Industry News

Conference Question Time attracts 70 meetings professionals

Over 70 meetings industry professionals attended the second in the Conference News Question Time series in London last night. 

Sundial Venues Voted Best Venue Group

Sundial Group has won gold for ‘Best Venue Group Meeting Product’ at the 2013 Meetings and Incentive Travel Industry (M&IT) Awards, beating off prestigious hotel group giants in a highly competitive category.

The new addition to the Well Met Conferencing portfolio; The Acre Room

Well Met Conferencing, the conference arm of Leeds Metropolitan University, has opened a new event space which can be used for small conferences and receptions for up to 100 theatre-style or as a breakout room. 

Gill Jackson appointed new head of sales at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, the UK’s largest privately owned hotel group, with a portfolio of over 45  four and five star hotels and resorts throughout the UK and Spain, has today (24 April) announced the appointment of Gill Jackson as new Head of Sales.

The mia List 2013

The 10 winners of the 2013 Meetings Industry Association (MIA) List were announced yesterday at the MIA’s 23rd Anniversary Lunch following the association’s AGM.

MIA reports 13% growth in AIM accredited membership

The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) reported membership growth at its 23rd AGM with a 13 per cent increase in the association’s AIM Accredited Members.

Red Carnation Hotels, featured on Channel 4’s The Intern, commits 100 new jobs to young people

The award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection has pledged 100 new job opportunities for aspiring young talent in the hospitality industry, as part of The Big Conversation for Hospitality Jobs, a new recruitment initiative from the British Hospitality Association, The Prince of Wales’s Charity Business in the Community and Springboard UK.

De Vere Venues Reaches New Heights with Altitude London Management Contract

“Where better to be than the skies above London. Altitude London really is a wonderful space to do interviews, broadcasts and press conferences.” David Cameron, Prime Minister

Robinson College Shortlisted For Prestigious National Award

Staff in the Conference Office at Robinson College Cambridge are celebrating being shortlisted for one of this year’s coveted Conference Awards.

The College is through to the last eight in the ‘Best Venue Customer Service ’ category in the Conference Awards 2013, the only academic venue in the listing.

CEME Conference Centre achieves GOLD Standard

CEME Conference Centre has just been awarded the highly prestigious ‘Accredited in Meetings’ (AIM) Gold Standard by the Meetings Industry Association.  Located in East London, CEME is one of only 15 venues across the United Kingdom that has achieved the highest grade, and is the first in East London and Essex.

Record-breaking UK meeting venues strike gold

VenueVerdict, the independent accreditation programme, has awarded its Gold Standard to a record 32 UK meeting venues.

The Royal Horseguards Hotel. Did you know...?

The Royal Horseguards has had a varied history. It has links to the British militar and also has strong governmental ties with Whitehall, due to its close proximity with the Houses of Parliament, Foreign office & the Ministry of Defence. Numerous meetings and discussions between influential politicians, statesmen & diplomats have taken place within these four walls.

Historic site of former insurance office transformed into new hotel

We’ve seen the opening of state of the art sports facilities in Rosshall, funky bars in the west end and fashionable shops at the Buchanan Quarter.  Now a city centre building which has been lying empty for the last eight years is being brought back to life as a 91 bedroom boutique hotel.

Vue Westfield London to host Guide Live spring 2013

The first Guide Live event of 2013 will be held at Vue Westfield London, White City on Thursday 6 June.

MICE report results in from UKEIS makes interesting reading

The UK Economic Impact Study (UKEIS) for the events industry, commissioned by the MPI Foundation, reported its findings last week from questions put to 3,460 event organisers, venues and attendees. 

And the M&IT Awards go to...

The UK event industry’s biggest and original awards dinner with 900 industry professionals took place on the 19th March at the spectacular Battersea Evolution. 

Starwood Capital acquires Principal Hayley

Private investment firm Starwood Capital Group has announced that an investment fund affiliated with it has acquired conference and events hotel group, Principal Hayley.

8 Northumberland Avenue Becomes Musion’s First Confirmed Holographic Venue Partner

London’s most central venue, a one minute walk from Trafalgar Square, will soon offer customers a permanent high definition holographic projection system, perfect for enhancing events of all kinds.

Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin to expand following acquisition by US firm

The Malmaison Group, owner of Malmaison and Hotel du Vin hotel brands, has been acquired by KSL Capital Partners, a US private equity firm.

Multi-million pound make-over at Mottram Hall, a De Vere Hotel

A major £6 million transformation is being made to the hotel’s spa, bedrooms, golf course, dining and conference facilities.  Mottram Hall is currently being transformed into the ultimate country luxury retreat and the redevelopment is well underway.
 

'Floating village' plan for River Thames to include events space

The mayor of London's office has confirmed that plans for a floating village on the Thames will include events space.

Updates all round at MWB BusinessExchange!

MWB Liverpool Street is expanding it's meeting space whilst MWB Regent Street are currently going through a  refurbishment. All of this as well as MWB launching their brand new hot food concept 'Street Food'. 

Investment at The Grand Brighton, a De Vere Hotel

De Vere are currently transforming Brighton’s most iconic hotel with a multi-million pound investment. The refurbishment programme will combine modern touches with traditionally elegant features and is well underway.

Ongoing commitment to quality sees launch of 'The Macdonald Hotels' Signature Collection'

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts, the UK’s largest privately owned hotel operator has announced the launch of their 'Signature Collection' – reflecting their continued commitment to provide guests with the highest industry standards of product and service delivery.

Mark Taylor named new Chief Executive at the QEIICC

The Government has today announced that Mark Taylor is to become the new Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC) replacing Ernest Vincent who is stepping down on 4 April 2013.

EEF Venues invests £1m into Broadway House and Woodland Grange refurb

Broadway House in London and Woodland Grange Conference Centre in Warwickshire will undergo major refurbishment as part of a £1m investment by parent company EEF Venues.

InterContinental London Westminster Hotel Opens Its Doors to the Politicos

The great and the good of the political scene descended on the InterContinental London Westminster to celebrate first InterContinental to open in London in 36 years.

Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa has won Hotel of the Year at Hand Picked Hotels’ 2012 awards

Recently the onsite spa at Rookery Hall Hotel was given the five bubble award by the Good Spa Guide and the hotel experienced double digit growth in hotel profit, with occupancy over 70 per cent for the year. Now the Rookery Hall Hotel can add the Hand Picked Hotels’ ‘Hotel of the Year’ award to it’s collection.

De Vere Venues Announce New Management Contract at The Royal Society Chicheley Hall

De Vere Venues, the UK’S number one for meetings, training, conference & events space, has been awarded the management contract at Chicheley Hall, historic home to the Royal Society in Newport Pagnell.  The announcement underpins De Vere Venues’ growth strategy for the portfolio, which now totals 37 venues nationwide.

venuedirectory.com shortlisted for an Annual MICE Report Award

venuedirectory.com has been shortlisted by readers of the MICE Report to win an award in the category of the Best Venue Finding Service in the UK for the Annual MICE Report Awards 2013

venuedirectory.com’s Michael Begley is an mia-list finalist!

The nomination process for The mia-List 2013 took place between 1st June - 16th November 2012 and venuedirectory.com’s Managing Director Michael Begley is a finalist.

The Luxury Academy launches finishing school style training course for hotel staff

‘The Luxury Academy’ has launches a new course specifically for hotel staff that is designed to elevate standards and enhance service within luxury hotels.

Save the Date!

The mia’s twenty-third Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on the morning of Monday 22nd April 2013 at Central Hall Westminster, London.

CEME Conference Centre joins Conference Centres of Excellence

CEME Conference Centre in the London Thames Gateway, has joined Conference Centres of Excellence, a consortium of dedicated meeting providers.

Brighton Centre wins British Red Cross conferences

The Brighton Centre has won its bid to host the British Red Cross National Assembly for 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts UK’s Crowned Number One Provider Of Meetings Services by BDRC Continental

The iconic hotel brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts,  has been awarded the title of the country's number one provider of meetings services. The findings were revealed by renowned market research provider BDRC Continental in their 2012 UK MeetingsMetrix report.

Confex update: Keynote line-up

Keynote line up announced! Sessions will take place from 13:00 - 13:45 on each day of the show in the Keynote & Agency Theatre.

Nominations for the 2013 Cateys now open

Since the launch in 1984, the Cateys,  have cast a spotlight on the industry’s high-flyers, strongest performers and hottest brands. Nominations for this year are now open.

Voltaire bar to be launched by Crowne Plaza London – The City

Destination Champagne bar Voltaire will open at the Crown Plaza London – The City hotel later this month following the completion of a £2m refurbishment project last year.

EC&O re-launches Olympia

EC&O Venues have unveiled new branding for its Olympia exhibition centre. This follows Olympia’s £30m redevelopment, which introduced a new level to the West Hall and refurbished Olympia Two and the Conference Centre.

Exclusive Chefs compete in BBC2’s Great British Menu for Comic Relief

The BBC2 series Great British Menu returned to our screens this January and two of Exclusive Hotel’s Michelin Starred  chefs, Richard Davies and Matt Gillan, are involved.

Royal Berkshire Hotel transforms meeting rooms for 21st century conferencing

The Royal Berkshire Hotel near Ascot has invested over £250,000 to transform the 5 meeting & function rooms bringing them right into the 21^st century in every way. Part of the EH Venues brand the Royal Berkshire was acquired by Exclusive Hotels in May 2011 & a rolling plan programme of refurbishments began towards the end of that year.

Pledge made to make events more sustainable by 2020

The Sustainable Events Summit this month saw event professionals being asked to commit to specific actions to make their business more sustainable.

AEG to build hotel at The O2

The riverfront hotel will have the largest ballroom in Europe, with space for 3,000 people seated and an extensive conference facilities with a single-room capacity of 3,000sqm.

Classic Lodges Growth PLUS a £2.5m Refurbishment & Enhancement Project

A newly built hotel, additions to the portfolio and a £2.5m refurbishment & enhancement at the Farington Lodge Hotel including a new meeting room!

One step closer to reality for luxury hotel at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Transformation of former university buildings at the Bretton Hall estate into 120-bedroom hotels with restaurants, bar, spa and conference facilities will be considered by the planning committee of Barnsley Council next month.

Park Inn by Radisson Telford Completes Phase 2 Of Multimillion Pound Refurbishment

The Park Inn by Radisson Telford hotel has unveiled a complete new look for guests with the completion of phase 2 of a planned £4 million intensive refurbishment programme.

Supply and demand growth predicted for UK hotels in 2013

The leading provider of market data to the hotel industry; STR Global, in conjunction with Tourism Economics, is forecasting positive supply and demand growth across London and regional U.K. in 2013

39 Ways to Improve Your Meetings

A guide has been commissioned by PCMA that uses a collection of behavioural science studies curated by psychologists to determine what can enhance the value of face-to-face experiences for both attendees and planners.

Sundial’s Mia Butler Receives Prestigious Tim Gasson Award

Sundial Group are proud to announce that Mia Butler, Agency Sales Manager at Sundial Venues, has received the prestigious HBAA (Hotel Bookings Agents Association) ‘Tim Gasson Award’ in recognition for her outstanding contribution to the meetings industry.

De Vere Grand Brighton will open Fish Restaurant as part of its multi-million pound refurbishment

The restaurant which will be called GB1 will open next month, replacing the existing Kings Restaurant. The restaurant's unique feature will be the fish; all of which will be caught sustainably on the day in which it is served and within a seven mile radius of the iconic 201 bedroom seafront hotel.

Finalists announced for the 2013 M&IT Awards

The M&IT Industry Awards ceremony, which takes place at Battersea Evolution, London, on Tuesday 19 March, is organised by Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine and rewards excellence of service and product across the events sector. Finalists for the awards were recently announced.

Sustainable Events Summit endorsed by Mayor of London

Boris Johnson, The Mayor of London, has pledged his support for the inaugural Sustainable Events Summit taking place on 24 January at Siemens' The Crystal. The letter from City Hall comes on the back of support from other government figures.

IET Venues, etc. Venues & QHotels triumph at VenueVerdict Awards

IET Venues, etc.venues and QHotels have all triumphed in the 2012 BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Awards which are drawn from independent customer feedback, and for 2012, the results were determined from more than 27,500 individual event host reviews.

11% Rise in Business Visits to Britain in November 2012

Business visits up 11% in record November for Britain from Official figures released earlier this month!  The figures reveal that Britain has recorded its best November for business visits since 2007, with 720,000 visitors.

2013 Confex will launch a Hotel Lobby feature in March.

The new feature will provide a dedicated area for buyers to see a range of properties showcasing their meetings and events products. The Hotel Lobby will have three separate sections tailored to UK, international or luxury products and will be centrally located in the show, which takes place at Excel London on 19-21 March.

Sundial Group awarded ‘Best Value for Money’ by BDRC Continental

Sundial has been awarded ‘Best Value for Money’ meeting venues group by BDRC Continental’s VenueVerdict Awards for 2012, continuing to hold the position since the awards began.

Coventry’s Ricoh Arena £2m investment for on-site hotel nearing completion

The additional bedrooms are in the north and south wings of the stadium and are an extension of the existing De Vere Hotel, which will open on 18 January, 2013.

Heritage Motor Centre - Never knowingly under-quoted!

The Heritage Motor Centre, is an award winning, high profile conference venue, which stands for quality and great service. This may lead some event bookers to feel the venue is outside the parameters of their budget.

Thistle Hotels launches free, unlimited WiFi service in London properties

Thistle Hotels today announced the successful launch of free, unlimited WiFi across its portfolio of London Hotels.

Accor new brand based organisation for its European hotel venues

French hotel group Accor intends to strengthen its brands through a reorganisation of its structure and operational teams in Europe, which will be effective from the beginning of the New Year.

Events industry inquiry billed for 2013

The APPG for Events is set to unite figureheads from the event industry for an inquiry, the findings from which will be presented to Parliament. BVEP's chief executive Michael Hirst wants to see a broad range of industry figures represented in an inquiry.

Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel to increase events capacity

One of Oxford’s most popular hotels is investing £2 million on a multi-functional Conservatory for events and dining along with new and upgraded bedrooms. 

Stephen Raducki named Moët UK Young Sommelier of the Year 2012

Extensive wine knowledge and a creative approach to food and wine matching has won Stephen Raducki, head sommelier at the Hotel du Vin Winchester, the Moët UK Young Sommelier of the Year Award 2012.

QEII appoints Eventia's Hughes as non-executive Board Director

Eventia chair Simon Hughes has been appointed as a non-executive director of The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (The QEIICC).
Hughes is the managing partner of MCHA, the current chair of Eventia and former director of live events for the Central Office of Information (COI).  Ernest Vincent, chief executive, The QEIICC said that Hughes will bring a wealth of experience of live events to the Centre at a time when it is exploring new avenues for growth.

The Orchard Hotel, Now Open!

The Orchard is an eco-friendly contemporary hotel offering 202 bedrooms, 55 of which are executive suites as well as 5 fully accessible rooms. The brasserie-style restaurant, Bramleys, offers guests modern gastro-pub style dishes in stylish surroundings. The hotel also features a stylish bar area, outside terrace for al fresco entertaining, and dry gym.

Business as usual for Malmaison and Hotel du Vin in the face of MWB Group administration

Malmaison and Hotel du Vin chief executive Gary Davis has stressed that it is business as usual for Malmaison and Hotel du Vin, despite the hotel brands' owner MWB Group Holdings calling in the administrators last week.

Tankersley Manor’s new Bar & Brassiere hits the mark

Following a £100,000 investment, Tankersley Manor has unveiled its newly refurbished Bar & Brasserie. Providing a taste of the English countryside with a modern twist, it’s the perfect place to unwind and indulge in some classic brasserie dishes.

With a menu containing everything from Crispy Hen Eggs, Seven-Hour Cooked Lamb and Coq au Vin to Braised Beef in Ale and 8oz Rib-Eye Steak, there’s a mouth-watering selection to suit any palette!

Macdonald invests in insight

Macdonald Hotels and Resorts has invested in BDRC Continental's VenueVerdict and Meetings Benchmark Tracker programmes.

The independent assessment programmes will test the effectiveness of Macdonald's enquiry handling techniques. The group is also investing £750k to improve Wi-Fi infrastructure across its properties.

Park Inn Heathrow taps in to corporate business with major refurb

The Park Inn Heathrow hotel has become the Park Inn Hotel & Conference Centre in recognition of its new conference and meeting facilities which have been included as part of a multi-million pound investment across its estate.

Business with Akkeron Hotels

With a charming collection of individual hotels in England and Scotland, our dedicated Meetings and Events team ensure you receive the right support and service so that your business event is as hassle-free as possible.

Guoman Hotels is introducing free wifi to all guests and meeting delegates at its five hotels in London.

The group, which runs the Grosvenor, Royal Horseguards, Charing Cross, Cumberland and The Tower hotels, has agreed a partnership with BT to offer free wifi throughout its properties in the UK capital.

Hospitality industry is the number one target for computer hackers – hotels should do more

Speakers at the Institute of Hospitality's Risk Management seminar at World Travel Market on Tuesday told hoteliers they should do more to protect customer data. Paul Moxness, vice-president safety and security, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, reckoned that this year, 60% of data breaches were through the hospitality industry.

Thistle Hotels unveils it's new winter 'Good Honest Food and Drink' Menu

The new menu includes an extensive choice of dishes, freshly prepared from the finest ingredients. Guests can order from a selection of dishes 24 hours a day either at a table or in the comfort of the hotel room. 

Free high-speed Internet access for meeting delegates and hotel guests! with Radisson Blu!

Long committed to being among the first to anticipate the needs of the busy traveller, Radisson Blu has been offering Free high-speed Internet access to all guests and meeting delegates who visit our participating hotels. Just attend a meeting or check-in to a Radisson Blu Hotel worldwide get free access to the Internet as a part of our E@sy Connect service concept.

Rezidor's Kurt Ritter wins Lifetime Achievement Award at 2012 European Hospitality Awards

Rezidor’s president and chief executive Kurt Ritter picked up the Lifetime Achievement accolade at the 2012 European Hospitality Awards held at the Landmark hotel in London last week.

Abbey Hotel, Golf & Spa, Birmingham South (Redditch) - New golfing facility now open!

The impressive new driving range features a covered 2-tier 28-bay floodlit driving range, heated teaching bays, automated ball dispensers, high quality artificial grass target greens, first class coaching facility and a custom fitting facility.

The Home of Cricket is becoming a home for conferences and events

Lord's Cricket Ground, found by Thomas Lord in 1787 as the home of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), is one of the world's most esteemed sporting grounds.

Qhotel, The Westerwood voted Best Hotel in Scotland!

The Westerwood Hotel & Golf Resort has retained the prestigious VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation and was also revealed to be the highest ranking hotel in Scotland*, following the assessment for the year to 30th September 2012.

Events & Hospitality QM reflects on the unforgettable summer of 2012!

As the sun sets on the summer of 2012, Events & Hospitality QM is looking to the future and the opportunities we will have following the success of the Games. This summer the QM campus became a truly global village, providing the accommodation for over 1,000 officials from more than 27 National Olympic Committees and Team GB during the Olympics, including Team GB gold medal winner!  

Virtual Showround videos from venuedirectory.com wins top award at MIMA’s

Around 375 events industry professionals applauded the best marketing innovations in the industry at the Meetings Industry Marketing Awards 2012 (MIMA).
 

Focus on hospitality at DoubleTree by Hilton London Heathrow

Management is what we do best at Focus Hotels, having transformed the hotel’s performance in under nine months. We have drawn on over 60 years of senior hospitality industry experience to ensure that your experience is a smooth and enjoyable one.

Join 15Hatfields and Eden Caterers on 30 October to experience how style and taste can be good for the environment

Enjoy award winning canapés and savour the finest English sparkling wines whilst you learn how 15Hatfields can help you organise your next truly environmentally friendly event.

Acorn Awards 2012 winners revealed

Thirty of the brightest prospects in the hospitality industry under the age of 30 picked up their Acorn Awards today.

The youthful high-achievers were presented with their awards at a celebration lunch held at Bovey Castle in Devon's Dartmoor National Park.

The winners represented every sector of the hospitality industry, including hotels (budget to five-star properties) and restaurants (both
in groups and those with Michelin stars), as well as contract catering
companies.

MACDONALD HOTELS & RESORTS NAMED 2012 – 2013 AA ECO-HOTEL GROUP OF THE YEAR

The industry leading ‘green’ credentials of Macdonald Hotels & Resorts were recognised last night (24 September) when the UK’s largest privately owned hotel group scooped the prestigious 2012 – 2013 AA
Eco-Hotel Group of the Year award at the AA annual hospitality awards
event held at London Hilton Park Lane. 

Extensive exhibition space at Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts in London

Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts boasts a stylish collection of individually designed hotels offering first-class meetings and exhibition facilities across London and includes Park Plaza Victoria London, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge and Park Plaza Riverbank London.

De Vere creates new management contract team

De Vere Venues has appointed Darren Patt as managing director for development, heading up a new team to boost growth in the events sector.

Gordon Ramsay and Mary Portas to lead team of celebrities for Channel 4 hotel series

Gordon Ramsay and Mary Portas will turn hoteliers for a new Channel 4 series aimed at raising cash for industry charity Springboard.

Focus on hospitality at DoubleTree by Hilton London Heathrow

Management is what we do best at Focus Hotels, having transformed the hotel’s performance in under nine months. We have drawn on over 60 years of senior hospitality industry experience to ensure that your experience is a smooth and enjoyable one.

15Hatfields conference venue scoops top sustainability award

15Hatfields has been named the UK’s most sustainable conference and event venue at an awards ceremony held at the Food Link Conference organised by Sustain – the alliance for better food and farming. This prestigious award is presented to organisations that can demonstrate exceptional standards of leadership in sustainable business practice.

New De Vere Venues

We are delighted to announce the launch of our latest event, meeting and training venues, with three new properties opening their doors in 2012. April saw Colmore Gate open for business in Birmingham city centre.

De Vere Venues given fresh new look

As well as adding a number of venues to our ever expanding portfolio, renovations continue across existing De Vere Venues, as we continue to provide world class environments for businesses nationwide.

Verve Deli at De Vere Venues

Keeping our guests revived throughout their working day is of upmost importance at De Vere Venues. That’s why we’ve introduced our innovative refreshment stations across all of our venues.

Lights, Camera, Action with De Vere Hotels

We’re constantly looking for innovative ways to enhance our delegates experience with us, and know that their feedback is a vital part of the improvement process.

AEO launches petition to save Earls Court

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has launched a petition to stop the demolition of Earls Court. You can sign the petition by going to epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/36680. It is asking for the planning application to be ‘called in’ for a public inquiry.

Four Pillars Hotels Group achieves AIM accreditation at all six properties

A huge “Well Done!” to Independent hotel group, Four Pillars Hotels, for achieving AIM accreditation from the MIA (Meetings Industry Association) at all six of its properties in recognition of the quality of its facilities, legal compliance and commitment to an industry benchmarked code of practice.

Iconic landmark hotel, The Queens in Leeds, celebrates 75 years!

The Queens hotel has stood proudly over city square in Leeds since 1937 and has a unique place in the history of this famous city. Designed by architects W.Curtis Green and W.H.Hamlyn for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway; The Queens was built as the flagship, modern hotel for the recently redesigned Leeds Railway Station.

Park Inn by Radisson launch new look operational floor at Calder

There was much excitement last week as Park Inn by Radisson launched the new look operational floor at Calder’s office with the traditional ribbon cutting and a VIP lunch. 

Stoke Rochford Hall appoints new Head of Sales and Marketing

Lincolnshire conference and training venue, Stoke Rochford Hall in Lincolnshire, has appointed Melanie Edgar as its Head of Sales and Marketing.

 

Park Inn by Radisson UK hotels get a fresh new look

There’s lots of exciting renovation works currently being undertaken at Park Inn by Radisson hotels in the UK. 

The 2012 nominations are out!

The UK Event Awards recognise and reward the very best of Britain's events industry and entries are received from venues, event organisers, supplier and marketers.

Recognising those that make a difference to UK MICE

The list is to celebrate those people that have helped to make the UK meetings industry exceptional and a hold them up as examples of excellence.

UK’s first trade event decicated to the independent, luxury & boutique hotel sector

Independent Hotel 12 is the UK’s first trade event for the independent, luxury and boutique hotel industry, presenting a collection of the finest, most unique companies not typically seen at events. 

Access excellence Award

The Access Excellence Award was created in 2006. This exceptional award is to reward organisations that are providing excellence beyond compliance of their legal obligations. It acknowledges any organisation that encompasses an inclusive approach to creating accessible events.

De Vere University Arms Hotel wins Gold

The De Vere University Arms Hotel, Cambridge has been awarded a top nationwide customer service award.

Four Pillars Hotels AIM for better meetings!

Independent hotel group, Four Pillars Hotels, continues to deliver both quality and innovation to meetings and event organisers.

New Appointment - Deborah Green, Director of Sales MICE at Apex Hotels

Deborah Green has recently been appointed as the new Director of Sales MICE for
the Apex Hotels group.

Awards are one of the most powerful and cost-effective marketing tools

Awards are one of the most powerful and cost-effective marketing tools and winning a prestigious Best Business Award will help your organisation to stand out from the crowd, send a positive message to your existing customers and attract new business.

Carlton House Terrace to become Bosco House during Games

Russian sports brand Bosco is setting up home at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace during the Olympic Games.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business open for entry

The Awards were created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organisations and business people worldwide.

National Sales Awards open their doors

The National Sales Awards aim to recognise the impact of the individual, and the contribution of the team. The Awards are an agenda-setting programme – designed to educate the wider business community about the qualities, characteristics and attitudes possessed by the country’s best sales people.

Oceanic Restaurant now open at Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel in Heathrow

Take an American trip to downtown New York and the Miami food scenes with a ‘gastronomic twist’at The Oceanic restaurant and bar which has just opened in the 459-room Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel in Heathrow.

Princiapl Hayley appoints new Group Development Chef

Leading hotel and conference group Principal Hayley have announced the appointment of a new Group Development Chef, Bruce McDowell, who has been tasked with driving the Group’s chef development programmes forward and further enhancing the Tempus restaurant concept.

Calder Conferences wins Government Contract harnessing venuedirectory.com software to deliver solution

Calder has been awarded the PROVISION OF BOOKING SERVICES FOR MEETINGS AND EVENTS across central government. Calder won the sole supplier contract ahead of some of the UK's top conference and events providers and their technology solution, provided by venuedirectory.com , was integral to their submission.

Hear My Train a Comin' - Hendrix Hits London

Emp in association with The Hospital Club bring a major new exhibition to London to celebrate Jimi Hendrix's 70th Birthday.

Yet another Refurbishment at Old English Inns!!!!

We have invested a great deal of time and effort in restoring many of our historic buildings to their former glory, retaining their old-world charm but will all the modern day comforts.

What's new with Center Parcs

Following our recent investments at Sherwood Forest and Longleat Forest, we are pleased to announce our Elveden Forest Venue will be undergoing a refurbishment this summer. The planned upgrade of The Venue facilities includes new paintwork, artwork, carpets and furniture for a fresh new feel.

Millennium UN Plaza Hotel New York Launches Major Upgrade Initiative Luxury West Tower Will Reopen in September 2012

Come September 2012, the United Nations will have a new fashionable neighbor that will be a fitting complement to its illustrious namesake. The two iconic glass skyscrapers of Millennium UN Plaza Hotel will be transformed following an ambitious top-to-bottom interior renovation.

Introducing MeetInns by Old English Inns

Everything you need for your meeting or event - delivered with character and charm!

Make your meeting and training budget go further – use a specialist venue; etc.venues Maple House, Birmingham

A sure sign that a business is growing is the need to use more and more external space for meetings or staff training. There are a vast range of venues that will gladly take your money for the privilege of using their space from hotels to sports stadiums to old manor houses.

Channel 4 TV show offers dream hospitality job to hopeful

A Channel 4 TV show is set to give a leg up to one hospitality hopeful by giving them the chance to go directly into a top job at a London hotel.

London Hotels already seeing positive 2012 Olympic legacy

Hotels in London are reporting strong business immediately after the 2012 Olympics, dispelling fears that the capital could suffer a post-Games slump.

UK tourism figures hit record levels ahead of London 2012 Olympics

With the London 2012 Olympics just around the corner, hospitality businesses will welcome the news that a record number of internationals flocked to the UK in April, with a significant increase in both the volume and value of inbound tourism compared with the previous year. 

Give Us Time….. Are you in a position to join us?

Liam Fox – Member of Parliament for North Somerset Launches initiative for families adjusting to life after combat with the help of meetings and events specialist venuedirectory.com.

The Deck’s 1950s seaside pier themed event marked the start of Jubilee

The Deck, the National Theatre’s rooftop event space, transformed into a 1950s seaside pleasure pier (31st May 2012), marking the start of the UK’s celebrations of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Conference Aston launches new iPad App

Birmingham-based hotel and conference centre at Aston University, Conference Aston claims its new iPad app is the first in the Academic Venues arena.

Shortlist announced for 2012 SHINE AWARDS

Congratulations to Angela Vickers, Managing Director, Apex Hotels and Zoe Jenkins, General Manager, Coworth Park both appear on the shortlist for “Woman of the Year” for the 2012 Shine Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate female success within the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry has been announced by Women 1st.
The winner will be revealed at a gala dinner on 19 June, hosted by radio and television presenter Emma Forbes at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel.
 

Avanta - Sparks Donation

For every meeting room booking for 10 people or more in 2012, Avanta will donate £1 to Sparks, the children’s medical research charity.  As a leading children’s medical research charity Sparks are dedicated to funding and championing pioneering research into a range of conditions affecting babies, children and mums-to-be.

Well Met Conferencing have the key ingredients for your next event!

When it comes to choosing the destination and venue for your next event Well Met Conferencing can provide you with a great quality of service coupled with award-winning facilities, both essential ingredients for a successful event.
 

Princess Royal gives a Royal seal of approval to ArtsTwo at Queen Mary, University of London

The Princess Royal formally opened the ArtsTwo building at Queen Mary recently, the £21m facility boasting a state-of-the-art 300 seat lecture theatre, alongside six breakout rooms and communal facilities completed in late 2011. The facility is available for hire through Events & Hospitality QM the in-house events and hospitality provider at Queen Mary.

Leave a smaller carbon footprint when you meet at a Park Inn by Radisson

Responsible Business is a cornerstone of the Park Inn company culture where many of our hotels have been distinguished with eco-awards and third party certifications that highlight our efforts as a responsible corporate citizen. Be responsible and meet at a Park Inn by Radisson Hotel!

Not just a meeting room, but a Putteridge Bury Room...

Why choose a characterless, often windowless meeting room when you could have Putteridge Bury with its elegant rooms all of which have natural daylight.  Some of our rooms are enhanced with beautiful oak
panelling and chandeliers, overlooking our serene grounds.

A Royal visitor at The Royal York Hotel and Events Centre

HRH Prince Andrew arrived at the Royal York Hotel this morning and was escorted through the hotel garden to the exit ramp of the Wheel of York.

Jubilee Offer – 10% discount on meetings and conferences in May and June

HTI Conference Centre are offering new and existing customers a 10% discount when you book a meeting or conference to take place in May or June.

Hand Picked Hotels launches meetings and events brand ‘meetings etc.’

This year’s International Confex in Earls Court, London saw the official launch of Hand Picked Hotels ‘meetings etc’ brand. meetings etc has seen the evolvement of our existing business product, these improvements mean we can now offer a more flexible approach to event and meeting bookings.

Best of Brighton: The Alternative Jubilee Weekender!

Brighton Dome is giving one lucky prize-winner and a guest the very best of Brighton for one weekend of exclusive celebrations.

2 More hotels join the Britannia Group

After acquiring The Royal Hotel and the Clifton Hotel in Scarborough earlier last month, we are delighted to announce the acquisition of 2 more well known hotels.

Going The Extra Mile - Robinson College Launches New Customer Service Initiative

A Cambridge College is unveiling a major drive to demonstrate its commitment to meeting the needs of its clients in the current economic climate.

Team building for the adventurous at Ruthin Castle

Through the current uncertain economic times organisations today face unprecedented challenges, and to survive, good team work is essential. Team Building at Ruthin Castle provides a new perspective on how your team operates. How will your team rise to the challenge of surviving in the wild? Fire lighting, shelter building and finding food and water may not be part of their normal job descriptions, but solving these challenges together provides a fun and practical way to increase team effectiveness.

Have you discovered Manchester’s King’s House Conference Centre yet?

In a building originally operated as a bakery over many years, King’s House Conference Centre is now rising steadily to become one of Manchester’s premier medium-sized conference venues. In these challenging economic times, spend your dough wisely and hold your conference with us. Use your loaf and enquire about how we can meet your conferencing kneads.

Deborah Meaden will be sharing her secrets with PAs at the 2012 office* show

Taking place on the 12-13 September at its new home – National Hall, Olympia, London – office* has fast become one of the must-attend events in any PA’s calendar, so it’s fitting that one of the most high profile businesswomen will be headlining at the keynote theatre for the duration of the show.

venuedirectory.com team up with Trev Hospitality Skills Training

Venuedirectory.com are supporting Trev Hospitality Skills Training with their forthcoming sales training initiative, supporting venues and hotels to equip their teams to deal with the realities of a competitive market.

The Re- branding for Ibis kicks off with Ibis London Wembley Hotel

French hotel group Accor has begun the roll-out of the new branding for its Ibis hotels in the UK with the Ibis London Wembley Hotel.

The De Vere Group is selling two hotels to Britannia Hotels to fund expansion of De Vere Village Brand

It has exchanged contracts for around £20m on the five-star, 140-bedroom Royal Bath in Bournemouth (pictured) and the 192-bedroom De Vere Daresbury Park in Warrington.

Nominations for Acorn Awards 2012 due to close 18 May 2012

The Acorn Awards, recognising the future stars of hospitality, are entering their 26th year. This year, the ceremony, sponsored by ACT Clean, will be hosted at Bovey Castle. 

Entries open for 2012 Hotel Cateys

Entries are now open for the industry’s only truly independent benchmark of operational excellence, Caterer and Hotelkeeper’s Hotel Cateys.

Radisson Blu rolls out pharma meetings package

Radisson Blu hotels has rolled out a meetings package in the UK dedicated to the pharmaceutical industry.

Perfect Hosts in London; 1-8 Russell Square

Movers and shakers of the conferencing world were out in force today, Thursday 29 March, to celebrate the re-launch of Principal Hayley’s exclusive training and event space at Hotel Russell, central London.

Bookings lost as venues fail to follow up sales enquiries

Valuable bookings are being lost by venues in the UK and abroad because of a failure by sales teams to follow up on enquiries according to research from BDRC Continental’s Meetings Benchmark Tracker.

Date set for Annual Hotel Conference 2012

The date for the 2012 Annual Hotel Conference (AHC) in Manchester has been set for the 3 and 4 October.

Considerate Hotel of the Year Awards deadline extended

The deadline for the Considerate Hotel of the Year Awards 2011/12 has been extended to 18 April. Accommodation providers at every level - bed and breakfast operations, guesthouses, pubs, inns and restaurants with rooms - can enter the awards, which recognise establishments showing innovation, passion and dedication to the green agenda.

'Associations up, corporates down', organisers report

The International Association of Professional Congress Organisers reports that there were 6,621 meetings handled last year, an increase of 8.4 per cent.

London is outperformed by regional hotels in February

Regional hotels bucked recent trends by outperforming their London peers in February for the first time since August 2009, according to preliminary hotel figures from PKF Hotel Consultancy Services.

Confex claims improved attendance at its new home - ExCel

UBM is claiming both visitor and exhibitor attendance increased at International Confex as the show took place at its new home, London ExCeL.

The Lensbury Hotel... £8 million refurbishment complete!

Following an £8 million refurbishment, the conference centre at the Lensbury Hotel features a new riverside function room and state-of-the-art conferencing facilities.

Want to be featured in Channel 4’s Reality TV Series, ‘The Hotel’?

Dragonfly Film and Television are now looking for a new venue to be featured in the next series of The Hotel. The television series follows the day-to-day operation of a busy hotel and the stories of its staff and guests. It captures a light-hearted snapshot of life for viewers and a fantastic advertising and PR opportunity for the hotel!

Will you be breaking the law either as a provider or a buyer of corporate hospitality?

The new Bribery Act introduces new guidelines and criminal penalties for non-compliance. Its jurisdiction is worldwide. Hospitality to prospective clients now has to be ‘reasonable and proportionate’ and the only defence in law is to have an internal compliance system in place BEFORE the hospitality event takes place.

New “Senses Room” for Lancaster Hotel

Plans have been announced by Lancaster London hotel to launch a Senses Room, which is a new concept that allows guests to preview their wedding, party or business banquet at the hotel. The Senses Room, which will be launched in April 2012, will go beyond simply offering a tasting menu and will provide a full sensory trial for guests who will have the opportunity to see the room as it will appear to their exact specifications, including colour scheme, lighting and music.

Heritage Motor Centre set in 65 acres of grounds for your delgates to enjoy!

The Heritage Motor Centre’s 65 acre site is licensed for 5000 people and is available for exclusive use.  Two large, hard standing arenas flank the main building, with surrounding grass lawns and banks for further display and corporate branding opportunities. The addition of a 6 acre meadow and additional parking make the Centre an ideal venue for private corporate days, large product launches and outdoor events.

New Chairman for Meetings Industry Association

The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has announced its new Board and Council, with a new Chairman and Vice-Chairman at its AGM.

QHotels Appoints Ian Thomas as Commercial Director

Ian Thomas has been appointed as Commercial Director for QHotels, the collection of 21 unique and award-winning hotels across the UK.
 

Meetings with Focus: get more from your get-togethers

Tired of overpriced, cookie-cutter venues and robotic service? With a portfolio of 14 individual properties covering a wide range of prime UK business locations, and a variety of flexible, great value meetings packages available, you can count on Focus Hotels’ warm hospitality and expertise to deliver a hassle-free, seamless event.

Sundial Scoop A Further Three Awards and the 2012 M&IT Awards

Sundial Group's award-winning reputation has been confirmed - yet again - following their triple title success at the most prestigious meetings industry awards ceremony,
Meetings & Incentive Travel Magazine Awards 2012.

ROI of UK events during 2012 to be measured by the MPI

The MPI (Meeting Professionals International) Foundation has secured £164,000 of investment to fund a study into the impact of the events industry on the UK economy, data it will use to lobby government policy-makers and businesses.

Venue Cymru is positioned on the promenade with breathtaking sea views from many of the conference and meeting spaces

Spectacularly located in Llandudno on the North Wales coast, Venue Cymru provides outstanding quality and exceptional value in a stunning sea-front location.

History Comes Alive at Regent’s College Conference Centre

Take a journey into the past on Wednesday 18^th April 2012 at an open day with a difference.

Now even more opportunity to banish meeting fatigue forever with Mercure

If you thought meetings were meetings, with no variety or scope for improvement, Mercure is asking that you think again. With a UK hotel network that doubled in 2011, boasting over 70 properties and over 500 meeting rooms across the UK – Mercure is determined to reimagine the entire meetings landscape.

The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne wins National Award

Eastbourne’s five-star Grand Hotel has been named the country’s top waterside hotel in the prestigious 2012 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence.

Top Ten Tips to help you find your perfect meetings venue

Venuedirectory.com Client Services Director Heather Swatkins knows a thing or two about venue finding having worked on behalf of numerous clients during her past roles in 2 well known conference placement agents. Here, she puts her knowledge on paper to give you her top tips when searching for that perfect venue:

Sundial still Best Value for Money in the meetings industry

Sundial Group has just been announced ‘Best Value for Money' Meeting Venue group for a fourth consistent year.

Imperial War Museum Duxford crowned Best Unusual Venue!

Elior celebrated a big win at the UK Event Awards 2011 as IWM Duxford scooped the award for Best Unusual Venue.

Sundial Group Launch Mobile Site

Hot on the heels of its record breaking four nominations in the 2012 Meetings and Incentive Travel Magazine Awards, Sundial Group continues to break new ground with the launch of its brand new mobile website.

Event report - 2012: A year of growth in the meetings industry?

Over 50 meeting professionals from a variety of backgrounds participated in MPI UK & Ireland’s economy focussed educational event.

Brighton Centre offers free wi-fi to all conference delegates

The newly renovated Brighton Centre has announced that it will provide free delegate wi-fi as standard for all business and conference delegates attending the venue.

IOEX to host speed-networking event

The International Outdoor Event Expo (IOEX) is giving landowners and event organisers five minutes to find out whether they'd be suited to one another.

The National Business Awards UK

The National Business Awards in partnership with Orange is the UK's premier, cross-industry Awards programme. The Awards are your opportunity to shine and demonstrate you are an outstanding British business.

Upgrade announced for ‘best online booking tool on the market’

Venuedirectory.com will use this week’s Business Travel Show at Earls Court to reveal an upgraded version of its Corporate Booking Tool for Meetings and Events, which offers small and medium sized agents a single portal to search, select, enquire, run reports and analyse spend and savings.

Health & Safety legislation within the events industry?

Health & Safety is an essential consideration for any business, particularly for those in the events industry. It can make the difference between winning and losing business and neglecting it can land you with devastating penalties.

Capital Investment with Principal Hayley

London, Edinburgh and Cardiff, plus our luxurious country retreat near Windsor. Go online now to find out more about your favourite destinations: Hotel Russell, The George, St. David’s Hotel & Spa and the Beaumont Estate.Exciting news! We have just launched microsites for four of our prestigious hotel and conference venues, based in the countries leading ‘capital’ cities: London, Edinburgh and Cardiff, plus our luxurious country retreat near Windsor. Go online now to find out more about your favourite destinations: Hotel Russell, The George, St. David’s Hotel & Spa and the Beaumont Estate.

Three-quarters of hotel guests want capped free Wi-Fi access

Three-quarters of hotel guests who regularly use Wi-Fi facilities have said they would prefer capped free Wi-Fi access over charged-for options promising greater connection speeds and reliability.

One year on from the Launch of Principal Hayley's Grand Central!

Celebrating their 1st anniversary since the launch in January 2011, The Grand Central has gone from strength to strength this past year; winning a 4 star reputation and becoming a leading hotel and conference centre in Glasgow.

Terry Holmes puts on the style for London 2012

Veteran hotelier Terry Holmes made a sartorial impression upon Lord Coe when he arrived to address the Masters Innholders' 19th annual Hotel General Managers' Conference.

Blackpool City Learning Centre have the latest in Video Conferening

Meeting rooms can accomodate up to 100 delegates. Additionall our 3 specialised ICT rooms are regularly used by businesses for ICT training,  

Celtic Manor completes £500,000 refurbishment

Celtic Manor invested £500,000 in team-building and leisure facilities and updated its conference facilities with the creation of the Monmouth Lounge break-out area.

Two Mint hotels are rebranded Doubletree by Hilton in Manchester and Leeds

The hotels are two of eight Mint Hotels across the UK and the Netherlands joining the Hilton Worldwide portfolio.

Manchester Airport to create “Airport City”

Manchester Airport is planning to create a £659 million ‘Airport City’ on its doorstep to turn it into an international business destination. It will be the first development of its kind in the UK and is designated as one of the government’s new Enterprise Zones.

All six Four Pillars Hotels Awarded Silver by the Green Tourism Business Scheme

Four Pillars Hotels are delighted to announce that all six hotels in their portfolio have been awarded the Silver rating under the Green Tourism Business Scheme.  Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel and Tortworth Court Four Pillars Hotel previously won the accolade back in 2010, but now the group’s four Oxford properties have joined them to complete the set.

Boutique Hotel Summit 2012 return to London May 21 and 22 2012

Boutique Hotel Summit, Europe's leading b2b conference for the boutique and lifestyle hotel sectors is delighted to confirm that world-renowned design company yoo is to sponsor the event for the second year running.

Finalists 2012 Meetings & Incentive Travel Industry Awards announced

There are 19 awards voted for by the readers of Meetings& Incentive Travel magazine, plus two special awards: M&IT Personality of the Year, voted for by the industry and Access Excellence Award, where organisations nominate themselves.