Month: August 2023

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Meeting in Madrid

Madrid won the World’s Best Meetings & Conference Destination Award at the 2022 World Travel Awards for the fourth year running. Safe to say that if your delegates are meeting in Madrid, your destination knows a thing or two about hosting. 

As the most important city in Spain’s financial and industrial sectors and home to 10 universities, let’s find out more about meeting in Madrid.

Madrid in Statistics

  • Winner of the World’s Best Meetings & Conference Destination Award at the 2022 World Travel Awards
  • 5th Place in the International Congress & Convention Association
  • 2nd Safest European capital city
  • 2nd City in the World With the Most Green Spaces
  • Over 2,000 multi-national companies in the city and 303 hotels
  • Connected to 172 destinations with direct flights

Classic Spanish Culture

The culture of Madrid is inspired by its long, historic role in European history. Yet nowadays it has a dominant position in the art and international food scenes, and is known for its fiestas. 

The city’s location in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula means it is a hotspot for popular festivals and events. And in the centre of Madrid is the Museo del Prado – widely considered one of the world’s best art museums. Art by renowned Franciso Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, and Diego Velázquez, can all be found here.

Madrid’s Must-Sees

As well as visiting Museo del Prado, business travellers in Madrid must also see Gran Via. This is the main tourist and shopping artery in the city centre, home to some great entertainment spots. Visitors have to stop by El Retiro Park, a 118-hectare park with well-manicured greenery, beautiful sculptures, and a rose garden.

Madrid is also home to some fantastic flea markets that can’t be missed. Every Sunday at Plaza Cascorro is El Rastro Market with stalls selling practically everything one could imagine. Locals grab a pint at the local neighbourhood of La Latina after a hard morning’s shopping at the market.

Meeting in Madrid Venues:

ME Madrid Reina Victoria

In the central Plaza de Santa Ana, this hotel has 192 bedrooms and is set in an old 19th-century palace. The venue is in the ME by Melia brand and is a 4-star property. It has a rooftop bar with stunning views over Madrid. And the bar serves delicious Mediterranean dishes before transforming into an evening live music spot.

ME Madrid Reina Victoria is located in central Madrid, close to the Museum del Prado and La Puerta del Sol. It is a 20-minute journey to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).

Hotel Urban

Hotel Urban is a five-star Gran Luxe hotel located in the financial, political, cultural and commercial centre of Madrid. It sits at the heart of the “Golden Triangle” formed of Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Fundación Reina Sofia. So, Madrid’s main attractions are certainly within reach. Think the Paseo del Prado, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Retiro Park!

The hotel is only 17 minutes from the nearest airport and a few minutes’ walk from the Sol train station.

Hotel Santo Domingo

Hotel Santo Domingo is a 4-star hotel. It is located in the heart of the city, between the Gran Vía, the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor. It is close to the Puerta del Sol, La Latina and Chueca districts. It’s also close to the biggest museums, including El Prado and the Thyssen, and the best shopping area in Madrid.

They offer different multipurpose rooms, perfectly equipped for the organisation of MICE-style events. They have 12 meeting rooms of different sizes, characteristics and capacities. In addition, the 200 rooms available means the guests can stay on-site.

Hotel Villa Real

Hotel Villa Real is an exquisite 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Madrid – the Plaza de las Cortes. It lies in front of the Congress of Deputies, a few minutes from the Puerta del Sol. It’s an ideal setting for exploring the ‘Madrid of the Austrians’, and perfect for business stays in the city.

There are 9 meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 200 cocktail-style. They also have a range of rooms varying from real suites to superior rooms.

The Westin Palace

Ideally positioned at the centre of the Spanish capital, The Westin Palace, Madrid is located at The Art Walk. It’s only steps away from some of the most prestigious museums in Europe. And it sits in a cultural and artistic area combining literature, entertainment, and some of the city’s best food.

The magnificent building of The Westin Palace is highlighted by an enormous stained-glass dome. And it has long been a centre of Spanish society. The hotel offers 27,447sq. ft of event space to accommodate up to 700 delegates in one of 20 event rooms.

Check out previous winners of the World Travel Awards, here.

Interested in the above hotels for an event of meeting in Madrid? Follow the links in the feature to book.

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Academic Venues to Make Any Event Grade A+

What better space to hold an informative and educational event than at an academic venue? From Nottingham to London, and lots more, there are plenty of academic venues in the UK in which to host meetings and events.

Here’s a selection for you to check out on EDGE Venues:

Academic Venues

Nottingham Venues – East Midlands Conference Centre & The Orchard Hotel

Set in 330 acres of landscaped parkland two miles from central Nottingham and just a few short miles from the M1 motorway. Nottingham Venues East Midlands Conference Centre is a modern venue with inspirational surroundings. It is only a 10-minute taxi or car journey from Nottingham station, 7 miles from Nottingham East Midlands Airport and 5 miles from the M1. They have parking available for 220 cars free of charge.

The Orchard Hotel & Restaurant is an eco-friendly venue consisting of 202 bedrooms, 6 meeting rooms, a brasserie and is located next to the East Midlands Conference Centre. Their stunning green setting means that guests can enjoy a peaceful walk in the surrounding parkland, whilst overnight guests can take advantage of the gym facilities within the David Ross Sports Village.

Set in 330 acres of landscaped parkland two miles from central Nottingham and just a few short miles from the M1 motorway. Nottingham Venues East Midlands Conference Centre is a modern venue with inspirational surroundings. It is only a 10-minute taxi or car journey from Nottingham station, 7 miles from Nottingham East Midlands Airport and 5 miles from the M1. They have parking available for 220 cars free of charge.

The Orchard hotel & Restaurant is an eco-friendly venue consisting of 202 bedrooms, 6 meeting rooms, a brasserie and is located next to the East Midlands Conference Centre.

Its stunning green setting means guests can enjoy a peaceful walk in the surrounding parkland, whilst overnight guests can take advantage of the gym facilities within the David Ross Sports Village.

Warwick Conferences – Radcliffe, Central Campus Venue and The Slate

The 700-acre University of Warwick campus has plenty to experience. Beautiful countryside is all around, and there is also plenty to explore close to Warwick Conference’s central location. Coventry is rich in culture and heritage with attractions, popular cafes, bars and quirky restaurants.

At the Central Campus Venue, you can build your ideal event with a range of tailor-made spaces. They have capacity to host 12 up to 1,200 delegates in eclectic and extraordinary spaces. Their Conference Park offers meeting, sleeping and eating spaces, all available within the University of Warwick.

Radcliffe is a sophisticated, refined and thought-provoking event venue. From a small meeting with colleagues to a large conference of delegates, they have rooms that can deliver whatever sized space you’re looking for. Their audio and visual conferencing solution includes all the equipment you’ll need to effectively connect and collaborate remotely, whilst maximising the experience, output and interaction of your session.

The Slate is a venue for conferences that have no barriers- a meeting room venue that’s completely flexible. The Slate has a lakeside view, BREEAM Architecture and has a glass façade. When it comes to exclusive venue hire, the experience at The Slate is truly unique.

Coventry Conferences – Technocentre

CoventryConferences Technocentre is within easy walking distance of Coventry railway station, which is less than 12 minutes from Birmingham International station. It is also accessible by car via the extensive Midlands motorway network.

With a variety of meeting spaces, this venue offers meeting and event organisers a solution for events from 2 to 200 delegates. All of the rooms have wireless broadband internet connectivity.

The rooms offer natural daylight, air conditioning, and have ceiling mounted Sony LCD projectors, large wall mounted screens, water coolers, direct dial telephones through to the Duty Officer and flipcharts.

Millennium Point

Millennium Point is in the Eastside district of Birmingham, close to Moor Street train station and New Street station. The venue offers several spaces for hire from small office spaces to large auditorium which can accommodate 350. Millennium Point also offers a variety of add-ons to each event from bespoke catering, to hybrid and virtual packages.

Owned by Millennium Point Charitable Trust, everything it does as an events venue – meeting place and facilitator – feeds back into its charity. The charity supports science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) related projects, initiatives, organisations and individuals across the West Midlands.

Burleigh Court

Burleigh Court has a fantastic central location in the heart of England. Located on Loughborough University’s campus in the East Midlands, Burleigh Court is easily accessible by road, rail and air. It sits one mile from junction 23 of the M1, three miles from Loughborough’s intercity railway station and eight miles from East Midlands Airport.

Burleigh Court is one of the largest 4-star conference venues in the Midlands with 26 training rooms offering a maximum capacity of 240 delegates, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a flexible exhibition area.

The venue’s restaurant and bar provides a wide variety of cuisine, made with locally sourced produce and will cater to all guests. Guests can enjoy their spa facilities, with a well-equipped gym, swimming pool, steam room and sauna.

Chicago Booth London Conference Centre

Located in one of the world’s leading centres for banking, finance, and tech, Chicago Booth has some amazing events spaces. The spaces include two-tiered classrooms with state-of-the-art technology.

Its space spans three floors of the new One Bartholomew Close, and includes an abundance of options customisable to your needs. Occupying a total of 43,796 square feet there is a plethora of space for a range of different events.

Elm Grove Conference Centre

Elm Grove Conference Centre is located just outside of Central London between Richmond Park and Wimbledon. The site has easy access by car, train or bus as it sits just off the A3/M4.

Elm Grove Conference Centre offering two floors of meeting and event space. The Oak Suite can be split into three separate rooms. Each boasts 98” plasma screens, touch screen controls for sound, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views over gardens and courtyards.

Sat either side of the Oak Suite are two boardrooms hosting up to 10 delegates. These are perfect for smaller meetings or breakout spaces. Moving up to the top floor, the Lime Tree Suite enables guests to look out over SW15 and the City of London. This makes it a perfect space for catering, networking or exhibitions.

Within the centre they also offer overnight accommodation with 31 bedrooms on site. During the summer and weekends you can also use the Grove House – Grade II listed building with plentiful grounds and spaces.

Interested in the above academic venues for an event or meeting? Follow the links in the feature to book, or get in touch.

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Team Building for Business

What are you waiting for?

Team building is a perfect way to bring employees together in a post-pandemic era. While some employers have stuck with flexibility around homeworking, others have welcomed many employees new to their industry.

Both of those scenarios can lead to disjointed teams which could benefit from the boost of a brilliant team build. The event are a great way to get to know individual strengths and weaknesses and develop skills people can use to support each other and your business.

Did you know that team building can also be a continual process to reinforce the company’s culture, rather than a one-off exercise with a particular training goal?

Here are some of the questions to ask yourself before planning your team building.

What does the team or organisation need?

  • Do you need a continual process to reinforce the company’s culture or one-off exercises with a particular training goal?
  • Does the team work well together and communicate well?
  • Do individuals work to their own goals or together to achieve success?
  • Do the team members know each other’s strengths and weaknesses?
  • Are individuals adaptable or resistant to change?
  • Are there conflicts between certain people that are creating divisions within the team?

Now you are armed with some answers to the questions above, how can you achieve your goals? Let’s take a look:

Methods to achieve the goals

  • Social events are a great way to get to know people and build relationships. These will also improve morale.
  • A team building exercise can target training needs, using the different abilities of the team members to develop skills in others. This can bring out the knowledge of individuals and staff will know who to turn to when they need help.
  • Keeping people connected is important, so an activity that builds relationships and brings people together can work with individuals who don’t usually work in the same location.
  • When employees work to a shared goal, an activity that leads to successful completion will increase confidence. It will also increase productivity by helping them to work more successfully together.
  • Improving communication – a relaxed, fun activity will help people get to know each other. These activities will break down barriers and improve trust between employees.

You can, of course, engage a team building company to run an event, such as Off Limits. Many venues also run the events themselves or partner with a preferred team building company. Here a couple of great options:

Ashorne Hill
De Vere Wokefield
Crewe Hall
Belton Woods

There are also exercises that can be done in-house with little or no budget. Consider the options and objectives as well as time, budget and desired outcome to find what suits you best.

Engaging your team and investing in them will mean a happier and healthier workforce, and people working to their full potential. And for employees who prefer to change jobs regularly, team building is another way of retaining talent through investment in their progress.

Interested in experiencing great team building for your team? Find the perfect location and venue on EGDEVenues.com, or contact our colleagues at Trinity Event Solutions for more support.

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Site Inspection Checklist: What to Look Out For

A site inspection is your opportunity to understand how your event will work at the venue, so arm yourself with our site inspection checklist to make sure nothing is missed.

We’ve compiled a list of our most important questions to ask yourself, or the venue when conducting a site visit.

Remember to ask searching questions until you get the answers you need. After all you’ll be paying the bill! Here are some of the things you need to consider:

Site Inspection checklist

Event Location

Is the venue easy to find? Is the signage clear?

How far away is the nearest airport and railway station by taxi or bus?

Is there sufficient parking?

Is it in a safe area? If security is required, can the venue meet these needs?

The Venue

Does the venue look welcoming, attractive and clean?

Are there plenty of staff in the reception area to check-in or help and direct guests?

Is it clear where the meeting rooms are and how will they be signed?

Registration Area

Where will this be located and is there adequate storage?

Is there enough space for staff and attendees? Is it a private area or will people attending other events be passing through?

Do you need a telephone, power points and internet connection?

The Meeting Room(s)

Which floor is it on and how will attendees get there?

Does it meet the size and layout requirements?

Are the breakout rooms close to the main meeting room?

What equipment is in the room and is there space for additional production equipment to be brought in?

How easy is the access to bring equipment into the meeting rooms?

Are the chairs comfortable, what size are the tables?

Is water provided for the delegates and what is included in the package?

Where do attendees leave their coats and bags?

Where are the nearest toilets?

Is the venue fully accessible for disabled delegates?

Check extra facilities such as lighting, soundproofing, air conditioning, power supply, wi-fi, ceiling height, door aperture and if there are any pillars to get in the way.

Catering

How many tea/coffee breaks are there and where will they be served?

Where will lunch be served and how easy is it for the attendees to get there?

Are the corridors an adequate size for the delegates to move around?

Is the standard of food good, is there a choice of menu? (Top Tip: Have a meal and try different dishes before committing to a delicious dish for the event)

What options are there for special diets?

Can the restaurant accommodate special dietary requirements?

Are drinks included in the menu price or extra?

Are there plenty of staff to serve the food quickly?

How many food stations will there be?

Bedrooms

How many are there and what sizing options are on offer??

Are they clean and well-maintained? Is there disabled access?

Are there designated smoking and non-smoking rooms?

What time can attendees check in and out?

Are the lifts, fire exits, and stairs all in order?

Technology

Is the Wi-Fi able to cope with everyone bringing 2-3 devices with them?

Will the speakers do any live streaming and what do you need to make sure you have a fast, reliable connection?

Other

Are the staff friendly and helpful?

When were the venue/meeting room/bedrooms last renovated?

Are there any refurbishments due?

Have any of your competitors booked a meeting at the venue on the same date?

Is there a gym/swimming pool/golf course or other leisure facilities and are there additional charges to use them?

Is there a business centre and what other services are available for guests?

Who is trained in First Aid and where are the nearest medical and dental facilities?

What are the venue’s insurance and crisis management procedures? Take a look at our article on Security and Risk for more information.

What are the venue’s standards of service? (Top Tip: make sure that these are incorporated in the contract)

Remember the venue represents your organisation and you need to make sure it upholds your standards and reputation. A well-run and enjoyable event can only enhance your company’s image. Ensuring you have done all of these checks before booking will streamline your event’s planning process, and save you time overall.

We’re always happy to help with venue procurement and advice to make your event a success, so contact us.

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Historic venues

If you’re looking for historic venues for meetings and events, you’ve come to the perfect place. The UK has an intriguing history from the Romans all the way up to Victorian times. In amongst this, buildings were built to reflect the period, some of which still stand today. These lavish manors and regal castles make perfect venues to host meetings and events.

Hosting an event at a historic venue will add an element of luxury and uniqueness. So, we’re looking at some of our favourite historic venues perfect for events. From Stonehenge’s neighbour to a former WW2 hospital, we have them covered!

Our favourite historic venues

Slaley Hall, Hexham

Slaley Hall is a 4* former hunting lodge in 1,000 acres of Northumberland countryside. Surrounded by forest and moors, the estate offers a wealth of history, previously acting as a hospital during WW2.

On site, guests can find two PGA championship golf courses, an activity centre and a luxurious spa. The hotel has ten meeting rooms catering for two – 350 people and event spaces for up to 500, theatre-style. Also, private dining is available on request.

The hotel is only 30 minutes from Newcastle Station and Newcastle International Airport. From the A68 link road, guests arrive at the courtyard reception. Cars can also be valet parked from here, in one of 400 complimentary car and coach parking spaces.

Norton Park, Nr. Winchester

Norton Park is in a great location with fantastic facilities. The hotel is located 8 miles outside Winchester. The closest airport, London Heathrow, is 45 miles away. There is free parking for up to 220 cars.

The house was originally probably built in the 16th century for the St John family. It was tastefully restored and enlarged by Mr Hampton at the beginning of the 20th century. Norton Farm lay close to the Manor and any park area would have abutted farmland. From there, the residents built a walled garden, glasshouses, and a small parkland, making up the hotel guests can visit today.

In the hotel, there are 16 meeting rooms with natural daylight, state-of-the art meeting facilities and catering for up to 340 delegates in the main conference room, the Norton Suite. Coupled with 54 acres of stunning grounds, Norton Park is a motivational learning environment for training, a secure, self-contained venue to hire exclusively.

The Crown Hotel, Harrogate

This hotel has a history of over 300 years and an enviable location close to many of Harrogate’s popular sites! So it combines beautiful surroundings, a storied past and luxurious facilities, making it ideal for business and leisure trips.

The name ‘Crown’ may have been adopted around the time of Charles II’s restoration of the monarchy in 1660. During this time, a much smaller inn overlooked the Sulphur Well to the west. Since then, the Crown thrived, reaching ‘gigantic proportions’ by the time Lord Byron was a guests in 1806. Not forgetting his ‘string of horses, dogs and mistresses’!

The Crown boasts individually-styled accommodation across its 115 guestrooms, modern amenities, and ornate dining, all set within the charming old town of Harrogate itself, within easy reach of Betty’s Tea Rooms and the Harrogate Convention Centre. 

The Crown Hotel is easily accessible from the A1(M). The town’s train station is a 10 minute walk from the venue. And the closest airport, Leeds Bradford International, is a 30 minute drive, approximately 13 miles.

This large hotel offers 114 en-suite bedrooms and suites and can host events for up to 700 attendees. There are a variety of rooms available for conferences. The smallest capacity room is suitable for 25 delegates and the largest capacity room catering for up to 400.

Lainston House Hotel, Winchester

Lainston House Hotel’s history dates back to when King Charles II visited the property with his mistress Louise de Keroulle. The building itself dates from the 1600’s and you may describe it as pretty rather than grand.

However, the history of the estate clearly goes back far further than the 17th century. Evidence for this comes in the form of a 13th century chapel in the hotel’s grounds.

Lainston House Hotel is close to the M3 Motorway and only 60 minutes from central London.

The hotel is a truly memorable place to host important meetings and events. For a residential conference the hotel has 50 individually designed bedrooms and beautifully appointed rooms for private dining.

The hotel discreetly combines traditional style and great food with modern needs, friendly faces and copious space. All meeting rooms receive an abundance of natural daylight. Many have elegant garden terraces and state-of-the-art technology such as Wi-Fi and broadband.

Handmade mattresses and pillow menus set the scene for a good nights’ sleep, ensuring guests a comfortable stay. 

Lainston House Hotel is just under an hour from London by train, followed by a short taxi ride from Winchester. The hotel has plenty of onsite parking for guests who choose to drive and a helipad for anyone travelling in style. 

The Stones Hotel, Salisbury

Wiltshire has been a special place for a long time, and their World Heritage Site stands testament to the ages. The ancient standing stones at Stonehenge and Avebury have a magnetism that has drawn people to them for centuries.

Romans, Normans and Saxons have all left their mark on our countryside and towns. Walk through time on your visit to Wiltshire! Touch and feel the past as it inspires you with what it offers from the past to present day!  

The Stones Hotel sits on the outskirts of the Cathedral City of Salisbury in the rolling Wiltshire landscape. It’s a short distance from the World Heritage site of Stonehenge and 15 miles from New Forest National Park. So, it’s the perfect country side retreat.

Rated silver with Green Tourism and demonstrates best practise measures by way of being green and sustainable as a hotel. The Stones Hotel is committed to sustaining eco-friendly and renewable resources. One example is its environmentally friendly water filtered on site from the water table beneath the hotel.

Find out more about any of these venues by getting in touch with us, or visiting our website.

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Trinity EDGE Challenge: LOTS so far…

Our Trinity Triple Challenge, rebranded as Trinity EDGE Challenge is back!

Over the years we’ve raised more than £200K, supporting local charities close to our hearts. Now we’re delighted to bring the Challenge back for 2023, and this is the place to come to check out the expanding list of LOTS – donated by generous hotels and venues – that we’ll be auctioning off in October this year.

Selection of LOTS donated so far

VENUELOT
Woodland GrangeB&B for 2 guests 
Brooklands HotelFast & Fabulous – 1 night spa break
Delta Marriott Warwick1 night stay with breakfast for 2 people
Radisson Blu East Midlands AirportDinner, Bed, & Breakfast for 2 people
Hilton Manchester Deansgate1 night stay with breakfast for 2 people
Twickenham StadiumSigned England Rugby Shirt with authentication from the 21/22 campaign 
Hilton London Euston Afternoon Tea for 2 people at Hilton London Euston
The Dilly1 night stay with breakfast for 2 people
Ashorne Hill1 night DBB for 2 people – Monday – Thursday only 
Warwick Conferences 1 night stay DBB in one of our newly refurbished bedrooms at Scarman
Principal York1 night stay DBB in a deluxe bedroom for 2 people, with 3-course meal and Yorkshire breakfast
Principal York1 night stay in Superior room with Afternoon Tea
Cedar HotelsWeekend in Harrogate inc. Dinner on First night and afternoon tea on one of the days 
Belton Woods1 night stay for 2 people, based on Double/twin occupancy & 1 round of golf per person
Radisson Blu Stansted Airport1 night stay for 2 people with dinner at Station 169 restaurant
The Grand YorkCookery School
Middletons Afternoon tea for 2 people at Middletons Hotel York
The Grand Hotel1 night stay for 2 people with breakfast in a Grand Double room
Kettering Hotel & Spa1 night stay for 2 people B & B with dinner (from Al A Carte Menu (£35pp max)) plus access to spa
Hilton London Heathrow Airport T51 night stay with breakfast and dinner for 2 people, including parking
Guildford Harbour Hotel2 x Traditional Afternoon Tea
The National Conference Centre1 night Golf Break for 2 people, dinner, bed & breakfast. 2 peeople Sharing, 2 rounds of
golf. Monday – Sunday, 7 days no restrictions.
De Vere Latimer Estate1 night stay, dinner, bed and breakfast plus a bottle of prosecco in your room for 2 people in a Deluxe Mansion House bedroom at De Vere Latimer Estate
De Vere Beaumont1 night stay in a Deluxe Room Including Breakfast for 2 adults
De Vere Cotswolds
Water Park Hotel		2 night stay for 2 people Bed and Breakfast, in a lake view room with dinner on 1 night
Pullman London St Pancras1 night stay – B&B for 2 people
Thestudio Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester &
Glasgow		“Canvas art” portrait of themselves, or a pet
Millennium Point 2 tickets to any MP presents events plus an Amazon gift card
Stapleford Park1 night stay – B&B for 2 people
Millennium Gloucester Hotel & Conference Centre Kensington London1 night stay for 2 people in a Deluxe Double Room at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel
The Cumberland1 night stay in a Classic Double room for 2 people including breakfast.
Hilton Nottingham, Hilton East Midlands & Hilton Northampton 1 night stay for 2 people including breakfast with access to health club and spa
Off LimitsGolden Ticket gift voucher – valid for one room at Escapologic Escape Rooms
Royal Lancaster London1 night stay in the Park Suite for 2 people including breakfast
Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham BrindleyplaceDinner for 2 people and a welcome drink
De Vere Tortworth Court1 night stay with Bed & Breakfast in a deluxe double
De Vere Wokefield Estate1 night stay for 2 people, Bed & Breakfast. With £35 per person towards dinner
Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa1 night stay for double occupancy, Majestic stay B&B, and access to The Harrogate Spa
The Eastside Rooms/Aloft Birmingham Eastside2 night B&B for 2 people at Aloft Birmingham
Park Regis Birmingham1 night stay with breakfast for 2 people
Leonardo Hotel East Midlands Airport1 night stay with full English breakfast for 2 people sharing in a twin/double room
Hyatt Regency BirminghamAfternoon Tea for 2 people in Aria Restaurant
Marriott Manchester Victoria & Albert Hotel 1 night B&B stay for 2 people sharing a premium bedroom
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel1 night stay for 2 people at Kimpton Clocktower – in a premium room including breakfast – pooches welcome
Doubletree by Hilton Brighton Metropole1 night stay for 2 people including B&B
Bowling Green Asset Management (Holiday Inn Express Leigh / Mercure Barnsley Tankersley Manor Hotel / Holiday Inn Kenilworth / Holiday Inn Salisbury – Stonehenge / Delta Milton Keynes / The Stones Hotel)1 night stay for 2 people, including Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at one of their 6 hotels
Wyboston LakesDinner, B&B in the Waterfront Hotel (Dinner in the Gravel Pit Brasserie) for 2 people
Double Tree by Hilton York 1 night stay with Bed and Breakfast
DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre1 night stay for 2 people at the DoubleTree Edinburgh City Centre, inclusive of breakfast & dinner
Edgbaston Park Hotel & Conference Centre1 night stay in a Deluxe Double Bedroom, with full English breakfast
Carden Park1 night stay Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for 2 people – midweek and Morning Garden Spa for 2 people
The Jockey Club – Newmarket Racecourses2 x premier admission tickets for opening day of Craven Meeting
University Arms, Cambridge1 night stay including breakfast for 2 people, and a credit of £150 to use in the Parkers Piece during the stay
PentaHotels (Ipswich, Inverness, Birmingham, Warrington, Derby, Reading)1 night stay for 2 people including breakfast
Voco Grand Central Glasgow1 night stay in a twin or double room with a full Scottish breakfast the next day
Novotel Manchester Centre2 night stay for 2 people, Bed and Breakfast
The Grand Hotel Birmingham1 night stay for 2 people with breakfast, in a Grand Double room
INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool1 night stay for 2 people at one of our INNSiDE UK North hotels in an INNSiDE guest room, including breakfast
Crowne Plaza Solihull1 night stay for 2 people with parking and breakfast
Pan Pacific LondonChampagne afternoon tea for 2 people
Hyatt Regency London – The ChurchillAfternoon tea for 2 people
St Pancras Renaissance HotelCocktail for 2 people at Booking Office 1869
Crowne Plaza Newcastle Stephenson Quarter1 night stay for 2 people, including breakfast and access to Mineral House Spa
The Abbey HotelAfternoon tea for 2 people
Thornbury Castle1 night stay in a deluxe bedchamber with breakfast and dinner
Park Plaza Westminster1 night stay in a studio room including breakfast
Kimpton Fitzroy3 course dinner and bottle of wine Galvin Bar & Grill
InterContinental Berlin1 night stay in Intercontinental Berlin
Treehouse London1 night stay at Treehouse London
Hilton Leeds City1 night bed and breakfast stay for 2 people
Voco Oxford SpiresWeekend 1 night stay for 2 people, B&B
Clayton Manchester City CentreAfternoon tea with Prosecco for 2 people
Hyatt Regency London – The ChurchillAfternoon tea for 2 people at the Montagu Kitchen & Lounge
Forest Pines1 night stay for 2 people with dinner, B&B at Forest Pines Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort. Includes 18 holes of golf for 2 people.
Radisson Blu Hotel Durham1 night B&B stay for 2 people in river room
Castle Hotel, Windsor1 night stay, with Dinner, Bed & Breakfast at Castle Hotel, Windsor
Wychwood Park Hotel1 night stay, with Bed & Breakfast
Radisson Hotel York1 night stay B&B – VIP B&B
Drayton ManorStay & Play Package: 1 night stay in a family room for up to 4 people, with breakfast & tickets for 1 day at the Theme Park
Royal Armouries LeedsTable of 10 people for 1 of their Christmas Parties – New York, New York!
Whittlebury Park3 options to choose from:
(1) A Fine Dining experience – dinner for 2 people in our multi-award winning 3 AA Rosette restaurant, Murrays. Including some pre-dinner bubbles to help you celebrate , with an overnight stay in a Club bedroom and breakfast before departure to set you up for the day ahead, OR
(2) A relaxing Spa stay for 2 people including a 40 minute treatment each, a delicious lunch in our Terrace café, dinner in our Astons restaurant, and a Club bedroom to rest after a ‘tiring’ day, OR
(3) A golf break for 2 people on our championship course including the use of a buggy and a bay on our Toptracer range to help hone those golf swings, dinner in our Astons restaurant and an overnight stay in a Club bedroom, allowing you to dream about the shots that you sank in the day, either on the golf course or in the bar!

AND Whittlebury Park will also treat you to a visit to the Silverstone Museum for the day of arrival or departure
Royal Horseguards1 overnight stay in a Standard Double Room for 2 people, including Breakfast at The Royal Horseguards Hotels
The Cumberland 1 night stay with dinner, B&B
The Queens Leeds1 night stay for 2 people in a King Junior Suite. Includes breakfast, and a bottle of fizz in room on arrival

Details of all of the LOTS, along with T&Cs, will be shared when the auction goes live.

If you work for a hotel or venue and would like to get involved in the Challenge, visit this page with all the info on how you can donate a LOT for auction and promote your business.

Come back soon to see the expanding list of donations.

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The Magic of Meetings and Events in Munich

Germany’s vibrant city of Munich boasts a rich history. With its diverse culture, and variety of attractions meetings and events in Munich are popular with planners worldwide.

Read on to find out why it creates such a big draw for event planners!

Culture

Interestingly, Munich’s history dates back to the Middle Ages when it was founded by Henry the Lion. Throughout the centuries, it has been- and remains – a significant centre for art, culture, and politics.

Munich is renowned for its traditional Bavarian culture. Experience it first-hand at festivals like Oktoberfest, where locals and travellers unite to celebrate with music, food, and beer.

The city also has a thriving arts scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and museums showcasing both contemporary and classical art.

Top Attractions

Among the city’s top attractions is the iconic Marienplatz, the central square surrounded by stunning historical buildings and the famous Glockenspiel. Nowadays, it’s famous for hosting the Christkindlmarkt, the annual Christmas market.

The Nymphenburg Palace, with its magnificent architecture and expansive gardens, is another must-visit. During the summer season, visitors can take a gondola ride down the middle channel of the gardens to take in the views in a different way.

Munich is also home to several world-class museums, such as the Deutsches Museum, which is one of the largest science and technology museums globally, and the Alte Pinakothek, housing an impressive collection of European art.

Meetings and Events

The city’s vibrant atmosphere, paired with its rich cultural heritage and modern amenities, provides the perfect backdrop for successful gatherings.

Munich offers a wide range of venues. From historic landmarks to state-of-the-art conference centres, various event sizes and requirements are catered for.

Additionally, Munich is renowned for its impeccable transportation system, known for its punctuality and efficiency. This means delegates can get across the city with ease.

Attendees can enjoy exploring iconic attractions during their free time. The Marienplatz or Nymphenburg Palace, add a unique cultural experience to anyone’s trip.

Moreover, the city’s efficient transportation system makes it easy for guests to navigate and access venues conveniently.

Hosting a business conference, trade show, or cultural event? Munich’s dynamic atmosphere and excellent facilities ensure meetings and events in Munich are unforgettable.

H4 Hotel Munich Messe

Handily located in the vicinity of the trade fair centre, this hotel offers the perfect setting for any event. Whether your hosting a meeting, workshop, or congress it has space to suit every occasion. Think 1,120 square metres of events space!

The 8 multi-functional meeting rooms are simple yet elegant, decorated in warm colours and finished in natural wood. They are all equipped with air conditioning, state-of-the-art conference technology, and Wi-Fi Internet access inclusive. Head to the wellness area between 16:00 and 22:00 to unwind after a day of business or sightseeing.

The hotel’s guests are a stone’s throw away from the exhibition centres and the International Congress Centre München (ICM). The centres are just five minutes away on foot.

The nearest U-Bahn station is around a five-minute walk away and offers a direct connection to the city centre. So guests have fast access to the shops and sights in the heart of Munich.

In addition, the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) only takes 20 minutes with the U-Bahn. If arriving from the airport by car, H4 Hotel München Messe is around half an hour away.

NH Collection München Bavaria

The contemporary, newly renovated NH Collection München Bavaria is the perfect place to stay for the event professionals. It can be found in the city centre next to the main train station. Just steps from the old town, it makes Munich easily accessible. So it’s an ideal base for business visitors or those exploring the city.

The hotel’s 219 newly renovated rooms are light and spacious. And those on the top floors offer some of the best views of Munich. Upper-floor guests can take in stunning views of the old city, Olympic Tower or, on clear days, the Alps.

The hotel has extensive meetings and events facilities, with a total of over 800 square meters of indoor event space, divided over 12 flexible meeting areas, all with natural daylight. There are spacious lobby areas which offer comfortable breaks between meetings. A stunning boardroom on the 16th floor offers amazing views over the city and the Alps, and can host meetings or more intimate events for up to 25 delegates.

Bayerischer Hof

The hotel has 337 rooms, of which 74 are suites, each individually designed in various styles with luxury furnishings. All rooms feature a Samsung flat-screen TV with wireless keyboard and free Internet access.

There are 40 air-conditioned banquet and function rooms with capacity for 10 up to 2,500 guests. The hotel’s largest space, the banquet hall, features a sliding glass roof and has an art deco style.

Bayerischer Hof also has a cinema lounge for film screenings and private events for up to 38 delegates. Finally, it has a roof terrace and lounge, a large modern area with an open fireplace and jazzy bar.

The Westin Grand Munich

The Westin Grand Munich is located in the Arabellapark and near the English garden. Within just a short trip by public transportation from the hotel you’ll find yourself at the city centre of Munich and its unique attractions. Whether guests are just arriving or continuing onward, Munich Airport is a quick 22 miles away.

Its rooms and suites are designed in warm colours. And thanks to its comfy beds and a rain showers, it is the perfect place for regeneration and well-being. The ISAR Spa offers 1500 m² of space for relaxation with a pool, various saunas, and renewing cosmetic treatments.

Large panoramic windows of the elegant Westin Club Lounge on the 23rd floor offer amazing views up to the Alps.

Interested in booking any of these hotels for a meeting or event in Munich? Follow the links in the feature to enquire or book.