by Alastair Campbell
A year on from the London 2012 Olympics, banqueting furniture will once again be back in fashion for the Hospitality and Tourism Summit, due to take place in London on June 11th.
The Olympics inspired many local communities to hold street parties, with rented banqueting furniture an important part of preparations for larger events with a significant number of guests in attendance.
However, the summit this summer will demand banqueting furniture of its own, in order to accommodate delegates over the course of a two-day agenda.
Linking the festivities of last summer with the upcoming summit will be the Gamesmakers, the volunteers who helped to organise the Olympics, giving up their time for free in order to help visitors find the right venues.
A total of 20 Gamesmakers will be on hand to greet delegates, of whom 500 are expected to attend, not only helping them to find their destination, but also reinforcing the positive image of British hospitality that forms part of the legacy of the Games themselves.
Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, says: "The Gamesmakers played a key role in the success of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics - showcasing the warm welcome and hospitality that the UK is becoming known for worldwide.
"We are delighted that some of the Gamesmakers have agreed to attend the Tourism and Hospitality Summit and show off their skills again."
The event itself is a chance for delegates to take a seat in stackable chairs as they listen to speakers from across the British hospitality sector.
But it also highlights the value of such furniture for these kinds of events throughout all industries, and may inspire many others in attendance to host seminars and trade shows of their own in the months to come.
With that in mind, it is the ideal opportunity for venues to stock up on stackable chairs that can be kept in storage, without occupying an excessive amount of room when they are not needed, and then placed ready for use when an upcoming event approaches.
As not all venues will buy their furniture in advance, it is also a good time for those who provide event furniture as a rental service to refresh their portfolios, either by adding extra capacity, or replacing any old, tired or broken chairs.