In this issue, we’ve embraced that summer feeling and are getting theatrical with it! We have featured two separate theatres - one in Kirkcaldy and one in Bristol. One is equipped with incredibly flexible meeting spaces and workspaces, while the other has theatres to blow your audience away. Read on to find out which is which!
Also, we’re showcasing some of our team’s takeaways from their travels across the country and across Europe. See our roundup for a full breakdown of hot summer insights.
Team Featured in this Edition
Pauline Beattie
Pauline is our superstar Sales Director. She has a wealth of knowledge from her
Pauline is our superstar Sales Director. She has a wealth of knowledge from her years of experience in the events industry - what Pauline doesn’t know is not worth years of experience in the events industry - what Pauline doesn’t know is not worth knowing! knowing!
Beth Hanson
Our edition to the sustainability team comes to us from the world of wildlife! Leaving behind the Safari, Beth has sharp instincts and a keen eye for detail, she
Our latest edition to the sustainability team comes to us from the world of wildlife!
Leaving behind the Safari, Beth has sharp instincts and a keen eye for detail, she has taken the lead on Venues For Good, and knows them inside and out. has taken the lead on Venues For Good, and knows them inside and out.
Becki Hollis
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.
Emily Food
Emily is a passionate Events Consultant. Her toddler is the reason she jumps out
Emily is a passionate Events Consultant. Her toddler is the reason she jumps out of bed every morning, She is known for her exceptional client relationships, of bed every morning, She is known for her exceptional client relationships, meticulous organizational skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence. meticulous organizational skills, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Taylor Findley
Taylor loves working with new clients, and as one of our newest Events Taylor loves working with new clients, and as one of our newest Events Consultants in our Venue Finding Team, she is set on finding ideal spaces for our Consultants in our Venue Finding Team, she is set on finding ideal spaces for our client’s specifications. In her spare time you can find her reading, shopping or client’s specifications. In her spare time you can find her reading, shopping or enjoying the theatre! enjoying the theatre!
CONFERENCE CARE
SO MUCH MORE THAN A VENUE
FINDING AGENCY
FIND OUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A B CORP
THIS MONTH'S FEATURE
Got a flair for the dramatic? The most mundane team meeting or clinical conference can become creative with the right venue That’s exactly what OnFife offers with the Adam Smith Theatre.
Adam Smith Theatre, Adam Smith Theatre, Bennochy Road, Bennochy Road, Kirkcaldy, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1ET KY1 1ET
EVENT CAPACITY
Up to 880 delegates Up to 880 delegates
You’ll find the venue nestled in the town of Kirkcaldy, a five-minute walk from the station.
45 minutes away is the Edinburgh airport, and Edinburgh itself is just a short trip across the Firth of Forth
This old building has a new life thanks to a modernising multi-million-pound refurbishment. Now, there’s so much more to this space than the theatre itself - keep reading - you might be surprised…
PAULINE BEATTIE, SALES DIRECTOR
While the theatre here is magnificent, it’s the event spaces that set this
While the theatre here is magnificent, it’s the event spaces that set this venue apart They’re clean, cool, and very, very flexible I can see all sorts of venue apart. They’re clean, cool, and very, very flexible. I can see all sorts of different events taking place here, from large-scale conferences to tiny team different events taking place here, from large-scale conferences to tiny team meetings You could have a lot of fun adapting the space to your needs and meetings. You could have a lot of fun adapting the space to your needs and specifications, and it’s sure to look splendid! Also, the team at Adam Smith specifications, and it’s sure to look splendid! Also, the team at Adam Theatre are helpful and generous with their assistance Theatre are helpful and generous with their assistance.
Want more recommendations from me?
Contact me on paulineb@conferencecare.com or call 02476 369 720
ALL THAT JAZZ
The Adam Smith Theatre offers more than an auditorium.
The combined space of all its rooms adds up to a capacity of 731. More than enough room for jazz hands
The first of these spaces is the Beveridge Suite. This is perfect for conferences, dinners, drinks receptions, and more. The room comes stocked with its own bar, abundant AV equipment, and is flooded in natural daylight It’s a super flexible space that somehow manages to be a blank canvas and full of character.
Next is The Exchange. This is a smaller space, but probably the most flexible. Great for team meetings, intimate lunches, or a breakout room. From here you’ll have direct access to the Beveridge Suite too, making it the perfect addition to an event.
Finally, there’s the auditorium itself. This is a truly beautiful space that needs to be seen in person for full impact. It’s sure to impress your attendees. Anyone standing on the stage will be able to deliver a presentation with confidence. Of course, it’s also a brilliant space for hybrid events. With a full LED theatre lighting rig, PA system, multi-screen stage setup and more, it would be easy to add a digital element to any event hosted here.
The Adam Smith Theatre will enhance a standard event. It can also play host to more theatrical ones: award ceremonies, glitzy gala dinners, product launches, and full-blown celebrations.
There are plenty of places to stay in Fife and the surrounding area. You could even combine the theatre with a string of other experiences to offer an enticing incentive package.
You can even use the Adam Smith Theatre as a workspace. The venue offers a design suite fully outfitted with workstations, equipped with cuttingedge design software and tools.
Plus, for you sustainably-minded event-planners out there - On Fife is a registered charity that reinvests every penny back into providing free and affordable entertainment & learning opportunities. You’ll help keep the doors to inspiration open by partnering with them!
If you’d like to book your next event at The Adam Smith Theatre, call us on 02476 369 720
LEOPOLD HOTEL LEOPOLD HOTEL
This venue is taking us to school with its 19th-century charm and sustainable spaces
The word we’d use to describe Leopold Hotel is atmospheric. The hotel leans into its historic roots and manages to pull it off Instead of feeling dated or traditional, you feel transported in time Of course, the hotel has all the modern amenities you’d expect but offers them without sacrificing the venue ’ s character. In some ways, it is almost jarring to turn a corner and be confronted with a state-ofthe-art coffee machine or wall-mounted TV screens.
While traditional looks are part of the charm, traditional values are not
LOCATION: 2 Leopold Street Leopold Square, Sheffield S1 2GZ EVENT CAPACITY 170 delegates
There is a reason the Leopold Hotel is a Venue For Good - The hotel is very sustainably minded and has a few standout initiatives for accessibility One brilliant example of this is the Solo Female Guest Programme. This initiative helps female visitors feel & stay safe from check-in to check-out
BETH HANSON, SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATOR
“Leopold passed their Venue For Good assessment with flying colours! Their sustainable initiatives include on-site bee-hotels, rooftop herb gardens, nest boxes for native bird species, and reward vouchers for guests that opt-out of daily laundry. As members of the Living Wage Foundation and a womenowned business, they demonstrate responsible & inclusive daily-practices.”
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on bethh@conferencecare.com or call 02476 369 720 VENUE TYPE: Hotel
CUTLERS’ HALL CUTLERS’ HALL
Anyone attending an event at Anyone attending an event at Cutler’s Hall is offered a discount at Cutler’s Hall is offered a discount at The Leopold Hotel. The Leopold Hotel
This venue has a variety of spaces,
This venue has a variety of spaces, but its main hall can accommodate but its main hall can accommodate up to 800 guests Across all of its up to 800 guests. Across all of its spaces, it can easily fit over 1,000 spaces, it can easily fit over 1,000 attendees. The hall has its own attendees. The hall has its own traditional charm, and is sure to traditional charm, and is sure to delight guests with its grand pillars, delight guests with its grand pillars, classical paintings, and dropping classical paintings, and dropping chandeliers chandeliers.
The venues are a 3 minute walk The venues are a 3 minute walk apart, so it would be simple to apart, so it would be simple to arrange an event between the two. arrange an event between the two
Book your next event at Leopold Hotel by speaking to one of our venue-finding experts on: 02476 369 720 or emailing: enquiries@conferencecare.com.
MEETINGS & EVENTS MEETINGS & EVENTS
The Leopold Hotel is well-suited to a The Leopold Hotel is well-suited to a range of events, but is particularly range of events, but is particularly good for smaller engagements, from good for smaller engagements, from team building to client meetings. team building to client meetings.
The Oak Suite The Oak Suite has a capacity of up to has a capacity of up to 75 The room boasts beautiful oak 75. The room boasts beautiful oak panelling and has a warm feel even panelling and has a warm feel even when lit by natural daylight. Perfect when lit by natural daylight. Perfect for private meetings and training for private meetings and training.
The Library The Library has a capacity of up to has a capacity of up to 40 and 40 and is a more laid-back and is a more laid-back and flexible area, great for more intimate flexible area, great for more intimate and casual meetings and casual meetings.
The Faraday Suite The Faraday Suite has a capacity of has a capacity of up to 20 and is your classic up to 20 and is your classic boardroom space Great for boardroom space. Great for discussions and corporate meetings. discussions and corporate meetings
The Bessemer Suite The Bessemer Suite has a capacity of has a capacity of up to 20. This is a slightly more up to 20 This is a slightly more modern space that is ideal for small modern space that is ideal for small meetings or interviews. meetings or interviews
You could host a small conference at You could host a small conference at the Leopold Hotel, but it wouldn’t be the Leopold Hotel, but it wouldn’t be suitable for a large-scale event That suitable a large-scale event. That is unless you utilise their partnership is unless you utilise their partnership with Cutlers’ Hall... with Cutlers’ Hall...
SSUSTAINABLE USTAINABLE
26% of VFGs are Carbon Neutral of Neutral
21% of VFGs are B-Corps 21% of VFGs are
GIVING BACK GIVING BACK
61% of VFGs distribute excess of VFGs distribute food to the local community food to the community
IINCLUSIVE NCLUSIVE
13% of VFGs are Disability 13% are Disability Confident Employers Confident
16% of VFGs are owned by a VFGs owned by woman/women
HOTTEST VENUE
E A C O N H A L L
VENUE TYPE:
Theatre LOCATION:
Bristol Beacon Trenchard Street
Bristol
BS1 5AR
EVENT CAPACITY
2,000+ delegates
The Bristol Beacon recently underwent a dramatic transformation. Now, you’ll find a perfect theatre space with unmatched versatility.
There are four spaces to explore - each with its own unique style and flair.
The first of these is Beacon Hall, the venue’s flagship theatre space. With a capacity of 2,124, this is your choice for making an impact. Perfect for product launches or large-scale events, this is a transformative space - it has a totally different feel depending on whether you attend during the night or the day
Next is Lantern Hall. A much smaller theatre than Beacon Hall, but flexible and full of character. The seating and staging are moveable allowing for 296 delegates sitting, or up to 500 standing
This a great space to host large-scale dinners, receptions, exhibitions, small performances, and even parties Set Lantern Hall out however you want to suit your event or choose from a variety of pre-set packages.
R I S T O L B E A C O N
Old Victorian cellars have been refurbished to create a cool & quirky space beneath the theatre - The Cellars
Great for small receptions, networking, and intimate performances You can enter and exit the cellars without even knowing you ’ re in a theatre through an entrance from the plaza
This space is host to a suite of practice rooms, a social space, and a recording studio Gather up to 200 delegates for a part-standing event or 120 seated
Finally, you can hire the entrance hall - Bridgehouse It might sound unremarkable, but the hall is an incredibly diverse space, and great for networking, exhibitions, and fairs. We’d also recommend using this area in tandem with another space as a breakout spot You can use the venue ’ s on-site Stalls or Golding Bars for catering or refreshments Bridgehouse can host 141 seated or 400 standing.
WHY IS IT HOT?
Sometimes a refurbishment is nothing more than a fresh coat of paint on a worn-out venue In the case of Beacon Bristol, the opposite is true You can tell how much thought, effort, and creativity has been put into each room - and every space has its own character and charm This venue is hot because it is flexible, fun, accessible and cool (yes we get the irony of that)
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on emilyf@conferencecare.com or call
REWARDS FOR EVERY BOOKING
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Carbon Offsetting
Offsetting the carbon footprint of your event can be absolutely free with Bees & Honey - just accumulate enough rewards and offset with us through a variety of projects!
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Nando's, Zizzi, PizzaExpress & Many More Dine out at your favourite restaurants, on us, with a Dine Around Card.
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Los Mochis has two locations in London, and both are a fusion of styles as well as flavours. This Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant has a taste for a variety of palets and is just as suitable for a casual meal as a large corporate dinner.
LONDON CITY
Boasting enviable views of St Pauls Cathedral, there is so much to enjoy about this venue. The obvious selling point is the rooftop terrace with iconic city views. From here, you’ll enjoy iconic city views that feel like something out of a movie. This space can accommodate 150 seated or 200 standing.
The lounge surrounding the Agaveria bar is equally enticing. This is the perfect backdrop for a meeting or a party. The capacity for this space is the same as the terrace and is a great indoor alternative with exceptional views and decor.
And, if you want a more intimate meeting, you can always hire the private dining room, which can host 22 seated or 30 standing. Food is served all of these spaces, and the menu can be tailored to taste, but with so much choice we don’t know how you’ll be able to settle on just one menu...
REBECCA
HOLLIS, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
“For stunning views of London and a unique dining experience, visit Los Mochis' new rooftop restaurant at 100 Liverpool Street I was blown away by the Mexican-Japanese fusion menu and the rare tequilas The outdoor terrace is one of the first net-zero developments in London, and is perfect for enjoying tasty food and creative cocktails It's a must-visit for any foodie or view seeker!”
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on rebeccah@conferencecare.com or call 02476 369 720
Notting Hill
Let’s head over to Notting Hill to explore this more understated venue. You’d be forgiven for thinking Los Mochis is just another restaurant if you passed it on the street. However, the colourful artwork painted on the exterior is a tease of what’s inside - a selection of visual delights from artists such as Jorge Tellaeche & Dimitrias Meizar.
The restaurant is cacti-filled with Mexican artwork hanging from exposed brick walls. Light wooden floors, hanging baskets, and warm lighting circled by basketweaved shades provide a beautiful natural ambience. The building hides more secrets too. You can experience an omakase (I leave it up to you) dining in an exclusive six-seat private room, where the chef serves a range of 15 tasty surprises.
The venue has a total capacity of 175 across two floors, a lounge, and a bar area.
Also - we need to talk about the food! Los Mochis has pioneered a new cuisineBaja-Nihon. You get all the heat of Mexico with all the precision of Japan. You can expect combinations such as sashimi and maki rolls with jalapeno, ceviches & tiraditos. It really needs to be tasted to be believed.
If this venue sounds like it’d be your taste, then get in contact with us today on 02476 369 720 or email enquiries@conferencecare.com
[NOT] JETSETTING
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 VENUES
Our venue-finding team know venue maps like the back of their hand. To ensure their knowledge is second-to-none, they get out there and experience these spaces first hand. In our recent travels, we’ve had our fair share of site visits, and we’d like to share some of our standouts...
FAIRMONT, FRANKFURT, AND MORE...
FRANKFURT - IMEX 2024
Georgie Foxall set off to Frankfurt to attend IMEX 2024, and met with some incredible suppliers Here are her recommendations from the event:
Rosewood Munich, Munich
Once a State Bank of Bavaria headquarters, this building sits in the heart of old town Munich Its subtle, understated entrance hides a grand reception lobby with a spectacular staircase From the courtyard, you can hear the Salvatorkirche church bells and birds, as if you were far from the city centre. Half the courtyard serves as a breakout area for the Ballsall ballroom, the hotel’s largest event space, accommodating up to 200 guests.
Botanic Sanctuary, Antwerp
A brand new five-star hotel in the heart of Antwerp The venue is right at the centre of several historic buildings and a beautiful central garden If you’re looking for a dramatic event space, then why not hire the decommissioned chapel they have on-site? It’s got great transport links, lots of history, and is cost-effective - definitely one to look out for!
Sugar Factory, Amsterdam
Something a bit different. This venue is very industrial, and provides a wonderful blank canvas for large events - and I mean large. The biggest space can host up to 1,000 attendees There is a new hotel in construction on-site, but there are currently no large hotels within walking distance, so if you do want to attend this venue, make sure your guests are aware of transport links and where they can stay.
FAIRMONT ST ANDREWS
Taylor Findley took a trip to St Andrews, Scotland, to tour this beautiful venue on a sunny Scottish day! here’s what she had to say about the visit:
“The venue was beautiful. The driveway up to the hotel is stunning, and then you’re met with an incredible reception & bar as you first walk in There’s always someone at the front door to welcome you to & from the venue - a nice touch!
“There is a good variety of conference spaces, big & small. Plus, the conference area is purposebuilt to be separate from the rest of the hotel This provides privacy between event & leisure guests
“An outdoor area just off from one of the conference spaces is perfect for activities and team building They had a range of equipment onsite for this exact reason
“Speaking of the grounds, golf courses cover a good portion of the land around the venue. From the hotel, you have a wonderful view of the sea
“Fairmont St Andrews is about a 15-minute taxi journey from Leuchars train station. While the venue itself is quite remote, it’s not far to get to town where there are plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy
“If you don’t want to venture further afield there are a couple of great food options on-site. St Andrews Bar & Grill serves a fantastic seafood menu, and La Cucina has a range of Italian delicacies I recommend the St Andrews Bar & Grill for its locally sourced seafood!
“Finally, accommodation was brilliant, with clean spacious rooms and very modern bathrooms For anyone feeling particularly flush, you can hire two manor houses on-site which are more of a homeaway-from-home than a hotel.”
If you’d like to book an event at Fairmont St Andrews, call 02476 369 720.
WHERE ELSE HAVE WE BEEN?
Our venue-finders are often found in venues across the country in an area near you! Here’s some of the sites they’ve seen over the past few months, and their contact details so you can find out more about any of the venues they’ve visited:
SUPPLIER
SOPHIE BOREHAM, EVENT MANAGER
PUT A PIN IN IT...
Which venues have got us excited?
Stay put for these exciting new openings and refurbs!
Hotel Gotham, Manchester, Newcastle, and Bristol Autumn 2024 & Spring 2025
Earlier this year, the Hotel Gotham was acquired by Leonardo Hotels. But that is far from the biggest news hitting the Gotham brand. Two new locations have been announced. The Newcastle site will take over an old Fire station & police station, and opens in Autumn 2024. Meanwhile, Bristol is renovating the historic Guildhall and is set to open in Spring 2025.
Kitty Hawk, London West End
September 2024
Opening at the beginning of September, a brand new rooftop bar with a capacity of 200 standing guests! This is an elegant, top-tier venue with contemporary décor and great when coupled with a West End show. Definitely one to keep an eye on for incentives and social events.
The Newman Fitzrovia, London OPENING SPRING 2025
The Newman Fitzrovia markets itself as your ‘new old friend’. In simpler terms, the venue blends old-fashioned style with boutique luxury and prides itself on its friendly service. With two exquisite private dining or meeting rooms, this is a space well worth booking when it opens next spring.
