YesMilano Convention Bureau and Promos Italia hosted 20 UK event professionals including representatives from agencies such as Activate Events, Reed & Mackay, WRG, Noble Events, Team Umbrella and BCD Meetings & Events for a night of gastronomy and networking at The London Underground Cookery School.

The event was organised by Sarah Tennant, Owner of STAR Your World representation, in partnership with Paul Hutton.

The evening opened with a welcome from Elena Balestriero, head of the YesMilano Convention Bureau, with an introduction to Milan and what it offers event and incentive groups, followed by Aperol spritzes and plenty of time to network and mingle, before everyone headed to the kitchens to create and cook the perfect meal.

After the cooking experience, the group then enjoyed a delicious dinner with presentations in between from Milan partners; Fiera Milano Congress, MICO DMC, Gruppo Una Spa, MZ Incentive, Hotel Villa Torretta by Hilton and Anvideas.

“We recreated a little corner of Milan in the kitchens of The London Underground Cookery School,” said Tennant. “I was thrilled to help introduce UK event planners to Milan partners in a fun, informal yet educational way”.

Balestriero said that the event represents the importance of the UK market for Milan. “Our city has already started hosting international in-person/hybrid events, congresses and exhibitions with great success, and it’s ready grow even more. Milano’s distinctive assets are gateway to Italy, heritage, mobility, sociability, lifestyle. It has been a great pleasure working with STAR Your World to restart promoting Milano as a MICE destination.”

Noble Events Deputy Managing Director Sarah Cox, who attended the event, commented: “It was an extremely well-orchestrated event, and I was made to feel incredibly welcome by Sarah and Paul, all the Italian hosts and the chefs and staff of the cookery school. “The Aperol Spritz was a real treat and seemingly unlimited, the atmosphere was conducive to some wonderful networking and dinner was simply delicious. Having had a hand in preparing it made it feel very special indeed, but it was of course so much better than we could have done ourselves.”

Anna Johnsson, Director of Operations at Team Umbrella, added: “Fantastic event organised by Sarah Tennant of STAR Your World at the Underground Cooking School in London. It was an excellent opportunity to meet with Milan & Partners and learn about their excellent services, whilst enjoying a fun activity in great surroundings.”