Thinking Big ConferencesUK Issue 8

THINKING BIG How to make the most of the economic recovery

Issue

08

E R O F E B K O BO

BRAZIL NGS ALL MEETI S & DINNER

N PER PERSO

EXCLUSIVE MEETING & EVENTS OFFERS TO CONFRENCES UK CLIENTS

BEFORE THE NATION GOES INTO WORLD CUP FEVER...

Book your event here at Bolton Whites as we re-live the glory year(!) of when England last won the world cup!

Book your conference or dinner to take place between 1st April – 31st July 14 and pay this magical number.

Tel: 0844 248 2345 Email: events@boltonwhiteshotel.co.uk www.boltonwhiteshotel.co.uk BoltonWhitesHotel @boltonwhiteshtl Terms & Conditions: Events must be booked via Conferences UK to receive this offer. The £19.66 rate is based on a standard DDR Package or 3 course dinner. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer and management reserve the right to amend / remove offers at any time.

Subject to availability. All prices are subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.

De Havilland Way, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL6 6SF

Inside this Issue...

Editor’s Letter

4.

Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter.

ONFERENCES C FACTS & FIGURES

6. T OP TEN LARGER CONFERENCE VENUES 10. V ISIT ENGLAND’S PREDICTIONS 12. H OW TO MAKE YOUR EVENT BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER 16. Q &A WITH ANGELA HODSON AND ANGIE ROBINSON 20. H OW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY

This issue has been quite an exciting one, with our theme ‘Thinking Big’. Over the last few years the general business environment has been quite tough due to the recession; but now the economy is recovering and 2014 looks set to be a very good year indeed!

With this in mind, we’ve got lots of insightful articles and information on how to make 2014 your best year yet, with tips on how to make your event bigger and better than ever; and an overview of our top 10 large venues for those of you planning events on a big scale. Not only that, but VisitEngland has shared with us their predictions for the year – which most definitely makes for good reading – as well as an insight from a couple of partner venues as to what the year holds for them.

From all of us at ConferencesGroup, we hope you enjoy this issue, and that it leaves you with a sense of reassurance that 2014 will be a positive time for the conference industry.! As ever, I look forward to hearing any of your queries or comments, or any requests with help finding the right venue for you.

Simon Thompson, Managing Director simon@conferencesgroup.com

£

Conference Facts & Figures The recovery in numbers 2013 facts and figures:

2014 forecast figures:

• UK economy grew by 1.9%

• UK economy is set to grow to 2.5%

• Unemployment rate: 7.2%

• Unemployment rate: 6.8%

• Employment rate: 72.1%

• Inflation: 1.8%

• Wage increase: 1.1%

• Interest rate: 0.5%

• Inflation: 2%

Figures taken from the BBC, MPI Foundation, the Bank of England, CBI and PwC

• Interest rate: 0.5% • Number of jobs in conference industry: 515,423 employees – 16th biggest employer in the UK • UK conference Industry value: £58.4billion

4

UK economy experienced the highest annual growth rate since 2007, with it set to further increase in 2014.

Inflation reached its target in 2013, with a further decrease for 2014; and stable interest rates, with them predicted to rise in the second quarter.

%

ÂŁ25 inc VAT

Spring Day Delegate Rate

Valid until 31st May & includes: Full room hire | 3 servings of tea, coffee & biscuits | Hot & cold finger buffet lunch Delegate pads, pens & flip chart | Free photocopying service available | Free Wifi throughout | Ample complimentary parking (Minimum numbers apply)

01782 592233 | events@stokecityfc.com

Top Ten Larger Conference Venues If you’re taking the idea of ‘thinking big’ literally and are looking to plan either an exhibition or conference for a large number of people, you might think that the number of venues available to you becomes extremely limited. However, this simply isn’t the case – at ConferencesGroup, we’ve got a wide range of choices: here’s ten of our favourites!

Westpoint Arena and Conference Room, Exeter The Westpoint arena can hold up to 7,500 people with 4,950 metres squared of column-free space; in addition to the ‘Conference Room’ with a maximum capacity of 500. With no ‘fixed’ points, the layout is completely flexible and can be changed to suit your needs. Located on the outskirts of Exeter, this venue can easily be reached by road, rail and air; and just twenty minutes from the beach means delegates can easily escape for the afternoon to get away from it all!

Leeds United Football Club With over 2,000 square metres of space, this venue is sure to be able to hold your event, whatever your needs!

The maximum capacity is 2,800 delegates, with the ability to host dinner for 1,250 people. The main room – Centenary Pavilion – can be separated into two suites if more suitable; with 15 other suites and lounges available that can cater for smaller groups for a more intimate experience.

6

Donington Park, Derbyshire A world-famous racetrack, this venue is home to 9 meeting rooms, able to hold up to 6,000 guests. Located in the East Midlands with direct access to the M1 and M42 means it’s easily reachable by almost anywhere in the country. Different hospitality packages are available for companies including admission to the circuit, exclusive waitress service and all-day tea, coffee and biscuits.

Watford Colosseum, Watford Having recently undergone a £5.5million refurbishment, the Watford Colosseum has reopened as a major hospitality and entertainment venue, with easy access from London and the major airports. There are four meeting rooms on offer, in addition to the Forum and the Main Hall, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art sound and light system, plus facilities for video projection; catering to all of your conference and exhibition needs!

CONFERENCE AND EVENTS At Emirates Old Trafford

The Point

Fine Dining

Meeting, Conferences & Private Parties

The Pavilion

AJ Bell Players & Media Centre

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Hospitality Packages

For more information: Call our events team on 0161 282 4020, email events@lccc.co.uk or visit www.emiratesoldtrafford.co.uk

Exhibition & Product Launches

Manchester Central, Manchester

Lancaster London

Edinburgh Corn Exchange

An iconic building situated in Manchester’s up-market Deansgate, its vaulted arches and station clock provide unrivalled character for corporate events. Facilities in this venue include an 804-seat auditorium, a 1,800 metres squared space for exhibitions and conferences, and a 10,000 metre squared column-free Central Hall, in addition to smaller, more intimate conference rooms.

With over 2,500 hotel bedrooms a five minute walk away, this venue is extremely convenient.

Having been voted Best UK Hotel in the ‘meetings’ category by the readers of ‘Meetings and Incentive Travel’ magazine for the last four years in a row, this venue is extremely popular.

The location couldn’t be any better in trendy Lancaster Gate, overlooking picturesque Kensington Gardens, with the shops of Oxford Road a 5 minute tube ride away. The Lancaster London can hold events for up to 3,000 people; and its cuisine is renowned for outstanding excellence, ensuring your corporate event will be a huge success.

This Grade A listed building, whilst historical offers contemporary surroundings inside, perfect for corporate events. With 8 spaces in total that can be used either separately or together, the Exchange is Edinburgh’s biggest purpose-build banqueting space, with state-of-theart LED lighting. Having hosted events from a roller disco to tenpin bowling, the Edinburgh Corn Exchange will be able to suit your every need.

Cliffs Pavillion by Southend Theatres, Essex

Venue Birmingham

This venue is situated amongst beautiful surroundings, located on Southend’s famous cliffs with views across the Thames Estuary. Having recently been refurbished, the modern Maritime and Admiral rooms, Pavillion restaurant and exclusive Lexus lounge offers something for everyone; whether it be a meeting for 10, dinner date for 600, or a conference for 1,630.

8

This venue has played host to many memorable UK events, from the official opening of the Great Hall in 1909 by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, to the more recent BBC TV events including Question Time, and official Olympic gala dinner for the Jamaican Olympic team. Venue Birmingham offers a range of rooms to suit all needs, from Winterborne House situated in leafy surroundings, perfect for team away days and small meetings; to Bramall music building, with the Elgar concert hall boasting a maximum seating capacity of 420.

Chilford Hall, Cambridge “Dream a theme and Chilford has the canvas to deliver” is this venue’s motto, which is one of the largest exhibition, conference and banqueting centres in the East of England, with 2,600 metres squared of exhibition space. Located 20 minutes outside of Cambridge, the venue boasts 15 acres of outdoor space perfect for team building events, in addition to a helicopter landing area. Perhaps the most attractive feature of Chilford Hall is their awardwinning vineyard, where delegates can enjoy a winery tour and taste!

VisitEngland’s Predictions for 2014 With 2014 set to be a positive year for the Conferences industry, we asked Simon Gidman, head of Business and Events at Visit England what his predictions for this year were.

With a flood of unique venues opening their doors to the corporate market and a wave of event spaces taking delegates back to nature, VisitEngland predicts that unusual venues and conferences in trees(!) will all have influence on the meetings and incentives industry in 2014. More than ever, event organisers are looking for venues that take delegates out of the boardroom and into a more natural environment to stimulate creative thinking. In 2013, corporates brainstormed alongside a group of baboons at the Monkey Playhouse in Yorkshire Wildlife park, and partook in Bear Grylls’ new survival academy, offering the ultimate teambuilding course. This nature theme is set to continue in 2014 with London’s newest skyscraper – 20 Fenchurch Street – opening the Sky Garden,

10

with an upside down garden-in-thesky concept, spanning three floors, housing a champagne bar, Brasserie and Seafood Bar and Grill. Another opening in 2014 is the Blackburn Wing at Bowcliffe Hall in Leeds, whose treehouse-inspired wooden hangar offers unusual views through the trees to parkland through its floor-to-ceiling windows; offering seating for up to 80 theatre style and 140 for drinks reception.

We’ve also noted that event planners are increasingly looking for unique spaces to hold conferences, meetings and events; with religious buildings now opening their doors to corporates – St Mary’s Church in Nottingham underwent a refurbishment and is now available for event hire. Similarly, historic houses are now branching out too, with the Carlton Towers stately

home in Yorkshire launching ‘Downton Dinners’, allowing corporates to dine in the style of Downton Abbey, while Leeds Castle in Kent launched ‘Knights Glamping’ in its grounds for away days with a difference. This theme is set to continue for 2014, with Sheffield Cathedral and Manchester’s Albert Hall all planning renovations, enabling them to open their doors to the corporate world.

THREE PREMIER LOCATIONS

Crowne Plaza

Ready to take CENTRE STAGE Following a ÂŁ3.5 million makeover, our three impressive Crowne Plaza hotels are ready to shine.

Offering flexible space in three premier locations, these venues are a perfect choice for your next conference, meeting or event. We have been highly successful in organising events for many years and always strive to offer something a little different.

CROWNE PLAZA CHESTER Set within the historic walls and in the heart of the city of Chester, this hotel has views over the Welsh Hills and the famous Chester Racecourse. With 11 meeting and conference rooms, the stunning Kings Suite and the ability to host up to 600 delegates, this is the perfect venue for all types of conferences, meetings and events.

Tel: 01244 899 988 Email: cpchester@qmh-hotels.com

CROWNE PLAZA NOTTINGHAM

CROWNE PLAZA GLASGOW

Crowne Plaza Nottingham is situated in the heart of the city centre and boasts many unique features, including an impressive collection of purpose built conference and meeting rooms and a ballroom able to cater up to 400 delegates. This hotel also boasts a brand new spa, Urban Escape, providing ultimate relaxation on your trip.

Set on the banks of the River Clyde, with a direct link to the SECC (Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre) and adjacent to the SSE Hydro, this hotel is internationally renowned for its impeccable standard of quality and service. The hotel is well known not only because of its location, but also for its venue space and outstanding facilities.

Tel: 0115 936 9988 Email: cpnottingham@qmh-hotels.com

Tel: 0141 306 9988 Email: cpglasgow@qmh-hotels.com

To find out more call your chosen hotel directly or visit www.qmh-hotels.com

How to Make Your Event Bigger & Better Than Ever here at ConferencesGroup we’ve got some tips on how to make your event bigger and better than any event your company has ever held before! Whether it’s a conference, team building day or sophisticated soiree, you can ensure your event will be one your guests remember for all of the right reasons.

Event planning can seem like such a complex task; with the seemingly never-ending list of to-do’s, and the worry that your guests won’t want to come or think it’s boring. And let’s face it; most of us have probably attended a mind-numbingly boring meeting, pointless team building day or an awkward corporate dinner in our working lives! But don’t worry about your event turning into one of those with our top tips.

12

Find the perfect venue

Pick an interesting theme

Arguably the most important aspect of any event is finding the right venue – whether it’s for a corporate party, conference or a meeting. Consider what might be the best location for employees – somewhere in the centre of town may be more expensive compared to the country, but it may well be easier to get to. It can be very time-consuming finding the perfect venue, so why not get in touch with us at ConferencesGroup? Just let us know your budget, number of attendees and desired location and we’ll find the right destination for you; allowing you time to plan the rest of your event!

Unusual themes will be much more intriguing to attendees, whether it’s a party or a team building day you’re organising. So whether it’s a murder mystery themed dinner or a scavenger hunt; make it interesting and different to anything that’s been done before.

Send out invitations early To get a more accurate idea of numbers, sending out your invitations early will be beneficial in making your event the best it can be; as you can start to tailor activities around the number of guests. If it’s a conference you’re planning, a simple email may be sufficient; but if you want to create excitement, why not get invitations especially made (depending on your budget anyway!) and handed round the office?

PH Hotels in the Spotlight 2014 is off to a strong start for the award winning PH Hotels group with two of its flagship properties, The George Hotel and Hotel Russell, hosting high profile conferences featuring guest speakers Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England and the Prime Minister David Cameron respectively.

The George Hotel in Edinburgh cemented its reputation as Edinburgh’s premier conference and events destination in late January hosting the prestigious Scottish Council for Development & Industry (SCDI) Lunch with Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England.

Graeme Barclay, General Manager at The George Hotel, said: “We are extremely proud to have been selected to host such a prestigious event and our team worked around the clock liaising closely with event organisers to ensure that every last detail went exactly to plan.”

The event marked Governor Carney’s first visit to Scotland since he took office in July 2013 attracting widespread national media attention as he delivered his analysis of the economic impact of an independent Scotland.

Meanwhile in London, another flagship venue, Hotel Russell, welcomed the Conservative Councillors Association (CCA) Local Government Conference 2014 which was attended by the Prime Minister David Cameron, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and 220 delegates at the end of February.

The four-star hotel and events venue on George Street, which has been awarded the BDRC Gold Standard in recent years for its outstanding meeting facilities, welcomed guests to the iconic King’s Hall, a grand and opulent space, where they enjoyed a delicious two course lunch followed by the Governor’s presentation and an audience Q&A. Afterwards Governor Carney held a press conference in the Library for 40 members of the media.

The high profile event took place across the Wharncliffe and Woburn Suites offering spectacular Victorian architecture and an elegant backdrop for the conference.

Julie Hammond, General Manager of Hotel Russell, said: “It was a great honour to meet the Prime Minister and welcome delegates to the CCA Local Government Conference 2014.

Hotel Russell has a rich history for hosting high profile events and our team went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect.”

Just minutes away from Euston, St Pancras and Kings Cross mainline train stations as well as Russell Square tube station; Hotel Russell offers 23 flexible function spaces offering state of the art facilities for conference and event bookers.

The award winning PH Hotel group offers 22 premier hotel and conference venues including one near Paris, each unique in its own way but united in offering unrivalled quality, service and attention to detail. www.phhotels.com www.thegeorgehoteledinburgh.co.uk www.hotelrusselllondon.co.uk Call the conferences team on 0844 824 6174

13

Plan a variety of events

Create a buzz

Encourage feedback from attendees

If it’s a conference or a team building day you’re organising, break up the day by hosting a variety of activities.

Instead of back-to-back presentations, mix it up with activities that will get guests participating and moving around, as well as breakout sessions.

Be sure to overestimate the times for each of these activities to ensure the schedule doesn’t run over; plus employees will thank you if they get a couple of small breaks! A motivational speaker can work well too, especially if you don’t fancy being the one who does all the talking.

Make sure you get employees excited about attending your event – you could create a page on Facebook where you can release ‘snippets’ of information to get everyone talking; or send out weekly emails instead.

Releasing a schedule of the day can be a good way to create intrigue, or you could even ask employees on their thoughts for activities... just make sure you do this in plenty of advice so you can tailor your event accordingly; otherwise there’s no point!

Don’t forget to thank your guests after the event once you’re back in the office, and ask for feedback on what they liked or perhaps thought could be improved. That way, not only will it encourage more conversation (and good memories!), but it means that next time you arrange an event, you can make it even bigger and better!

14

An oasis of calm in the heart of the Midlands Large enough to meet your needs, yet small enough to ensure that personal service is guaranteed.

The Priory Rooms is a modern, purpose-built facility providing a dedicated meeting, training and conference environment.

• Rooms for 2-200 people • Interview rooms • Breakfast meetings • Competitive Day Delegate Rates • Full day, half day and hourly hire

To make an enquiry, contact the bookings team: Call: 0121 236 2317 Email: enquiries@theprioryrooms.co.uk www.theprioryrooms.co.uk

Question & Answer with Angela Hodson, Emirates Old Trafford Venues Sales Manager; and Angie Robinson, CEO of Manchester Central

What impact has the upturn in the economy had for your venue?

AH: A t Emirates Old Trafford we have seen a steady increase in the volume of business that we’re getting. Our key business over the past few years has been with dinners/awards ceremonies but we’ve seen an increase in the conference market. In January we achieved record sales and this was down to the fact we had attracted a number of large scale conferences – 500+ over 2 days in this month.

AR: We performed extremely well during the recession, exceeding targets and winning new business.

We used the recession years to invest in our venue and launch a range of industry-leading initiatives such as hi-spec free WiFi for all, an expanded banqueting space and a new concierge team.

Conference and event bookings are looking very healthy, with the 2015/16 financial year looking particularly strong.

16

What plans do you have to capitalise on the general economic improvement?

AR: An outcome of the recession is that event organisers are looking for even more value-for-money and a return on their investment.

We provide PR and marketing support, a dedicated event manager and a variety of free services to support conference organisers and ensure success.

To continue improving our world class standards, we expanded our team in 2013, with a focus on securing international business for the city. This has already been reaping awards, with events such as International Surgery Week being staged at Manchester Central this year.

How is your venue thinking big this year?

AH: By developing a strategic nonmatch day sales plan to drive turnover in this area up from its £3m base whilst maximising profit margins.

AR: We will be launching Event Sustainability Reports so organisers can see the full energy and waste breakdown of their events. This comes after we became one of the first major venues in the UK last year to achieve ISO 20121 – the international standard for sustainability.

“We performed extremely well during the recession, exceeding targets and winning new business.”

Angie Robinson

The National Motorcycle Museum Award winning facilities The National Motorcycle Museum’s award winning facilities provides a truly unique venue for your conference, seminar, banquet or function.

Breathtaking displays of fully restored British motorcycles provide an extra attraction to your delegates, while 13 luxuriously appointed and newly renovated suites, ranging from just 5 to up to 1200 delegates offer the flexibility to suite most requirements.

The National Motorcycle Museum is at the hub of the country’s motorway and rail network, with Birmingham International railway station just five-minutes taxi ride away and Birmingham Airport less than two miles away. Comprehensive car parking facilities are available.

National Motorcycle Museum Coventry Road Bickenhill Solihull B92 0EJ Conference Sales Team, George Lakin; Steve Bird; Sharon Miller Conference Sales 0121 704 2784 Email sales@thenmm.co.uk thenmm.co.uk

“Redevelopment has led to a new era.”

Angela Hodson

How will the recent positive news about the economy impact on your marketing plans?

What advice would you offer to event organisers who are planning to book an event in 2014?

AH: Post-completion of the new £40-45million development programme, delivering sustainable annual profitability and positive cash flow will require more than fantastic buildings. There is much work to do on growing the existing successful conference and events side of the business to significantly higher levels, harnessing the new Pavilion and A J Bell Players and Media facilities and also maximising the yield on the Point, and understanding our sales mix potential better and driving more higher margin market segments; namely conferences and exhibitions.

AR: Firstly, make sure you work with a venue that can help deliver real ROI for your event. Secondly, choose a venue based on delegate experience. Location is so important - Manchester Central is in the heart of the city, with 2,500 rooms within a 5 minute walk, and is surrounded by restaurants and bars. Make sure the chosen venue can deliver your needs – the quality of food and hospitality and the best technology all ensure delegate satisfaction.

Finally, an impressive venue will always leave a lasting impression.

Manchester Central is a former 19th century train station – an iconic building overlooked by the historic station clock mixes history with contemporary and is an inspiring space. Every year we see conferences flourish and grow here.

18

Any other news or updates you would like to share with us?

AH: R edevelopment has led to a new era - in addition to The Point and The AJ Bell Players and Media Centre, our new state-ofthe-art Pavilion encompasses everything that Emirates Old Trafford represents. The original facade from 149 years ago is now framed by a modern and grand cutting-edge facility. The Pavilion accommodates up to 700 delegates utilising 8 suites and 9 executive boxes. Ideal for meetings and events, the Pavilion offers even more choice for anybody looking to book into Emirates Old Trafford for conference, events and business meetings.

Worsley Park, A Marriott Hotel & Country Club Hidden away in over 200 acres of parkland with its own championship golf course, the Hotel and Country Club is located within minutes of the North West’s motorway infrastructure and just 7 miles from the heart of Manchester City Centre.

Specialising in group and conference business, the hotel and has a strong reputation for excellence, both in quality and inspired diversity.

The hotel boasts 9 conference rooms, a choice of places to eat and drink, extensive leisure facilities, indoor pool and our luxurious Spa of Senses. The hotel also offers high speed internet access and ample free car parking making it the perfect venue for away days and planning meetings. Or even combine a conference or meeting with an outdoor activity such as quad biking or archery to create the ideal team building event.

Click here to visit the website

For conference enquiries call 0161 975 2000 or email UK.Pennines.Sales.Office@MarriottHotels.com www.marriottworsleypark.co.uk

Make the Most of the Economic Recovery Five tips for making the most of the current economic conditions Be confident

Engage your staff

After several years of gloomy forecasts and media coverage, the good economic news is welcome.

Deloitte’s 1/4rly survey of business confidence shows corporate risk appetite at a six year high. Meanwhile, BDRC’s finance monitor reveals that over half of small and medium businesses are actively seeking to grow their business over the next six months.

There are two important points to make here. Firstly, most observers agree that the recovery will result in a skills shortage. Several years of reducing headcounts and training budgets will leave many organisations facing a skill deficit as their business grows. The danger is that many will struggle to find the skilled staff to help them meet demand.

As a result, business of all shapes and sizes are looking to invest and expand, rather than carefully guard cash and continue to cut costs. This creates new opportunities, whatever the nature of the market you serve.

Being prompt to respond and capitalise on this trend will help you to feel the benefits of growth from the outset.

Secondly, frontline staff have experienced the full impact of the recession. They have felt this through declining wages (in real terms) and coping with reduced headcounts by taking on additional work. Engaging your staff right now will have two benefits. Firstly it will help you to retain key personnel in an increasingly competitive market, secondly it will help get the positive messages through to your team, which will, in turn, translate in to a positive experience for your customers.

Act confidently Confidence breeds confidence.

Economists will disagree about the extent to which an intangible factor such as confidence can impact on economic performance, but they do all agree it has some impact.

Talking up the recovery will help to perpetuate it and create a positive perception for your organisation among customers and staff. Even the most self effacing of brands should be sending out positive messages, even if this is simply about sharing the successes stories of your customers.

20

Focus While it is important to confidently capitalise on current economic trends, it is also important to focus your resources where you can generate the greatest return. If you are looking to expand your network of customers and bring in some new business, consider sectors that are enjoying strong, sustainable growth. Not only will these be the businesses that are

looking to invest and spend, but they should be robust enough to survive any longer term challenges in the economy in future.

The CBI believes the following sectors will continue to experience strong, sustainable growth in the UK; aerospace, food and drink, the creative industries, green energy services and pharmaceuticals. In particular though, the CBI (and many other observers) point to the continued vibrancy of the UK IT and digital sector, which has continued to perform well throughout the recession. The attractive thing about this sector is that it is made up of many diverse organisations, offering opportunities both large and small.

Keep it simple In a business environment which can appear to be increasingly complex, simplicity is key. This is particularly important with your marketing activity. With social media presenting an ever growing range of options for communicating with your customers, it can be all too easy to dissipate your marketing efforts across several different platforms, instead of picking the most relevant platform for you and investing all of your available resources in achieving excellence.

Experience Exceptional Customer Service If you are looking for an inspiring venue for your next event, the London Art House has the perfect space place for you.

We can accommodate events for up to 300 guests 18 unique event spaces Each of our rooms reflects the style and atmosphere of artists and art periods Beneath this stunning fascia we are a Conde Nast Award Winning conference, meeting and special event venue, singled out for our exceptional customer service.

Our many returning customers say that the environment at the London Art House both stimulates delegates and provides a relaxing atmosphere - so whether you are looking for a conference, training day, reception or a meeting, we can help you create an event to surpass all your expectations. www.londonarthouse.com

The Old Church, Albert Hill Street, Didsbury, Manchester M20 6RF Telephone: 0845 351 9917