Conferences and Expos Archives - JUGS Malta

Basic to Breathtaking: Memorable Props and Decor

josef@jugsmalta.com — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 14:43:48 +0000

Here at JUGS, we’re all about crafting events that leave a lasting impression. It’s not just about the food and drinks (although those are important too!), it’s about creating an experience that your guests will be raving about long after the party ends.

Today, we’re showcasing some of our most popular props and decor rentals that will elevate your event from ordinary to extraordinary:

1. Pop the Bubbly in Style
Live Champagne Wall & Prosecco Wall

Forget the boring ice bucket – add a touch of sophisticated fun with our stunning Champagne Wall or Prosecco Wall. Imagine a wall adorned with sparkling flutes, ready to be filled with bubbly goodness. Our “Pop the Champagne” ring light adds a playful touch, making it the perfect centerpiece for your VIP area or photo booth.

2. Light up the Night:
LED vs Classic Dancefloor

Get your guests grooving with our fantastic dance floor options! The classic dance floor provides a reliable platform for all your partygoers. But if you’re looking to add some extra wow-factor, our LED dance floor is the answer. Imagine a floor that changes colours and patterns in sync with the music, creating a truly immersive experience.

3. Entertainment Extravaganza
Elevate your Event with our Unique Performers

Beyond the basic DJ, we offer a variety of entertainment options that will leave your guests speechless. Picture towering stilt walkers mingling with the crowd, fire breathers adding a touch of dramatic flair, or a mesmerizing bubble show that’s not just for kids anymore! Magicians will create interactive wonder, live painters will capture the essence of the event, and aerialists will take entertainment to new heights (literally!).

With these unique props, decor, and entertainment options, you can transform your event from a gathering to an unforgettable experience. Contact us today and let’s discuss how we can make your vision a reality!

Five Workshop Ideas To Take Your Conference To The Next Level

chris@saltstudio.mt — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:50:23 +0000

Is it true that workshops can make or break a conference’s success? Well, if you’d like your attendees to leave your conference with more hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of the topic you tackled, then yes. Workshops provide a golden opportunity to delve deeper into specific topics than any presentation or panel session can, while also engaging your audience members even more.

Struggling to come up with ideas for workshops that you can seamlessly incorporate into your conference? That’s where we can help. From skill-building workshops to hands-on labs, here are some ideas to take your conference to the next level:

1. Skill-Building Workshops

The idea here is to conduct workshops that will not only encourage participants to engage in the conference but to provide them with practical, hands-on experience related to the theme being tackled. From time management and accountability to leadership and empowerment, hone in on tangible skills that participants can then apply in their work, making the conference outcomes even more valuable.

2. Interactive Panels and Discussions

Okay, we know – speakers who are experts in the field are one of the main reasons people choose to attend a conference, but this doesn’t mean that they should hog the mic the entire time. Keep your participants from zoning out by turning a traditional panel discussion into an interactive workshop by incorporating audience participation through live polls and Q&A sessions to encourage everyone to get involved in the discussion.

3. Collaborative Problem-Solving Sessions

Conference participants have a lot to learn from the experts, but they could have valuable experiences of their own to share too. Take this opportunity to organise workshops encouraging collaboration among participants by breaking attendees into small groups to discuss and offer solutions for specific challenges. This fosters networking, idea exchange, and a sense of community among all participants.

4. Technology Demonstrations and Hands-On Labs

Ready to put your attendees to the test? In the case of tech and innovation conferences, demonstrations could be a great opportunity to showcase the latest equipment and methodologies used in the field. This could very easily be followed with hands-on labs, where attendees can check out how the experiment works for themselves, gaining a more practical understanding of how this can be applied to their work.

5. Unconventional Icebreakers

Sure, the primary focus of any conference is to learn and discuss ideas, but icebreakers could be the key to getting people out of their shell and actually contributing to the conference. And no, we’re not talking about going around the room and introducing ourselves. Give the participants some room to change their rhythm or get Boxed Up, introducing a certain element of fun to the event while also getting everybody on their feet and mingling.

These are just a few examples of how workshops can be integrated into your conference seamlessly to create an experience that goes beyond passive listening and encourages active participation. The opportunities are well and truly endless. So now, let’s talk about you. Get in touch with our crew to start planning workshops tailored to your company’s exact needs.

Your Guide to Choosing a Conference Venue in Malta

chris@saltstudio.mt — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:08:54 +0000

If you’re on the lookout for an appealing destination to serve as a backdrop for your next conference, you’ve come to the right place – literally. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of planning a conference in a foreign destination, let’s make sure that Malta checks all your boxes: Warm hospitality? Check. Great weather year-round? Check. Unique venues with modern amenities? Check.

Now, let’s talk priorities:

THE BIGGER, THE BETTER

If a spacious exhibition centre is what you’re after, then your best bet will most likely be the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre, better known as the MFCC. Located in a central part of the island, this purpose-built venue was designed to accommodate events attended by thousands of participants. While the space is indeed versatile and can be changed up to suit practically any conference format, bear in mind that the venue’s size may be excessive for smaller conferences, and transportation to and from the venue might also require additional planning.

Tip: Ready to try out a different kind of breakout session? Make the most of the open air by organising an outdoor event that fosters collaboration among conference participants by tasking them with solving puzzles and unearthing hidden geocaches around Ta’ Qali. If the weather doesn’t permit, worry not – we’ve also got a couple of indoor icebreaking tricks up our sleeves too.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

We get it – as far as conference locations go, the capital city is in a league of its own. Starting off with the iconic Mediterranean Conference Centre, this particularly distinctive venue is housed in the historic Sacra Infermeria; a 16th-century hospital built by the Knights of St John. Apart from the panoramic terrace on the top floor, the venue offers varied spaces which can easily be reconfigured to suit any particular session formats or activities you may have in mind for your next conference.

For conferences targeting a smaller to medium-sized crowd, you might want to consider the Phoenicia Hotel, which is located right on Valletta’s doorstep. Apart from providing just the right mix of traditional charm and modern amenities, this venue’s various indoor and outdoor spaces could also serve as more intimate settings to any workshops or networking sessions organised throughout the conference.

Tip: Immerse yourself in the captivating tales and architectural wonders of the UNESCO-listed capital city with a unique treasure hunt that will that takes conference participants through the cobbled streets, by the ancient forts, and into the charming squares of Valletta.

CONVENIENCE OVER EVERYTHING

If luxury, sophistication and convenience are what you’re after, why not consider organising your conference at the same hotel your guests will be staying at?

The Xara Palace, nestled within the medieval city of Mdina, offers a unique combination of historical charm and state-of-the-art amenities. Providing an elegant setting for a professional gathering on a smaller scale, the quaintness of the Xara Palace sets this venue apart from more conventional hotel brands.

However, globally recognised brands, such as the Hilton, the Marriott-owned Westin Dragonara Resort and InterContinental hotel, may not only appeal to international attendees, but also offer service quality you can bank on. Another plus here is that the above-mentioned hotels are all centrally located in one of the most popular areas on the island; the vibrant city of St. Julians.

Tip: A stay on an island in the heart of the Mediterranean wouldn’t be complete without an actual dip in the Mediterranean Sea. Take this golden opportunity to surprise conference attendees with some fun water sports, like Stand Up Paddling and Tandem Kayaking, after your event.

OUT-OF-THE-BOX OPTIONS

From megalithic temples to baroque palaces, Malta’s got a lot to offer in terms of one-of-a-kind event venues. If you’re looking beyond just securing a venue and are interested in unlocking a unique experience for your guests, you might wish to consider renting out one of Heritage Malta’s exclusive venues whose walls echo with centuries of stories.

Whether it’s the commanding views of the Grand Harbour from Fort St. Angelo or the intricate interiors of Villa Bighi which have caught your eye, one thing’s for sure – these particular conference settings will always stand a cut above the rest.

Tip: Go the extra mile by planning an artistic networking activity to create a 360° collaborative painting that will not only get your guests talking, but will leave you with an extraordinary memento of the conference.

Ultimately, the choice between venues depends on one thing – you. From your conference goals and budgets, to your preferred event atmosphere and the specific needs of your attendees, there’s a lot to consider before locking down a venue for your next corporate event. If you need a helping hand to get the event planning started, or some additional guidance through the entire process, give us a shout.

Why are workshops key to a conference?

chris@saltstudio.mt — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 23:18:15 +0000

Over these last few years, it isn’t only the format of conferencing which has changed (hello, hybrid conferences!), but attendees are also expecting more out of the corporate conferences they attend. It’s time to break out of stiff presentations or hours-long panels and adopt a more innovative event format, which will involve your audience members more and keep them engaged throughout the session.

You might be thinking, “Okay, easier said than done”, but we’re going to let you in on the best kept secret to a successful corporate conference – workshops! But why are workshops the key to transforming a mundane conference into a roaring success?

BECAUSE AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT REQUIRES VARIETY AND INTERACTION

Have you checked out our Ultimate Guide to Hosting Engaging Corporate Conferences yet? Here, we explain how planning activities in between conference sessions can help to keep your audience focused and engaged. Encourage speakers to adopt more conversational presentation styles, incorporate more interactive breakout sessions after panels or presentations which will require attendees to mingle and move about, or make use of electronic polls to get more attendee input while everyone is still seated. In this way, you won’t only be empowering your audience by giving them a voice, but you will also be giving them a more active role in the event.

BECAUSE THERE’S SO MUCH TO DISCUSS AND SO LITTLE TIME

Conferences can be an intensive learning experience for all who attend, but there are more ways than just having one-sided presentations to make your event impactful. How about limiting speaking time for all speakers to prevent your attendees from zoning out, and focusing more on hands-on activities which will help them convert what they are learning into practice? End each session with a quick Q&A or invite your speakers to close their talk with an open-ended question for audience members to deliberate between themselves.

BECAUSE ATTENDEES NEED OPPORTUNITIES TO CREATE CONNECTIONS

Let’s face it, the main reason why most people attend corporate conferences is to meet new people and develop professional relationships. A workshop could provide attendees with the opportunity to mingle in small groups and pick each other’s brains on the event topics being discussed. Don’t be afraid to get creative here to bring everyone out of their shells… Consider breaking the ice between event participants with a simple yet fun activity like Boomwhackers, then setting up a speed networking event, in person or virtually, which promotes interaction between the attendees and the speakers.

BECAUSE SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO CHANGE YOUR RHYTHM

Attendees can only be closed off in a conference room for so long before they get bored and start counting the hours until they can leave. Don’t let your event get to this point. Slot some breaks into your conference schedule when your attendees can just take a break and play games. If you’re struggling to come up with fun ideas, take a page from our book (or website, for that matter) and check out some similar activities which we’ve organised for our clients in the past, like Change Your Rhythm and Boxed Up. By the end of the activity, your attendees will be energised and raring to get back to work.

Now that we’ve given our two cents on what makes a conference successful, it’s over to you. Once you set the objectives of your conference, make sure your moderators, speakers and event organisers are briefed well in advance to ensure that everyone is on the same page. If you need some help with the steps which follow, we’re here to help! Get in touch with our team on av@jugsmalta.com.

5 Reasons Why Malta Is The Perfect Destination For Your Next Corporate Event

chris@saltstudio.mt — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 19:54:55 +0000

These past two years have been anything but easy for businesses around the world. Now that the world is opening up again and life is getting back to normal, there’s no better way to make your company stand out than by enlisting the help of our team of event planning professionals to organise an unforgettable corporate event overseas.

Whether you’re planning a conference, celebrating an important company milestone this year, or if you’d just like to treat your employees to an exciting team-building island retreat, here are our top 5 reasons why your company should choose Malta for your next corporate event:

1. 300 DAYS OF SUNSHINE TO ENJOY

That’s right. The island enjoys long hot summers, while winters are usually mild and relatively sunny, which means that there’s very little chance of bad weather raining on your event.

JUGS suggests: Take a sunny day, add a spectacular backdrop, and throw in a couple of bottles of fine local wine. What do you get? A successful event that your colleagues will be raving about for years to come. Get inspired by checking out some photos we’ve taken at one of our previous events at a local vineyard here.

2. YEARS OF HISTORY TO UNCOVER

If the island’s walls could talk, they’d have some of the most impressive stories to tell. Having been ruled by numerous foreign powers, from the Phoenicians and the Romans, to the Knights of Saint John, the French and the British, remnants from Malta’s vibrant history can still be found scattered around the island, with megalithic temples and fortresses dotting the islands and spectacular centuries-old shipwrecks hiding below the surface.

JUGS suggests: Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the country’s history by giving your boring employee award ceremony a fun Medieval twist this year. You can also consider ending a conference or an evening get-together on a unique note, with a knighting ceremony to reward (and entertain!) attendees. With our Master of Ceremonies taking charge of your corporate event, you and your team are sure to be in for a memorable treat!

3. IDYLLIC BEACHES TO EXPLORE

Thinking of swapping winter blues for Mediterranean blues? You’ve come to the right place. Exquisite stretches of crystal-clear waters and golden sandy beaches await your team’s arrival in Malta.

JUGS suggests: Nothing boosts employee morale like a get-together in a non-work environment, particularly if it’s set on a dazzling beach in the heart of the Mediterranean. Spend a day together exploring the Maltese coastline with our Stand-Up Paddleboards and Tandem Kayaks, then end the day sitting by a bonfire and unwinding over a drink on the sand. But what would a teambuilding event be without a little healthy competition? Make the most of the sunshine and sparkling waters surrounding the islands with a Battle at Sea, and watch the Pirates and the Knights battle it out in a water fight unlike any other.

4. PICTURESQUE CITIES TO ADMIRE

Although the island may be small, there’s so much to see in so little time. From the UNESCO World Heritage listed capital city, Valletta, to the beautifully fortified cities of Mdina and Cittadella in Gozo, Malta is truly a feast for the eyes.

JUGS suggests: Time to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Well, maybe don’t relax too much – we’ve got work to do! Get your team’s creative juices flowing by tasking them with painting different landmarks in Malta, then bring all the works of art together to create a unique, 360° collaborative painting. If you’d like to spend more time exploring the islands instead, you might want to take on the JUGS iChallenge; an iPad treasure hunt which takes place in one of Malta’ most iconic cities, and will allow your team to learn a thing or two about Malta’s history (and their colleagues) along the way.

5. THREE ISLANDS TO CHECK OUT

Three islands means three times the fun! Why limit your corporate events to just one island when you can easily hop from one island to the other? Take a trip to Gozo to discover Malta’s less developed sister island or, if you’re looking for a calmer atmosphere, spend some time on untouched Comino.

JUGS suggests: There’s no better way to get to know an island than to get lost on it… Grab your clues and get on your tuk tuk to start making your way around Gozo. If you’re after a more laid-back team event, grab your trekking boots and head to Comino for some spectacular views and uninterrupted time with your colleagues.

As one of Malta’s leading event planning companies, JUGS is here to help you successfully plan your corporate event here on the Maltese Islands from start to finish. If you’re interested in organising any of the events mentioned above, or would like to plan your own custom island experience, give us a shout on info@jugsmalta.com.

Ultimate Guide: Hybrid Conferences and Online Meetings in 2021

m7alpha — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 07:03:58 +0000

Bringing hundreds of employees, clients and stakeholders together online for an effective corporate event might seem like an impossible feat. We’ve done it and we want to share our secret ingredient with you: use technology to its fullest potential!

How? It’s actually pretty simple… Video conferencing has come a long way, and standard online calls just won’t cut it anymore. It’s all about scale: multiple video calls running simultaneously, thousands of audience members rotating on an impressively large digital screen, and the possibility to engage with your online audience at any time.

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Hybrid meeting setups are perfect for all kinds of events.
From product launches to award shows, motivational speeches, internal and external company events – the sky’s the limit. Our setup allows you to redefine audience interaction without having to ask anyone to leave the comfort of their own home!

Going green? Here’s a chance to lead by example.
This online event will allow you to approach things with an eco-friendly stance. You can reduce the negative impact of air travel on the environment, go digital with all resources that would generally be physical, and cut out on unnecessary waste – without having to eliminate the feeling of grandeur that comes with a physical event.

Plus, why not take full advantage of the online-ness?
You can break down the barriers of physical events and have guests and speakers from all walks of life and all over the world in one place.

Give your sponsors and stakeholders the value they’re looking for.
Increased accessibility allows anyone to join, no matter where they are. And this increased accessibility also means increased visibility, for your brand, guests, speakers, and sponsors.

Like the sound of that? Give us a shout and we’ll make it happen.

How-to: Maximise On The Impact of Online Meetings

m7alpha — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 06:53:28 +0000

The idea of an online event is a language everyone can understand nowadays, but to really leave a mark, you’re going to have to do something more than your run-of-the-mill video conference. Our tech gurus have explored new and innovative ways of getting staff and clients together with for corporate meetings, conferences, and incentives without them actually being together, while still getting the message across.

Cue virtual and/or hybrid meetings. We can help you create online events that surpass all expectations. Think of hundreds (even thousands) of people on a singular, high-quality video call (that doesn’t freeze every two minutes) for your next company presentation. Think of effective presentations, interactions and virtual icebreakers that get your team pumping no matter where they are. The possibilities are endless.

Travel restrictions are officially a thing of the past –
And we’re not only talking about the guests. You can work with international speakers and sponsors and grow your audience beyond physical limitations, while also by-passing expensive travel fees.
Focus your time and money on getting your message across –
Providing participants with an exciting and unique experience in the process, that will allow you to present yourself as an innovative and forward-looking organisation.
Practice what you preach and approach things with an eco-friendly attitude –
If your company has a green ethos, this is the perfect way to bring it to full fruition. Help reduce the impact of travel on the environment, cut down on the production of physical resources and collective waste.

From trade shows to conferences, product launches and award shows, we’ve got the resources to make it happen.

Give us a shout and let’s get planning!

Spotlight on 2018: Impressive Conference Themes and Setups

m7alpha — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 07:47:46 +0000

What makes an awesome conference? The possibilities are endless.

In 2018, our conference and audiovisual team’s creativity took us to a whole new level. From impressive backdrops, awesome audiovisuals, effective entertainment, and custom-made props and staging – we really brought out the big guns!

Here’s a look back at some of our most talked-about conference setups in Malta and beyond in 2018:

Coty Inc.’s Conference at the InterContinental Arena Conference Centre (Malta)

Bard Medical’s Annual Congress & Awards Ceremony at the InterContinental Arena Conference Centre (Malta)

Hili Ventures’ Communication Day at Costa Navarino (Greece)

Give us a shout if an impressive conference setup is what you’re after.

Event Tips: 3 Steps to Running a Successful Hybrid Conference

m7alpha — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 07:09:30 +0000

With larger online audiences than ever before, the need to stand out and keep your audience engaged is greater than it’s ever been. We sat down with our tech gurus, who shared with us the three steps behind the creation of a hybrid conference in which they brought a 3000-pax online audience to life.

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Step 1 – Idea Generation:

outlining the client’s needs and targets
proposing a suitable venue and drafting the overall event design
presenting digital renders which we then brought to life
helping to establish the desired end result

Step 2 – Technical Setup:

identifying suitable equipment for the desired setup
planning all elements of the event and bringing them together
bringing those elements to life with efficiency and professionalism
scheduling the technical setup and the full logistics team

Step 3 – Event Management & Presentation:

all hands on deck to rehearse and test all the tech
running the event and offering technical support throughout
allowing the client to take centre-stage while we present the audience with an unforgettable experience
providing a copy of the event which can be distributed or used in the future

From award shows and product launches, internal presentations, client events, and motivational talks – you shouldn’t have to sacrifice on quality just because you’re going online.

Give us a shout – we’re here to help make sure you can succeed.

A Hybrid Conference for the Malta Institute of Accountants

chris@saltstudio.mt — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 08:50:42 +0000

In-person conferences were key to corporate networking before the COVID-19 pandemic threw a spanner in the works, forcing us all to rethink the way we organised events, and to trade in the real world for the digital one. Does this mean that we have to say goodbye to in-person conferences for good? Not necessarily. This case study outlines how hybrid events are shaping the future of networking events, including conferences, by striking the perfect balance between physical and virtual interaction.

WHAT WAS THE EVENT?

The Biennial Conference of the Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA) was a one-day event which brought together major stakeholders within the accounting industry, providing a platform for discussions revolving around the theme of A New Mindset: Reduce, Reuse, Report. Co-hosted at the InterContinental Hotel in St. Julians and online on the 22nd of September 2021, the conference was attended by 30 local and international speakers, who participated in panels about sustainability in accounting, tackling everything from climate change and sustainable finance to corporate sustainability reporting and Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives.

WHY WAS A HYBRID EVENT FORMAT THE BEST OPTION FOR THE MIA?

Due to the current situation, several delegates were unable to be physically present at the conference, ruling out an in-person conference. On the other hand, keeping attendees engaged online for an entire day had its own challenges, so an entirely virtual conference wouldn’t cut it either. In this case, the solution was clear: a hybrid conference; hosting a physical event for members of the audience who could attend in person while also offering the possibility of online attendance for participants who could not or preferred not to travel.

WHAT WAS THE CLIENT’S BRIEF AND HOW WAS THIS ACHIEVED?

Engagement is the essential ingredient for any corporate event, so we wanted to ensure that the experience would be of the same high quality for all attendees, regardless of their choice of attendance.

The objectives for the MIA Biennial Conference were:

To use technology to facilitate participation between the live audience and the virtual audience: A premium audio-visual, single screen set-up optimised for live streaming was designed for the conference. The visuals, lighting, audio and filming of the event were taken care of by our team of event planning and AV experts.
To put live and virtual audiences on the same level by creating an experience which caters to their respective modes of attendance: A lot of effort is put into planning the event experience for in-person attendees, so the same effort should be applied to creating an equally engaging experience for your virtual audience through interactive panels, keynote addresses, executive presentations and breakout sessions. We ensured that all speakers could interact with one another in real time and delivered a first class live experience to every attendee. Our event coordinator also managed to fit a quick fitness session into the conference schedule to keep all attendees on their toes.
To stay within budget: A hybrid event doesn’t need to break the bank. In fact, offering attendees the option to attend a conference virtually might be more cost effective, as certain expenses associated with in-person corporate events, including catering, venue and transportation costs, will be reduced. Whether you’re interested in organising a webinar, streaming pre-recorded video presentations, live streaming your event or going a step further and creating a virtual world, here at Jugs we offer a variety of setups and virtual component options to fit every budget.

Hybrid events are allowing us to engage with one another once again in this new, changed world, and it won’t be long before hybrid events become the go-to option for companies of any size. With the right technologies and professional event planners by your side, you too can organise engaging and accessible events which deliver excellent results without going over budget.

If you’d like to explore this option, get in touch with our event planning experts here to see how we can work together to ensure a successful outcome for your next corporate event.