Suzi Johnson, Author at EDGE Venues

25th July 202327th July 2023

Unleashing Success: The EDGE Venues Summer Party Connects, Engages, and Elevates

EDGE Venues, a leading force in the meeting and events industry, recently hosted its highly anticipated EDGE Venues Summer Party, bringing together an esteemed gathering of EDGE Venues licensees, corporate clients, and their teams. Now in its fourth year, this event not only celebrated the achievements of EDGE Venues but also created a vibrant environment for nurturing meaningful connections, sharing valuable business intelligence, and showcasing the power of collaboration.

The event served as a platform for sharing valuable business intelligence through interactive workshops providing attendees with insights into the latest trends, best practices, and innovative solutions.

Tracy Winsworth, Managing Director for EDGE Venues is delighted by the success and response of the event. “Our Summer Party is always so well attended, and I’m delighted this year to have welcomed some familiar faces, as well as new ones. It’s so important to be able to demonstrate the capabilities of the EDGE Venues platform to share how business opportunities can be maximised, both from the perspective of a licensee and of the corporate client.”

What our guests said about attending the EDGE Venues Summer Party

Jacquey Parker, JUMP Consultancy, said this on attending the event: “When just getting on with the day-to-day job I tend to forget what an isolating experience being a sole trader can sometimes be. It was such a treat therefore to take time out to attend the EDGE Venues Summer Party. Two insightful and informative industry focussed workshops and lively round table discussions, are always fascinating to understand the challenges that many venues face.

“Great to spend time connecting with fellow industry professionals and meet up with so many of the EDGE Venues Licensee members and reconnect with some of the fabulous venues I’ve had the opportunity to work with and site visit so far this year.”

Samantha Martin, Business Development Manager at Wyboston Lakes commented: “What a great day we had at the EDGE Venues summer party! Lizzie Thorpe and I enjoyed an afternoon of industry updates, networking and hearing all about the exciting and innovative plans that EDGE Venues have for the future. As Lizzie said afterwards “This is certainly not an agency that stands still for long!””

25th July 202325th July 2023

Top Sporting Venues to Make Your Event Win Gold

Sporting venues can be used for much more than exciting tournaments and matches. Many of the UK’s sporting spots can also be ideal venues for meetings and events. So, we’re taking a look at our top sporting venues picks.

Haydock Park Racecourse

Haydock Park Racecourse in Merseyside has fantastic facilities to make hearts race. The venue caters for any variety of event from conferences to corporate away days. They have a range of executive boxes and luxurious suites that accommodate up to 500 delegates.

Alternatively, the venue has a selection of banqueting suites with panoramic views across the racecourse for any gala diners or dances. However, for the large events, Haydock offers 1,000 square metres of indoor exhibition space along with 13 acres of hard standing exhibition areas for major events for up to 20,000 people.

Saints Events – Southampton Football Club

At Southampton Football Club, they combine creativity and unique environments to deliver ambitious events with a personal touch for up to 500 guests. With 15 unique event spaces and 30 meeting rooms, the variety and versatility of their suites makes the venue for all kinds of events. It is easily accessible from the M3 and M27 and offers complimentary parking for cars and coaches.

Sporting venues - Southampton Football Club — Southampton Football Club

The train station and ferry terminal are a 20-minute walk away, and Southampton Airport is a short 10-minute drive. Southampton FC has a range of flexible packages designed to suit any event objective with unique touches like stadium tours and presentations from ex-Southampton Football Club players that can add that extra flair to any event.

Exeter Racecourse

Exeter Racecourse sits just 5 miles from the end of the M5 southbound, along the A38. Set in a location overlooking the beautiful Devon Countryside, Exeter Racecourse can offer delegates its Conference and Events Centre, which has recently had a multi-million-pound extension.

The venue offer flexibility for any corporate or private event from conferences, meetings, seminars, tradeshows, and exhibitions, to intimate dinners, parties, gala dinners and outdoor events.

Wolverhampton Racecourse & Conference Centre

Wolverhampton Racecourse is an ideal spot for corporate events, especially during summer. The venue has acres of green space and suites with balconies to make the most of the outdoors.

Sporting venues - Wolverhampton Racecourse — Wolverhampton Racecourse

Wolverhampton Racecourse has 22 acres of private and offering hard standing grounds, as well as extensive grassed areas. They have a varied infrastructure of gated entrances, turnstiles, sound systems, digital screens. Also, there is free parking for up to 1,500 vehicles, which they incorporate into event packages.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

The award-winning Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is UK’s most technologically advanced stadium and venue. Home of Tottenham Hotspur, The London NFL and a diverse range of stunning unique venue spaces, offering guests maximum choice and flexibility for your next event. The team work with guests to amplify their brand and create an immersive experience at any event.

The stadium provides the perfect platform to make any event shine, whether a business event or special occasion. The venue is confident that their dedicated team will go that extra mile to ensure that everyone enjoys a memorable experience from start to finish.

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Doncaster Racecourse Exhibition & Conference Centre

The Doncaster Racecourse grounds exhibit a broad range of versatile conference and event spaces, which they tailor to suit any event requirements: from an impressive five-storey grand stand containing a purpose-built exhibition Hall of 3,400 square metres, to over 40 private suites which are able to house from two to 3,000 people.

Sporting venues - Doncaster racecourse — Doncaster Racecourse

Many of their rooms are glass fronted with huge sliding doors allowing guests to gaze at the impressive views across the racecourse and beyond. The venue provides hotel accommodation via their onsite 154 bedroomed Hilton Garden Inn Hotel with complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness centre, and direct access to the racecourse. Doncaster Racecourse is on course to become the winning post for the UK exhibition industry.

Twickenham Stadium

Twickenham Stadium, the Home of England Rugby, is a premium London event location. With excellent facilities and a wealth of flexible interior space, the stadium can effortlessly cater for large-scale business conferences with state-of-the-art AV, private dinners and social receptions, weddings or meetings. Their facilities are available and are tailorable to any event’s needs.

Overall, there are 34 dedicated spaces and over 150 executive boxes for small meetings. Many providing attendees and delegates with a view of the famous playing field that has inspired the national rugby team. Twickenham Stadium is ideally located just 20 minutes from Central London and six miles from London Heathrow Airport. There’s excellent road links and over 2,000 complimentary parking spaces on site. The stadium also benefits from an onsite 4* Marriott Hotel and Virgin Active Club.

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If you are interested in booking any of these sporting venues or finding out more, please get in touch.

18th July 2023

Delightful Dubrovnik: A Desirable Destination for Events

On the south eastern coast of Croatia sits Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic.’ The small historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has famous city walls surrounding the city.

Dubrovnik: A Place of History

Dubrovnik takes great pride in its city walls, which are double-layered for the most part. Built during the 16th century and stretching for almost 2 miles, these impressive structures were go around most of the old city. They reach a towering height of around 25 meters. Inside the walls, visitors can find various towers, fortresses, and countless historical monuments. As visitors venture outside the walls they will come across charming villas nestled amidst beautiful gardens.

The Real-Life King’s Landing

Dubrovnik is famed for many things, but some may know it for being the filming location of the popular series, Game of Thrones. Dubrovnik serves as the setting for King’s Landing in the series. For those who don’t watch the show, it is in a position equivalent to London on the map of the kingdoms, making it a significant area.

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

Perched dramatically on a cliff 30 meters above Miramare Bay, Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik offers breathtaking views of the stunning Dalmatian coast. The hotel is only a short 10-minute stroll away from the medieval city centre, allowing visitors to enjoy the best of both worlds. Nestled at the foot of the cliffs lies a pebble beach, enticing guests to unwind on a sun lounger and bask in the warm Mediterranean sunshine without having to travel far. The hotel offers two sophisticated meeting rooms that can accommodate groups of 10 to 250 people.

Dubrovnik Palace Hotel

On the beautiful Lapad peninsula, Dubrovnik Palace Hotel sits between the sea and pine forest. It offers peaceful seclusion and is blessed with a unique view of the Elaphite islands while being only a few minutes by car, bus or taxi from UNESCO-protected Dubrovnik Old Town. There are two dedicated conference areas on the 9th and 10th floor, and all rooms provide state of the art audiovisual equipment and services.

The Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

This hotel is in the city centre and is just 18km from the main airport meaning it is very accessible. This hotel boasts stylishly furnished rooms with contemporary benefits such as en-suite bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There are leisure facilities such as a sauna, fitness centre, Jacuzzi, spa & wellness centre, billiards, steam room and massage ensure guests have a relaxing stay. The Hotel Excelsior is able to provide seven function and event rooms with a maximum capacity in the most substantial space of 450 delegates, as well as 158 bedrooms and a catering capacity of 400 people.

Grand Villa Argentina

Located on the cliffs just outside the historic city of Dubrovnik is Grand Villa Argentina. As soon as guests walk into the reception area, they meet incredible scenic views. The breathtaking views of the Adriatic stretch from the island of Lokrum to Dubrovnik’s photogenic old harbour. Whether guests are sunbathing on the hotel’s beach with its saltwater pool, dining on the restaurant terraces, lying on a sun lounge on one of the individual rocky outcrops, or reading a book in the gardens, spectacular scenery surrounds guests.

This elegant luxury hotel features three stylish and comfortable meeting rooms, all with natural light and AV equipment, which can accommodate a maximum of 200 delegates in theatre style seating.

Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik

Located adjacent to the exquisite Lapad Bay beachfront and Uvala and its famous tree-lined promenade, Hotel Kompas Dubrovnik is less than 4 kms from Dubrovnik’s magnificent medieval Old Town city centre. The glorious panorama of the entire Lapad Bay and its glistening clear waters and unspoilt beaches, greet guests from the vast floor-to-ceiling windows of the grand reception and the Zenith Bar.

11th July 202311th July 2023

Berlin: Destination for Meetings and Events

Sat on the River Spree in North-Eastern Germany is Berlin. This city is renowned for its vast range of unique landmarks, vibrant nightlife and an eclectic mix of modern architecture and historic buildings.

Sustainable Smart City

Berlin has one of the most vast and efficient public transport systems in Europe. From the u-bahn to trams, there is always something to get visitors from A to B, and in a cost-effective way. This makes a massive difference as taking public transport halves the CO2 emitted per journey.

Berlin also has the Einwegpfand – a 25c deposit on bottles that you can get back by returning used bottles. Not only does it incentivise recycling by getting your money back, but it allows individuals in need to collect up bottles and earn some euros. The scheme is popular with locals as people collect bottles off the streets to earn back the deposit.

As well as this, Berlin has a great selection of vegan cafes and restaurants. The variety gives visitors a choice in reducing their environmental impact as they can chose plant-based foods. Even in non-vegan restaurants there are plenty of plant-based options.

Hub for History and Culture

With citizens from over 190 countries, Berlin is a hub for culture. Walking through the streets of Berlin, visitors will have no trouble finding street art and graffiti. Many of these artworks have meaningful stories behind them, including pieces at East Side Gallery (an art exhibition scaling a remaining section of the Berlin wall).

Berlin also has an abundance of history. The city has more museums than it has rainy days – on average 105 rainy days a year to 175 museums. One of the city’s most famous historic buildings, the Reichstag is a fusion of the original 19th century parliament building and a restoration project from 1999. The building was heavily under fire during WWII and was ON fire in 1933 – causing catastrophic damage.

Meetings and Events Hotspot

Germany’s capital city is raising the bar on conference and event standards. Whether organisers are looking for a unique event space or a conference hotel, Berlin has a range of space to suit any event. VisitBerlin encourage the planning of sustainable and green events, and with the facilities that Berlin already has in place, this is easily achievable.

Venues to Suit Every Need

H4 Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz

Located on one of Europe’s most popular squares, this hotel embodies the unique combination of tradition and modernity that Berlin has to offer. The 4-star hotel has every amenity a guest needs to feel at home and cared for. The hotel also has eight conference rooms that can be flexibly combined. The rooms are each equipped with multi-media facilities and are accessible to large car models, making it a fully functional and versatile space.

Regent Berlin

Regent Berlin is a classic-style 5-star property, home to 156 luxuriously decorated rooms and 39 suites. Each room is soundproofed and comes equipped with an antique desk. The hotel is next to the Gendarmenmarkt Square, where there are plenty of upmarket shops and restaurants nearby. The hotel’s restaurant, Charlotte & Fritz, is decorated in the style of a 19th century salon and has views of the square.

The Hotel Palace Berlin

This privately-run business hotel sits in the centre of City West between the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the Mall Bikini Berlin. The Hotel Palace Berlin is home to the ‘House of Gin’ and the sous-vide restaurant ‘beef 45’. Also, guests can find Palace Spa and Fitness Centre, sauna, ice cave, and a modern gym. The hotel has 18 function rooms for meetings and events, from big conferences for 900 delegates to exclusive dinners, Hotel Palace can do it all.

Berlin is an unforgettable choice of event location and makes a perfect spot for sustainably focused events. The city’s public transport makes it a breeze to get from one place to another, opening up lots of venues across the city.

27th June 20232nd November 2023

How to get involved with the Trinity EDGE Challenge

The auction is live!… View and bid on the auction lots.

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

Over the years we’ve raised more than £200K, supporting local charities that are close to our heart. Now we’re delighted to bring this back for 2023.

How does it work?

Our team are tasked with visiting 100 different venues each year.
As part of those venue visits, the team will be reaching out for donations that will be added as prizes for the auction. The auction will go live in October.
We will be running a social media campaign through July, August and September. This will promote the different prizes that have been donated with a big drive in October during the live bidding.
Depending on number of prizes donated, there will be approximately 5 weeks of Lots that will launch at the beginning of October. During this time we will be encouraging our network to be making generous donations for the chance to win one of the amazing prizes.

What’s in it for hotels and venues?

The opportunity to support our local charities
The opportunity to develop our team product knowledge on your venue
Brand awareness and exposure of your venue to our extensive network of our Trinity Corporate Clients and subscriber base of EDGE Venues
Social media and email campaign exposure about your venue

What does a star prize look like?

If you want to get a little added exposure, with a few extra shout outs, why not offer us a Star Prize. That might be a weekend away in an overseas destination or premium theatre tickets with dinner and overnight accommodation…

If we feel it’s worthy of a Star, we’ll give it star promotion.

Our Commitment

Trinity EDGE Solutions will cover all employee travel to ensure all proceeds go to charity. Our employees will source the most sustainable options to carry out their site visits and will only attend inspections that are relevant to their own product knowledge.

Our Charities

Don’t Lose Hope. A charity that offers a professional counselling service for all members of the community from age 4 upwards. This is a free service for families/individuals receiving certain state benefits and affordable to all others and now proud to be able to offer their online shop.
Second Helpings. A project run in partnership with Stamford Methodist Church and the whole community. Their aim is to ‘feed bellies not bins’ and they are passionate about reducing food waste and working with the community to reduce environmental impact.
Bumps and Beyond. Founded in 2009 by Alice Scott in a small cupboard on the Stamford Hospital site. Ten years on and it is now a fully-fledged charity in its own right and has helped thousands of parents and care-givers!
Three Counties Dog Rescue – Bourne, Lincolnshire. Three Counties Dog Rescue has successfully re-homed over 7000 dogs and cats since its formation in 1971. All the animals are neutered, vaccinated and micro-chipped before re-homing. All work involving rehoming, is done entirely by voluntary and unpaid helpers.

How to Donate

If you’d like to support our Trinity EDGE Challenge with a donation, please email details of your prize to info@edgevenues.com. Include your terms and conditions that will be added to the auction site.

22nd June 202322nd June 2023

What Belfast can offer for meetings and events

Our destination features are always popular, but we don’t pretend to always know absolutely everything about every city. There will always be hidden nuggets that others will know. With that in mind, we reached out to the team at ICC Belfast for their insight into one of Ireland’s most exciting cities.

With historical significance on every corner, unique dining experiences, bustling tourist hotspots and iconic hotels, Belfast provides a truly unique backdrop for event planners to create a world-class experience. Head of Sales and Marketing for ICC Belfast, Marie-Claire McGreevy reveals all…

Sustainable city

Following the 2021 launch of Belfast’s first resilience strategy and climate plan, an ambitious goal ‘to transition to an inclusive, zero emissions economy in a generation.’ has been set comprising 30 transformational programmes to future-proof the city. In partnership with Visit Belfast and Belfast City Council, ICC Belfast has committed to the development of a sustainable tourism plan as one of the resilience strategy transformational programmes.

Visit Belfast have a dedicated sustainability and impact manager to support and collaborate with event profs on bespoke initiatives to deliver on specific SDGs. In addition to being ranked 8^th worldwide in the Global Destinations Sustainability Index, Visit Belfast is tackling food poverty and homelessness in Northern Ireland through its social impact project, Changing the Menu. For Good., which received the 2022 GDS-Movement’s Innovation Award.

69% of all hotel bedrooms in Belfast City Centre are Green tourism accredited. ICC Belfast, the city’s convention centre has achieved a Silver Green Meetings Award and was the first venue on the island of Ireland to be awarded this accreditation.

Sustainable Belfast

Award-winning

The city rivals competitors with aplomb. Further investment through the Belfast City Region Deal in tourism-led projects such as Belfast Stories illustrates the growing confidence in NI following the 2016 unveiling of the convention centre’s £29.5M extended facilities.

Securing the top spot for ‘Best Conference Destination’ for 2022 at the highly influential Conference & Incentive Travel (C&IT) Awards in London for a second year in a row, Belfast sidestepped the global competition yet again as an ambitious destination that continues to exceed industry expectations.

Northern Ireland’s premier conference venue, ICC Belfast, was also shortlisted as the UK’s ‘Best Venue’ for events for 2022 for a fifth consecutive year, confirming a leading industry reputation for high calibre staff, cutting-edge innovation and a driving focus on sustainability. ICC Belfast has also held prestigious titles such as the Conference and Event Awards Best Large-Scale Event Venue and Event Technology Awards’ Most Innovative and Tech-Friendly Venue.

Accreditations and affiliations

Compact without compromise

Belfast is a compact city meaning it is often possible to walk between hotels and venues or key attractions. However, for guests who travel slightly further, there are over 70 hydrogen buses and gliders servicing public transport routes across Belfast and the national transport provider has set an ambitious target to reach Net Zero in 2030.

The city has also introduced various accessibility enhancements across to support increased participation, and deliver on its promise of being a destination that celebrates diversity and champions inclusivity.

In partnership with The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement and the Department for Communities as lead sponsor, Belfast welcomed delegates to positively reframe the narrative on approaching, supporting and enabling persons with disabilities to achieve their career goals when it hosted the Harkin Summit in June 2022.

Transformational change

To ensure a successful set up and event, Belfast underwent leading transformational change before, during and post Summit to be an accessible diverse and inclusive host destination. This included over 80% of ICC Belfast staff and 100% of Visit Belfast visitor servicing staff completing JAM Card training which allows customers to communicate their accessibility needs discreetly, highlighting that they may need a little extra time and patience during their visit.

To allow maximum space and comfort for delegates, a permanent Changing Place was also installed by SYNC Living in the Riverside Foyer area of ICC Belfast, which includes a peninsular toilet, grab rails and a changing bench for visitors requiring additional support.

Over 260 hospitality and tourism professionals in Belfast are now trained in inclusion. The training video, curated by Visit Belfast and NOW Group, was developed specifically for the Harkin Summit and will be rolled out across the city’s tourism and hospitality sector to improve inclusion across the wider industry.

A further legacy initiative of Harkin Belfast was the development of a Social Narrative Access Video to support delegates in navigating their surroundings at ICC Belfast. The video, which covers arrival and complete access to the venue was produced by disabled-led arts charity, University of Atypical.

Harkin Belfast legacy

Under the Northern Ireland Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey’s direction, the Harkin Belfast legacy initiatives also include 300 ring-fenced employment opportunities for young disabled people, 100 mentoring sessions delivered during the Summit, an eight-week Entrepreneurship Course for young people with disabilities in collaboration with the British Council and a Dragons’ Den for disability led enterprises sponsored by Ulster Bank.

Belfast City Council, as part of the new Belfast tourism strategy, will also be rolling out an accessible tourism programme to build capacity and skills within the tourism sector.

The City of Belfast will continue to utilise the Harkin Summit to learn from global best practice, as a catalyst for further progress and to inform future policy work and initiatives in this area.

Harkin Belfast case study

Sectoral excellence

Northern Ireland is a powerhouse of innovation and talent. World-leading in cyber security, advanced manufacturing, fintech, life and health sciences and creative industries; Belfast is now ranked in the top 100 international meeting destinations globally. (International Congress and Conventions Association 2023).

The region’s compact size is its strength – home to a dynamic eco-system of SMEs, start-ups and 1,200 global corporations who all come together to welcome business events and meetings to Northern Ireland.

Cyber Security Hub

Belfast is fast becoming a global cyber security hub making ICC Belfast the obvious host venue choice for the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) flagship conference, CYBERUK.

In April 2023, Northern Ireland celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast Good Friday Agreement. Events marking this historic event across the region highlighted how the foundations of the Peace Process accelerated the prosperous Northern Ireland economy and opened up opportunities for hosting global events like CYBERUK. Belfast’s remarkable business transformation is a testament to the promises made by British, Irish and International Leaders when they signed the agreement in 1998. The city is now considered a centre of excellence for cyber security with prime investment from US firms alongside world-class research at Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.

David Crozier, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT) at Queen’s University Belfast spoke recently about how Belfast is playing a pivotal part in the UK’s cyber journey:

“In 2009 when Belfast set out to incubate and grow a world-leading cyber security ecosystem, few people took it seriously. In that time, CSIT led the foundation of a research-led cyber security community that has brought on partners from government, industry, entrepreneurship, and the venture capital community to create a vibrant ecosystem that is driving societal and economic impact regionally, nationally, and internationally.”

David Crozier thought leadership

Hybrid hero

With large-scale hybrid conferences now the norm, ICC Belfast is well established as a market leader with a reputation for innovation thanks to Tourism Northern Ireland’s Experience Development Programme.

Following a successful application, ICC Belfast’s technical infrastructure has expanded significantly, and the convention centre is now fully hybrid by design. Technological enhancements made include 4K PTZ BirdDog P400 cameras in every meeting space as well as a suite of encoders and decoders to allow connectivity between video sources and NDI installation across the venue controlled by a central ‘gallery control’ allowing full vision mixing and streaming of spaces.

The interactivity of conferences has increased exponentially too, with remote and in-person delegates using a hybrid delegate platform to influence discussions and content themes through live Q & A sessions, polls and gamification.

Hybrid events

A Giant welcome

From sea to sky Northern Ireland offers something special. Exceptional giant coastlines meet sublime mountains with eight Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty on its doorstep.

Belfast City Centre offers plenty to see and do from the iconic Titanic Belfast to lush Botanical Gardens and history on every corner.

From Michelin Star restaurants to St. George’s Market and artisan cafes, Belfast’s food scene has something to delight even the most discerning palate.

Beyond the city visitors can embrace Northern Ireland’s Giant Spirit too by taking a drive along the Causeway Coastal Route. Or, if you’re a fan of the hit TV show why not become an honorary Derry Girl and visit all the main filming locations?

Attractions

For more on Belfast and other venues available for meetings and events, check out our Belfast profile.

6th June 2023

Coventry – the young and diverse city

This beautiful historical city in the West Midlands is an area known for its bustling atmosphere. With stunning architecture and deep history, Coventry is a captivating location for global event profs and delegates.

Here are some reasons why.

Diversity

Coventry is a diverse city with a relatively young population. According to coventry.gov.uk, the city’s median age is 35 years compared to the UK average of 40 years.

What’s more, the city’s population has grown, particularly amongst younger adults, alongside the growth and success of the city’s two universities. The educational settings are attracting students locally and internationally, alongside better-paid jobs in certain sectors of the local economy.

coventry.gov.uk also tells us that the city has become increasingly ethnically diverse in the last decade, with ‘just under half of its school-aged population from an ethnic minority background in 2021; up from around one-third of the city’s population from an ethnic minority background at the 2011 census.’

Heritage to learn from

Coventry, a city in the West Midlands, is rich in history and heritage. In Roman times, Coventry was one of the country’s main medieval market towns, visited by many.

Its most significant chapter unfolded during World War II when the city suffered heavy bombing, destroying its iconic cathedral. Enemy bombs also hit a medieval church, central library and many public buildings.

The city has resurrected many of its once-demolished buildings, but the memory remains. Visitors can learn more about Coventry and its heritage at The Herbert Art Gallery and the war memorial park.

Lovely restaurants & bars

Coventry has a wide selection of restaurants and bars for people looking to wine and dine in the city. Queens Road Mediterranean Kitchen is one of the city’s favourite Mediterranean restaurants. Specialising in local products, the restaurant provides a welcoming environment for all guests and even has a sophisticated lounge bar.

The Bull’s Head is a traditional bar and grill in the city and is well known for providing mouth-watering pub food on a budget! With a stylish revamped modern interior, this pub is the perfect place to unwind after a busy week.

If you’re after a cold refreshing cocktail, Coventry is home to a selection of cocktail bars, from chains such as Slug and Lettuce to traditional places such as The Cosy Club, Coventry has something for everyone!

A fantastic selection of venues

Coventry Conferences Techno Centre

The Coventry Conference Techno Centre is a well-known venue for conferences, meetings, and events. Set in the centre of Coventry, the venue offers modern, stylish venues to accommodate varying group sizes. With its modern vibe and close transport links, the Technocentre provides the perfect experience for delegates looking for an incredible venue in this beautiful city.

Best Western Plus Windmill Village Hotel, Golf Club & Spa

Located on the A45, The Best Western Windmill Village Hotel is perfect for delegates to easily access and come together for conferences, team-building events, and small intimate gatherings. With 105 bedrooms and 7 meeting rooms complete with a selection of amenities, the hotel also boasts free on-site parking, two restaurants, a golf course and more to keep guests entertained!

MTC Conferences & Events

The MTC Conferences and Events is located on the outskirts of Coventry, just a few minutes from the M6. This venue offers a selection of versatile event spaces for delegates to use and state-of-the-art facilities. The venue is set in stunning architectural surroundings, providing the perfect backdrop for events of all sizes. The MTC is 6 miles outside the centre of Coventry which has excellent transport facilities and an airport only 20 minutes away. The venue also boasts an onsite restaurant and car park.

Lea Marston Hotel

The Lea Marston Hotel has a selection of easily accessible transport links, with the airport and M6 Toll under 15 minutes away. The hotel boasts 12 spacious meeting rooms and 119 bedrooms for delegates. Set beautifully in 50 acres of countryside the Lea Marston Hotel is a stunning venue with excellent on-site facilities.

Coventry is a fantastic choice of event location, with its range of hotel facilities and friendly atmosphere. The city’s prime location provides easy access for attendees from across the country to reach. There is a wide selection of state-of-the-art venues which ensure that Coventry stands out amongst the competition for providing memorable events!

To find out more, check out our Coventry destination page.

19th May 2023

Why consider Cardiff for your next event…

If you fancy planning a meeting a little off the beaten track, the beautiful city of Cardiff should be high on your list of destinations. The Welsh capital is a bustling city with an abundance of culture and historical values as well as a range of activities to keep visitors busy!

From castle tours to white-water rafting, the list of must-sees and do’s for considering this city as a destination is endless! Keep reading to find out some of the reasons to you should consider Cardiff for your next event!

Delicious Cuisine

Cardiff is known for its immaculate cuisine, with a selection of delicious dining and drinking options, the city has something to offer everyone – Whether you’re a cocktail lover or a pub diner enthusiast.

For an unforgettable culinary experience, look no further than the Pasture Restaurant. This chic, 5-star restaurant is in the heart of Cardiff and provides a relaxed atmosphere for guests. The Pasture offers an enticing menu serving mouth-watering charcoal grilled steaks as well as craft beer and tasteful cocktails.

If you’re looking for traditional Welsh cuisine, look no further than the Potted Pig. Located underground in former bank vaults beneath the city, this restaurant and gin bar create an unforgettable experience for guests. Serving a mix of traditional and modern food, the potted pig is loved by locals and tourists alike.

If you are a craft beer lover, don’t miss out on the Tiny Rebel Cardiff. This craft brewery opened in 2013 and provides service second to none in the city. With a tasteful brickwork interior and regular live music performances alongside a selection of delicious beers and bar food, this bar is a great choice. Don’t miss their award-winning catch red ale, a true Welsh gem!

Lastly, if you’re after a delicious fruity cocktail, the Cocktail Club Cardiff is the place to be! Set across three floors, the well-known cocktail bar has something for everyone’s taste! The bar also serves a bottomless brunch including bingo, entertainment, and a selection of prizes to be won! The cocktail club is the perfect place to let your hair down in the city!

These are just a few options to consider if you wanted to take your event out of the main venue for evening entertainment.

Cultural Attractions

The vibrant city has endless cultural attractions to see, from a visit to the glorious castle, to a walk along the river Taff. If you want to build some tourist attractions into your event then Cardiff has you covered.

For those who are curious about Welsh history, St Fagan’s – The National History Museum – is the ideal location to explore the history, architecture, culture and traditions of the Welsh. This is a beautiful open aired museum spread across acres of parkland, also including a farm, old fashioned shops and a pottery making class for tourists!

Lovely Beaches

Barry Island is located very close to the city centre, only a short train ride away. This is a big tourist attraction in the area, featuring a large promenade and a beautiful sandy beach in Whitmore Bay. The area includes obligatory amusement arcades and 24 vibrantly coloured beach huts available for daily hire as well as a climbing wall and various events through the year!

The famous UK television show Gavin and Stacey was filmed in Barry Island so some fans may eagerly recognise it!

Let’s not forget the Venues!

ICC Wales

The ICC Wales is in Newport and is a top contender for one the best meeting facilities in Cardiff! The venue is a popular choice for conferences, exhibitions, and events. It provides a flowing, positive experience for attendees due to its state-of-the-art advanced technology, cutting-edge facilities and versatile spaces.

With its 15 spacious, elegant meeting rooms and a selection of onsite amenities including a coffee shop, an adventure golf centre, tree trekking facilities and more! The ICC Wales attracts global gatherings, ensuring a successful and memorable event.

Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre

With an excellent location in the centre of the vibrant city, Holiday Inn Cardiff is located perfectly for sightseeing and exploring what the city has to offer! The hotel boasts 157 comfortable and relaxing rooms to accommodate guests as well as 11 spacious meeting rooms. Perfect for conferences, group meetings and team building events in the city.

The hotel is known for its friendly staff and reliable reputation amongst guests who can make use of the selection of amenities available including the on-site restaurant, the stylish bar, and the onsite gym. Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre is a comfortable hotel providing a pleasant and enjoyable stay for visitors.

The Parkgate Hotel

The Parkgate Hotel Cardiff is Cardiff’s finest hotel, a unique boutique hotel situated in the bustling city centre. With its stylish eye-catching interior and luxurious atmosphere, this hotel is ideal for travellers looking for a unique experience during their stay!

The elegant hotel has beautifully designed rooms with glamorous furnishings throughout to add to the sophisticated vibe! With 169 modern bedrooms and 2 spacious meeting rooms the hotel boats plenty of space for both meetings and conferences. Bringing elegance into historical buildings, the Parkgate Hotel is a classy venue, providing a bar, restaurant, and thermal suites for guests to indulge in.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff

The Radisson Blu Hotel Cardiff is in the heart of the Welsh city. Having such a central location makes this venue ideal for hosting events and conferences as it is easily accessible for delegates staying in various locations across the city. The hotel is in close proximity to many major tourist attractions, shopping centres, and entertainment venues, providing a thrilling stay for guests.

The hotel features 215 modern rooms as well as 6 large meeting spaces, ideal for group training events, conferences, and small group gatherings. The hotel boasts an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness centre for guests to enjoy during their stay.

Cardiff is a truly vibrant city with a grand selection of venues and activities to try out during your stay! Endless entertainment and a selection of beautiful hotels will leave you eager to return to this beautiful city!

15th May 202315th May 2023

Are you ready to start thinking about Christmas parties?

We’ve had the Coronation of the King, Eurovision and the BAFTAs, all in the last couple of weeks. Now it’s time to start thinking about Christmas parties.

Yes, we know it’s only May, but we also know that Christmas always creeps up on us. Therefore, getting your Christmas party venue organised early is vital, especially if you have your eye on a popular venue.

Things to consider when planning for Christmas Parties

With everyone having hectic schedules, getting a date in the diary is a must!

When looking at options for your venue, there are a few key factors which you should consider. These factors include the layout and size of the venue, it’s location, accessibility, availability and of course the cost of the venue. By carefully considering all of your options, you can create select the perfect venue to ensure that the event is a huge success.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite venues which would be ideal for a festive Christmas party. Please note this list is by no means exhaustive, and our friendly Venue Procurement Team are on hand to help.

The Grand Hotel York

The Grand Hotel York is a stunning 5-star hotel in the heart of the historical city. This beautiful Edwardian building offers luxurious accommodation and a range of dining options. With its elegant interiors, the Grand Hotel York provides the perfect setting for a Christmas party that will impress your guests.

The hotel offers festive packages such as exclusive party nights. With its central location and exceptional facilities, the Grand Hotel York is a great choice for a memorable Christmas celebration.

Ellenborough Park

Ellenborough Park is country estate situated in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. The hotel boasts stunning views, luxurious accommodations, and excellent dining options. With it’s beautiful scenery, impeccable service and attention to detail, Ellenborough Park is sure to provide a magical Christmas celebration for your guests.

Pavilions of Harrogate

Pavilions of Harrogate is a stylish venue located in the heart of Harrogate. The venue boasts modern and flexible event spaces, perfect for hosting Christmas parties of all sizes. With its stunning scenic surroundings, Pavilions of Harrogate offers a unique and memorable setting for your Christmas celebration.

With established catering services available, Pavilions of Harrogate is the perfect choice for a fun and festive Christmas party that your guests will love.

BMA House

BMA House is a stunning building located in central London. It is a prestigious venue for Christmas parties with flexible event spaces for all group sizes. With its beautiful architecture, the venue provides the perfect setting for any festive event. BMA has an expert in-house catering team, creating delicious meals over the festive period. BMA House truly is an ideal choice for a memorable and magical Christmas celebration.

Wychwood Park

Wychwood Park is a modern venue set in the stunning Cheshire countryside, offering a unique and picturesque location for a Christmas party. The venue boasts a selection of spaces, including a grand ballroom and private dining rooms. With its expert service, Wychwood Park is the perfect choice for a festive celebration with friends, family, or colleagues.

Wyboston Lakes

Wyboston Lakes is a versatile and modern conference venue, set in 380 acres of stunning countryside on the outskirts of Cambridgeshire. The venue boasts a variety of event spaces, from large conference halls to smaller meeting rooms and private dining areas. Their festive packages include Christmas party nights, festive afternoon tea, and private dining options, catering for groups of all sizes. With excellent dining options and a range of activities available, Wyboston Lakes is the perfect choice for a fun Christmas celebration.

Woodland Grange

Woodland Grange is a stylish conference venue set in the picturesque Warwickshire countryside. The venue offers a range of versatile event spaces, making it an ideal choice for a Christmas party of any size. With its beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities, Woodland Grange provides the perfect setting for a perfect and memorable Christmas celebration.

Getting organised in advance for the venue of your Christmas celebration can save a lot of stress further down the line! Each of these venues have unique features that will create a magical festive vibe and bring your vision to life.

3rd May 20233rd May 2023

London venues with a Royal twist

The Coronation has spread a sense of unity and support across the country, with thousands preparing their own events to celebrate the occassion.

With the King’s Coronation, we thought it was only fitting to write this week’s feature about the glorious city of London and the marvellous venues that it has to offer.

We have handpicked a selection of some of our favourite London hotels with a royal twist in the name!

Tower Hotel, London

If you are looking for a hotel located in central London, with excellent amenities, the Tower Hotel is at the top of the list! This 4-star hotel boasts 801 glamorous rooms and suites as well as 19 spacious event spaces to host meeting and conferences. With spectacular views of the River Thames and the city’s skyline, it is a popular spot for tourists eager to soak up the city. The hotel has several bars and restaurants as well as gym and parking facilities. The hotel is within close proximity to attractions such as the Tower of London and The Shard, making it an ideal location for a visit to the city.

Royal Horse Guards, London

This magnificent hotel keeps up well with the royal theme with its grand, elegant interior. Situated near the Houses of Parliament, River Thames and London Bridge, the Royal Horse Guards is perfect for a sightseeing trip in the city centre. The hotel offers 282 spacious rooms and suites as well as 13 spacious meeting rooms, boasting stunning views of the city and its many attractions. There are fitness facilities, restaurants, bars and an outside terrace available for guests to use, making this an ideal hotel for delegates.

Clermont Victoria

The Clermont Victoria is a stylish, elegant hotel situated in the centre of London. With 345 bedrooms and 8 grand events room, this venue is perfect for groups looking to use the spacious meeting rooms for conferences and group training events. The hotel is 40 minutes away from the nearest airport and only a few minutes’ walk from Victoria underground station. Making it a highly accessible venue. The hotel features 2 on site restaurants and nearby parking for guests.

Kensington Hotel

Located in the heart of south Kensington, this stunning hotel has a sense of luxury through its inspired décor and sophisticated spaces. Being situated in one of London’s most charming and sought after locations, the Kensington Hotel is very in demand. There are regular transport links available close to the hotel. Guests also have access to spa treatments and a fitness studio during their stay. With 146 bedrooms and 3 intimate event spaces, this venue has a very personal atmosphere. Perfect for smaller group meetings of around 60 delegates.

The Royal Lancaster London

The Royal Lancaster London is a stunning 5-star hotel located in central London. With panoramic views of one of the city’s largest parks, Hyde Park, it is in a picturesque location. The hotel boasts 411 elegant rooms and 15 large meeting rooms, perfect for conferences and teambuilding groups. Guests can enjoy the delicious food at the hotel’s restaurant, sip on a range of cocktails at the stylish bar or relax using the spa. With its stunning views, the Royal Lancaster London is a perfect choice for a memorable stay in London.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tower of London

This beautiful hotel is both elegant and modern whilst being conveniently located in the heart of the City of London. The hotel boasts 583 comfortable bedrooms and suites, all equipped with modern amenities for guests to enjoy. The hotel includes a fitness centre, sauna, and steam room as well as an onsite restaurant. All of which are popular amongst guests. With its prime location and 12 spacious meeting rooms, the DoubleTree Hilton Tower of London is a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Choosing a venue in the city of London can be challenging due to the endless options, however there are plenty of hotels fit for royals! Careful consideration will help you narrow it down to find your perfect hotel, try some of these for a royal twist!