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02/2018

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Alun Pomfrett to head up food offering at Burleigh Court and Holywell Park

Monday, 26 February, 2018 - 12:03

Alun Pomfrett, former duty manager at The Link Hotel has been promoted to head of food and beverage at Burleigh Court and Holywell Park.  The move will see him playing a key role in the management and client offering at Imago Venues’ two flagship properties.

“With his focus on creative and inspiring menus based on locally sourced produce Alun is the perfect person to take our food and beverage offering to the next level,” comments Emma Boynton, head of sales and marketing.  “Our customer centric offering means it is vital we have the right people in the right roles.  Alun isn’t just great at his job, diligent and hardworking, he is passionate – and that shines through.  Every conversation with him is full of exciting new ideas, potential dishes for our menus or new drinks in the bar.”

Alun has recently announced a range of local partnerships that allow the chefs to create better tasting and more inspiring menus.  Alun comments: “I am excited by the opportunities this role will present.  With more than 160,000 meals served per year it is a real challenge but one I relish as I look forward to developing a range of dishes and menus that truly excite and interest our delegates and visitors.  In particular we will be focusing ever more closely on local producers.  I firmly believe that this focus on the local means our chefs can understand the produce they are working with.  They can build it into their recipes and deliver great, seasonal dishes for all to enjoy.” 

These partnerships have included the Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Company, Hambleton Bakery, Rossa Ice Creams, Rothley Vineyard, Charnwood Brewery and Burleighs Gin.

Imago Venues brings together Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand.  They provide high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with world leading sports and leisure facilities.

For more information visit www.welcometoimago.com or call 01509 633030.

 

Wyboston Lakes confirms status as one of the UK’s Best Companies to work for

Friday, 23 February, 2018 - 11:09

Wyboston Lakes has for the fifth year in succession earned a place in The Sunday Times ‘Best 100 Companies to work for’ List 2018.

The conference, training and leisure venue was placed 46th in the list announced in February 2018.

Founded in 1983 by Peter Hutchinson, the family owned business invests not only in the facilities and the rooms but also in the people, something which Chelsey Hutchinson, Director, feels very strongly about:

“We’re delighted to be in the top 50. We have just announced investment for this year of over £3million in our event and bedroom facilities and those types of investment are always easier to quantify and forecast our return.  However, we invest heavily in our people as we believe they are crucially important to the success and growth our business.  Our people are what makes the difference, to our guests, to each other and to our business in the long term.”

The accolade is regarded as among the UK’s most comprehensive and coveted, with a rigorous process determining the merits of organisations from all industries, by assessing the methods in which they encourage, motivate and engage with their employees. Based on employee feedback Wyboston Lakes were also awarded a two-star accreditation, meaning that the venue is considered an ‘Outstanding’ employer in terms of the way it engages its staff.

Best Companies have been producing the Accreditation standard since 2006 to acknowledge excellence in the workplace Accreditation is a focus on Workplace Engagement as an integral component of an organisation’s success and growth. This score (on a scale of 1 to 1000) is defined from employee’s responses to questions within the Best Companies survey. Michelin-style ratings are then determined from that score, with one star acknowledged as ‘very good’, two stars as ‘outstanding’ and three stars as ‘extraordinary’.

In addition to generous remuneration package, which include perks such as staff discounts and performance bonuses, the venue provides structured development programmes for professional advancement, making Wyboston Lakes a fulfilling and dynamic work environment for all its employees.

For more information, please visit www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/business

Lime Venue Portfolio Appoints New Head of Marketing

Wednesday, 21 February, 2018 - 09:49

Lime Venue Portfolio has strengthened its marketing team with the high-profile appointment of Jenner Carter as Head of Marketing. Jenner joins the venue portfolio from the NEC Group, and will strengthen the brand’s already strong reputation for sales and marketing excellence, during an exceptionally exciting time for the business.

As part of her new role, Jenner will become the marketing lead for the largest collection of unusual, sporting and cultural venues in the UK & Ireland. Jenner joins following the brand’s high profile relaunch last year, and its evolution into one of the strongest venue groups in the conference and event market. As part of the role, Jenner will develop and implement new marketing strategies in line with the portfolio’s ambitions. She also takes on responsibility for the continual growth of LVP’s conference and event enquiries by managing client relationships and developing new audiences.

Jo Austin, Sales Director, Lime Venue Portfolio comments, “As we go into our 10th year at LVP and celebrate our continued success, Jenner’s appointment further confirms our desire to own the unusual and unique venue market in the UK meetings and conference sector. Jenner has many exciting plans that will underpin our core values and objectives, and offer great support to our internal teams, member venues, and of course our customers. We are delighted to have her on board.”

Before joining LVP, Jenner held the position of Group Marketing Manager for the NEC Group, where she delivered the marketing strategy to enhance the business’s reputation and drive sales growth. Prior to this, Jenner was Head of Marketing for caterer Amadeus, where she was part of the board, delivering growth and increased profit as well as exceptional client satisfaction.

Speaking on her appointment, Jenner commented: “It’s a privilege to be joining this exceptional organisation. Lime Venue Portfolio has evolved into an outstanding brand with a great past and an ambitious future, I’m looking forward to being part of this evolution and in driving the conference and events business forward in this challenging and competitive market place.”

Inntel welcomes new client following NHBC win

Wednesday, 21 February, 2018 - 09:45

Inntel, the Essex-based meetings and travel management company, is delighted to announce their success in the bid for The National House Building Council’s (NHBC) business travel contract. NHBC is the leading home construction warranty and insurance provider for new and newly-converted homes in the UK, and the new contract will see Inntel manage all aspects of their corporate travel programme including meetings, events, accommodation and travel.

Shion Vassell, Procurement Business Partner at NHBC said:

“Following an extensive tender process, NHBC is pleased to appoint Inntel as its new travel partner. During the tender process Inntel demonstrated a proactive, hands-on approach to client management and a willingness to put users at the heart of their travel offering. Both of which were key in securing NHBC’s business. Over the coming years, NHBC is looking forward to forming a close and mutually beneficial partnership with the Inntel Team.”      

Jane Dibble, Director of Business Development at Inntel also commented:

‘We are thrilled that NHBC have chosen Inntel to be their business travel provider. We have several clients in the construction industry so we have strong experience and knowledge in this field. We look forward to working collaboratively with NHBC and to offering a first-class travel management service that fulfils their company requirements.’

This is the second leading client in the construction industry won by Inntel in 3 months, following the Galliford Try contract win in Dec 2017.

Heavent Awards in Cannes attracts record entries

Tuesday, 20 February, 2018 - 09:47

144 entries have been submitted by event, experiential and live marketing agencies as well as companies and fair & congress organizers for the Heavent Awards 2018, ahead of the awards ceremony on 29 March 2018.

The Heavent Awards broke its previous records by receiving the 144 entries from different countries all over the world:  France, UK, Germany, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Morocco, Turkey, Slovakia and the USA.

The jury members are chosen among corporate clients with a position of Event Communication Director & Manager and product marketing manager from companies such as L’Oreal, Nike, Arkema, Audi, Coca Cola, Shell, Beiersdorf, Continental, Mondelez International….

The organizing company, We You Group, expects an audience of more than 1.000 event professionals for the ceremony in the Palais des Festivals de Cannes, taking place during Heavent Meetings.

Heavent Meetings is an Event and MICE trade fair (450 exhibitors) with targeted and individual appointments, business lunches and three networking-evenings in amazing event locations. With more than 4.000 trade visitors, 500 of them Hosted Buyers (agencies and corporates), Heavent Meetings is the focused meeting place for trade professionals.

The Heavent Meetings hosted buyer program for event decision-makers (agencies, associations, corporate) includes travel to and from Cannes, accommodation in a top hotel in Cannes, Lunch & Dinner. A few places are still available.

Email-address for interested Hosted Buyers for Heavent Meetings in Cannes :  kbalcke@heavent-expo.com.

Online booking system helps achieve 91% occupancy for the Barbican’s boardroom

Monday, 19 February, 2018 - 10:39

The Barbican launched an online booking system for The Frobisher Boardroom on level 4 of the Centre in July 2014. Three and a half years later the system is helping to keep the space running at more than 90% occupancy.

“Our boardroom is a creative and inspiring space in the heart of a world leading arts and learning centre,” comments Oliver Hargreaves, head of sales at the Barbican.  “It is an incredibly desirable space and businesses of all types want to use the room.  Availability is often tight yet the online booking system makes it easy to identify possible dates, book and make online payments up to 3pm on the day before an event.” 

The system also allows clients to select from a range of catering packages complementing the in-room coffee machine that is included within the venue hire fee, providing a one stop environment.  The popularity of the space means that many bookings are still made using traditional ways but the online booking system has seen a steady increase in demand over time.

The Boardroom is fully equipped with an 80” screen, Barco clickshare system which allows up to four simultaneous presentations, Skype facilities, dedicated Wi-Fi network and all of the usual in-room AV facilities required by the event planner.

Oliver concludes: “The Frobisher Boardroom is primarily used by local companies looking for somewhere private, away from the office.  Despite such high occupancy rates, bookings are frequently made at the last-minute meaning there is plenty of availability for new clients to try the system and space over the coming weeks and months.  Most importantly, the system works directly with our live venue directory, allowing clients to instantly see availability and book space in real time.”

To book the space please visit: barbican.org.uk/hire/venue-hire/venues/frobisher-boardroom

Science Museum to host The Meetings Show’s Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception

Monday, 19 February, 2018 - 10:35

 

The Meetings Show has confirmed that the iconic Science Museum, situated in the heart of West London, will be the host venue for its Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception in 2018.

Taking place on the evening of Tuesday 26 June, the exclusive event will see more than 300 of the show’s pre-qualified hosted buyers in attendance, ahead of the main exhibition on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 June at Olympia London.

The invite-only welcome reception will offer buyers a chance to experience the Science Museum’s Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery, as well as a sneak-preview of the venue’s new dedicated conference and events space – Illuminate – which will be open in January 2019.

Spread across seven different zones, Wonderlab offers a chance to get hands-on with scientific phenomena, where guests can order live experiments at the Chemistry Bar, see lightning strike or travel through space under a canopy of stars.

Jack Marczewski, account director for The Meetings Show, said: “We are extremely excited to have the Science Museum as our Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception Partner and to be able to offer our hosted buyers the chance to experience one of London’s most inspirational and creative venues. The reception will be a great opportunity to network and a fantastic welcome to London for event planners coming from across the UK and internationally to attend The Meetings Show.”

Ben Lheureux, Head of Catering & Events at the Science Museum, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the 2018 Hosted Buyer Welcome Reception at the Science Museum. The team is busy planning a fun, informative and memorable evening with great food, drinks and entertainment. It’s a particularly important event for us as we officially open the bookings diary for our new venue, Illuminate, the next day, so we want to create something really special to mark the occasion.”

Registration is now open for The Meetings Show’s hosted buyer programme. UK and international event planners can apply at www.themeetingsshow.com. 

Inntel win back E.ON meetings contract

Monday, 19 February, 2018 - 09:41

Inntel are delighted to be reunited with a familiar face as they announce their latest contract win to provide meetings and event management services to E.ON.

E.ON runs one of the world’s largest investor-owned electric utility services and had previously worked with Inntel before exploring other channels. Inntel successfully won back the company’s meetings and events business after a thorough RFP process and are looking forward to resuming the strong relationship held with E.ON for several years.

Douglas O’Neill, CEO at Inntel, commented: “We are delighted that E.ON has chosen Inntel as their meetings and events services provider. We’re always thrilled to start working with clients, whether new or returning, and look forward to a prosperous future together.”

ging trends inform new Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events direction

Friday, 16 February, 2018 - 09:07

CHANGING trends in meeting and event requirements are setting the course for a leading UK catering and events company.

Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, catering and event management partner at 50 of the country’s best loved museums, sports stadia, heritage sites and visitor attractions, has seen a rise in the number of requests for experience-based corporate and private events in memorable and inspirational venues.

The company, whose portfolio includes venues as diverse as IWM London, Ascot Racecourse, historic Knebworth House, Hertfordshire, Newcastle United’s St James’ Park and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, said bookers are increasingly wanting experiential venues for their conferences and events to add impact and create more dynamic content in line with their objectives and brand.

And, in response it has launched Marks of Distinction, a strategy aimed at highlighting the benefits their portfolio of over 50 unique and unusual venues bring to brands, businesses and their attendees.

“Our clients tell us that unique venues with experiential elements have a very real impact on guest and delegate attendance and engagement” said Natasha Carr, UK Venue & Events Marketing Manager, at Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events.

“Which means that the lasting impact of the event is stronger and more beneficial to both the booker and attendees. We provide experiences that motivate teams, encourage attendance, reflect the host’s brand and allow for an experiential element to the event, bringing it to life.”

It also reports an increase in the number of bookers wanting to add tailored experiences, such as venue tours, team building activities, workshops and master classes, all of which can be arranged by the onsite teams to enhance the overall experience.

“With such a variety of choice Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events has a central Hub team who are on hand to help bookers find the most suitable and effective venues and activities for each occasion,” added Natasha.

“They provide friendly guidance and assistance to ensure objectives are met and the brief fulfilled, linking events to sporting greatness, history and heritage, iconic venues or stunning settings as appropriate.”

For full details of the venues within the Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events portfolio, call The Hub on 0845 6055 699, email Venues&Events.Prestige.UK@Sodexo.com or visit www.sodexoprestige.com.

CSR Success for Conference Care

Thursday, 15 February, 2018 - 16:23

Venue finding and event management agency Conference Care has been ranked among top Global Companies for Social Responsibility by EcoVadis.

EcoVadis, an online CSR rating company, continually monitors companies’ CSR management and progress. Used by industry leaders such as Coca Cola Enterprises, Heineken and Nokia, its collaborative platform provides sustainability ratings and performance improvement tool.

Conference Care’s CSR practice was analysed across four themes; Impact on the environment, social responsibility, ethical practices and supply chain, using Ecovadis’s 21 recognised criteria which follow verifiable international CSR standards including the Global Compact Principles, the International Labour Organisation conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative standard and the ISO 26000.

Andrew Deakin, Director said ‘We wanted an objective platform that would recognise what we have already achieved as a business, but also provide us with the relevant tools and resources to support future improvements. Our Silver EcoVadis Rating upholds our on-going commitment to social and environmentally responsible business practices.’

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