I've been to parties where I've been eager to dance only the DJ has played disappointing songs so…read morethe dance floor has stayed pretty much deserted. On the contrary, Soul Sounds Entertainment has packed out the dance floor at every party I have seen them perform. Unlike some lazy DJ's today, they play live mixes that drive crowds wild with teasers of the next track. They play a range of RnB, Bhangra, Bollywood, 60s-90s classics...the list goes on! I was impressed by their willingness to play all the requests made to them so they were very approachable and receptive to what the crowd wanted. Their set-up is striking and makes a perfect central feature to any function. The DJ's are great at hosting the party and they're multilingual, which helps the older Asian generations! They offer packages to suit various budgets, although you're not limited to these. Fantastic DJ's to get any party rocking!

SpeedQuizzing... Now there's a word…read more It sounds far more geeky than it really is. Instead of using a quiz sheet and waiting for the rounds to go by before you learn the answers, you download an app to one of the phones in your team. You answer using the app!! It's fast moving and much more fun than a traditional quiz. I've been twice. Once to a record breaking speed quiz attempt. (I lasted two hours!) And then to the Yelp Speed Quiz at Chung Ying Central. Quiz night plus dimsum!! If you want a unique quiz experience come and play this.

Stoo from Box Entertainment throws some of the most tense, nerve-racking quizzes I've ever been to…read more Yes, we all know pub quizzes are just supposed to be a bit of fun but throw Speedquizzing into the mix and it's like your very own game show but with booze (and usually lots of swearing). These quizzes are totally uncheatable, there's no going back and changing your answers three rounds down the line as once the 10 seconds are up that's it - your answer is in, the points are tallied and the scoreboard updated. My most recent experience of Speedquizzing was down at XP at the Mockingbird Theatre - and Stoo provided us with a suitably geeky quiz to befit the occasion (apart from the music round, Flashdance Stoo? Seriously??). Tensions run high, rivalries develop and every time you hear your buzzer to signal your team got the right answer fastest (and gained extra points) is like a little victory all on its own. If you haven't been down to a speedquizzing event hosted by Box Entertainments Stoo is running them at loads of places now - The Actress and Bishop, The Lord Clifden, The Mockingbird and loads more.

Capsule are Birmingham curators/promoters who have been giving us eclectic music and art for over a…read moredecade. Never ones to simply stick a bunch of bands together on a bill and leave it at that, they have constantly challenged what is expected from live shows, bringing some of the widest range of acts from all over the world and mixing the live music with art, spoken word and film. From small shows in some of the usual local haunts to their annual Supersonic festival which encompasses the entire Custard Factory to curating the opening season of the new Birmingham library Capsule are constantly evolving and experimenting, even extending to small runs of vinyl on their own label. If you're a fan of experimental, folk, metal, electronic or just enjoy discovering new music and art Capsule will likely become a seal of approval when you see the name heading an event.

I've only been to the Birmingham and Midland Institute once for a small business conference that…read moreone of our clients was hosting. From the outside, the venue oozed character. It's a grade 2 listed building and it's situated right in the centre of Birmingham. Inside, it looked like it could do with a little love as the walls were a bit dirty and in need of a lick of paint. We arrived 30 minutes early so we grabbed a coffee from the lounge whilst we waited. It was reasonably cheap at just £2 so I also had a slice of cake too. Overall if you're looking to hire a space in a central location that's cheaper than it's competitors this will do nicely.

Oh how I heart this place - admittedly it is all a bit faded inside but there are some really…read morelovely things here. Firstly their library - now I know I am a bit biased being a librarian and all but this place is amazing - as well as a massive selection of fiction books they hold some incredible first editions, everything you could ever wish to know about Ruskin, periodicals from the 19th century, lovely books on architecture and photography, huge atlases, illustrated tomes and a massive collection of travel books. Housed on two floors you will need to be a member of the BMI to take anything out but if you want to have a browse and a swoon at the sheer bookishness of it all then ask for details at reception. Best of all is the history of the place - the library itself was reorganised in 1781 by Joseph Priestley - the man who discovered oxygen (he has a statue in Chamberlain Square), the card index files there are a thing of beauty and the signing in book contains signatures from Charles Dickens, Matthew Boulton et al - it really is worth a visit if you like that sort of thing. The BMI also offers a range of talks and events, lecture theatres that can be hired for a reasonable price, a small, rather sweet cafe and are home to several independent societies with fab names - including the Birmingham Philatelic Society, Moseley United Nations Association, Institute of Ramblers, Birmingham and the Victorian Society.

A large conference centre in the city centre of Birmingham, inside it, is pretty modern and…read morefeatures a few stores including a WHSmith, Subway and Starbucks - do take note of the opening hours of these though as some might not open on Sunday's and/or close early sometimes. It's now served by the Library stop on the West Midlands Metro, following the tram extension which goes onto Broad Street. It is also next to The Library of Birmingham, while the building isn't as stunning as the aforementioned, it still remains rather modern and cool. The conference auditorium has a capacity of 1,500 which is quite impressive. I do think the staff didn't seem too helpful, I originally asked where the Starbucks was and felt the need to explain myself as he seemed rather confused. It is pretty expensive inside with one of the most expensive Starbucks' locations I've seen ever outside of a travel location (airport, station or motorway services). 3*

A well designed events complex with additional pop-up stores including an art gallery.read more

So much going on here...great for the Comunity. Loads of…read moreclubs & workshops in photography, sewing and I've seen dancing there too. They also have a radio station and events at night. Bands, music and Burlesque! Got good facilities, free parking, WC & lots of activities. Check it out.

Newhampton is one of the few places in Wolves where art is truly alive and well. Great selection of…read moreclasses and a top class performance venue - theatre is equipped with incredible lighting. Lots of rooms available for hire at very reasonable rates. Staff are incredibly helpful and fast at getting back to queries. It's tragic that the city council cut funding to this place - it's one of the few places in our community actively trying to encourage people to engage in the arts. They will always have my support and admiration for everything they do here.

Thank you to all the team at Mustard Events, there is something special about working with a…read morecompany that is prepared to understand, share and then reflect the professionalism and attention to detail that was needed to make our whole event work.

I know a lot of people use this magnificent building as a walk-through - I do too - but I am in awe…read moreof this place. As an event planner (amongst other things) this place is a dream. Years ago, I attended a few industry events here - all amazing. More recently, I have been to amazing events in the amazing Symphony Hall, housed within the ICC including Glen Campbell and the exclusive event when Beverly Knight got her 'Broad Street Star.' However, my best experience was actually recently when I had a behind the scenes tour for which they allocated one of their security guards - the man in the know - to do this for us. The way this place transforms with a touch of a button (or hundreds of buttons) to make every event special is amazing. As a bonus, he had so many back stage stories to tell it was hugely entertaining!

The ICC holds all kinds of conferences from party conferences (it's the only place which has had…read moreall 3 main political parties) to Slimming World conferences. Most people see it as a corridor from Centenary Square to the canals and Brindley Place and in a lot of ways it is. I'd much prefer to walk through the ICC to get to the canals then walk that small stretch of Broad Street especially at night/in the rain. However, what a lot of people don't realise is behind the fronts you walk past there are over 10 halls, some with the capacity to hold over a thousand delegates. They're all really swanky too, and they have a wonderful events team that can transform any space as far as the client's imagination can reach. The staff are friendly and always smiley. A great place to pop to the toilet too if you're in town.