03/2018

A main conference room for over 300 delegates, designed for the future and equipped with the latest technology, movable walls to expand training rooms and a total redesign and redecoration of Breakout and Bar areas are just some of the spectacular plans that will totally transform the Conference and Events venue at Wyboston Lakes Resort.

Work is about to start on the first phase of a complete refurbishment, a £3m plus investment that will add inspirational meeting areas designed with creative flare and equipped with top of the range technology; £0.5m is being invested specifically in the IT network. Phase One of the work will be completed later this year.

Synergy Architects Ltd were commissioned to assess ways in which the existing building opened in 1998 could be adapted sensibly to accommodate the latest trends in conferences in the 21st century and meet the needs of the latest and future generations of conference delegates. Their plans encompass a comprehensive interior refit to modernise and upgrade the facilities sensitively and in keeping with the existing building.

Major changes

This scheme will modernise all the public spaces, both within the building and within the external courtyards. The principal changes will be:

            •      increasing the capacity of the main conference room to 300+ delegates while incorporating the latest in design, IT and flexibility

            •      redecoration, new lighting, new artwork, room layouts and an uplift to the Bar and Main Breakout area

            •     movable wall sub-divisions, new seating, lighting and artwork in the Restaurant and servery

            •     a new coffee bar concept will be created

            •     introducing movable walls between Training rooms to create more flexible spaces with increased occupancy

             •    a new mini theatre and themed rooms

• developing the outdoor courtyard areas to integrate their use with the building, introducing sliding/folding walls to open the inside out

• hard and soft landscaping, adding seating, lighting, games areas, mobile bars and barbeques.

Operations Director Steve Jones, says “This complete refurbishment of our premium conference and events centre is exciting.  All 120 bedrooms and bathrooms have now been upgraded with modern wet rooms installed. This phase will increase the size of the principle function room by around 54 per cent once completed, followed by all meeting rooms and public areas.”

Jones continues, “As well as the physical works we are investing heavily in the overall offering with a new range of creative food and beverage outlets being launched and we will continue our focus on high end AV and outstanding service and hospitality. Our research into trends in dedicated conference and events venues has taken us across several continents and this investment is aimed to ensure we remain the venue of choice for the many blue-chip companies we work with. This will relaunch the Centre as a bright modern contemporary venue fit for the next decade.”

The purpose built residential Conference venue offers premium meeting and event facilities with a full spectrum of residential and non-residential events. It has built a large and diverse portfolio of customers in the UK and increasingly from overseas, ranging from FTSE Top 250 companies and government departments to SMEs, charities, associations and not-for-profit organisations.

Wyboston Lakes Resort, located on 380 acres between Cambridge and Milton Keynes, is the UK’s largest privately owned single site conference and leisure venue. This investment will bring the total investment in the Resort in the last few years to over £10m and is part of a long term continuing reinvestment strategy.

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

In April 2018, Loughborough based Imago Venues will start the first phase of a multi-million pound refurbishment of the 186 bedrooms in Burleigh Court, the portfolio’s flagship four star hotel and conference centre.

Using feedback and data gathered from clients on their experiences in pilot bedrooms, the refurbishment will see all 186 rooms modernised with new décor, furniture, furnishings and updated shower rooms.

The refurbishment will take place in several phases, allowing the hotel and significant numbers of bedrooms to remain open and capable of servicing the needs of guests throughout the process.

“We are continually investing in our product and offering, to ensure it remains not just fit for purpose but industry leading,” comments Hayley Hardy, senior business development manager at Imago Venues. “Our bedrooms have always been comfortable with all the facilities you would expect from a good quality four-star hotel but we want them to have a more luxurious and contemporary feel.  Fantastic service and great people sit at the heart of our offering and we want to ensure our product reflects that level of quality long into the future.”

The investment reflects Imago Venues’ ongoing commitment to improvements across the portfolio.  Future investments include £150,000 to be spent at Holywell Park on new AV and a refurbishment to the ground floor spaces.  Imago Venues also has plans to upgrade the conference and meeting facilities in Burleigh Court.

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.

The Events Industry Board is encouraging members of the events industry to get involved with its new Working Groups.

The Groups – which will continue detailed work on the priority issues affecting the industry - will be led by members of the Events Industry Board with contributors drawn from across the sector. Chair of the Board, Nick de Bois, is now actively calling for industry representatives to get in touch.

Confirmed topics to be addressed by the initial two Working Groups are:

Infrastructure

Understanding venue capacity, occupancy, regional spread, connectivity and transport across the whole of the UK as an essential part of targeting new international business and growing existing events.

Talent, Skills and Human Resources

Building on scoping work in the this area of critical importance already carried out by the Hospitality and Creative Industries, the Working Group will consider current skills gaps and the future skills and resources required in a post Brexit environment.

A future Working Group covering Industrial Strategy will also be included when and if a Tourism Sector Deal is agreed by the Government as part of its Brexit considerations.

Welcoming the new Working Groups, Nick de Bois said:

"I am keen that members from across the industry will come forward to share their expertise and advice to support the working groups. Government interest in the events industry is at an all-time high but we must continue to provide robust and well-researched solutions to complex challenges and the working groups will support this aim.  With trade and industry at the heart of the great Brexit debate, we have a window of opportunity to put forward the best case for business events as an economic driver. We need to seize the moment which is why I welcome the opportunity to work with others from this exciting industry.”

Industry representatives who would like to be involved with the Working Groups are encouraged to contact the respective Chairs:

• Talent, Skills and Human Resources: eib@sarahwrightconsulting.com
• Infrastructure / Capacity: chris.skeith@eventsindustryalliance.com

Event Industry Board members will also continue to work alongside ongoing Department for Digital , Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and VisitBritain groups on improving Britain’s international competitiveness and reviewing and improving the effectiveness of the Government’s Event Support Programme.

Further round table meetings with DCMS Ministers are also expected to be announced in the coming months for International Buyers, Destination Management Organisations and Outdoor events.

One of London’s most exciting and sought-after pop-up chefs, Jimmy Garcia, will give the Keynote at The Conference and Hospitality Show (CHS18) on Tuesday 24 April at Leeds first direct arena.

The Yorkshire born and bred chef will keynote the flagship show for CHS Group and brings with him his experience of growing up with a Spanish influence from his father and grandmother. Starting at the tender age of 16, Jimmy’s shining personality and flair for creative cooking soon saw him travelling to the Alps and Palma to build his experience as a chef.

CHS18 will see 35 per cent new exhibitors for the shows ninth year, providing event organisers, venue finders and PAs with a wealth of opportunities to meet a range of suppliers under one roof in Leeds.

Jimmy’s pop-ups began as a low-key affair – in his own front room to be precise – but their success soon made way for further events and eventually the opening of a restaurant, The Lodge. His unique approach to dining experiences has led to him being named ‘The Pop-up King’ and his passion for creating innovative experiences for diners has seen him gain national acclaim.

Having catered for the likes of Google, Sky, Emirates Airline, Virgin Media, Sony, Adidas and TFL, Jimmy’s keynote at CHS18 is set to be an inspiring address from the enterprising young chef.

Emma Cartmell, Chief Executive Officer at CHS Group commented:

“We are thrilled to have Jimmy on board as our keynote for CHS18. He’s a truly inspirational figurehead for the industry and his local roots make that all the more poignant. We’re confident that this year’s show is going to be the best yet.”

2018 will see the shows first industry ‘meet ups’ held throughout the day at the VIP Rockstar Bar, offering visitors an opportunity to speak to industry professionals one-on-one in a relaxed environment. The ‘meet ups’ are designed to host a range of industry groups, including the Association of Independent Event Agents (AIEA), Delegate Wranglers, EventProfs who Learn (EWL) and a meet up specifically for PAs from across the UK.

Complimentary VIP tickets are available for event planners, venue finders, PA/EAs and offer a whole host of benefits and extras on the day, including access to the VIP Rockstar Bar, complimentary food and beverages, a VIP goody bag and other treats. A VIP Pack will also be sent prior to the show with special prize draws only available to VIPs. Complimentary accommodation is available for VIPs who need to travel for over an hour to Leeds. For more information visit www.chs18.co.uk/which-ticket-is-for-you/.

CHS18, Tuesday 24^th April, Leeds first direct Arena.

www.chs18.co.uk