The inaugural micebook Corporate Connect event brought together a group of senior corporate event heads with select partners for elevated education, conversations and collaboration last week.
The two-day event was hosted at the newly opened inaugural Crafted property, Crafted at Powdermills in East Sussex on 1-2 December.
Corporate Connect was launched in response to demand from our Corporate Collective (CC) community – an exclusive membership group of senior corporate event professionals – for a retreat style event that enabled them to deep dive into the unique challenges they face and share best practice and solutions.
It kicked off on the Monday afternoon with a closed session for CC members, facilitated by micebook’s Chetan Shah and Jo Beames, which covered the shifts faced by the corporates including both external market challenges and internal pressures on resources, talent, and perceived value. On a positive note, leaders shared strategic wins including leaning into data to prove value, mastering the art of the saying no, and an increased focus on Return on experience (ROE).
This was followed by a panel session, featuring corporate heads alongside partners Hilton Luxury Hotels, Nteractive, Open Audience and Event Decision, which shared best practice and covered how industry suppliers and experts can help solve some of the challenges faced by corporates.
The group enjoyed dinner and drinks followed by an overnight stay at Crafted by Powdermills.
The following morning kicked off with optional wellness experiences, and a thought-provoking session by Lee Warren, professional business speaker, award-winning author, and sales mentor, in partnership with Speakers Corner.
An expert in behavioural persuasion and influential communication, the interactive session covered practical strategies to help corporate even heads influence senior stakeholders, articulate the real value of events, and ensure their voice is heard at the strategic table.
This was followed by a walk and talk session, and an interactive discovery session, which saw corporates and partners break into small roundtable discussions, and a final lunch.
Feedback for the new event and format has been incredibly positive from both corporate attendees and partners. Corporate Connect will return in 2026 – stay tuned for more details.
Here’s a few photo highlights from the event, captured by Mike Massaro Photography












































