Partner Article

Partnership aims to bring virtual live events back to life

Two of the Midlands’ leading events specialists have joined forces to create an offering aimed at bringing virtual events back to life. Mr & Mrs Grey, the force behind Elegant Entertainment, and Eventologists, the specialists in event production, theming and decor for private and corporate events, have announced a new partnership that will see corporate events given a new lease of life.

With Covid-19 restrictions putting doubt over the return of in-person events, at least for the short term, and the future likely to include a hybrid approach to awards and celebrations, the companies have come together to give organisers a new way to deliver their events, in a more visual way.

The live music specialists and event designers have brought their expertise together to bring the ‘wow factor’ back to the industry. With Zoom fatigue setting in, their new offering will help organisers transform spaces and create events to remember, even when viewed through a screen.

Ben Grey, Co-Founder of Mr & Mrs Grey, talks about the partnership:

“There’s no doubting how tough the last 12 months have been for the events industry, but we started to see the tide turn in the summer when we were asked to provide live entertainment for events like the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Awards and Future Faces Awards. We realised the importance of still giving people that level of fun and entertainment that they’d expect at any pre-pandemic event.

“Working alongside Eventologists, we’ve been theming online events and providing eye-catching pops of entertainment to fit, which bring a whole new dimension to the online world. We’re often asked to bring the party and even in the ever-changing move to online and hybrid events, it’s no different… we’re here to make events remarkable!”

Rita Chandarana, Managing Director of Eventologists, adds:

“Changing our business model to work with venues, AV companies and agencies to help them give a facelift to events was a real turning point for our business last year. People are bored at home and don’t want to see plain conference rooms via Zoom; creating dramatic stage sets with the design, style and detail akin to live events, can be created virtually, and can add such different dimension and quality allowing organisers to drive greater engagement.

“Whether a conference, award ceremony or even hybrid event – which we’ll see much more of as restrictions ease this year – we’re able to work side-by-side with venues, organisers and AV teams to breathe life into an event. We make it a visual spectacle again and add perfectly tailored entertainment that will have people talking about the event long after they’ve attended. Whilst events might not be able to happen in the way we used to know, this is absolutely the future and we’re delighted to have partnered with Ben and Chloe on this!”

The partnership between Mr & Mrs Grey and Eventologists was formed last year, as both parties pivoted their businesses to survive during the first lockdown. As events started to return, albeit virtually, they saw organisers struggle to make them engaging and exciting so came together to offer something much needed.

They offer a range of theme options; from The Greatest Showman – where circus acts, ariel artists and fire breathers create a show-stopping spectacle – to a 1920s prohibition evening, that brings flapper girls and vaudeville vocalists together for the ultimate Gatsby party. If you’re looking for a little Broadway glitz, the Old Hollywood Glamour package harks back to classic MGM films and grand movie musicals; and Viva Las Vegas will bring the casino to you. There’s a Retro 80s throwback and even a Mad Hatters’ Tea Party theme, in addition to bespoke options that are tailored to you.

One of Mr & Mrs Grey and Eventologists first events was to support The PA Forum in delivering its annual West Midlands PA Awards, which took place in November. The virtual event saw over 500 attendees celebrate the best in Executive and Personal Assistants from across the region.

Daniel Skermer, Founder of The PA Forum and Organiser of the awards, said:

After such a challenging year, we wanted to bring some positivity and light to our community by continuing to run our awards online. Within four days, we were all on site creating a spectacular 90-minute show; with Eventologists creating a Great Gatsby theme alongside c/o Mr and Mrs Grey’s musicians, singers and dancers. It was an AWESOME event and we had incredible feedback from all who attended. It has completely changed my mindset to the virtual world of events and whilst I will always prefer face to face, I would have no doubt going down the virtual route again with these guys on board!“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jodie .