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We are looking for an Event Manager

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We are looking for an Event Manager

Ice is a Brand Experience Agency, based in Windsor, specialising in events (live, hybrid & virtual), environments, exhibitions, and brand I.D.

We are a member of Isla and look to manage all of our projects in the most sustainable way possible.

We have an immediate requirement for an experienced events manager to join our busy team.

You will be a team player and have a proven track record in delivering all aspects of an experiential/event project. You will demonstrate a creative flare and experience of managing all types of events and be as comfortable with the practical parts of the job on-site as you are liaising with senior clients.

The Role:

  • You will be responsible for managing a range of event projects, from meetings & presentations to large conferences and experiential events.
  • Management of all project elements from initial client briefing through to completion.
  • Briefing and management of suppliers and other Ice departments.
  • Liaison with clients, suppliers and venues.
  • Costing and management of budgets.
  • On-site management.
  • Post event evaluation and reporting.

You will have:

  • An events background with good experience working for an events or experiential agency.
  • A good understanding of AV and conference production.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the creative process and managing design or collateral for events.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise with clients, suppliers and colleagues at all levels.
  • The ability to produce presentations to a high standard and present these to clients.
  • Good production knowledge and experience.

Please send you CV to our MD John Palmer [email protected]

COP26

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The eyes of the world have been on Glasgow and COP26. This two-week event has drawn a great deal of attention and put into sharp focus some of the major issues we all face regarding climate change.

Many companies at the event have been keen to show their green credentials and how they as organisations intend to tackle the problem.

Our client O2 are one such company who are there to explain their involvement in mobile connectivity and their plans to become the UK’s first net zero mobile network. They plan to cut carbon emissions from its entire business and network by 2025.

They took some space in the Green Zone of the event which was created and dedicated to youth groups, civil society, academia, artists, business from across the UK and all over the world to host events, exhibitions, cultural performances, workshops and talks. With over 100 exhibitors, 200 events and 11 sponsors taking over the space, provided amazing opportunities to listen, learn and celebrate climate action.

The O2 stand consisted of a Twizy autonomous vehicle, a truck driving simulator and some explainer videos. As the space was outside, we used an eye-catching pod type structure, the interior of which was visible from both sides, weatherproof and secure.

Over 3000 people have visited the show each day and have had the opportunity to learn about some of the green technology that is available today and get some insight into what might be coming up in the future and its impact on climate change.

What’s In A Name?

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From Nike’s “swoosh” symbol to Starbucks’ twin-tailed mermaid or siren, the world’s largest companies take great care of their logos.

For most people the logos of such firms immediately connect our minds to the business in question, sometimes without the need to see its name.

Think of the golden arches of a popular fast-food chain, or the apple with a bite taken out of it representing a certain tech company.

This type of instant recognition is the holy grail for a business.
So, is it this perceived cache in their brand names that caused Doritos and Mastercard to recently remove their name from their logos?

Or is it an attempt to reconnect with younger consumers by not displaying overt advertising?

In ‘No Logo’ Naomi Klein talked about a shift to anti branding, with companies having to change their thinking on using old fashioned branding. She said, it wasn’t about selling a brand but rather promoting a lifestyle, because brands had such a negative effect on the younger generation.
The lack of a name could negate negative thoughts about that brand that the name conjured up.

But then did Nike taking their name off and just having the swoosh, really stop people thinking about the exploited kids that made their trainers?
Or is less branding, as Mastercard stated, a way of achieving modern simplicity?

People need an image to look at, as Aristotle said, ‘the soul cannot think without an image’.

But in a visual world of memes and symbols, is less, really more?

Maybe simpler branding is part of a bigger plan, a deliberate attempt to again attract a younger audience with subversive marketing?

But will they really think you’re so cool because you don’t have your name on your packs?

So, why bother?

The younger generation heralded the birth of Adblocking because they hated advertising so much. And with many consumers in these price conscious times indulging in product promiscuity rather than brand loyalty, is the writing on the wall, or rather not on the packs, for brands?

Not necessarily.

A company in the US called Brandless eschews all established brands and just has products called Peas or Sweet Corn, no names .no logos.
But surprise, surprise, Brandless has become a brand.

So, gimmick or trend?

Like most new attempts to attract Generation Z, companies need to back up any activity with something more substantial.

Your logo is how people recognise you, and it helps express how you’re different from your rivals – warmer, greener, stronger, and so on. But for a logo to be successful, the company behind it must be a respected and trusted brand. A logo won’t allow a company to build a respected brand on its own.

Age UK is working with Cadbury over the next year to bring the plight of lonely older people to the attention of the nation and do something about it.

Cadburys new Donate Your Words campaign is just purple packaging without the purple prose, no words at all appear on their packaging. Instead those words are donated to highlight the crisis in the UK, where 1.4 million older people struggle with loneliness and 225,000 old people often go a whole week without speaking to anyone.

Customers are not stupid, they know that companies have spent millions designing and promoting their name and logo’s.

They don’t drop them without very good reason.

Or, a very good marketing ploy?

The best views of Windsor

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Ice have been located in Windsor since September 2012 and in April 2013 established a contemporary art gallery within our office building in the high street. Since opening we have built a strong reputation for stocking contemporary fine art; original British paintings, photography and sculpture. Our diverse portfolio of artists brings together an inspiring, creative and exciting collection of thought provoking art. We recently expanded our collection of artworks specifically of Windsor including Windsor Castle the famous Long Walk and the River Thames.

The lions are here!

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The Lions of Windsor & Maidenhead 2019 public art sculpture trail features 40 individually decorated, life-sized lion sculptures displayed across the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead from September to October to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria and raise funds for charity.

The eye-catching lion sculptures are sponsored by regional businesses and decorated by talented artists and designers.

Trail maps will lead thousands of residents and visitors on a voyage of discovery across the region as they track down all of the lions in the pride. The idea is that this colourful public art event will increase footfall to sculpture locations, raise brand awareness for sponsors, boost trade for local businesses, provide a free summer activity and delight lion fans of all ages.

After three months on display, the lions will be gathered together in one giant pride for the ‘Lions Roar Goodbye’ weekend before the charity auction in November.

As a sponsor we wanted to develop a theme that had a story and relevance to the lions on display.

So we came up with Lifelion.

Often referred to as ‘The King of Beasts, the lion is one of the most iconic animals in the world today. A hundred years ago over 1 million roamed most of Africa, parts of Asia and even Europe, now only 20,000 remain.

With LifeLion we want to highlight the plight of this magnificent creature and bring into sharp focus that it has become another of our many endangered species.

We commissioned award-winning artist Amrit Singh to paint our lion. The colour scheme is inspired by the beautiful Maasai Mara and Serengeti sunset using vibrant shades of yellows, oranges and pink to create a very distinctive design. Amrit used his unique style of intricate ink art to create an African nature inspired design merging floral patterns with geometric lines. This connection between the two styles symbolises the connection between humans and animals, showing respect and coexistence alike.

National Lipstick Day

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Today is National Lipstick Day but what does your favourite colour say about you?

#nationallipstickday #hudabeauty #harveynichols

We recently helped with the successful launch of the exclusive Huda Beauty range at Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar in Liverpool One. Today is National Lipstick day which gives you the opportunity to wear your favourite colour, but what does it say about you?

Purple: You may be mysterious and quiet but you are also sophisticated and intelligent. You are often the wild card in a friendship group and know spontaneity is the spice of life.

Burgundy: This shade signals confidence and sense of purpose. However, you may lean to being more reserved but you know where you are going and what you want.

Red: You are confident, bold, self-assured and don’t mind being the centre of attention. You are passionate, romantic and have a sense of adventure.

Hot Pink: You are bubbly, energetic and exude a sense of playfulness with a high energy level that subtly hints at a mischievous side.

Light Pink: You have a positive outlook on life and are extremely optimistic, love the outdoors and are youthful at heart.

Nude: You may be a little of the reserved side but are extremely warm and caring. You always put effort into your appearance.

On everybody’s lips-Huda Beauty at Harvey Nichols

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Ice made the launch of the exclusive Huda Beauty range at Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar in Liverpool One a thing of beauty.

The ask, create an impactful launch activation that would drive customers into store to the new Huda Beauty counter. Our answer was to give both the store and customers a vibrant makeover.

In the heart of Liverpool One and near to the store we built a striking selfie cube, a backdrop for customers to pose, click and upload their pics to #HudaBeautyxHN. The Huda Beauties encouraged customers to download the Harvey Nichols Rewards app and with a Rewards download or social post customers received a scratch card and won a prize to redeem in store.

Customers followed a trail of lamp post signs to the Beauty Bazaar with its Huda Beauty make over take over, with statement lips in iconic ‘Power Bullet’ shades dotted over the store windows, pops of colour against a glow of pink light, along with exterior signage to ensure Liverpool knew that Huda Beauty has arrived.

Lip floor vinyls led the way, leading customers into store, to experience areas on the First Floor, and then to the new Huda Beauty counter.

First stop was a showcase of the Power Bullet lipstick against an Instagram worthy backdrop designed to look like the Power Bullet packaging, a stunning lightbox, branded Directors chairs, wall vinyl’s and stylish product plinths. Huda make-up artists were on hand to introduce customers to the beauty brand and colour match.

Next the eye-catching lash bar where customers could have their Huda lashes applied by the professional artists.

In the third experience area we used logos and lips, to make over the Studio where customers could try out the brand’s best sellers and book in for a Huda Beauty makeover. Finally, more lips vinyls led the way to the new Huda Beauty counter where they could purchase product and receive a lip-smacking treat, a lip shaped lolly colour matched to the Power Bullet palette.

Did our unique blend of product trial and customer journey create a memorable customer experience? Word of mouth says it did. “A huge thank you for all you’ve done to launch Huda at Beauty Bazaar – it’s been so lovely to work with you! We’re beyond happy with how the store looks and the launch overall, big credit to you all”. Kelly Edgington Press and Marketing Manager

Ice 10th Birthday

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Ice celebrates its 10th birthday this year.  It’s been 10 years of creating amazing experiences as one of the UK’s first Brand Experience Agencies.

Ice has spent the last decade helping key client O2 conquer the mobile market; supporting its sponsorship activity in music at The O2 and O2 Academies, its involvement with England Rugby as a Principle Partner and helping them to grow their very successful Priority rewards program.

Ice has been one of O2’s longest serving agencies, since its first event in 2009, and responsible for both internal and client facing experiences and branding initiatives, managing over 300 projects for them every year.

Ice has gone from strength to strength, adapting to the ever-changing world of sponsorship, employee engagement, interior branding and event management.

Ice’s client base has continued to grow over the years and also includes notable clients such as Harvey Nichols and the Co-op, in addition to The Crown Estate and The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, home to both Ice and Her Majesty The Queen.

Here’s to the next 10 years.

Who put the 3 in The O3?

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Canadian rapper, Drake, landed in the UK to take up residency at The O2 from the 1st April to the 11th April to perform 7 gigs to his UK fanbase. In his well-known song God’s Plan, he raps “And you know me, turn The O2 into The O3”. This gave our client, O2, the idea to do something special for Drake and his fans, to make God’s Plan a reality. The idea being to change the sign outside the venue from The O2 to the O3 for the duration of Drake’s London tour.

But the big question being asked is… Who put the 3 in The O3?

You guessed right, it was us! We were commissioned to organise and project manage the manufacture and installation of the new signage at The O2. The whole project required a great deal of planning and organisation within a very quick turnaround time. Working alongside our signage partner we took the idea and handled the process from start to finish, including site survey, working drawings and arranging out of hours installation. At the crack of dawn our team removed the 2 from the sign and secretly put up the 3 ready for the big reveal in the morning.

The signage change has drummed up a lot of attention on social media with even Drake himself posting a picture of the O3 sign on his Instagram with the caption ‘Turn it’.

And the Best Supporting Act award goes to…

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War Child BRITs Week together with O2

Ice has supported O2 and its collaboration with War Child since their first concert in 2012 and proud to continue our support to this day.

What started out as just one concert has grown into War Child BRITs Week together with O2, a series of intimate gigs featuring global artists like Ed Sheeran and Coldplay.

This year’s line up included Jess Glynne, Ann-Marie, Jake Bugg, Tom Walker and The 1975, to name just a few.

Through BRITs week, War Child has raised over £4m and helps children in 9 countries around the world affected by conflict.

As O2’s event and branding agency, we’ve helped theme and manage the BRITs Week concerts since their initial involvement. We’re full of admiration for War Child and O2 and very pleased for the opportunity to help in our small way.

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