EventCity is set to have a new Tram line run past its doors in early 2020. As part of the new Tram transport links in and around Greater Manchester, this exciting new development will open up access of the venue, situated in the heart of TraffordCity, a city within a city, via public transport, connecting EventCity to Manchester Piccadilly in 20 mins.
EventCity is the North’s largest fully flexible venue, the U.K’s leading retail and leisure destination with something for everyone and some fantastic team building activities. They also offer flexible breakout solutions, having recently built two new partnerships with Silent Conferences to offer the headsets and Evolution Dome to offer the temporary structures.
Their recently refurbished Hall 4 is a purpose built solution, 5,850sqm of space that comes with perimeter drape, carpet, starcloth, sustainable intelligent LED lighting and background sound system. Already accredited with 50001 – energy award, they are working towards the sustainable venue award, ISO20121.
The site where EventCity now stands has an interesting history. Now a conference venue and exhibition venue; men once built war-winning machines where they now have meeting rooms. Whether you want to book an exhibition or conference venue; arrange meeting room hire; or book a gala dinner for 3,500-plus people, EventCity’s versatile venue hire is unrivalled in the North.
Warwick Hotels and Resorts Global have much to offer
Did you know Warwick Hotels has 55 Hotels worldwide situated in exciting key city centre locations such as New York City, Chicago, London, Paris, Geneva, Brussels and Barcelona?
Warwick Hotel Brussels has a lot to offer, located in the heart of the capital. The Grand Place, Le Square Convention Centre and Manneken Pis are all but a stone’s throw from the hotel’s doorstep, putting guests in the centre of Belgium’s awe-inspiring architecture and welcoming culture. Facilities available include underground parking with 80 spaces, a fitness room including a sauna guests can enjoy and use to relax and newly refurbished meeting rooms.
The hotel offers the “most beautiful Suite in Brussels”, the 250m2 Penthouse Grand Place Suite offers the best of Warwick style. Offering a truly unique experience, this gorgeous suit boasts the luxurious feel of a private penthouse with its private elevator and the luxury butler service. All beautifully designed with its 150m2 terrace. Newly opened this year was their rooftop secret Bar to the Grand Place Suite, overlooking the famous Grand Place and is open during the summer.
Their Recognition program is celebrating its 2 years this year, starting their “lobby experience” to present their loyalty system once a month by spending a day with customers in their lobby and providing an opportunity to join the loyalty program.
Their Gallery Hotels in Barcelona and Malaga are rated 4* Superior Hotels, with meeting rooms for up to 200 people, outdoor terraces for Event up, and provide Mediterranean and high quality cuisine using local products.
Warwick Geneva USP has a central location next to the main train station and 300 meters from the lake, with public transport links to the airport. Available at the venue are 7 meeting rooms that welcome up to 200 people in theatre style, free Wi-Fi, off site Fitness centre, Public Transport pass and 20% discount on food.
New refurbishments to the windows mean the triple glazed dynamic windows provide great sound proofing, better regulation of the room temperature, and automatic glass tinting according to the level of sunlight.
Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, is reinventing dining on the water with the relaunch of two of its classic boats as modern dining experiences.
Under the umbrella of the Bateaux London, the Glass Room will open this November with the River Room completed by Easter 2019. These destination dining rooms on the water, sailing from Embankment Pier, will welcome individual diners, corporate dining, celebrations and private charter.
The Glass Room can accommodate 235 as for dining and 400 guests for a reception. Signature features include an exterior viewing platform for groups of up to 60 and a private dining room seating 10.
Bateaux London
“Bateaux spearheaded dining on the Thames over 25 years ago and we are so excited to be yet again leading the way with a new, elevated offering. Our aim is to bring a truly unique food-led experience to the Thames, not just a destination restaurant, but a complete onboard package complemented by outstanding design, impeccable service and a quality food offering not to mention striking views.’’
Catrin White, marketing director at Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events
By Jen MacPherson and Rose McDonald, The Smart Training Company
The Smart Training Company offers top tips for event organisers and venues over the Christmas festivities. To get us in the mood here’s some fun facts about Christmas:
According to tradition, you should eat one mince pie on each of the 12 days of Christmas to bring good luck.
US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.
6 million – The number of rolls of Sellotape that will be sold in the UK in the run up to Christmas (5.99 million is the number of rolls that you can’t find where the tape ends)
According to a survey conducted in 2016, 57% of adults in the UK would gladly sacrifice seeing relatives on Christmas Day if it meant they could spend more time on Facebook.
Nearly 60 million Christmas Trees are grown each year in Europe
In a recent Yahoo poll, users voted the most popular Christmas film of all time as Home Alone, with The Muppet Christmas Carol second, and It’s a Wonderful Life third.
Top tips for event organisers
Plan ahead
Start planning as soon as you can to ensure you get the choice of date and venue that you want. The more unique venues will always book up quickly. Then send a ‘save the date’ around the office. Be aware of venue deposit and cancellation terms, just in case.
Accessibility
Find a venue that’s easy for people to get to and think about arranging for taxis home. If you choose a venue with bedrooms check to see if there is a special accommodation rate that you can offer attendees as another option to a taxi.
Delegation
Consider setting up an organising committee. There’s a lot to do and it’s a big responsibility to spread the load. Discuss what’s been done before; what did people like, what didn’t work and agree your budget.
Does it need a Christmas theme?
Think about tying the event together with a theme. You can then follow this through in the invitations, dress code, activities and even a competition and novelty prizes on the night.
Plan the menu
Whether it’s a themed event or Christmas fayre make sure there’s plenty of food and there is plenty of choice, so it will suit everyone. A buffet works well for larger groups, and guests can then eat when it suits them. It’s nice to have a midnight snack laid on later in the evening, such as soup, bacon butties or food items tailored to your event theme. Surprises are fun and memorable! Some venues will provide this anyway so ask the question.
Do you need a table plan?
Seating plans are often a good idea for larger groups. Mix people from different departments up and possibly ask guests to move places for dessert to encourage more interaction. Place some small activities on the tables, such as puzzles, jokes and games which will add to the fun! Set up a WhatsApp group or encourage Instagram or Twitter interaction and then use pictures and posts to create a fun newsletter after the event.
How will you entertain your guests?
Think about the music and entertainment … again, cater for all as many different tastes as possible. Venues can help you and should have some good contacts. Research what you’re looking and whether the entertainment is suitable so that there are no surprises on the night.
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Check everything with the venue a week or two before to ensure both sides have covered everything; it’s also a good idea to do a debrief with the venue after the event especially if you think you will return next year.
Be a great host
Meet and greet your guests on the night. If you’re part of an organising committee then you can divide up jobs on the night. Ensure your guests are comfortable and looked after but above all make sure you have a fun night too; you will deserve it!
The Smart Training Company is running a Christmas Sales and Spend Review Workshop in January and February 2019 to help venues review 2018 and plan and maximise sales and marketing opportunities in the run up to, and over the Christmas period in 2019. For readers of the Edge Venues please enter promotional code SMARTVIP19 to book delegate places at £165 instead of £199. For more information click here
By Jen MacPherson and Rose McDonald, The Smart Training Company
The Smart Training Company offers top tips for event organisers and venues over the Christmas festivities. To get us in the mood here’s some fun facts about Christmas:
• According to tradition, you should eat one mince pie on each of the 12 days of Christmas to bring good luck.
• US scientists calculated that Santa would have to visit 822 homes a second to deliver all the world’s presents on Christmas Eve, travelling at 650 miles a second.
• 6 million – The number of rolls of Sellotape that will be sold in the UK in the run up to Christmas (5.99 million is the number of rolls that you can’t find where the tape ends)
• According to a survey conducted in 2016, 57% of adults in the UK would gladly sacrifice seeing relatives on Christmas Day if it meant they could spend more time on Facebook.
• Nearly 60 million Christmas Trees are grown each year in Europe
• In a recent Yahoo poll, users voted the most popular Christmas film of all time as Home Alone, with The Muppet Christmas Carol second, and It’s a Wonderful Life third.
Smart Training top tips for venues
Business on the books
Assuming you’re reading this today, in November, start by reviewing your ‘Business on the Books,’ compare to previous years’ budgets and identify your gap. Do you need more bookings? Or does the focus need to be on Food and Beverage sales?
Have a strong team supporting you
Include the right team members to help you. Involve them in generating ideas, help understand the logistics and ensure you stay within budget. Involving others will motivate and build team relationships that will benefit the smooth running of events through December.
Know your targets and how you’ll achieve them
Plan how you are going to achieve wine and beverage sales for each Service, Party Night or Private event to exceed beverage budget. Do your team have excellent knowledge of your Christmas food and drink menus? Why not organise some training sessions in Food and Wine matching? Increased Knowledge = Increased Sales.
Recognise sales opportunities
Does your team know how to recognise sales opportunities? Are they motivated to achieve targets? What incentives do you have in place to encourage your team to sell? Engage your team from the beginning and you’ll deliver a successful event every time.
Make time to evaluate
You should put a date in your diary in January to review how well your Christmas events performed from both a sales and an operational perspective. Identify what made the event or night successful, and what would you do differently next time? Plan your marketing effort across the year and promote events on your website as early as possible.
Plan ahead
It’s a good idea to use an annual planner- style chart to plan all activities across the year and to keep the team on track. Ensure this is updated regularly for each event.
Agree all the activity needed within the whole team so everyone is involved, has contributed and is motivated to ensure success for 2019 and beyond!
The Smart Training Company is running a Christmas Sales and Spend Review Workshop in January and February 2019 to help venues review 2018 and plan and maximise sales and marketing opportunities in the run up to, and over the Christmas period in 2019. For readers of the Edge Venues please enter promotional code SMARTVIP19 to book delegate places at £165 instead of £199. For more information click here
Leonardo Hotels acquire the Midland Hotel, Manchester
Leonardo Hotels has announced the acquisition of the iconic Midland Hotel, Manchester. Situated in the heart of the city the Grade II listed building opened in 1903 is home to 312 bedrooms including 7 suites, the award winning 4 AA rosette restaurant Adam Reid at The French and 2 AA rosette Mr Cooper’s. There is also a Tea Room and the newly refurbished Midland Bar ,the historic hotel has 14 inspiring meeting and function rooms suitable for weddings, award ceremonies, gala dinners and AGMs for up to 700 people.
Leonardo Hotels will draw on the fascinating history of The Midland, whilst also looking to the future to offer great guest experiences.
The historic Soho Round House will reopen as Soho Residence with a bar, club and lounge space in London’s West End at the end of November. Built in 1892, the Roundhouse building itself has previously existed as blues and skiffle clubs, welcoming celebrated performers from around the world.
The venue will open its doors on 28 November at 83-85 Wardour Street and will have a capacity of 350 spread across three floors. The first floor and the basement club are both available for private hire.
The ground floor of Soho Residence will have a hint of art deco style with Crittal inspired windows, hanging plants and banquette seating whilst the basement club features festoon lighting, big screen imaging and a selection of craft beers and cocktails.
A new multi-million-pound event space named Magazine London is set to open in Greenwich, London, from summer 2019.
The venue will host live events, conferences and exhibitions, with views of Canary Wharf and 5,400sqm of venue space over two main rooms. One is a sleek, modern blank canvas with two large mezzanines, ideal for seminars and VIP areas.
Magazine London – set to open 2019
The venue is conceived by Venue Lab, a Vibration Group company which created Printworks London and Landing Forty Two. The brand was created in conjunction with London’s Carter Studio, which has worked with Unilever, Norton and F1. The building was designed by architect of the V&A Lecture Theatre and Seoul Opera House, Nissen Richards.
In addition to the contemporary indoor space, Magazine London’s USP is the adjoining Showground – a landscaped environment on the banks of the Thames boasting 13,985sqm and a capacity of 7,000.
It can deliver a combined space of 19,379sqm and a capacity of 10,000, opening up the potential for events, brand activations and festivals that require an outdoor element.
“London is still very much at the forefront of the global conferencing and exhibition market and Magazine, with its incredible flexibility both indoor and out, is ground breaking.
“It provides the perfect space for boutique and incubating B2B and B2C shows, offering excellent branding opportunities and a high-impact solus venue that provides a better home than sharing larger exhibition venues with other established shows.”
Simon Tracey, CEO – Vibration Group
Greenwich Peninsula
Construction of the venue is due to start in December and is located in the heart of Greenwich Peninsula on the riverbank with views of Canary Wharf and have capacity for 3,000 people. The venue is easily accessible by the Underground (within a three minute walk), road and river.
Best Western have agreed a deal with Peel Hotels Plc
Over the next 12 months the 9 Peel Hotels properties will be activated into Best Western’s soft brands. Eight hotels within the Peel Hotels PLC brand are joining the Sure Hotel Collection soft brand including The Bull Hotel Peterborough, The Midland Hotel Bradford, The Cosmopolitan Hotel, Leeds, The Caledonian Hotel, Newcastle, The Crown & Mitre Carlisle, The Strathdon Hotel Nottingham, The George Hotel Wallingford and The King Malcolm Hotel Dunfermline.
The Norfolk Royale Hotel will be joining the BW Signature Collection Soft Brand.
Robert Peel, chief executive of Peel Hotels Plc, said: “I was looking for a brand that would allow the hotels flexibility to maximise their independence but at the same time support us with distribution, access a global loyalty scheme and benefit from new sales, marketing and revenue technologies. Best Western Great Britain’s range of soft brands and strategy for the future made it the perfect fit for a profitable partnership.”
The Trump Turnberry has an agreement with Marriott International Brands and sits under the Luxury Collection. The resort based in Scotland has lots to offer clients.
The hotel and the Ballroom went under a full refurbishment in 2016. The main Donald J Trump Ballroom which can hold up to 700 delegates was designed by Eric Trump and General Manager Ralph Porciani and the large chandeliers are names after Mr Trumps daughter, Ivanka.
The world famous and iconic lighthouse, The Half Way House on the golf course can host 200 for a drinks reception. Guests will be treated to stunning views across the ocean. The venue offers guests the opportunity to experience a 90 minute horse ride along the beach using the 16 horses available from the newly refurbished Trump Stables.
The venue also likes to support local charities and at a recent Ladies Who Lunch event they raised £56,000 for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.
