Events by Hooded Owls

Celebrating the Elegance of the Sweet PeaThe National Sweet Pea Society Show 2026 brings one of the United Kingdom's most cherished floral traditions to Huddersfield. Set within the vibrant surroundings of the Greenhead Park Exhibition Pavilion, this prestigious annual event gathers passionate growers, floral artists, and gardening enthusiasts from across Yorkshire and beyond. Scheduled for Saturday, 8th August 2026, the exhibition offers a magnificent celebration of color, fragrance, and horticultural mastery. Organised by The National Sweet Pea Society—a historic charity established to promote the cultivation and appreciation of Lathyrus species—this gathering stands as a landmark occasion on the summer floral calendar. Competitive Exhibition Classes and Floral DisplaysAt the heart of the event is a vast competitive exhibition showcasing dozens of open and amateur classes. Master growers display meticulously trained stems, presenting an exquisite spectrum of colors ranging from soft pastels to intense, velvety dark tones. Judges assess the entries based on stem length, bloom size, freshness, uniformity, and fragrance. Visitors can walk through rows of spectacular floral benches featuring both classic Spencer varieties and historic heirloom selections. The event also features creative floral arrangement competitions, where local artists craft imaginative displays that demonstrate the versatility of sweet peas in contemporary floristry. Expert Cultivation Workshops and Growing DemonstrationsThroughout the day, the venue hosts structured educational sessions delivered by seasoned members of the society. Attendees can participate in live practical demonstrations covering essential aspects of successful sweet pea cultivation. Seminar topics include autumn versus spring seed sowing, soil preparation techniques, pest management, and the famous cordon training method used to produce show-quality long stems. Whether you are a novice gardener aiming to produce sweet peas for your kitchen table or an experienced competitor refining your show routine, these interactive workshops provide actionable knowledge tailored to northern growing conditions. Artisan Marketplace and Specialist Plant SalesIn addition to the competitive exhibition, the showground features an artisan marketplace packed with specialized gardening supplies, handcrafted goods, and exclusive botanical products. Leading nurseries and sweet pea seed specialists present curated seed selections, young plants, and propagation tools designed to assist home gardeners. Visitors have a unique opportunity to purchase rare seed strains and newly introduced hybrids that are rarely available in general garden centers. Local food producers and craft artisans add to the atmosphere, offering refreshments, baked goods, and garden ornamentations throughout the day. Interactive Gardening Advice and Community EngagementThe National Sweet Pea Society prides itself on creating a welcoming, informative environment for plant lovers of all ages and skill levels. A dedicated "Ask the Experts" advice desk will operate continuously during show hours, allowing guests to bring their growing queries, soil concerns, or disease diagnostics directly to master horticulturists. The exhibition also features interactive children's seed-potting activities, designed to inspire the next generation of gardeners and foster an appreciation for plant life, biodiversity, and sustainable horticulture. Heritage, Hybridization, and Conservation InitiativesBeyond the immediate sensory appeal, the show highlights ongoing national efforts in botanical conservation and plant breeding. Displays present the rich history of Lathyrus odoratus, tracing its journey from Sicilian monastery origins to the famous breeding work of British horticulturists. Society members will share insights into current plant trials, climate-resilient breeding programs, and methods for preserving historical cultivars. Attending the show directly supports the society's ongoing educational outreach and scientific research initiatives across the United Kingdom.

The European Portable Metrology Conference (EPMC) 2026) is one of Europe’s leading specialist conferences dedicated to portable metrology, dimensional measurement, industrial inspection and 3D scanning technologies. Scheduled for 23-24 September 2026 at The International Centre, Telford, the event brings together equipment manufacturers, quality engineers, researchers, production leaders and technology innovators from across the United Kingdom and Europe. Portable metrology has become a critical capability for modern manufacturing. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, rail, electronics and advanced engineering increasingly rely on high-accuracy portable measurement systems to reduce defects, shorten inspection cycles and improve process control. EPMC 2026 is designed to address these challenges through a combination of technical presentations, case studies, live demonstrations and professional networking opportunities. The conference provides a practical environment where attendees can compare technologies, discuss implementation strategies and learn directly from organizations that are using portable metrology in real production environments. Why EPMC 2026 Matters Manufacturing is undergoing rapid digital transformation. Smart factories, Industry 4.0 initiatives and data-driven quality management all depend on accurate measurement. EPMC focuses specifically on the technologies that enable measurement beyond the traditional laboratory environment. Attendees will gain insights into: Portable coordinate measuring systems Laser trackers Structured-light and laser scanning Photogrammetry Automated inspection workflows Real-time dimensional verification Digital twin integration Measurement data management These technologies help manufacturers detect deviations earlier, reduce scrap, improve traceability and maintain compliance with increasingly stringent quality standards. Conference Program EPMC 2026 is expected to feature a two-day technical program combining keynote sessions, expert presentations and application-focused discussions. Keynote Presentations Industry leaders and technology experts will present the latest developments in: Large-volume measurement High-accuracy alignment Portable CMM innovation AI-assisted inspection Measurement automation Digital manufacturing integration These sessions are intended to provide strategic insight into where portable metrology is heading over the next decade. Technical Sessions The technical program will focus on real-world implementation and measurable business outcomes. Topics are expected to include: Aerospace assembly verification Automotive body measurement Turbine and energy-sector inspection Reverse engineering workflows GD&T validation Calibration and uncertainty management Inline and near-line inspection Metrology software interoperability Presentations will typically include case studies, accuracy data, workflow comparisons and lessons learned from industrial deployments. Live Technology Demonstrations One of the strongest features of EPMC is the opportunity to see equipment operating in person. Expected demonstration areas include: Laser tracking systems Handheld 3D scanners Portable articulated arms Optical measurement systems Alignment and leveling equipment Surface analysis tools Inspection software platforms Live demonstrations allow attendees to evaluate ease of use, measurement speed, setup requirements and integration capabilities before making investment decisions. Exhibition Area Alongside the conference sessions, EPMC includes a dedicated exhibition showcasing the latest metrology hardware and software solutions. Exhibitors are expected to represent: Measurement equipment manufacturers Calibration providers Industrial software companies Automation and robotics specialists Quality assurance solution providers Research institutions and technical partners The exhibition enables direct conversations with suppliers, product specialists and application engineers. Who Should Attend EPMC is designed for professionals involved in measurement, quality and advanced manufacturing. Recommended attendees Metrology engineers Quality managers Manufacturing engineers Production managers Process improvement specialists R&D engineers Automation engineers Calibration professionals Academic researchers Technical consultants Whether an organization is evaluating its first portable measurement system or expanding a mature digital inspection program, the conference provides relevant technical and commercial insight. Benefits for Manufacturing Organizations Improve Inspection Efficiency Portable systems can significantly reduce the time required to measure large or complex components, enabling faster production feedback. Reduce Rework and Scrap Early detection of dimensional deviations helps prevent costly downstream defects. Support Industry 4.0 Modern metrology platforms generate digital data that can feed manufacturing execution systems, statistical process control and digital twin environments. Enhance Traceability Accurate measurement records support customer requirements, regulatory compliance and audit readiness. Accelerate Problem Solving Engineers can perform measurements directly on the shop floor, reducing delays associated with moving components to a dedicated inspection laboratory. Networking Opportunities EPMC is also a major networking event for the metrology community. Attendees can connect with: Equipment manufacturers Quality leaders Research organizations Systems integrators Automation providers Industrial end users Academic experts Technical consultants Structured breaks, exhibition sessions and informal discussions provide opportunities to exchange ideas, benchmark practices and build long-term professional relationships. Research and Innovation A significant portion of the conference is expected to focus on emerging research and next-generation measurement techniques. Areas of growing interest include: AI-driven defect detection Automated point-cloud analysis Robotic scanning systems Real-time process compensation Cloud-based metrology workflows Predictive quality analytics Hybrid optical/contact measurement High-speed inline inspection These developments are increasingly important as manufacturers seek to combine precision measurement with automation and data intelligence. Venue Advantages – The International Centre, Telford The International Centre is one of the UK’s established conference and exhibition venues for industrial and engineering events. Advantages Large exhibition halls Modern conference facilities On-site catering Easy motorway access Rail connectivity via Telford Central Accommodation options nearby Space for live equipment demonstrations Its location in the West Midlands makes it accessible for attendees traveling from major UK manufacturing regions including the Midlands, North West, South Wales and the South East. Travel Information By Rail Telford Central station is located close to the venue and offers connections to Birmingham and other major UK rail routes. By Road The venue is easily accessible from the M54 motorway, with convenient access for visitors traveling by car. By Air International visitors can reach Telford via Birmingham Airport, followed by rail or road transfer. Registration Information EPMC 2026 is listed as a paid conference. Registration is expected to provide access to: Conference sessions Keynote presentations Technical papers Exhibition area Networking activities Refreshments during scheduled breaks Prospective attendees should use the official EPMC website for registration, pricing and participation updates. Official website: www.epmc.events Why Attend EPMC 2026? Organizations attending EPMC 2026 can expect: Exposure to the latest portable metrology technologies Practical implementation guidance Direct access to suppliers and experts Benchmarking against industry best practices Insight into future measurement trends Opportunities for collaboration and partnership For companies focused on precision manufacturing, quality assurance and digital industrial transformation, EPMC 2026 represents a valuable opportunity to evaluate technologies, strengthen professional networks and gain actionable knowledge that can be applied directly to production and inspection operations.

Join us for an enchanting afternoon as Hooded Owls, the premier Luton-based creator of magical childhood experiences, hosts an exclusive showcase at the historic Luton Hoo Estate. Born from a simple parenting need for high-quality, oversized hooded towels, Hooded Owls has evolved into a beloved e-commerce brand that blends sensory play with everyday routines. This upcoming event is designed to bring our digital catalog to life, offering families a tangible look at the craftsmanship and imagination behind our products. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore our full range of bespoke hooded towels, crafted from thick, premium cotton designed to last through years of growth. Beyond our signature textiles, the event highlights our "Bathtime Adventures" line. This includes a deep dive into our Handmade Cosmetics, such as our famous whipped soaps, vibrant bath rocks, and fizzy bubble bars—all produced right here in our Luton studio. A central feature of the afternoon is the interactive Potion Station, where children can experience the wonder of our Playtime Potion Kits. These kits are designed to encourage imaginative play, allowing little "alchemists" to mix colors and fizzing elements in a safe, sensory-rich environment. Parents can meet our founder, Charlotte, and the local production team to learn about our commitment to quality, the importance of sensory play in child development, and how we manage our sustainable e-commerce operations from the heart of Bedfordshire. Whether you are looking for the perfect gift, wanting to upgrade your child's bath routine, or are a fellow local business owner interested in our growth story, this showcase offers a warm, community-focused atmosphere. Refreshments will be provided, and exclusive event-only discounts will be available for all attendees.