January Sale at Lane End Conference Centre

January Sale at Lane End !

Day Delegate Rate £30
24 Hour Rate £125

Dates between 3rd January and 27th March 2011 – subject to availability. Book and confirm with contract before the end of January 2011 to qualify.

Call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk to take advantage of this offer.

Click here to see more details about Lane End Conference Centre and other Conference Centres of Excellence

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year - from us all at Conference Centres of Excellence

Latest news on refurbishment plans at Ashorne Hill Conference Centre

Ashorne Hill situated in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside has been a training provider to industry for over fifty years. The manor house is ideally situated, just 25 miles from Birmingham Airport but completely secluded within its two hundred acres. The facilities are some of the best in the world of conference and meeting venues. Forty meeting rooms offer broadband connectivity, as well as wi-fi wireless technology. For those without laptops, there are dedicated PCs along with printer support for 24 hour access to the internet.

Ashorne Hill’s commitment to continued improvement has once again been proven by the opening of a further five meeting rooms at Ashorne Hill. Based in the main mansion house on the second floor, the new rooms offer a truly peaceful learning environment for meetings, video conferencing and break-out sessions.

With a fantastic views of the rolling Warwickshire countryside and Ashorne grounds, the newly refurbished rooms give delegates even more options when booking a meeting or training session here at Ashorne Hill.

The Kenilworth room is a fantastic meeting room with capacity of up to 40 people theatre style. On the second floor the room has 5 large windows allowing vast amounts of natural light to enter. The room also boasts the Juliet balcony and offers stunning views of Ashorne Hill’s luscious grounds. The Kenilworth room also has use of the Broadway syndicate room just next door which can cater for up to 15 delegates.

The Gaydon room can cater for up to 20 delegates theatre style, offering flexible space for meetings and training sessions. A fully integrated AV system has been incorporated into the design – including speakers, projector, VHS and DVD player.

Also in the newly refurbished area is the Henley room a brand new video conferencing suite with all the latest equipment including a large high quality board-room meeting table and leather chairs. Next door to the Henley is a further syndicate room called the Tachbrook. Spacious enough for 12 delegates this room offers a pleasant environment for break-out sessions or the smaller meeting.

The new meeting and training area includes 5 new meeting rooms, male and female toilets and a brand new self-contained coffee station complete with flat screen T.Vs and a comfortable seating area.
The whole area is self-contained making it very private and conducive for creating a true learning environment.


For more details about Ashorne Hill, Leamington Spa or other Conference Centres of Excellence click here or ring the Hotline team on 0845 230 1414.

Quality achieved at Henley Business School and Conference Centre, Oxfordshire

Henley Business School has succesfully achieved BSI ISO9001 for the Quality Management Systems. Alan Brand is delighted by the hard work from the whole team.

BSI are the National Standards Body of the UK, with a globally recognised reputation for independence, integrity and innovation in the production of standards that promote best practice.

Every organization would like to improve the way it operates, whether that means increasing market share, driving down costs, managing risk more effectively or improving customer satisfaction. A quality management system gives you the framework you need to monitor and improve performance in any area you choose.
ISO 9001 is by far the world’s most established quality framework, currently being used by 1,064,000 organizations in 178 countries worldwide, and sets the standard not only for quality management systems, but management systems in general.

It helps all kinds of organisations to succeed through improved customer satisfaction, staff motivation and continual improvement.

For more details about Henley Business School or other Conference Centres of Excellence click here or ring the Hotline on 0845 230 1414

Find a Conference Centre of Excellence

No distractions, no compromises - myvenues.co.uk

Conference Centres of Excellence, the UK’s leading consortium of specialist conference and training venues, has 40 members nationwide – all of them dedicated venues with facilities and support staff totally focused on creating effective events. No distractions, no compromises… and the outstanding value that only a successful event can bring.

What’s more, the consortium offers organisers a completely free venue-finding service, called ‘Hotline’, to make venue evaluation and selection as straightforward as can be.

Read more at www.myvenues.co.uk and complete our online brochure to stay in touch !

Kick off your New Year with one of these amazing offers!

Kick-off 2011 with one of these great offers from Conference Centres of Excellence

Member venues around the country are offering some great incentives to help you get your 2011 conference and training programmes underway.

Special offers include:

Day delegate rates from £25 per day

Book 2 for the price of 1 on Mondays and Fridays

Save over £240 per day

Free team-building days

Free tickets for Cheltenham races

Trainers stay for free

Flexible meeting options from £15 per day
For more details and other terms and conditions visit the Special Offers page on our website or contact the Hotline on 0845 230 1414.


Read more in our enewsletter here!

New appointment means business at Robinson College - myvenues.co.uk

Robinson College in Cambridge is expanding its conference team with the appointment of Rose McDonald as Head of Sales.

In her new role, Rose will be focusing on promoting the College’s Conference facilities to a wider audience, highlighting its suitability for events of all types from one-day meetings to residential conferences. In addition to client meetings, Rose will be involved in on-site visits and new business initiatives.

Rose has worked in the events/hospitality sector for many years. Her last role was at Wyboston Lakes as Senior National Sales Manager looking after a portfolio of prestigious corporate and agency accounts as well as leading new business drives.

Read more at myvenues.co.uk ...

Fresh new look for New Year for Conference Aston room refurbishment - Venues - News - Conference Magazine, Event Exhibition Magazine, Event Organisers, Find Me A Venue, Corporate Events - myvenues.co.uk

A leading Birmingham conference centre is investing more than a quarter of a million pounds in creating a fresh new look for its bedrooms.

Conference Aston has just completed the first 24 rooms of the refurbishment, which will see 82 classic and standard bedrooms upgraded by Spring 2011.

Read more at myvenues.co.uk

Get a FREE Team Building Day with Lane End Conferences

Book and confirm your 2011 dates with us by the end of January and we will offer you a FREE event.

Here is how we will reward you...

A FREE team building day for up to 20 guests, including
• Rifle shooting in the grounds
• Segways course (motorised activity)
• Rocket (design, built and launch a rocket)
• Three course lunch and unlimited refreshments
• Grounds hire, function room hire and break-out rooms

Call us to make an enquiry or simply complete the online enquiry form and quote: Annual Booking Offer

Booking Terms: The above offer is subject the the combined value of business for 2011 booked and confirmed by the end of January 2011. Business worth between £10,000 and £20,000 will give you a free team event for up to 10 guests. Business worth over £20,000 will give you a free team event for up to 20 guests.


Visit our website to find out more about Lane End Conference Centre, High Wycombe or call 0845 230 1414.

Take a look at the latest addition to our portfolio ...

Nottingham Conference Centre is a brand new modern conference facility in the heart the city. Housed in the Grade II* listed Newton building, the Centre offers state-of-the-art facilities in a stunning Victorian architectural setting unparalleled in the region.

The all-inclusive day delegate rates and flexible room layouts make the Centre an ideal venue for all types of events, including international conferences, meetings, product launches, exhibitions, training and special celebrations.


For more details call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Are you using the best conference & training facilities for your events?

One goes free in January 2011! IET Birmingham: Austin Court

For every 10 delegates you book at Austin Court, you only pay for 9. Valid on new bookings for January 2011 - for more details on this offer please contact the CCE Hotline on 0845 230 1414.



IET Birmingham: Austin Court Conference Centre of Excellence, Birmingham

The New EEF Venues website is here!

The new EEF Venues website is now live and full of information about the facilities at four outstanding conference venues including Broadway House and Woodland Grange.

Visit the New EEF Venues website here

Who should visit the Learning and Skills Show 2011?

Learning and Skills is for learning and development professionals involved with any aspect of organisational learning and performance improvement; from learning strategy, development and management through to learning delivery and implementation of learning technologies and systems.  Conference Centres of Excellence will be attending on Stand 191 ... come along and see us - call 0845 230 1414 to prebook an appointment or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Book your event through this website and save money!

EEF venues are offering a preferential day delegate rate when you book a conference or meeting via Conference Centres of Excellence between January and April 2011.

Enjoy a day delegate rate of just £45.00 at Woodland Grange in Warwickshire and Broadway House in London.

Enquire to 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk  to enjoy this superb discount and to hold your meeting, conference or event at either of these outstanding venues.


Woodland Grange Conference Centre Leamington Spa - www.CCEOnline.co.uk

Save on your conference bill this winter @ imago Burleigh Court International Conference Centre

With Conference Centres of Excellence save up to 20% discount off day and residential delegate rates, December 2010 to February 2011 at Burleigh Court & Holywell Park.

Book now and receive 1 complimentary place for every 10 delegates.
(this offer is valid for any events booked and taking place from December 2010 to February 2011 and is subject to availability)


To find out about any special offers available for this venue, please call the sales team on 0845 230 1414
imago at Burleigh Court International Conference Centre, Leicestershire

Customer comment: Venue finding by Conference Centres of Excellence

“I have used the Conference Centres of Excellence team on numerous occasions over the last few years and am always impressed with the excellent customer service they provide and the balance they strike between professionalism and friendliness. Nothing is ever too much trouble and they work hard to find exactly the right venue for our requirements. On top of that, they are great at keeping you updated on progress and have always been super efficient in producing proposals and contracts. I can say ..."

Read more at www.cceonline.co.uk and to request a 2011 meeting planner please call 0845 230 1414.

Receive 6 Bottles of our finest wine ... special offer from Lane End Conference Centre

Receive 6 Bottles of our finest wine with every new enquiry you confirm with us for 2011.

This offer is valid until 31st December 2010.

Call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk  to check availability.


Lane End Conference Centre, High Wycombe - Conference Centres of Excellence

Masters in Leadership for Sustainable Development | Forum For The Future

Since 1996 the Masters in Leadership for Sustainable Development has been training the sustainability leaders of the future.

At the heart of the 10-month programme is the link between learning about the concept and practice of sustainability and applying those ideas in the real world. Students take up placements in six work sectors. They also get the opportunity to undertake two tailor-made modules on leadership development at the highly acclaimed Leadership Trust (thanks to their generous sponsorship).

Trainers can stay free at Cranfield Management Development Centre, Bedfordshire

We can offer a 24 hour rate of £145.00 + VAT and a DDR of £37.50 + VAT for December 2010 and January 2011.

If the numbers are 20 or more the trainer stays for free!

To enquire for further details please call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk and quote "CCEOnline"
Cranfield Management Development Centre, Bedfordshire - www.CCEOnline.co.uk

Kick off discount from The Leadership Trust

Receive a 10% discount on all rates for January and February bookings 2011 at The Leadership Trust, Ross on Wye.

For further details please call 0845 230 1414 or email the Conference Centres of Excellence Hotline on info@cceonline.co.uk

Winter warmer rates for kick-off meetings at Ashorne Hill, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Book a meeting at Ashorne Hill to take place on a Monday or a Friday during January and February 2011 and take advantage of our ‘winter warmer rates’ !
Day Rate: £32.00 + VAT
24 Hour Rate: £130.00 + VAT

Call 0845 230 1414 to check availability or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Read more about Ashorne Hill on the Conference Centres of Excellence website here ...

Special rates at Wyboston Lakes this winter - Conference Centres of Excellence

Special rates for December and January at Wyboston Lakes starting from:

DDR – from £25.00 + VAT per person
24hr – from £90.00 + VAT per person

To check availability call 0845 230 1414.

Waterfront Conference Centre, Bedfordshire - Conference Centres of Excellence

Reduced rates for the National College for Leadership of Schools and Childrens Services Learning and Conference Centre, Nottingham

Reduced rates for December and January of £50 DDR inc VAT and £125 24hr rate.

To make an enquiry call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

National College for Leadership of Schools and Childrens Services Learning and Conference Centre, Nottingham

Save over £240 a day with Henley Business School, Oxfordshire

Save over £240 a day.

Book a residential event for a minimum of 8 delegates during January or February 2011 for a special 24 hour rate of £165.00 + vat person - a saving of £30 per person per day.

Bookings must be made before 22nd December 2010.

To book call 0845 230 1414 and ask for 'Henley January and February offer'


Henley Business School, Oxfordshire - Conference Centres of Excellence

Exciting news from East Midlands Conference Centre

The University of Nottingham has announced plans to develop a 200-bed, 4 star equivalent hotel on its main University Park campus. The eco-friendly hotel will be sited next to the East Midlands Conference Centre and will feature at least 50 executive-style rooms, four boardrooms and a gym as well as a restaurant and bar which will be open to the public.

Building work is expected to commence in 2011, with completion due autumn 2012. Funded by The University of Nottingham, the new hotel will complement the existing facilities provided by the EMCC, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2010. It will also provide a much needed resource for visitors to the University.

The £20 million project has already appointed architects and interior designers to develop an eco-friendly building. The design of the hotel will feature external walk able rooftop gardens and terraces with maximum use of natural day light. Open spaces will provide superb views of The University of Nottingham’s extensively landscaped campus, whilst using state-of-the-art technology will reduce carbon emissions. Solar photovoltaic panels and an air-sourced heat pump are under consideration, as well as a new assisted-cooling ventilation system to allow temperatures to be client-controlled.

As a minimum, the hotel will aim to achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating under the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) which recognises low impact buildings that incorporate the best environmental practice. The University of Nottingham has developed a series of award-winning buildings that have underlined its commitment to sustainable architecture and construction.

Professor David Greenaway, Vice Chancellor of The University of Nottingham commented ‘The key aspect of the proposed design of the hotel is how well it nestles into the surrounding orchard hillside landscape and its environmental sustainability credentials.
Although the hotel will complement the hugely successful EMCC, it will generate income in its own right, providing accommodation for the general public, local businesses and University visitors. I am sure that the hotel will prove to be a valuable asset for the future development of the University and further enhance the University’s important contribution to the city of Nottingham.’

East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham - Conference Centres of Excellence

Churchill College and The Moller Centre featured in 2018 FIFA England bid

Churchill College and The Moller Centre featured in 2018 FIFA England bid

As part of the official FIFA 2018 bid, Andy Anson, Chief Executive Officer for the 2018 England FIFA bid, features Cambridge as a destination that visitors can stay and visit.

The FIFA bid presented by HRH Prince William of Wales, Rt. Hon. David Cameron, David Beckham, Andy Anson and Eddie Afekafe focused on providing excellent facilities to the footballers, the fans and to FIFA. As part of this presentation, Andy Anson featured Churchill College and The Møller Centre in his presentation as a place to stay offering the historic setting in the University of Cambridge.

The Møller Centre is a residential training and conference centre at Churchill College in the University of Cambridge. It has 71 en-suite bedrooms of which many enjoy the wonderful views of the 42 acres of Churchill College grounds and can be booked year round. Churchill College also has accommodation facilities which are used by College students and conference guests; in total the College has 400 rooms available, including 126 en-suite rooms during university vacations.

Andy Anson’s speech can be viewed on the official FIFA website http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/bidders/live/newsid=1343826/index.html




The Moller Centre, Cambridge - Conference Centres of Excellence

Scarman Training and Conference Centre, Coventry - Conference Centres of Excellence

Warwick Conferences’ training and conference centres; Arden, Radcliffe and Scarman are offering 24 hour rates from £75* and day rates from £25* for events taking place during December 2010 and January 2011.
The three residential venues can accommodate up to 120 delegates per meeting, are equipped with the latest technology and award winning catering, all supported by unrivalled customer service.

Contact us today on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk to take advantage of these special rates.

*Rates quoted are subject to availability and are exclusive of VAT

Scarman Training and Conference Centre, Coventry - Conference Centres of Excellence

10th birthday offer! Cotswold Conference Centre, Midlands

To celebrate CCC being 10 years old in January we are offering free tickets to the Cheltenham Festival Races on 17th March 2011 – also St. Patrick’s Day!

For every new enquiry leading to a booking which happens before January 31st 2011, the organiser will receive 1 free ticket per every 10 residential delegates.

So that you can enjoy the craic, subject to availability, CCC will also offer complimentary B&B accommodation on the night of the 17th March and get you to and from the race course - at no further cost.

Offer subject to availability - call 0845 230 1414 for more details or to make an enquiry.

Cotswold Conference Centre, Midlands - Conference Centres of Excellence

Multi-Million pound boost for Warwick

Warwick Conferences, has just announced that all three of its training and conference centres are set to benefit from a multi-million pound rolling refurbishment programme, starting this September.

The £2.6 million investment is indicative of Warwick Conferences’ continual quest to provide the best facilities and experience for the 200,000 delegates visiting the venues each year.

This latest round of works will see updates to residential, communal and conference areas around the estate, and will be completed by March 2012.

Alan Robinson, director of training and conference centres comments: “The rolling refurbishment programme reflects our commitment at Warwick Conferences to continually improve the facilities we have to offer. This is a significant multi-million pound investment and adds to the £7.9 million spent on refurbishments and upgrades to our facilities last year.

“The updates across the training and conference centres have been specifically designed to ensure that all of our delegates, including residential guests, are guaranteed to enjoy the best possible service and the latest in modern facilities, all within a comfortable environment.

“To make certain that we’re meeting the requirements and satisfaction of all of our guests, feedback from delegates has been taken on board and incorporated into the refurbishment plans.”

Scarman training and conference centre is set to benefit from a full bedroom refurbishment of all of its 204 bedrooms including redecoration, new furniture and a 22inch flat screen television in each room. Warwick Conferences has agreed on the final specification of the bedrooms following the introduction of four trial rooms at Scarman and collating customer comments before agreeing the final design. Works to the front entrance, reception, exercise and case study rooms are also planned.

Responding to delegates’ comments at Arden, new larger beds have been ordered to ensure that residential visitors get a great night’s sleep. Other transformations at Arden include newly decorated corridors, new lounge furniture, improvements to internal signage and a redecorated private dining room.

Radcliffe will receive refurbishment to the front and rear bar areas, its reception, further improvements to its bedrooms and extensive works in all lecture rooms.

"We'd love to see you!" New special offer from Roffey Park, West Sussex

"We'd love to see you!"

Roffey Park in West Sussex would like to offer you the opportunity to see why their existing clients LOVE Roffey Park. For meetings taking place before 28th February special rates apply for new clients.

For details contact the CCE Hotline 0845 230 1414.

Special Offers - Conference Centres of Excellence

Winter warmer offers, a new venue and the Autumn/Winter newsletter - visit our website for more details

Conference Centres of Excellence welcomes The Leadership Trust to the consortium.
Situated close to the M5 and M4, The Leadership Trust is easily accessible from Birmingham, Cardiff and Bristol. In addition to conferencing and venue hire The Leadership Trust is the UK’s foremost provider of leadership development solutions.   Read more in our Autumn/Winter newsletter here ....

114 bedrooms, 16 acres, an X-Box Console and an Internet Cafe?

At the heart of the Midlands motorway and rail networks, Woodland Grange Conference Centre’s blend of elegant style, rural tranquillity and exceptional facilities make the centre an outstanding environment for conferences, meetings and events. With 26 hi-tech meeting rooms and 114 four-star ensuite bedrooms the venue can cater for every size event. The gym, spa, and Internet Café with games room make Woodland Grange an all round premier venue; winner of the Coventry & Warwickshire region Godiva Award for ‘Best Conference Venue’ and recently awarded ISO 14001.

Woodland Grange Conference Centre also offers: FULLY EQUIPPED GYM, SAUNA, JACUZZI, GAMES ROOM WITH POOL TABLE, X BOX CONSOLE, SIXTEEN ACRES OF GROUNDS FOR TEAM BUILDING AND WALKS.

For more details call the Hotline on 0845 230 1414.

Winter special offers from Conference Aston, Birmingham

Conferencing offers at Conference Aston Winter 2010 !

Day Delegate Rate from £25.00 per person inclusive of Service and VAT
Rate includes
Main Meeting Room Hire
3 Servings of Fairtrade Tea and Coffee
Working Sandwich Lunch
Flipchart and Stand
LCD Projector and Screen
Free Wifi
Mineral Water
Pads and Pens

Rate is subject to availability and is not available in conjunction with any other offer and is based on a minimum of 10 people. Valid from 1st December until 28th February 2011


24 Hour Rate from £85.00 per person inclusive of Service and VAT
Rate includes
Main Meeting Room Hire
3 Servings of Fairtrade Tea and Coffee
Working Sandwich Lunch
Flipchart and Stand
LCD Projector and Screen
Free Wifi
Mineral Water
Pads and Pens
Three Course Dinner
Overnight Accommodation
Full English Breakfast

Rate is subject to availability and is not available in conjunction with any other offer and is based on a minimum of 10 people. Valid from 1st December until 28th February 2011

For more details visit Conference Aston, Birmingham or call 0845 230 1414.

Free pastries! Special offer from The Pitt Building, Cambridge

Free pastries at The Pitt Building!

The Pitt Building is pleased to offer complimentary pastries on arrival for any new booking that is to take place in January 2011.

Please contact the Hotline for further information: 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk


For more details visit The Pitt Building, Cambridge - Conference Centres of Excellence

Bring your team together - special offer from Missenden Abbey Conference Centre

As February is the month when people get together we want to make it easier for you to do so!

To bring the team together and enjoy the benefits of getting away, we have a special promotion of £140 and £45 for our residential and day rate package.

And as February is the month for couples, any bookings taken during this period we will honour the same rates for your next booking!

For more information on this great offer, please call CCE on 0845 230 1414 - please quote FEB011 when booking.

Valid between 23 November 2010 and 28 February 2011. Applies to new bookings only and is subject to availability.

For further details visit Missenden Abbey Conference Centre, Buckinghamshire or ring the Hotline on 0845 230 1414.

Warwick Conferences welcomes industry's finest chefs

Scarman training and conference centre, part of Warwick Conferences in Coventry, recently hosted the final of a prestigious cooking competition.

The 2010 Conference Centres of Excellence (CCE) / International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) Chefs’ Challenge is a culinary showdown that pitches the finest chefs in the conference industry against each other.

Anthony Lishman, executive director at Conference Centres of Excellence, said: “Scarman has hosted the Chefs’ Challenge dinner and awards for several years.

“As an award-winning venue with a tremendously high reputation for the quality of its food, it symbolises the whole purpose of the competition: to elevate the standards of food within the UK’s dedicated conference venues to the highest possible levels, whilst allowing the chefs to develop their skills.

“Scarman provides a modern, stylish and truly impressive location for the event, with outstanding on-site accommodation for competitors, sponsors and other guests.

“Without the all-round contribution of Scarman, the Challenge would face great difficulty in achieving the standards of prestige and organisation that underpin its success.”

The Chefs’ Challenge invites entries from the 37 members of the Conference Centres of Excellence consortium of specialist venues and from members of IACC.

The finalists are selected on the basis of written menus and then compete in an ‘against the clock’ cook-off at Stratford-upon-Avon College.

The overall winner was Martin Thliveros, sous chef at The Beardmore Conference Centre in Clydebank near Glasgow.

Richard Harrison, chairman of Conference Centres of Excellence and organiser of this year’s Challenge, presented Martin with the winner’s trophy.

He said: “All of the competitors worked tremendously hard and there were some amazing and ingenious creations.

“It was a perfect illustration of the standards of cuisine that are now available at leading conference venues.”

For more details call the Hotline on 0845 230 1414 or visit Scarman Training and Conference Centre, Coventry - Conference Centres of Excellence

Gold award from Green Business Tourism Scheme for Henley Business School

Henley's aim to implement proactive measures to help safeguard and sustain the local, national and global environment has been nationally acknowledged by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Henley Business School at the University of Reading, is one of the first Business Schools in the UK to achieve a gold award under the new version of the rigorous criteria.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme is the leading sustainable tourism certification scheme in the UK. The scheme honours venues that demonstrate high levels of commitment
in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable business and tourism with bronze, silver and gold awards. Award winners are scrutinised on over 145 separate measures by external assessors before being appointed the relevant award.

Alan Brand, Director of Hotel and Estate Services at Greenlands commented:
'It is our aim to become an industry leader in environmental management and contribute to a sustainable future. We are therefore delighted to receive recognition for our efforts so far and we will continue to strive to do all we can as a business to protect the environment at Greenlands for future generations. Our Business School clients and Conference Organisers are increasingly looking for venues with 'green' credentials, so we're delighted that we can now host events with minimal impact on the environment. This award follows our recent success in achieving ISO 14001 accreditation which is the internationally accepted standard in recognition for implementing an effective Environmental Management System.'

Henley Business School, Oxfordshire - Conference Centres of Excellence

Amazing offers from Conference Aston, Birmingham

£25.00 Day Delegate Rate
Hurry and don't miss out on Conference Aston's £25.00 Day Delegate Rate. Thinking you need a meeting but you want to watch your budget without cutting back on the quality of the venue and service then this offer is perfect for you.

Offer is subject to availability, and is based on meetings of 10 or more people and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or offer, rates include VAT.

Special Day Delegate Rate includes:

Purpose built main meeting room;
3 Servings of fairtrade tea, coffee and biscuits;
Working Sandwich Lunch
Meeting room stationery including flipchart, pens and paper;
LCD projector and screen;
Offer is subject to availability.

Call us to discuss your needs on 0845 230 1414 quoting "£25.00" or email info@cceonline.co.uk

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, Conference Aston gave to me…
Get a little more out of the festive season this year with Conference Aston’s “12 Days of Christmas” promotion.
Book and return your contract for your December 2010 and January and February 2011 meetings by 23rd December 2010 and add a little extra to your conference, meeting or event by choosing one of the following free of charge as part of our twelve days of Christmas promotion:

Book 12 delegates and only pay for 10

Complimentary syndicate room

Half a bottle of house wine per person (Residential Conferences with dinner booked only; available on one evening)

Complimentary laptop and projector during your event

Arrival bacon rolls and coffee

Bedroom for the organiser/trainer

Orange juice with lunch

20% off your next day or residential conference for up to 20 delegates (valid until 30th June 2011)

Fruit bowls in delegates’ bedrooms

3D glasses for the 3D TV in the bar (Subject to availability and 3D TV programme times)

Half price first drink at the bar for residential delegates on one night only

£25 worth of free photocopying

Take advantage of the 12 Days of Christmas offer which is available for new enquiries received from 13th October 2010 for events taking place from 1st December 2010 until 28th February 2011. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Call us to discuss your needs on 0845 230 1414 quoting "Twelve Days” or email info@cceonline.co.uk

The Leadership Trust - latest new member of Conference Centres of Excellence

A superb venue for conferences and executive training, The Leadership Trust’s warm service and exceptional attention to detail is unparalleled. Set in beautiful surrounds, facilities include a spacious 120 seat lecture theatre, 3 conference suites with 11 syndicate rooms, and a dedicated board room with spacious breakout area. High quality accommodation is combined with exceptional local and seasonal food, and a complementary gymnasium.

Situated close to the M5 and M4, The Leadership Trust is easily accessible from Birmingham, Cardiff and Bristol.

In addition to conferencing and venue hire The Leadership Trust is the UK’s foremost provider of leadership development solutions. A wide selection of open leadership courses is supported by bespoke solutions, executive coaching, applied leadership research and evaluation.

Research projects include the Worldy Leadership Initiative which aims to review leadership wisdom and ask the questions, ‘Have we got it right? and ‘What are we missing?’

For further details or to check availability - call 0845 230 1414 or visit the
Conference Centres of Excellence website here

Save over £240 a day at Henley Business School, Oxfordshire

Book a residential event for a minimum of 8 delegates during January or February 2011 for a special 24 hour rate of £165.00 + vat person - a saving of £30 per person per day.

Bookings must be made before 22nd December 2010.

To book call 0845 230 1414 and ask for 'Henley January and February offer' - to find out more visit Henley Business School, Oxfordshire - Conference Centres of Excellence

Taking the Venue to the Client - Lane End Conference Centre @ConferenceFresh

Lane End Conference Centre have launched a brand new initiative to make booking space and organising events easier and more cost effective. They will help companies to cut cost and reduce the time of organising conferences by ‘bringing the venue to them’.

For more details visit their blog at Conference Fresh or to read more about Lane End Conference Centre or other members of Conference Centres of Excellence please visit our website here.

Positive attitude and out-of-town location boosts prospects for Lane End Conference Centre

Unlike most other venues, Buckinghamshire’s Lane End Conference Centre is experiencing a healthy upturn in enquiries from organisers. It’s the product of a determined response to current market pressures by providing even more value without compromising quality – and a location that’s close to the city but without all its penalties in terms of cost and hassle.  Read more via the Conference Fresh blog here ....

To find out more about Lane End Conference Centre and other members of Conference Centres of Excellence visit the website or call 0845 230 1414 for a free Meeting Planner.

Learning is better retained in dedicated training environment, says leading venue group

Conference Centres of Excellence, the UK’s largest consortium of dedicated conference and training centres, believes that the effectiveness of training events carried out in dedicated environments is increased by between 10% and 15% compared to non-specialist venues. It now intends to commission formal research into the issue.

Its belief is founded on ongoing dialogue between the consortium and its 37 members, who include many of the country’s most prominent specialist venues, several of which also offer their own management training courses.

“In a traditional training event held in a specialist venue, we believe that there is a benefit of an additional 10-15% in retained learning – which is a significant benefit to productivity or individual performance back in the work place,” says Anthony Lishman, Executive Director of Conference Centres of Excellence: “For the trainer and for delegates, a dedicated venue brings focus and absence of distraction, services and facilities dedicated to communications, and support staff who understand the challenge – all of which optimise the success of the event.”

Conference Centres of Excellence currently has 38 members, which include many of the country’s most respected providers. All member venues provide facilities and staff dedicated to the process of communications and learning. The consortium provides a free, focused venue-finding service for organisers of training events and meetings. Called ‘Hotline’, it provides single-source guidance on facilities, availability and rates for all member venues. The service can be contacted on 0845 230 1414, email info@cceonline.co.uk  . The consortium’s website http://www.cceonline.co.uk/  includes extensive information on all members.


Learning is better retained in dedicated training environment, says leading venue group

Free drinks reception *special offer* from The Beardmore - Glasgow

Free drinks reception for all residential conferences over 80 delegates. Bookings must be confirmed by 31 March 2011.

For more details visit The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre or call the CCE Hotline team on 0845 230 1414.

The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre - Glasgow awarded Gold !

The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre’s Martin Thliveros was awarded Gold at the 2010 Conference Centres of Excellence/International Association of Conference Centres Chefs’ Challenge.

The awards are highly prized and the Chefs’ Challenge invites entries from the 37 members of the CCE consortium and members of IACC. Finalists are selected on the basis of written menus, and then compete in an ‘against the clock’ cook-off at Stratford-upon-Avon College.

Speaking after his win, Martin said: “I spent a lot of time preparing my menu and was delighted with the results on the day. However, I was still shocked to take home the top award as the competition was extremely tough and the menus were all exceptional.”

He added: “I have had great encouragement from the entire team at the Beardmore and this win is testament to their support and training. However, I will not ‘rest on my laurels’ following this award, at the Beardmore we continually strive to improve on the first-class service we consistently offer our customers.”

Martin clinched the Gold Medal with a menu of:

• Starter – Ballentine of Sea Trout with a Shallot and Radish Salad, Caviar Crème Fraiche.
• Main – Breast and Thigh of Chicken with Celeriac Puree, Wild Mushroom & Bacon with a Roasting Jus and Truffle Foam.
• Dessert – Terrine of Apple and Cinnamon, Apple Sorbet and Cinnamon Cream with Toffee Apples and Caramel Custard.

The Beardmore’s Head Chef, Iain Ramsay, said: “We are all delighted for Martin. The competition was extremely tough and Martin put every effort in to produce an exceptional menu. He was extremely deserving of the top award.”

The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre, Glasgow - Conference Centres of Excellence

Conference Centres of Excellence aims at careful expansion

MyVenues.co.uk interview with Richard Harrison, general manager at Warwick Conferences’ award-winning venue Scarman House. Richard is the new chairman of Conference Centres of Excellence, the UK’s largest consortium of dedicated venues.

Want to win vouchers for Jimmy Choo, Gucci or an Event Organiser's Masterclass™?

Come and see Conference Centres of Excellence at the CIPD's Annual Conference & Exhibition this week in Manchester.  We will be exhibiting on Stand C185 alongside representatives from some of our member venues:

• Ashorne Hill
• Conference Aston
• Kents Hill Park Training & Conference Centre
• Lane End Conference Centre
• Woodland Grange

Make an appointment to come and see us or just call by for a coffee and a chat.  Visitors to the Conference Centres of Excellence stand have the chance to win one of many fabulous prizes including - 

• A bottle of Champagne
• £150 Gucci voucher
• £300 Jimmy Choo Voucher
• 2 free places at an Event Organiser's Masterclass™

Want to know more?  Call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk today

Special Offer from Lane End Conference Centre

Lane End Conference Centre, High Wycombe
Special offer 03/11/2010 - 31/12/2010

Receive 6 Bottles of our finest wine with every new enquiry you confirm with us for 2011.

This offer is valid until 31st December 2010.  To enquire call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Click here to see Special Offers from Conference Centres of Excellence

Special Offers for November from The Manor House, Godalming, Surrey

Marvellous Mondays and fabulous Fridays

24 Hr Rate £150 + vat

DDR £50 + vat

½ DDR £40 + vat

AM/PM £20 + vat

Terrific Tuesdays, Wonderful Wednesdays and Thoughtful Thursdays

24 Hr Rate £160 + vat

DDR £60 + vat

½ DDR £45 + vat

AM/PM £20 + vat

To check availability call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

The Manor House, Godalming, Surrey - Conference Centres of Excellence

Latest information from The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre - Scottish Business Hotel of the Year 2010

Named Scottish Business Hotel of the Year 2010, the Beardmore has an active green strategy and holds the Green Gold Tourist award. Fair trade produce and local suppliers are used where possible. Nourishing healthy food developed specifically for the conference sector is all freshly prepared on site.

Whether catering for two to 240, our meeting rooms can be set-up in a number of different ways to suit your needs. The large foyer area is perfect for small exhibitions, mingling and networking.

With easy access to the M8 Motorway, the rail network, The Beardmore provides a complimentary pick up service from Glasgow airport.

For more details or to check availability call the Hotline on 0845 230 1414 or visit the CCE website here: The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre, Glasgow - Conference Centres of Excellence

Event Organisers’ Masterclass™ & FREE Venue Survey Guide

This day-long course is designed to give you real guidance that can help you save time and money for an event that will really impress your delegates.

The course shows you:

- The key ingredients for a successful event
- How to create conference objectives and themes
- A step-by-step guide to event management
- Marketing – how to recruit delegates to events
- Managing speakers and how to avoid cancellations
- How to get sponsorship for your event
- Money-saving tips ... and much more! (please see attached Itinerary for details)

FREE Venue Survey Guide

Apart from the 100-page workbook which you can refer to when you’re organising your next event, you will also receive a Free Venue Survey Guide which includes over 80 questions to ask a venue when you’re evaluating a new home for your event.

The details of the masterclass are:

Date: Tuesday 23 November (09.00 to 5.15)

Venue: Lane End Conference Centre, Church Road, Lane End, Buckinghamshire, HP14 3HH (Tel: 01494 881171)

Enrol: Save £110 by enrolling early:
£285 (+vat) Enrol between now and Tuesday 16 November (save £110)
£395 (+vat) Enrol between above date and Monday 22 November (full rate)

Green agenda drives Farncombe's multi-million new build at Cotswold Conference Centre, Midlands

Work began this week on the £3.5m building of a 32-bedroom facility for Cotswold Conference Centre on the Farncombe Estate. The event was marked by recently appointed Managing Director Mark Philip-Sorensen turning the first clod of earth on the 2-acre site. Farncombe Estate’s commitment to local sourcing was endorsed by the appointment of local Willersey groundwork’s firm Hemmings Services and midlands builder - Carters. Materials, wherever possible, have also been sourced locally including stone from a nearby Cotswold quarry and wood from Hillbarn Sawmills, Snowshill.
The design by Evesham based Ward and Dale Smith is that of a single story building surrounding a feature courtyard (see artwork for visual).

Mark chose to take on the running of the Farncombe Estate which specialises in 24/7 training and learning for the corporate and leisure markets when his father, Jorgen Philip-Sorensen died earlier this year. Mark said of the decision: “We have superb facilities here and a great team of people. The environment we have in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also complemented by the ‘can-do’ culture of our long serving staff. In such a positive environment we are able to put on better and more effective courses both for business and pleasure, hence enabling clients to get a good return on their objectives. What you need for efficient learning is plenty of natural light, no distractions, fresh air and an inspiring environment. We certainly have an abundance of all these here.”

Farncombe currently holds a bronze award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme and Mark is committed to personally taking the company forward to eventually earn silver and gold standards. He said: “I’m personally committed to making Farncombe one of the greenest venues in the midlands. When it comes to sustainability, we’re using the best materials and the best technologies to make sure heat loss is reduced in this very exciting project which we’re delighted to be working on with reliable local companies”.

Despite the economic downturn, Farncombe has seen increased demand this year for the facility and has been able to both recruit new staff and commit to increasing its bedroom stock. A refurbishment programme will also see four new family suites come on line next year and with the new build, total bedrooms by the autumn 2011 will nearly double to 89.

Nick Akerman, head of sales at the facility said that 75% of business is repeat which is a testament on its own. He added: “We are always adapting and evolving in this rapidly changing commercial environment. We often refer to it as dancing with our customers – being able to move in time using the right steps with our partners. As a dedicated niche venue we are providing specialist support and services to specific industry sectors during the week and offering the perfect leisure learning environment at weekends and the facilities just keep getting better and better.”

Cotswold Conference Centre, Midlands - Conference Centres of Excellence

Corporate venue finding, chefs in a cook-off, and the CIPD

Read our latest enews here : http://dmtrk.co.uk/t/DUT-7YDC-5C1NZWIHF3/cr.aspx

Critical Link conference organised at Conference Aston, Birmingham

Conference Aston is celebrating event managing a prestigious international interpretation conference from start to finish. Working alongside academics at Aston University, its team successfully managed the 6th international Critical Link conference and welcomed more than 320 delegates from 37 countries to the four day event.
The unique event brought together representatives from every sphere of the worldwide community of public service interpreting, including academics, interpreting practitioners, employers, trainers, policy makers, service providers and service recipients. The team at Conference Aston handled all aspects of the event management of the conference, working behind the scenes to ensure a seamless event. "We worked closely with Aston University to create the identity of the Critical Link conference, creating the website and emailers, registering delegates and managing the programme," said head of sales and marketing Christine Page.
"Our events team also worked with exhibitors and sponsors throughout the lead up to the conference, handled all accommodation bookings and managed every aspect of the running of conference throughout the four days. It was the biggest conference we have held since our event management service launched earlier this year and it is a credit to the team that it ran so smoothly."

Conference Aston, Birmingham

Connection upgrade for Wyboston Lakes

The conference and training centre at Wyboston Lakes has upgraded its site–wide broadband service to 100 MBs. It is ten times the speed previously supplied, and is believed to be by some way the fastest speed available within any UK specialist conference venue.

The enhancement reflects the fact that Wyboston Lakes is the country's largest privately owned single site dedicated conference provider, often with several events happening simultaneously across the three separate venues on its 350 acre site between Cambridge and Bedford.

The improved broadband facility means the availability of a completely reliable site–wide service in all working, residential and rest areas, which is free to all conference clients and delegates. It will provide a sector-leading platform for video–conferencing and the streaming of events. The service will also ensure that 'internet–hungry' events – such as particularly large training events and conferences where delegates need to access the web to download files, run live links, view webcam presentations or network with other groups – can be run with complete confidence, and do not put at risk the service to other clients.

"Our previous capacity of 10 MBs was more than adequate for most situations, but now we have truly immense flexibility," explained Mark Jennings, information and communication systems manager at Wyboston Lakes.

Waterfront Conference Centre, Bedfordshire - Conference Centres of Excellence

Cutbacks will increase need for effective meetings, says Conference Centres of Excellence

The recession has already proved that effective meetings still play a major role in the business of the most progressive organisations – and the impending government cutbacks will reinforce that message. As National Meetings and Events Week arrives, that’s the view of Anthony Lishman, Executive Director of Conference Centres of Excellence, the UK’s largest consortium of dedicated conference venues.

'The full impact of the Government’s cutbacks, which of course won’t only affect business from the public service but also from its suppliers, has only just begun to be felt. But our belief is that the process will actually generate potential business for specialist centres.

That’s because in times of economic retrenchment, companies need effective meetings more than ever. Communicating confidently face to face with customers through successful events is even more vital … not cutting back on them and relying on e-communications. And internally, when businesses are faced with reducing their headcount, it’s all the more essential to optimise the contributions of those who stay – by training, by briefing, by creating any occasion to bring them together and reinforce the sense of common purpose.

Read more at MyVenues.co.uk

Latest Chefs Challenge underlines quality of food in dedicated venues

Martin Thliveros, sous chef at The Beardmore Conference Centre in Clydebank near Glasgow, has won the 2010 Conference Centres of Excellence/IACC Chefs’ Challenge.

The Chefs’ Challenge was first established in the 1990’s. It invites entries from members of the Conference Centres of Excellence consortium of specialist venues, and from members of IACC, the International Association of Conference Centres. Finalists are selected on the basis of written menus, and then compete in an ‘against the clock’ cook-off.

The purpose of the Challenge is to underpin the exceptional quality of food now served in specialist conference and training venues: “In fact, there are two objectives,” explains Anthony Lishman, Executive Director of Conference Centres of Excellence: “To elevate the standards of food within the UK’s dedicated conference venues to the highest possible levels, whilst allowing the chefs to develop their skills even further.”

Martin clinched the Gold Medal with a varied three course menu which placed great demands on his culinary skills and his ability to work against a very tight schedule. His starter was ballentine of sea trout with caviar crème fraiche, shallot and radish salad and aioli. His main course was breast and thigh of chicken with celeriac puree, wild mushroom and bacon, with a roasting jus and truffle foam. His dessert was terrine of apple and cinnamon, apple sorbet and cinnamon cream with toffee apples and caramel custard.

The Silver Medal went to Gajraj Sharma of IET: Savoy Place in London, who also won the award for ‘best main course’. The Bronze Medal was clinched by Victor Chin Fai Chan, of the Woodside in Kenilworth. The ‘best starter’ award was won by Gavin Kellett of Barnett Hill near Guildford, who also won the ‘best wine selection’ award. Ben Morris of Nottingham’s National College for School Leadership won ‘best dessert’, while the ‘best hygiene’ award was taken by Jennifer Goff of Birmingham’s Maple House.

The awards event took place at Scarman House conference venue, part of the Warwick Conferences group. “Despite the demands of this prestigious competition, this year’s finalists once again produced exceptional results,” said Richard Harrison, chairman of Conference Centres of Excellence and organiser of this year’s Challenge, who presented Martin with his winner’s trophy: “All of them worked tremendously hard and there were some amazing and ingenious creations: it was a perfect illustration of the standards of cuisine that are now available at leading conference venues.”

Latest Chefs Challenge underlines quality of food in dedicated venues

Access Conference Centres of Excellence through its free Hotline service!

Conference Centres of Excellence provides a free, focused venue-finding service for corporate clients and agencies, providing single-source guidance on facilities, availability and price for each member venue; it also arranges visits. The services can be contacted on 0845 230 1414, email info@cceonline.co.uk .

For more details and latest special offers visit http://www.cceonline.co.uk/Special-Offers

Grant Bundy, Chef de Partie at Stirling Management Centre won best in show at a recent Salon Culinaire

Grant Bundy, Chef de Partie at Stirling Management Centre won best in show at a recent Salon Culinaire, held at the Centre on 6 October 2010. Thirty-two entrants from Sodexo establishments all over Scotland competed in different classes to showcase their talents. Grant, whose entry was a dessert tart, will now go to the Sodexo Awards Ceremony in London in November. Salon Culinaire tests participants expertise in preparing dishes in a range of categories.

According to Alan Tonks, Sodexo¹s event organiser, the Salon Culinaire gives aspiring chefs a chance to shine, competing against their peers, learning from one another and helping keep standards high. We look forward to our competitions attracting more entrants in future, building towards future success for Sodexo and our clients.

Gail Miller, Business Manager at SMC said: We were pleased to host this Salon Culinaire. It shows the versatility of our Silver Glen suite and we¹re delighted with how well our team performed. Our Executive Chef, Raymond Thompson believes firmly in developing his team¹s talents and SMC diners continue to benefit from the fruits of their labours!

Raymond's philosophy brought further rewards when Ross McCormack from Stirling Management Centre won Sodexo Scottish Junior Chef of the Year in a competition held at Motherwell College on 8 October. Ross produced two portions of a two-course meal, (the main course to include chicken) in one hour. He will now compete for the UK title at Ascot later in October.

Stirling Management Centre, Stirling - Conference Centres of Excellence

12 days Christmas offer from Conference Aston, Birmingham

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS, Conference Aston gave to me…

Get a little more out of the festive season this year with Conference Aston’s “12 Days of Christmas” promotion.

Book and return your contract for your December 2010 and January and February 2011 meetings by 23rd December 2010 and add a little extra to your conference, meeting or event by choosing one of the following free of charge as part of our twelve days of Christmas promotion:

Book 12 delegates and only pay for 10

Complimentary syndicate room

Half a bottle of house wine per person (Residential Conferences with dinner booked only; available on one evening)

Complimentary laptop and projector during your event

Arrival bacon rolls and coffee

Bedroom for the organiser/trainer

Orange juice with lunch

20% off your next day or residential conference for up to 20 delegates (valid until 30th June 2011)

Fruit bowls in delegates’ bedrooms

3D glasses for the 3D TV in the bar (Subject to availability and 3D TV programme times)

Half price first drink at the bar for residential delegates on one night only

£25 worth of free photocopying

Take advantage of the 12 Days of Christmas offer which is available for new enquiries received from 13th October 2010 for events taking place from 1st December 2010 until 28th February 2011. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Call us to discuss your needs on 0845 230 1414 quoting "Twelve Days”

Conference Aston, Birmingham

Warwick Conferences wins 5th Award in 2010

Warwick Conferences wins 5th Award in 2010 - "Best Conference Venue" at the Coventry and Warwickshire Godiva Awards

Warwick Conferences was recognised again as a market leader again last night at the prestigious Godiva Awards with a "Best Conference Venue" award win at the Coventry and Warwickshire Godiva Awards.

Alan Robinson, Director of Training and Conference Centres, and June Picken, Client Relationship Manager, collected the coveted Godiva Award and thanked all staff and clients for their dedication and loyalty to Warwick Conferences over the past 12 months.

The Godiva Award comes in addition to four Gold Awards won at the Meetings and Incentive Travel Awards earlier in the year.

BBC - Listen to the highlights of the 2010 Godiva Awards

Roffey Park, West Sussex - Conference Centres of Excellence

Festive themed private dining with complimentary glass of mulled wine available to residential conferences that take place before 23rd December. (Minimum of 10 delegates)

Special rates apply on selected dates

Call 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk quoting "Christmas Cracker"


Roffey Park, West Sussex - Conference Centres of Excellence

Event Organisers' Masterclass™ at Lane End Conference Centre

As part of its ongoing commitment to provide a dedicated service and specialist advice to all their clients, Lane End Conference we will be hosting a series of the Event Organisers' Masterclass™.

Given that there are few business activities which impact the reputation of the organisation (and the organiser) more than an event, vague leave-it-to-chance planning is just not good enough. People are involved ¬ and what they experience makes all the difference.

Because an event is usually a one-off deal to those who attend, any opinions formed from the event are usually long-lasting if not unshakeable. People seldom return and give you a second chance if they weren’t impressed. It has to go right first time.
This is where the Event Organisers’ MasterclassTM comes useful. You receive all the answers and guidance you need in one day for your event to run smoothly. The course is designed to help you achieve a successful event, on time and within budget.

Martin Ison, managing director of communications and training company Micomms and the main tutor of the course, said: “First impressions count for a huge amount in business. And, because you never get a second chance to make a first impression, it’s dangerous to leave any detail to chance. You can really tell which events have been organised by an experienced pair of hands; people may not catch the details but they certainly get the feeling if something’s not quite right.”

The day long course consists of ten sections and shows delegates the ins and outs of the planning and execution stages of an event. From setting objectives and themes, through to managing speakers; working with venues; briefing AV crews; and marketing ¬ including 12 essentials for gaining sponsorship to contribute towards costs ¬ there is all you need to know about staging a successful event.

Chartered Institute of Marketing CPD Accredited

Apart from providing much needed lessons from practical experience, the course also helps those interested in gaining continuous professional development (CPD) qualifications. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s CPD programme, the Event Organisers’ MasterclassTM is the ideal source of practical skills development for the event and conference organiser.

100-page reference manual and free Venue Survey Guide

As part of the course, delegates receive a 100-page reference Workbook that acts as both a learning aid and a reference publication. Delegates also receive a free Venue Survey Guide which includes an 80-point questionnaire to help to establish whether a venue is right for your event.

“The first workshop, taking place on the 26th October, has already proofed to be very popular and we are planning to run at least 6 of these workshops over the next year.” Heni Fourie, Sales & Marketing Manager at Lane End Conference Centre.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the course, simply contact us to request your own PDF brochure by email to:

Heni Fourie
Sales & Marketing Manager
Lane End Conference Centre
01494 887662 or 07809 395062
heni.fourie@lane-end-conferences.co.uk

Lane End Conference Centre, High Wycombe - Conference Centres of Excellence

Indian Summer Evening at Chartridge Conference venue raises £7500 for charity | 24 Plus News

A charity dining evening organised by Hitchin-based businessman and entrepreneur Dr Bipin Patel was attended by over 170 people and raised over £7000 which will be donated to Barnardo’s and the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.

Bipin, who has a passion for authentic Indian food, teamed up with Hitchin Priory’s head chef Steve Hepworth to create an ‘Indian Summer’s Evening’ which was held at the historic conference centre near to the town centre.

Guests were entertained by a display of traditional Indian dancing followed by a banquet of unusual but original Indian dishes created by Bipin with his own authentic natural ingredients and superbly prepared with Steve’s culinary expertise.

More about Chartridge Conference Company
The Chartridge Conference Company runs and manages five dedicated conference and meeting venues located in the Home Counties and West Midlands. All CCC venues are set in out-of-the-ordinary locations that provide the perfect secluded environment for meetings. All venues provide the highest standards of fully equipped training facilities in rooms that are bright, inviting and adaptable with on-site technical support. Superb food is created with care and flair by dedicated chefs, and when the learning is over, delegates can relax in style in beautiful and peaceful surroundings. The ethos of CCC is to successfully combine total professionalism, excellent value in a friendly relaxing environment. CCC is a member of MIA and Conference Centres of Excellence

Indian Summer Evening at Hitchin Priory raises £7500 for charity 24 Plus News

imago provides the missing Link for business people on the move

imago, the leading conference and events business based at Loughborough University, officially opened the doors of its brand new hotel called The Link on Wednesday 29th September 2010.

Aptly named because of its excellent transport routes and ties with the university, The Link boasts excellent accommodation and top of the range facilities which create the perfect business hub, all on a budget. With this new gem added to its portfolio, The Link marks a new phase in the successful growth of imago's popular hotel and conferencing brand.

imago provides the missing Link for business people on the move

The right venues, the right quality, the right budget

Why Conference Centres of Excellence?
Quite simply because we are the only marketing consortium of top quality dedicated conference and training centres in the UK. Our skills and resources are focused on business, learning and team building. Visit our website and download a free brochure or email info@cceonline.co.uk for more details.

Our quality promise
The hallmark of Conference Centres of Excellence is the standard of quality provided by each of our members: comprehensively embracing facilities, staff and service, it is the highest standard within the specialist venue sector.

A free venue finding service
The CCE Hotline Team offer a specialist venue finding service for corporate clients which is absolutely free.
With a wealth of experience in the meeting and events industry and a commitment to long-term client relationships, we are here to help you find the right venue with the right facilities at the right price. Call 0845 230 1414 to find out more.


The right venues, the right quality, the right budget

Green Venues and Greener Business with Conference Centres of Excellence

CCE VENUES WITH ECO-CONFERENCING IN MIND

 

• Arden Training & Conference Centre, Coventry
• Ashorne Hill, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
• Aston Business School Conference Centre, Birmingham
• Cotswold Conference Centre, Midlands
• Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire
• Henley Business School, Oxfordshire
• imago at Burleigh Court International Conference Centre, Leicestershire
• Maple House, Birmingham
• Missenden Abbey Conference Centre, Buckinghamshire
• Radcliffe Training & Conference Centre, Coventry
• Roffey Park, West Sussex
• Scarman House Training & Conference Centre, Coventry
• Stirling Management Centre, Stirling
• The Manor House, Godalming, Surrey
• Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, Hinxton Hall, Cambridge
• Woodland Grange Conference Centre, Leamington Spa

For more details visit our website Green Venues and Greener Business with Conference Centres of Excellence or call 0845 230 1414

Lots of activity at Lane End Conference Centre !

Lane End Training and Conference Centre is one of the most active specialist venues, with a growing customer base. Its increasingly high profile is not only down to the facilities and the service that it offers, but to the efforts it makes to provide different options, and optimised value for organisers. Here’s its latest news update.

Lots of activity at Lane End! - Venues - Features - Conference Magazine, Event Exhibition Magazine, Event Organisers, Find Me A Venue, Corporate Events - myvenues.co.uk

Woodland Grange Conference Centre Leamington Spa - elegant style & rural tranquility

The blend of elegant style, rural tranquility and exceptional facilities makes Woodland Grange an outstanding environment for conferences, meetings and training events alike. Whether you need to host a meeting for six, a full-scale presentation for 200 people, a team building exercise or a training course, Woodland Grange provides the facilities to offer you the perfect solution, with 13 conference/training suites, all with the latest hi-specification equipment backed up by specialist on-site technical support, and 13 dedicated breakout rooms.

Woodland Grange Conference Centre Leamington Spa - www.CCEOnline.co.uk

Royal Pharmaceutical Society | The Moller Centre

The Møller Centre is a modern and purpose-built conference and training venue in the grounds of Churchill College in Cambridge – easily accessible by road, train and air. Car parking facilities are available.

Royal Pharmaceutical Society Venue and accommodation

Full use of extensive leisure facilities including tennis courts & cinema

Stirling Management Centre is Scotland's premier management and conference venue, set in the rolling parkland campus of the University of Stirling. Purpose-built, the Centre's superior level of facilities and services compare with any first class hotel. The spectacular Windows on the Wallace conservatory is the last word in flexibility, hosting high tech conferences and exhibitions by day and high profile private dinners under the floodlit Wallace monument by night. With a Sales Executive personally dedicated to your pre and post event handling, the success of your event is guaranteed.

ON SITE GAMES ROOM AND EXERCISE ROOM. FULL USE OF EXTENSIVE SPORTS AND LEISURE FACILITIES ON MAIN CAMPUS INCLUDING, SWIMMING POOL, SQUASH AND TENNIS COURTS, CINEMA AND THEATRE.

Stirling Management Centre, Stirling - Conference Centres of Excellence

Roffey Park, West Sussex - Conference Centres of Excellence

Roffey Park offers a unique combination of features for all types of events, from board meetings, small conferences and private dining to larger events catering for up to 120 people. Our meeting rooms offer the latest audio visual technology and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere for participants, with the bonus of specialist support from the staff of one of the UK’s leading management training organisations. But beyond all this, the grounds and the setting in St Leonard’s Forest makes for an especially rewarding and memorable time.

Fitness room, Indoor Pool, Sauna, steam room, Spa, mountain bikes, jog trail, woodland walks.

Roffey Park, West Sussex - Conference Centres of Excellence

Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre, Milton Keynes

Kents Hill Park is a dedicated training and conference centre set in a peaceful location yet within easy access to key road (M1 J13/14), rail and airport networks.

Wtih over 70 meeting rooms and 330 bedrooms combined with our onsite AV Production Team to assist in event production, conference organisers can be assured of a successful event. Delegates have use of our extensive leisure facilities throughout their stay.

17m indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, fully equipped gymnasium, two squash courts, large sports hall for badminton, five a-side football, short tennis, exercise classes and a beauty treatment room.

Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre, Milton Keynes

Autumn/Winter offers from Cranfield Management Development Centre, Bedfordshire

Our residential 24 hour package is reduced to £150.00 + VAT per delegate and the Day Rate is £45.00 + VAT

If you are booking one of our main lecture rooms for a residential conference for 15 delegates or more then the trainer goes free! Don`t miss out on this offer, book today.

Call our Hotline on 0845 230 1414.

Subject to availability.

Cranfield Management Development Centre, Bedfordshire - www.CCEOnline.co.uk

CIPD Event Guide - come and see CCE in Manchester 9-11 November

The CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition provides the ideas, solutions and networking opportunities you need to take your organisation in the right direction.

Conference Centres of Excellence will be attending this exhibition 9-11 November - come and see us on Stand C185.

CIPD EVENT GUIDE - The conferences and exhibitions newsletter

FREE HR Leaders networking event: Developing Dynamic Top Level Teams

HR magazine is making available a few extra spaces to HR directors interested in attending its next HR Leaders Club networking event on October 7.  Click here for further details : Next FREE HR Leaders networking event: Developing Dynamic Top Level Teams

Recent news from Missenden Abbey...

Steve Crawford the Centre Director of Missenden Abbey and Board member of Conference Centres of Excellence has been invited to the House of Commons to meet with other industry figures and ministers. The meeting is to discuss business, leisure and tourism and the impact on the economy ...

Read more via the Missenden Abbey newsletter

Association business on the up for 2011 ...

More than 50 per cent of association executives are expecting more delegates to attend their meetings next year.

News - read more details at meetpie.com

Book your conference for 20 & receive tickets to a West End show!

Book your residential conference for 20 people to receive tickets to a London West End show!

For more information on this great offer, please call 0845 230 1414.

Only valid for residential conferences between 1 October and 30 November 2010. Conferences must be prebooked and please quote NOV01 on booking. Entry only available for a booking of 20 or more people.

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Can your team plot a course across our Swamp using the planks provided? Make sure you avoid the ghoulish spiders, bugs and traps that we've set for you!

For only £75 per team call 0845 230 1414 to take advantage of this exclusive offer, or to see photos and videos of the activity visit http://www.morale-solutions.co.uk/TheSwamp.html

Missenden Abbey Conference Centre, Buckinghamshire

We never forget our role in your success - Chartridge Conference Centre

Set foot inside Chartridge Conference Centre and delight in the elegant surroundings, superb modern conference facilities and top quality service provided by staff with years of experience.

Chartridge is organised for the whole of every business day. During residential conferences, because of the leisure facilities on offer, guests have no need to disperse at the end of the day. Often business is discussed over a drink in the Chartridge pub or around the croquet lawn. Whether entertaining clients, encouraging staff, or launching a new product, Chartridge's singular setting presents an impressive venue.

Chartridge Conference Centre, Buckinghamshire - www.CCEOnline.co.uk

The Pitt Building, Cambridge - Conference Centres of Excellence

Since opening in 2004, the Pitt Building has rapidly and deservedly made its mark as a dedicated, professional venue with high standards of service and facilities at its heart.

A good combination of well-equipped training rooms, meeting rooms and syndicate rooms have all been designed with flexibility in mind and are managed by an experienced events team who are approachable, responsive and fully understand the needs of organisers, trainers and delegates alike.

The Pitt Building, Cambridge - Conference Centres of Excellence

Robinson Executive Conference Centre, Bedfordshire

The Robinson Executive Conference Centre is the ideal venue for mid-week or weekend residential training, conferences, assessments, day meetings, product launches and corporate hospitality events. With superb cuisine created by award-winning chefs, and a range of excellent onsite leisure facilities, delegates really are spoilt for choice!

Please enquire for current offers - email info@cceonline.co.uk or call 0845 230 1414.

Robinson Executive Conference Centre, Bedfordshire

Cranfield Management Development Centre, Bedfordshire - special offers

Autumn & Winter Offers from Cranfield Management Development Centre

Our residential 24 hour package is reduced to £150.00 + VAT per delegate and the Day Rate is £45.00 + VAT

If you are booking one of our main lecture rooms for a residential conference for 15 delegates or more then the trainer goes free! Don`t miss out on this offer, book today.

Call our Hotline on 0845 230 1414.

Cranfield Management Development Centre, Bedfordshire - www.CCEOnline.co.uk

The right choice of venues for the Pharmaceutical Industry

Whether it is the result of tightening rules or a general change of attitude, an increasing number of pharma event organisers are turning away from ‘conventional’ hotels, large conference centres, and other high profile venues.

 

Pharmaceutical organisations are showing a trend away from a reliance on hospitality to a philosophy that really effective communication is the best solution. Using venues that specialise in communications, and offer transparent pricing packages enables them to demonstrate a cost-effective approach which incorporates the appropriate levels of hospitality.

 

ABPI members can choose Conference Centres of Excellence venues and book with confidence. Our venues offer some of the UK’s leading ‘dedicated' conference and training centres and make the ideal choice for the pharma sector :

• venues may have separate buildings which can be hired for exclusive use 
• a focused learning environment, often with high tech facilities (including hospital video links) exceptionally versatile meeting spaces for 20 to 200 
• a "one-stop-shop" to assist with organisational requirements nationwide 
• very high (four star) standards of supporting facilities in terms of residential accommodation, food, leisure facilities and on-sire business support for guests & delegates

 

Conference Centres of Excellence - Venues for the Pharmaceutical Industry

IET London: Savoy Place - Conference Centre of Excellence, London WC2

IET London: Savoy Place is by far one of London's most interesting and versatile venues. Located in the heart of Central London and boasting uninterrupted views across the Thames from St Paul's Cathedral to the Houses of Parliament, Savoy Place retains all the character of a famous Institution, fused with modern, plush furnishings and state-of-the-art audio-visual technology.

Consisting of 19 impressive rooms, that can accommodate 462 theatre style, 250 for a banquet or just 8 for an intimate meeting, Savoy Place will surpass all your events expectations.

Call 0845 230 1414 or visit IET London: Savoy Place - Conference Centre of Excellence, London WC2 to enquire

Broadway House Conference Centre London

Close to the London Eye, Houses of Parliament & Tate Britain, Broadway House is dedicated exclusively to business events and that means all customer needs are completely understood and met with outstanding facilities and faultless service. Whether it is a business meeting, training programme, team building exercise or conference, the focus is on making the event a simple, streamlined success. Complemented by freshly prepared menus to suit any occasion, working lunches, informal buffets, canapé receptions or fine dining can be provided within your work space or in a private dining room.

For full details visit Broadway House, London - Conference Centres of Excellence or call 0845 230 1414

76 Portland Place, flexible conference facilities in central London

76 Portland Place is a synergy between the old and the new- the contemporary conference, meetings and events facilities combined with the impressive Georgian buildings of the Institute of Physics. Just ten minutes walk from five tube stations and within easy reach of Euston & Paddington main line stations; 76 Portland Place is the perfect venue to meet, train and entertain.

Thirteen flexible meeting rooms come in various sizes from large corporate seminar rooms down to small meeting rooms accommodating from 2 to 170 delegates.

From board meetings and conferences to corporate parties, from training and team building to private dining, from live webcasts to evening receptions. This is the place to hold any event.


13 conference/lecture rooms (all air conditioned)
170 capacity Theatre rooms

For more details visit Portland Place Conference Centre London or call 0845 230 1414

Members of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) & Conference Centres of Excellence

Venues for the Pharmaceutical Industry
Whether it is the result of tightening rules or a general change of attitude, there is evidence of an increasing number of pharma event organisers turning away from ‘conventional’ hotels, large conference centres, and other high profile venues. Members of Conference Centres of Excellence, the consortium of some of the UK’s leading ‘dedicated' conference venues, is experiencing a significant growth in business from the sector.

 

CCE thinks the change may be attributable to two factors. Because of their focus, dedicated venues optimise the communications process, and help maximise the receptiveness of guests. CCE believes that the pharma sector is showing a trend away from a reliance on hospitality to ‘clinch the sale’, to a philosophy that really effective communication is the best solution.

 

CCE also believes that organisers are increasingly aware that using venues that specialise in communications, which offer transparent, all inclusive event packages, enables them to demonstrate a cost-effective approach which incorporates a level of hospitality that is by any objective standards, appropriate and relevant.

The progressive tightening of standards within the pharmaceutical industry seems to be having a direct effect on the business levels of CCE members: we are noting a significant increase in the volume of pharma sales events and other meetings.

 

Fit for purpose
There could be a number of reasons for this. It may be that organisers are looking for the more focused, practical environment that specialist venues can provide. Though all our centres provide excellent environments, their business is communications rather than glamour and overt hospitality. The potential problem with hotels and very large conference centres is that they give a ‘no-expense spared’ impression, even if the organiser is very careful to restrict expenditure.

 

Equally, in terms of creating the right impression on your guests, how can you go to a big hotel or large conference centre complex and then limit yourself to a small meeting room and a few sandwiches? Guests might to a certain extent respect that, but almost inevitably the overall impression will not reflect particularly well on the organisers. Looking small in a large environment may suggest the same about your company.

 

There is also potentially a problem if you try to downsize to a smaller hotel. Apart from overall standards of service and facility probably being lower than you need, there will be less flexibility and fewer staff available to support the event. If you consider an exclusive smaller hotel to achieve that better service, your costs – both real and perceived -- are likely to be very high indeed.

 

Many dedicated conference centres are quite large and imposing, but because their facilities are focused, the quality of the meeting is never compromised and the standard of knowledgeable, informed staff support is likely to be higher than at any non specialist venue. The impression they give is of managed direct communications. Room space is exceptionally versatile, but whether the meeting is for 20 or 200, it will never feel lost, or as if you’re under-utilising the facility. And because there aren’t other irrelevant activities going on – such as groups of tourists waiting for their coach, or children running about, or waiters rushing around with drinks, or an ever open bar, the feel of every meeting is that it’s exclusive.

 

Change of focus?
Of course another reason why specialist centres seem to be attracting more business from the pharma sector might be that there is a change of philosophy. There is evidence of a trend away from hoping that hospitality will help clinch the sale to actually believing that if you can optimise the way you actually communicate the product, that’s your best guarantee of success. The sort of pharmaceutical events our members are hosting tend to be low on glitz and high on putting guests in situations where they are relaxed, comfortable, and receptive to messages, able to hear and see everything properly and not distracted.

 

It is the primary business of dedicated centres to ensure that their clients’ guests have that receptiveness. They tend to have facilities that non-specialist venues don’t have – like chairs especially designed to be sat on for prolonged periods, like daylight in every meeting room, like lighting that is almost infinitely adjustable and versatile, like air conditioning in all meeting rooms. Clients also value the fact that support staff who are experts in conference support, not in running a hotel.

 

Dedicated venues will also be able to offer the latest in advanced AV and presentations facilities, together with technical staff who are always on-site and able to respond immediately to changed requirements. That’s something you rarely find in non specialist venues.

 

Cost-effective
In terms of cost, in addition to all the benefits of a focused environment, dedicated centres tend to charge less than hotels with comparable facilities or the very large conference venues. That’s in part because they have tighter staffing levels as a result of not having to provide the range of services that hotels have to do.

 

It’s also relevant that dedicated venues tend to provide packages that are genuinely all-inclusive. So many non specialist venues add on for equipment, refreshments, notepads, and many other extras, and we know this causes major problems for reps/organisers who believe they can demonstrate that they have avoided lavishness, but are then confronted by huge bills for extras. The CCE policy is to state clearly what the ‘day rate’ includes, and to ensure that the contents reflect everything the client needs.

 

If the event is residential, there’s another potential problem with conventional hotel style venues. You rarely find a good quality hotel that has enough similar bedrooms to make sure you don’t end up favouring individual guests, which would lay you open to a charge of undue hospitality. Dedicated centres, on the other hand, tend to offer a ‘standard’ bedroom which is modern, clean, comfortable and functional. And they don’t have mini-bars!

 

In summary, in terms of the latest ABPI rules we’d add the following

 

1. However the term ‘appropriate’ is interpreted, event organisers should be safe if they can demonstrate that their primary spend is focused on communications, not on entertainment. The most cost-effective solutions are likely to be provided by specialist meetings venues, whose costs tend to be transparent and who are not dependent on revenue from extras.

 

2. Of course ‘levels of hospitality’ are capable of different interpretation, but our belief is that it is relatively easy to find a common standard of meetings provision that is appropriate for all audiences. Avoid artificial or contrived presentation gimmicks, give-aways that are not part of communicating the product, and for meals go for fixed price menus offering good quality food of which is not lavish.

Why choose Conference Centres of Excellence ?

Conference Centres of Excellence is the UK’s leading consortium of dedicated conference centres. Each of its members provides a completely focused meeting environment free of distraction from the transient business that tends to affect hotels and other non specialist providers.

 

Members are located across the country, including some of the most well known names in specialist meeting and conference provision.  Some are in rural locations, others in or near city centres; some are newly developed custom-built conference venues, others are developments of traditional premises such as country estates. All have significant residential and leisure facilities.

All CCE members offer the same set of propositions to meetings and conference organisers, including

 

• A focused environment for communications and discussion
• Rooms designed and configured specifically for conferences and meeting, with dedicated furnishing and support equipment
• Staff who are specialists in the meetings business, not deflected by other responsibilities
• Onsite technical support, rather than support that has to be brought in
• Very high (four star) standards of supporting facilities in terms of residential accommodation, food, leisure facilities and on-sire business support for guests/delegates.