LIVEWIRE14 . www.conference-news.co.uk . March 2012 The economic climate is not just having a physical, but a material impact on the UK's workforce, fi gures by workwear specialist Alexandra has revealed. The fi gures, collated by the international provider of workwear and corporate clothing, show that people's preferred suit has moved away from colour over the years as the country has become gripped by the economic uncertainty. The statistics, which focus on suit orders across a range of business sectors, from 2005 to 2011, reveal that demand for navy blue, which was the most popular colour in 2005, has dropped while the popularity of charcoal, has steadily increased. Nick Acaster, Marketing Director at Alexandra, who is himself a qualifi ed psychologist, said: "While people may be continuing to rise to the many challenges that come their way, subliminally, their work clothes are projecting a different image, which has become more monotone in line with the bleaker economic climate."Colours such as charcoal and black are commonly connected to depression." A 15 tonne 'Titanic' sign, believed to be the largest ever made in Northern Ireland, has been delivered to Titanic Belfast where it will form a focal point on the plaza around the new visitor attraction. Lazer-cut and made from eight, 30mm thick, solid steel plates, the 4.5m tall, 15m long sign is the same length as the private promenades available on Titanic's most expensive accommodation, the First Class Parlour Suites. The new sign is also the same weight as Titanic's main anchor.Tim Husbands, Titanic Belfast's CEO, said: "Titanic Belfast will shortly open its doors to the world on 31 March, the 101st anniversary of Titanic's launch from its slipway at Harland & Wolff. The effort that has gone into making it, not only an impressive physical spectacle but also an amazing experience inside, has been simply immense."Everything about this project, from the Titanic sign to the 3,000 shards which make up the building's exterior, has been designed to give Northern Ireland an attention grabbing, international attraction. Even the plaza on which the sign sits includes one of the world's Titanic sign for BelfastFull drama as usual as haggis was addressed and Laddies and Lassies toasted at the traditional SECC Burns Supper at Banquetting House, London. Then Ceilidh all the way into the wee hours.After the highland fl ing, it was off to Budapest for a bit of meetings evangelism courtesy of MPI's European education conference EMEC. A healthy UK contingent put the numbers from North America to shame. Merely a handful made the trip from Stateside. Top grade education programme and a trip to the steam baths and steam trains' graveyard were also on a packed agenda. The Business Travel Show brought in 500 hosted and executive buyers to record some impressive growth in exhibitor and visitor fi gures. Paul Kennedy is clearly working his magic at Centaur. Methinks they have a lot more in the locker.Team Mash took a stand at the Event Production Show, defi nitely the bigger part of Ocean Media's co-located collaboration with its UK Venue Show, which by all accounts was a very modest affair, attracting far fewer exhibitors than expected.Cut to the CHASE, and our Online Editor Sarah O'Donnell up at the Business Design Centre to give a social media session. Steppin OutWhat colour is your suit? largest outdoor maps of the northern hemisphere tracing Titanic's route across the Atlantic."Titanic Belfast is an iconic six-fl oor building that will house temporary exhibits, a 1,000-seat banqueting suite, education and community facilities, catering and retail space and a basement car park.

March 2012 . www.conference-news.co.uk . 15 LIVEWIRERetailer Asda left its legacy in Liverpool following its annual management conference, by donating food to hundreds of homeless people across Merseyside. A total of 1,150 delegates gathered at ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, to hear business updates, network with colleagues and learn about new products and ranges for the forthcoming year. The waterfront venue introduced Asda to the Liverpool branch of the YMCA to arrange the donation at the end of the two-day conference, which saw a gathering of the company's leadership team, store managers and head offi ce staff. ACC Liverpool recently launched the latest phase of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, which aims to link event sectors with the local community. ASDA delegates donate to YMCAWhile East London is gearing up for the Olympics and Buckingham Palace prepares for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Soho is preparing for its own moment in the global event spotlight, WorldPride 2012. As registration for walking groups and fl oats to take part in the Parade has now opened, Smirnoff was one of the fi rst corporates to enter a fl oat in this year's line-up. The largest un-ticketed event in Europe, Pride London brings WorldPride in the capital 23 June - 8 July, with the event culminating in the Parade through central London on 7 July. The programme of events this year includes a conference at Senate House to discuss the issues facing the global LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community, in particular the global decriminalisation of homosexuality. London countdown for WorldPridestudents expected in the fi rst year of the HBAA National Placement SchemeHosted Buyer Group Co-ordinators currently signed up to AIBTM 2012predicted rise in Edinburgh visitor numbers by 2020visitors attended World Travel Market 2011signatures on Intercontinental Hotel Group's 'Stay Meeting' campaignestimated impact for Brighton from hosting the Labour Party Annual Conference 2013Greenwich has joined an exclusive group as the fourth local authority to become a royal borough and the fi rst new one for more than 80 years.The new legal status was made offi cial with a Royal Charter signed by the Queen.The new regal status is, in effect, similar to a person being awarded an honour, but far more exclusive, since the only others members of the club are Kensington and Chelsea, Windsor and Maidenhead, and Kingston-upon-Thames.Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said it was in recognition of the close links between Greenwich and royalty since the Middle Ages. It also has several venues with royal status including the Old Royal Naval College, built on the site of the old Greenwich Palace where Elizabeth I, Mary I and Henry VIII were born, Eltham Palace, Greenwich Palace, The Queen's House, the Old Royal Naval College, the Royal Observatory, the Royal Hospital and the Royal Artillery Barracks.The new status has particular signifi cance as it is one of the fi rst actions to mark the year of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and it means that Greenwich will be the only royal borough among the six host boroughs for the London 2012 Olympic Games.Greenwich awarded royal statusfunding for Cardiff marketing company, Cardiff & Co, from Cardiff Council meeting planners and bookers attended Expotel's fi st supplier showcase