Venue Spotlight By Conference Care
Welcome to our biggest ever volume of Pinpoint!
In this edition, we bring you venues from all across the UK, including hot new hotels, scintillating social spaces, and accommodation that’ll make you feel at home. We’re also very excited to hear feedback from our team on their travels, including a tour around Istanbul by Georgie Foxall, and she gives us a breakdown of her favourite venues with recommendations.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a location and get started...
Cosy up in Manchester or Live It Large in a LEVEN apartment. Sally breaks down the different offerings and their amenitiessee which one makes you want to settle down!
Explore the brand new refurbishment at The Strand, London with Rachel. Their meetings & events offering has massively increased - could this be your next conference venue?
Overseas
Take a trip across Europe with the Conference Care team as they explore venues overseas, from exciting new developments to trusted chains and breathtaking views
HOTTEST VENUE
REBECCA HOLLIS, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
“Convene and etc venues have hosted many of our clients’ events across the country and the feedback is universally positive It’s for this reason, we wanted to spotlight some of their fantastic venues. Not only are the venues superb - the team are a joy to work with. Nothing is too much trouble and they make every event a breeze.”
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on rebeccah@conferencecare.com or call 02476 369 720
CONVENE HOSPITALITY GROUP
CONVENE ETC. VENUE
etc venues County Hall offers a premium event destination where heritage architecture meets contemporary design. Set directly opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, it provides some of the most iconic views in London Spanning two floors, the venue welcomes up to 400 guests across 30 versatile meeting rooms, each designed to suit everything from large-scale conferences to more intimate gatherings
Standout spaces include the Waterloo Suite and County Suite, both ideal for conferences and presentations, while the Thames Lounge, Countess, and Chancellor Room create inviting settings for smaller meetings and breakout sessions. Every room has been thoughtfully designed for comfort, flexibility, and productivity, supported by the latest AV technology and, where possible, abundant natural light
This is an environment that is sure to spark inspiration, catering seamlessly to a range of events - from conferences, roadshows, and government summits to gala dinners, award ceremonies, and private corporate functions. Smaller rooms like the Countess provide boardroom-style setups for team meetings or executive strategy sessions, while larger suites accommodate conferences or stakeholder events with ease The venue ’ s proximity to Waterloo and Westminster stations ensures excellent transport links across London.
What really sets County Hall apart is its character. Few venues balance historical significance with modern functionality so effortlessly With its sweeping river views, advanced facilities, and 30 adaptable rooms, it’s a space that gives organisers the freedom to create something truly memorable
etc.venues Manchester, Piccadilly is great for city-based companies that hold regular training and development sessions. It works especially well for those in the creative, tech, and media industries who value designled spaces that foster engagement and innovation This is largely due to its design - a deliberate contrast to more traditional corporate spaces The use of colour, artwork, and natural light creates a dynamic backdrop to practical spaces. Event logistics are made easy with in-room plug-and-play technology, shared hospitality areas, and dedicated catering options
One of the venue ’ s biggest advantages is accessibility Situated just a five-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station and two minutes from Piccadilly Gardens, it offers unmatched convenience for delegates arriving from across the UK. This makes it particularly appealing when hosting nationwide training sessions or multi-office meetings
Being on the eighth floor puts this venue above the rest - literally It stands out because of its altitude and ambience, as well as privacy and quiet above the hustle and bustle of the city Plus, it’s hard to miss the scenic panoramic views of the city. etc.venues Piccadilly’s 15 adaptable rooms make it perfect for focused corporate use - large enough for multi-room conferences yet intimate enough for small, high-impact sessions.
Located in the heart of Manchester city centre, etc venues Manchester, Piccadilly is a bright, contemporary meeting and event space that reflects the city’s creativity and energy. Occupying the eighth floor of a modern mixed-use building, the venue can host up to 300 guests across 15 flexible meeting rooms.
The venue ’ s design is colourful and inspiring, featuring bold furnishings, eclectic artwork, and vibrant communal areas that create an atmosphere of creativity & collaboration The space works particularly well for small conferences, training sessions, team off-sites, board meetings, and internal company events. A private event wing is available for a self-
Convene 200 Aldersgate is a cutting-edge conference and event venue, embodying modern corporate sophistication The venue spans two floors and features six purpose-built meeting and event spaces
The design is modern, vibrant, and state-of-the-art, with bright, flexible interiors Each room combines sleek aesthetics with top-tier functionality. Spaces range from intimate meeting rooms to expansive, fully brandable environments The First Floor Gallery, the venue ’ s largest space, accommodates up to 663 guests, while other rooms such as the Highwalk Forum (400 guests), Bon Hub (138 guests), Ivory Studio (60 guests), Conservatory Studio (48 guests), and Team Room (6 guests) cater to varying scales.
Of the three featured venues, this is the one that excels at hosting large-scale conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, congresses, and roadshows If you ’ re looking for a selfcontained, high-capacity venue in the City, this is the place to be. Its adaptable floorplans also make it suitable for awards ceremonies, gala dinners, and end-of-year celebrations. For smaller-scale needs, spaces like the Team Room and Ivory Studio work perfectly for executive meetings, training programs, and corporate workshops
Few central London spaces match its ability to host more than 600 guests while maintaining a self-contained, premium environment. However, what truly distinguishes the venue is its flexibility and brandability Every room has been designed as a canvas for client creativity. Its 1st Floor Gallery offers one of the largest capacities in the area, while its modern, high-energy design creates a sense of vibrancy rare in corporate environments. Plus, its proximity to St. Paul’s Cathedral adds prestige and iconic London character
Convene 200 Aldersgate delivers a seamless blend of scale, innovation, and sophistication, positioning it as one of the premier large-scale corporate venues in the City of London.
rd th
Not a main feature, but a special mention we’d like to give is Convene 22 Bishopsgate There is no better venue for collaboration and London-skyline views than here. Located on the 3 and 4 floors of London’s second-tallest skyscraper, you’d be wise to take advantage of all the other spaces the building has to offer - from Horizon 22 for one of the best perspectives on the city, or Lucky Cat By Gordon Ramsay for exquisite food
Even without all the other amenities on offer, Convene 22 Bishopsgate is a fantastic venue for a variety of events, holding up to 405 delegates
Convene & etc.venues have event space across the country.
To see more of this group ’ s venues, or to book one of the spaces you ’ ve seen here
Email us at: enquiries@conferencecare.com, Call us on 02476 369 720
Visit our website here
HOTTEST VENUE
372 The Strand, London
WC2R 0JJ
Strand Palace has been a London Staple since 1909, but following a multi-million pound refurbishment, it’s now offering twelve brand new meeting & event spaces.
The venue’s first-ever refurbishment was back in the 1920s, when it adopted an Art Deco style This influence remains after its latest update, but with sleek, modern comforts and amenities As a result, this is the perfect venue to accommodate a variety of events - from a high-end dinner or multi-room conference, to a team meeting or Gatsby-themed party.
The largest event space is the Covent Garden Suite.
This space can be split into two for smaller events or breakout spaces. However, the real “wow” factor of this room comes into play when set up theatre style. In this layout, the space holds 250 guests and is perfect for hosting your keynote speakers or panels.
For Conferences, you can hire adjoining rooms Trafalgar Square, Westminster, and The Thames Boardroom.
Trafalgar Square sits at the centre of the ground floor, with the Covent Garden Suite on one side and Westminster on the other Trafalgar is a beautiful, modern space, and is perfect for drinks receptions, holding up to 75 delegates Westminster is a more versatile space, allowing a variety of layouts and holding up to 70 delegates Finally, up a small set of stairs from Trafalgar is The Thames Boardroom, which is one of our favourite spaces. This space is more intimate, but also very stylish and smart. A fantastic space for small seminars and team meetings
We’ve touched on a few of the new additions to Strand Palace, but not all.
The refurbishment has also expanded the hotel’s catering options:
Haxells Restaurant and Bar is a serious upgrade with beautiful ambience and delicious food. Low-key enough to unwind, big and classy enough to host a product launch or private dining on a large scale
Speaking of private dining, we have to mention the 1909 Private Dining Room. If you want to impress your guests, this is the space to do it We’d recommend dining here with a U-Shape layout with up to 20 guests for the full experience
Or, opt for the Palace Tea Parlour. A stylish space perfect for afternoon tea to really spoil your guests
This is just a taste of what the Strand Palace now has to offer, and is the reason why this hotel is our pick for Hottest Venue - massive expansion and abundant potential
RACHEL DEAN, SENIOR EVENTS CONSULTANT
“The Strand’s refurbishment has completely reinvigorated the London venue. 12 new event spaces don’t just mean an increase to capacity but also to what it can offer. State-of-the-art AV and hybrid technology has been added to ensure virtual and hybrid events are fully supported. It’s sophisticated, uplifting, and ideal for essentially any event.
Want more recommendations from me?
Contact me on racheld@conferencecare.com or call 02476 369 720
QUARTERS BRIGHTON QUARTERS BRIGHTON QUARTERS BRIGHTON
87-193 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 1NB
Taking the place of The Arch, once The Zap, Quarters Brighton has a legacy to live up to in the city. The venue is sure to be a hot new space for clubbers, but how does it stack up as an event space?
The central seafront location means easy access for guests, and it is a flexible space that can hold up to 750 attendees The venue is still in the early stages of it’s new launch, so this is one to keep your eye onbut you can be sure that this will be a huge draw for a younger audience and anyone who values good sound production
Ure Street, Dundee DD1 5HZ
A fantastic new space in the heart of Dundee great for gigs, workshops, and exhibitions.
CANVAS opened this summer and as a result is still finding its flavo literally, as the space is loca complete with its own co ales, and sours, as well fr
This is a social venue first a its flexibility and size also m equally well for exhibitions
CANVAS DUNDEE CANVAS DUNDEE CANVAS
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VENUE TYPE: Entertainment
LOCATION:
125-127 Bethnal Green Road, London
E2 7DG
EVENT CAPACITY
100 GROUND FLOOR
This venue is night and day
On the ground floor you’ll find a cool, bright, modern restaurant with a well-stocked bar. The one standout (and a clue to what lies beneath) is an intimate private booth surrounded by mood lighting and plush curtains. This is a great spot for a small, private dinner, and the whole space would work wonderfully for a drinks reception.
BASEMENT
Downstairs, you’ll find a cool, atmospheric lounge complete with a private DJ Booth The whole space is built with sound quality in mind, so any event here should take full advantage of its acoustics and equipment. Together with the aesthetic design, this is an independent space that can really help create memorable events for its guests.
Ground Floor, Little Fires
s ticks so many of the boxes that frequently here event organisers asking for: ble? Tick Atmospheric? Tick Great Food and Unique Drinks? Tick Tick And, its makes it a great spot for attracting guests - well-connected, with a creative and edge. This isn’t a spot for large corporate events, but it is perfect for a cool, ideally after-hours experience
e is a brand new offering in Shoreditch, having n July this year. If you haven’t already, it is well ecking out, even for a quick bite with a friend ue.
If you’d like to learn more about Little Fires, or book your next event here, contact our venue-finding team today to access the best rates on 02476 369 720, email enquiries@conferencecare.com, or visit our website.
KRINA PARMAR, EVENTS CONSULTANT
Little Fires isn’t the biggest social space but it leaves a big impact The basement’s private booth for about 10 people would work nicely for a VIP breakout or “host table” during an event The basement is a lovely space, eally warm and textured with a unique aesthetic It’s a standalone venue with very friendly, flexible staff
Want more recommendations from me? Contact me on krinap@conferencecare.com or call
Basement, Little Fires
31 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 2GR
The latest offering by The Ivy Collection has just opened its doors in Nottingham in the former Hugo Boss store in the shopping district.
Bright, elegant, and beautiful interiors are found not only in the general dining area but in each of the private spaces If you ’ re looking to offer a premium dining experience, this will deliver it with style. Great for smaller groups between 10-30 attendees, such as private dining or networking events.
pscale. Boutique. Exclusive. House of ods presents the perfect setting for xclusive retreats, gala dinners, or ward ceremonies with a stylish, mmersive environment.
xperience-led event ere, so if you want to or your attendees, th o it. We wouldn’t re ale events here, due or social events, part atherings, it’s a mus ooms make this one ewest and best plac
12 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 4DD
ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION
VENUE TYPE: Catered Apartment
LOCATION: Chorlton Street, Manchester, M1 3HW ROOM TOTAL 41
Located in Manchester’s Village, LEVEN Manchester offers a new accommodation solution a five-minute walk from Piccadilly Station.
They offer 41 reasonably priced rooms, all of which include king-size beds and kitchens.
Aside from having great transport links, LEVEN is close to a range of Manchester hot spots. Manchester Central Convention Complex is just down the street, Manchester Art Gallery is about 5-7 minutes away, and Albert Square is about 10-12 minutes walk away.
LIFE SIZE
This is your standard bedroom. Great for an overnight stay if you’re attending an event in the area The room is spacious, light, with a beautiful exposed brick feature wall Some rooms feature a full kitchen for additional privacy and connecting rooms are available for groups or families
LIVING SPACE
An upgrade on the standard bedroom if you’re looking for additional space Includes a separate bedroom and sitting room with modern furniture A deep, freestanding bath is positioned in the bedroom with a separate toilet and shower in adjoining bathroom. Some suites feature a sofa bed for families or groups
LIVING LARGE
Duplex suites spanning two floors. All suites are located on the top floor of the hotel, providing spectacular views of Manchester’s skyline Perfect for long stays when you need a home away from home Available for up to two adults and one child, and a dog
LIVING LARGE ROOM
LIFE SIZE ROOM
Book LEVEN Manchester by calling 02476 369 720, email enquiries@conferencecare com or via our website here
For those looking for an alternative apartment offering based in Manchester, this is a great option The bedrooms are lovely, and in a erfect location - especially for events hosted at Manchester Central onvention Complex Also good for small group stays and families ”
Want more recommendations from me? ontact me on sallym@conferencecare com or call 02476 369 720
ALLY MCNAMARA, TRAVEL & ACCCOMMODATION MANAGER
THE MAYA
LIVINGSPACE ROOM
UK & Overseas
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 firsthand. In our recent travels, we’ve had our fair share of site visits, and we’d like to share some of our standouts...
Countryside Retreats
Ellenborough Park
“The first stop on our tour of UK countryside retreats was this grand, historic 5-star venue near Cheltenham The venue offers stunning views over the racecourse and features unique event spaces such as the beautiful Chapel Room with a mezzanine and outdoor tipi area An intimate outdoor spa with a hot tub, heated pool, charming courtyard bedrooms, outdoor games, and dining pods create a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere. There’s a real “ wow ” factor from the moment you arrive that lends itself to high-end events and luxury dinners - great for looking with a venue with sophistication and character ”
- Jayne Turnor
De Vere Horsley Estate
“This Surrey venue blends historic charm with modern functionality, split between the grand 19th-century Horsley Towers and the modern Horsley Place conference centre. The estate offers 51 versatile meeting spaces for up to 200 delegates - great for exams, training, and conferences There are 28 bedrooms in the Towers, and extensive grounds that provide a beautiful backdrop for team building or outdoor events The Great Room in Horsley Towers is a beautiful location for high-end dinners, and the food is super highquality. This atmospheric, warm venue is a definite recommendation, particularly for outdoor events.”
- Karen Rogers
Wotton House
“Wotton House is a beautiful 4-star country estate located just outside Dorking It is set within 13 acres of immaculate landscaped grounds and oozes English charm Of all the venues we visited that day, this one stood out as the clear favourite - it is versatile, memorable, and perfect for a wide range of events
“The gardens, including the breathtaking Italian Garden, provide an elegant backdrop for weddings, receptions, and outdoor team-building activities The standout feature is the “Chapel” - an extraordinary, atmospheric space ideal for receptions or dinners. The hotel itself was in pristine condition, with every detail impeccably maintained and a clear sense of pride in presentation and service ”
- Jayne Turnor
See a venue you like? Book it for your next event here:
City Spaces
Aspire, Leeds
“Aspire Leeds is a venue full of character, housed in former bank in the city centre. Its striking period arch gives it a distinctive charm and a sense of history tha apart from modern conference spaces We received welcome from the staff, who left a lasting impression
“The venue is well-suited to host award cere networking events, and private dinners Its larges spans two levels - ideal for hosting drinks receptions on the mezzanine before moving downstairs for the main event. For more intimate events, the smaller, there is a beautiful loungestyle room with a private bar and kitchen ”
- Emily Food
The Grand Birmingham
The Grand Birmingham is a 5-star luxury hotel that lives up to its name - it’s elegant, welcoming, and impeccably presented The property combines classic grandeur with contemporary sophistication. The ballroom is a particular highlight and would work brilliantly for large-scale, high-end events The addition of an outdoor courtyard provides a charming and versatile space for guests to enjoy.
- Charlie Vicary
Victoria Warehouse Manchester
Victoria Warehouse is a versatile venue capable of hosting everything from large-scale exhibitions and catwalks to private parties and awards ceremonies It features three to four interconnected spaces with low ceilings, exposed pillars, and an industrial aesthetic. While the rooms can be linked, each maintains its own character and bar area - though many offer bottled service rather than draught or cocktails
The main event space, formerly home to The Warehouse Project, can accommodate over 2,000 guests and has been used for impressive awards dinners, exhibitions, and catwalk shows With a striking stage and vast branding opportunities, it’s an exceptional blank canvas for large-scale, high-impact events.
- Tom Roe
See a venue you like? Book it for your next event here:
Over the last few months, the Conference Care team have been globetrotting. We wanted to shine a light on some of the highlights, including a tour of some fantastic venues in the beautiful city of Istanbul.
Overseas
ISTANBUL
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus – Istanbul
The first stop in my Istanbul trip was at this beautiful 5-star hotel The venue is currently undergoing a full two-phase refurbishment, due for completion by the end of 2025. Even before completion, Bosphorus feels fresh and stylish, embracing traditional Turkish themes in collaboration with local designers.
The venue ’ s event facilities are housed in a separate, newly renovated conference centre adjacent to the hotel, offering a seamless and modern design The largest ballroom accommodates up to 600 guests, making it ideal for dinners, conferences, and meetings It’s also conveniently located opposite the Istanbul Congress Centre, making it perfect for an event run in collaboration with the centre or if you ’ re looking for accommodation
Hagia Sofia Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton –Istanbul
A boutique-style property comprising a collection of historic mansion houses, steps from Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage sites There are no dedicated meeting spaces; however, the restaurant and courtyard would be suitable for small receptions or dinners This is the place to stay for those who want to be in the centre of it allbrilliant accommodation for tourists and event attendees.
Curio Collection by Hilton Altunizade – Istanbul
Situated in a peaceful, green suburban area, this property offers an alternative and contemporary setting to other city-based venues Its standout feature is The Gallery Boxa large digital art space with wraparound screens and an interactive floor This space is ideal for dinners or events for up to 150 guests. All rooms include kitchenettes, making it a great option for longer-stay guests or creative professionals seeking a retreat from the city centre
Biz İstanbul – Istanbul
Biz Istanbul is one of the city’s newest offerings - located within the newly developed Atatürk Cultural Center. This stylish venue includes a rooftop terrace and outdoor dining area, perfect for large private dinners or networking receptions. From here, you’ll have a wonderful view of the city skyline, something to keep in mind if you want to present guests with a real “ wow ” factor. However, there are no private dining rooms, so events would require exclusive use
See a venue you like? Book it for your next event here:
EUROPE
Mandarin Oriental - Munich, Germany
This one is a little unconventional, but definitely worth getting excited about! For those of you who may be unfamiliar, Mandarin Oriental are a chain specialising in luxury hotels, resorts, and private homes In the heart of Munich’s Old Town, is the Mandarin Oriental Hotel The venue is luxurious, its rooms are spacious and decadent, and its event spaces are sure to elevate any meeting or gathering. What really makes this chain stand out is its service - and now it is being extended...
Across the street, six new luxury residences on the top two floors of the Falckenberg Ensemble These residences will enjoy the benefit of a Mandarin Oriental-trained concierge to assist with day-to-day lifestyle management. Plus, they’ll receive optional a-la-carte access to the hotel’s catering services This means they will have access to a private chef and sommelier for hosting in the residence.
Mama Shelter - Lille, France
Shelter Lille is defined by a fun and eclectic style. The hotel has 112 bedrooms and five ateliers (meeting rooms), plus a veranda and a breakroom space. This is the place to go for a playful meeting - complete with foosball tables and arcade games, the writing is literally on the wall The location itself is fantastic, positioned right near two main train stations - Gare Lille-Flandres and Gare Lille-Europe Would work great for anyone looking for a creative brainstorming session or wants to add a bit of fun to their regular corporate meetings
The Louise, Clockwise - Belgium Clockwise is a provider of premium, flexible workspaces Their latest opening in Brussels will offer more than 300 desks in private offices and dedicated work spaces plus a host of meeting rooms
The venue will also include an auditorium of around 150 seats and other versatile event spaces This provides a whole host of options when it comes to running events. While it may not be suited to large gala dinners, it could certainly host a large conference or exhibition It’s also a great option for hybrid/virtual events due to its flexibility, room numbers, and AV capabilities The location is right at the centre of Avenue Louise, close to many luxury retail stores, hotels and transport links, making accommodation and travel easy for attendees Stay posted for this venue ’ s opening - coming very soon!
See a venue you like? Book it for your next event here:
PILLAR HALL
