CEME strikes gold

Not only has CEME Conference Centre retained its Aim Gold status for ‘Accredited In Meetings’ with the MIA, but Events Manager, Ranjith Kumar has been shortlisted in the Conference and Events People category at this year’s miaList awards.

The CEME Conference Centre continues to be the only venue in East London and Essex to achieve AIM Gold status. AIM is the industry recognised mark of distinction, with Gold showing a venue is at the peak of service excellence.

But it’s not just the venue which is celebrating, the announcement that Events Manager, Ranjith Kumar was nominated for an award at the MiaList Awards has also got the conference centre a buzz. The ‘miaList’ recognises and rewards those hardworking, enthusiastic, inspiring individuals that have such a positive effect on everything they do. As a proud sponsor of this year’s ‘miaList’, taking place on Friday 16th September 2016 at the Park Plaza Victoria, London, CEME Conference Centre was always going to be a big part of this year’s event. To have Ranjith as an award finalist is the icing on the cake of what has already been an exciting year for CEME. 

Find out more about the ‘miaList’ awards.

Bristol front of house manager shortlisted for the mia-List 2015

Olivier Nanchi, front of house manager at Engineers’ House conference venue in Clifton Downs, Bristol, has been shortlisted for the mia-List 2015, an initiative by the Meetings Industry Association (The mia) to identify the industry’s most inspiring and passionate people.

Ten people will be chosen this year to join the list at a celebratory lunch on 28th September 2015 at Park Plaza Riverbank, London.

37-year-old Olivier, who lives in Clifton but is originally from France, started his career with EEF Venues at Engineers’ House eleven years ago as a front of house assistant.  In that time, he has gone from providing general venue support, such as organising teas and coffees, to being responsible for a team of eight front of house and service support staff. 

Since 2004, the busy, AIM Gold accredited venue has grown by 400 per cent and was named UK’s No 1 Specialist Venue and Overall Venue in BDCR Continental’s VenueVerdict Awards 2014, in which Olivier is referenced on multiple occasions for his expertise and organisational skills. 

David Vaughton, director of venues for EEF Venues, said: ”In an organisation that has built its entire reputation on customer service excellence, Ollie Nanchi is a true ambassador of the EEF Venues’ brand.  He constantly strives for perfection and has an eye for detail, taking great pride to ensure that all of the 16 conference rooms have been set up impeccably. His customer service skills are legendary, reflected in the fact that repeat bookings account for 78% of the venue’s business, testament to the relationships he and his colleagues build with clients. His patience, understanding and good humour have earned the respect and admiration of all.”

Ollie said: “I feel truly honoured to be considered for the mia-List 2015. My job is all about making people feel welcomed and looked after so it is great to get this industry recognition.”

Burleigh Court’s Natasha Hughes honoured in miaList 2014

The miaList recognises individuals from within the meetings industry who are willing to go that little bit further in pursuit of excellence for their client, employer or colleagues. Natasha was named as one of the 10 winners at a celebratory lunch at Church House Conference Centre on April 7. 

The rigorous judging process involved an initial written submission about the nominated individual from which judges selected a shortlist. Those shortlisted were invited to a group lunch where both the nominator and nominee took part in a video interview which was then viewed by the judges who decided on the final list. 

A Loughborough University graduate, 28-year-old Natasha joined Burleigh Court 18 months ago – her first job in the hotel and conference industry. During her time in the role, Natasha has introduced the venue’s ‘Employee Voice’ initiative alongside a colleague, which engages directly with all employees to explore ways of improving the business. As a result of her efforts, Burleigh Court has seen performance improvements in all key measurement areas including the BDRC Guest Rate and Venue Verdict benchmarks and Review Pro, which she introduced to monitor, track and manage the venue’s online reputation.  Natasha was also instrumental in Burleigh Court’s success at the recent M&IT awards, where the venue picked up Gold in the Best Academic Venue category and Silver in the Best Conference and Banqueting Staff category. 

Natasha was nominated for the miaList by Burleigh Court’s Operations Manager Guy Hodge. He says: “In a very short period of time Natasha has had a significant impact on our service delivery and culture. She leads from the front and sets a fantastic example to the team with her commitment, focus, enthusiasm and passion for offering the very best customer service. Natasha is a true champion and ambassador for our brand, our people and our customer service and has been a catalyst for change and re-invention within our organisation. I’m delighted that Natasha’s commitment has been recognised by the miaList, it is a fantastic achievement”. 

Natasha adds: “I am delighted to be included in the miaList 2014 as it’s a reflection of Burleigh Court. They have helped me achieve my goals and make improvements wherever possible.”

Burleigh Court, part of imago’s portfolio of venues,  is one of the UK's leading residential conference centres and provides the ideal environment for training and conference events offering 26 meeting rooms, 150 square metres of exhibition space and 225 en-suite bedrooms.