When the member becomes the service provider - our experience with UKinbound

2/14/2019 | Travel Connect

When the member becomes the service provider - our experience with UKinboundEveryone loves it when a plan comes together, but as most people in the events industry know, even the most thought out, detailed plans, can be subject to last-minute changes and of course the odd curve ball!

As a long-standing member of Glasgow Life and a new member of UKinbound, we worked tirelessly with the organising teams to deliver a transport support package for their annual UKinbound Convention earlier this month. Working across multiple agencies and with a short lead time, our biggest goal was to provide a seamless transport solution to the 200 plus delegates, ensuring that their first experience of Event Connect, as a national event transport provider, was first class.

As part of the Abellio Group and one of the UK’s largest transport providers, we’re still establishing ourselves as a leading transport provider for events, tours, conventions, and excursions. Whilst we’ve got years of experience in the industry and have one of the most commercially successful operations team within the UK, we still need to shout about our vehicle selection provision, the fact that we offer bespoke transport solutions across the UK, our wider transport management services and our 24/7 regional support.  So, what better way to do it than with some of the key players in the UK inbound tourism industry! Thousands of pounds of business is secured at the convention each year through supplier engagement, networking and strategic negotiations with UK inbound tourism largely recognised as one of the UK’s leading economic and employment drivers. That’s why we decided to showcase our service first hand.

With an experienced team of event managers from UKinbound and Event Connects diligent operations department at the helm what could possibly go wrong? Here comes the curveball…An unexpected influx of last-minute attendees less than 48 hours before the event, resulted in a requirement for not only an additional coach but a request for supporting transport coordinators. With delegates due to descend on Glasgow in a matter of hours, we had to ensure we managed the changes quickly and efficiently especially given our membership and industry reputation was at stake. If ever there was a time to kick all contingency plans into action this was it.  Vehicle sourcing, vehicle branding, resource allocation, pricing negotiations, local council traffic management agreements and health and safety briefings ensured that all 240 delegates were safely and seamlessly transported to their venues. 

We make it sound easy, as that’s our job. Mid-event changes come with the territory, but wouldn’t it be nice if you were an event organiser and didn’t have to worry about who was going to handle them for you? The pride we have in our service provision, ability to adapt to meet last minute changes and still provide budget efficiencies is part of what sets us aside from our competitors. Whilst we can’t take away the stress of every curve ball you’ll be thrown, you can let us take the strain away from your event transport. 

contact us for more info


Tags:

Recent blogs

11/15/2022 | Travel Connect

Arranging staff and corporate travel – a drain on your time

Travel for conferences, meetings and events for individual, and groups of, employees all fall under this remit. From internal employee celebrations and the Christmas party, to individual staff shuttle services, the requirements when it come

7/14/2022 | Travel Connect

A complex outlook for TMC's. How can we help?

The return to travel in 2022 is one of the biggest challenges facing Travel Management companies in the year ahead. But corporate travel is not expected to exceed 50% of what it was pre-pandemic.

6/9/2022 | Travel Connect

The shape of Corporate Travel post Pandemic

The shape of corporate travel post pandemic As leisure travel booms and people take to the roads to enjoy holidays as well as meeting friends and family, the corporate travel picture isn’t far behind.

5/26/2022 | Travel Connect

Busy hotels always benefit from dedicated corporate travel

We know you don’t need reminding 2022 is the “year of the meet-up”. As you deal with the influx of corporate events to your hotel, stemming from the pandemic’s pent-up demand of businesses’ need to get-together, collaborate and innovate.

5/26/2022 | Travel Connect

As tourism recovers, how will Travel Operators handle demand?

Currently, being a Tour Group Operator is a big ask, more so than it’s ever been, due to the predicted surge in the numbers of travellers getting ready to pack their suitcases.

4/7/2022 | Travel Connect

Considering Shuttle Services?

Considering staff shuttle services? You know it’s the sensible solution, but what next?

3/24/2022 | Travel Connect

What we learned as transport partner for COP26 & how it can help you

It’s not every day you are asked to be part of one of the world’s leading global events, that’s why we pulled out all the stops to ensure we planned, managed, and delivered a first-class service for COP26!

10/8/2020 | Travel Connect

Adapt, learn and optimise: Get the most out of your 2021 Tour Season

Group Tour Transport 2021 – Make the most out of your season. What does your seasonal planning for 2021 look like?

2/27/2020 | Travel Connect

Vehicle selection: the importance of getting it right

First off, can you tell the difference between a MPV, a midi or a mini? What about an executive coach vs a standard coach? More to the point, why does it matter?

1/23/2020 | Travel Connect

Top tips for planning a busy tour season

You’re a busy Tour Operator planning for the season ahead. You’re already booked to attend a number of key industry events and exhibitions, most of which are at the start of the year and your diary is crammed with appointments.