WARWICK INVITES EVENT BOOKERS TO COMPEAR THE CONFERENCE

Warwick Conferences, the award-winning collection of conference and training venues, has launched a quirky and entertaining campaign to highlight the issue of hidden costs within the meetings and conference industry. 

The campaign, which comprises a spoof price comparison website called comparetheconference.com and a conference pear named Compear D’conference, is designed to show event bookers how a complete package at Warwick Conferences stacks up against the costs of other conference venues. 

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences comments: “The issue of ambiguous pricing is prolific in the budget airline industry but it is also a tactic used by some venues as a way of making their headline rates more appealing.” 

“Whilst operating in the current climate, it can be quite tempting when booking a venue to go for the cheapest option. However, this often catches businesses out with unavoidable hidden costs which can soon make the total bill hugely different to the original quote.” 

“At Warwick Conferences, all of our costs are included in the day delegate rate. We don’t charge extra for things like parking, Wi-Fi or refreshments – all things that we consider to be essentials – and we certainly don’t put a cap on the number of teas and coffees consumed within a day!” 

“We’re really pleased with our comparetheconference.com campaign and believe it is a fun way of highlighting a more serious issue commonly cited in the meetings and conference industry.” 

For more information visit www.comparetheconference.com.

Unmissable spring offer at Warwick Conferences

Through April and May 2012, you could take advantage of day rates from £29 + VAT* when placing an event with one of our 3 outstanding training and conference centres.

Main meeting room, unlimited refreshments, a sumptuous 3-course carvery lunch, car parking and equipment are all inclusive as standard.

To see what we can do for you, contact the Hotline today on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk quoting TCC29

*Offer is available on new bookings only and is subject to availability. Bookings must take place between 1st April 2012 and 13th May 2012 and confirm at least 2 weeks prior to event. Rates quoted are ex VAT.

Warwick awarded top marks by independent education charity

Record numbers of top graduates gathered this summer at Warwick Conferences to train to teach in the UK’s most deprived areas.

Warwick Conferences has been highly praised by Teach First, after successfully hosting the largest ever three week residential Teach First Summer Institute, with over 1,300 top graduates converging on the Midlands for part of their unique two-year Leadership Development Programme.

Teach First is an independent charity working to break the link between low family income and poor educational attainment by creating, equipping and mobilising a movement of teachers and leaders with a commitment to raising the achievement, aspiration and access to opportunity of children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Held at Warwick Conferences’ Conference Park, Teach First utilised classroom and accommodation facilities as well as use of the library building as a recreation zone. Warwick Conferences also hosted a barbecue for all 1,300 delegates on two evenings.

Amanda Timberg, director of leadership development at Teach First, said: 'Warwick Conferences took on the organisational and logistical challenge of Teach First’s biggest ever Summer Institute and delivered beyond our expectations.

'The Summer Institute is a vitally important time for our participants, marking the beginning of their time on the two-year Leadership Development Programme and we are delighted to work with Warwick Conferences to ensure its success.'

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick, said: 'Teach First required a completely focused venue for its National Summer Institute. With so many delegates in attendance, and a complex programme of activities, not many venues would be confident in delivering the consistently first-rate experience which was both expected and required.

'Our belief is that every delegate, whether visiting us for a small meeting or as part of a large multi-day event, is entitled to the highest standard of service and an environment which allows them to concentrate fully on the purpose of their visit.

'We were delighted to welcome Teach First back for their second annual event and look forward to their return next summer.'

Triple gold for Warwick Conferences

Warwick Conferences is celebrating after achieving a triple gold in the BDRC Continental’s VenueVerdict.

The achievement for its Radcliffe, Scarman and Arden training and conference centres means that all three Warwick Conferences training and conference properties are now in the elite BDRC Continental grouping at the end of quarter three. The accreditation is awarded in recognition of their outstanding level of customer satisfaction.

VenueVerdict Gold Standard is measured through ‘Net Promoter’, a progressive measure of customer service performance, and is awarded to venues with a twelve month ‘Net Promoter Score’ of +70.

James Bland, senior client services manager at BDRC Continental said: “Warwick Conferences should be very proud that all three of their venues have now achieved the Gold Standard Award.

'Net Promoter can range from -100 to +100 so to achieve and sustain a score of +70 requires consistently excellent customer service.'

Alan Robinson, director of training and conference centres, said: 'We are absolutely thrilled that another of our venues has gone on to win the VenueVerdict Gold Standard Award. 'There is no better testimony than positive customer feedback and this accolade is a real testament to the outstanding service that we strive to deliver on a daily basis.'

Day meetings from £19.95*

Throughout the month of October, Warwick Conferences are offering day meetings from £19.95* per person!

For further details, contact our Hotline team today on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk and quote OCT_1995.

*Rates quoted are exclusive of VAT. The offer is available on day meetings only taking place between 1st and 31st October 2011 subject to availability.

Fantastic offers at Warwick Conferences

Book your December 2011 event at Radcliffe or Arden and for every delegate place booked, you could receive another completely free! Valid up to a maximum of 12 free delegates places*.

For events larger than 24 delegates please call us to discuss what we can do for you.

Contact us today on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk and quote 'TCCDec112'.

*Offer is redeemable on new bookings only and is subject to availability.

Warwick waiter wins gold for 2nd year running ...!

Ramkumar Govindaswamy, a trainee manager at the University of Warwick’s award winning Warwick Conferences operation, has been served a second helping of awards success.

Ramkumar, from Leamington Spa, won gold for the second year running in the 18th annual TUCO (The University Caterers' Organisation) Chefs and Food Service Skills Challenge on Tuesday March 29th.

The competition is a grueling challenge designed to put food service staff through their paces and showcase their skills, abilities and imagination to provide a first class dining experience.

The competition is split into two parts: the preparation, where finalists are asked to design a menu card for lunch, and a live final. During the live element, Ramkumar was required to lay-out, serve and clear a three course meal with wine and coffee for four people.

Ramkumar said: “Like last year, the standard of my competitors was incredible, so winning the award again is an amazing feeling. Dining is not just about the food, but creating an ambience that ensures the customer enjoys every aspect of their visit.

Julie Taylor, events and operations manager, said: “Ramkumar’s attention to detail, calmness under pressure and fantastic skills in restaurant service are a credit to Warwick Conferences.
“To impress the judges in such a respected competition is no mean feat and we’re delighted he’s a part of our fabulous team.”

TUCO is the University Caterers' Organisation. The annual Food Service Skills Challenge, which this year took place in Blackpool, is open to all TUCO member Universities and Colleges and acknowledges and rewards the top service staff in the higher education sector.

For further information about Warwick Conferences call 0845 230 1414 or visit www.cceonline.co.uk 

Retail event is a hit with high street brands

When Mary Portas launched her Channel 4 ‘Secret Shopper’ series, she claimed that the retail industry had developed a couldn’t-care-less attitude to customer service – but representatives from some of the UK’s biggest high street names disproved that theory at a recent event.

Executive Education at Warwick Business School (WBS) joined forces with Warwick Conferences to hold a ‘Making Customer Service Excellence Happen’ seminar at Warwick Conferences’ impressive Scarman venue.

The event was designed to give people an insight into the radical business thoughts of speaker Dr David James, as well as an outline on some of the customer service expertise on offer from Executive Education.

The evening was the brainchild of Warwick Conferences Business Development Manager Chris Nagle, who was encouraged by the interest from the retail community.

He said: “The Mary Portas series really grabbed the industry’s attention and it became obvious that if we combined with Warwick Business School we could offer some real value to the sector in terms of an overview of expert thoughts as well as a great networking opportunity.

“The feedback has been fantastic and we were delighted to have so many conversations with people about coming back to hold their own events with us.”

Director of Executive Education at WBS Jan Stiles echoed that sentiment, saying that the evening had been a great success.

“There is only so much you can achieve in an hour seminar but Dr David James was very engaging and certainly struck a chord with the audience.

“He talked very insightfully about issues that every retail business is facing and that was reflective of the approach we take with our master classes on this issue.

“We also offer tailor-made courses and solutions for businesses as we understand that all the challenges are slightly different, and having heard David’s approach a lot of people were interested in talking about those.”

Dr David James engaged those present with tales of customer service heroes and villains – and revealed that he believes a lot of businesses take the wrong approach to this area.

He said: “A lot of chief executives have a mantra of ‘putting the customer at the heart of their business’ – but they don’t really mean it.

“Most chief execs spend their time looking at the way their own organisation runs internally, and not what the customer sees and thinks when they interact.

“Businesses that have real empathy with their customers are the ones that create real fans, and those fans go out and get them new customers.”

Networking at the event were representatives from brands such as Tesco, Carphone Warehouse, Cooperative Pharmacies, Signet and Schuh – with those present pleased with the opportunities it presented.

Caroline Edwards of Carphone Warehouse said: “The networking was a key part of the experience for me and it was very interesting to take the opportunity to talk with like-minded people.

“It also gave me the opportunity to see the fantastic facilities on offer from Warwick Conferences and we will certainly be returning'.

For more details about Warwick Conferences visit www.cceonline.co.uk or call 0845 230 1414.

Venue news: Warwick Conferences give pupils a chocolate treat!

Chocolate connoisseurs from Warwick Conferences held a delicious demonstration about the popular sweet treat at a Coventry school on February 17th.

Few lessons have been as keenly-anticipated as the chocolate-making masterclass with executive development chef Graham Crump and chef de partie Mary Fry, who held the event at the all-girls Tile Hill Wood School.

The pair, who work at the University of Warwick-based collection of training, conference and events venues, taught a group of Year 10 students about the rich history of chocolate and showed students how to use it to create intricate decorations.

Philipa Polidori, food technology teacher, said: “The students had a ball and the Warwick Conferences chefs developed a real rapport with them.

“Some of the things they did were simple yet amazing, like melting chocolate over bubble wrap and then letting it cool to make a really simple, yet eye-catching, embellishment.

“Funnily enough, a lot of staff members came to ‘check everything was OK’ and ended up staying for a while!”

Graham is a renowned dessert chef and specialised in the discipline when he started his career. He is frequently invited to demonstrate his prowess to chefs from around the world.

He said: “I’m a great believer in educating future chefs and when I was approached by the school to host a masterclass I happily accepted.

"The University of Warwick does a lot to support local schools and I enjoyed teaching the girls at Tile Hill Wood. They were a great bunch of students and we’ve hopefully inspired some to further their interest in food and cooking – and not just chocolate!”

For more information about Warwick Conferences and Arden Training and Conference Centre visit www.cceonline.co.uk or call 0845 230 1414

Film premiere for Warwick Conferences

Warwick Conferences has produced a pair of films that showcase their award-winning facilities and staff.

The films seek to convey the breadth and depth of Warwick Conferences’ collection of award winning training, conference and events venues, and celebrate the spirit of the people who work there to make every event a success.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at the University of Warwick-based business, comments:

“Concisely communicating the scale of our offering can be a challenge - not just in terms of explaining the quantity and variety of our facilities, or how our fit-for-purpose furnishings, technologies and catering enhance our delegates’ time with us, but also in terms of articulating how it’s our people that bring it all together to make every event special.

“The short films premiered today tell this story beautifully, each in just 90 seconds. They offer potential and existing delegates an insightful glimpse into Warwick Conferences’ fantastic facilities, dedicated staff and convenient location.”

Each film concentrates on a different aspect of Warwick Conferences’ business. The first explores the Scarman, Radcliffe and Arden training and conference venues, while the second gives an insight to the possibilities open to events hosted on the Conference Park.

But instead of simply showing the facilities, the stars of the films are all genuine members of staff (no actors were involved) who showcase the more intangible elements of Warwick Conferences’ offering, such as their passion, dedication and versatility.

Chris Bailey, creative partner at WAA, who oversaw the creation of the films, explains:

“The films show staff outside of their usual environment, going to every length they can to ensure delegates get the premium experience. For example, one segment features an IT professional fluffing up a pillow – an analogy of how he helps delegates get a good night’s sleep by taking care of all their IT and audio-visual needs.”

Rachael adds:

“Film is a medium that’s become more accessible to more people in recent times; viewing content on YouTube has become part of our daily routine for example, and some reports even suggest that film is an expected part of the online experience. As we continue to develop our facilities and reach out to new audiences across the globe, we felt the time was now right to commit our story to the small screen.

“We are very proud of the final results - they’re quite a step on from the ‘facilities walkaround’ you’ll often find in our industry and I hope viewers enjoy watching them as much as we did making them.”

For more information about Warwick Conferences visit  www.cceonline.co.uk.  To see the film please go to www2.warwick.ac.uk/conferences/films

Warwick Conferences Sweeps the Board at Industry Awards

Warwick Conferences has added to its already heaving awards cabinet after once again sweeping up at this year’s prestigious Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) Awards.

The University of Warwick-based training and conference venue bought home three golds and a silver at the awards, dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the meetings and conference industry.

For the second year running, Warwick Conferences secured a top award in every category in which it was nominated and this is the 16th time in the awards’ 20 year history the venue has taken home the gold award for Best Academic Venue.

Warwick Conferences also won gold in the Best Conference and Banqueting Staff and Best Value for Money Conference Venue categories, and was presented silver in the Best UK Management Training Centre category.

The M&IT Awards are voted for by conference organisers and the readers of M&IT, the conference industry’s leading publication.

These latest accolades are a tremendous boost for Warwick Conferences and cement its reputation as truly world-class facility, drawing the attention of delegates from around the globe.

Alan Robinson, director of training and conference centres, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have once again come away from this year’s ceremony with an award in every category for which we qualified. This is a fabulous result and credit is due to everyone who has worked so hard to make Warwick Conferences the world-class venue it is.

“To bring home gold for Best Academic Venue for the 16th time in 20 years is absolutely delightful and a huge compliment about the service and facilities we provide. That the awards are the result of votes cast by event organisers, the very people who use facilities like ours, is all the more gratifying. It’s the most credible endorsement a business could wish for.

“The industry as a whole has faced a lean couple of years, but the fact that we have thrived is a testament to our staff’s hard work, professionalism and passion for making Warwick Conferences a genuine leader in our industry.

More than 700 guests attended this year’s prestigious black tie event, which took place on Monday 28th February at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London, and was hosted by popular BBC news presenter Kate Silverton.

For more information about Warwick Conferences visit www.cceonline.co.uk or call our Hotline team on 0845 230 1414.

New appointment underlines Warwick Conferences' strategy for growth

Warwick Conferences, the University of Warwick based collection of training, conference and events venues, has appointed Clive Singleton as general manager of its Conference Park.

Clive Singleton

This is a newly created role and underlines Warwick Conferences’ continued investment in the Conference Park. Clive transfers to his new position from the University of Warwick’s food and drink operation, where he was general manager for nine years.

The Conference Park offers a variety of facilities and amenities, including 300 meeting rooms, 1,200 bedrooms, 600 square metres of exhibition space and Warwick Arts Centre, the largest arts centre outside of London. Set within 700 acres of rural parkland, the campus village environment affords delegates access to a variety of bars, cafes and restaurants, along with access to the University of Warwick’s world-class sporting facilities.

The Conference Park combined with Warwick Conferences’ purpose-built Scarman, Radcliffe and Arden training and conference centres offer the widest choice of meeting space in the UK. Its facilities are available year-round for day meetings and for residential events and conferences outside of term time.

Clive comments: “Warwick Conferences is one of the most respected academic venues in the UK, with the Conference Park playing host to a wide variety of prestigious events each year. It’s an absolute privilege to be appointed as general manager, particularly as we look forward to building on our reputation and expanding our facilities in the coming years.

“A core element of my brief is to develop our proposition to ensure best use of the University’s campus assets outside of term time, increasing Conference Park’s contribution to Warwick Conferences’ £22m turnover.

“But of course, my priority will be on overseeing the delivery of the wide range of events and conferences hosted on our campus each year. Whether they’re attending Limmud, the huge Jewish education event held over the Christmas period, Teach First, the pioneering education seminar attended by over 1,000 delegates, or one of the many Football Association championships that utilise our sports facilities, all guests at the Conference Park can expect my undivided attention and a quality experience that is second to none.

Alan Robinson, Warwick Conferences director of training and conference centres, said: “Clive is an extremely capable and experienced industry professional and was the obvious candidate to take on the challenge offered by this new role. His appointment is a key marker in the realisation of a long-term plan to further develop our facilities and services to cement Warwick Conferences’ position as the leading dedicated conference venue in the UK.

“Significant investment has been made at the Conference Park in the last few years, not least the £6.9m refurbishment of Butterworth Hall and with further investment committed and works in progress, the venue’s future is in safe hands.”

Clive is married with two children. Prior to joining the University in 2002, Clive spent a decade with the prestigious Belfry hotel and golf club near Sutton Coldfield, where he held a number of senior positions

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

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

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.

Warwick chef gives parents lessons in British food

A group of Coventry parents are receiving top class cookery tips from one of the conference industry’s leading chefs thanks to an initiative set up to celebrate British Food Fortnight.

The group, who will meet at Canley Children’s Centre in the city, will be advised by Graham Grump, executive chef at Warwick Conferences, part of the University of Warwick, for the three-week project. Their first of three sessions took place on Friday 27 August.

Graham, who has volunteered his time free of charge, is demonstrating to parents how to produce simple, healthy and low cost meals for the family, made with the freshest local ingredients.

Canley is one of eight Sure Start children’s centres in the city taking part in the trial initiative.

Graham Crump comments: “It is a pleasure to be involved in such a rewarding scheme. By spending this time with the parents, I hope to be able to pass on some simple and fantastic healthy meal ideas that the group will be able to go on to replicate for their children at home. And, once they can master these dishes I’m sure that they’ll go on to experiment in the kitchen further.

“Warwick Conferences is passionate about quality and exciting food and in catering for well over 200,000 hungry delegates each year, we’ve a few culinary tricks up our sleeves which I’m happy to be sharing with this great group of parents. Looking after a young family is tough work and it can be hard to find the time to produce meals that are healthy, fun to eat and realistic on a tight budget. I hope some of my enthusiasm for fresh, tasty and locally produced food rubs off on my ‘students’ and they give what they’ve learnt a go back at home with the family.”

British Food Fortnight runs from 18th September to 3rd October. The cooking lessons at Canley Children’s Centre take place on Fridays 27 August, 2nd and 10th September.

For further information visit http://www.warwickconferences.com/  and http://www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/

Arden Training and Conference Centre, Coventry, Midlands

IACC award for Warwick Conferences chef, Coventry, Midlands

Warwick Conferences chef Pete Fry has won a silver Copper Skillet award from the IACC (International Association of Conference Centres). The awards recognise the talent and imagination of chefs from across the IACC community. The annual competition aims to find the best chef from its members, with the winners in each participating country battling it out to become the overall Copper Skillet Award winner, the best chef in the IACC.

Arden Training and Conference Centre, Coventry, Midlands

New Special Offers from Warwick Conferences with CCE Online

Warwick Conferences’ Special Rates with Conference Centres of Excellence

Some fantastic space is still available at our Training and Conference Centres, Scarman, Radcliffe and Arden.
We are able to offer you an exclusive 24 hour rate* from £105+VAT. This represents a saving of nearly 42% on our rack rates.
The booking must take place before 31st August 2010 and is subject to availability. Contact us on 0845 230 1414 or by email at info@cceonline.co.uk .

Special Offers - Conference Centres of Excellence