ABPCO Membership Achieved

As part of Opening Doors and Venues’ business development plan, Rose Padmore applied to become a full member of the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO). Her application was successfully accepted on 4th April 2006.

Rose’s membership of ABPCO will allow Opening Doors and Venues to continue and facilitate its expansion through the use of its services and membership benefits offered.
These include: networking occasions, business leads, professional development training and teaching opportunities.

Opening Doors and Venues’ Team Growth

In May 2006, Stourbridge based conference organisers, Opening Doors and Venues, welcomed a new addition to its team. Kate Needs, 22, a Fine Art and Media Communication graduate from the University of Gloucestershire, joined the company after completing short courses in Information Technology at Midlands Training, Stourbridge. Kate, who lives in Stourton, was selected for the Project Administrator position having been recommended by Mary Dunne, of Midlands Training’ recruitment arm.

Her first weeks have comprised mainly administrative support duties to the Opening Doors and Venues team, while learning the integral processes and functions of the business through observing and assisting organisation of the West Midlands Regional Partnership’s conference, ‘Implementing the DDA in schools and early years settings’ held at the end of June at Aston Business School. From day one she has received in-situ training from the OD&V Team and guidance from Owner-Manager Rose Padmore, which has included experiencing client meetings, venue visits and instruction on event procedures.

Of Kate, Rose says, “It’s great to have Kate on board at such an exciting time for OD&V and I really hope that our expansion will allow her to flourish. I know its early days but I can already see that Kate has just the right skills and attitude for us including real attention to detail.”

Kate says, “I am delighted and excited to join the ‘Opening Doors Team’ and am particularly looking forward to being involved in the many new and diverse projects and events on the horizon.

European Conference Success

At the end of November 2005, the ICC Birmingham welcomed the 450 delegates and 50 international speakers attending the European Early Childhood Intervention Conference, commissioned by Sunfield Professional Development Centre (PDC).

After months of hard work and excited anticipation the conference had arrived. The comprehensive pre-event planning and team preparation that is fundamental and signature to Opening Doors and Venues ensured the smooth-running of the initial set-up and registration processes on the Monday morning for all speakers, delegates and displaying organisations.

After the delegates were welcomed and the program of events outlined, the first day’s program began with a Keynote speech by Maria Eagle MP, on behalf of Beverley Hughes OBE, Minister for Children and the Family. In her speech Maria Eagle said “Disabled children and their families need professionals to work together from day one so that they can get the care and support they need to make sure they can lead full, rewarding lives and reach their potential. This is their right. Anything that assists with effective help to meet this goal for disabled children is worthwhile.”

This message underpinned all of the presentations at the conference and remains central to practitioners’ thinking.

The full and extensive program meant time-management was of paramount importance. Despite the wealth of absorbing information and often moving presentations, all workshop and plenary sessions ran to time. The program included four break-out workshop sessions where six choices were offered showcasing both European Early Childhood Intervention practices and also perspectives from practitioners dealing with case-studies or parents of children with disabilities.

Although snow was falling softly outside, the conference atmosphere inside was anything but chilly – quite the opposite. As Karin Mosler, displaying her work from The University of Groeningen, commented “It felt like home!”

In the refreshments breaks, delegates had the opportunity to examine the displaying organisations’ stands and poster displays while also circulating to meet both experts and practitioners. Over 34 organisations were exhibiting in one of the ICC’s largest halls, many of whom had also sponsored the conference. Supporting organisations included Sure Start, Mencap, The Downs Syndrome Association and West Midlands SEN Regional Partnership.

All the speakers and their chairs received technical briefings before their program appearance by the ICC’s technical and audio visual staff who were very capable and reassuring in their ability to handle last-minute alterations and nerves. Rose Padmore, project manager, commented “It was such a pleasure to meet so many speakers and delegates from all over the world who came together both in celebration of Sunfield’s anniversary and also with a collective interest in the subject of early childhood intervention. The professionalism and compassion demonstrated by all speakers was inspiring!”

The feedback received has reflected a positive experience and greater understanding of the key issues surrounding early childhood intervention. All delegates and members of the organising team look forward to similar events and new developments in this field.

New Team Member

In September 2005, Opening Doors and Venues welcomed a new addition to its team. Katherine Green, 21, joined the company after completing a short period of work experience in her university summer vacation. She is currently holding the part-time Project Assistant position whilst also studying for her MSc. in Marketing Management at Aston University Business School.

Her first three months have comprised mainly preparation and assistance with the organisation of the European ECI conference held at the end of November. From day one she has received guidance and in-situ training from the company owner-manager Rose Padmore which has included venue-sourcing visits, business development and client meetings and briefings.

Of Katherine, Rose says “I know its early days but I can already see that Katherine has just the right skills and attitude for us along with her infectious enthusiasm, fantastic attention to detail and a warm, effective way of communicating. I really hope that our expansion will allow her to use these attributes and it’s great to have her on board at such an exciting time for OD&V.”

Katherine says “I was thrilled to join the Opening Doors and Venues team, one of the things I like most is meeting new people and this job certainly lets me to do this. I really enjoyed working on the ECI conference and seeing the completed result. I look forward to being involved with more like it in the future.”
 

Groundbreaking Conference awarded European Presidency Status

Sunfield Professional Development Centre (hosts and organisers of the European Conference on Early Childhood Intervention) are extremely proud and excited to announce that the two day Conference to be held at the ICC Birmingham on the 28^th & 29^th November 2005, has been awarded European Union Presidency Status

The UK Presidency runs from the 1^st July to the 31^st December 2005.  The UK will be followed by Austria in the first half of 2006 and takes over from Luxembourg.  It is a great honour for the UK to hold the presidency, as it enables the UK to represent  the EU all over the world

The groundbreaking Conference will be discussing the many issues surrounding ‘Early Intervention’ (anything which supports a child’s development, from family support to therapy and health care) and will include an intensive programme of lectures and workshops.  Among the many issues presented will be: Developing Communication, Play, & Social Skills for Young Children with ASD, Early Support, and Vulnerable Children.

Guest speakers will include Dr Patricia Champion (Founder, Director, The Champion Centre) from New Zealand and Dr Michael Guralnick President, International Society on Early Intervention (USA) and Dr Phillipa Russell CBE, Disability Rights Commissioner / National Children’s Beareau.

Sunfield’s Chief Executive & Principal Professor Barry Carpenter will also be speaking at the conference, and said of the event quote:  “This conference gets to the heart of the matter – life for families of very young children with disabilities – how is it for them?  The award of the European Presidency brand indicates the Government’s commitment to this important and challenging area of work.  With that impetus this will be the premier event for practitioners in this area”.

If you would like further information about the conference please visit our web site www.sunfield-school.org.uk/eci/conference.htm or contact Rose Welling

Tel:01562 883131.

Helping Families of Very Young Children with Disabilities- National Developments

‘Our lives fell into a black fog - this news that our baby had a disability. They called it a diagnosis.  For us it was like a stab in the heart; your whole body filled with searing pain.  Then hoards of professionals entered our lives – people with titles we had never heard of.  This was not how it was meant to be, our lives, our little family, controlled and directed by others’.

These are the words of a father some weeks after his son was diagnosed with a rare genetic abnormality.  His experience reflects that of many parents at the time of diagnosis of their child’s disability, whether  the diagnosis was made at birth, weeks later,  or indeed 18 months – 2 years or more, (often even later in the case of children with autistic spectrum disorders).

‘Early Intervention’ (anything which supports a child’s development, from family support  to therapy and health care) is now recognised as the hand that guides families through the ‘life in a fog’ experience that so many parents describe.  This will be one of many issues discussed on 28 and 29 November this year when a European Early Childhood Intervention Conference will be held at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham.  Speakers will be provided by the European Association on Early Intervention, including Dr Patricia Champion from New Zealand,  and  Dr Michael Guralnick from the USA, who is President of the International Society on Early Intervention.

So how does Early Intervention work?  Although some families have positive experiences,

services for most families are dependent upon a ‘postcode lottery’.    Sadly the UK has lacked a national co-ordinated strategy for Early Intervention, and there has been no real policy focus on this most vulnerable time in the families life, when their child has been newly diagnosed with a disability.

Less than 10 years ago a European Union study revealed that the UK was the only EU member country not to have a national policy in this area.  Without this national direction, Early Intervention Services were fragmented, leaving many families feeling abandoned, and looking for the support that is so desperately needed for them and their child with special needs.

At long last we are beginning to see some very encouraging changes happening with the launch of  ‘The Early Support Programme’ which is now being rolled out in every region.  The programme offers immediate, high quality information to families, and advocates a keyworker approach, allocating one professional, who takes the lead on co-ordinating the support offered to a family.  The Family Service Plan puts the onus on the family as the key stakeholder in their child’s life, and in doing so empowers them, helping them feel in control.

Combined with the SureStart programme (which is already having a major impact for many families in areas of social deprivation) The Early Support Programme is the Government’s major approach to eradicating child poverty in the UK by 2020. 

Another exciting initiative is the possibility of a National Centre for Early Childhood Intervention, which would act as a hub of information for families, stimulate high quality training for professionals, and give evidence-based advice to Government and other national bodies.

With this development in Early Intervention at a national level, at long last there is a very real opportunity for families of very young children with disabilities to get immediate help,  making a huge difference to the lives of these vulnerable families, a difference that as a respectable society we can be proud of!

Professor Barry Carpenter OBE Chief Executive & Principal of Sunfield School, said quote: “ Twenty years ago when our daughter with Down’s syndrome was young, my wife and I struggled to find empathetic professionals who could help to ‘lift the fog’.  The real prospects for Early Intervention, for families and for the children, need to be seized with enthusiasm and implemented with vigour.  Together we can make a difference”.

LOCAL EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY WINS MAJOR  NEW CONTRACT

A groundbreaking, international conference on early childhood intervention will be project managed by local event management company Opening Doors & Venues, it has been announced today. This is the latest in a series of new contracts for this fast growing business which last Autumn moved into new premises as part of continued expansion.

Such is the rate of growth that Opening Doors & Venues is about to embark on the search for a new member to join the team. “We want to find someone to join us on our adventure,” explains 43-year-old Rose. “We’re definitely looking for a people person!”

The ‘Early Childhood Intervention – National Developments and European Perspectives’ conference will take place at the International Convention Centre over 2 days in November. The event, which is being supported by organisations such as Sure Start, Mencap, The Downs Syndrome Association and West Midlands SEN Regional Partnership, will feature leading figures from this highly specialised field including Dr Michael Guralnik from the USA, President of the International Society on Early Intervention.

Rose can be contacted on 01562 881013 or via her

website at www.opening-doors.org.uk
 

Top 

WORLD EARLY CHILDHOOD DISABILITY EXPERT TO VISIT UK – FEB 2005

A major coup for the fields of Early Childhood and Special Needs was announced this week, with the news that the President of the International Society on Early Intervention, Dr Michael Guralnick from the USA, is to visit the UK in November 2005.

Dr Guralnick will give the Keynote Address to the European Conference, ‘Early Childhood Intervention – National Developments & European Perspectives’ to be held at the International Convention Centre Birmingham, on 28^th & 29^th November 2005.

This landmark conference will also welcome Dr Patricia Champion from New Zealand, a world leading expert on the development of surviving premature babies, a hot topic in the UK at present!  There will also be input from leaders in the field from across Europe, including Professor Franz Peterander from Germany and Professor Jean-Jacques Detraux of Belgium.

Presentations will also be made from national leaders responsible for developments such as SureStart, Early Support and the National Centre for Excellence in Early Childhood Intervention.

The Conference Convenor, Professor Barry Carpenter, Chief Executive, Sunfield’s Professional Development Centre said : quote: ‘At this time of exciting development in Early Childhood Education this is a wonderful opportunity for these practitioners working with very young disabled children and their families, to hear directly from some of the worlds leading experts about service development.  The dialogue at the conference should do much to consolidate and contextualise some of the initiatives currently being rolled out across the UK’.

For further information about the conference please contact: Rose Welling, Sunfield PDC, Sunfield, Clent, Stourbridge West Midlands DY9 9PB.  Tel: (0)1562 883183  Fax: (0)1562 883856  email : pdc@sunfield-school.org.uk

Top   
 

DEBUT FOR MEDIA SKILLS CONFERENCE – MAY 2004

To address the training and skills shortage in the media industry, Screen West Midlands, in conjunction with the region’s Learning and Skills Councils, is hosting a national conference in Birmingham.

The ‘Insight Conference 2004’, will address key issues for meeting the needs of digital media, the film and TV industries, including how FE and HE colleges can focus their delivery to meet these industry needs. Delegates from educational institutions, the industry and independent training providers will examine ways of how to make learning relevant and to ensure that delivery meets quality requirements throughout the region.

Among the panellists at the conference, will be Jim Richardson, Head of Resource Services for ITV Granada, discussing technical and craft skills and seeking to define how media training and development can be matched with increasingly high industry standards.

It is intended that the conference will set the agenda for taking the next steps to create sustained training and skills development initiatives where the media industry works hand in hand with learning providers to meet the needs of the future.

Rose Padmore of Opening Doors & Venues has been appointed to provide management services for the event and is very enthusiastic about the project.

“Promotion of excellence in Media and the Creative industry, particularly in the West Midlands, is one of my passions”, says Rose. “As a project and event management Company, Opening Doors & Venues works alongside media professionals in the international arena, and the standards in this region are certainly something to be proud of. Focusing investment and energy behind education and training in this field can only be positive, and we are delighted to be facilitating this event which will attract delegates who are genuinely committed to transferring and sharing skills and raising the bar for standards in the future.”

The UK Film Skills Strategy is led by the UK Film Council and Skillset (The Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industry).

For more information about the Conference which takes place at Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, in June 2004, please contact Rose Padmore on 01562 731345 or e-mail event@opening-doors.org.uk  Alternatively visit www.screenwm.co.uk/insight
 

Top   

WRITERS PASSAGE STAGED IN THE WEST MIDLANDS – March 2004

Opening Doors and Venues has been appointed to orchestrate the venue management for the next Writers’ Passage, The Script Factory’s flagship script development programme.  Working in partnership with Screen West Midlands and the LSC, this initiative is part-funded by the European Union through the European Social Fund.  The intensive nine-month programme will start in May 2004, and will be staged in selected venues throughout the Midlands.  Selected writers will have the unique opportunity to workshop their scripts with actors, receive expert teaching on story structure and screenwriting craft, participate in master classes and work one-to-one with professional script consultants from the UK film industry.

Top   

SUCCESS OF FILM PRODUCERS CONFERENCE OPENS DOORS – September 2003

Business is coming up roses for Stourbridge Project Manager Rose Padmore and her team at Opening Doors &Venues.

As the lights go down on their biggest project to date - The European Audio Visual Entrepreneurs (EAVE) conference in Birmingham - new contracts are flooding in for well into 2004.

Rose said

“We are absolutely delighted that the conference has gone so well for the 80 delegates who arrived at the Birmingham Rep from all over Europe for the seven day event. The Opening Doors & Venues team worked alongside Screen West Midlands who hosted the event for EAVE. We organised everything from hotel provision, evening entertainment, a busy reception, transport requirements, sound and visual equipment for over 20 workshop sessions, and individual well-being for every participant which was particularly challenging when the air conditioning failed to operate in the sweltering heat!

It was a wonderful project for us as we were able to demonstrate our experience and highly professional approach to an international audience of film-makers as they pitched their ideas to the continent’s major funders and experts.

I think we did ourselves proud and the event itself was a fantastic showcase for Birmingham as a whole. Delegates enjoyed the conference during the day, which was enhanced by the variety of venues used for the evening activities.

We look forward to new projects, which range from the promotion and launch of an art exhibition to the management of a seminar for 300. Our forte is in providing a really personal service, no matter whether it is a large or small project, with the focus on attention to detail delivered in a no fuss, helpful and friendly way. Our mantra is ‘paying attention to the specific, affects the general’ so looking after the smallest detail is what sets us apart.”

This sentiment was affirmed by EAVE’S CEO Catherine Buresi, who said,

“’The Versatile Organisers’ is Rose’s company motto, and this is really what they proved to EAVE and SWM in Birmingham.

“Rose and her team’s outstanding commitment to this workshop, bringing together film and TV producers and professionals from all over Europe, guaranteed a perfect event.”

Top   

EAVE CREATED A PERFECT EVENT – AND IT’S OFFICIAL! – September 2003

European Audio Visual Entrepreneurs, (EAVE) Chief Executive Officer, Catherine Buresi (pictured left with Rose Padmore) said,

“Rose and her team’s outstanding commitment to this workshop, have successfully brought together over 80 film and TV producers and professionals from all over Europe – it was guaranteed to be a perfect event.”

“EAVE has been organising training workshops throughout Europe for 15 years, and this one in Birmingham will remain as one of the most memorable and successful thanks to the combined professionalism of Krysia Rosanska and her team from Screen West Midlands and their choice of Rose as an experienced production manager.”

 “The Versatile Organisers is Rose’s company motto, and this is really what they proved to EAVE and SWM in Birmingham.”

As the lights go down on this - new contracts are flooding in for well into 2004 for Rose and her team at Opening Doors & Venues.

Rose said,

“We are absolutely delighted that the conference has gone so well for the delegates who arrived at the Birmingham Rep from all over Europe for the seven day event. The Opening Doors & Venues team worked alongside Screen West Midlands who hosted the event for EAVE. We organised everything from hotel provision, evening entertainment, a busy reception, transport requirements, sound and visual equipment for over 20 workshop sessions, and individual well-being for every participant which was particularly challenging when the air conditioning failed to operate in the sweltering heat!

It was a wonderful project for us as we were able to demonstrate our experience and highly professional approach to an international audience of film-makers as they pitched their ideas to the continent’s major funders and experts.

I think we did ourselves proud and the event itself was a fantastic showcase for Birmingham as a whole. Delegates enjoyed the conference during the day, which was enhanced by the variety of venues used for the evening activities.

We look forward to new projects, which range from the promotion and launch of an art exhibition to the management of a seminar for 300. Our forte is in providing a really personal service, no matter whether it is a large or small project, with the focus on attention to detail delivered in a no fuss, helpful and friendly way. Our mantra is ‘paying attention to the specific, affects the general’ so looking after the smallest detail is what sets us apart.”

Top   

FROM VISITOR TO EXHIBITOR – February 2003

Opening Doors & Venues-The Versatile Organisers, based in Clent, Worcestershire will be joining over 100 other companies from all over the region when they exhibit at this year's Business Festival organised by the Chamber of Commerce & Business Link Herefordshire & Worcestershire.

Rose Padmore of Opening Doors & Venues was so impressed by the Business Festival 2002 as a visitor, that this year she has decided to exhibit. "As a successful and expanding Company of 2 years that received a business start-up grant in 2001 we are confident that attending such a high profile, regional networking event can only be good for our continuing development and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand."

The Chamber is thrilled with the uptake of stands at the region's most prestigious business event particularly as many are 'visitor to exhibitor' companies. "We couldn't have a better endorsement than that," says Charlotte Cunningham of the Chamber of Commerce. "We really do believe that this years event is a 'Not to be missed date in the business diary' and encourage all potential visitors to register free online at www.businessfestival.co.uk."

The Business Festival 2003 is being held on March 13th 2003 at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire. This annual business networking exhibition is being supported by former Secretary of state, Dr Mo Mowlam and Minister for Small Business, Nigel Griffith, who are both attending as keynote speakers.

Opening Doors & Venues-The Versatile Organisers will be exhibiting on stand L1. For more information please contact us
 

Top   

BLACK COUNTRY CONNEXIONS – September 2002

Hundreds of delegates attended the first Black Country Connexions Standing Conference and AGM organised by Opening Doors & Venues.

The event was held at Park Hall Hotel, Wolverhampton and provided a dynamic and exciting showcase for the work of Black Country Connexions, established to give all young people “the best start in life”.

The keynote speech was delivered by Serge Paul, Independent Chair of the Back Country Connexions Board.  He stressed the priority of engaging young people so that they feel empowered to move forward with confidence in their lives.  Black Country Connexions works with partners to build on existing successes and create new opportunities for the young people of the region.

Opening Doors & Venues managed the project so that presenters and delegates had timely opportunities to network as part of a busy conference programme, which included a performance from a youth drama group. Delegates were invited to listen in on a shortened supervision programme and heard about some of the real issues facing young people and the different strategies that Connexions Personal Advisors adopt in their work with them.

Rose Padmore said:

“This event was all about putting young people first, so we ensured that they were able to have a voice at every possible opportunity. It was wonderful to be part of such a thought provoking and enlightening day. Our business is founded on the principles of active listening and it was hugely rewarding to be appreciated for this approach. The closing feedback reflected our attention to the needs of individuals within the context of a major team event and we were genuinely delighted that our passion shone through.”

Top   

ORGANISERS INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE – December 2001

Clent based event and conference organisers, Opening Doors & Venues, have again demonstrated their professionalism when they coordinated the recent Content Lab conference in Birmingham.

This exciting weekend-long event which was part funded by Advantage West Midlands, BT, Birmingham City Council and the Media Development Agency for the West Midlands brought together over eighty delegates from interactive media and television production industries and was hosted by PACT, the Producers Alliance in Cinema and Television.

Hailed by participants as a huge success in every way, it gave delegates the opportunity to make business focused contacts through workshops, interactive playtimes, seminars and social events.

The Orange Studio in Cannon Street was the ideal venue for this 'high tech' event with The Hyatt, Tiger Tiger and The Bank Restaurant providing excellent hospitality whilst promoting this lively City to a wider audience.

" It was great being a part of such a vibrant industry event in the centre of Birmingham," says Rose Padmore of Opening Doors & Venues. "At a time when the conference and event industry is suffering a down turn in business, it is reassuring that our skills are being sort for local projects."

With a strong network of skills available, Opening Doors & Venues are able to offer a varied service that not only takes on conference organisation but also provides excellent back up to any in-house marketing department. "Whether it's just an extra pair of hands that are needed or a larger team, we help you succeed with your short term business project or event."

For more information please contact us
 

Top