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 – Axis Conference Centre – Southampton Science Park
WHAT – Meeting, training and event space for 5-200 delegates
WHY – Great transport access, cutting edge AV, competitive rates
After over a year in the making, Southampton Science Park has unveiled Axis, a unique flexible meeting, conference and event venue. The self-contained venue with dedicated parking and an integral reception and cloakroom space provides the perfect area for event registration and for delegates to network with refreshments. Featuring state-of-the-art audio visual, presentation and lighting systems along with high capacity Wi-Fi, Axis can cater for events up to 200 people as well as being ideal for smaller, intimate events too. Set amid the exciting, inspirational environment that is Southampton Science Park, Axis has already begun to establish a reputation for hosting ground-breaking events, such as the first ever South of England World Trade Summit, held in partnership with The Institute of Export & International Trade. Businesses from across the region descended on the newly opened venue to attend the summit which was hailed a success by delegates and organisers, with both praising the facilities. Axis is conveniently positioned just minutes away from the M27 and M3, national rail and air transport routes and has hotel accommodation close by. Its setting, amongst a mix of game-changing tech companies and innovative start-ups further adds to its fast-developing status as a place where connections are made. Emily Witchell, Conferencing Manager at Southampton Science Park commented: “We are absolutely delighted with how well Axis has been received since it opened. We like to think of the space as both convenient and customisable, which means we’re able to meet a wide range of event organisers’ needs.”
JUST THAT LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT…
WHO – The Secret Garden Dome, Crowne Plaza, Kensington, London
WHAT – 5 glass domes for up to ten people located in serene garden
WHY – Completely different to any standard meeting room
Ever been asked to find a unique venue, for a meeting in central London? Well the Secret Garden at the Crowne Plaza Kensington is a meeting space unlike anything your delegates will ever have experienced. Five exclusive domes, each accommodating up to ten people and are ideal to hold a board meeting, training course, interview or team building exercise where groups need to think creatively “outside of the dome”. Located in a calm, serene environment, with the backdrop of St Stephen’s Church, it’s hard to believe you’re just yards from the busy streets of South Kensington. And with 100% natural daylight cascading through the windows, you can say goodbye to dimly lit, subterranean meeting rooms. Each dome is kitted out with the latest technology, including screen projectors and unlimited fast WiFi. High quality food and beverages are individually prepared for each group for breakfast and lunch. Plus, if you really want to create a Wow amongst colleagues, customers or guests, why not host a private dinner party at any time of the year.
MORE THAN A LICK OF PAINT
WHO – Clyde Suite at Glasgow Marriott Hotel
WHAT – Superb social space for dinners, awards and events
WHY – Be one of the first to experience the newly refurbished Clyde Suite
The scene of glittering award ceremonies and celebrity-filled charity fundraisers for many years, the Clyde Suite at Glasgow Marriott Hotel has now undergone a major refurbishment. At the heart of Glasgow’s social scene for over 34 years, the Clyde Suite has benefitted from significant investment to upgrade the event space and adjoining bar area. New lighting, decoration and floor coverings have revitalised the iconic space which has welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests throughout its history. Designers have been conscious of the need to offer total flexibility to meet ever-changing organiser needs and the trend for experiential and memorable events whether it is a new car launch or street food style networking for up to 600 people. And in this ‘Instagram friendly’ age, the dedicated operations teams ensure every event is memorable whether it is a feature doughnut or balloon wall, fashionable gin bar or pop-up cocktail masterclass. One of the first events to be held in the newly refurbished Clyde Suite was a Ladies Lunch as part of the partnership between Glasgow Marriott Hotel and Ronald McDonald House, Glasgow.
STORY TO TELL
WHO – Rudding Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
WHAT – Innovative meeting packages promoting positive mental health
WHY – High quality meeting and event venue where service is King
Rudding Park a privately-owned luxury hotel and event venue in Harrogate, are promoting positive mental health in the workplace with the introduction of a CBD Meetings Experience. The experience forms part of their new ‘Create Better Days with events at Rudding Park’ initiative, where the meeting organiser, delegates and employer can all reap rewards. The way people and businesses work has changed immeasurably over recent years. Flexible working has thrown structured working patterns out the window and smart devices mean we are on ‘on call’ 24/7. Many organisations are moving towards paperless working to help the environment and with positive mental health at the forefront of the news agenda, ‘wellness in the workplace’ can’t be ignored. Designed as a response to the changes in today’s working environment, the ‘Create Better Days’ initiative will see meeting organisers save time completing unnecessary paperwork and with no contract to sign there is less financial commitment. As dietary requirements become more prevalent – adding to the workload for meeting planners – the onus has been removed from the organiser as delegates can choose on the day. Greater flexibility surrounding timings is also offered and it is hoped the combination of all these factors will help alleviate stress for the organiser in the run up to the event.
And there’s more – check out the following:
Set to open next year in the West End, the Londoner hotel will be the first ‘iceberg’ property!
£20 million expansion go ahead for Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa
https://www.boutiquehotelnews.com/home/news/2019/10/17/£20-million-expansion-of-formby-hall-granted/