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