Chain Reaction

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We can show you how.  Because we do.

Bespoke and Affordable Event Consultancy

From advice to getting started, to full project management - we have strong experience in managing a variety of different events, from smaller local community events in communities around the UK to international events such as the annual Chain Reaction event with over 1,000 participants.  Our approach to events aims to be participative, engaging and serious fun, and one of the unique elements of our events is the level of delegate engagement, before, during and after the event.

Our Track Record:

Since the launch of Chain Reaction in 2007, we have brought together over 1,600 social leaders, community activists, policy makers, business leaders, and young people from 20 different countries around the globe to share learning and to generate new ideas for social change.  Our events are based on principles of being participative, focused, engaging, challenging and serious fun.

What makes us different:

Chain Reaction is a project of Community Links - an innovative east London charity, running a wide range of community services and projects for all ages. Founded in 1977, we now work with 30,000 local people each year supporting children, young people, adults and families, in 60 different projects. We share the learning national with government and community groups to achieve social change. 

Our approach at Chain Reaction is unique because:

► It brings people together - “few projects have succeeded as well as this one at getting different people in the same space” Chris Grant, 14a Conversations - AND - Everyone is equal - and everyone has a chance to contribute
► It uses new technologies - a range of social media tools before, during and after the event to connect up what is happening ‘in real life’ with participants online - AND - It’s about old fashioned networking - networking is at the heart of all of our events, with a carefully designed process that enables participants to genuinely connect with each other
► Broad approach - we create a varied programme of inspiring presentations, practitioner conversations, and practical workshops - AND - Special interest - at our events we enable participants to collaborate on the issues they most want to address together
► It’s about individual actions and local issues - such as self organised meetings in local communities - AND - It’s internationally relevant - in two years, Chain Reaction has shared experience, knowledge and inspriration from delegates from 20 different countries.
► It’s high level - at our events we have involved government ministers, big business etc - AND - It’s grassroots - but we also involve young people, frontline practitioners and service users - people who understand the challenges best
► Co-created, common ownership - we collaborate with a large number of organisations and individuals to develop Chain Reaction.  Partcipants help shape the programme, and many partners help to deliver it - AND - Central support - a small team at Community Links provides support to the Chain Reaction community and delivers the activities

What we can offer:

► Independent event consultancy to help advise on certain aspects of your project
► Our “Connect, Collaborate, Commit” approach at events and conferences - helping participants to connect to the people they want to meet, collaborate on ideas and commit to taking action together. 
► Advice and training to organisations to use new social media and networking technologies at events
► Complete event management of your event - from conception to completion

What people have said about our events:

“All the effort you put into making it so easy to find and connect with others before, during and after the event are deeply appreciated”
Marion Janner, Bright

“The atmosphere was totally unlike any other conference I have been to, and the combination of such a diversity of people from all sectors was very impressive.  I am sure it was inspiring for everyone to see so many motivated and talented people who are all committed to making things happen”
Jonny Zander, the Kaizen Partnership

“I can’t wait to come along to the next event.  I have never enjoyed a conference so much, or gained so much from one event.  Thank you - I feel very inspired”
Claire Wetton, The Children’s Society

“A huge well done to organisers of Chain Reaction in Canary Wharf today.  Enjoyed it a lot!”
Liam Byrne MP, Chief Secretary for the Treasury (via twitter)

“Such an imaginative and interactive event!  I went away buzzing with ideas and inspiration.  We were really struck by the global dimension of the event...”
Matt Hyde, Chief Executive, National Union of Students

Contact us:

To discuss your event needs please contact us at 020 7473 9643 or

Click here to view full details of Community Links consultancy and training