We we’re pleased to be involved with the launch party of ‘Bristol’s Top 100‘ which coincided with Bristol Media’s monthly gathering, Media Tuesday. We arranged for the party to be held on Harmony II which is a refurbished 1950’s super yacht berthed in Bristol’s harbour. The 180 guests registered and paid online via our on Guestminder system. The great-and-the-good of Bristol enjoyed one or two drinks on the aft deck and were fed beautiful canapés from the ever wonderful Papa Deli. A great night for all involved.

Recently we helped out a number of Royal Marines who were doing the age old cycle ride between John A groats and Lands End. But, being Marines, they just had to do things differently.  In every major town they abseiled down something big. They even did Blackpool Tower twice because it was so much fun. When they arrived in Bristol they abseiled down the Avon Gorge with their bikes on their backs. And our Catering Manager Debi was at the bottom preparing a stonking fry-up before they headed off for the day. We don’t think she’ll be the same after seeing so many Marines in Lycra!

Earlier in the year we launched The Premier Club. We didn’t make a song and dance about it. We wanted to refine our services before we started banging on about it. The idea is that we will provide quality hospitality at many of the sporting events around the country under the Premier Club brand and blueprint. We have been busy putting together packages that offer value for money, ROI and most of all, a great time. We aim to make these event relaxed but slick. You won’t find strawberries dipped in chocolate but you will find like minded people enjoy the simple quality offerings. By cutting out the poncy extras we are able to offer full hospitality at a fraction of the usual price. Please have a look at The Premier Club website for more information. After a successful partnership with Fullers Brewery we have now expanded our venue with the addition of the super yacht Harmony II in Bristol and currently working on a Dublin site for rugby internationals.

We have recently launched our very own, custom built online guestlist manger. It’s taken far too much time and money to get where we are but it’s been worth every bit of it.  It was devised out of working on live events and the feedback from clients that the invitation and guest management of an event takes far too much of their time. Well now Guestminder does it all for them. We set up the event on the system and produce a unique customised webpage containing your event images and logo. The system then sends out an email inviting your guest on your behalf. They click on the link, check out your conference, party, dinner, (or whatever it is you’re promoting) and decide if they want to come. All the relevent information is there for guest to view plus you can even upload pdfs or word files containing support material. Guests can register for the event (including any payments) and their information is gathered into a spreadsheet to report back to the client. It will even send reminders during the run up to the event and ask for feedback aftewards. We may be able to offer a free first trial of the system so that you can fully understand it’s true capabilities. We know that once you use it once you never look back.

The Grand Thistle in Bristol played host to some of the greatest rugby players from New Zealand to celebrate the career of Andrew Blowers. Riot helped organise the dinner for almost 400 people. Guest speaker Tana Umaga paid tribute to Andrew who he described as one of the most important individuals that has played for the All Blacks in recent years. Some unusual auction items such as Dan Carter’s underwear and the chance for Mark Regan to come to your house a cook your dinner helped raise money for Andrew’s chosen charity. Pictures available on our Flickr account here.

We are pleased to announce that ex Bristol Rugby Commercial Manager Jonny Ellis has joined Riot Events as Sales and Marketing Director. Jonny brings with him a wealth of experience in international hospitality and client entertaining from his time in Premiership rugby with Bristol and Harlequins. You can contact Jonny directly on 07971 155 109 or jonny@riotevents.co.uk

We were asked by Bristol Rugby to explore ways of gaining publicity with the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. We came up with the idea of Two Bristol Rugby scrum halves attempting to pass a rugby ball between two hot air balloons. Shaun Perry and Graham Beveridge were asked to have a go at the challenge and both were keen to be involved despite being given the week off by head coach Richard Hill. Shaun however later confessed to a fear of heights and had to admit that he was a little nervous. The Bristol Rugby duo were strapped into separate baskets with pilot restraints and took to the sky to attempt to pass a premiership rugby ball between the two baskets. The initial aim was to successfully complete a single pass each but, after a few attempts, they were flipping the ball between the baskets with ease. The balloons were tethered due to weather but they were certainly moving around a lot in the windy conditions. It caused a lot of interest at the fiesta and was the lead story on BBC and ITV. It was also covered by the local newspapers. Both players commented that it was a great experience and they really enjoyed being part of it. Shaun even said that it may even encourage him to try and get over his fear of heights and go for a full balloon ride. The players were then joined by Mark Irish, Wayne Thompson and Dave Attwood, also of Bristol Rugby, to train the under 9 players from the local combination clubs of Avonmouth, St Bearnadettes, St Mary’s and Cheddar Valley in the fiesta arena.

Picture: Shaun pleased to be back on the ground after completing the challenge.

We were pleased to be asked to help out at this years Bristol Media football tournament. It was held at the Clifton College sports complex in Abbots Leigh on 27 July 2008. We were asked to add some extra interest to the day with the view to making it an occasion for the players’ families to come along and enjoy as well. We introduced a beat the goalie competition, spot the ball, face painting and and bands stage where we saw some very good Bristol acts including The Cedar entertaining the crowds. It was a great day all round made even better by the glorious sunshine. You can check out some of the images on our Flickr account here.

We were delighted to be asked to organise and host the EC harris golf day this year. As a way of adding value to the client we spent some considerable time making venue selections which enabled us to control costs and quality. We chose the Marriot Forest of Arden in Warwickshire which enabled us to provide all the trimmings such as branded polo shirt, golf balls, tees, pitch fork, green markers and a quest speaker at dinner, Dr Phil Hammond. The golf day was an absolute success and we have had some very heartening feedback from some of the delegates…

On behalf of ROK and all the guests at the venue in Warwickshire I wish to thank you for an excellent function. I could not criticise anything, apart from my score, it was a wonderful two days. Thank you, John.

Just a brief note to express my gratitude to you and your colleagues for your generous hospitality last Thursday/Friday. It was one of the most enjoyable golf days that I have attended so a huge thank you for including me.

You can view the pictures of the day on our flickr account here.

Until next time, Riot Events.

We recently put on one hell of a party for Canada Life. The theme was Heaven and Hell with two distinctly different rooms on offer for guests to explore and enjoy. The main room was in Hell with a black and red theme throughout. Guests were greeted by a Burlesque fire performer and a glass of Bealzabub’s blush to get them started. Inside there were casino tables, a breakdance troop, and a 12 piece party band. The far more genteel surrounding in heaven offered allowed guests to relax on giant bean bag sofas, take in some pure oxygen at the O2 bar or get stuck in to the chocolate fountain. You can see images of the party on our flickr account.