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.

 

Halloween Howler special offer from Conference Aston, Birmingham

Day Delegate rates from £30!

Looking for the perfect central location with purpose built residential and non-residential venues for your next conference, meeting or training programme?

This October, pick a treat with Conference Aston’s Halloween Howler rates from £30 Day Delegate including VAT.

The Halloween Howler rates are available for all new enquiries and bookings from 10th September 2010 for events held from 1st October – 9th November 2010 inclusive.

Offer is subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or offer, rates include VAT.

Halloween Howler includes:

Purpose built main meeting room;
3 Servings of fairtrade tea, coffee and biscuits;
3 Course buffet lunch in our contemporary restaurant;
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 "Halloween Howler”

Or email info@cceonline.co.uk
Conference Aston, Birmingham

Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire - A One Stop Shop for corporate events

Nestled in 3000 acres of Oxfordshire parkland, Eynsham Hall provides the perfect location for all types of Activity and corporate days, from archery, through to motorized activities such as Rage Buggies, from Duck Herding to Human Table Football or the original BBC ‘It’s a Knockout’ Game, the facilities can accommodate groups from 10 through to 1,500

Eynsham Hall offers the perfect back drop and a dedicated team to support events – ‘A one stop shop’ for your next corporate event!

Eynsham Hall is easily accessible from the M40/A34 and A40 and has parking for 180 cars.

For details call 0845 230 1414 or download a free brochure here :
Eynsham Hall, Oxfordshire - Conference Centres of Excellence Oxford

Waterfront Conference Centre, Bedfordshire - Conference Centres of Excellence

The Waterfront Conference Centre is a modern, purpose-built, dedicated, residential conference and training venue incorporating a specialist day meeting centre.

Offering excellent value for money, this comfortable venue set in 350 acres of rural countryside on the Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire border, provides distraction-free surroundings conducive to learning.

The Waterfront Conference Centre provides the perfect learning environment for the widest range of events. It is ideal for mid-week or weekend residential training, conferences, assessment days, breakfast, day or evening meetings, product launches and corporate hospitality events. Delegates enjoy a choice of quality menus with flexible options.

All-inclusive 8 hour delegate rates typically £29.00 +VAT and 24 hour rates £99.00 +VAT. Please enquire for current offers - call 0845 230 1414.

18 hole golf course, floodlit driving range, wet and dry team-building activities, health and fitness centre including: multi-gym, indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, solarium and beauty treatments

Waterfront Conference Centre, Bedfordshire - Conference Centres of Excellence

Special Offers from Conference Centres of Excellence

For the latest promotions visit Special Offers - Conference Centres of Excellence or call 0845 230 1414

Ashorne Hill, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire - Conference Centre Midlands

In the heart of England, set in 35 acres of landscaped grounds and yet only a few miles from the hub of the Midlands motorway network, Ashorne Hill is set around a beautiful Grade II listed building. Ashorne Hill offers a choice of well-equipped facilities to meet training and meeting needs including 13 acres of landscaped grounds - ideal for team building exercises and an array of leisure facilities. Our innovative, award-winning chefs offer a wide choice and variety, all freshly prepared using seasonal local produce. Ashorne Hill also provides a comprehensive range of training solutions in addition to the venue facilities, expert training consultants are happy to discuss both open courses and the design of bespoke training solutions.

Ashorne Hill, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire - Conference Centre Midlands

December meetings - a refreshing offer from Cotswold Conference Centre

December meetings offer 2010

The only things that are traditional are the prices (25.12 – 2010) !!

Book December day meetings from £25.12 / 24hr residential rates from £122.01.

For further details call 0845 230 1414.

(December meeting rates include VAT)


Cotswold Conference Centre, Midlands - Conference Centres of Excellence

Henley Business School, Oxfordshire - Conference Centres of Excellence

Henley Business School is set in 30 acres of beautiful parkland on the banks of ther River Thames. The splendid facilities are available as a venue for conferences, meetings training or corporate events. The 10 conference rooms and 30 syndicate rooms are fully equipped with latest audio visual technology. Henley has 100 en-suite bedrooms fully equipped fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool. The in-house catering service provides the highest possible standards of cuisine and Henley has a reputation for excellence, well renowned with the Thames Valley area. Bed and Breakfast accommodation is available at very competitive rates.

Henley Business School, Oxfordshire - Conference Centres of Excellence

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

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

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

Christmas Party Nights at Henley Business School - special toothbrush offer!

Meet now and enjoy free places at our Christmas Party Nights

Book a meeting for a minimum of 10 delegates and in return we will give you free places at one of our Christmas Party nights in December*.

These fun-filled nights are going to be a Turkey free zone with a fantastic three course dinner, coffee and dancing.

Plus buy a toothbrush from £29.00 and stay overnight including breakfast for free.

Contact 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk and quote 'Meet and Christmas Party Offer'

*Two free party places per 10 meeting attendees. Meeting to take place between now and 17th December.

Special Offers - Conference Centres of Excellence

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 - subject to availability.

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

A Halloween Howler from Conference Aston Birmingham !

Day Delegate rates from £30!

Looking for the perfect central location with purpose built residential and non-residential venues for your next conference, meeting or training programme?

This October, pick a treat with Conference Aston’s Halloween Howler rates from £30 Day Delegate including VAT.

The Halloween Howler rates are available for all new enquiries and bookings from 10th September 2010 for events held from 1st October – 31st October 2010 inclusive.

Offer is subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion or offer, rates include VAT.

Halloween Howler includes:

Purpose built main meeting room;
3 Servings of fairtrade tea, coffee and biscuits;
3 Course buffet lunch in our contemporary restaurant;
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 "Halloween Howler”

Or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Aston Business School Conference Centre, Birmingham

Richard Harrison assumes the Chair of Conference Centres of Excellence

September 2010

Richard joined Warwick Conferences in June 2006. He has overall responsibility for the Scarman operation, including the meeting and exceeding of financial and guest satisfaction targets and the effectiveness of its ongoing investment programme. The centre, which has 54 meeting rooms and 204 bedrooms, currently holds the ‘Best UK Management Training Centre’ and ‘Best Value for Money Conference Centre’ gold titles in the annual Meetings & Incentive Travel awards.

Richard Harrison becomes Chair at a critical time for the meetings venue sector, but believes that the place of specialist conference and training centres is being reinforced by current trends. “In times of pressure, organisations want to maximise the effectiveness of their workforce through training and team building, and dedicated centres optimise that process,” said Richard: “At the same time, specialised venues enable organisers of all kinds to demonstrate their determination to create cost-effective, fully focused events, which is now more critical then ever. I look forward to helping the consortium to communicate these benefits.”

Richard Harrison Conference Centres of Excellence Chairman

Team building at Missenden Abbey with Morale Solutions and Conference Centres of Excellence

At Missenden, we've teamed up with Morale Solutions to offer a diverse range of teambuilding activities, both indoor and outdoor. Designed to improve team dynamics and interaction as well as increase productivity and efficiency, our teambuilding exercises could be just what you need to advance your team.

This month, we're offering you free use of the teambuilding equipment when you book a residential conference! Simply quote the code TMB01 when you book.

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

Special Offers - Conference Centres of Excellence

New Chairman for Conference Centres of Excellence

Richard Harrison

Richard Harrison, general manager of Scarman - the largest of Warwick Conferences’ three training and conference centres - has become the new Chair of Conference Centres of Excellence. The group is the UK’s leading sales and marketing consortium of specialist conference venues: with 35 members nationwide, it is the country’s largest provider of dedicated meetings space.

He takes over from Steven Crawford, centre director at Missenden Abbey conference centre in Buckinghamshire, who has completed his two-year term in office.

Richard joined Warwick Conferences in June 2006. He has overall responsibility for the Scarman operation, including the meeting and exceeding of financial and guest satisfaction targets and the effectiveness of its ongoing investment programme. The centre, which has 54 meeting rooms and 204 bedrooms, currently holds the ‘Best UK Management Training Centre’ and ‘Best Value for Money Conference Centre’ gold titles in the annual Meetings & Incentive Travel awards.

Before his appointment at Warwick Conferences, Richard was deputy manager with Corus Hotels in Solihull. His previous positions include a period as general manager at Dunchurch Park in Rugby, and roles at Hayley Conferences’ Ettington Chase, Sedgebrook Hall and Horwood House. He joined the board of Conference Centres of Excellence in 2008, and was appointed vice chair in 2009.

He becomes Chair at a critical time for the meetings venue sector, but believes that the place of specialist conference and training centres is being reinforced by current trends. “In times of pressure, organisations want to maximise the effectiveness of their workforce through training and team building, and dedicated centres optimise that process,” said Richard: “At the same time, specialised venues enable organisers of all kinds to demonstrate their determination to create cost-effective, fully focused events, which is now more critical then ever. I look forward to helping the consortium to communicate these benefits.”

Two new members have been elected to the Conference Centres of Excellence board. David Vaughton is managing director of EEF Venues, a group of five venues which includes the award winning Warwickshire venue, Woodland Grange. Stuart Websdale is general manager of The Møller Centre, Cambridge’s only residential training and conference centre.

New Chairman for Conference Centres of Excellence

Conferencing/Meeting in November? 1 in 10 free at Latimer Place - call 0845 230 1414

Thinking BIG doesn’t have to cost mega in BUCKS
Latimer’s DDR Delivers Delegates Revitalised DAILY

November 2010 (midweek bookings over 30 – 220 delegates) rates include:

- 1 in 10 free (DDR or 24 Hour rate)
- Complimentary private dining
- Use of activity field
- Pre & Post meeting available for the organiser
- Free Wi-fi
- Free Parking
- Ability to brand space with corporate identity
- Dedicated office during the event
- Secure storage area for duration of the event
- Dedicated event host to help run event smoothly

So move forward with us and Dare to be Different with DeVere

Call us on 0845 230 1414 and discuss how Latimer can provide the perfect solutions for your next event

Also ask about exclusive use options available.

Special Offers - Conference Centres of Excellence

Celebrating British Food Fortnight with Conference Centres of Excellence

Celebrating British Food Fortnight, chef Graham Crump's recipe for Basil Ice Cream from Warwick Conferences ....read more at http://www.cceonline.co.uk/about_cce/Sept2010

The Møller Centre adds value with further technology enhancements - Conference Centres of Excellence

The Møller Centre, the only residential training and conference centre in Cambridge, has introduced a brand new 30 Mb/second fibre optic internet line. This new feature, free to every client, offers visitors a significantly quicker and more reliable internet connection.

The new line can be used for downloading and uploading content with 30Mb for both activities. “It is a great feature for our clients,” said Stuart Websdale, General Manager at the Møller Centre: “The line is dedicated solely to the Møller Centre and is something we are proud to offer our customers to add value to their experience here.”

The Møller Centre also offers 13 public PCs and the latest technology in HD (High Definition) video facilities. The Centre has recently invested into an HD camera, LCD screens and web camera which are ideal for web meetings and conferences. Some of the Møller Centre’s customers have already taken advantage of this new facility including global management consultancy Arthur D Little, which was approached by an important client in Hong Kong about the possibility of delivering a training course by video-conference, and contacted the venue.

“The Møller Centre worked with my client to set-up and test the technology so that I could deliver four training sessions,” explained Stephen Watson, Principal of Arthur D Little: “Everything worked very well and saved the time, cost and carbon emissions of a trip to Hong Kong. My client and I were very pleased with the results achieved and I will certainly consider using this option in the future."

Over the next few months, the Møller Centre will continue to invest in services and new technology to enhance the experience of its clients.

The Moller Centre, Cambridge - Conference Centres of Excellence