Warwick Conferences achieves VenueVerdict Gold Standard

Warwick Conferences is celebrating their venue Scarman achieving the BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation.

The VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation is given to those venues recording a twelve-month Net Promoter Score of +70 from 40 or more business event hosts responses in 2015 and is testament to the team’s dedication to providing a first-rate meeting experience to every customer. 

Richard Harrison, Head of Conference Centres at Warwick Conferences, says: “We are delighted to receive the prestigious VenueVerdict Gold Standard from BDRC Continental. The staff at Scarman always go the extra mile to understand and implement the details valued by our customers and it is fantastic that this is being recognised. There really is no better testimony than positive customer feedback so we are thrilled to receive this accolade.” 

James Bland, Director of the Hotels and Hospitality team at BDRC Continental, says: “Warwick Conferences should be very proud of their venue Scarman. Net Promoter Scores can range from -100 to +100 so to achieve and sustain a score of +70 requires consistently excellent customer service. It’s a very discerning measure and that’s why only 39 venues have achieved it this time around.”

Warwick Conferences awarded Investors in People accreditation

Coventry- and Warwickshire-based Warwick Conferences is celebrating after once again being awarded the prestigious Investors in People accreditation. The achievement places The University of Warwick business amongst an elite group of employers – just a quarter of firms achieve the standard.

The areas in which Warwick’s collection of conferencing venues was recently found to particularly excel are: the apprenticeships programme; staff inductions; the learning and development programme for staff; and the staff Reward and Recognition scheme.

Alan Robinson, Director of Warwick Conferences, comments: “We’re delighted that our efforts continue to be recognised by the Investors in People standard. 

“We believe that it’s our people that really set us apart in the industry, so we’re dedicated to providing a framework of opportunities to progress.

“The fact that we’ve retained the award provides clear evidence of our investment in training and development initiatives for our people, and shows that we are dedicated to continually improving standards.”

Investors in People (IIP) is the UK’s leading business improvement standard, channelling the power of people to transform performance across a whole range of industries. It provides advice and support to organisations nationwide with a view to helping them achieve their goals.

Businesses applying for accreditation are assessed by an independent panel, which not only evaluates existing training and development programmes and other people-related initiatives, but also conducts interviews with staff and management in confidence in order to build a true picture.

Following a two-day assessment, cross sections of staff from the sales department and the Radcliffe, Arden, and Scarman venues at Warwick Conferences were interviewed. 

Warwick Conferences, part of the University of Warwick, is one of the leading collections of dedicated conferencing space in the UK. 

Finalists Announced for 15th Annual Chefs' Challenge

Conference Centres of Excellence has confirmed the date for the 15th annual Chefs’ Challenge competition, and announced the shortlist of finalists.

Organised by award winning venue Warwick Conferences, the established competition invites chefs who work in any of the nationwide Conference Centres of Excellence centres to take part in a cook-off competition at Stratford Upon Avon College, where their skills are put to the test with specific criteria for their menu. This year the competition has also been opened up to Conference Venues outside the membership group, providing an opportunity to test culinary talents in a head-to-head competition with exceptional standards.

The event is to be held this year on Saturday 9th November, with a celebratory awards dinner held during the evening at EEF Venues Woodland Grange, Leamington Spa.

The competition also includes a Food Service Skills award, to encourage food service staff to take part and support their chef colleague, competing for their own best service skills award and the Chairman’s award for best team.

For Conference Centres of Excellence this event is an additional component to their strategy of continuous quality assurance and is a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of their members’ chefs and a celebration of exceptional food.

The competition has proved to be a stepping stone for young chefs to go on to higher profile competitions nationwide and is endorsed by the British Culinary Federation.  Each Chef receives a certificate and one year’s free membership of the BCF.

This year once again saw an exceptional standard of entries, and the 12 shortlisted finalists are:
• Jennifer Chaudhuri-Goff from Maple House, Etc Venues
• Scott Cawse from Barnett Hill, Sundial Group
• Ryan Dare from Warwick Conferences, supported by Natalja Saveljeva for Food Service Skills
• Robert Gossage from imago, Burleigh Court
• Bartosz Kowalczyk from Missenden Abbey
• Ross McMillan from Stirling Management Centre, supported by Neil Rosewier for Food Service Skills
• Iain Miller from Woodside, Sundial Group
• Daniel Park from Kents Hill Park
• Iain Ramsay from The Beardmore Hotel and Conference Centre
• Josh Sewell from The Manor House
• Claire Willett from Wyboston Lakes, supported by Megan Horne for Food Service Skills
• Matthew Wiltshire from Ashorne Hill

Anthony Lishman, Conference Centres of Excellences Executive Director said “We have been working with venues to recognise excellence and consistently high professional standards in all aspects of the meetings and events industry for 21 years. This competition has established itself in our annual calendar as the perfect opportunity for our venues’ chefs to showcase their incredible talents and abilities, and we wish all the finalists the very best of luck.”

Warwick Conferences harnesses future industry talent

As Warwick Conferences’ apprentice scheme draws to the end of a successful first year, the next band of selected recruits are getting ready to embark on the second instalment of the training programme.

Participants in the apprenticeship—partnered with Stratford-upon-Avon college—spend four days a week gaining valuable hands-on experience at Warwick Conferences’ facilities, and one day a week working towards an NVQ at Stratford college.

Each apprentice also receives a mentor from their department and is encouraged to attend regular meetings and skills workshops to ensure their employability is maximised by the time they complete the scheme.

The five apprentices from the 2012/2013 cohort will celebrate their success at a special graduation dinner hosted by Warwick Conferences on 20th August.

One current apprentice, Sam Bagworth, impressed his managers so much over the course of the year that he has been offered a full-time permanent position at Conference Park.

Sam comments: “My time at Warwick Conferences has definitely provided me with an invaluable insight into the meeting and conferencing industry.

“The varied and relevant experience that I have gained over the past year is testament to the quality of the scheme on offer. I now feel prepared and excited about beginning my career at Warwick Conferences.”

In September, the scheme will welcome a group of six new starters—all of whom were selected from around 80 applicants following an assessment day and panel interviews with Warwick staff.

Three of the chosen applicants for 2013/14 will undertake a chef apprenticeship working with the centres’ award-winning menus, while three will rotate around each department of the business, including housekeeping, reception, restaurant, conference assistance and kitchen.

Richard Harrison, General Manager at Warwick Conferences’ Scarman centre, comments: “We are delighted to see that the first year of the apprentice scheme has been such a success and how our first participants have risen to the challenge.

“Apprentices are absolutely essential to the growth of the meetings and conferences industry, and Warwick Conferences is dedicated to nurturing and encouraging its future talent.

“It is therefore paramount that our apprentice scheme provides a comprehensive and applicable training programme to ensure that our apprentices graduate stood in good stead for their futures – and for the future of the industry.

“We wish our first apprentices the very best of luck in their careers, and look forward to welcoming the next group of six participants on board in September.”

For more information please call us on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk

Warwick Conferences leads the way at industry awards

Warwick Conferences has cause for celebration this week after once again scooping a host of prestigious industry accolades at the Meetings & Incentives (M&IT) Awards.

The M&IT Awards, which exist to reward excellence within the meetings and events industry, are voted for solely by event organisers and the readers of M&IT magazine. 

As well as winning gold in the Best Value for Money Conference Centre category and silver in the Best UK Management Training Centre category, its Conference Park won gold in the Best Academic Venue category – the 18th time in the awards’ 25 year history. 

These latest awards are a tremendous boost for Warwick Conferences following on from achieving gold AIM accreditation earlier this year for all three of its training and conference centres. 

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences said: “We are hugely proud to have once again come away from the M&IT awards with two golds and a silver.  

This is a fabulous result and credit is due to everyone who has worked so hard to make Warwick Conferences the world-class collection of venues it is.The fact that the awards are the result of votes cast by event organisers is all the more gratifying. It’s the most credible endorsement a business in this industry could wish for.”

This year’s M&IT Awards were held on Tuesday 19th March at Battersea Evolution. 

Chefs Challenge Competition and Awards Dinner 2012

Warwick Conferences Scarman hosted the 14th annual Conference Centres of Excellence/IACC Chefs Challenge Competition on Saturday 27th October 2012.  

The event invites chefs who work in any of the nationwide Conference Centres of Excellence or IACC centres to take part in a cook-off competition at nearby Stratford Upon Avon College, where their skills are put to the test with specific criteria for their menu.  This year, the chefs had to prepare a 3 course meal suitable for a banquet, using certain cuts of lamb for their main course.  

The competition again included a Food Service Skills award, to encourage food service staff to take part and support their chef colleague, competing for their own best service skills award and the Chairman’s award for best team.

For Conference Centres of Excellence this event is an additional component to their strategy of continuous quality assurance and is a great opportunity to recognise the achievements of their members’ chefs and a celebration of exceptional food.

Anthony Lishman Conference Centres of Excellences Executive Director said “Our venues pride themselves on having the highest professional standards in the meetings and events industry, and this extends across all aspects of dining and food service. We’re pleased to have this opportunity for the incredibly talented chefs to showcase their abilities in consistently creating appetising and flavoursome food, which not only meets the needs of customers in a working environment, but also delights and enhances their overall experience during their stay.”

The competition has proved to be a stepping stone for young chefs to go on to higher profile competitions nationwide and is endorsed by the British Culinary Federation.  Each Chef receives a certificate and one year’s free membership of the BCF.

This year, the event was opened wider to include members of IACC Europe, so we were delighted that a chef from the Dolce Sitges Hotel & Conference Centre in Barcelona was shortlisted, as well as two chefs from Scotland.  

The Awards Dinner
Hosted by Andrew Taylor, Competition Chairman and Food & Beverage Manager from Warwick Conferences Scarman, the awards dinner was attended by 120 guests from CCE/IACC member centres, including a number of the conference industry’s leading figures.

A raffle also took place during the Awards Dinner, raising £850 for the “Meeting Industry Meeting Needs” charity.

The Winners

http://www.cceonline.co.uk/news/News/Chefs_Challenge_2012 Visit our website for a full list of winners in each award category, and details of the winning menu (photos coming soon!).

Warwick Conferences 'All-Inclusive' Package

In the interests of transparency and ensuring value for money, Warwick Conferences are offering their all encompassing day delegate package from only £35 pp*!

In a bid to satisfy all your event needs, the ‘ALL-INCLUSIVE’ package is exactly that, and stacks up as follows: 

For all your meeting needs:

Warwick Conferences Scarman House

• Main meeting room 
• 1 Syndicate room for every 10 delegates 
• Extensive AV equipment including 
• Laptop 
• LCD Projector 
• Speakers 
• Microphone 
• Flipcharts 
• Lectern 
• Telephone 
• Free Wi-Fi for all delegates 
• Free stationery 
• Water cooler 

For all your catering needs: 

• Unlimited refreshments including 
• Tea and Coffee 
• Juices 
• Cold drinks 
• Biscuits 
• Pastries 
• Cakes 
• Fruit 
• Nuts and seeds 
• Extensive 3-course buffet lunch 

For all your planning needs: 

• Dedicated, on-site Event Manager, available pre, during and post-event 
• Conference and technical assistants on-hand throughout your event 

For all your leisure needs: 

• Access to exercise room on site 
• Extensive sports facilities just a short walk away 
• Complimentary car parking 

For more information on Special Offers and Late Availability, contact us today quoting ‘All-Inclusive’ on 0845 230 1414 or at info@cceonline.co.uk

*Subject to availability. Normal terms and conditions apply.

Conference Centres of Excellence Awards

CCE awards highlight outstanding performance of member venues and external providers

Conference Centres of Excellence has announced the winners of its first-ever awards. Presented at the consortium’s recent annual conference at the Wyboston Lakes Executive Centre, the awards recognise excellence from within the CCE membership, and also  in three categories for non-members - ‘best supplier’, ‘best booking agency’, and ‘non-CCE venue most admired by members’.

Submissions were invited from all members of the consortium, which is the UK’s leading group of specialist conference and training venues and has thirty six members. The judging panel comprised industry experts Tony Rogers, Anna Clover and Tim Chudley, and was chaired by CCE executive director Anthony Lishman.

Awards involving member venues were as follows:

The Innovation Award was won by Warwick Conferences’ Scarman House for its ‘comparetheconference.com’ campaign. The judges commented that the initiative  was both very creative and specifically targeted, and “will benefit the whole of our industry by promoting the conference centre concept”. Runner up was Conference Aston for its ‘aston.app’ initiative.

The Sustainability Award was won by Prospero House. The panel described its actions as “taking sustainability and CSR policy to the next level, with a big community aspect.”

The Best Non-Residential Venue Award went to Nottingham Conference Centre. Judges complimented the venue on its “creative use of an old building”, the focus of its SOPs and the quality of its customer feedback. Runner up was Maple House.

The Best Residential Venue Award went to The  Møller Centre. Judges complimented the venue on its regular customer focus groups, and the  excellence of its website. They also referred to the venue’s consistent achievement of gold standard in the BDRC VenueVerdict awards. Runner up was Scarman House.

Three other categories allowed CCE member venues to express their opinions on third-party organisations which were themselves not part of the consortium.  In the case of ‘Best Supplier’ and ‘Best Booking Agency’, the only requirement was that nominated companies must have an ongoing relationship with one or more CCE members. In the case of the ‘non-CCE venue most admired by members’, submissions were open to interpretation, and could be for service, quality, innovation.  The winners were as follows:

The Best Supplier to Conferencing award went to Berkmann Wine Cellars, which were described as “going above and beyond” and “adding value”. Runner-up was Wilson Vale.

The Best Conference Booking Agency was Trinity Conferences, which was described as demonstrating “ the ability to be a strategic partner” and as “particularly effective at engaging with the venue team so they have a good understanding of how their business works.”

The ‘Non-Conference Centre of Excellence venue most admired by members’ award was achieved by the Kingston upon Thames venue Warren House, which was described as “a venue that has consistently maintained exceptionally high standards of service” and which has “remained true to the conference and training centre concept”. Runner up was Dillington House in Somerset.

A special award for his ‘outstanding contribution to Conference Centres of Excellence’ was presented to Barry Stonham OBE, general manager of Wyboston Lakes. During his career in the conference sector, Barry has been a board member and treasurer of Conference Centres of Excellence and a board member and treasurer of IACC, the International Association of Conference Centre. He has ensured the financial stability of both organisations in difficult times, roles which have been undertaken voluntarily. Retiring at the end of this year, he is a Fellow of The Institute of Hospitality.

“Our awards achieve a number of primary objectives, one of which is to help enhance awareness of the role and purpose of dedicated venues and their continuing commitment to progressive enhancement of their services,” commented Anthony Lishman: “ They also help to strengthen still further the competitiveness of member venues, which must be good for their customers – and they also enable members to give a pat on the back to  organisations that are impressing them.”  

1 in 10 go free at Warwick Conferences!

Warwick Conferences' three training and conference centres offer meeting space of the highest quality.

Relaxed social spaces, award winning catering and hotel standard accommodation support their flexible meeting facilities.

For bookings through September 1st 2012 to October 31st 2012, '1 in 10' delegates go free on all new event enquiries!*

Contact the Hotline today quoting July1in10 to find out more – Tel 0845 230 1414 or Email info@cceonline.co.uk 

* This offer is applicable to new enquiries only, taking place between 01/09/2012 to 31/10/2012. Offer is applicable to events with a minimum number of 10 delegates and a maximum number of 130 delegates. To qualify, enquiries must be taken from 09/07/2012 and confirmed with a signed contract prior to 31/07/2012. Minimum numbers dependant on space taken. Terms and conditions will apply. All rates quoted are subject to VAT and subject to availability.

1 in 10 go free!

Warwick Conferences’ training and conference centres offer meeting space of the highest quality. 

Relaxed social spaces, award winning catering and hotel standard accommodation support their flexible meeting facilities. 

Throughout September, ‘1 in 10’ delegates go free on all new event enquiries*! 

Contact the Hotline today on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk quoting 'June1in10' 

* This offer is applicable to new enquiries only, taken from 07/06/2012 and confirmed with a signed contract prior to 30/06/2012. Offer is applicable to events with a minimum number of 10 delegates and a maximum number of 130 delegates. Terms and conditions will apply. All rates quoted are subject to VAT and subject to availability.

Warwick Conferences AIMs Higher with Gold Hat-trick

Warwick Conferences has cause for celebration after announcing today that all three of its conference and training venues have been awarded the prestigious Gold AIM Accreditation from the Meetings Industry Association (MIA). 

Endorsed by the likes of Visit Britain, Visit England and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers, the Gold AIM Accreditation is awarded to venues that have met or exceeded 50 criteria including customer service, quality of facilities, compliance with codes of conduct and corporate social responsibility. J

Jane Longhurst, chief executive of the MIA said: “AIM is the meeting industry’s national standard and AIM Gold is the highest level a venue can achieve. Meeting the criteria, following stringent assessment by independent assessors, demonstrates exceptional levels of service and facilities. “For buyers considering using Warwick Conferences, AIM Gold is an assurance of excellence beyond expectation, and I believe all involved in this achievement should be commended for the competitive advantage they have created for their business.” 

Alan Robinson, Director of Warwick Conferences’ comments: “We are beyond thrilled that our Radcliffe, Scarman and Arden venues have all been awarded the coveted Gold AIM Accreditation. “There are 382 venues at entry level of the scheme and now only 14 are at the Gold standard so this is a real achievement indeed. “It was a hugely intensive process spent gathering significant information over a very long time - as well as completing a portfolio of excellence and undergoing rigorous assessments - so I would like to say a huge thank you to the project team involved in making this happen. “These awards are testament to the exceptional facilities and outstanding customer service that we pride ourselves on delivering and further cement Warwick Conferences’ position as a world-class venue.” 

Warwick Conferences has also recently been awarded Gold Standard in the BDRC Continental’s VenueVerdict and scooped up two gold awards and a silver award at this year’s M&IT Awards.

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.

CULINARY AWARD SERVED TO WARWICK FOR THIRD YEAR RUNNING

Warwick Conferences is celebrating after its culinary team won the best overall menu category in the 19th annual TUCO (The University Caterers’ Organisation) Chefs Skills Challenge.

This is the third successive year that Warwick Conferences (part of the University of Warwick) has taken an award home from the annual competition, which is designed to test and showcase the talents of University chefs. The team, made up of Greg Crump, Gary Brown and James Queenan - all chefs at Warwick Conferences’ award-winning training and conference centres - were up against strong competition with 17 rival teams also running for the best menu award.

The winning four course menu was constructed using locally sourced, fresh food and included exciting dishes such as Cardamom Cream, Mango Jelly, Cinnamon Apple Samosa & Gingerbread.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences said, “We are thrilled and extremely proud of the team for winning the Best Overall Menu at this year’s TUCO challenge. “The competition was really tough and to impress the judges was no mean feat, especially considering the high calibre of chefs competing. “Warwick Conferences is passionate about quality and exciting food and we are delighted that this shined through in the winning menu and in the enthusiasm of our team.”

WARWICK STRIKES GOLD AGAIN IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

Warwick Conferences is celebrating once again after two of its venues have secured Gold in the BDRC Continental’s VenueVerdict awards for the fourth quarter in a row.

Warwick Conferences’ Radcliffe and Scarman training & conference centres are amongst just a handful of conference and meeting venues in the UK to be awarded the prestigious accolade, which recognises outstanding levels of customer satisfaction.

Venue Verdict 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, subject to the venue having met specific qualification requirements in each calendar quarter.

James Bland, senior client services manager at BDRC Continental said: “This quarter, only 22 properties achieved the Gold Standard so Warwick Conferences should be very proud. “Net Promoter can range from -100 to +100 so to achieve and sustain a score of +70 requires consistently excellent customer service.” 

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences said: “We are absolutely thrilled that two of our venues have been rated so highly in the awards for the fourth quarter in a row! “There is no better testimony than positive customer feedback and this accolade is a real testament to the outstanding service that we pride ourselves on delivering.”

For further information on this venue contact the Hotline today on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk

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.

Gold awards for Warwick Conferences

WARWICK VENUES HIGHLY COMMENDED IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

Two Warwick Conferences venues have been awarded Gold in the BDRC Continental’s VenueVerdict Awards for 2011, in recognition of their outstanding level of customer satisfaction throughout the year.

Warwick Conferences’ Radcliffe and Scarman training & conference centres are amongst just a handful of conference and meeting venues in the UK to be awarded the prestigious Gold Standard for 2011.

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, subject to the venue having met specific qualification requirements in each calendar quarter.

James Bland, senior client services manager at BDRC Continental said: “This year, only 18 properties out of 350 achieved the Gold Standard so Warwick Conferences should be very proud.

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

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences said: “We are absolutely thrilled that two of our venues have been rated so highly in the awards.

“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.”

Warwick conferences takes steps to alleviate delegate stress levels

Last week saw Warwick Conferences and mental health charity, Coventry & Warwickshire Mind team up to support National Stress Awareness Day.
The collaboration was in response to recent reports which suggest that work-related stress has doubled over the past decade.

According to a recent report by the Health and Safety Commission, out of the 33 million working days lost to illness last year, more than a third (13.4 million) were attributable to stress, anxiety or depression.

Due to the nature of Warwick Conferences’ business, it meets many businessmen and women who are all taking time out of their usual work environment to attend conferences, meetings, training sessions and events.

It is therefore inevitable that some delegates arriving at the venue may be feeling anxious. This may be compounded if they are feeling under pressure to deliver their best, are worried about other work they feel they should be doing or being away from home.

In a move to help reduce these potential feelings of anxiety amongst delegates, Warwick Conferences has developed two sets of tips. One offers advice to delegates about how to manage feelings of stress and get the most out of their conference experience, while the second offers tips to event organisers about how to prevent delegate anxiety.

Coventry & Warwickshire Mind were at Warwick Conferences’ Scarman venue on National Stress Awareness Day on Wednesday 2nd November to offer advice and practical relaxation guidance to delegates if they wished to take part.

Rachael Bartlett, head of sales and marketing at Warwick Conferences said: “We understand that taking a day or more out the office to attend an event can sometimes be stressful if delegates are already feeling under pressure; so we wanted to offer some tips on how to make their experience more enjoyable and productive.

“We also realise that distracted attendees can compromise the success of a conference or meeting so we designed the second set of tips with the aim of helping event organisers manage and prevent delegate anxiety and replace any feelings of stress with confidence.”

Chris Sampson, resources officer at Coventry & Warwickshire Mind comments: “It’s great that Warwick Conferences took the time out to mark National Stress Awareness Day.

“Stress is a serious and health-debilitating issue which not only affects the individual but can also have a detrimental effect on families, relationships and businesses.

“As the pressure of modern living takes its toll, stress is on the rise in the UK and it is important that we have the support of organisations like Warwick Conferences to help raise awareness of this issue.”

If you would like copies of the tips please contact Conference Centres of excellence on 0845 230 1414 or info@cceonline.co.uk.

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.

End the year in style

End the year in style at the newly refurbished Scarman House.

Book your next residential event at Scarman and receive complimentary private dining room hire or half a bottle of wine per person with dinner*. Available for a minimum of 10 delegates on the first night only.

To find out more simply contact us today on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk and quote 'SCAPD11'.

* Offer only available on bookings taking place in November and December 2011. Subject to availability, offer must be quoted prior to confirmation for discount to apply and cannot be used in conjunction with any others.