Dohme and Pepsico, while University College Cork and a range of other organisations were also represented.

 

 

2013

In 2013, the English Market was the venue for the inaugural Keep Cork Meeting. Over 30 hotels, venues and activity providers from Cork showcased their offering on the night, while Cork Opera House wowed all with a short improvisation act. The main focus of the evening was to highlight Cork’s impressive and unique offering and its ability to successfully host international conferences and events. The English Market was a very fitting venue for such an evening with Cork’s renowned food product being a key selling point to encourage more events into the region and to distinguish it from other destinations.

 

 

Week 5 of our ‘Members Being Innovative’ series. The 5 star Castlemartyr Resort Hotel, in lovely East Cork, is renowned for it’s amazing food offering.  With the onset of Covid-19 the property had to make some changes to ensure this same standard was available in a safe environment.

Sean Cooney – Marketing Manager Castlemartyr Resort – “As one of our intimate dining outlets, Franchinis, was unsuitable to allow adequate social distancing, we decided to adapt elements of the Franchinis menu and terrace dining area, with the creation of our new ‘Garden Terrace’. Situated outside the Manor House, with views of the formal gardens and castle ruins, it offers a casual dining experience, ideal for the Summer/Autumn Season. With a new menu (incorporating some Franchini’s favourites) and a selection of dishes featuring locally sourced produce, it has proven a very popular addition so far.#

Cork Convention Bureau would like to wish Castlemartyr Resort all the best with their new Garden Terrace dining option.