Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid is the first hotel
in the history of Plaza Mayor, offering 89 rooms and suites, of which almost
half face the Plaza Mayor square, offering both elegant and contemporary
design.
The hotel features an outdoor pool located at
the top of the building, ideal for those Spanish summer days, with views over
the historic rooftops of Madrid. The Spa, located on the level below the
square, offers an immediate atmosphere of tranquillity with its indoor pool and
traditional vaulted brick ceilings, a fully equipped treatment centre, a
fitness centre and various other breathtaking surrounding and unique spaces,
ideal for holding events.
The hotel’s restaurant offer includes the RIB |
Casa de la Carnicería | Beef & Wine, specializing in meat, and the
Cafeteria on the Plaza Mayor square, dedicated to tapas and snacks, as well as
a cocktail bar, the Coqueteleria evocative of Madrid’s most bohemian years, for
pre or post-dinner cocktails and drinks.
Located in Plaza Mayor, in the heart of
Madrid’s capital, Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid encompasses two historic buildings
– the 17th century Casa de la Carnicería and an old fire station. This hotel is
a true tribute to its original architecture, in which its solid walls, reveal
the 400 years of history of the Plaza Mayor, one of the most emblematic of
Europe, while its interiors pay homage to the work of the old craftsmen,
weavers, carpenters, blacksmiths and potters.
The hotel is only a stone’s throw from the main monuments
and highlights of the city, including the Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace,
Catedral de la Almudena, Gran Via, Callao Square, the Debod Temple or the
iconic El Rastro market. The Paseo del Arte, where you’ll find large museums
such as the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen, is only 20-minute walk away.
The shortlist for the London Venue Awards has been announced and we’re delighted that many of our EDGE Venues licensees who’ve made the final, and here they are…
Events budgets defied the trend for total marketing budgets during the second quarter of 2019, registering solid growth and extending the upturn which has been recorded in recent quarters, according to the Q2 2019 IPA Bellwether Report.
The upturn in events budgets comes against a backdrop of flatlining marketing budgets overall, as firms reported no change to available expenditure amid growing political and economic uncertainty.
The net balance of marketing executives recording growth in events budgets increased to 4.8 per cent in the second quarter, from 3.4 per cent previously, signalling a stronger gain in available advertising spend. Aside from main media and internet marketing, events was the only other Bellwether category to expand during Q2.
Forecasts made previously for the 2019/20 financial period were upbeat, corroborating with the latest data. A net balance of 2.5 per cent anticipates events budgets to rise over the coming budget-setting year.
However, the bigger picture for marketing budgets is less positive as the latest Bellwether data signals a stalling of growth, with the net balance falling from 8.7 per cent to 0 per cent. The 20 per cent of panel members reporting greater marketing spend was completely offset by those cutting expenditure, while the remaining 60 per cent kept budgets unchanged since Q1.
Events budgets bucked the downward trend in Q2 of 2019
Events budgets bucked the downward trend in Q2 of 2019
Growing economic uncertainty, continued ambiguity over Brexit and additional risk through a change of political leadership in the UK were mentioned by firms as factors expected to challenge the business environment over the coming year. This created hesitancy among clients and delayed decision making. Panel members also raised concerns that difficult conditions domestically were damaging consumer confidence and impacting consumption. Businesses were also wary of headwinds from external sources, particularly spillover effects into UK markets from global trade disputes and weaker growth at key export destinations such as Europe and Asia.
Paul Bainsfair, IPA director general, said: “Between Boris, Jeremy and Brexit, coupled with a dip in consumer confidence, it is perhaps no wonder that this quarter’s Bellwether shows zero growth to overall UK marketing budgets. Until a clearer political and economic path is outlined, the vast majority of companies are locked in stasis. It is reassuring to see, however, that some companies are revising up their investment in main media advertising; this is where they will build the longer term growth of their brands, which is crucial to weathering these tougher times.”
Joe Hayes, economist at IHS Markit and author of the Bellwether Report, added: “The expansion in marketing budgets during the first quarter proved short-lived, but developments in the wider economy during Q2 have shown that more intense challenges lie on the horizon for UK businesses. Firms have subsequently adjusted to this, belt-tightening in some cases and withdrawing into a wait-and-see approach once again. Given the economic and political uncertainties that remain at large, a neutral stance towards budget setting appears fully justified.
“That said, internet marketing remained a bright spot. We see continued growth in the digital space, with panellists pointing to ongoing drives through technological improvements and social media channels. Firms also kept boosting main media marketing spend, with brand recognition and building initiatives ongoing.”
Event planners want their employers to do more to make their work less stressful, according to a new survey.
A survey sent to attendees of De-Stress Fest, the event industry’s first free well-being festival at The Royal Horticultural Halls in May, returned with a very clear message, as 100 per cent of respondents said that they want employers to do more to make their work less stressful.
Laura Capell-Abra from Stress Matters, one of the festival’s partners, said “It’s no surprise that organisers are desperate for their employers to recognise their plight, however it’s not asking the impossible. By taking time out to hear their needs and give them tools such as going on our Mental Health First Aider Workshops, employers will be able to put systems in place to avoid stress getting out of control, thereby achieving a happier and more productive work force.”
80 per cent acknowledged that the job itself had become more stressful in the last five years, with some saying that their workload had doubled. When asked about the kind of wellness initiatives they’d like to see in the workplace there were a wide range of responses to aid mental and physical well-being including taking the Stress Matters pledge, talk therapy, meditation, re-balancing, massage, yoga, workshops and Access Bars which ‘de-frag’ the brain.
Three quarters took away useful tips from the festival to help them de-stress at work and home, with one in four recognising the need to take a break to re-energise body and mind to be more productive in the long run. Breathing techniques were also a big hit as were re-balancing and posture re-alignment.
Lorraine Thorne, venue sales manager at RHH, said “I’m glad De-Stress Fest served people well, and many took something valuable away with them. The survey also showed that there is a need for events like this and everyone wants De-Stress Fest to happen next year. We are currently in discussion, so watch this space.
“Throughout the Royal Horticultural Society we now have Wellbeing Champions who can point staff to the appropriate person to help their situation. We are also promoting walking at lunchtime and we will be offering yoga, massage and meditation in the near future.”
Elisha Temple recently headed into London to build her product knowledge on what the City has to offer for meetings and events. Here she’s shared her insight into the different venues she visited…
Apex Temple Court
Overall Impression:
Apex Temple Court is a fresh, modern hotel perfectly situated within walking distance from City Thameslink station. One of the entrances to the hotel leads off Fleet Street; when entering you are greeted by beautifully decorated outdoor ‘Secret Garden’ available for exclusive hire, this is perfect for an evening drinks reception or break out space for around 30 delegates standing with occasional seating. Following on into the hotel, 2 doors are placed either side of the Secret Garden leading into the reception area; these doors lead you behind the reception area. On the opposite side of the hotel to the Secret Garden is a second outdoor area in the courtyard. This is positioned in front of the main entrance to the hotel and is also available for exclusive and semi-private hire and is perfect for team building activities.
After a recent extension being completed, there is now a
total of 5 meeting rooms available with a maximum capacity of 18 boardroom all
following the ‘Lazy Ballerina’ style; a term
used in viviculture referring to the trellis that a wine grapevine is grown on.
Suites can also be used as a meeting space for up to 8 delegates.
The bedrooms follow the same fresh and modern style as the rest of the hotel. The City Rooms were wonderfully lit and a great size, perfect for an overnight corporate stay. 7 styles of bedrooms are presented from the City Rooms to Temple Suites, there is something for everyone. 2 bars, a restaurant and 2 outdoor spaces are available for both corporate and public so there is plenty of space.
Apex Temple Court
Considerations:
The hotel is in a perfect location in the City of London and is best suited to evening drinks receptions, private dining and smaller meetings for up to 20 delegates. With a contemporary style, it is certainly a hotel to consider when clients are looking for something new and modern. Despite meeting rooms sitting lower ground and minimal daylight falling into the rooms, the lighting is very effective while sitting continuing with the lazy ballerina style.
Crowne Plaza London The City
Overall Impression:
Crowne Plaza London – The City is a bright, contemporary hotel situated just over the road from Blackfriars station. The main entrance welcomes you into a beautiful, bright, open lobby where you are warmly welcomed by the concierge and check in team. The outstanding first impressions were certainly upheld during the visit as we continued down the stairs to the conference floor (also accessible via lift). As you walk down, you are greeted by a welcome desk and shared foyer where refreshments are served with 5 meeting rooms leading off from the foyer including the largest room; the Bridewell Suite which can hold up to 180 theatre style. As well as meetings, private dining is also an option for these meeting rooms.
There are 2 restaurants available, these are positioned on the mezzanine level where you will find the second entrance. The first is a Chinese style restaurant, this is available for exclusive and semi-private hire seating up to 90 delegates for dinner. The second is my favourite of the 2, the Italian restaurant which can seat up to 150 delegates for dinner. Towards the back of Italian restaurant is a private dining area which can seat up to 20. The bedrooms are spacious and practical, perfect for a corporate stay.
And finally, last but certainly not least – the brand new ‘The Leaf and Cane’ bar. Walking into this room certainly gives you the wow-factor. With a South American vibe, this space in quirky, modern, and very vibrant. The Leaf and Cane is available for exclusive hire and can hold up to 220 delegates for a drink’s reception with occasional seating. With rum master classes, this would work beautifully for a fun, informal, team building reception.
The Crowne Plaza London – The City
Considerations:
The Crowne Plaza London – The City is in a great location and certainly gives you that professional yet contemporary vibe when walking round the hotel. Based on the meeting spaces, this hotel is perfect for larger corporate meetings or dinner, drinks reception. With plenty of space and a vast number of bedrooms, it is perfect for the residential meetings, Christmas Parties and conferences.
Sea Containers
Overall Impressions:
Sea Containers is situated alongside the River Thames and just over the bridge from Blackfriars station. As soon as you enter the hotel you see a beautifully handcrafted cooper reception area that leads you around the hotel into the restaurant via a floor-lit walkway. The bright, airy restaurant offers semi-private seating areas perfect for smaller, informal meetings. Walking round to the back of the restaurant you’ll find a private dining space with outdoor area; this can seat up to 22 in a hollow square.
Across the lobby from the restaurant you will find the ‘Lyaness’; a gorgeously decorated cocktail bar overlooking the River Thames. With a contemporary 1970’s colour theme, this edgy bar offers a relaxed, lounging experience. This massively differs when you head up in the lift to the ‘12th Knot’, a beautiful open space overlooking the City of London. This space can be exclusively hired for up to 300 delegates for a drink’s reception. The meeting rooms are all situated on one floor, as you step off the lift you enter the shared foyer area and welcome station. Leading off from the foyer are 4 studio rooms and a screening room which is also used as a cinema for the public.
Bedrooms continue with the Ship-Chic style with cabin-like storage facilities and fitting bathroom. Ideal for delegates staying overnight.
Sea Containers
Considerations:
As one of my favourite venues in the City of London, I thoroughly enjoyed the general style of the hotel. With friendly staff and a relaxed layout, the hotel was easy to navigate, well-lit and beautifully decorated throughout. This hotel would be very well suited to meetings covering several days, or for clients looking for something slightly different to the norm.
Bankside Hotel – Autograph Collection
Overall Impressions:
Bankside Hotel opened September 2018 and is tucked away close to the River Thames and just over the bridge from Blackfriars station. The artist style gives an inquisitive twist to the general feel as you walk around and notice the varying pieces of art placed in the hotel. As you walk round to the restaurant there is a private dining area closed off in the corner, this can seat up to 24 delegates. There is a general clean-industrial style to the restaurant, exposed wires, neutral colours with a geometric flooring and wooden furnishings, and this is certainly a look that is continued onto the meeting spaces.
Situated on the lower ground floor, the 4 meeting rooms all lead off from the foyer area. A larger, airy space with refreshment stations placed either end of the room. Along the left side are the 3 smaller meeting rooms, 2 of which can be combined into one. On the right-hand side is ‘The White Box’, with a maximum capacity of 170 theatre style this room is perfect for large conferences.
There are 161 bedrooms on site which separate into 9 different categories. The artist features also continue into the rooms giving each room its own unique character.
Bankside Hotel – Autograph Collection
Considerations:
This hotel is neatly tucked away from Blackfriars Road and is perfect for clients looking for something different; the quirky, industrial touch to the hotel gives it a diverse look with the high, exposed ceilings. The hotel is tardis-like, when looking front on, you do not expect such a vast amount of space inside. This hotel is perfect for meetings for up to 50 delegates.
Virtway, the world’s largest 3D virtual world conferencing platform, has raised €4 million to launch in the UK, marking its first expansion outside the company’s native Spain. The funding was led by Virtway Invest AB and was driven by high demand for the platform in the UK and the USA.
Founded in 2014 by Spanish entrepreneur Jose Antonio Tejedor, Virtway is an immersive platform that provides online 3D virtual experiences such as conferences, fairs and training sessions. Users choose their own avatar and can present, talk and network with each other in real time, simulating the feeling of direct contact.
Virtway boasts that it enables organisers to create events that can go beyond the limits of the real world. It expands the attendee list to more countries while reducing the carbon footprint through reduced travel, amounting to a more cost-effective and greener alternative to physical events.
Jose Antonio Tejedor, founder and CEO, said: “This investment will be a great boost to what we hope will be a successful expansion in the UK following increased demand from English speaking countries. It’s a really exciting time for the company with a huge amount of interest in the product from companies and universities.
“We have an exciting and unparalleled product and are constantly working to improve the UX (user experience). There is no other platform that is offering the level of connectivity and experience that Virtway is currently bringing to the marketplace. The funding will be used to further improve the product and increase our footprint outside of Spain. It has come at a great time and we are looking forward to the next stage of our journey.”
With its in-house developed 3D engine, Virtway can be accessed through computers and both iOS and Android mobile devices. Events cost between £1,000 and £10,000, depending on the size of the event and their platform permits an infinite number of users to connect allowing 500 avatars to be present in the same virtual room not only from tablets and computers but also from mobile phones. In addition, Virtway attendees can talk, chat and network with other attendees from any device.
The platform can be used for a wide range of activities including conferences, careers fairs, training and remote learning. The wide range of applications has seen it being used by companies such as AstraZeneca, Accenture, Everis and Manpower.
The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society’s (RAS) International Conference on Robotics and Automations (ICRA) will be held in London in 2023.
The UK capital was chosen ahead of other shortlisted cities including Vienna and Copenhagen. It is expected to bring in more than £13m in economic benefit to London.
The competitive bid was headed up by Professor Kaspar Althoefer from Queen Mary University of London and supported by MCI UK, ExCeL London and the London Convention Bureau.
Professor Althoefer said it was a “massive boost for UK Robotics, considering that this is the first time ever that a major international robotics conference will come to the country.”
More than 4,000 of the world’s top experts and researchers in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics will come to ExCeL London for a four-day conference between 29 May – 2 June 2023.
“We are continually looking to the future and the trends that will shape our industry,” Andrew Swanston, Head of Sales for Conferences and Events at ExCeL London said.
“We recognise that technology does and will continue to play an increasingly important role in delivering world-class events. ICRA will provide a fascinating insight into the role of AI and Robotics, and we are excited to see what we can learn from the content.”
London is capitalising on its reputation as a leader in hosting some of the world’s biggest tech events and conferences. The recent London Tech Week welcomed more than 55,000 delegates to 300 events across the city.
Other events hosted in the UK capital include financial services and Fintech conference SIBOS in September 2019, as well as corporate events for Adobe, Salesforce, Oracle and the largest Google Cloud event in Europe, Google Cloud NEXT.
Venture capital investment into the UK’s Artificial Intelligence sector has increased almost six-fold from 2014 to 2018, according to Tech Nation 2019.
London is home to 758 AI companies – double the total of Paris and Berlin combined – specialising in industries such as insurance, finance and law.
Copenhagen – the capital of Denmark, is a compact country, meaning it is easy to get around and make trips to the country and back again in a very short space of time. The city, which originated as a fishing village and grew to be capital of the Danish Empire, is typified by palaces, copper-roofed town houses and atmospheric cobbled squares.
Paula Calton shares her insight into this destination and the different venues you might want to consider for future events…
The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), recently ranked Copenhagen as the 7th largest conference city and the city is not just doing well its also expanding quickly.
Comwell Copenhagen Portside
Comwell Copenhagen Portside
In Nordhavn, Copenhagen’s newest dockland neighbourhood, the Comwell Copenhagen Portside is set to open next year. The new conference hotel will be designed to complement the existing marina environment and will offer sea views. The hotel will feature 484 rooms in addition to 18 conference and meeting facilities. There will also be a bar and restaurant on the ground floor facing the water and there are plans to establish a water taxi service to bring visitors into town via the waterways. The new conference hotel will be designed to complement the existing marina environment and will offer sea views.
Villa Copenhagen – new 5-star hotel
Copenhagen’s former central post office is set to be transformed
into a five-star hotel.
Villa Copenhagen
The heritage building from 1912 will offer 390 rooms and suites, fitness centre and relax areas with pool, 5 different restaurant and bar concepts in addition to a modern conference hall seating up to 1200 delegates and eight executive meeting rooms. The philosophy of Villa Copenhagen is “sustainable luxury” with an emphasis on curbing food waste and single-use plastics. The hotel therefore seeks to offer a different kind of informal service than regular 5-star hotels. Set to open in early 2020 the hotel is a neighbour to Tivoli Gardens, one of Copenhagen’s major tourist attractions. Also with its location next to the Copenhagen Central Station, the hotel can be reached by direct shuttle train from the airport.
Copenhagen has two of the world’s top five best restaurants
When the World’s Best Restaurants were recently announced, Denmark’s capital placed not just one but TWO restaurants in the top five.
Restaurant Alchemist
Restaurant Alchemist
After spending 50,000 chef hours preparing the menus and re-purposing a former shipyard production facility using 200 tons of steel, Restaurant Alchemist is ready to launch what is rumoured to be the biggest culinary sensation in Copenhagen in years.
Headed by chef Rasmus Munch, the gourmet restaurant is described an artistic/theatrical experience that invites diners to experience a 50-dish menu described as “holistic cuisine” created by 4 different kitchens, including their dedicated chocolate kitchen. A total of 30 chefs and 20 waiters will tend to 40 guests during the evening sitting. Headed by chef Rasmus Munch, the gourmet restaurant is described an artistic/theatrical experience that invites diners to experience a 50-dish menu described as “holistic cuisine” created by 4 different kitchens, including their dedicated chocolate kitchen. A total of 30 chefs and 20 waiters will tend to 40 guests during the evening sitting.
Boltens Food Court
A new player has been added to Copenhagen’s street food market. Boltens Gård (a historic and cosy courtyard near the King’s New Square) opened its doors in April, offering both Danish and international dishes from 19 different stalls.
Boltens Food Court
Buildings in a historic courtyard from the 1700s next to Kongens Nytorv square have been re-adapted to create the city’s largest food court, featuring 19 food stalls in addition to bars on several floors, totalling 4,000 m2 of indoor space. In addition, there is a cobble stoned courtyard (1,500m2) with 1,000 seatings. Three of the food stalls will serve Danish cuisine and the remaining will serve food from around the world.
Beyond the Capital
Not only Copenhagen is having a growth spurt. In Aarhus, Denmark’s second city, new hotels and restaurants are rapidly shooting up.
Radisson RED
Scandinavia’s first hotel under the Radisson RED label is set to open in central Aarhus, offering 78 rooms, meeting and event facilities, a restaurant, and a gym.
Radisson RED
The new brand by Radisson Hospitality AB seeks to appeal to
Millennial and Gen Z generations, offering small but comfortable rooms, select
services and a playful design.
As a novelty, guests will be able to check in and out – and
even open their hotel room doors – using the Radisson RED hotel app. Radisson RED
is the latest addition to the Radisson Hotel Group brand portfolio.
Radisson RED Aarhus will be located by the City Hall Square within easy walking distance of the Aarhus Central Station, the Scandinavian Centre.
Restaurant KP5 opens in Aarhus
Aarhus’ new harbour front is rapidly developing into a new designer dockland. Among the newcomers is the KP5 brasserie, which is located by the marina.
Restaurant KP5 opens Aarhus
Events can be hosted in combination with their Vin Danmark and Hantwerk facilities, which along with the brasserie boast a max capacity of seats 300 outside. The restaurant offers French inspired dishes in newly renovated rooms. The food is seasonal and focuses on high quality produce. From the restaurant you have a unique view of the marina and harbour life.
Restaurant Ghrelin
One of the latest gourmet offerings to open in Aarhus, Restaurant Ghrelin is named after the human “hunger hormone”. Located in the city’s new dockland developments on Aarhus Ø, Ghrelin is headed by two of the city’s most celebrated chefs, Anders Kuk Kristensen and Nicklas Friis Nielsen.
Restaurant Ghrelin
The 30-seat gourmet restaurant is described in the Michelin
Guide as “A sleek, modern two-roomed restaurant with a semi-open kitchen and
confident friendly service.” Ghrelin offers 3, 5 and 7-course tasting menus
with an emphasis on organic produce.
La Quinta del Jarama, a unique venue located just 10 minutes from Madrid, has opened a new gastronomic space, The Living Room.
This space is ideal for presentations, meetings, show cooking activities or tastings. This is a friendly space designed by Natalia Casco de Kuboene that combines technology and latest trends in decoration, as well as a very creative gastronomic proposal.
La Quinta de Jarama is a space designed to accommodate singular events. it spreads out over 15.000m2, consisting of a 4,000m2 construction and gardens designed in a Spanish-Arabic style. The venue can accommodate meetings from 30 people to up to 1,000 seated guests.
Increased costs have dented profit margins at UK hotels in May, despite RevPAR (revenue per available room) growth.
The UK hotel business now has a year-over-year decrease in profits in each month of 2019, according to the new data from HotStats Hotels.
In June, the YOY decline in GOPPAR (gross operating profit per available room) was at three per cent, with a slight increase of 0.3 per cent in RevPAR to £93.84.
More positive news reveals that revenue levels have stayed buoyant, with YOY increase in revenue streams such as food and beverage (a 3.5 per cent rise) and conference and banqueting figures up by 5.6 per cent. This contributed to a one per cent rise in TRevPAR (total revenue per available room) to £145.13.
Despite this upturn, revenue growth was whittled away by increased costs such as a 4.5 per cent YOY rise in payroll to £41.71, and a 2.3 per cent jump in overheads to £31.29.
More promisingly, profit conversion stayed constant at 37 per cent of total revenue.
There were some UK cities that bucked the trend, such as Newcastle hotels, which saw a 17.2 per cent YOY increase in profit per room to £30.72. A number of events in the northern city attributed to this hike including the Great Exhibition of the North, the Heineken Champions Cup and the European Rugby Challenge Cup finals.
This was the strongest GOPPAR performance in Newcastle since September and recorded a high for 2019, which saw a decline in profit since 2018, due to an increase in supply.
The region will receive a further boost from Gateshead Quays, which is expected to cost around £260m, and will be completed by 2023, with the addition of new hotels.
Peter Udall, Gateshead Council’s service director told M&IT: “The Quays is a catalyst which will raise the profile of the region and make it worthy of coming to. It is the start of an urban regeneration and somewhere people want to invest in.”
Aberdeen hotels have not fared so well, with an ongoing decline in YOY profit per room, which dropped by 7.8 per cent in June to £17.00 and contributed to the 22.9 per cent YOY decline for 2019.
The average room rate fell by five per cent in the month to £57.52 and has now dropped by almost £25 since 2016.
Profit & Loss Key Performance Indicators – Newcastle (in GBP)
KPI May 2019 v. May 2018 RevPAR +10.2% to £64.97 TRevPAR +3.8% to £93.84 Payroll -7.2% to £24.68 GOPPAR +17.2% to £30.72
