micebook, the online planners’ hub, unveiled its new look on 30th May at an art-themed party attended by a crowd of 150 planners and suppliers at the Nobu Hotel Shoreditch.

The launch pARTy was held in partnership with ANTOR, the Association of National Tourist Offices and Representatives. Guests started the evening with cocktails on the Nobu Terraces, before moving into event space Kaijo for food, drinks and networking with leading brands and suppliers. The networking event took place against an urban backdrop with a live graffiti display to welcome the new portal.

CEO and founder Chetan Shah revealed some of micebook’s new features, including online inspiration boards which allow planners to collate images, video content, information and contact details in one place, as well as Spotlight destination guides. After pressing the button to make the platform go live, he also outlined future development plans.

The evening also celebrated the announcement of the first in a number of partnerships. micebook is working with the Alliance of Independent Events Agencies (AIEA) as their preferred supplier management portal. This will enable members to use the new boards feature to share supplier and destination information within a closed member community. Planners will also be able to directly book small meeting rooms through micebook, using technology initially being trialled with Berlin hotel properties with a vision to roll out globally.

Founder Chetan Shah said the launch of micebook would finally address the problem of a lack of online tools for planners, helping them to collate information, engage with suppliers and share knowledge with colleagues and event partners.

“The launch of the new micebook has been a long journey, but we believe in listening to planners to ensure we get things just right. We now have the right technology in place, along with a host of features, which will make their jobs far easier such our global directory, Spotlight destination guides and our closed network collaboration tool. We have sweated, re-designed and re-configured on the way to our launch in the platform’s birthplace of Shoreditch.”

“We were delighted that so many of the micebook community, who have given us so much support, were able to join us for the launch. As well as announcing new partnerships with AIEA, we are pleased to welcome leading brands such as G-H-S Hospitality, Accor Luxe and Pacific World who have chosen to host their profiles on micebook. The launch is just the next step on our journey to creating an online tool which will save time and alleviate some of the most common frustrations faced by planners. And, over the coming year, we’ll be unveiling even more new features which will come together to make micebook a must-have online toolkit for planners.”

AIEA chairman, Nick Milas of Blue Line Events said: “The AIEA’s mission is to provide a support network to smaller independent agencies. Our members’ strengths lie in the personal touch and individuality that they bring to client events.”