homepage – Saward Marketing

ICE Expo 2025 – A Confident First Step at Punchestown

By Jack Saward, Managing Director, Saward Marketing & Events

Last month marked the launch of ICE Expo at Punchestown, Ireland, a fresh new addition to the events calendar. With a clever combination of indoor and outdoor exhibition space, enthusiastic exhibitors, and a committed organising team, it made a strong first impression.

I had the chance to attend in a slightly different capacity, not just supporting our exhibiting clients, but also observing how the show operated from the ground up.

A Show with Energy, Commitment, and Real Potential

For a first-year show, ICE Expo had a lot going for it.

Punchestown proved to be an excellent venue, offering brands ample space to showcase large machinery and run live demos outdoors, while also maintaining a central indoor hub for meetings, networking, and displays. The demo zones in particular brought a sense of movement and purpose, helping visitors engage in a meaningful way.

What stood out most, though, was the shared sense of purpose from the exhibitors. Rather than focusing solely on their own stands, there was a clear collective drive to make the show a success. You could feel the energy, a willingness to support the wider event, and a recognition that the stronger the show, the stronger the opportunities for everyone.

Conversations with both our own clients and other exhibitors confirmed that the right people were attending. Many reported live sales; others walked away with solid leads and new contacts. That’s a big tick for any launch event.

A Responsive and Engaged Event Team

After being introduced to several members of the ICE Expo team on-site, I was impressed by their approach.

They were present, approachable, and open to feedback, regularly checking in with exhibitors and suppliers. I even had the chance to help in a few small ways and that kind of open collaboration is what helps good shows grow into great ones.

Events aren’t just about logistics. They’re about people. And it’s always clear when a team is working hard behind the scenes to create an experience that works for everyone.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The next edition of ICE Expo is already confirmed for 2027, giving organisers time to review, reflect, and evolve. That breathing space is a smart move. With the positive momentum already building, there’s a real opportunity to fine-tune and scale the event for its next outing.

From where I stood, as a supplier, a supporter, and an industry professional, the future of ICE Expo looks promising. It’s been great to already be asked to offer guidance and support as the next edition begins to take shape, and I’ll continue to help where needed to ensure the event builds on its strong foundations.

We’ll be watching with interest, helping where we can, and standing alongside our clients again as the show enters its next chapter.

Jack Saward
Managing Director, Saward Marketing & Events

#ICEExpo2025 #WeCreateExperiences #ExhibitionIndustry #TradeShows #EventSupport #ProfessionalCuddle

How to Effectively Evaluate the Success of Your Event

Trade shows are pivotal for industries like quarrying, recycling, and bulk materials handling. They offer a unique platform for networking, showcasing innovations, and generating business leads. To maximise benefits, it’s crucial to evaluate the success of these events effectively. Key metrics for assessing trade show success include Return on Investment (ROI), Return on Objectives (ROO), visitor feedback, team feedback, and other relevant outcomes.

Return on Investment (ROI)

ROI is a fundamental metric for evaluating trade show success. It measures financial return compared to the cost of participation. To calculate ROI, consider:

Direct Sales: Immediate revenue generated from leads and deals closed at the trade show or afterward. This can be hard to measure as the lead time between a show and an eventual deal can be lengthy.
Lead Generation: Potential future revenue from leads acquired during the event.
Cost Savings: Reduction in marketing and sales expenses due to direct interactions at the show.

Return on Objectives (ROO)

While ROI focuses on financial returns, ROO assesses whether non-financial goals were met. These objectives might include:

Brand Awareness: Measuring the increase in brand recognition and presence in the industry.
Product Launch Success: Gauging the reception and interest in new products introduced at the show.
Market Research: Gathering valuable insights about industry trends, competitor activities, and customer needs.

ROO can be evaluated through predefined KPIs such as the number of product demonstrations conducted, media mentions, and social media engagement. ROO is just as important as ROI.

Visitor Feedback

Visitor feedback provides qualitative data that can inform future participation strategies. Effective methods for collecting feedback include:

Surveys and Questionnaires: Be careful with these during live events as they can impact on your visitor experience. Post-event, these can be effective.
Interviews: Conducting brief interviews with visitors can yield in-depth insights.

Key questions to ask might include:

What drew you to our booth?
How would you rate our product presentations?
What improvements would you suggest?

Team Feedback

Your team’s perspective is equally important in evaluating a trade show’s success. They can provide insights into:

Booth Engagement: Assessing which tactics effectively attracted and retained visitors.
Operational Efficiency: Evaluating the setup, management, and dismantling processes.
Lead Quality: Judging the calibre of leads collected.

Team feedback can be gathered through debriefing sessions and structured feedback forms post-event. This ensures your team feels part of the process and helps shape future shows.

Other Outcomes

Consider other hard and soft outcomes to gain a comprehensive evaluation:

Hard Outcomes:

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): The total expense of acquiring a new customer through the trade show.
Conversion Rates: The percentage of leads converted into customers post-event.

Soft Outcomes:

Networking Opportunities: The value of new connections and potential partnerships formed.
Brand Positioning: The perceived enhancement of your brand’s industry standing.

Final Thoughts

Evaluating the success of a trade show involves a multifaceted approach, combining quantitative metrics with qualitative insights. ROI and ROO provide a solid foundation, while visitor and team feedback offer a deeper understanding of performance. Other outcomes, both hard and soft, enrich the evaluation, ensuring a holistic view of the event’s impact. Effective evaluation of trade show participation not only justifies investment but also shapes future strategies for greater success.

Maximising Event Opportunities Amid Economic Shifts: What the Recent UK Budget Means for the 2025 Event Calendar

The recent Labour budget statement introduces policy shifts that businesses may need to factor into their 2025 event and exhibition strategies. From economic adjustments to reformed corporate taxation and new incentives for skills development, there are fresh considerations for making event budgets go further and work harder. Yet, as the landscape evolves, so do the opportunities to keep events vibrant, impactful, and in tune with changing market needs.

Key Budget Impacts on Event Planning

Cost Management in Light of Corporate Tax Changes

Labour’s tax adjustments could mean refined budgets for some companies, making ROI and ROO even more essential. Exhibitions that demonstrate clear, measurable returns and directly align with business goals will be priorities. But this is an exciting challenge — events and exhibition spaces that stand out and show real value will naturally rise to the top.

Supporting Talent and Skills Development at Events

With the budget’s emphasis on workforce and skills, businesses can reframe events as hubs of learning. Beyond lead generation, companies may see strong benefits in offering sessions that enhance skills, showcase expertise, and engage both attendees and employees in growth opportunities. By aligning with this focus on skill development, companies can amplify their event budgets while investing in their teams. We often chat about who are the best individuals to run event spaces — education now becomes part of that conversation.

Making the Most of Event Opportunities

Even as budgets may be reevaluated, businesses can still create memorable and high-impact events. A few strategic shifts make it possible to stand out and connect effectively:

Prioritising Direct Engagement Over Scale

Investing in smarter, more interactive stands with direct engagement activities can yield deeper connections without extensive costs. Streamlined displays and spaces for conversation allow for meaningful interactions, ensuring each attendee connection has a lasting impact. This is a moment to focus on quality of engagement over sheer size or number of products displayed.

Leveraging Partnerships and Collaborations

Partnerships — whether with other brands, associations, or organisers — offer greater reach and shared costs. Through co-hosted presentations or shared event spaces, companies can expand their exposure while optimising their investment.

Embracing Digital Elements

Digital engagement is a powerful tool for enhancing reach and capturing data without overspending. From event apps to QR codes for follow-up, digital elements create touchpoints that build on in-person engagement and extend an event’s impact well beyond the days you are physically at the show.

Final Thoughts

For those ready to embrace adaptable, purposeful planning, the events of 2025 will offer meaningful opportunities and lasting value. We’ve already started these conversations with our existing clients, and we’d be happy to chat to you too.

Exhibit or Explore? Making Smart Trade Show Decisions

With thousands of trade shows happening annually across the globe, deciding where to exhibit can be a daunting challenge for any business. As an event management professional with over 30 years of experience working globally across corporate and trade events, I’ve seen firsthand the complexities companies face when determining whether a trade show will deliver a return on investment or simply add to their marketing expenses.

Exhibiting at a trade show requires significant investment, not only in stand space and design but also in travel, staffing, and pre- and post-show marketing. Without the right audience, that investment may not pay off.

The decision becomes even more complex when considering international trade shows. The global stage offers enticing opportunities to expand your brand presence and reach new markets. Shows in Europe, the Americas, and Asia often attract a diverse, multinational audience. However, they also come with additional logistical challenges, cultural considerations, and higher costs. Moreover, many companies grapple with the question of whether these global events offer more value than the trade shows available at home in the UK.

Conversely, global trade shows can open doors to partnerships and business opportunities that might not exist domestically, but only if you’ve thoroughly researched their relevance to your objectives.

Walk Before You Exhibit

Walking a trade show instead of exhibiting can sometimes be a smarter choice. Attending as a visitor allows you to assess the event’s atmosphere, gauge competitor presence, and understand attendee demographics. It’s a low-risk way to determine whether the show is worth your investment in future years. Walking the floor also provides invaluable insights into the latest industry trends and innovations, which can inform your marketing strategy and product development.

Final Thoughts

Whether at home or abroad, trade shows remain a powerful tool for businesses, but only when approached with a strategic mindset. Make informed choices, and your efforts will undoubtedly lead to stronger connections and greater success in your market.

If you’re navigating this decision and need guidance, let’s start a conversation. With decades of global event management experience, we’d be happy to share insights and help you make the most of your trade show strategy.

Hands up who is excited for their 2025 events calendar 🙌

This year is already shaping up to be another fantastic year for team Saward Marketing & Events.

With exciting projects already underway across the UK, Europe, and North America, we’re incredibly proud to be the trusted partner for so many brilliant clients who put their trust in us to deliver standout results.

From unforgettable outdoor events, impactful PR campaigns and stunning exhibition spaces, we thrive on bringing our clients’ visions to life.

Here are just a few events we’re particularly looking forward to working at this year:

– Bauma in Munich this April

– ICE Punchestown, launching its first-ever show this May

– Plantworx at its new venue in Newark this September

– Agritechnica in Hannover this November

And, we’re even already planning ahead for 2026 with ConExpo in Las Vegas! 🌍

Our ethos is simple: combine creativity, expertise, and a client-first approach to deliver exceptional results every time. We also like to have some fun while doing it.

We’re always eager to grow our network and welcome new opportunities, so if you’re looking for a team you can trust to deliver excellence, let’s have a chat.

Maximising Event Opportunities Amid Economic Shifts: What the Recent UK Budget Means for 2025 Event Calendar

Key Budget Impacts on Event Planning

Cost Management in Light of Corporate Tax Changes

Labour’s tax adjustments could mean refined budgets for some companies, making ROI and ROO even more essential. Exhibitions that demonstrate clear, measurable returns and directly align with business goals will be priorities. But this is an exciting challenge, events and exhibitions spaces that stand out and show real value will naturally rise to the top.

Supporting Talent and Skills Development at Events

Making the Most of Event Opportunities

Even as budgets may be reevaluated, businesses can still create memorable and high impact events. A few strategic shifts make it possible to stand out and connect effectively:

Prioritising Direct Engagement Over Scale

Leveraging Partnerships and Collaborations

Partnerships, whether with other brands, associations, or organisers offer greater reach and shared costs. Through co-hosted presentations or shared event spaces, companies can expand their exposure while optimising their investment.

Embracing Digital Elements

Digital engagement is a powerful tool for enhancing reach and capturing data without overspending. From event apps to QR codes for follow up, digital elements create touchpoints that build on in person engagement and extend an event’s impact well beyond the days you are physically at the show.

Final Thoughts

The recent budget may ask us to adapt, but that’s where innovation begins. By focusing on strategic engagement, collaboration, and targeted planning, businesses can harness these changes to elevate their events. These economic shifts may refine our approach, yet they’re also a chance to innovate, connect, and make events more purpose driven than ever. For those ready to embrace adaptable, purposeful planning, the events of 2025 will offer meaningful opportunities and lasting value. We’ve already started these conversations with our existing clients, and we’d be happy to chat to you too.

………………………………………..

How to Effectively Evaluate the Success of your Event.

Return on Investment (ROI)

ROI is a fundamental metric for evaluating trade show success. It measures financial return compared to the cost of participation. To calculate ROI, consider:

Direct Sales: Immediate revenue generated from leads and deals closed at the trade show or afterward. This can be hard to measure as the lead time between a show and an eventual deal can be lengthy.
Lead Generation: Potential future revenue from leads acquired during the event.
Cost Savings: Reduction in marketing and sales expenses due to direct interactions at the show.

Return on Objectives (ROO)

While ROI focuses on financial returns, ROO assesses whether non-financial goals were met. These objectives might include:

Brand Awareness: Measuring the increase in brand recognition and presence in the industry.
Product Launch Success: Gauging the reception and interest in new products introduced at the show.
Market Research: Gathering valuable insights about industry trends, competitor activities, and customer needs.

ROO can be evaluated through predefined KPIs such as the number of product demonstrations conducted, media mentions, and social media engagement. ROO is just as important as ROI.

Visitor Feedback

Visitor feedback provides qualitative data that can inform future participation strategies. Effective methods for collecting feedback include:

Surveys and Questionnaires: Be careful with these during live events as they can impact on your visitor experience. Post event these can be effective though.
Interviews: Conducting brief interviews with visitors can yield in-depth insights.

Key questions to ask might include:

What drew you to our booth?
How would you rate our product presentations?
What improvements would you suggest?

Team Feedback

Your team’s perspective is equally important in evaluating a trade show’s success. They can provide insights into:

Booth Engagement: Assessing which tactics effectively attracted and retained visitors.
Operational Efficiency: Evaluating the setup, management, and dismantling processes.
Lead Quality: Judging the calibre of leads collected.

Team feedback can be gathered through debriefing sessions and structured feedback forms post-event. This ensures your team feels part of the process and helps shape future shows.

Other Outcomes

Consider other hard and soft outcomes to gain a comprehensive evaluation:

Hard Outcomes:
- Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): The total expense of acquiring a new customer through the trade show.
- Conversion Rates: The percentage of leads converted into customers post-event.
Soft Outcomes:
- Networking Opportunities: The value of new connections and potential partnerships formed.
- Brand Positioning: The perceived enhancement of your brand’s industry standing.

Final Thoughts

Exhibit or Explore? Making Smart Trade Show Decisions

One of the biggest hurdles is aligning a trade show’s audience and objectives with your company’s goals. It’s not uncommon for businesses to choose events based on their reputation, size, or location without fully understanding whether the attendees are their target audience. While some shows boast tens of thousands of visitors, the question remains: are those visitors decision-makers or influencers in your market? Exhibiting at a trade show requires significant investment, not only in stand space and design but also in travel, staffing, and pre- and post-show marketing. Without the right audience, that investment may not pay off.

In my experience, the answer is rarely straightforward. International trade shows shouldn’t necessarily replace domestic events but can complement them if approached strategically. UK trade shows often provide excellent networking opportunities and access to a highly concentrated market. Exhibiting at home can also help businesses refine their messaging and tactics before taking them to a broader, more complex international stage. Conversely, global trade shows can open doors to partnerships and business opportunities that might not exist domestically, but only if you’ve thoroughly researched their relevance to your objectives.

Final Thoughts

Building the Blueprint for Excellence: What makes a Great Team of Event Professionals

In the realm of event planning and execution, success is often an intricate dance between creativity, precision, collaboration, and adaptability. A great team of event professionals is the backbone of every remarkable event, transforming ideas into realities and ensuring seamless experiences for attendees. But what exactly makes a team of event professionals truly exceptional? It was another long drive home, returning from another well executed event that got me thinking!

Diverse Skill Sets – A great event team comprises individuals with diverse skill sets that collectively cover every aspect of event planning and execution. From event coordination and logistics to design, marketing, and technical expertise, each team member brings a unique perspective and proficiency to the table. This diversity not only ensures comprehensive event coverage but also fosters an environment of continuous learning and growth.
Clear Roles and Responsibilities – Clarity in roles and responsibilities is paramount. Each team member should have a well-defined role that aligns with their strengths and expertise. This prevents overlaps and gaps, promoting efficiency and reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings. Clear delineation of responsibilities enhances accountability and ensures that every task is executed with precision. From project to project your role and level of responsibility might change. It’s important to understand your remit and work smart with your colleagues.
Effective Communication – Open and effective communication forms the foundation of any successful team. Effective team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and progress updates facilitate the exchange of ideas, insights, and feedback. Event professionals need to share information seamlessly, making quick decisions and adapting to changes as needed. If you work in this sector, you know exactly what I mean with this last point!
Collaborative Spirit – A sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among team members is crucial. A collaborative spirit encourages the sharing of ideas and problem-solving in a supportive environment. When team members feel comfortable contributing their opinions, innovation thrives, leading to unique and memorable event experiences. With that said, this can take time to develop and should never be underestimated. There is no time onsite to build these foundations, the trust a team have in each other’s abilities will be tested and contribute to the success of the project itself.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving Skills – Events rarely go off without a hitch. A remarkable event team is adept at navigating unforeseen challenges with grace and creativity. The ability to adapt quickly to changes, identify solutions on the fly, and remain composed under pressure are hallmarks of professionals who can turn unexpected obstacles into opportunities for improvement.
Attention to Detail – Event success hinges on meticulous attention to detail. From crafting intricate event schedules to coordinating seamless transitions between different segments of an event, every aspect requires careful consideration. Professionals who can ensure that no detail is overlooked contribute to the overall excellence of the event.
Creative Vision – A touch of creativity is what transforms an event from ordinary to extraordinary. Creative thinkers bring fresh ideas, innovative concepts, and imaginative designs that resonate with attendees. Whether it’s the event theme, decor, entertainment, or interactive experiences, a creative vision sets the event apart and leaves a lasting impression. #wecreateexperiences is a term you hear often from me, and we must remember that when developing events. Who are we doing it for and what are they going to take away from it.
Time Management – Events are often defined by deadlines. Effective time management skills are essential for orchestrating various tasks within the event planning timeline. A team that can meet deadlines, prioritise tasks, and allocate resources optimally ensures that the event progresses smoothly toward its grand finale. When teams are brought together to delivery events they need an understanding of the bigger picture, not just their isolated area of responsibility. Only then are they able to look at wider issues with clear eyes and a comprehensive understanding of timelines.
Customer-Centric Approach – At the heart of any event is the attendee experience (as mentioned above #wecreateexperiences). A great team of event professionals places the attendee at the centre of their decisions. Understanding the audience’s preferences, needs, and expectations is key to curating an event that resonates and creates lasting memories.
Continuous Learning – The events industry is constantly evolving. A commitment to ongoing learning and professional development keeps the team up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. Investing in personal and collective growth ensures that the team remains at the forefront of the industry. We learn on each and every event we deliver, and if people are anything like me, they are already planning the next event whilst delivering the current one! You always see ways to adapt things, as you see people use the space when the event is live.
Enjoy what you do! – As a team and as an individual embrace the opportunity to find fulfilment and satisfaction in your work, for it consumes a significant portion of your week. Cultivating enjoyment in your professional endeavours not only enhances your productivity but also enriches your overall quality of life.

Final thoughts …

Crafting a great team of event professionals is a deliberate undertaking that requires a blend of diverse skills, effective communication, collaboration, adaptability, attention to detail, and creativity. This harmonious convergence of expertise and personalities sets the stage for extraordinary event experiences. By prioritising these key ingredients, event professionals can work together to bring visions to life, turning each event into a masterpiece that leaves attendees inspired and amazed.

Event Managers: The Swiss Army Knives of the Event Industry

In the fast-paced world of event planning and management, I find that adaptability, versatility, and resourcefulness are absolutely key. I’ve often heard event managers being likened to Swiss Army knives, and I couldn’t agree more. We are often the unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes, wielding an impressive array of skills and tools to ensure that events of all sizes and types run seamlessly. I’ll never forget the time when a client sent me a picture of a Swiss Army knife fancy dress costume with the message, “We need one of these for you!” It got me thinking about many of my peers and their skills and also why event managers are so often compared to these iconic multi-tools and why our role can be essential in creating unforgettable events.

A Multitude of Skills

Much like a Swiss Army knife’s various functions, I believe event managers possess a wide range of skills. We need to be adept at project management, logistics, budgeting, negotiation, marketing, and even psychology. Whether it’s coordinating vendors, managing schedules, or resolving unexpected issues, we have to be proficient in multiple areas to ensure the event’s success.

Adaptability

One of the defining characteristics as an event manager is the ability to adapt to various situations. Similarly, my colleagues and I must be flexible and ready to handle anything that comes our way. From weather-related challenges to last-minute changes in the program, we can sometimes find ourselves adapting plans to ensure that the show goes on without a hitch.

Problem Solving

I believe that event managers are natural problem solvers, just like a Swiss Army knife’s assortment of tools. We anticipate potential issues, have backup plans in place, and are quick to find creative solutions when unexpected problems arise. Our ability to think on our feet is essential in the event industry. We aren’t fountains of ‘ALL’ knowledge though, and often our phonebook offers the opportunity to seek support or solutions from our peer group. I remember one occasion manufacturing a solution for a client 24hrs before a show began, due to part of their product breaking in transit. That was only possible due to that famous ‘black book’ of contacts and a willingness from our industry to make it happen. We will all have examples of this, and many with shorter timescales.

Precision and Attention to Detail

A Swiss Army knife is known for its precision and attention to detail, and these traits are shared by event managers. We meticulously plan every aspect of an event, from seating arrangements to catering choices, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. This attention to detail is what separates a successful event from a mediocre one. I know some event managers that are far more meticulous in their planning than I am, and from reading this article, they’ll know I’m talking about them!

Organisation

The organisational skills of an event manager are akin to the way a Swiss Army knife neatly organises its tools in a compact package. We can create detailed timelines, checklists, and spreadsheets to keep every aspect of the event on track. The ability to keep things organised is crucial in orchestrating complex events.

Effective Communication

Just as a Swiss Army knife’s tools work in harmony, I’d like to suggest that good event managers excel at facilitating effective communication among various stakeholders. Liaising with clients, contractors, staff, and attendees, ensuring that everyone is on the same page. Clear and concise communication is the linchpin of successful event management.

Resourcefulness

Swiss Army knives are celebrated for their resourcefulness, and Event Managers share this quality. We know how to make the most of available resources, whether it’s finding creative solutions within a tight budget or repurposing materials on the fly. Our ability to do more with less is a hallmark of our profession. We also have the ability to challenge, influence and direct when working with our clients. We want to ensure they utilise their budgets effectively and can often be best placed to advise with some of that decision making.

Final thoughts …

Event managers are indeed the Swiss Army knives of the event industry, armed with a diverse set of skills and tools to handle the multifaceted challenges of planning and executing successful events. Our adaptability, problem-solving prowess, attention to detail, organisational skills, effective communication, and resourcefulness are the keys to our success. Just as a Swiss Army knife is an indispensable tool in various situations, we play a crucial role in creating memorable and seamless events. Our ability to combine all these qualities into one cohesive package is what sets us apart and ensures that our events shine brightly.

If anyone does every find that fancy dress outfit in my size, please do point me in its direction. I’m confident that there will be a future event where I can proudly don it to celebrate the work that my peers and I do to create so many memorable experiences across our industry!

#wecreateexperiences #eventmanagement #swissarmyknife #eventplanner #events #eventlife

Effective Conflict Resolution in Client-Contractor Relationships: Building Strong Partnerships

Successful collaboration between clients and contractors is essential for the smooth execution of projects. However, conflicts can arise in any professional relationship, and it’s crucial to address them promptly and effectively. This article explores key strategies for conflict resolution in client-contractor relationships, emphasising the importance of communication, understanding, and compromise. We’ve all been in that situation at some point in our careers and if you haven’t, you’re lying! All I want to do in this article is explore some of the options to consider.

1. Open Communication:

The foundation of any healthy working relationship is open communication. Encourage clients and contractors to express their thoughts, concerns, and expectations clearly. Establishing a transparent line of communication from the beginning helps prevent misunderstandings and allows parties to address issues before they escalate. Regular meetings, progress reports, and feedback sessions contribute to maintaining an open and honest dialogue.

2. Set Clear Expectations:

Many conflicts stem from misunderstandings regarding project expectations. Both parties should have a clear understanding of project scope, timelines, and deliverables. A detailed contract that outlines specific responsibilities, milestones, and payment terms can serve as a reference point, minimising potential disagreements. Regularly revisit and update project plans to accommodate any changes or adjustments.

3. Active Listening:

Conflict resolution begins with active listening. Both clients and contractors should listen attentively to each other’s concerns and perspectives. This fosters empathy and demonstrates a commitment to understanding the other party’s point of view. Encourage parties to restate the concerns of the other to ensure mutual understanding and to validate the importance of each perspective. I was always told that we have two ears and one mouth for a very good reason!

4. Identify Common Goals:

Remind clients and contractors that they share a common goal: project success. Emphasise the mutual benefits of a positive working relationship, which includes successful project completion, client satisfaction, and the contractor’s reputation for delivering quality work. By focusing on shared objectives, parties are more likely to find common ground during conflicts.

5. Mediation and Third-Party Involvement:

In some cases, conflicts may require external intervention. A neutral mediator or third party can offer an unbiased perspective and facilitate constructive discussions. Mediation allows both parties to express their concerns and work toward a resolution with the guidance of a trained professional. While it may not be necessary for every conflict, having a mediation process in place can be beneficial for more complex issues. I have personally been asked on a few occasions to sit in on a meeting and listen to ‘project disagreements’ and offer an impartial view to help progress things. It’s not often needed, but something that can provide real value and efficiency.

6. Collaborative Problem-Solving:

Encourage a problem-solving mindset where both clients and contractors work together to find solutions. Instead of focusing on blame, emphasise the identification of issues and the development of strategies to overcome challenges. Collaborative problem-solving strengthens the partnership and builds trust, as it demonstrates a commitment to working through difficulties rather than avoiding them. In events you don’t have the time to ‘blame’ you need to solve and deliver. There is plenty of time post event to review and learn.

7. Learn from Conflicts:

Conflicts, when resolved effectively, offer valuable learning experiences as suggested above. Encourage clients and contractors to reflect on the root causes of conflicts and identify preventative measures for the future. This ongoing learning process contributes to the continuous improvement of communication, project management, and collaboration skills.

Final thoughts…

Conflict resolution is an integral aspect of maintaining strong client-contractor relationships. By prioritising open communication, setting clear expectations, actively listening, identifying common goals, considering mediation when necessary, promoting collaborative problem-solving, and learning from conflicts, both clients and contractors can contribute to the success of their projects and the growth of their professional partnerships. Ultimately, a proactive and constructive approach to conflict resolution builds trust and strengthens the foundation of successful collaborations. The relationships we have created with some of our own clients have developed over time. This trust and collaborative approach to working doesn’t happen overnight. You will have disagreements; you will have compromise and you will undoubtedly make some mistakes along the way. However, I would always say that you should own them and learn from them. Nobody is perfect, but we can consistently work towards trying to be.