Rebecca Hurley - BMA House EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Welcome to the first edition of our Pinpoint newsletter. We are thrilled to spotlight some of the venues and groups that we are excited about!
If you don't already know us, we're Conference Care, the venue finding experts. Our team go the extra mile - literally - to find the hottest new venues. In this edition, we give you recommendations from our team based on their first-hand experience Learn more about some of our team below:
Sarah is always on the lookout for new, quirky, and unique venues - anything that
Sarah is always on the lookout for new, quirky, and unique venues - anything that offers a different spin to a meeting or event, no matter how big or small. A green offers a different spin to a meeting or event, no matter how big or small. A green thumb, you can find her on the weekend tending to her allotment. thumb, you can find her on the weekend tending to her allotment.
Sofia loves nothing more than finding a new sustainable venue and learning about Sofia loves nothing more than finding a new sustainable venue and learning about green initiatives. She is a CrossFit legend and up-and-coming star, featuring in a green initiatives. She is a CrossFit legend and up-and-coming star, featuring in a number of Conference Care videos - keep your eyes peeled! number of Conference Care videos - keep your eyes peeled!
Becki has an encyclopaedic knowledge of venues and suppliers. She's always ready Becki has an encyclopaedic knowledge of venues and suppliers. She's always ready with a recommendation for a hotel, restaurant, bar, or anything really - just ask! with a recommendation for a hotel, restaurant, bar, or anything really - just ask! Anywhere that serves cheese or sourdough is a winner for Becki. Anywhere that serves cheese or sourdough is a winner for Becki.
Our resident travel addict, Georgie can often be found paddle boarding with her Our resident travel addict, Georgie can often be found paddle boarding with her dog, Isla. Her favourite type of venue is when something old has been turned into dog, Isla. Her favourite type of venue is when something old has been turned into something new! Something that feels fresh & unique, but also has a story to tell. something new! Something that feels fresh & unique, but also has a story to tell.
Earlier this year, the Fattal Group acquired The Grand Brighton. Read all about the exciting new acquisition and its event potential here!
Let’s talk about Leonardo. You can cite basic numbers and statistics Leonardo Hotels operates 53 hotels across the UK and Ireland. You can admire its reach its owner, Fattal Hotels, owns and operates over 200 hotels in over 100 destinations. And of course, you can look to the future the group is rapidly expanding its global presence. But, at its heart, Leonardo is all about hospitality.
That’s why this global chain is the perfect choice for your next event...
"I am really excited to see what Leonardo’s next move is, they have gone "I am really excited to see what Leonardo’s next move is, they have gone through a major rebrand and invested so heavily into enhancing their city through a major rebrand and invested so heavily into enhancing their city centre properties. The introduction of quirky venues to their portfolio has centre properties The introduction of quirky venues to their portfolio has really raised the bar for them, I am particularly excited to see what’s to really raised the bar for them, I am particularly excited to see what’s to come for The Dilly and where the next NYX will be popping up. They are come for The Dilly and where the next NYX will be popping up They are definitely a 'watch this space ' brand with so much more to come. " definitely a 'watch this space ' brand with so much more to come "
Want more recommendations from me? Contact
Leonardo Hotels’ vision is “to be the first choice for everyone who values genuine hospitality.” That means being guided by their guests, creating memorable experiences, and providing exceptional service. When it comes to meetings & events, you’ll get personal service unlike any other. Their range of hotels means you’ll always find a space in a central, attractive location. They also go the extra mile to accommodate your needs…
Want an event to be hybrid or virtual? Leonardo Hotels have a wide range of solutions available. From professional video conferences to live webcasts in a professional studio.
Want a carbon neutral event? Leonardo is working to make their spaces more sustainable. One key example is Germany, where all visitors can take advantage of 100% carbon-free travel.
Part of what makes this acquisition so special is that the venue will see the love and care that Leonardo give to all of their hotels while retaining its iconic status. We can't wait to see what comes next for The Grand, which has already undergone significant refurbishments, and is sure to get better and better with Leonardo at the helm.
In early 2023, The Fattal Group acquired The Grand in Brighton. First opened in 1864, the Grand Brighton occupies a prime location on Brighton’s seafront with unobstructed views over the English Channel.
The seven-floor hotel has 201 rooms, including seaside-facing balcony bedrooms and luxury suites.
You can enjoy a sustainably sourced meal at The Grill, from fresh seafood to ice cream from Gelato Gusto. Or, relax at the Victoria Bar & Lounge, stocked with locally sourced gems and guest favourites.
The Grand has an incredible meeting and banqueting space, providing in excess of 1,200 sqm across 13 rooms. This includes the sea-facing Empress Suite. An Interesting fact about this suite - it is the largest seafacing conference suite in the UK, accommodating up to 900 delegates.
The hotel also has a range of other spaces, perfect for private banqueting or smaller meetings. Want to reserve a place? Speak to one of our account managers today on 02476 369 720.
2023 will see the opening of NYX Dublin Portobello, the first NYX to launch in Ireland & will feature 175 bedrooms, a bar, a restaurant, a gym & meeting rooms.
The refurbishment is underway at Leonardo Hotel Glasgow and once completed will feature brand new bedrooms and public spaces.
Meanwhile, Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh has had a complete transformation. 186 stylish & spacious bedrooms with interiors that showcase traditional Scottish elements.
All bedrooms feature the bespoke Leonardo DREAM bed, a flatscreen Chromecast TV, large desk with a well-lit workspace, Nespresso machine and an ensuite bathroom with White Company toiletries. Public areas including the reception, bar & restaurant have been completely transformed and now feature stunning new interiors.
"BMA House is a no-brainer for any event professionals looking to bring some history to their event with the right balance of aestheticism Catering is second to none, with their very own herb garden Gas, fuel & electricity are strictly sourced from renewable sources. Nothing is too much trouble for this venue which will go above & beyond to exceed expectations."
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on sofiat@conferencecare com or call 02476 369 720
Conference Care spoke to Rebecca Hurley, Conference Care spoke to Rebecca Venue Marketing Manager for BMA House, to Venue Marketing Manager for BMA House, to discover what sets this remarkable Grade II discover what sets this remarkable Grade II listed building apart, and how the house lives listed building apart, and how the house lives and breathes sustainability and breathes sustainability.
"Are you a not-for-profit or a social "Are you not-for-profit or social enterprise?" enterprise?"
BMA House is a not-for-profit organisation, BMA House is a not-for-profit organisation, meaning profits made from hiring out our meaning profits made from hiring out our space are reinvested back into the BMA to space are reinvested back into the BMA to help improve the building while also help improve the building while also contributing towards our amazing doctors. contributing towards our amazing doctors
"Tell us about BMA House"
"Tell us about BMA House"
For almost 100 years BMA House has sat in
For almost 100 years BMA House has sat in the heart of London Designed by Sir Edwin the heart of London. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens – arguably the greatest British Lutyens – arguably the greatest British architect of the twentieth century – and architect of the twentieth century – and opened by King George V, our remarkable opened by King George V, our remarkable building makes today’s special occasions building makes today’s special occasions all the more spectacular all the more spectacular.
BMA House has been home to the British BMA House has been home to the British Medical Association since 1925 Medical Association since 1925
Our venue boasts 22 unique & versatile spaces including 11 purpose built meeting spaces including 11 purpose built meeting rooms, all fitted with cutting edge AV rooms, all fitted with cutting edge AV technology From small team meeting From small team meeting rooms to full conferencing spaces for up to to full conferencing spaces for up to 320 attendees 320 attendees.
Our venue boasts 22 unique & versatile
BMA House has long recognised the BMA House has long recognised the importance of sustainability. We are importance of sustainability We are committed to seeking every opportunity committed to seeking every opportunity to ensure we and our partners adhere to ensure we and our partners adhere to sustainable goals on every level to sustainable goals on every level
Above all else, we see it as our goal to
Above all else, we see it as our goal to break down the presumption that Grade break down presumption that Grade II listed buildings cannot be II listed buildings cannot be sustainable This is demonstrated sustainable. This is demonstrated through headline figures such as a 69% through headline figures such as a 69% reduction in delegate carbon footprint reduction in delegate carbon footprint & 5.4m litre reduction in water usage. & 5 4m litre reduction in water usage
We’ll soon be including the carbon We’ll soon be including the carbon footprint on our menus to help our footprint on our menus to help our clients make informed decisions on clients make informed decisions on food choices BMA House will always be food choices BMA House will always be a welcoming place with a shared goal to a welcoming place with a shared goal to continue to help the planet If we can continue to help the planet If we can all make one small difference today, all make one small difference today, we ' re one step closer to being more we ' re one step closer to being more carbon efficient in the future carbon efficient in the future.
e some sustainable initiatives
e some sustainable initiatives se have supported?" se have supported?"
rtnered with Cross River with Cross River ip to promote a ‘Clean Air ip to promote a ‘Clean Air Route’ from Kings Cross, to Route’ from Kings Cross, to elegates with a ‘cleaner’ elegates with a ‘cleaner’
o BMA House. The route takes o BMA House The route takes f the busy Euston Road onto f the busy Euston Road onto ts where air pollution is 57% ts where air pollution is
rt wellbeing & work-life balance, rt wellbeing & work-life balance, n coordination with Chelsea n coordination with Chelsea create a Mindful garden; a create a Mindful garden; a haven which can be accessed all haven which can be accessed all d for delegates to unwind. d for delegates to unwind
The BMA has established a 'corporate social environmental responsibility’ group social environmental responsibility’ group (CSER) which actively encourages staff to (CSER) which actively encourages staff to be socially and environmentally be socially and environmentally responsible We get involved in responsible. We get involved in charitable giving, have focused activities charitable giving, focused activities on sustainable practices, recycling & on sustainable practices, recycling & reducing our carbon footprint, and hold reducing our carbon footprint, and hold awareness days for health. awareness days for health
The BMA has established a 'corporate
In response to client requests, at the end In response to client requests, at the end of 2022, we removed beef from our hot of 2022, we removed beef from our hot fork menu for the coming season, created fork menu for the coming season, created meat-free-Monday for events, and made meat-free-Monday for events, and made all of our coffee-break cakes vegan all of our coffee-break cakes vegan.
"Tell us about sustainability at BMA "Tell us about sustainability at BMA House" House"
As of February 2016, we have zero- As of February 2016, we have zeroto-landfill status - all waste produced to-landfill status - all waste produced is either recycled or recovered is either recycled or recovered.
In 2017, we worked tirelessly to In 2017, we worked tirelessly to achieve our Gold accreditation with achieve our Gold accreditation with Green Tourism, one of just five Green Tourism, one of just five venues in London, no mean feat for a venues in London, no mean feat for a Grade II listed building! This Grade II listed building! This prestigious certification was awarded prestigious certification was awarded for our inspirational environmental for our inspirational environmental ethos and excellent practices ethos and excellent practices throughout the business. throughout the business
Other awards we ' ve won include: Other awards we ' ve won include:
‘‘Best Accommodation & Meetings Best Accommodation & Meetings Sustainability Initiative Sustainability Initiative’ in the 2022 ’ in the 2022 Greengage Sustainability Awards, Greengage Sustainability Awards, alongside achieving alongside achieving Platinum status Platinum status in their ECOsmart accreditation. We in their ECOsmart accreditation We won a Gold award for ‘ won a Gold award for ‘Best Venue Best Venue for Hybrid Events for Hybrid Events’ in the London ’ in the London Venue Awards, and Silver in the Venue Awards, and Silver in COOL Event Awards for COOL Event Awards for COOLEST COOLEST Sustainable Event Venue Sustainable Event Venue, plus more , plus more.
A huge thank you to Rebecca for A huge thank you to Rebecca for her time & insightful responses. her time & insightful responses.
To book your next event at BMA
To book your next event at BMA House, speak to one of our House, speak to one of our venue finding experts by calling venue finding experts by calling 02476 369 720 02476 369 720 or emailing or emailing enquiries@conferencecare.com enquiries@conferencecare.com. .
"Are there any projects or initiatives
"Are there any projects or initiatives you are working on right now?" you are working on right now?"
Our fantastic supplier list
Our fantastic supplier list
All of our
All of our suppliers are vetted for their sustainable suppliers are vetted for their sustainable and ethical practices, we now only and ethical practices, we now only choose suppliers who can show they have choose suppliers can show they have made every effort to be sustainable For made every effort to be sustainable. For example, we updated our house beer to example, we updated our house beer to Two Tribes, a brewery based in St. Two Tribes, a brewery based in St Pancras Kings Cross that delivers by Pancras Kings Cross that delivers by pedal bike – all cans, no glass pedal bike – all cans, no glass.
There is a perception that a sustainable There is a perception that a sustainable event will cost more overall. But when event will cost more overall But when you look at each element of an event, you look at each element of an event, plant-based items are less expensive than plant-based items are less expensive than meat, and we pass on all of these savings meat, and we pass on all of these savings to our clients. to our clients
This year we have put together a This year we have put together a Christmas package titled: ‘I’m dreaming Christmas package titled: ‘I’m dreaming of a Green Christmas’ and have of a Green Christmas’ and have introduced a ‘Greenest Christmas Dinner’ introduced a ‘Greenest Christmas Dinner’ option which includes all of the elements option which includes all of the elements you’d expect to see in a Christmas party you’d expect to see in a Christmas party package A set menu with hand-selected package. A set menu with hand-selected dishes to reduce your carbon footprint is dishes to reduce your carbon footprint is included, plus sustainable centrepieces. included, plus sustainable centrepieces
"What are some achievements BMA "What are some achievements BMA House is proud of?" House is proud of?"
The Megaro Hotel is rewriting the The Megaro Hotel is rewriting the established rules of hospitality. This established rules of hospitality. This landmark building, located in London's landmark building, located in London's Kings Cross wasn't always this Kings Cross wasn't always this colourful - in 2012, it rebranded and colourful - in 2012, it rebranded and changed its skin to the bold, brash, changed its skin to the bold, brash, colourful collage you see today. colourful collage you see today.
Megaro Hotel is owned by St Pancras
Megaro Hotel is owned by St Pancras Meetings & Events. With 12 meeting Meetings & Events. With 12 meeting rooms varying in size, their spaces are rooms varying in size, their spaces are perfect for small boardrooms to large perfect for small boardrooms to large conferences for 100 delegates. Each conferences for 100 delegates. Each room has its own identity and will fit room has its own identity and will fit the vibe of any event you are looking the vibe of any event you are looking to host. to host.
For more details on the unique spaces
For more details on the unique spaces inside the Megaro, keep reading or inside the Megaro, keep reading or contact us on contact us on 02476 369 720. 02476 369 720.
Michelin endorsed. Italian inspired. Michelin endorsed. Italian inspired. Magenta is a food experience to Magenta is a food experience to remember. Above the main remember. Above the main restaurant is a discreet private restaurant is a discreet private dining room great for intimate dining room great for intimate parties or business meetings, with a parties or business meetings, with a twist. The room is styled to twist. The room is styled to resemble a Victorian train car resemble a Victorian train car carriage - and with the nearby carriage - and with the nearby Kings Cross, you'll get authentic Kings Cross, you'll get authentic ambience too! ambience too!
Since its inception last year, The Megaro's Hokus Pokus
Since its inception last year, The Megaro's Hokus Pokus alchemy bar has become a social media sensation. The alchemy bar has become a social media sensation. The space has acquired a cult following in recent months - and space has acquired a cult following in recent months - and for good reason. It's a unique space covered with for good reason. It's a unique space covered with shimmering copper, aged brass, mercury glass, white shimmering copper, aged brass, mercury glass, white marble and vintage oak, punctuated by vibrant flashes of marble and vintage oak, punctuated by vibrant flashes of petrol blue and deep purple. The bar produces and serves petrol blue and deep purple. The bar produces and serves over 30 cocktails from an in-house lab, presented as over 30 cocktails from an in-house lab, presented as potions and prescriptions. potions and prescriptions.
The bar's designer, Henry Chebaane, is also an author and The bar's designer, Henry Chebaane, is also an author and artist. Chebaane's debut graphic novel "The Panharmonion artist. Chebaane's debut graphic novel "The Panharmonion Chronicles" will feature Hokus Pokus as a location within the Chronicles" will feature Hokus Pokus as a location within the story and will be sold at The Megaro. story and will be sold at The Megaro.
"The Megaro Kings Cross has been on our radar for some time, with its unique blend of styles and experiences, it's one of those spaces that promises to transport you. We're sure the venue has to be seen to be believed which is why we're booking a visit later this year to get the full St Pancras Meeting Room experience first-hand."
"Instagram-worthy interiors, hanging plants galore, happy faces, "Instagram-worthy interiors, hanging plants galore, happy faces, tasty food, furry friends (pet-friendly apartments) and out of the tasty food, furry friends (pet-friendly apartments) and out of the ordinary bedrooms with all the amenities you could ever need! A ordinary bedrooms with all the amenities you could ever need! A stylish & welcoming home from home in the heart of Manchester." stylish & welcoming home from home in the heart of Manchester "
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on georginaf@conferencecare.com or call 02476 369 720
Does your average apartment have Does your average apartment have an on-site restaurant? Does it have an on-site restaurant? Does it have an on-site coffee shop? Are they an on-site coffee shop? Are they iindependent? ndependent?
Whitworth Locke Manchester boasts Whitworth Locke Manchester boasts a variety of choice on your doorstep, a variety of choice on your doorstep, while supporting local businesses while supporting local businesses.
Host an event at Whitworth Locke - Host an event at Whitworth LockeInformal drinks, a conference, or a Informal drinks, a conference, or a wedding - this incredible venue can wedding - this incredible venue can accommodate you and your guests accommodate you and your guests Staff will make sure you and your Staff will make sure you and your guests are catered for and guests are catered for and comfortable, with a reception desk comfortable, with a reception desk manned 24/7 at the centre of a fully manned 24/7 at the centre of a fully stocked bar. stocked bar
All of Whitworth Locke's apartments
All of Whitworth Locke's apartments are built in unique spaces - are built in unique spacesManchester is built into a disused Manchester is built into a disused cotton factory, utilising many of its cotton factory, utilising many of its original features The building's large original features The building's large windows create a contemporary, windows create a contemporary, warehouse-style feel warehouse-style feel.
All apartments range from 25sqm to All apartments range from 25sqm to an impressive 80sqm, and are an impressive 80sqm, and are designed to feel bigger too! designed to feel bigger too!
Have an employee needing relocation
Have an employee needing relocation
A B O U T
How does a Whitworth Locke make your apartment feel like a home away your apartment feel like a home away from home? from home?
How does a Whitworth Locke make
What is a long stay?
What is a long stay?
Each space is equipped with washing
Each space is equipped with washing machines and cocktail sets Blackout machines and cocktail sets Blackout curtains ensure you have privacy curtains ensure you have privacy when you want it when you want it.
All of Whitworth Locke's locations
All of Whitworth Locke's locations have a signature scent to ensure have a signature scent to ensure each apartment offering is unique each apartment offering is unique and fragrant. and fragrant
Sometimes an employee needs to Sometimes an employee needs to work away from home. Sometimes work away from home. Sometimes they need to work away from home they need to work away from home for a long time. Sometimes they for a long time. Sometimes they even need to relocate. To save even need to relocate To save them sofa-surfing or hotel hopping, them sofa-surfing or hotel hopping, they can have a base of operations they can have a base of operations to call their own. Conference Care to call their own Conference Care now offer long stay services now offer long stay services. Click here to find out more Click here to find out more. .
L O N G S T A Y S
