Creating an unforgettable weekend that blended quintessential British charm with seamless logistics across multiple towns
The Face Behind The Brand
For those that follow me on social media, you will see that I recently had some new brand shots taken by the wonderful Yolande de Vries. I am not a fan of getting my photograph taken, but I do understand the power of brand and how, as my business is me and my name, the importance of people feeling they can relate to me.
I am super happy with the results, and it is a testament to Yolande with her skills of putting me at ease and subsequently getting some great shots that really do reflect me, my personality and my brand.
This got me thinking about the power of brand, especially as someone whose name is above the door, as it were, like me. My clients invest in me, my knowledge and expertise and even though I work with many trusted suppliers, the buck always stops with me.
For others in the same position, you will understand that this can come with quite a lot of pressure which can manifest in various ways (hello, hospital visit last year), so this year this is something I am very mindful of. I am constantly checking-in with myself about my workload and making sure I don’t take too much on, which can be hard.
I must be strict with myself and know my limitations and say no when needed, which as a business owner can be a difficult word to say, but probably the most important one. And, touch wood, it’s going well! March was exceptionally busy getting plans in place, but I gave myself an end goal of a week off to rest and recharge. This is something I would have probably not done before and just ploughed on through, so I already feel that I am working at a different pace. And I know that my work will be better for it.
Returning to my photos, they are casual and real and that is what I want to perceive. Yes, I am very professional and deliver events to an exceptionally high standard, but I am also approachable, love a natter and a cuppa and get stuff done – which is what my pictures reflect.
Often, when we start out, we have an idea of how we should look for our clients and try and mold ourselves to that, but as we evolve, we realise that being ourselves and letting the work speak for itself is everything.
Maybe it’s an age thing, but I feel very happy in my own skin, and I am super happy with how my business is going. It is busier than ever, and the events are incredible, but I am strict with my balance and ensuring I am in the best place to deliver these events. It feels good! I still don’t like my picture being taken very much, but instead of stressing, I understand it’s all part of the process and at the end of the day, people buy from people and I need to be my most authentic self.
Are You Thinking About Christmas?
Yes, I know it’s only May but if you are wanting a fabulous Christmas party this year, you really need to be thinking about it now! I have received a number of enquiries with many festive get togethers now being booked and signed off. Here’s a few reasons why you should be thinking about yours:
The Venue
The great venues are getting booked up, and quickly! There are many venues out there, but there are some really exceptional ones that can ensure your Christmas party has the wow factor. And that’s not only in how they look but their service and attention to detail in bringing your event to life.
Big factors to consider when looking for the perfect venue: location, accessibility, sustainability credentials, cost, cancellation policy, sign off process and timelines.
Planning time
For many people, the Christmas get together isn’t just about piling your team into a space and plying them with food and booze (even though, of course there’s a space for that – it is Christmas after all!). These days, there is a lot more thought going into the celebration and how to reward and look after people, or perhaps impress clients. So, this needs time for planning and preparation. For example, will you be having entertainers? This will need to be considered in terms of how that will work. Other ideas include the presentation of awards, a quiz or a team building activity of some description.
Big factors to consider when planning: create a timeline for the event and look at gaps and opportunities. Think about what would make the event stand out and what external activity or inclusion would work. Make sure you communicate your thoughts to your suppliers and venue.
Something special
I talk a lot about the rise in hosting retreats with leaders opting for these to incorporate work and self-care for their teams. There are some incredible venues that are ideal for retreats that really go above and beyond. That saying, your Christmas celebrations should be bespoke to your company / brand and what you want to achieve. Is it a reward for the hard work all year or is it an opportunity to come together, team build and celebrate – or all of the above? Or is it a gift for your team to go and enjoy together, for example?
Big factors to consider if thinking about a retreat: location and getting to and from it, time away if you are considering a few days, an agenda for the days, factoring in everyone and their needs (eg, drinking / not drinking) to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Christmas events really allow the imagination to run wild, so I strongly urge you to give yourself the space to do this and if you need help, please do get in touch to have a chat about your event together – we can come up with ideas specifically in line with your goals for your celebrations this year.
A US Team’s First UK Founders Retreat
An American venture capital company approached us to design and manage a three-day Founders Retreat for 60 American, European and UK attendees.
Markets Media Awards – A Showcase of Excellence
Markets Media Awards – A Showcase of Excellence
Events Overview
For the past three years, we have been the trusted partner in organising and delivering two prestigious awards dinners for a global financial publishing client in London. The European Markets Awards takes place in the summer, with the European Women in Finance Awards following in the autumn. Each event hosts between 110 to 150 guests and featuring around 30 award presentations.
For the last two years the summer awards have been held at the Waldorf Hilton, a venue we are returning to in 2025, with the autumnal European Women in Finance awards being hosted at luxurious 5-star properties, with the upcoming 2025 event confirmed at Claridge’s.
Services Provided
- Venue Finding & Concept Design – Ensuring each year’s event is unique while maintaining a sophisticated, high-calibre ambiance.
- Full Event Management – Seamlessly executing every aspect of the event from inception to completion.
- Supplier Coordination – Managing catering, production and lighting, floristry, and entertainment.
- Budget Management – Carefully balancing costs to maximise quality and experience.
- Branding & Printing – Ensuring consistent and elegant event branding, from banners to awards materials.
- Gift Bags & Sustainable Elements – Thoughtfully curated gift bags featuring high-quality chocolates in sustainable packaging and a small potted plant to align with our ethos of sustainability and waste reduction.
- Videography & Photography Oversight – Coordinating videographers and photographers, including post-event interviews.
What our clients say
I’ve worked with Lucy at Lucy Claire Events for three years and have found her to be the exemplary events planner. Having suddenly lost a key staff member in the US for an event we were hosting in London, I was thrown a lifeline by our designer, who said, ‘Give Lucy Claire Events a call, I’ve worked with them, and they’re very good.’ Ten minutes later, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted! Lucy’s unflappable manner, charm, and deep knowledge of this sector turned a potential maelstrom into a breeze. We’ve used Lucy on every European event since, and I have no hesitation in recommending her and her team
Ian Rycott, Markets Media Europe
Corporate Events
At Lucy Claire Events, we specialise in delivering unique corporate parties that reflect your company’s brand and values. From intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations, we ensure every detail is tailored to provide an unforgettable experience for your guests.
Venue Finding
Lucy Claire Events offers expert venue finding services. With access to a wide range of unique and stunning venues, we help you choose the ideal setting for your event, whether it’s a chic city venue or a peaceful countryside retreat.
My Love of Oxford
As a destination for events, it’s hard to top Oxford. Now, I may be a little bias as it’s on my doorstep, but this city really does have it all!
Oxford’s biggest draw of course is the fact that it’s steeped in history and is beautiful with its cobbled streets, riverbanks and some of the UK’s oldest buildings. It has a magical air about it, which adds to the experience when hosting events here.
However, it’s not all olde world. Alongside the historical landscape, Oxford is a world leader in university education and has an array of venues to suit all sorts of events together with several new venues, hotels and restaurants all offering incredible variety and options.
As an event planning professional, having the opportunity to mix both the new and old is a wonderful option to have, as many of the colleges are perfect for hosting a variety of events and accommodating guests. They also add that air of nostalgia and exclusivity.
Oxford’s newest hotel opening is the long-awaited 5-star Store Hotel boasting 101 bedrooms, a rooftop bar, a spa and several event spaces. Opening in May in what used to be Boswells of Oxford, the city’s oldest department store which dated from 1738 and closed in 2020, this new luxury lifestyle hotel will provide guests with a wonderful base for their stay in Oxford. The Store combines with The Randolph Hotel by Graduate Hotels, an elegant and historic Oxford landmark, to complement the 5-star offering in Oxford. There are also a handful of small boutique hotels all with individual touches and interesting event spaces with the Malmaison Oxford, on the site of the old jail, offering a quirky yet luxurious option.
Activity-wise, there is something for everyone. You can sit back and relax while punting along the beautiful River Thames and Cherwell or cycle along the cobbled streets and riverside paths or allow your creativity to flow and paint the stunning buildings of Oxford perched on the riverbanks. Recently I assisted with a music meditation experience at the Holywell Music Room, the oldest custom-built concert hall in Europe which can be hired for conferences, weddings and lectures. This was an amazing experience for all, and my first.
The beauty of Oxford is that you can walk everywhere! One summer, I organised a company offsite for 450 Norwegians in Oxford. It was an amazing event to be a part of. Guests stayed at three colleges – Pembroke, Queen’s and St Anne’s – and participated in a variety of activities both in and out of Oxford. We hosted a wonderful Edwardian Ball at the Oxford University Museum of National History and a finale event at Oxford Town Hall, which was fabulous. The guests loved how quintessentially English Oxford is and loved being able to walk the cobbled streets to each destination or activity.
Recently I freelanced on the Skoll World Forum hosted by the Skoll Foundation who are dedicated to building a sustainable world of peace and prosperity for all. For the last 20 years they have hosted this global forum in Oxford, pretty much taking over the whole city – over 1,700 delegates attended this year! My role as Evening Events Assistant was varied and took me to a wonderful range of venues – 25 in total – across the city providing dinners and experiential events in restaurants and colleges.
In September, I am working with an American company on their CEO Forum for 55 people in Oxford. They will be staying for two nights at the Malmaison Oxford with the Forum taking place each day at Christ Church College, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and a dinner in the semi-private area of the Cosy Club. Once again, their mode of transport will be their own two feet, and I’m really looking forward to seeing their reaction to Oxford and hearing their thoughts!
As well as the city itself, Oxford is the gateway to the Cotswolds, has Blenheim Palace and Waddesdon Manor within easy distance, and is one of the best places in the UK to live and work.
Do let me know if you have visited! It will be great to share some experiences
Venues, Venues, Venues
There have been some fabulous new venues open recently including Raffles London at the OWO, The Peninsula, The BoTree and The Broadwick Soho in London, The Post Barn near Newbury in Berkshire and Port Lympne’s stunning new Orangery. It is so exciting visiting these new venues and seeing the potential of their event spaces – it certainly gets the creative juices flowing with possibilities….
There are also more on the horizon for 2024! Here are a few I am really excited about!
The Other House, Covent Garden
This new luxury hotel is going to feature a pool, gym, wellness studios and a rooftop terrace, together with some amazing dining venues such as The Other Kitchen Cafe and the Owl & Monkey Cocktail Bar. Consisting of seven separate historic buildings, including a former rectory, with plans to include a four-storey internal glazed atrium and an additional three-floor extension, this new hotel is going to be a definite must see for me!
The Zetter Bloomsbury will be the first new property from the Zetter Hotels group in 10 years. Fusing together six 300-year-old townhouses to create the hotel, it will be located just steps away from the British Museum. With plans for a gym, alfresco garden restaurant and terrace, and 71 guestrooms, there will be a Georgian aesthetic for the interiors with antique furniture and restored original detailing.
The Orangery at Blenheim Palace
In 2024, the doors to Blenheim Palace’s revitalised Orangery are opening for private gatherings. It will be the ideal setting for private parties and celebrations, a variety of corporate events and more. The Orangery, restored to its former glory, now embraces a captivating bar area and seating arrangement for up to 120 guests. The designers have successfully merged contemporary chic with timeless charm, which has amplified the allure of this stunning historic venue, creating a unique and memorable exclusive event destination. It’s just on my doorstep and I can’t wait to explore!
Nestled in the pretty village of Kington Langley in north Wiltshire, Kin House is a Grade II listed manor house set among walled gardens and private woodland. Available for exclusive hire, this stunning house will be able to host everything from woodland lunches and workshops to team retreats, launch events, photoshoots and beautiful celebrations for up to 200 people.
A place with a definite wow factor is new restaurant, Jacuzzi in west London. Spread over four floors and with 170 seats, this stunning space is crammed with Italian treasures from Roman statues to Murano glass! It is definitely an amazing option for very special events, and don’t even get me started on the food – it looks and sounds divine!
My Year Ahead
In the wonderful world of events, we are not very often in the here and now as we are planning future events, which is definitely the case for me as I’m busily organising summer conferences, retreats as well as Christmas parties.
Yes, you read that right. I have a good few Christmas party emails in my inbox that I am working on. This early planning seems to be indicative of the year ahead.
Last year, many people said events were back, but for me it feels very much like 2024 is the year when they are fully back, especially in the corporate world. Budgets are getting approved and signed off early doors and action is happening whereas there still was some hesitancy this time last year.
As you can appreciate, this is music to my ears, but it also a reminder to be cautious and manage my mental and physical health. The main thing that 2023 taught me is that I need to get the balance right as I occasionally took on too much, which then effected my overall health as a result.
I am in a very good position that, on the whole, I don’t have to go out tendering for work – the work comes to me through previous clients and recommendations. This is fabulous and something I am truly grateful for, and together, with all the years of work and networking this has paid off. But I have learnt to say no, manage expectations and know what my limits are.
I was recently on a forum with other event professionals and mentioned that I organised and planned 35 events last year – a combination of venue finding only projects and event management – and the reaction was shock that it was so many! For me, it felt fine and normal, but this year I am going to limit myself to 30 as I know I can fully commit and give each event my best work and, make sure I am healthy.
I have also decided to give myself more pats on the back this year, which I never used to do. Before Covid I always used to gravitate towards the negative and concentrate on the things I didn’t do! Over the last few years, I haven’t been doing this and am so much happier and confident in myself! Yes that’s right – you heard it here!
As for trends for next year, interaction is so important. No one is doing bog-standard power point presentations anymore (thankfully!), and events now have a feature to make them memorable and interesting. This can be an activity, a play on branding or a giveaway for example.
There will be a big focus on AI too in terms of supporting event management. A lot of the large events already use apps to aid the user experience so this is something I will be learning about and reaching out to my network for support and education.
I think with the advancement of tech in events, it is all about getting the balance right and making sure events still remain personal but use the tech to ease experience and make them slick.
So, for now I am very happy planning a number of events, and love the variety on my books (conferences, awards, retreats, international events, Christmas parties and more!) I am not at my 30 capacity yet, mind, so if you need a helping hand, do get in touch!
What’s Big in Events for 2024?
There are some clear trends emerging for 2024 that all event professionals will be thinking hard about. I will be consistently speaking to friends and colleagues in the industry to ensure I am abreast of all expectations and demands from people who attend events to make sure I am putting on the best events I possibly can. The events world is ever evolving, which is why it is so exciting, and there are always emerging trends and demands coming about. Below, I’m going to talk about my top trends for next year and their impact on our industry:
Sustainability, accessibility, inclusion and diversity are non-negotiable
These four pillars are the crux of any event! For me, I will only work with suppliers, venues, entertainment and staff who uphold the same values in this space as me. There is simply no excuse not to be relevant in these areas and to make sure your offer is as sustainable, accessible, inclusive and diverse as possible.
Personal attendee experience
There is a growing trend for individuals to have a more bespoke experience at events, which I believe comes down to a personal touch. This could be something as simple as a hand-written note waiting for you in your hotel room (something I have experienced and is quite lovely!) to a dedicated agenda in line with your needs and interests. Making someone feel valued as an individual compared to a blanket approach can work wonders for engagement and overall experience so it’s always something to be considered.
The importance of mental wellbeing
For 2024, there is a huge focus on promoting emotional wellbeing for all attendees and making sure their needs are understood and met. This may include spaces at events for neurodiverse attendees or having sessions covering mindfulness and providing wellbeing and wellness activities, such as yoga and wild swimming. I have seen a significant rise in retreats, which is hugely appealing to a lot of people as it allows teams to relax and recharge as well as work in often stunning locations.
Local is key!
A very important thing for me is supporting and promoting local businesses and I am proud to have always done that in my business. This ethos is also shared with a lot of people hosting events. In both the private and corporate worlds, there is a great want to use local suppliers and support businesses in their area. This is a fantastic thing to see as it allows these often-small businesses to be seen and elevated and allows the event host to be able to talk about their desire to support their local area.
The rise of ROX
If you haven’t heard this term, it means Return on Experience. When clients hire me to organise and plan their event, they are looking for a return on their investment as well as a return on the experience! they are also looking for this. They want their guests to have a memorable experience, to make connections and to feel positive during and after the event. It is all about emotions and feeling and if you can curate that magic, you have cracked it!
If you need a helping hand planning an event for next year, do get in touch as I would love to have a chat about your plans and discuss ideas with you
Are You Getting Festive?
Are you planning a Christmas party or Christmas event this year? If so, you should be thinking of getting it organised as there is only a few months to go! Planning a large event can be overwhelming at times, especially when you have various demands, input and thoughts! What I suggest is starting a planning sheet straight away and take things step by step:
1. Expectations and budget
I have seen many times a poor member of staff given a very woolly brief to organise the company’s Christmas party, which can leave them panicked as they are not sure what they have to work with. If you are in charge, make sure you get as much information as you can up front from your team. Big questions are – what is the budget? What do they want it to entail (is it a dinner or a party for example?), how long is it for? If you are organising one for family or friends, it is very much worth doing this thinking up front, so you know what you are working with.
2. Venue
This is critical as it is the main element of the event alongside location. Often, if this is for an office party, a venue close to where you work can be advisable as you know people can get there and home ok. Trying to get a lot of people somewhere new can be a mammoth task and could add an extra transport logistic and cost element.
Is there a need for a wow factor too? Again, people often say they want ‘something different,’ but don’t really specify what that is. Many iconic venues (such as Somerset House and the Embankment Gallery) have specific Christmas packages geared for all sizes and budgets and often, these can make your life a lot easier. Keep an eye on new openings too, especially in your area, as they are often looking to support local businesses and get people through the door. When looking at a venue, do have a crib sheet of questions and needs (accessibility for example). If you need any help with venue finding, please do get in touch as there are lots of hidden gems I know about that would fit the bill!
The ‘something different’
This request is so common (and slightly unhelpful!) as people often want another element to their event apart from just eating and drinking. This is where you can get creative. There are a lot of entertainers or activities you can incorporate depending on the audience. Everything from a dance class to axe throwing, from a magician to a yoga class! There really is so much to choose from but all have a budget assigned to them so be mindful. Start by searching local and seeing what’s out there and of course, professional event planners are on hand if you need!
4. Be inclusive
Organising a large event needs careful consideration for the people there. So, try as much as you can to cater for all different needs, including thinking for guests who don’t drink, any special dietary requirements, accessibility needs etc. Just try and do the thinking beforehand as much as you can.
5. Theme
Of course, Christmas itself is an amazing theme but is there anything else you can add to your party to make it extra special? Could you do some silly awards for example or have a specific dress or colour theme? Ideas include The Great Gatsby, a Winter Wonderland, The Big Top…… Could you bring in a surprise for the boss (if they would be up for it of course!) or a special guest?
These are just a few pointers to get started with! Do give us a shout if you would like a helping hand as we are always brimming with ideas and solutions for you!