Arena Group were recognised for their event innovation and design team’s expertise, when they were awarded the New Product/Service Award 2007 for their Arena Scene Vantage hospitality suites at the TESA Event Industry Awards 2007.

The new hospitality suites, which were launched at the Showman’s Show last year, define new standards as to what can be achieved in a temporary hospitality venue. The engineering behind the Vantage means that the suites comply with full building regulations, enabling use as a semi-permanent building.

The ethos behind the structure is that each building will be unique - designed and built to match each client’s requirements, from motorsport drivers’ lounges and international political meeting venues, to executive sponsors suites at live events. Arena Scene MD Grahame Muir said: “Vantage was created in response to client demand for premium hospitality buildings with superior environments. We listened to the frustration of some clients that their needs weren’t being addressed by any other product on the market, and spent 18 months developing it.”

James Thomas, the new Arena Structures Project Manager, commented:

“This is a great achievement for Arena, and for a product which the team developed after years of experience creating hospitality environments. We spent 18 months developing the new Vantage, with the idea to create the best, most cost effective permanent, yet relocatable, solution on the market, and its wonderful that the team has been recognized for that vision.”

www.arenascene.com

Highly Commended:
The Podpad

Launched in the VIP area at Glastonbury ‘05, the ‘podpad’ was an immediate success, offering quirky, comfortable and secure onsite accommodation. Guests included Radio 1, Coldplay’s management team and Lily Allen, along with a number of recognised media names.  Staying dry and cosy throughout the torrential Friday morning storms, the ‘podpads’ were voted “The Best Place to Camp” by the NME.

The ’podpad’ itself is constructed from outdoor grade 18mm plywood and decorated inside and out to suit. Each ‘podpad’ comes with groundsheet, carpet and sliding tinted windows with curtains.  They have shelving, fluorescent lighting and a 12v socket for phone charger/ipod etc. ‘podpads’ are offered with a choice of fitted beds to suit individual needs - single, twin or double, all with air mattresses in place. The front door is lockable and the ‘podpads’ are naturally powered by their distinctive sunflower solar-panels.

In 2006 the Company doubled their stock of ‘podpads’ and after attending many major festivals were nominated for the UK National Festival Awards in the ‘Best Innovation’ category.

Already in 2007, Podpads have been “Highly Commended’ in the TESA Awards in the ‘New Product/Service’ category.

The ‘podpads’ are delivered to site flat-packed, in crated pallets of six units and are professionally constructed by the specialist team, so creating the quite unique ‘podpads’ communal/village feel.

The Podpads team are always looking to develop their products and services. Currently on the drawing board is the new “superpad”, with the same quirky appearance, the two-storey ‘podpad’ will offer accommodation for up to four sharing or, it can be used as an upstairs bedroom with living space downstairs.

Also, in response to demand, 2007 sees the launch of the ‘bellepad’ a traditional “bell tent” with flooring, rugs and four air mattresses in situ. Aimed at catering for families or groups of friends sharing, the ‘bellepad’ can also serve as a central meeting place for a village of ‘podpads’.

Bookings can be handled by Podpads, taking online payment and liaising with your guests at all stages or, alternatively organisers can block-book a ‘podpads’ village and administer the area themselves.

www.podpads.com

Highly Commended:
Bond Fabrication’s T-System

A radical new development in marquee design, the T-System is a modular tensile structure which uses a minimum of metalwork combined with tensioned fabric panels to provide a stunning clear span interior space with gracefully arched sides.  This new design, which has a patent pending, has generated an enormous amount of interest.

Much more modern in appearance than a conventional marquee, the T-System appeals to event organisers wanting something different from the familiar clearspan marquees - now seen everywhere - to offer their clients.  Interest in this new type of temporary structure has already been shown by those involved in sectors as diverse as corporate events, motor racing, polo, golf clubs and the hospitality industry, as well as marquee hire contractors.

MD of Bond Fabrications, Nick Acland explained: “So many people  have congratulated us on breaking the existing marquee mould. We have had very good feedback on its innovative appearance and the feel of the internal space, and people have commented that it will appeal to those who want a more contemporary look for parties and  corporate events.”

The T-System wins on practicality as well as looks – it is modular (extending indefinitely in 6m bays), has window walls if needed, is easy to transport and quick to erect. Robust and produced by manufacturers with nearly 20 years’ experience in the field, its design conforms with BS EN 13782:2005 and is certified for wind speeds up to 100km/h.

www.bondfabrications.co.uk