Press release

World’s first meeting and event technology lab to be developed at Scottish university

Edinburgh, Scotland, January 2010

A Scottish University is to create the world’s first meeting and event technology laboratory following a major donation from the most advanced technology solutions company in the global events industry.

The technology for the new lab, to be housed at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, is being provided by MeetingMatrix International Inc. The company supplies the most advanced room diagramming solutions and venue sourcing technology in the global market. The technology provides event planners and clients with the ability to see exactly what their event setups will look like, allowing them to feel as though they were actually experiencing their upcoming event, all of which can be done directly online.

Aside from international hotel chains, MeetingMatrix® is now used by organisations like Manchester United and Arsenal Football Clubs, as a tool to maximise their potential as profitable event venues.

The funding from MeetingMatrix will provide support for a PhD studentship to develop the meeting and event technology laboratory (MET Lab) at Queen Margaret University. 

Professor Joe Goldblatt, Director of the Study of Planned Events at Queen Margaret University, said: “This funding will allow a PhD student to conduct ground breaking research in the field of meeting and event management technology solutions and to coordinate future conferences. It will also ensure that QMU’s event management students become highly skilled in the use of cutting edge technology, giving them a competitive advantage over other graduates entering the events industry.”

MeetingMatrix International Founder, President and CEO, Jmichaele Keller, said: “We look forward to partnering with the International Centre for the Study of Planned Events, the leading research centre in the meetings and events field, to rapidly advance and disseminate knowledge in the fast growing area of meeting and event technology.” 

Keller’s firm annually serves over 30,000 meeting and event planners and showcases nearly ten thousand venues worldwide through his firm.

The MeetingMatrix software is used to plan important events around the world, many of which are on a national or global level.  Some of the global events included meetings planned in relation to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the NFL International Series played at London’s Wembley Stadium, the Inauguration of Barack Obama and the most recent, the 2009 G20 Summit.  MeetingMatrix has also won numerous industry awards, including four GOLD Adrian Awards, the most prestigious travel marketing competition globally. It is the software of choice for venue sourcing and design throughout the world.

Professor Goldblatt said: “For two years we have integrated MeetingMatrix as a key part of our curriculum in the Event Project Management Module. Our students’ ability to use MeetingMatrix technology means these highly skilled graduates can hit the ground running when they enter the workforce.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR

Explanation of MeetingMatrix technology

MeetingMatrix provides any venue with indispensible tools for their planners to accurately and efficiently plan for any meeting or event.  The software not only allows event planners to set up each individual room; decorate the space; add furniture, equipment and linen, but also view it in high resolution, interactive 3D from any angle within that room. The package helps planners and clients see exactly what their rooms will look like. Alterations can be made at the touch of a button – add more chairs, create a bigger stage, move the buffet table etc. All this can be achieved even if the planner and the client are in different countries. The need to travel to check site specifications becomes unnecessary and so costs are slashed. MeetingMatrix creates the template for event rooms to be measured within a quarter inch, therefore giving clients unquestionable confidence when planning their event.  They can see exactly what their event will look like, as well as saving time and money.

Notes to editor

Event Management at Queen Margaret University

QMU offers an undergraduate course in events management with nearly 200 students.  Graduates of the course work in leading organisations such as EventScotland, Edinburgh Castle and in event businesses both in the United Kingdom and beyond.  In October 2010 Queen Margaret University will launch (pending final validation) the Executive Masters in International Planned Events Management (the first post graduate degree in international events). 

For more information about the Queen Margaret University’s International Centre for the Study of Planned Events or the undergraduate or postgraduate degree courses, please contact Professor Goldblatt at jgoldblatt@qmu.ac.uk

For further information on MeetingMatrix International visit www.meetingmatrix.com

For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Press and PR Officer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, tel: 0131 474 0000, mobile: 07711 011 239.