Whats Hot & Trending August 19

Bringing you the latest on new venues, venues offering something just that little bit different, others which are hitting the refurbishment trail and those that simply have a story to tell! And don’t worry, if we’re giving you the heads up on venues that aren’t available to review just yet, they soon will be!

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

WHO – East Side Rooms, Birmingham City Centre

WHAT – New purpose-built conference centre to launch 2020

WHY – Pillar free banqueting space seating 1,200 delegates, plus 2,980 sqm of breakout, event and exhibition space

A new state of the art conference and events venue is set to launch in Birmingham in spring 2020. The new centre which will feature an on-site hotel, is being built as part of the ‘Eastside’ development of the city and will form part of the ‘knowledge quarter’ being created around the historic area. Ten minute‘s walk from the Centre, East Side Rooms is already being called ‘the most connected conference centre in the UK’. At its heart will be the city’s largest pillar free banqueting space capable of seating 1,200 delegates, surrounded by extensive plenary, breakout, meetings and events space situated (and connected) next door to the 195 room Aloft Hotel. Throughout the conference centre, there will be nods towards the history of the area, as well as of Birmingham itself. The staff at the eastside rooms, have been recruited from the local community, and only supplemented when needed by global expertise. Equally, the food menus are influenced by the cultural story that spans the world but with produce sourced locally and ethically. Comments Matt Huddart, Regional General Manager “We’ve worked really closely with event organisers from the very outset of this project to make sure we’re creating the right spaces with the right infrastructure for a modern event. Over the next few months, leading up to the Spring 2020 opening we’ll be inviting more #eventprofs into the space so we can continue to listen to what they are after and give them the space they need.”

EMAIL: venues@meetingsclub.com

JUST THAT LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT…

WHO – InnoTren – a mobile train of thought

WHAT – An inspiring Swiss Railway carriage converted for meetings!

WHY – Completely different. Meetings are bound to keep to time and run with typical Swiss efficiency

You’ve got to hand it to the Swiss. European conference and meeting organisers are now able to get creative ideas rolling by passing the beautiful Graubünden mountain landscape thanks to a train! Rhaetian Railway (RhB) together with their partners the Chur University of Applied Sciences and Zühlke have created a modern innovative railway carriage that can hold meetings. It’s called ImmoTren and groups of up to 15 members have space to solve key corporate matters, attend innovation workshops or hold classic conferences whilst on the move. Delegates can escape the daily office grind and typical hotel–based conference venues and move about rather than sit as the glorious countryside passes by. InnoTren provides a creative working environment for teams and think tanks, as well as anyone looking for a mobile train of thought. Originally an old Glacier Express Coach specifically converted for the purpose, RhB’s Director Renato Fasciati comments. “I really believe in the InnoTren concept: there’s no way out, everyone is gathered together in the same room. All ideas are put on the table, on the large panoramic windows, or on the flip chart.” Because InnoTren was designed in collaboration with Chur University and Zühlke, the carriage comes with the option of booking a moderator from the University or Zühlke, a company with expertise in digital products, services and business models created to enhance customer experiences. The result is impressive, and it is hoped that many innovative ideas will start their life in what is a unique and inspiring environment. Facilities onboard are for a maximum of 15 passengers/delegates and include meeting seating, screen (75″), speakers, height-adjustable tables, flip chart, whiteboard and coffee machine. Prices while stationary in Chur for a full day start at CHF 900/£732 (July 2019) including service and support by an RhB hostess, Wi-Fi, creative materials, notepads, writing utensils, presentation kit, coffee, mineral water, brainfood and fruit.

EMAIL: venues@meetingsclub.com

MORE THAN A LICK OF PAINT

WHO – The Majestic Hotel soon to be Double Tree by Hilton, Harrogate

WHAT – Landmark hotel with 14 refurbished meeting and event spaces

WHY – Classic charm, great Yorkshire hospitality and now closer to London

A makeover of one of Harrogate’s most iconic buildings is almost complete following two years of work. The Majestic Hotel, part of the Cairn Collection has undergone a total renovation. The £15 million project has seen a full refurbishment of the reception, public areas, 14 meeting and events suites, Carters Restaurant champagne and Grill and all 184 guest bedrooms. The hotel first opened in 1900 and welcomed Prince Henry of Prussia, the Maharajah of Patiala and a number of Russian grand duchesses amongst its early guests. And the new classic contemporary interior scheme sympathetically complements the abundance of stunning original features within the building. In addition, there’s also been an extensive transformation of the leisure facilities into The Harrogate Spa which become a destination in its own right and feature a pool, steam room and sauna, six treatment rooms and Zen Garden. In addition to the extensive meeting and event rooms, the largest of which can take up to 500 people theatre style, the hotels extensive grounds and landscaped gardens are also popular for team-building activities, as well as events such as the annual Home and Gift Show that require large scale marquees.The Majestic will become Double Tree By Hilton Harrogate Hotel and Spa by the end of the year which coincides with the news that LNER will operate 6 direct trains per day to and from London. This major commitment together with the major investment at the Majestic makes the historic conference town of Harrogate a short list destination must for conferences and events.

FIND OUT MORE:

https://www.meetingsclub.com/venues/the-majestic-hotel/

STORY TO TELL

WHO – Betty’s Tea Rooms – The Belmont Room, York

WHAT – Beautiful, art deco styled multi-function room that oozes quality

WHY – The cakes are to die for – join the 100 year celebrations, make a statement

Bettys Team Rooms are a world–famous Yorkshire institution and have just celebrated their 100th Anniversary. Founded by Swiss confectioner Frederick Belmont, Bettys now boasts 6 tea rooms across Yorkshire with York ever popular, witness the snaking queues of tourists eager to enjoy beautifully presented cakes! But Bettys York in the form of the Belmont Room is also the ideal venue for hosting an intimate dinner, a spectacular party or a business meeting or event. An increasing number of organisations are deciding to enjoy the privacy, style and expertise of the historic Café Tea Rooms. Frederick Belmont commissioned the same designers who styled the Queen Mary cruise liner to work their art deco magic on the first floor and it’s every bit as spectacular today as when it opened in 1937. Graceful curves, elegant walnut panelling and exquisite marquetry adds a true sense of occasion to any event, making it the perfect setting for all kinds of celebration. The space is extremely versatile space, allowing a variety of seating arrangements for business or pleasure. The Belmont can accommodate dinners for up to 56 guests, cocktail parties for up to 75 or meetings boardroom style comfortably seating up to 26 guests.