NEC Group appoints Jen Mitchell as Arenas Managing Director

The NEC Group, the UK’s leading live events business, has announced industry stalwart, Jen Mitchell, as the new Managing Director for Arenas.

In her role, Jen will lead the teams at bp pulse LIVE and Utilita Arena Birmingham and will initially be focused on launching the new premium seating and hospitality areas at the Arenas.

Jen joins the NEC Group with over 25 years of experience working in the live events industry. Most recently, she was General Manager at the AO Arena in Manchester where she led a £50m redevelopment project. Before this, Jen was General Manager at first direct Arena Leeds and MD at Kings Place.

NEC Group Arenas Managing Director, Jen Mitchell, said:

It’s fantastic to be joining the team at the NEC Group at such an exciting time. It’s a unique opportunity to lead a team across two of the best arenas in the country and I’m looking forward to getting started!

The redevelopment of the premium areas is a huge opportunity and will enable guests to experience shows at a whole new level.

I can’t wait to work with the team at the arenas and continue to bring exceptional experiences to all the guests who walk through our doors.

NEC Group CEO, Melanie Smith CBE, said:

I’m delighted to welcome Jen on board, at such an exciting time for the NEC Group. Jen brings a wealth of industry experience and I look forward to working closely with her to deliver a magical experience for guests at our arenas.

High-level executives from AO Arena, first direct Arena Leeds, OVO Hydro/Scottish Event Campus, Utilita Arena Newcastle and The SSE Arena Belfast were among the 240 attendees that participated at the 2024 SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition.

bp pulse LIVE Reveals New Look Ahead of Opening Season

After becoming bp pulse LIVE in September, the Arena has shared images of its new look ahead of its Opening Season this month.

During this time, the Arena will be hosting its first eight shows as the fully rebranded ‘bp pulse LIVE’. This includes Kasabian, the Corrs, Hits Radio Live, and Charli XCX.

The Opening Season will also see the launch of the new bp pulse EVIP Lounge. The lounge will reward electric vehicle (EV) drivers and their passengers, giving them a dedicated entrance to an exclusive space with access to a bespoke food and drinks menu.

Not only will all customers attending shows at bp pulse LIVE during the Opening Season be the first to see the new look venue, but they will also be treated to a live band and DJ performances in the Arena foyer at select shows.

EV drivers also have the option to charge before or during a gig at one of the 180 bp pulse EV charge points located on the NEC campus, just a short walk from the arena.

In addition, bp pulse LIVE will be running competitions on their social media channels, giving customers the chance to win tickets for their favourite artists.

With over 30 years of expertise, the Arena will continue its dedication to delivering top-notch visitor experiences, while bp pulse expands its footprint in the live music industry.

Alistair Spiers, Premium and Partnership Director, said:

We are all so excited to reveal the new look bp pulse LIVE.

This partnership is incredibly important to us as it will enable us to give a better experience for our customers. We can’t wait to welcome them all to the Arena to see the new look!

To find out more about upcoming events and the bp pulse EVIP lounge, please visit: https://www.bppulselive.co.uk/

Source & imagery, courtesy: NEC Group

Sports Venue Business launched the hugely successful SVB LIVE series of events in late 2023, featuring Global Networking Events & Webinars, with the pinnacle being the SVB LIVE Conference & Exhibition. The 2024 edition was held at Croke Park, with some 240 high-level execs from across the global sports and entertainment sector in attendance.