Prestige Events February 2012 edition

February 2012

5TH ANNUAL COOL VENUES AWARDS FINAL RESULTS WHY LONDON IS 2012 CITY OF THE YEAR ESSEX REVEALED AROUND THE WORLD 20/20 SPEED NETWORKING SOUTH LONDON VENUES W12

CONTENTS AND PUBLISHERS NOTES

CONTENTS 2012. Now it depends on how you look at it: a year of great things or as another year when are no closer to creating a Marty McFly ‘hoverboard’ or putting a man on Mars. However, certain things are certain this year.

One, the Olympics is going to put our abilities as an events community under the microscope in a fashion unlike ever before. Relationships that were tightly bonded will be stretched (and some severed) as a consequence of the spotlight and stress clients will be under to deliver when ‘the world is in town’.

To help you as an event organiser, this May sees the launch of our HOT Suppliers Awards. These awards will act as a sibling to the COOL Venues Awards. They will celebrate the agency side of the supplier business, representing an unbiased and independent view of the corporate events industry’s HOTtest agencies, from entertainers to lighting to event décor to event management. Like the COOL Venues Awards, it will showcase those who will inject event charisma into your event, guaranteed, to make it a memorable event that makes yours the HOT ticket.

On another note, enjoy the 5th annual COOL Venues Awards results. Totally unique and unbiased, they are the true barometer of what are the COOLest and most unique venues in the events industry.

On a final note, if you want to meet face-to-face with the powers that be at a range of venues and agencies who can impregnate your event with style and originality (and you feel like being treated like a God or Goddess), then take a look at the editorial on our 20/20 speed networking events which launched last summer and have become hugely beneficial for buyers and suppliers alike.

No procrastinating. Let’s get on with making memories and making a difference in our own small way. And let’s enjoy ourselves at the same time. We’re only one missed heartbeat from it all being over.

Mangi tudd Wesley Mendy. Like my name, trying to inspire others to keep it original.

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17 Things you didn’t about Confex 2012 Readers Letters The investment in Galleries Why London is 2012 city of the year Column: Simon T Bailey What we’re drinking In the trade Event security Essex HOT suppliers 5th annual COOL Venues Awards final results Unique venues Catering 20/20 ‘Conferencing 2012’ at IET Savoy Place 20/20 ‘COOL Venues’ at Shaka Zulu 20/20 in pictures @ The Hempel Corporate fun Venues by the Thames South London venues Venue focus: Tudor Barn Eltham Chas’ last word on hospitality Confex 2012: COOL Britannia, COOL around the world, COOL suppliers Useful Websites

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Prestige events team: Publisher / Managing editor: Wesley Mendy Contributing editor: Kristiana Kruysmulder Graphic design: Lewis Flanders, Emma Woodley Promotion / Marketing: Errol Griffiths Advertising manager: Dan Bearpark Administration: Samantha Todd Financial controller: Chris Mendy E-mail newsletter design: Merlin Diavova Editorial contributors: Simon T Bailey, William R Valentine, Chas Wheeler, Emily Gillan, Clayton Dean, Hope Mendy, Darren Halsall at Blue Tomato Prestige Events magazine is a MX4 Ltd publication.

Official partner of : Official 20/20 events registration partner:

Official events photography partner:

Official event backdrops partner:

Prestige Events Magazine, 108 Clydesdale Road, Hornchurch Essex RM11 1AJ t:01708 737393 enquiries@prestigeeventsguide.com www.prestigeeventsguide.com

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17 THINGS

17 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW

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MMMMMM????

1. MWB Business Exchange have created Business Survival Guide to help you through the Olympics Free Download - A step by step guide for your business to follow to ensure continuity during the olympic games.http://www.mwbex.com/sites/default/files/media/MWB%20Business%20Survival%20Guide.pdf

NOSES AT THE READY! Vinopolis is holding an exclusive VIP event with Oz Clarke, the famous wine expert Oz will once again be presenting his excellent Meet the Expert sessions where you can learn from one of the best in the business! During the sessions Oz will focus on 5 specially selected wines from his top 250 wines for 2012. Guests will be taught to assess the wines appearance, smell and taste - just like the professionals!

YES WE KAN!

A new Kanaloa club has been launched by Late Night London in Croydon Late Night London already runs its successfull ‘Kanaloa’ venue on Shoe Lane central London, ‘sister venue to Mahiki’, and felt it was time to roll out this successful brand as a standalone venue within its Croydon Tiger Tiger (one stop from London Bridge, approx. 12 mins).

HEDS START Stars of GB Rowing and Kayaking will be taking part in ‘Hedsor’s Kitchen’ in aid of Sport Relief held at Hedsor House For one night only, the nation’s Rowers and Kayakers are seeking culinary glory in the kitchens of Hedsor House, in a unique fundraiser for Sport Relief, ‘Hedsor’s Kitchen’.

ROYAL TREATMENT

You can see BNP Paribas Tennis Classic this June with fabulous hospitality from IMG Watch world-class tennis without the crowds. Be one of hundreds not thousands.

FAIL TO PLAN, PREPARE TO FAIL AVT Connect produced the 5th annual London Planning Awards, with host Boris Johnson. The London Planning Awards was attended by over 300 senior representatives from the London boroughs, City Hall, developers, planners and community groups. AVT Connect is absolutely delighted to have produced the awards for the 5th year running.

BOXED AND SORTED

Have your own private box at the Cheltenham Festival with Team Tactics. Cheltenham National Hunt Festival is the most prestigious jump race meeting in the United Kingdom with race prize money second only to the Grand National.

The best British, Irish and European trained horses race at this event making it an event not to be missed.

WOULD YOU ADAM AND EVE IT! The beautiful Asia House have a reduced DDR from £45 until end of March. Located in the heart of London, Asia House is a splendid Grade II* listed building ideal for a variety of functions and events. The building’s interior is Adamesque in style.

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NO MORE ACCOMODATION NONSENSE

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Staynearby.co.uk allows you to find accommodation near to the best UK events, attractions and destinations as well as rent out your own. Choose from rooms and apartments, holiday homes, B&Bs or hotels or advertise your place.

LONDON BIGGEST BALLS

Balls Brothers have some exclusive party rewards during their Happy Hour. Book a party at Minster Exchange to find out more about our rewards.

HAWAII-FIVE-O…NOT!

You can take a speedboat ride along the Thames with a special conference offer from HMS President. Wake your delegates up with a lunchtime speedboat ride along the Thames!

MORE MAD-NESS

Regent’s College are hosting an open day in April. Pencil Wednesday 18th April in your diaries now. Regent’s College Conference Centre are following the success of our Mad Hatter’s Tea party with another unforgettable event.

RAISING THE ROOF

The Roof Gardens are having a Wedding Showcase in March. Join us at The Roof Gardens on Saturday 3rd March between 12pm-3pm as we showcase our exceptional venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

PRANK’D

You can create a buzz around your events before they even begin with invitations from Character Call. Invitations are carefully scripted to your requirements and then delivered, live, by telephone, or via pre-recorded audio email, using fabulous comical-character voices selected from the Character Call website

BE A THESP

National Theatre - The Deck are offering 25% off venue hire until the end of March. Applies to all events taking place in The Deck until 31st March 2012. Make the most of these darker winter evenings by hiring The Deck for your reception or dinner.

ARSENAL PRODUCE A WIN

Olympic Team Building Offer from Arsenal Football Club – Emirates Stadium. Book a team buidling event at Emirates Stadium in our sporty 49ers and Legends suites, complete with plasma screens to create a competitive sporting environment.

TEA FOR TWO…OR MORE?

Drink Afternoon Tea at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Afternoon Tea in the iconic surroundings of the Lord’s Long Room has become a firm fixture at the Home of Cricket after debuting in 2011.

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READERS LETTERS

ASK PAUL

Our sartorial expert, leading Saville Row tailor Paul Wilkinson answers your questions to assist you in ensuring your presence commands the room in this era when you can’t afford to risk looking second-best.

Paul has 10 years of bespoke tailoring experience. Raised in strong Scottish stock, Paul is renowned for his warm, lively, and charismatic personality, astute eye for detail, and colourful opinions on formal dress.

Paul’s client portfolio is not restricted to bankers! His client portfolio is very eclectic: from club owners to party planners and premiership footballers to pop stars.

Dear Paul, I want a briefcase that makes people take me serious.

I love Mulberry but in my opinion find they can seem a bit OTT with the skin detailing, etc. I also don’t want to get into a long-term marriage with a bag that will kill my bank balance costing over £1000. I need something serious though. Help!

Adrian, Richmond, Surrey

WINNING LETTER

In my opinion it’s a better decision to invest in a bag that will stand the test of time. There is nothing worse than turning up with something that in six months looks like it was given away free with a magazine. Invest in what makes you happy rather than settle for second best. My advice though, based on your question, would be to look at Dunhill’s Bourdon range which is smartly minimal and won’t look out of place in the boardroom either without being too flashy.

Dear Paul, I am a 51 year-old woman. My colleagues often praise me on my great figure which I keep trim by going to gym 5 times a week. I would say I look about 35 and have a pear-shape with my bottom being my best asset. What style advice could you give me, particularly for being taken serious in the office and the boardroom?

Ruth, London EC3 First off, less is often more and if you great legs show them off but not in a mini skirt. Opt for something just above the knee. Dress-wise go for a Victoria Beckham dress or a Roland Mouret dress. They look amazing and will flatter a figure like yours in all the right places. If you wear tight bottoms, go for an un-tucked looser top and go with flats rather than heels. Looks very cool and not too ‘Joan Collins’ power hungry.

Dear Paul, Jeans and brogues! I know that the style doctors out there will be having a ‘tut’, but I love the look. However, I have problems teaming the top half with my bottom half. Any clues Paul?

Daniel, London Don’t worry, I wouldn’t give the style guru’s who disagree with the brogue/jean look a moment of my breath. However, don’t make the mistake of wearing it with a top half that is a mismatch or you’ll end up looking like a chav.

My suggestion is go for tweed and invest in a well-fitted jacket with a great tweed mix. Your options are come to me or go to a charity shop –but get it fitted by a tailor who can re-cut it to make it look a million dollars and have you on GQ’s best dressed men in no time!

Dear Paul I need your advice. Can I wear a polo neck with business wear? I feel it will look too casual. What is your take on this? I want to be on-trend.

Annie, Canary Wharf If you like polo necks, you were never off-trend. They are a classic staple, particularly in sweater dress form. However I do agree that they are not right for the boardroom.

However, meeting a client I feel they are great because they draw attention to your face and keep the focus there, because the alternative eyeline could end up making your client look like Sid James on a warm day.

Winning!

Ask Paul a question and win a fantastic Montblanc Pen .

Thank you to Montblanc Corporate Gifts for the fantastic prize of a timeless Meisterstuck Platinum Ballpoint Pen (www.montblanccorporategift.co.uk). Email your questions to us at enquiries@prestigeeventsguide.com for a chance to win next time and to receive another piece of writing culture from Montblanc Corporate Gifts. A time honored tradition.

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COMMENT: GALLERY BUILDING

Hope amid surge in gallery building April 2011 saw Tracey Emin return to her home town of Margate and officially open ‘Turner Contemporary’, the new £17.5 Million gallery by David Chipperfield. The building which rests by the harbour with its sea view filling the broad windows is the first of three major contemporary art galleries to open in Britain this year. The ‘Hepworth Wakefield’ Gallery, also designed by Chipperfield, will open on May 21st, and Rafael Vinoly’s elegant Roman inspired ‘Firstsite’ in Essex which has made headlines since opening in mid September. The three are the last of an unprecedented wave of new and regional contemporary art galleries.

With ‘Nottingham Contemporary’, ‘Towner’ in Eastbourne and ‘Mima’ in Middlesbrough all which have opened in impressive buildings, designed by internationally renowned architects over the past four years demonstrates “ A state of confidence about the visual arts in Britain that has never been seen before” says the director of the Tate, Nicolas Serota. Twenty years ago the idea of a contemporary gallery opening outside of a metropolis would have been hard to even imagine, But two things have happened since then, The Tate modern, according to Serota “has given people- including funders- confidence contemporary art can reach a larger more general audience” and the opening of the Gugenheim Bilbao has become a template for what a gallery can do for the regeneration of a post industrial city.

The Tate Modern has also shown that, in the words of Simon Wallis- Director of Hepworth, that galleries can be more” than a place of private aesthetic experience.

These places are becoming the social hubs of their cities”.

Like the South Bank venue these galleries are offering themselves as places to learn, eat and host film screenings as well as other events and meetings. These Galleries are opening in financially stringent times and with the recent cuts in public spending will these buildings thrive or fail? Our belief is that the regional gallery has a place in the local business community, as well as the public community, and can survive. A new venture called ‘Plus Tate’ – a network through which regional galleries may draw on collections and the expertise of the Tate as well as the ever growing interest in the arts (Nottingham Contemporary has had half a million visitors in just over a year), means the gallery business shows no sign of slowing down. In fact amazingly in these rough times it is doing more than simply surviving, but growing.

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LONDON: 2012 CITY OF THE YEAR

No more need for ‘London Calling’:

We’re No.1!

Experts across their respective fields in art, fashion, architecture, the media, and creative industries were approached to give their view on which should be crowned ‘City of the Year’ at the annual ‘Wallpaper Awards’ and I think we can all agree the winner wholeheartedly deserves such an accolade. With the approaching Olympics, the Diamond Jubilee and concerts with so much atmosphere residents of Hyde Park have complained, London hasn’t felt this exciting since... well since we can remember.

The judges offer awards for restaurants, hotels, design ideas and products, but it is the prestige of the award for ‘City of the Year’ that truly brings attention its way. Last year’s most deserving winner was Rio de Janerio and past winners have included New York, Istanbul and Los Angeles, all metropolises’s so established and hosts to such major events it must have been a no brainer to declare them winners, much like London this year. In under five months London will play host to the biggest sporting event of all time in buildings intently designed and built over five years, and with entertainment that includes the likes of ‘The Rolling Stones’, ‘Adele’ and ‘Blur’ we can be assured of an Olympics that will truly be first class. London really has outdone itself, and the decision to revitalize the flagging East End as the host of the games has brought appeal and decadence to both sides of the capital.

Sporting events aren’t the only highlight of the year and as mentioned the Queen will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, an event sure to be supported by events up and down the capital. The British Capital has also proven itself to be a major player in retail accommodating for all tastes from Mayfair’s Mount Street, to the edgy Redchurch Street in Shoreditch, it is true no city has quite proven itself in both “penthouse and pavement” as London has. The capital has fully emerged as an art world hub attracting the attention of foreign artists eager to get their work seen in the right context and by the right people. Architects have been flooding to London for the past decade yet it is only now we are seeing their visions make such an impact on our famous skyline, David Chipperfield and Tom Dixon to name a couple have helped create a vision of a city we can truly be proud to call the backdrop to our lives. We are now proud of London and our claim to be a ‘global city’ isn’t merely a claim anymore, but a fact.

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THRIVE

SIMON T BAILEY

3 Insights to Shift from Average to Brilliant The verdict is in and reputable thought leaders such as George Celente, Director of Trend Research Institute, are saying “the economy is hitting the wall in slow motion in 2012.” He states “we provide the hard data and indisputable facts that support our forecast for an unsettling future. There will be opportunities to seize and measures to take to withstand, and even profit in the increasing turbulent times.”

Just when you thought the global economic tsunami was subsiding and happy days were returning to the shores of our world, we are hit with a crosswind of bad news. What is one to do? In the movie The Adventures of TinTin (www. tintin.com), a brilliant story by Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings Trilogy), TinTin, a sleuth, says to Captain Haddock, his cohort in the movie, “what do you do when you face a wall ? You push through it.”

invention disrupts the entire music industry paradigm and forever shifts the way music is consumed. Assess where you are and decide to be a Paradigm Buster.

I want you to thrive and live a life of no regrets. In the midst of waiting for the other shoe to drop in Greece, the second wind of the Global Occupy Movement, and the schizophrenic leadership throughout the world, we must dig in our heels in and push through walls of limitation. On the other side are new possibilities that await those who determine to shift from average thinking to brilliant living.

Thank you to the trend analysts, economists, and futurists.

You have given us the hard data to write the new software code for a bright future.

That’s right, I want to invite you to push through and create your future. This year I am going to teach you how to shift from average to brilliant. Here are three insights for you to upload into your mind and heart drive: Upgrade your Skills – Companies and Businesses that will thrive in 21st century are cultivating four skill clusters – Digital-age literacy (such as grasping economic concepts), Inventive thinking (such as Self-Direction - the ability to work independently), Effective Communication (such as interpersonal skills), and High Productivity (which is prioritizing, planning and managing for results). It’s time for you to shift from average to brilliant.

Find Your Lane and Work it – You may not have the ability, talent, or gift of Shakespeare, Einstein, Usain Bolt, or Lady GaGa. Don’t sweat it. Your gift is one that needs to be uncovered and mastered. What do you do well, what do people compliment you on, when you are operating at the optimal level what are you doing? That’s your lane.

Learn all that you can. Be curious about everything in your lane. In high school, I thought I wanted to be an accountant, but a teacher reminded me that I have a communication gift.

Bust the Paradigm – In the Scientific field, a pattern, example, or sample is considered to be a paradigm.

A paradigm shift occurs when a new thought, idea, product/service or meme is introduced which challenges the previous mindset, way of experiencing or doing something. For instance in 1978 Masaru Ibuka introduces the Sony Walkman which at the time was all the rage and was flying off the shelves of retail stores. On October 23rd, 2001 (30+ days after 9/11), we are introduced to the grandchild of the Sony Walkman – Apple’s iPod. This

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WHAT WE’RE DRINKING

WHAT WE’RE

DRINKING The latest in top tipples, brilliant bars and cool cocktails that will lift your spirits, by Darren Hassall FANTASTICAL COCKTAILS Short of leaving Kansas or falling down a rabbit hole, NinetyEight Bar & Lounge is a whole new world – or bar.

Like its quirky, lickable (yes, lickable) decor, the innovative cocktails created for this previously members-only bar are infused with curious and bizarre flavours that both tantalize and excite your taste buds. Spaghetti Margaritta? You better believe it. www.ninetyeight-bar-lounge.com

CZECH-MATE Zatec is one man’s mission to preserve the traditions of Czech brewing. Caved aged for two months and beautifully hand crafted, Zatec is available in the critically acclaimed Mayfair Bar in London. www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/bar

BLOODY GOOD MARY No one knows for sure who invented it, but Drake & Morgan bars all over London are sure upholding it.

Depending on what you choose from the menu pertinently named ‘Mary and Her Cousins’, you could end up with a king prawn hanging off the edge of your vodka and clamato juice-filled jam jar. True say. www.theparlourbar.co.uk

NEW WHISKY CROWD No longer is whisky just a drink pulled from a desk drawer by a man in a shirt and tie – in the hope to introduce a new generation of whisky drinkers, the crafty Monkey Shoulder mixologists have devised an exciting array of cocktails. Think chocolate, raspberry and fire. www.monkeyshoulder.com | www.calloohcallaybar.com

SWEET DISARONNO SOUR You’d be forgiven for wanting to put on your sunglasses and take this drink outside. This punchy, quenching drink has an evident squeeze of summer. Casually poured over crushed ice with lemon and a teaspoon of sugar, Disaronno Sour is a desperate bid for sun – and I think it just might work. www.disaronno.com Written by Sophie Jones

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IN THE TRADE

IN THE TRADE WITH...

Lord Jason Scott at The Penthouse London I think I have always known I wanted to be a part of this mad industry as I used to organize events as a child putting on cinema Sundays in the council estate I grew up in, or organising a circus with all the kids in the neighbourhood of Brooklyn and charging the parents to come and see it.

I loved being a DJ and speaking with people every day and communicating through music to the masses. At one point I had over 6 million listeners but still felt as if I wasn’t experiencing the full gambit of life, I felt separated in my little booth so one day as a favour to a friend, I organized an event for him and it grew. That is to say my passion for events, organizing a party and sharing in the joy on the night grew and it became something that I wanted far more then what I was doing. I had just met a new friend and in truth she convinced me to leave the African shores behind me come to England and start again. Âs I figured if I was going to start again why not do it in a career that had my heart and mind intrigued. So where else but London and once my talents were sharpened then where else but The Penthouse London .

Q/ What was the inspiration behind you getting involved in corporate events?

My grandfather, a successful party liaison, first noticed my artistic ability at an early age and encouraged me to pursue my destiny. At age 19, with the sound advice of my grandfather and only one client I opened his own events planning business and did events in the council estates of my home town however my adventure in events in London started with the Novus Group in 2006, following a career as a radio DJ and writer in my native country of South Africa. Based in the group’s flagship, Ruby Blue, I worked hard to earn a name in the fierce Leicester Square market, and returned the category of top hub to the ailing club, raising celebrity attendance by more than a third and securing the parties of top film premieres, including Sex and the City and Mamma Mia. I believe I am terminally addicted to the Leicester Square vibe and founded

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my own events consultancy company, Corporate Events Management, and based myself at The Penthouse –formerly known as Vertigo- in 2008.

Q/ How do you prepare for a big event day ?

We say a little prayer ...for us...for them..for the starving children of Africa. All jokes aside, we just talk through the event needs and what we hope to get out of it, as individuals, as a company and then why we are all there. With a clear mind and a strong sense of purpose it’s easy for us to start looking after the client and feeling the same nurturing extinct as a proud parent and as any proud parent will tell you. You want nothing but the best !

Q/ What preparation goes into your service?

The key to planning a successful event, I believe is attention to detail and a clear sense of the event’s purpose. “If I’m doing a press conference, for example, I know I need staging, chairs and audio,”. So to prepare I go over my event notes, and look at last meeting notes with clients as do the excellent staff that work with us.

Q/ You have a varied client portfolio. Care to name a few? And what do you feel was the defining factor in establishing your relationships?

With hard work, luck and God’s blessing, I’ve built a career on my clients and my relationships with them. I have been lucky enough to work with some very big names in there industry however I have also learned that naming one just makes it look like I favour one person or master of their profession more then another and nothing can be further from the truth. As for the defining factor in establishing my relationships, I would have to say that they know I will always do my best and after been “burned” as a younger man I will never take them or their relationship for granted.

IN THE TRADE

Q/ What’s it like working with such big-name clients?

Its daunting working with big-name clients but no more so then working for the large house hold names or banking clients or someone having their 21st to be completely honest. If we make a mistake with Colin Firth for The Kings Speech Oscar party or we make a mistake for a 100 sit down for Unilever we feel we missed out on creating a moment or a memory and for that we kick ourselves with equal vigour.

Q/ How important a role does ‘COOL’ play in events?

Cool is very important part of what we do as it’s all a part of our business of we make sure to treat everyone as a cool client scout. You never know where your next lead may come from. Treat everyone—from the bike messenger to the person seated next to you on a flight—as if they have your golden client tucked under their arm. They might as everyone has a “cool” party waiting to be developed and create a “cool” signature in all you do . We at The Penthouse London stamp our brand with a carefully selected “Cool” icon, logo, tag line, name, etc. It won’t

stand out at first, but the association will become indelible within a couple of years. In our case, it was a signature cool feeling, whether by the people we hire of the furniture we choose or who we choose to work with. Come down to The Penthouse and see what I mean :- ].

Q/ What would you like to see happen in the corporate events industry in 2012?

It’s no longer enough to plop a punch bowl and an ice sculpture on an end table and call it a swanky party especially not in 2012. And this insatiable thirst for more elaborate, original events and other bashes has resulted in the rise of the superstar event planner even in corporate events. I hope that these ever increasing corporate clients keep demanding the best from us and make us all multitasking wonders and entrepreneurial powerhouses, but I can say that the best of us remain committed to our craft, handling every detail from invitations and decor to atmosphere, colour coordination and scent no matter what year we are in. So for 2012 I hope for more opportunities to create memories and meet people who leave memories of their own with us.

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IN THE TRADE

IN THE TRADE WITH...

Alexandra Norris – Mitchells and Butlers

Alexandra is Events Sales and Marketing Manager at Mitchells & Butlers plc .

Renowned for it’s huge and wide-ranging number of venues (from Browns Courtrooms to All Bar One) Alexandra has one of the toughest and most enviable positions in corporate events.

We have venues of all styles and sizes including historic Nicholson’s pubs, more contemporary style All Bar One bars, traditional Browns brasseries, O’Neill’s Irish pubs and scenic country pubs. We can accommodate all sizes of bookings from a private dinner for 8 people to the exclusive use of certain venues for 400 people.

Q/ What was the inspiration behind you getting involved in corporate events?

Q/ How important a role does ‘COOL’ play in events?

My main objective when I began my role as Project Communications Manager a year ago was to ensure that the company was ready for the Olympics and that all of our brands promoted themselves for events. Having made contact with events agencies, I began to discover that our brand portfolio has everything that the clients booking corporate events are looking for including historic pubs, contemporary bars and premium gastro pubs. I realised there was a real opportunity to promote all of our venues for corporate events.

I have been told that the Cool Events Awards are the place to be if you are in the events industry and I am sure I will find that the rumours are true when I experience it first hand!

Q/ What would you like to see happen in the corporate events industry in 2012?

I would like everyone to celebrate being British and book our venues for corporate events!

Q/ How do you prepare for a big event day?

We make sure that everything is planned a long time in advance, that all of our teams are briefed on the details of the event and that, most of all, our client is extremely happy with everything before the big day!

Q/ What preparation goes into your service?

All of our teams have regular customer service training to ensure high standards of service and service with a smile! Our chefs are also trained to provide high quality food under pressure to ensure that our guests experience professional and efficient service every time.

Q/ You have a varied client portfolio. Care to name a few? And what do you feel was the defining factor in establishing your relationships?

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IN THE TRADE

IN THE TRADE WITH...

Neil Watts, Corporate Events PR Manager

The ultimate corporate events partner, Late Night London offers an industry leading service and privately owns a diverse portfolio of venues across London and Britain. A team of 12 Account manager and 4 National Account Managers offer clients expert knowledge on events and hospitality to ensure that your events are perfect! Late Night London’s Neil Watts offers some insight into what makes Late Night London such an industry leading force.

Q/ what has been the inspiration behind you getting involved in corporate events?

Historically our venues have always hosted corporate events but over the past few years we they have been fitted with AV equipment to ensure we can accommodate all corporate events and as a result we have gained more corporate business. The way in which we manage our corporate partners is industry leading as we offer all our clients a dedicated Account Manager who can act as one point of contact for all 52 venues as well as evaluate and identify your individual business needs.

Q/ How do you prepare for a big event day?

All preparation is done well in advance, as our highly trained team of Account Managers know that preparation is key. We gain as much information as possible from our clients to ensure that when it comes to the big day every fine detail is in place. On event week the Account Managers do a full hand over to our onsite sales and events managers who oversee the event.

Q/ What preparation goes into your service?

Our teams undergo intense training and are exposed to every element of the business from head office to working in venue, giving them a complete knowledge of the events and hospitality industry. Even our bar staff undertake written and practical examination at our very own bar school before working in our venues to ensure that our stands are maintains from your enquiry with your Account Manager through to the floor service during your event.

Q/ You have a varied client portfolio. Care to name a few? And what do you feel was the defining factor in establishing your relationships?

Are corporate business comes from a very diverse portfolio of clientele from KMPG and Deloitte Diageo and Coca Cola and each client has very different needs.

Our estate is as diverse as our clients and so there are no requirements we cannot meet. Being able to cater to our clients needs has been a crucial part of securing their business, but our fast and efficient service has also proved popular. Our turnaround time from enquiry to quote is a maximum of 4 hours – guaranteed.

Q/ What’s it like working with such big-name clients?

It’s brilliant to know that big names want to work with us as it means we are doing a great job. Our clients demand the best and if we don’t deliver it would be very easy for them to go elsewhere, which is why we are always re investing in our people and venues to ensure that we are able to offer the best.

Q/ How important a role does ‘COOL’ play in events?

Whether you’re planning a corporate conference or your Christmas party, injecting a bit of ‘cool’ into your event with give it the edge which is why were are delighted to have been given the ‘Cool Venues’ award. It gives us confidence that we can offer just that little bit more.

Q/ What would you like to see happen in the corporate events industry in 2012?

2012 is set to be a huge year for everyone and we are of course very excited about the Olympics. As 45 of our venues are based in central London we are in a prime location to accommodate the inbound business who will require hospitality during the games. It presents a wonderful opportunity for us to develop new business partnerships with corporate clients not only for the Olympics but through 2012 and beyond.

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VALET Or not to VALET

EVENT SECURITY

That is the question, By Sophie- Rose of Red Carpet Security parking restraints!

Looking to increase venue bookings?

Need to WOW your clients or guests on their arrival to your venue or event?

Want to be able to book that venue, but parking restrictions are making it impossible?

Valet Parking is the answer!

Valet parking isn’t only an advantage for guests attending an event or the clients orchestrating the occasion - it also offers a multitude of benefits to venues and event management companies alike…

Not only is Valet Parking an extremely cool, sophisticated and smart service to be able to present to your guests or clients to assist in creating a luxurious and prestigious image to any occasion, improving entrances, exceeding expectations and impressing all on arrival. It is not only the first impression of your event and the final touch - it can in addition, be used to increase business. A magical marketing tool in disguise.

Amongst the cool reasons for impressions, Valet Parking is highly practical for business reasons too; it is a major event component when handled professionally. Many of us within the events industry experience great difficulty when trying to sell, market or promote space to potential party goers or planners or when clients are hunting for the perfect place to celebrate or plan their event, due to the inconvenient location, lack of parking facilities, unavailable or inadequate spaces or surrounding

To have a professional Valet company offering their services on site allows the use of venues clients may previously have disregarded, not have wanted or been unable to use because of these issues, making them far more appealing and marketable.

This is when Valet Parking really is indispensable - it rather rapidly evolves from a supplementary luxury into an essential party necessity.

Red Carpet Valet work with you, every step of the way to ensure you are happy and all requirements are met – we’re able to brand the Valet tickets and have a marketing message on them for your guests or clients and arrange to leave goodie bags and promotional items in their vehicles on your behalf. Our experienced, trained personnel are the first part of the event a guests sees they are polite, presentable and impeccably dressed, but can even be costumed to match your event theme to set the tone immediately.

Valet Parking can ease congestion and flow of guests arriving and departing your event, reducing the risk of external noise levels and minimising any neighborhood complaints that may arise. With Red Carpet Valet we will liaise with local car parks and ensure all vehicles are safely parked together to leave clients and guests with peace of mind and not having to worry about their vehicle or finding a space and arriving unfashionably late. In bad weather, Valet Parking is especially valuable.

Guests will need not worry as we have umbrellas on hand and gazebos if necessary – as we all know, teetering on heels in muddy car parks, soaked suits or damaged hair do’s are definitely NOT a COOL look!...

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COOL REGION : ESSEX

The only way IS Essex!

With the Olympic Park and London on our doorstep, plus conference and meeting venues in abundance, Essex really does have it all

Visit Essex for Business is the official organisation promoting the county as a destination for conferences, meeting and events, and this once Saxon kingdom, conveniently located close to the City and continental Europe, is the perfect choice for your business needs. The county offers a unique combination of coast, town and country – the perfect backdrop for any event, and is fully accessible via road, rail and air, with many of our venues located next to the M25, M11, A12 and Stansted Airport.

Boasting top quality conference and meeting venues suitable for all your needs, Essex has some of the best and more unusual set in lovely countryside with a rolling landscape, or picturesque historic towns. Quaint coastal towns such as Burnham-on-Crouch, Wivenhoe and Brightlingsea differ from the popular seaside resorts of Clacton-on-Sea and Southend-on-Sea, where a variety of attractions as well as exciting special events take place throughout the year, providing inspiration for business visitors to extend stays, or return at a later date with family and friends.

Leisure time can be enjoyed exploring the rich heritage of our stately homes, gardens and museums, or relaxing and unwinding along the banks of the Blackwater estuary where the famous Maldon oysters and sea salt are harvested.

Shop ’til you drop at Lakeside Shopping Centre, wine and dine in one of our many fine restaurants, or simply take a stroll within the unspoilt countryside.

White water rafting at Lee Valley Regional Park – try before the world’s best athletes take to the waters in the Olympic slalom event!

The Osea Island Resort – a tranquil idyllic retreat in the Blackwater estuary Firstsite – where art meets business

Gilwell Park, set in 108 acres on the edge of Epping Forest, combines historic location with amazing facilities just 20 minutes from central London.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect location for your business meeting, somewhere unique for your next conference, an elegant wedding and event venue or a place that specialises in delivering tailor-made team There is a rich mix of stately homes, spa hotels, purpose building and training, you’ve found the ideal space at built conference centres or venues with a difference. Gilwell Park.

How about a meeting on board a Thames sailing barge, or a conference at Layer Marney Tower the tallest Tudor Whether you are looking for a venue for a conference, gatehouse in the UK? The Five Lakes complex, a modern meeting, exhibition, party, launch or corporate hospitality, 4* resort with full leisure and golf facilities and over 3,500sq we can fulfil your needs. Essex will provide a high quality metres of exhibition space, is also an ideal location to mix experience with consistent professionalism for all your business with pleasure. business meetings and events, and if you havn’t thought about holding an event in the county before, you really There are also many activities to choose from when it should! comes to team building and corporate days out, such as wine tasting in an English vineyard, the High Ropes Adventure course, Glamping (glamorous camping!), or For all your business needs and further information go to maybe a round of golf at one of over 60 golf clubs in the www.visitessex.com/business or call Carol Jolly on 01245 county. Alternatively, try out a new skill such as cookery, or 435152 just have fun with quad biking, karting, archery, paintballing Email: carol.jolly@essex.gov.uk or ozorbing!

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COMMENT: FASHION SHOWS: HIGH GLAM VS FRUGALITY

Fashionomics If Marc Jacob’s Louis Vuitton S/S 2012 runway show taught us anything it wasn’t just that carousels and models mix incredibly well, or that his design initiative is bordering on genius, but that fashion isn’t frugal. The bill, reportedly over a million, received little change yet made up for it with notoriety and press. His latest show in New York didn’t fare too well with the bank manager either with a mock forest costing over £70,000. In a world where Editor Anna Wintour will happily pay over a million to finance the clothes featured in Vogue profit can and indeed often is made, this is the fashion business after all, it’s not simply fun and games. But where exactly does the money go? How simply did Jacobs manage to spend over a million simply showcasing clothes?

When you consider that in a typical fashion show the lighting itself costs £13,000 the expectations for the prices of other aspects of the show are raised, and met. The venue itself usually costs £12,100, staff receive an average £4,640- not including back of house staff which themselves often cost £2,750- Set Design is often around £6,000 (when it’s not a fashion power player showing), sound usually racks up £4,500 and extras add an extra £750 in most cases. Of course you need to pay the ‘Design staff’ (models, casting, stylists etc) which cost £30,000 a time and actually inviting people to the show and providing appropriate seating costs an average of £5,500. A total of £79,240 for nine and a half minutes, and you thought cinema tickets were expensive...

This eye watering price tag is hard for many a designer to swallow and often they have to sell their soul for sponsorship. Yet in order to successfully develop a fashion label a spot on the fashion week schedule is essential. The British Fashion Council offers a number of financial incentives and rewards, as does Topshop and Lulu Kennedy’s Fashion East organisation. Up and coming Holly Futon and David Korma will both rely upon Topshop’s “New Gen” initiative in order to fund their shows, whilst others will look for sponsorship from haircare brands and skincare lines to keep them in the black.

A great show and career, even in fashion comes at a

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cost. In fashion it’s simply rather an extortionate one.

COOL VENUES AWARDS

There IS ONLY ONE EVENT INDUSTRY AWARD that showcases the X-factor which can make all the difference for a venue in terms of it’s market position and currency value…the 5th annual COOL Venues Awards.

5th Annual COOL Venues Awards FINAL RESULTS

One minute you are COOL, the next minute you are not.

COOL is a matter of opinion. It is perhaps the greatest currency you can possess; whether you are running for President, or pitching for the next big event! It is what gives an events venue the position of strength when negotiating with an event organiser. The COOL Venues Awards, an entirely unique and defining accolade, were developed in 2007 by Wesley Mendy of Prestige Events magazine to recognise an unsung and largely influential element that emerges in the process of planning a corporate event – How exciting is the venue? Will the invitees RSVP? Will they turn up?

In the current economic climate, the pressure on an event organiser is even more apparent. The need for an event venue to gain the chance to position itself aside form it’s rivals has more emphasis than ever before.

Every corporate event organiser strives to ensure their next event is THE hot ticket.

Over the past eight years, Prestige Events magazine has tried to identify for its readers, the venues which will make the difference, and has always set it’s editorial compass on what’s COOL for the benefit of it’s readership of UK event organisers.

The barometer should not be biased towards all that is ‘new’ in our opinion. There is always a place for the

classic / heritage venue. They often possess a character, charisma, and class that many ‘newer’ builds cannot yet match.

So what is COOL? A COOL venue should have: Charisma, Originality, Style, Innovation, Sex Appeal, Authenticity, Aspiration, and Uniqueness. COOL is a very personal opinion. Therefore, a panel of judges was selected to form a council. Each judge has understood the intrinsic factors, elements and characteristics that deem a venue to be COOL. The council represents a diverse collective; writers, industry figureheads, corporate buyers, professional event organisers / specialists. They have applied the strict guideline that each nominee should not be selected as a result of its technical capabilities, since many of these facets (lighting, AV, etc) can be imported. We have continued to decide against giving you a couple of ‘runners-up’ in each category. Firstly, it gives you - the event organiser - no wide scope of alternatives, and secondly, as a magazine we are supposed to be giving you advice and guidance.

Enjoy!

Wesley Mendy

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

COOLest Multi-purpose venue: (previous winner: Altitude 360)

WINNER: Altitude 360

COOLest Hotel Chain (previous

winner: Radisson Edwardian)

WINNER: Radisson Edwardian

RUNNERS-UP:

COOLest Venue Portfolio (New category)

WINNER: Late Night London RUNNERS-UP:

RUNNERS-UP: Paramount Spitafields Market Delfina Magna The Grove Roundhouse The Brewery Vinopolis Old Billingsgate

A Curious Group of Hotels W Hotels Crazy Bear Group Myhotel Firmdale Malmaison Park Plaza Maybourne Guoman

COOLest Independent Hotel:

COOLest Country House / Historic venue:

(previous winner: The Hempel)

(previous winner: Coworth Park)

WINNER: Town Hall Hotel Apartments

&

RUNNERS-UP: The Hempel The Goring Zetter Hoxton Hotel Blakes The Rookery The Salthouse – Ipswich Quay The Great House Lavenham Brooklands Hotel

WINNER: Stoke Park RUNNERS-UP: Warwick Castle Luton Hoo Leeds Castle Hopetoun House Harewood House Highclere Castle Blenheim Palace Cowley Manor Mallory Court

Soho House Group Concerto Group Searcys Mitchells and Butlers Industri Delfont MacIntosh The Venue Collection Mint Leaf Merlin Entertainments

COOLest Boutique Hotel: (previous

winner: House)

Babington

WINNER: The Hempel RUNNERS-UP: Aviator Hotel Zetter Blakes Crazy Bear Beaconsfield Town Hall Hotel & Apartments Rock n Roll Hotel Babington House The Goring The Montcalm Flemings

Stoke Park 38

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

Altitude 360

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

The Hempel

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

Silverfleet COOLest ‘On Water’ venue: (previous winner: Silverfleet)

WINNER: Silverfleet RUNNERS-UP: Bateaux London Tower Bridge Royal Caribbean HMS Belfast Royal Yacht Britannia London Duck Tours Sunseeker Topsail Charters Pontoon at St Katherines Dock

COOLest Conference / Exhibition centre:

COOLest ‘Sporting Venue’: (previous

winner: Wembley Stadium)

WINNER: Emirates Stadium

COOLest Museum / Gallery: (previous

winner: Gallery)

Saatchi

WINNER: Saatchi Gallery

RUNNERS-UP:

RUNNERS-UP:

Wembley Stadium Lords Olympic Stadium Gleneagles Twickenham Kia Oval Ascot Sheffield International Venues Goodwood Estate

Science Museum Natural History Museum London Film Museum V&A Serpentine Gallery Magna The Deep Museum of Science and Art, Manchester Philips De Pury

COOLest Bar / Club:

COOLest Restaurant:

(previous winner: Barbican)

(previous winner: Fabric)

WINNER: Alexandra Palace

WINNER: Fabric

RUNNERS-UP:

RUNNERS-UP:

RUNNERS-UP:

Wyld Bar at W London Ministry of Sound 40/30 at The Gherkin Shaka Zulu Supperclub Café de Paris Playboy Club Kanaloa Ronnie Scotts KOKO

Dinner at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Cinnamon Kitchen Planet Hollywood San Carlo Manchester The Hempel 40/30 at The Gherkin Ball Brothers Mayfair Exchange Rhodes W1 The Ledbury

Excel 02 Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Williams F1 Conference Centre SECC Barbican Cardiff Millennium Centre Vinopolis RSC Stratford upon Avon

(previous winner: San Carlo Manchester)

WINNER: Shaka Zulu

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

The Saatchi Gallery PrestigeEventsGuide.com

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

COOLest for film premiere afterparties: (new category)

COOLest Spa:

WINNER: The Penthouse

(previous winner: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park)

RUNNERS-UP:

WINNER: The May Fair

Kanaloa Whisky Mist Kensington Roof Gadens Movida The May Fair Nobu Berkeley Square Namco Funscape Planet Hollywood Silverfleet

COOLest for Awards Ceremonies:

RUNNERS-UP: Coworth Park Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Cowley Manor Agua at Sanderson Champneys Tring K Spa, K West London Radisson New Providence Wharf Syon Park Waldorf Astoria

COOLest for Gala’s:

COOLest for Corporate Fun: (previous winner: Alton Towers)

WINNER: Top Golf RUNNERS-UP: Alton Towers Go Ape Mercedes-Benz at Brooklands Porsche Driving Experience at Silverstone HOTA Humberside Teamsport Karting Nick Nairn cooking school Airkix Manchester Centerparcs

COOLest for Small Meetings:

(previous winner: Magna)

(previous winner: Il Bottaccio)

WINNER: Magna

WINNER: Science Museum London

WINNER: IET Savoy Place

RUNNERS-UP:

RUNNERS-UP:

St Pancras Renaissance Proud 2 8 Northumberland Il Bottaccio Tate Modern Imperial College Mar Hall The Lowry Hotel The Wellcome Collection

40/30 at The Gherkin Tower Bridge Institute of Directors /116 Pall Mall Osea Island Inmarsat Gleneagles Audi Quattro Rooms Stoke Park Soho Hotel

RUNNERS-UP: Café de Paris Roundhouse RSC Stratford Upon Avon The May Fair Guildhall Old Billingsgate The Savoy Royal Albert Hall Royal Courts of Justice

(previous winner: 40/30 at The Gherkin)

Magna 44

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

Top Golf PrestigeEventsGuide.com

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

The May fair

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

Barbican COOLest for AGMS’s: (Previous Winner: Place)

COOLest for Product Launches:

IET Savoy

COOLest for Receptions:

(previous winner: Moorgate Place)

One

WINNER: Barbican

WINNER: Swarovski Crystallized

RUNNERS-UP:

RUNNERS-UP:

RUNNERS-UP:

Excel RIBA The Landmark The Cumberland Hotel Guoman Tower IET Savoy Place London Film Museum St Pancras Renaissance The Brighton Pavilion

Proud 2 Formans Fish Island Skylounge Nido Tower Magna The Hospital Club gallery Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Saatchi Gallery V&A Museum of Childhood Williams F1 Conference Centre

One Moorgate Place Oxo2 Harrods The Savoy Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens V&A Altitude 360 Royal Armouries Eden Project

COOLest for Outdoor Events:

COOLest Members Club Now Open For Events:

(previous winner: Cannon Bridge Roof Gardens)

(previous winner: Paramount)

WINNER: Cannon Bridge Roof Garden RUNNERS-UP: The HAC Kensington Roof Gardens Go Ape Centerparcs The Hempel Porsche Driving Experience at Silverstone Hampton Court Palace Somerset House Hopetoun House

WINNER: The Hospital Club RUNNERS-UP: 40/30 at The Gherkin The Hospital Club Home House Shoreditch House Adam Street Boisdale Canary Wharf Playboy Club The Groucho Aura 3 Albion Place

WINNER: Wembley Stadium

COOLest Venue Launch in 2011: (Previous Winner: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge)

WINNER: W Hotel Leicester Square RUNNERS-UP: Proud 2 The Montcalm St Pancras Renaissance The Corinthia Swarovski Crystallized Oxo2 St Ermins The Drift, Drake & Morgan Rose Bowl Southampton

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COOL VENUES AWARDS

Barbican COOLest Temporary structure & Marquee: (Previous Winner: Battersea Power Station Boiler House)

WINNER: The Pavilion at the Tower of London RUNNERS-UP: Battersea Power Station Bolier House Bloomsbury Big Top The View, Tower Hill Cannon Bridge Roof Garden Serpentine Gallery Edgbaston Cricket Ground Canary Wharf Ice Rink The Artillery Garden at the HAC Waddesdon Manor

COOLest Overseas Venue for events: :(Previous Winner: Grimaldi Forum, Monaco)

(previous winner: 40/30 at The Gherkin)

WINNER: Grand Excelsior Malta

WINNER: 40/30 at The Gherkin

RUNNERS-UP:

RUNNERS-UP:

Moet

Chandon Cellars, France Disneyland Paris M1nt, Shangai Trump Ocean Club, Panama Soho Beach Miami W Barcelona Burj, Dubai Lux Alpinae, St Anton, Austria The Mandala H么tel, Berlin

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COOLest Venue Architecture:

&

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St Pancras Renaissance Tate Modern Emirates Stadium Eden Project Lloyds of London CC Dublin Roundhouse SECC The Deep

Judges Panel: Wesley Mendy (Prestige Events) Kristiana Kruysmulder (Prestige Events) Errol Griffiths (Prestige Events) Richard Harden (Hardens Guide) Darren Halsall (Blue Tomato magazine) Sally Morton (Lloyds TSB) Yvonne Coleman (DLA Piper) Debra Clarke (HSBC) Dante Williams (DW Events) Kate Kassar (Beyond) Moiz Vas (VAS Group) Gini Wilde (Bonner & Hindley) Banke Laycock (Caxton Manor) Simon Thompson (Conferences Group)

COOL VENUES AWARDS

The Gherkin

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10 UNIQUE VENUES

SO YOU WANT UNIQUE? YOU GOT IT. 1.

The Gherkin …amazing views, amazing, period! www.4030.co.uk

2.

Wellcome Collection…style with substance www. wellcomecollection.org

3.

Mitchells and Butlers…a dining experience www. mbplc.com

4.

Go Ape…”everyone should climb trees” www. goape.co.uk

5.

San Carlo restaurants..is that Sir Alex, Corrie cast, etc, www.sancarlo.co.uk

6.

Babble City…the new club on everyone’s lips w ww.babble-city.co.uk

7.

National Space Centre…unleash the spaceman! www.spacecentre.co.uk

8.

Osea Island….Daniel Radcliffe/Woman in Black www.oseaisland.co.uk

9.

Teamsport Tower Bridge…karting on two levels www.team-sport.co.uk

10.

RSC Stratford Upon Avon…The Bard’s COOL www. rsc.org.uk

10 UNIQUE

VENUES PrestigeEventsGuide.com

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CATERING

FINALLY-

wedding food gets interesting!

You’ve spent hours sourcing the perfect venue, so why not show your wedding food the same respect? Forget the standard three-course, sit-down chicken in white wine sauce kinda meal - more and more couples are injecting a generous dollop of their personalities into how they approach the wedding catering and their guests certainly aren’t complaining.

So, now you’ve got no excuse whatsoever to opt for a safe and boring wedding menu, whatever Aunty Gladys might think. Repeat after us: “It’s our day, and we’ll do it our way.”

Go on, fortune favours the brave and all that gubbins.

Get on the intyweb and find out more at: www. purplegrapecatering.co.uk . Be warned - the bowl food, taster, dinner, en famille and canapé menus are If you’re after something with a splash of originality, but guaranteed to leave you drooling all over your keyboard... suffering from a bout of planning fatigue, how about having a nosey at what some other couples are up to?

Here’s a selection of this year’s tastiest trends: • Hearty, rustic hotpots (or saucy summery casseroles) in the centre of the table - eating ‘en famille’ • Luxurious canapé parties - standing is the new sitting, darlings • Classic childhood favourites - do avoid Smash and Angel Delight, though • Platters of miniature desserts for guests to help themselves to • Dinner in a bowl - bowl over your guests with stylish, seasonal bowl food menus showcasing the finest dishes.

The perfect middle ground between canapés and formal dining.

• Al fresco noshing - hog roasts, BBQs and seriously swanky picnics •Sumptuous five-course ‘taster’ menus - to satisfy the fussiest of foodies Of course, you’ll need a catering company with oodles of creativity and flair to produce gorgeous grub like this to your exact specifications and Purple Grape Catering is just the beastie. Very sensibly, the mantra is flexibility (if they can do it, you can have it) and what its team of self-confessed foodies doesn’t know about creating personalised, bespoke menus featuring seasonal and sustainable produce for all tastes and budgets just ain’t worth knowing, quite frankly.

They’re also very nice people, which you’ll find extremely reassuring as you descend into the inevitable pre-wedding madness.

The Grapesters recently performed miracles for an East End wedding for 150 guests with traditional tastes, cor blimey, guv’nor. To kick things off, guests got stuck into tomato soup (and it wasn’t the Heinz variety - we’re talking the finest organic toms, here), which was followed by a main course of fillet steak, chunky chips, mushrooms and tomatoes - not forgetting the custom-made ketchup and brown sauce for the table - and a devilish dessert of sticky toffee pudding.

Purple Grape Catering knows that the devil is in the detail, and so to complete the effect into the evening’s festivities, head honcho Emily Gillan explains that, “when guests left the dinner tables and entered the evening section, they were thrilled to find funky, pub-style low seating and tables dressed with personalised beer mats and ashtrays filled with candy and chocolate cigarettes, together with bowl food of sausage and mash, cauliflower cheese pots, and lamb, mint and pea pies - all done in the best possible taste, of course!”

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20/20

speed networking – the ultimate b2b forum

Venue: The Savoy Place Date: 16th January 2012 Synopsis: 20 blue-chip event decision-makers meet 20 charismatic event venues and agencies Where like-minded individuals meet “I thought the event was really worthwhile, and I’ve now got so many people I want to meet and follow up with.

Thank you so much for letting me be part of a successful event” - Hayley Saunders, Deloitte “Thank you so much for yesterday. It was a great idea with the right sort of companies there to pitch/introduce themselves. I felt it was a great use of my time. Would do it again. Thank you. Visda Scott, United Biscuits “A big thank you for inviting us to your 20/20 networking event. It was a good effective day to meet various suppliers. The food and venue was superb. All thanks to your team for the hardwork in putting it all together. I know it’s not easy. Well done!” Sheila Miranda, Unilever PLC

Official photographer: Matt Chung

20/20

speed networking – the ultimate b2b forum

Venue: Shaka Zulu Date: 16th February 2012 Synopsis: 20 blue-chip event decision-makers meet 20 charismatic event venues and agencies Where like-minded individuals meet “I thought the event was really worthwhile, and I’ve now got so many people I want to meet and follow up with.

Thank you so much for letting me be part of a successful event” - Hayley Saunders, Deloitte “Thank you so much for yesterday. It was a great idea with the right sort of companies there to pitch/introduce themselves. I felt it was a great use of my time. Would do it again. Thank you. Visda Scott, United Biscuits “A big thank you for inviting us to your 20/20 networking event. It was a good effective day to meet various suppliers. The food and venue was superb. All thanks to your team for the hardwork in putting it all together. I know it’s not easy. Well done!” Sheila Miranda, Unilever PLC

Official photographer: Matt Chung

C

CHARISMATIC CONFERENCING

HARISMATIC

ONFERENCING

Charismatic conferences; in these austere times, how can we justify holding conferences at all, let alone holding them in charismatic venues or having motivational workshops or speakers? Some clients say they cannot afford - or perhaps cannot be ‘seen’ - to hold conferences, team development and people programmes. We say they cannot afford not to. And here’s why.

What’s the greatest asset in the majority of businesses – people, right? It’s people who drive a business forwards, slow it down, or in some cases even put it in reverse.

Some figures suggest that 60% of performance related issues are down to a lack of soft skills, trust and engagement at work – another survey suggests that’s as high as 88% - whilst another survey of business leaders states that only 13% of staff are currently engaged at work. In a team of 11 footballers, that would mean only two players would be engaged, which would give the manager an interesting job and might not give the fans, or clients, much to cheer about.

So who reading this article drives a Ferrari? How far will it go with no fuel? Fuel is to a car what motivation and engagement is to people. An empty fuel tank in your Ferrari renders it expensive, useless and brings it to a stop! An empty fuel tank in your people can cause enormous costs through wasted time, missed opportunities, sick days, and poor performance, potentially bringing the business to a stop.

Putting on a conference to launch a new business strategy or thank people for their hard work will cost money, but the cost of not investing in the company’s greatest asset will doubtless cost many times more. So please, check the fuel tank in your people, if there is not enough fuel in it, you won’t get very far.

You don’t need to go racing to learn to drive your business forwards. Using Formula One as a model for developing high performance teamwork is a highly engaging way to invest in people and develop clarity of purpose in their role and business, which has proven to save time and money, whilst increasing motivation and understanding. This can be done very simply and effectively in a client’s offices, or tak-

ing a room at a race track to add atmosphere, such as the Brooklands Hotel Surrey which I love using, or a suite at Silverstone, for example. There is always the option to participate in a Pit Stop challenge for those who wish to try out their teamwork skills.

This year is the Olympics in the UK, which provides fabulous – and often inexpensive – ways to create charismatic, engaging and value-add conferences. For example LEAP is offering sailing events from Weymouth to watch the Racing on a four matched yachts, suitable for 8 guests on each with crew, and a variety of lunch options. The value-add comes from optional pre and post sailing workshops to develop teamwork skills – using sailing as a model – and engage people to develop the behaviours of Olympic Champions that will support them in life and business.

Another way to create charisma in your event is to find a venue that adds a certain flair or dynamism that will open people’s minds to more creative thinking. In Hammersmith is a stunning private venue imaginatively called Creative Venue, it’s a three storey property that would make the coolest pad to live in. Annette Mathers set it up five years ago because she wanted to offer a meeting space that offers comfort, flexibility and takes clients out of stuffy hotels and corporate meeting rooms. ‘’We all know that location plays a fundamental role in the success of a team meeting, but how often do you end up in a cramped business suite, a poorly lit hotel room with bottles of orange squash on the table or a small research studio?’’, she says. ‘’So we set up our space to allow clients to create the set-up they want to make their event a success.’’

Creating charismatic conferences and training can prove exceptional value. With careful and creative planning, these simple sessions can be woven into the culture, the business strategy and leadership of the business to directly impact on the bottom line.

PJ Stevens pj@leapplc.com Annette Mathers annette.mathers@creative-venue.com Rachel Cleverly rc@brooklandshotelsurrey.com

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VENUES BY THE THAMES

10 VENUES

BY THE THAMES So you want to host by the Thames?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Namco Funscape…corporate fun, per se www. namcofunscape.com Tower Bridge….as COOL as it gets (Ed: agree) www.towerbridge.org.uk London’s Living Room…London’s secret www. londonslivingroom.co.uk Blue Fin…great views of the Thames www.bleu finvenue.co.uk Tate Modern…two words. Awe inspiring www. tate.org.uk Bfi Imax…’As good as it gets’ http://www.bfi.org. uk/whatson/bfi_imax Altitude 360…multi-winner of many awards www.altitudelondon.com Park Plaza Westminster Bridge…uber-COOL de sign www.parkplaza.com IET Savoy Place….host of our 20/20 event www. savoyplace.theiet.org The Grapes..Sir Ian McKellen’s new pub www. thegrapes.co.uk

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VENUE FOCUS: TUDOR BARN ELTHAM

500 Years

and Royal Status

Built in the 16th Century, set in 13 acres of award winning gardens, in a leafy suburb of Greenwich, are the serenely austere remains of The Tudor Barn, a country mansion built for the renowned William Roper and Margaret More, daughter of Sir Thomas More.

Tudor Barn Eltham is a stunning example of Tudor architecture which boasts links to Henry VIII and the Tudor Monarchy and, was also the home to The Railway Children’s author Edith Nesbit.

This historic venue, encircled by a medieval moat, is located just 20 minutes by train from the city and is the only venue of its kind in London. Having undergone a meticulous refurbishment which saw it carefully restored to its original splendor, it successfully opened in August 2009, introducing to the market some truly dramatic events spaces.

The classical yet sleek interior is spread over two floors. Upstairs the Tudor Gallery is an enchanting space returned to its former glory with open beams, ornate woodwork and fireplaces faithfully reinstated. The ground floor boasts an elegant and well designed a la carte brasserie and bar, featuring gourmet dishes, prepared from an array of locally sourced produce and offering a range of menus, full of carefully selected seasonal ingredients, and created by prized in-house chefs.

The venue offers an impressive list of champagnes and fine wines. Homage to this are the very well attended wine tasting evenings held there once a month and the sleek bar deserves patronage for its well-crafted drinks list alone.

The extremely high quality of food and service has led to a large volume of recurrent event bookings, but this is also a great location for impromptu drinks and events.

With its abundance of outdoor acreage, two spectacular al fresco terraces for dining or drinking, and sprawling

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marquee for hire, this venue offers many possibilities to accommodate a limited or extensive capacity of guests. The opportunity is there to create an event as unique and bespoke as your imagination, budget or brief will allow. Additionally, the venue offers on-site audio-visual and production facilities and an events team with more than 20 years experience and a meticulous focus for detail, who are able to make even the most challenging brief a reality.

Steeped in history, this landmark building retains scores of period features, which cannot fail to produce a fabulously atmospheric backdrop to any event. Since opening it has been host to a variety of drinks receptions, private dinners, company team building days, product launches, weddings, parties, and conferences. It is also licensed for civil marriages and was recently used to mark Greenwich Councils Royal Celebrations when the borough was given a Royal Status by HRM The Queen.

Individual spaces are available to hire, or the entire venue can be hired exclusively. Please contact the events team for more information or visit the website at www.tudorbarneltham.co.uk

Capacities Seated Standing reception Tudor Gallery 150 200 Brasserie and Bar 50 100 Moat Terrace 40* 50* Tudor Lawn 30* 350* * Good weather only – marquee option seated 250/ standing 350

VENUE FOCUS: TUDOR BARN ELTHAM

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VIP HOSPITALITY

VIP Corporate Hospitality at Major Events …

There is no better way to show that you care for your customers and loyal employees, than to invite them to a top sporting or cultural event taking place in the UK or overseas throughout the year. Whether its Centre Court tickets to Wimbledon with all the trimmings, a private box at the Royal Albert Hall, a private yacht at the Monaco Grand Prix, a trip to the Super Bowl or just top tickets to an O2 event, your invitees will remember you and your organisation for a very long time.

Euro Events London has over 30 years’ experience in providing first class VIP Corporate Hospitality to all the top events throughout the World. We are different from other hospitality companies because we can offer a wider choice of facilities through our many contacts and propose the best arrangements to fit your particular objectives and budget.

vation, sales incentives and special events both in the UK and overseas that will enable you to enjoy your chosen event and focus on what is the most important thing to you - spending valuable time with your clients, employees, friends or family without any hassle before, on the day or post event.

We ensure that every event is cost effective, enjoyable and runs seamlessly. No request is too big or small, and our level of commitment will be the same no matter the budget!

Euro Events London Limited Elizabeth House, 39 York Road London SE1 7NQ Phone: +44 033 3456 7890 Skype: corporatehospitality Email: sales@euroevents.co

Our mission at Euro Events London is to provide you with the best solutions to customer entertainment, staff moti-

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FOR YOUR DIARY: CONFEX 2012

Confex up its

COOL

stakes for 2012

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FOR YOUR DIARY: CONFEX 2012

This year’s International Confex (06-08 March 2012) at ExCeL London, is all about connecting you with a world of inspiration. Bringing together the people who organise events with providers of cool venues, cool destinations and cool suppliers in the UK and internationally, International Confex 2012, incorporating RSVP, is the perfect event to discover inspirational ideas.

Showcasing a range of cool exhibitors from across the globe, take a look at a few of the exhibitors that will be gracing the show floor this year.....

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FOR YOUR DIARY: CONFEX 2012

COOL Britannia • Hever Castle is available on an exclusive use basis for conferences, day meeting and company away days. Set in the heart of idyllic Kent countryside just 30 minutes outside of Central London and Gatwick airport, Hever Castle provides an ideal location for all corporate hospitality events.

• “Located in the heart of Covent Garden, London Transport Museum provides an unforgettable backdrop for your event. There are three stunning spaces available to hire, the Cubic Theatre seating 121, the Museum galleries, a unique setting for dinners, cocktail receptions and awards ceremonies, the boardroom which seats up to 20.”

• Dartington Hall is an award-winning social enterprise venue, a centre for innovation, experiment and creativity.

Holding an event here is a unique opportunity to meet and work in surroundings that have been the site of many major developments in social reform and education. Discover ‘the most spectacular mansion in Devon’ at Stand B722.

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FOR YOUR DIARY: CONFEX 2012

• Surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds Castle in Kent is the ideal setting for residential and day conferences, meetings, corporate hospitality and banqueting. “The loveliest castle in the world” offers a choice of venues within the castle and grounds to create the perfect backdrop to your event. Hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk, www.leeds-castle.com, 01622 767855.

• Butlins will be launching an exciting addition to their Conference and Events offering at Confex 2012 with the arrival of the new £25m Wave Hotel, opening this summer at Butlins Bognor Regis. And with conferencing facilities for up to 5,000 people at each of their three British beachside resorts, Butlins is proving to be a perfect place for Teams to really ‘get away’ from it, while staying in the UK!

• Proud2 is the New Events Venue at the 02. This multifaceted venue can accommodate events from100 – 4,000 over 3 floors and offers a stunning outdoor terrace. P2 is eager to make its mark on the events world and are looking forward to what the Olympic year has to offer!

• 2012 is an exciting year for Amazing Retreats, the company that prides itself on restoring iconic and unusual properties to a luxury standard, whilst remaining sympathetic to the history of the property. This year will see the opening of three unique and exciting new venues, ideal for corporate events that promise to inspire and invigorate: Spitbank Fort, Stanbrook Abbey and Plas Rhianfa. Amazing Retreats are exhibiting on stand B361. Visit the stand to find out more about these exciting new venues.www.amazingretreats.com

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FOR YOUR DIARY: CONFEX 2012

• 3 and 4 star hotels located in Oxford, the Cotswolds, Thames Valley and Bristol, each offering an individual style, from classic to contemporary and waterside settings to city centre location.

Extensive conference facilities, team building, leisure facilities and unique settings make our hotels the ideal location for any event.

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• Experience the year-round magic of Lord’s whether immersed in the old-world elegance of the Pavilion or the cutting-edge modernity of the J.P. Morgan Media Centre, Lord’s is an exceptional venue for any type of Event. We can provide anything from a sumptuous private dining room to one of London’s largest and most adaptable venues – the Nursery Pavilion. Conveniently located in the heart of London and offering stunning vistas of the Ground.

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COOL

FOR YOUR DIARY: CONFEX 2012

around the world

• Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) is Africa’s Premier Meeting Venue. Second most preferred venue in Africa and located at the heart of Kenya’s capital city Nairobi, KICC boasts of its iconic nature with state-of-the-art conference facilities. KICC has hosted many high profile conferences and exhibitions including Samsung Expo 2011, Turkel Expo and World Malaria Conference.

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FOR YOUR DIARY: CONFEX 2012

• De Ruwenberg Conference and Training Center - This conference Hotel in a countryside setting is an ideal location for a variety of educational and training programmes, combining modern luxury and centuries-old tradition. A location where work and leisure meet and complement each other. De Ruwenberg has 197 bedrooms, squash and tennis courts, a Driving Range, a fully equipped fitness centre, a large swimming pool and wellness. For further information: www. ruwenberg.com

• When you are searching for a location for your next conference, meeting or incentive trip, look no further than Sandals and Beaches Resorts. With 17 spectacular resort locations on five unique islands in the Caribbean. Our Luxury Included®Resorts incorporate gourmet dining, Versatile function areas and world class meeting facilities.

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FOR YOUR DIARY: CONFEX 2012

• “Business Solutions – Disneyland® Paris offers a great selection of themed evenings in the unique setting of its 2 Theme Parks. Disneyland® Park or the Walt Disney Studios® Park are available for special events and parties and can be partly or entirely privatised for your exclusive use from 50 guests onwards.”

• Dolce Hotels and Resorts is a unique global hospitality company specialising in delivering an exceptional meetings experience for delegates of its 25 contemporary hotels across the U.S., Canada and Europe. As a leader in the meetings industry, Dolce hosts some 30,000 events and 4 million group clients globally every year. www.dolcemeetings.com

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FOR YOUR DIARY: CONFEX 2012

COOL suppliers • Urban Soul Orchestra (www.urbansoulorchestra.co.uk) is a contemporary and versatile string ensemble with a unique twist, incorporating percussion, bass, DJ and vocals.

USO have created several sets so you can book one group to perform a different style for each part of your event.

Recent events include Cannes Film Festival, Monaco Grand Prix, Wimbledon Ball and Pride of Britain Awards.

• PixAngels: UK’s original event photo solution, the leader since 2007. Utilising specialised wearable photo-online technology, PixAngels deliver measurable photo-social experiences with high impact at any event. PixAngel models, roam, engage and snap in any environment, the technology bridges the gap between photography and the online world of sharing.

• Need a band to guarantee that your event ROCKS? Then look no further than MADHEN. The band has carved an enviable industry-wide reputation for delivering highenergy, edgy performances in their own unparalleled style.

From corporate events to film Premieres and even Royal Weddings MADHEN will make your party one to remember! www.madhen.net

• Happy Box London is an award-winning luxury gifting boutique. We design stunning gift hampers for all events and occasions. You can create your own gift hamper from luxury brands such as Rococo, Miller Harris and Johnstons Cashmere or choose from our collection of Happy Boxes. Beautifully wrapped, delivered next-day. www. happyboxlondon.com

• Event Pilot: Transforming the event experience EventPilot is an affordable and customisable smart phone app for events of any size that’s faster than the Web, greener than paper, and loaded with innovative features.

EventPilot is now available in the UK and on all major mobile platforms including iPad, iPhone and Android.

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COVENT GARDEN

What makes Late Night London cool?

Neil Watts MBE explains...

The ultimate events and hospitality partner, Late Night London offers an industry leading service and privately owns a diverse portfolio of venues across London and the UK. We caught up with Late Night London’s Neil Watts to find out what makes Late Night London such an industry leading force but more importantly... COOL! Most people in the events industry have heard about Late Night London and visited our venues but don’t really understand what it is we do. In short, Late Night London offer clients a dedicated service managing events from start to finish as well as identifying your business needs. Our highly experienced team act as one point of contact across our privately owned estate of 52 venues, meaning we do the hard work, so you don’t have too!

Our venues dominate central London with 45 venues equally split between the West End and City, and our famous Tiger Tiger brand (1 located in central London and 7 located across the UK) gives our clients access to regional locations too.

Having such a large footprint in London gives us a fantastic perspective of what people want in terms of events, and I am confident in saying that there are no requirements we cannot accommodate.

Last year was the most successful year to date for Late Night London and we are pleased to announce that we have no plans to slow down. There is a lot in store for 2012 and this quarter we are very excited about supporting THE COOLS AWARDS. Our decision to support THE COOL Awards has been the natural step forward because Late Night London is not just the UK’s largest private bar and event space operator, we are the coolest!

We’ve come a long way since the business was established in 1999 and we will continue to develop our services and estate though out the coming years. Our acquisition of The Balls Brothers estate in March 2011 has been especially beneficial for Late Night London as it has given us the edge on corporate functions across the capital thanks to addition of fine dining restaurants and excellent conference space.

We share the same passion for the events industry as Prestige Events which is why we are proud to be supporting THE COOL Awards, 2012 will be a great year and we feel it is time to show the industry what we can offer!

Why is Late Night London Great – 20 things 1.

One point of contact for 52 venues

2.

Industry leading service

3.

LNL has 12 Expert event managers on hand to help and constantly growing

4.

Account management service, which is of course free of charge

5.

NO HIRE FEE’S just affordable minimum spends

6.

Bar Staff trained at bar school - best service in the business

7.

Iconic venues – Drinks at The Gherkin anyone?

8.

The team have beautiful telephone voices – give them a call, it’s heavenly

9.

Fabulous outdoor space available

10. Try before you buy- we are so confident in our product that we welcome you along for tasting sessions 11. The greatest christmas parties in the capital - our figures speak for themselves 12. Fabulous concept rooms across the estate, from our cheesy groovy wonderlands to our chic milk bars!

13. Drink, dine and dance - all under one roof!

14.

4 hour response time guaranteed

15. We can accommodate ANY enquiry – just try us 16. A truly diverse estate 17. No hidden costs – EVER 18. Last minute bookings welcome 19. Late Night London can accommodate any budget 20. Menus that fuel and inspire – Carpe Diem!

Late night london Coolest enue ortfolio

WHAT WE OFFER: vents of all si es from , guests ull venue hire clusive room hire Semi e clusive hire inner and ance Change to rink ine and Canap and rink Receptions Corporate Social vents eetings and Conferences Team Building Launch arties ashion Shows After arties enue nding service ull event management support Bespoke ackage and enu design ide variety of entertainment options Cocktail aking aster class and team uilding

ance, all under one roof

WHAT WE DO: Late Night London accommodate all events requirements n iased, professional and free service Specialised, with knowledge and insight One point of contact from enquiry to con rmation n venue events team edicated event management service perts in planning events as unique as your requirements Consistently deliver the industry leading service

To To set set the the standard standard we we launched launched our our very very own own BAR BAR SCHOOL SCHOOL to to ensure ensure that that our our floor floor staff staff are are trained trained to to the the high high standard standard we we set. set. Our Our skilled skilled sales sales and and events events management management team team at at Late Late Night Night London London equally equally go go through through an an intensive intensive training training programme, programme, ensuring ensuring all all our our clients clients receive receive the the quality quality of of service service they they deserve. deserve.

STAFF PROFILE Craig Woodley, Account Manger at Late Night London A name not to be forgotten, Craig Woodley is a future leader in the events industry and is very excited about developing his career with the largest premium bar and club operator in the UK. Craig has let us into life at Late Night London and what makes him stand out.

Q. What attracted you to a career at Late Night London?

The chance to work with 52 venues is absolutely unique and the company has a great ‘can do’ attitude in terms of progression. I am passionate and I work very hard, Late Night London recognise my ability and have given me the opportunity to help manage several major clients.

Q. Your favourite venue and why?

Jewel St Pauls, it’s chic and modern venue with fabulous decor, perfect for any occasion.

It’s very luxurious and has an amazing choice of cocktails.

Q. What makes you good at your job ?

I am hardworking, confident and I’m able to spot opportunities for growth and development. I thrive on success and get a buzz when I exceed my target and clients expectations.

Q. Why should people use LNL? Where else can you get up to 52 venue options through one contact completely free of charge? Late Night London offers an industry leading service which is absolutely unique to us. What separates LNL is our commitment, we put 100% into every event we manage – our service which is unrivalled and will continue to be the best in the business.

Sarah Parker - Bar School Manager for all Novus Leisure Venues The head of Bar School in London, Sarah Parker is responsible for the quality of service across 23 venues in the West End of London and will soon roll out bar School in the City of London too, ensuring that all 45 London based venues offer the highest quality of service.

What attracted you to a career at Novus Leisure Novus Leisure are the best in the industry and demand the best in all aspects of their business. I wanted to be part of that.

Q. Your biggest achievement to date?

Being approached to set up Bar School and making it a success! I am responsible for the quality of service across 23 venues who employ my bar school graduates and I am proud to say we set the standard industry standard.

Q. started as a bar tender, so I’ve been there and experienced the good the bad and the just plain wrong! I know what works and what doesn’t which is why I have managed to make a success of Bar School and improve the quality of service in all bar school associated venues. Not only am I passionate about the company I work for and our brands I believe in what we do and want all my graduates to be a part of that.

Q. What makes our bar staff better than everyone else in the industry?

Students who attend bar school need to pass both written and practical exams, we have a high standard and if our students can’t meet those standard then they cannot graduate and will not be offered employment. It might sound tough but the hospitality industry in becoming increasingly competitive and to make sure we stay ahead of the game we have got to be the best.

Upcoming LNL Events in 2012

Acquired Balls Brothers in March 2011 and are continually expanding the estate Reinvest in venues frequently to maintain high standards, approximately 8 cap ex projects per year Launched Kanaloa within our Tiger Tiger Croydon venue Re furbished and fitted conference facilities into The Minster Exchange Tower Hill, including AV equipment Launched Babble City, three floor premium venue located just 2 minutes from Liverpool Street Station Numerous activities on-going throughout the year - keep an eye on www.Latenightlondon.co.uk for regular updates

USEFUL WEBSITES

USEFUL WEBSITES FOOD AND DRINK

Chocolate and Cake Specialists

Creative Event Management

www.chocolatestore.com

www.leapplc.com

Caterers and Party Food

www.theoriginalchocolatefountain.com

www.penguins.co.uk

www.crownsociety.co.uk

www.jane-asher.co.uk

www.applespiceevents.co.uk www.partridgeevents.co.uk

www.dishcatering.co.uk www.canapeum.com www.zafferano.co.uk www.officediner.co.uk

FLOWERS

www.hatstandcircus.co.uk

www.designerflowersuk.com

www.poissonrouge.co.uk www.bestpartiesever.com

www.anisecatering.com www.limefooddesign.co.uk www.purplegrapecatering.co.uk

www.rockevents.co.uk

TRANSPORT Air

www.oxygen-events.com www.magicmanagement.com

General Food Retailers

www.oceansky.com

Incentive Gifts

www.caleyco.com

www.expendientjet.com

www.montblanccorprorategift.co.uk

Limousines

Venue Finders

www.ultimatelimousines.co.uk

www.jpeventsltd.com

www.limousines.com

www.conferences-uk.org.uk

www.bleikers.co.uk

Coach

Event Speakers

www.blackface.co.uk

www.redwing-coaches.co.uk

www.londonspeakerbureau.com

www.ultimatelimousines.co.uk

www.jla.co.uk

www.islandseafare.co.uk

Rail

Badges, Wristbands, Lanyards

www.caleyco.com

www.trainline.co.uk

www.idcband.co.uk

www.orient-express.com

www.lanyards.uk.com

www.eurostar.com

www.identilam.com

www.oddbins.com

HOSPITALITY

Security

Cheese / Dairy Specialists

Teambuilding

www.showforce.com

www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

www.leapplc.com

www.colstonbassettdairy.com

www.bluehat-teambuilding.co.uk

Organics / Special Diets

www.roantree.co.uk

Published by Mx4

www.freshfood.co.uk

www.kirkstone-events.com

108 Clydesdale Road,

www.somersetorganics.co.uk

www.jenahura.com

Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1AJ

Beverage Specialists

Outdoor

www.fortnumandmason.com

www.owen-brown.co.uk

www.regionalfoodanddrink.co.uk www.freshfood.co.uk

Meat and Charcuterie Specialists www.realmeatco.sageweb.co.uk

Fish Specialists

Wine, Champagne & Spirits www.bbr.com

www.redcarpetsecurity.com

T: ++44 (0)1708 737393

www.parnhamfunfairs.co.uk

enquiries@prestigeeventsguide.com

Hampers / Gifts

www.igloos.co.uk (luxury loos)

www.prestigeeventsguide.com

www.presentsofmind.co.uk

www.merlin-fireworks.co.uk

www.chocolatestore.com

Copyright of all editorial copy remains the

Entertainment

sole property of Mx4 Ltd and may not be

www.aquascutumgifts.com

www.joeleader.com

reproduced without the prior permission of

Deliveries / Takeaways

www.paulfarris.tv

www.deliverance.co.uk

www.murdermysteryevents.com

www.officediner.co.uk

www.thediamonddivas.co.uk

www.fortnumandmason.com

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F: ++44 (0)1708 737389

PrestigeEventsGuide.com

www.incorporatemagic.com

Mx4 Ltd. All opinions expressed within this publication remain those opinions of the feature writer, and neither Prestige Events or Mx4 Ltd hold any liability or responsibility for those opinions and views expressed.