Conference and Events. World class event spaces in the heart of Leeds City Centre

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1 Conference and Events World class event spaces in the heart of Leeds City Centre

Introduction first direct arena located in the vibrant city centre of Leeds, a world-class venue with a choice of luxury function rooms and versatile spaces, boasting a breathtaking and unique design.

The Arena s unique super theatre style configuration is designed to enhance the visitor experience, with all seats facing the stage and high quality acoustics providing the best experience in the UK.

2 Introduction first direct arena located in the vibrant city centre of Leeds, a world-class venue with a choice of luxury function rooms and versatile spaces, boasting a breathtaking and unique design. Hosting live music, comedy, entertainment shows, conventions, exhibitions, conferences and sporting events, and was voted Best New Venue in the World at the stadium business awards. The Arena s unique super theatre style configuration is designed to enhance the visitor experience, with all seats facing the stage and high quality acoustics providing the best experience in the UK. The main auditorium: banquet for up to 1,100 conference or a special event for up to 12,000 Visitors, guests, delegates and presenters alike, will enjoy a more intimate atmosphere with reduced viewing distances inside the venue which can accommodate up to 12,000 or 2,200 square metres of exhibition space. first direct arena is operated by SMG Europe, the world leader in venue management, marketing and development.

Event organisers will be truly excited by our tailored approach of ensuring that expectations are exceeded with every touch point be prepared to wow your guests with an unforgettable event experience.

4 The Main Auditorium A truly flexible space! The ideal venue to stage your Product Launch, Exhibition, Dinner, Convention, Awards, AGM, Conference, Celebration, Fundraiser, Meeting, Roadshow, Car Launch, Fashion Show, Reception. Event organisers will be truly excited by our tailored approach of ensuring that expectations are exceeded with every touch point be prepared to wow your guests with an unforgettable event experience. The main auditorium has the capacity to transform into a diverse banquet, conference or special event space for up to 12,000 people. If your event deserves first class facilities with a difference it belongs at first direct arena. Enclosed service yard for production loading in/out direct onto the arena floor Production vehicle parking Fantastic ceiling height for branding and hanging opportunities Organiser office accommodation with internet connectivity Demountable staging units Ample mains power supplies The auditorium is truly a flexible space! The Arena offers you: Main exhibition floor 2,200 sqm or Theatre format up to 12, people Dedicated and experienced venue Event Manager and Regional marketing assistance for your event, utilising the resources of a professional and experienced team Excellent technical support A state of the art fully accessible facility In house professional catering team who can service all your catering needs Wifi Venue ticketing services

and the great range of facilities meant that we had options to choose from, allowing us

5 The team at the arena were fantastic. Everything we asked for in advance and at short notice was accommodated with zero fuss, and the great range of facilities meant that we had options to choose from, allowing us to comfortably host some small interactive sessions alongside a larger more formal presentation. The flexibility and professional nature of the team provided a level of comfort that everything would run smoothly on the day, which it did, and we wouldn t hesitate in returning for future events. c Greg Sykes - Lloyds Bank

Facts & Figures The first direct arena offers world class event facilities: Main exhibition floor of 2,200 sqm Ancillary exhibition floor of 400 sqm Banqueting for up to 1,100 guests 18m of

supplier rates Excellent city transport links, hotels and parking Visual and audio event relay to organisers offices and visual for guests front of house Room Formats & Capacities Theatre Classroom U

6 Facts & Figures The first direct arena offers world class event facilities: Main exhibition floor of 2,200 sqm Ancillary exhibition floor of 400 sqm Banqueting for up to 1,100 guests 18m of rigging/roof height with a hanging capacity of 60 tonne Breakout rooms for people Auditorium wifi services 24hr security services Professional event safety and security services Local service supplier rates Excellent city transport links, hotels and parking Visual and audio event relay to organisers offices and visual for guests front of house Room Formats & Capacities Theatre Classroom U Shape Boardroom Reception Banqueting Cabaret Ceiling Height Exhibition space m 2 Auditorium 12, ,800 1, m + 2, û Floor Level Natural Light In house professional catering wifi fd Bar m ü Black & White Lounge m ü Boardroom m - 1 ü Production Office m - 0 ü Promoter Office m - 0 û

KPMG s Leeds office Christmas party at the fd arena was a fantastic evening for 450 staff. A great time was had in a superb venue with professional staff.

7 KPMG s Leeds office Christmas party at the fd arena was a fantastic evening for 450 staff. A great time was had in a superb venue with professional staff. KPMG Entrance Level Space To event floor To event floor 790SQM Inner Concourse 390SQM FD Bar 470SQM Welcome Area Front Entry Doors 450SQM Premier Lounge A flexible space linking various usable areas. Auditorium Room Plans - From small to fully seated options available Stage Stage Stage Stage Floor Theatre Style Capacity: up to 2,000 Theatre Style Capacity: up to 4,500 Theatre Style Capacity: up to 7,500 Theatre Style Capacity: up to 12,000 Exhibition Space 2,250 sqm Space used

The fd Bar Dynamically designed with a unique twist.

networking events. The room features a purpose built bar area and has its own bathroom facilities.

The perfect space for your delegates to stretch their legs.

8 The fd Bar Dynamically designed with a unique twist. This space is ideal for informal meetings, product launches, private parties, receptions and networking events. The room features a purpose built bar area and has its own bathroom facilities. The fd bar has its own dedicated external terrace that can also be utilised. The perfect space for your delegates to stretch their legs. With space for up to 200 people, benefiting from natural light and a range of spacious, flexible layouts, it s easy to create your ideal event space. Ideal for informal meetings Accommodate up to 200 delegates

9 The team at the first direct arena put together a memorable Christmas Lunch for us; the food was great and the service was excellent. Would highly recommend. John Tordoff - JCT

The Black & White Lounge The Black & White Lounge offers event organisers a luxurious flexible space in which to hold

With its own dedicated reception area, the ability to partition into separate zones comfortably accommodating

This space is ideal for conferences, meetings, networking events, breakfast events, presentations, dinners and drinks

10 The Black & White Lounge The Black & White Lounge offers event organisers a luxurious flexible space in which to hold their event. With its own dedicated reception area, the ability to partition into separate zones comfortably accommodating conferences and meetings in a variety of configurations. This space is ideal for conferences, meetings, networking events, breakfast events, presentations, dinners and drinks receptions. The room features a purposed built bar area and has its own bathroom facilities. The Black & White Lounge overlooks the arena plaza and with its floor to ceiling windows offers great natural light. The perfect space for up to 300 delegates. Offers a flexible space Ability to partition in to zones

Our 125 guests enjoyed a professional yet relaxing environment in the Black & White Lounge, and were treated to a behind the scenes

11 When planning our Game Changers conference we needed a venue that would fit with our theme, and the Arena proved to be a perfect partner. Our 125 guests enjoyed a professional yet relaxing environment in the Black & White Lounge, and were treated to a behind the scenes tour of the Arena after the event, which really added to the wow factor and ensured everyone left in a very positive frame of mind. Using the Arena as our venue definitely helped to make our event a big success.. Julian Wells & John Macleod Joint hosts of Game Changers

Catering & Hospitality Our professional, skilled in-house catering and bars team are able to cater for a variety of occasions.

With menus ranging from light breakfasts to delicious hot and cold buffets, from stylish canapés to impressive three course dinners.

Our bars and catering team led by our food and beverage director will provide a seamless service to enhance the experience for your

12 Catering & Hospitality Our professional, skilled in-house catering and bars team are able to cater for a variety of occasions. They can feed 13,000 concert goers or cater for smaller events and conferences. With menus ranging from light breakfasts to delicious hot and cold buffets, from stylish canapés to impressive three course dinners. Whatever the occasion our head chef and his team can create the perfect menu to complement your event. Our bars and catering team led by our food and beverage director will provide a seamless service to enhance the experience for your guests. Since opening in September 2013 we have played host to BBC Sports Personality of the Year and The Grand Depart (Tour De France Opening Ceremony and Gala Dinner). Incredible tailored menus High quality local and seasonal Ingredients

13 The airline launch held at first direct arena was a huge success. The venue worked with us in meeting the bespoke food and beverage menus required, and were flexible in their approach to ensuring the event ran smoothlyfrom planning to the delivery stage. Leeds Bradford Airport

Set your event apart and wow your guests by dining in the same room global superstars have performed!

14 Dinners Put some rock into your bread rolls! Dinners and award ceremonies are always memorable events and the first direct arena is an exceptionally unique venue delivering something different and special. Set your event apart and wow your guests by dining in the same room global superstars have performed! Present on the same stage that has seen the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Michael Bublé and Prince entertain the crowds. The auditorium transforms into an extraordinary banquet space, accommodating up to 1100 guests or as few as 300. The open plan space with purpose built stage is ideal for your dinner and award ceremonies. We create a memorable and satisfying catering service for your event. Our head chef, his team and our kitchens are all based at the arena itself. With food prepared and cooked on site using the best ingredients which are sourced seasonally and locally. Our in house team of waiting staff serve you all you need with skill and sophistication. For dinners, our in house team work with Leeds based CGC Event Caterers to ensure that the expectations of every guest are far exceeded. With decades of experience in the business, CGC has a passion for creativity and a flair for well crafted, locally sourced dishes. We offer bespoke menus to meet your preferences whether this is dietary or a fully themed menu. We can also make wine and champagne recommendations to complement your menu choice. We road tested the venue hosting and overseeing all the corporate hospitality catering for BBC s 60th Sports Personality of the Year awards and staging the Eve of Tour Gala Dinner celebrating the Tour de France Yorkshire Grand Depart, MOBO Awards and White Rose Awards Now it is your turn Banquet up to 1,100 Bespoke menus

The White Rose Awards, our annual tourism awards ceremony, was the second dinner we

excellent support and communication we had with the events team during the months of

15 The White Rose Awards, our annual tourism awards ceremony, was the second dinner we have held at the first direct arena after the Eve of Tour dinner for Yorkshire s Grand Depart in With over 1,000 guests in attendance, the event ran smoothly, thanks undoubtedly to the excellent support and communication we had with the events team during the months of planning and the evening itself. We received fantastic feedback, particularly in regards to the catering which our guests described as outstanding. Welcome to Yorkshire

Exhibitions Make your exhibition rock! Our team of professional and highly experienced exhibition and event managers can assist with every aspect of exhibition planning and management.

of your event. A total floor area of 2,200 square metres is available for hire. Flexibility is the key with many possibilities for various types and sizes of exhibitions.

16 Exhibitions Make your exhibition rock! Our team of professional and highly experienced exhibition and event managers can assist with every aspect of exhibition planning and management. The first direct arena has played host to large trade and consumer exhibitions, together with smaller specialist shows, where we can provide help, advice and support during the planning and delivery of your event. A total floor area of 2,200 square metres is available for hire. Flexibility is the key with many possibilities for various types and sizes of exhibitions. On top of the main auditorium we have 400 square meters of ancillary exhibition space as well as our outdoor plaza which is a great spot to display vehicles, have a steel band or anything else to really create an entrance to your event and that real arrival buzz! Level floor access is available throughout with direct access into the arena. There are also floor ducting services, in house catering for both exhibitors and delegates and free wifi to ensure your event runs smoothly and safely. Main exhibition floor 2,200 sqm Ancillary exhibition floor 400 sqm

The fd Arena is a fantastic space to hold an exhibition.

Supporting our ideas and requirements, we have found the team at the fd Arena great

17 The fd Arena is a fantastic space to hold an exhibition. It has the largest floorspace in Leeds and the surrounding area and has easy access to the city centre and local hotels. It is a flexible space that lends itself well to various types of events. Supporting our ideas and requirements, we have found the team at the fd Arena great to work with. I would thoroughly recommend the fd Arena to anyone looking to host an exhibition/event in the city.. Emma Cartmell, CEO, Conference and Hospitality Show Ltd

360 technical event production from Sparq Working at first direct arena since it first opened in 2013,

done that when it comes to working in this first-class venue.

create stunning live events which will truly delight your audience and generate lasting memories.

lighting and sound, right through to creative design and digital technologies to ensure an amazing

18 360 technical event production from Sparq Working at first direct arena since it first opened in 2013, Sparq is the trusted in-house technical production partner, which means the team really has been there, done that when it comes to working in this first-class venue. Whether it s a premier awards ceremony or business briefings, our team work in collaboration with you to create stunning live events which will truly delight your audience and generate lasting memories. Whatever the scale of your event, the team can support with everything from set and stage build and lighting and sound, right through to creative design and digital technologies to ensure an amazing experience, every time. Event support includes: Gala awards Conferences Exhibitions Roadshows AGMs Product launches Fashion shows Technical event production partner

First class service, we would always use Sparq for our events!

journey from start to finish. Need some inspiration?

with ideas that really push the boundaries.

aces, we re proud to have some of the best in the business.

message to life and keep your audience captivated and engaged.

relish the opportunity to imagine, develop and deliver ideas that will turn your vision into a

Using 3D visualisation, fly-throughs and CAD, our team can build your event as it evolves,

19 First class service, we would always use Sparq for our events! Full production From creative concepting right through to delivery, Sparq can fullymanage the journey from start to finish. Need some inspiration? We ask the right questions to understand your brief, your brand and your business and come up with ideas that really push the boundaries. The plan The vision All things technical Lighting designers, projection masters and audio aces, we re proud to have some of the best in the business. Our exceptional mix of expertise, blended with cutting edge kit means we can bring your event message to life and keep your audience captivated and engaged. Creative support From the moment you press go on your event, our team of in-house creatives relish the opportunity to imagine, develop and deliver ideas that will turn your vision into a reality. Using 3D visualisation, fly-throughs and CAD, our team can build your event as it evolves, ensuring stakeholders and audiences engage at every touch point. Set and stage Your set and stage are more than just platforms, it s the focal point that really needs to get the audience talking. We know one size doesn t fit all, so when it comes to your event, let our in-house set and staging team create something that is bespoke and bang on brief. The experience The reality

Digital Looking to inspire, engage and inform a tech savvy audience?

Our digital expertise elicits endless possibilities when it comes to technology.

No matter the scale or size of your event, our digital team can work with you from the outset to

Our digital services include: Technical event production partner Webcasting & live streaming

20 Digital Looking to inspire, engage and inform a tech savvy audience? Our digital ideas are limitless and can push audience interaction to the next level. Our digital expertise elicits endless possibilities when it comes to technology. We make it our mission to truly immerse your audience, evoke emotion and encourage reaction. No matter the scale or size of your event, our digital team can work with you from the outset to create digital tools that will not only suit your event but also your budget too. Our digital services include: Technical event production partner Webcasting & live streaming Interactive voting systems Emoji feedback Digital Q&A Bespoke app development and deployment Video production and content creation Social media Website design Event management services

21 I was very impressed with the professionalism and standard of service delivered by Sparq. The staff were punctual, knowledgeable and found a solution for any last minute changes that arose - you need them for your next event!

Contacts For further information on Conference and Events at the first direct arena please contact: Lisa Turton Head of Sales and Hospitality E: CandE@firstdirectarena.

23 Contacts For further information on Conference and Events at the first direct arena please contact: Lisa Turton Head of Sales and Hospitality E: T: first direct arena Arena Way, Leeds LS2 8BY For further information on technical event production from Sparq, please contact: Ann Seddon Client Director E: T: Sparq Units 5 & 6, Scala Court, Leathley Road, Leeds LS10 1JD first direct arena is operated and managed by SMG (UK) Limited. SMG (UK) Limited is a registered company in England with registration number The registered address of SMG (UK) Limited is Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, Manchester, M3 1AR.

24 360 technical event production from Sparq Proud to support the first direct arena

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