Venue Spotlight By Conference Care
JANUARY
VOL.3
CONTENTS
What's the (Pin)point?
3
This Month's Feature
4
Venue For Good
8
Hottest Venue
11
Social Space
14
Venue Roundup
17
Overseas Venues
21
Put a Pin In It...
24
WHAT'S (PIN)POINT? WHAT'STHE THE (PIN)POINT? In this issue, we’re embracing luxury and overseas venues. In our third edition of Pinpoint, we explore several exhibitions across Europe, highlighting spaces big and small. Our team have ventured to Paris, Barcelona, and even the party island itself - Ibiza. Plus, we have some truly unique venues to pinpoint right here at home, from London to Edinburgh, keep reading to find out what we’ve discovered!
Team Featured in this Edition Susie Ritchie Susie’s favourite thing is when the plane doors open and she’s hit with a wall of heat, followed by a chilled glass of New Zealand Sauvignon. Her next favourite thing is finding a quirky venue with lots of natural daylight and great social spaces.
Judith Dix
Judith Dix is our Sustainability Specialist and delivers our Carbon Consultancy service. Along with a decade of experience working in sustainability, she is also an IEMA Practitioner and has a Master's degree in Environmental Consultancy.
Stephanie Taylor Account Manager Steph loves to visit new places, but doesn’t like to leave her cat, Spartacus, behind for too long! Her favourite venue is traditional but has been modernised in keeping with the building.
Joanne Coe Jo Coe is our Scottish venue whiz - her knowledge is second to none! Jo loves watching and attending all sorts of events, from concerts to football, cricket, and horse racing. Her favourite type of venue is one that brings an event to life.
THIS MONTH'S FEATURE
Whether you are looking for a coastal retreat or a city conference, Harbour Hotels has a port in every storm. VENUE TYPE: Hotel & Spa LOCATION: Brighton, Bristol, Chichester, Christchurch, Fowey, Guildford, Salcombe, Padstow, Richmond, Sidmouth, Southampton, St Ives. EVENT CAPACITY Up to 600 delegates
Harbour has 15 venues across the UK, with 6 locations based in cities, including Bristol, Brighton, and Southampton. The city venues are perfect for a traditional conference while the coastal venues are well suited for an away-day, team building, or incentive event. However, the beauty of Harbour Hotels is that every location is well-equipped to handle any kind of event you throw at it. What’s more, 2024 is the maiden voyage of Harbour’s “Feel Good Meetings”, where wellness is weaved into their event offering. Keep reading to find out more...
STEPH TAYLOR-BARNSLEY, ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER “The team at Padstow were really helpful & and responsive, and the event went off without a hitch. It’s a beautiful location, with their garden overlooking Padstow Harbour. I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s one of the smaller Harbour venues, so not suitable for a big corporate event, but perfect if you’re looking for a scenic, intimate setting.”
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on stephaniet@conferencecare.com or call 02476 369 720
STAYING AT HARBOUR Harbour Hotels has pulled off a spectacular feat across its range of venues. Each location feels like a Harbour Hotel, but none of them feel the same. You know when you go to any of their collection of venues that you’ll get a great dining experience, and a unique, but functional space to host your event. Depending on what you are after, some hotels may appeal to you more than others. Guildford is perfect for corporate conferences and team meetings. Bristol is a wonderful space for gala dinners and banqueting. And, if you’re looking for something truly unique you can’t find anything that stands out more than Southampton. Harbour’s Southampton venue is the only five-star property in the collection, and it is genuinely spectacular. The hotel is built to look like a super-yacht docked at the marina. 117 bedrooms, 6 meeting rooms. The largest space is on the bow of the ship and overlooks the water - a serious showstopper, and perfect for impressing your delegates. Or, if it’s space you are after, why not host an event at Bristol with a whopping 400 delegate capacity?
Harbour Hotels isn’t all about meetings and accommodation either. Their spas are really something special - so much more than a typical fitness suite. If you are looking for an incentive trip or an away day, then you cannot go wrong with a Harbour Spa. A notable mention goes to Brighton for its subterranean facilities built into old smugglers’ tunnels beneath the seafront. It really has to be seen to be believed.
Harbour Hotels is launching a brand new initiative across their hotels: “Feel Good Meetings.” Each venue now has a wellness menu to select from. This includes offerings such as massages, guided meditation, yoga, and even walks around the city. The food menus have had a complete overhaul to offer you brain food that doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s designed to give your attendees more energy and focus throughout the day while keeping them happy with delicious meals. Coupled with incredible ocean views and brilliant boutique interiors, these venues can make the most mundane event feel like a relaxing getaway. Their sustainable initiative “Turning the Tide” - as the name suggests - focuses on cleaner oceans and reducing excessive water usage. In practice, this means big changes like 100% renewable energy and smaller additions such as using pens & and keycards made of recycled ocean plastic. If you are interested in booking a Harbour Hotel for your next event, let us know on 02476 369 720.
VENUE TYPE: Resident’s Club LOCATION: South Kensington, London EVENT CAPACITY Up to 140 delegates
JUDITH DIX, SUSTAINABILITY SPECIALIST “The Other House have worked hard to make their property more energy efficient, 100% of their energy comes from renewables and they’ve scored top marks for their work with their water & waste saving measures. I was impressed that they signed up to the UN Global Compact to align their operations with improving human rights, labour, environment & anti-corruption.”
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on judithd@conferencecare.com or call 02476 369 720
The Other House is a beautiful mess of contradictions. It’s decadent but
Why The Other House?
sustainable. It’s luxurious but homely. It’s a hotel, but it’s not.
Here, you can enjoy luxury spaces and treatment that doesn’t come at the cost of the planet.
This wonderful venue is a residents’ club. Instead of your standard hotel room, you enjoy interior-designed club flats, with all the benefits of hotel
It’s a brilliant venue for all sorts of events too. Their spaces are perfect for
service.
more intimate meetings, providing a unique backdrop for small gatherings.
The club is available to stay for however long you want, from a weekend getaway
It would also work well as part of a reward package. The club has so many
to a year-long residence or more you’ve got the Other House.
amenities, including a 4m x 8m vitality pool that can be hired for private bookings.
And it’s a Venue For Good for a reason - The Other House was built on sustainable foundations, literally. The venue is made up of 11 refurbished historic townhouses. The refurbishment used locally sourced furniture and was done with sustainability in mind.
Guests will be attended to 24/7 by a House Jack who can be messaged via the Other House app or by Whatsapp. If you’re thinking of an incentive trip, there’s nothing better than being waited on at a club lavish with amenities.
SPACES - YOUR OTHER OFFICE For a casual meeting, you can take over ‘The Library’. This is an intimate space which, as the name suggests, is lined with books and filled with plenty of cosy nooks to catch up in. You can host a private dining experience in one of several private dining rooms. For bigger gatherings, you can hire any of their private cafes or bars. VENUE FOR GOOD We recently awarded The Other House our Venue for Good
These include the Other Kitchen (a street cafe), Owl & Monkey (a bar with indoor tree-top views), or one of the private bars The Keeping Room and The Hogsmire.
certificate. As well as looking fabulous, The Other House takes sustainability to the next level, showing that you don’t have to sacrifice a great experience when
The Keeping Room is an atmospheric lounge with an open fire, perfect for a sophisticated intimate soiree. meanwhile, The
making more conscious decisions.
Hogsmire is a beautiful open lounge, great for a day-time event
It’s not just sustainability that The
flooded with natural light or an evening event enjoyed piazza-style.
Other House is having a positive impact on - it’s wellbeing too. Staff are rewarded for positive contributions. Nature is interwoven in the design of the venue, and they have a programme delivering tailormade wellbeing experiences. Book your next event at the Other House by speaking to one of our venue-finding experts on: 02476 369 720 or emailing: enquiries@conferencecare.com.
HOTTEST VENUE
THE W EDINBURGH VENUE TYPE: Hotel LOCATION: Edinburgh EVENT CAPACITY Up to 300 delegates
The W Edinburgh officially opened its doors on 29th November 2023, but it was creating a buzz in the city long before that. It’s the first W outside of London in the UK, but that’s not what has got people talking. It’s how iconic this venue has already become. The Ribbon design stands apart in the Edinburgh skyline, representing the city of festivals inside and out. The event potential is staggering. We’re incredibly excited to recommend this venue to everyone and help run events in some of its spaces. So, why is it this edition’s hottest venue? Let’s take a look...
WHAT MAKES IT HOT? All of the event spaces at the W are ahead of the curve - excuse the pun. There are 5 spaces split over 2 floors, and they are flexible. There are outdoor terrace areas, state-of-the-art AV & partitioned walls meaning you can make the most of the spaces available. And of course, you get an unmatched 360 view of the city. You’d be hard-pressed to find better spaces in the city, there’s a room to fit every event need. Location is also a huge part of what makes it hot. You can leave the W Edinburgh and be in St. James Quarter. Perfect for reward incentive getaways and parties. It probably goes without saying that the food is fantastic too with a Sushisamba on-site, interactive chefs’ tables for private dining, and plenty of other options in the city. The pièce de résistance is the W Deck. A rooftop terrace with 300 standing space for guests, 30-seater igloos, and unbeatable views. Believe or not, this space can be used as a private event area. That’s just one of the many reasons, we’re naming The W Edinburgh our hottest venue.
SUSIE RITCHIE, ACCOUNT MANAGER “It’s hard to know where to start with the W Edinburgh. Everything is fantastic, from the eateries to the meeting spaces, there is so much potential here, it’s the perfect spot for so many events. Accommodation is unlike any other, whether you’re staying in the ribbon or the main hotel.”
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on susier@conferencecare.com or call 02476 369 720
SOCIAL SPACE
F1 Arcade is shifting gears and perspectives on what arcades can be. Whether you are a hardcore F1 fan or have never sat behind a steering wheel in your life, there’s something for you. There are two destinations where you can find F1 Arcade – London, and Birmingham. Both spots are in a great location, with London overlooking the scenic St Paul’s Cathedral, and Birmingham
nestled
between
the
town
hall
and
picturesque library.
VENUE TYPE: Arcade EVENT CAPACITY Up to 200 delegates
LOCATION: Birmingham & London
the
You might think this venue is a one-trick pony, but it’s great for loads of different events. We’re talking team meetings, social gatherings, dinners, Christmas parties and more. It’s a space that should be used for more informal events if you’re looking to entertain or “wow” people. It’s a one-stop shop with music, entertainment, food & drinks. You could easily use it in tandem with other locations and venues. If you want a sports-themed night, you could pair it with places such as Flight Club (a dart-themed bar) or Bounce – the home of ping pong.
F1 Arcade also has flexible capacity. You could host a small group of 1020 people, or even take over the whole venue and host over 200 attendees. All packages are reasonably priced and have something for everybody. There’s also the capacity for fantastic digital and hybrid events. Hosting an event with a virtual element would be a breeze here – so if you’re looking for something a bit different, very fun, and super accessible, this is a great choice. Book your next event at F1 Arcade by calling one of our venue-finding experts on 02476 369 720 or email enquiries@conferencecare.com.
THE ROUNDUP
BARCELONA/PARIS/ LIVERPOOL
THE ROUNDUP Over the past few months, our experts have been jet-setting and attending expos across the world. Krina Parmar attended IBTM in Barcelona, Sofia Tranter took on Paris to experience MOMENTUM, and Natalie Freeman went speed-dating in Liverpool. What were their takeaways, and did they find anything worth shouting about? Let’s find out...
IBTM Let’s start with Krina’s trip to sunny Spain... “There are three venues that really stood out to me from IBTM. First, was the Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, next was Fira de Barcelona, and finally the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya. “Meliá Barcelona Sarrià is a beautiful 5-star hotel right at the heart of the Les Corts district. Its location is great for anyone wanting access to the city, but away from the hustle and bustle. It’s a 10minute drive from the Las Rambla Area, and is a short walk from the works of Gaudí and the Camp Nou Stadium (I know because I made the journey myself). Versatile meeting spaces are abundant here, suitable for anything from a small team meeting to a huge 300+ delegate dinner. “The Palau de Congressos de Catalunya is modern and multifunctional, just a 15-minute drive from Barcelona airport. Its most outstanding feature is its gardens. 25,000 m² of historic greenery surround the venue. It’s unexpected and will take your breath away. Perfect if you’re looking for an outdoor space for catering, networking, and of course, exhibitions. “The thing I loved the most about the Fira de Barcelona is that it’s a blank canvas. IBTM was held there, and they painted their identity onto its walls. It can change to suit its user's needs and fit any theme you like. Fira de Barcelona is nestled between two other large venues - Montjuïc & Gran Via - if you need extra space for accommodation. There’s always room here, and there will be more in 2024, with plans to build a new 60,000 sqm two-storey building to the complex.”
CONTACT OUR TEAM:
Krina Parmar krinap@conferencecare.com Natalie Freeman natalief@conferencecare.com Sofia Tranter sofiat@conferencecare.com
SPEED-DATING IN LIVERPOOL Boiling down what your venue has to offer in 10 minutes can be challenging. But, this didn’t stop some Liverpudlian hotels from really shining when our venue-finding expert Natalie Freeman went venue speed-dating. Here’s what she had to say: “The first venue that stood out to me was the MGallery on Dale Street, a 5 minute drive from Lime Street Station. It used to be a council office back in 1862 and is steeped in history. It’s a luxury hotel, so would recommend it for executive accommodation and overseas guests who would appreciate the style and history. The meeting spaces are high-tech, and give you something more than a standard hotel meeting room. If you’re looking for a 5-star, this gives you the full package. “Another old building that has been refurbished is the Radisson Red on Lime Street. It reopened in 2022 and I would recommend it to anyone. You can’t beat the style of the space. From the union flag Vespa to the artwork all containing red, it’s second to none. “Recently, Radisson Red was used for Eurovision, housing some of the bands who were competing. It’s a 2-minute walk to Lime Street Station and a 5-minute walk into the city centre. “Finally, there’s the Pullman, located on the docks, which is where we took part in our venue speed-dating. It’s a great space in a great location, and it’s suitable for almost any event. It is across the road from the ACC, which makes it the perfect venue to use in tandem with a big exhibition too.”
PARISIAN MOMENTUM Sofia set her sights on Paris to see what was on offer. No surprise, she found some fantastic, high-end venues. Sofia expands: “The first venue that comes to mind is the Pavillon Dauphine. If you’re looking for quintessential Paris, you can’t go wrong with this space. Chandeliers, grand mirrors, and glassware give the venue an incredible ambience - luxurious but warm. The drinks service was brilliant, making it perfect for a party or cocktail reception. “I have to highlight l’Orangerie d’Auteuil also. It is as grand as the Pavillion Dauphine but has a completely different feel. We’re talking exposed brick and wooden beams, beautiful but modern. It also has amazing gardens at the back of the venue that you could use during the summer for an outdoor exhibition.”
Overseas
IBIZA
FLIGHT TIMES TO IBIZA AIRPORT: London - up to 2 hours Birmingham - 2-3 hours Edinburgh - 3-4 hours
IBIZA
Ibiza Twiins - Playa d/en Bossa: 495 rooms over 2 buildings, 6 event rooms for 25 – 400 delegates Casa Colonial - Santa Eularia des Riu:
Not just a party destination – Ibiza out of season is a perfect overseas location for any number of events…
outdoor restaurant set on a mountain for 15 – 500 delegates Ibiza Congress Centre - Santa Eularia des Riu: 16 events rooms for up to 437 delegates
Recently, our superstar events consultant, Jo Coe, took a trip to the
Sol Beach House - Santa Eularia des Riu: 287
island to attend the MICE Summit. In doing so, she found a host of stunning venues and eateries to enjoy in the sun.
rooms, 5 event rooms for up to 340 delegates
Here’s a snapshot of where she went and what you can expect from each venue:
TRS Ibiza - Sant Antoni: 1st 5-star hotel on
Nobu Ibiza - Talamanca Bay: 152 rooms, 30 – 60 for private dining
the island Atzaro: 24 rooms, events pace for 24 – 450
JOANNE COE, SENIOR EVENTS CONSULTANT “Aside from the gorgeous sunsets (which were really something else), what blew me away about Ibiza was how the venues work in harmony with one another. I visited lots of hotels with amazing event potential and since they are all within a short drive from one another, you could arrange an event spanning multiple venues. It’s a beautiful island and would be the perfect host to all sorts of events.”
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on joannec@conferencecare.com or call 02476 369 720
Q: What events would work on the island? A: You could host so many different types of events in Ibiza, from large congresses and conferences to product launches and board meetings. Of course, it’s an ideal location for team building and incentive trips too. Q: Why would our clients love it here? A: The travel time is very manageable – 2 hours from London, 2 and a half from Birmingham & 3 hours from Edinburgh. I’d recommend booking an event here out
of
season
as
venues
are
more
flexible with space and you’ll get better rates. It’s also much easier to travel around the island during the off-season. One big selling point is that you’re never far from the sea & amazing ocean views.
Q: What stood out to you most? A: It’s incredible how the venues all work together. They appreciate that if you’re going to the island, you don’t necessarily want to stay at just one venue. Each hotel offers different styles, cuisine, and event spaces. Because of the
size
of
the
island,
travel
time
between each isn’t far - all of the hotels I visited were within a 30-minute drive from one another. Also, the standard of venues really stood out – it’s a lot of luxury without the price tag!
Thinking of hosting an overseas event? Contact one of our expert venue-finders. Just email: enquiries@conferencecare.com or call: 02476 369 720
PUT A PIN IN IT... Which venues have got us excited? Stay put for these exciting new openings and refurbs!
Convene’s Sancroft, St. Paul's OPENING Q1 2024 This venue featured in our last edition too, but we’re including it again as it promises to be one of the largest meeting and event spaces in London with a max capacity of 1,200, including a whopping 900-person hall & 7 large meeting rooms.
Maritim Hotel Amsterdam OPENING MID-2024 Looking overseas, this is another massive venue with event hosting capacities of up to 4,651 people over 18 conference rooms. The Maritim theatre is a beautiful presenting space, and will be perfect for product launches, speaking engagements, and congresses.
Malmaison Manchester Deansgate OPENING February 2024 A retro experience that’s just around the corner. There will be some small flexible work spaces for 4-12 people. Or, if you’re hosting a private event, you can book one of those for between 4-12 guests. These rooms have real character and amazing dining options.