imago to present research into face to face communication at CHASE

imago, the conference and events arm of Loughborough University, is once again exhibiting at the leading third sector exhibition where it will be presenting its findings into the value of face to face communication.

The 24th Charities and Associations Event - CHASE 2016 - will take place on 16 and 17 February at the Business Design Centre, London, where imago will also be showcasing why its portfolio of venues are ideally suited for events organised by charities and associations.

The research – Does the future have room for face-to-face communication - measured the value of meeting face to face amongst a sample of more than 750 event organisers, delegates, graduate and undergraduate students. imago will be discussing the results to see if its findings match the thoughts and requirements of meeting planners in the third sector.

Emma Boynton, head of sales and marketing at imago comments: “CHASE brings together senior decision makers from one of our target markets and is an ideal platform for us to discuss the importance of face to face communication. It will also allow us to gain further insight into what is important for event organisers in this area in relation to the value of meetings.”

Key findings from the research included:

• 96.6% of meetings attendees cited small face to face meetings of fewer than 10 participants as their favoured form of communication.
• Group interaction and discussion is considered the top benefit of face to face communications by 78.4% of delegates and 69.4% of students.
• On a scale of 0 to 100, delegates ranked engagement during face to face meetings at an average of 85%, with students at 73%.
• An interactive format as a tool to retain information was most favoured by both delegates (81%) and students (72.1%).

Emma adds: “As well as presenting our research, the exhibition provides us with the opportunity to showcase our venue offering and how our experience in organising meetings and events can benefit them and their members. It was highly successful for us last year which is why we have chosen to return, and we are even more delighted to be part of its education programme.” 

The research was undertaken by Loughborough University and imago.  The Right Solution provided methodology, analysis and validation of the research which was conducted using a mixture of focus groups, online and face to face questionnaires.

imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand offering high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. Its venues and services have achieved industry wide recognition, including achieving AIM Gold, the highest level of venue accreditation - and are widely acknowledged as some of the best academic facilities for meetings and events in the country. For more information visit www.welcometoimago.com or call 01509 633030.

imago is on Stand 30 at CHASE. Does the future have room for face to face communication will be presented on Tuesday 16 February (10.45am).

Key to helping delegates retain information revealed through imago research

An interactive presentation where delegates are encouraged to get involved with the learning process is of most importance to meeting attendees in helping them retain information, according to research carried out by imago.

The research - Does the future have room for face-to-face communication - was conducted earlier this year amongst a sample of more than 750 event organisers, delegates, graduate and undergraduate students – and is helping the conference arm of Loughborough University shape successful meetings for its clients.

Visuals, such as power point presentations, graphics and videos also ranked highly as an important way of retaining information, whilst technology such as audience response systems are only rated as of moderate importance. Social media ranked as the least important method of retaining information, particularly amongst students.

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago commented: “In line with other findings from our research into the value of face to face communications, we found that exercises and asking questions of the person leading the meeting help delegates retain more information. It confirms that people want to talk with other people face to face as it is how they get the most out of meetings. As one of our focus group attendees told us there is nothing better than a white board and pen or a flip chart to help with group cohesion. It was surprising to see social media ranked so low by students. They are considered its biggest group of supporters when using it socially so it is interesting that this isn’t reflected in a learning environment. The research has been of great value to imago as we have been able to take the findings and put the results into practice at each of our venues for the benefit of both organisers and those attending meetings.”

The research was undertaken by Loughborough University and imago.  The Right Solution provided methodology, analysis and validation of the research which was conducted amongst 779 respondents using a mixture of focus groups, online and face to face questionnaires.  The final research paper is available from http://go.welcometoimago.com/meet-the-future. Follow the debate and share thoughts about the research on Twitter via #futureF2F.

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand which offers high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sport and leisure facilities. imago manages Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

imago venues recognised by BDRC Continental VenueVerdict

Two of imago’s venues have been recognised in the latest BDRC Continental VenueVerdict results. 

Holywell Park has achieved BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation which is given to those properties recording a twelve-month Net Promoter Score of +70 or higher from 40 or more Business Event Host responses in the twelve month period January to December 2014. Furthermore, each of the four calendar quarters is required to contain at least ten responses. In the last two years, the dedicated conference centre in Loughborough, Leicestershire, has achieved BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation on four occasions.

In addition to Holywell Park achieving Gold accreditation, Burleigh Court – its four star conference centre and hotel - achieved Highly Commended under the scheme. 

Emma Boynton, head of Sales and Marketing at imago, comments: “Feedback from clients is extremely important to imago. It helps us to build a strategy which allows us to continually improve our customer service. Being awarded BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard Accreditation is recognition of the high standards we are achieving at Holywell Park. As it is calculated by responses from people who have attended events held here the accreditation is even more valuable. It is also pleasing that Burleigh Court has achieved Highly Commended and we look to build on this in future.”  

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand, providing high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. imago manages Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

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

Burleigh Court first to achieve Gold with Green Tourism’s new assessment criteria

imago’s four star hotel Burleigh Court is once again celebrating after being awarded Gold by the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

It is the third time in a row Burleigh Court has achieved the Gold standard. The latest assessment was marked against the new Green Tourism Version 5 Criteria making Burleigh Court the first hotel in England to achieve the accolade. Green Tourism is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK. Originally developed in partnership with Visit Scotland, it is now the only certification scheme validated by Visit Britain, through the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) and is the largest and most sustainable tourism certification programme in the world.  

With a strong sustainability agenda and a forward thinking approach on issues such as energy, recycling, wastage, procurement and social responsibility, the Loughborough-based hotel and conference centre excelled in criteria which judged the environmental impact of its green policy and the resulting benefit to staff, customers and the local community. 

imago has been recognised for its comprehensive monitoring of energy, water and wastage across all areas of the business to ensure annual  targets are achieved. The hotel also strives to support the community and encourage sustainability by sourcing local produce and supporting local producers and suppliers. It has recently launched a range of ‘Taste of Leicestershire’ menus that includes a payback scheme to raise money for local charities. 

Guy Hodge, Operations Manager at Burleigh Court, comments: “We are thrilled to have retained our gold award for the third time in six years. What makes this achievement all the more satisfactory is that Green Tourism’s standards have been raised and we are the first hotel in England to receive gold with their new auditing criteria. We are passionate about sustainability and ensure all team members are involved and play a part in our green culture. Initiatives such as our cycle to work and staff car share scheme continue to make a difference whilst our green policy, which includes ideas such as recycling food waste and greywater, extends across the whole hotel.  We see sustainability as much more than our efforts to save water and energy - it is also about improving the service we provide which benefits our guests and the community.” 

  

Stuart Park, senior grading officer with Green Tourism said: “Burleigh Court has demonstrated once again that it is one of the leading green hotel and conference centres in the UK, securing Gold under the new Green Tourism Version 5 Criteria. This is the first hotel in England to achieve the accolade, indicative of the determination of the enthusiastic team in introducing and improving sustainability measures within the hotel, and continuing to work very closely with the community and region. Efforts have been made year on year improving low impact technology, such as installing more LED lighting throughout the building, showcasing many local food and drink producers on the menu as well as being an ambassador for sustainable tourism practices – something other aspiring hotels in East Midlands should be aware of.” 

Burleigh Court has achieved much success over the last 12 months, being awarded AIM Gold, Investors in People Gold and winning Gold in the Large Hotel of the Year category at both the   Leicestershire Tourism Awards and VisitEngland National Tourism Awards for Excellence. 

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand, providing high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. As well as Burleigh Court, imago’s portfolio of venues includes Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

imago achieves AIM Gold for Burleigh Court and Holywell Park

imago has achieved the highest level of venue accreditation for its flagship venues - Burleigh Court and Holywell Park – AIM Gold. 

Kay England, Chief Executive

Kay England, Chief Executive of imago, comments: “Achieving AIM Gold puts imago in an exclusive group of the highest quality meetings venues in the country. It sets us apart from other venues and is a unique point of differentiation. As a result, we believe it will help us attract more business both nationally and internationally. A huge amount of work has gone into achieving this award and I would like to congratulate all our staff for their contribution, particularly the working group, as they have all played a part in helping imago achieve its aim of excellence within the meetings industry.” 

AIM Gold is the only industry recognised mark of excellence. Achieving the standard places Burleigh Court and Holywell Park, both located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, amongst a select group of the very best venues in the country. 

Burleigh Court and Holywell Park underwent a rigorous audit process which examines all elements of the business including planning and the customer environment and service levels.

Kay continues: “The audit process provided us with some valuable lessons which will enable us to continually improve our business and we will work to ensure these are embedded in our processes as we go forward.” 

Jane Longhurst, mia’s chief executive, says: “To attain AIM Gold is a truly fantastic achievement. It is a hallmark of excellence showing bookers and planners a venue’s exceptionally high levels of service across the board. As such, it is an invaluable indicator of high quality for all those involved in the procurement of meetings and events. I offer my congratulations to Burleigh Court and Holywell Park as they continue to meet and exceed client expectations.”

The announcement was made on the same day Holywell Park was once again awarded the BDRC Continental VenueVerdict Gold Standard for the end of Q3 2014. This is given to properties recording a twelve-month Net Promoter Score of +70 or higher from 40 or more Business Event Host responses in the twelve month period October 2013 to September 2014. 

Kay adds: “imago has built a reputation based on providing our guests, whether they are here for business or pleasure, with the best possible service. Our success demonstrates our ability to deliver excellence to customers and this is something we collectively strive to achieve.” 

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand, providing high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. Imago’s portfolio of venues includes Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

For more information call 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline,co.uk

imago’s Burleigh Court retains Visit Britain silver standard for service

The multi-award winning team at imago’s international conference centre Burleigh Court has retained the prestigious Visit Britain Silver Award for the second year running, scoring an impressive 100% for hospitality. 

The Visit Britain report on Burleigh Court stated: “The level of hospitality is exceptional. The whole team, without exception, offered a smile, an appropriate hello, good morning, afternoon or evening and really went out of their way to offer conversation to guests during this stay. One of the very few hotels awarded 100% for hospitality, well done to the whole team on this achievement.” 

Burleigh Court achieved an overall rating of 86% - a three per cent improvement on the previous year. The national average for four star hotels is 82.1%. The hotel and conference centre performed particularly well in key areas, achieving Gold standard scores in service, food and cleanliness, as well as hospitality. 

In addition to the Silver Award, Burleigh Court also achieved the Breakfast Award, an accolade which is given to venues which offer a high-quality and extensive breakfast, supported by service and hospitality that exceeds the requirements expected of a four star rating. Visit Britain also renewed Burleigh Court’s mobility level three accreditation, which is part of its National Accessible Accreditation Scheme. 

Burleigh Court’s Operations Manager Guy Hodge commented: “We are extremely proud that Burleigh Court has once again been recognised for its high levels of customer service. We are one of the only a few select venues nationally to achieve 100% for hospitality, an area where we have worked hard to build and maintain high standards. We’re particularly pleased to have improved on our previous score and we expect to do the same next year as we look to achieve the Visit Britain Gold Award.” 

“We couldn’t achieve this without the support and enthusiasm from our staff. They are all experts in service and help us reach a common goal of absolute customer satisfaction. The positive comments from the report about the team reflect their highly motivated and upbeat attitudes and provide us all with a great sense of satisfaction.”

The Visit Britain Silver Award is given to venues that achieve exceptional standards of hospitality including customer service, catering, housekeeping and the quality of bedrooms and bathrooms. 

Part of imago’s portfolio of venues, Burleigh Court offers business and leisure guests 26 meeting rooms, 150 square metres of exhibition space and 225 en-suite bedrooms with a range of facilities to suit all needs, including a well-equipped gym complete with swimming pool, sauna and a spa offering a range of relaxing treatments. Earlier this year, Burleigh Court won Gold in the Large Hotel of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014. 

imago strengthens event management team

imago has appointed Naomi Purvis to the role of Event Services Manager as it strengthens its event services offering. 

imago’s event management team offers services that extend beyond the confines of imago itself.  As well as arranging all on-site activities, the team help groups looking to make the most of their time in the area by booking and organising team building events and logistics. 

Naomi has a background in the events industry having previously worked at Universal WorldEvents (now Ashfield Meetings and Events), and has experience of the pharmaceutical sector – a target market for imago. In her new role, Naomi will be responsible for managing events from the time they are booked through to delivery as well as developing the services offered to business groups across the portfolio of venues. She says: “I’m looking forward to being part of imago’s continuing success story through the development of its events service offering and bringing on new business in its target markets.” 

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago comments: “Our events management team offers a service that ensures all events held with imago are both creative and make the most of everything the area has to offer. Naomi brings with her a wealth of experience and makes a great addition to our team, particularly having worked in the pharmaceutical sector – a key target market for imago. Strengthening our events management offering allows us to maintain a first class client offering whilst giving us the opportunity to build and extend the services we provide and take advantage of new opportunities.” 

imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand which offers high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. imago manages Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel. 

imago targets growth through new business development appointment

imago has appointed Richard Money as Senior Business Development Manager as the organisation focuses on building long term relationships with clients.

Richard previously held business development roles at Zibrant, Q Lifestyle (Bonvo Travel Singapore), De Vere Belton Woods and The Belfry Hotel & Golf Resort and worked as Head of Sales and Marketing at 2BP Ltd. 

In his role with imago, Richard will be proactively looking for new opportunities to increase the number of business events taking place across imago’s diverse portfolio of venues – Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University campus and The Link Hotel. Of his appointment he says: “imago offers businesses an unique package for a wide range of events. It is a well established company that has already experienced significant growth. I have a passion for identifying and securing new business opportunities, as well as offering excellent customer care across all aspects of my work, which will help imago increase business even further.” 

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago, commented: “We are delighted that Richard has joined our business development team. He has a proven track record in this field and will help us reach our goals as we target new areas of business and look to increase sales across imago’s portfolio of venues.” 

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand which offers high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities.

Burleigh Court shortlisted for VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

imago’s four star conference centre and hotel Burleigh Court has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Large Hotel of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014.

Burleigh Court is part of imago’s portfolio of venues, offering business and leisure guests 26 meeting rooms, 150 square metres of exhibition space and 225 en-suite bedrooms with a range of facilities to suit all needs. Other on-site features include a well-equipped gym complete with swimming pool, sauna and a spa offering a range of relaxing treatments.

The venue is mobility three accredited, which is part of the National Accessible Accreditation Scheme run by VisitBritain, with dedicated disabled parking bays located close to reception and training rooms, restaurant, lounge area and 13 bedrooms all designed with improved accessibility in mind.

The VisitEngland Awards attracted 368 applications and finalists were chosen based on key criteria such as customer service, commitment to excellence, staff training and development, accessibility, marketing and promotion, quality improvement and development and sustainability.

The awards ceremony will take place at Cheltenham Racecourse on Monday May 12, 2014, when Burleigh Court will find out it if it has received a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended Award.

Guy Hodge, Operations Director at Burleigh Court, comments: “It is fantastic news that Burleigh Court has been shortlisted as a finalist for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014. We are committed to providing our guests, whether they are here for business or pleasure, with the best possible service. Being recognised for such a celebrated award is recognition of the hard work of the entire team.” 

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, said: “I would like to congratulate all those nominated as finalists for this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.  We receive hundreds of applications each year of an extremely high standard, so it is a tremendous achievement for Burleigh Court to become a finalist and to represent the top five in their category in England.  I wish all the finalists the very best of luck for the Awards Ceremony in May.”

Launched in 2003, imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand, offering high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation alongside excellent sports and leisure facilities.

imago invests £25,000 in AV control systems at Burleigh Court

imago has invested £25,000 on upgrading the AV control systems at Burleigh Court to enhance the delegate experience during meetings and conferences. 

Working with Innovations Audio Visual, Burleigh Court has installed a Crestron control system so all AV equipment is connected and controlled via in-room iPads. Burleigh Court has also benefited from the installation of ceiling mounted HDMI projectors, projector screens, Blu-ray players, Digital Freeview and additional speaker system. Delegates can easily access connection points using almost any laptop, tablet, phone or other device without the need for cables. 

Tatjana Walker, Front of House Manager at Burleigh Court comments: “Conferences and meetings are becoming ever more interactive. As a venue it is important for us to deliver reliable technology to help clients meet delegate expectation which is why we have made significant investment in state-of-the-art AV equipment and an easy to use control system. It also places Burleigh Court at the forefront of meetings and conferencing technology. We have worked with Innovations Audio Visual for a number of years and this investment will allow us to continue expanding our IT and AV capability as technology evolves.”  

imago unifies Loughborough University's conference and catering activities under one brand. Burleigh Court is one of the UK's leading residential conference centres and provides the ideal environment for training and conference events.

imago to showcase Leicester wide event solution at EIBTM – visit stand B50

Visitors to EIBTM are invited to visit imago (Loughborough University) on Stand B50 to find out more about its world class facilities and full event management solutions.  In particular imago will be launching its county wide event management service, allowing organisers to utilise the venue’s local knowledge and expertise.

imago’s event management team are now offering services that extend beyond the confines of imago itself.  They will book evening events, team building and organise logistics for international groups wishing to make the most of their experience with imago, utilising the venue’s extensive knowledge whilst not limiting themselves to one location.

Emma Boynton, Head of Sales and Marketing at imago comments: “It is a surprise to many to learn that Loughborough and therefore imago is actually an international destination.  Situated in the heart of England, imago has two major airports on its door step – East Midlands and Birmingham International – connecting it to the European hub airports including Barcelona, Brussels, Berlin, Zurich and Budapest.  The addition of event management services will allow imago to work more closely with international groups from these destinations and many more.”

“Leicestershire is a beautiful county but it is serviced by very few international DMCs.  We have decided to offer a service that will meet the needs of our organisers and ensure their events are both creative and make the most of everything the area has to offer.  EIBTM visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about both the venue and Leicestershire as a whole when they join us on stand B50 in Barcelona.”

Located in Leicestershire, imago offers unrivalled conference facilities and luxury accommodation, right in the heart of England. Receiving international recognition for its UK centre of excellence in sporting and engineering sectors, Loughborough University offers world class facilities which provide the perfect backdrop for up to 2,000 delegates. imago’s passion for achieving excellent customer service has led to regular event bookings from world renowned clients. 

Loughborough University was the official preparation camp for Team GB in 2012 and imago provided conference facilities and accommodation at its four star hotel Burleigh Court whilst hosting the ‘Team GB experience’ at Holywell Park. It is also the preparation camp for the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. 

imago unifies Loughborough University’s conference and events venues under one brand which offers high quality meeting spaces, venues and accommodation along with excellent sports and leisure facilities. imago manages Burleigh Court, Holywell Park, Loughborough University’s conference and events facilities and The Link Hotel.

Burleigh Court retains silver standard for service

The multi-award winning team at imago’s international conference centre Burleigh Court has retained the prestigious VisitBritain Silver Award for the second year running.  

Awarded for exceptional standards of hospitality including customer service, catering, housekeeping and the quality of bedrooms, the Burleigh Court team achieved an impressively high rating of 83 per cent. This was a three per cent improvement overall on the previous year; with service up by 18 per cent, and housekeeping by 16 per cent. 

In addition to the Silver rating, VisitBritain again presented the ‘Breakfast Award’ to Burleigh Court. This accolade is given to venues which offer a high-quality and extensive breakfast, supported by service and hospitality that exceeds the requirements expected of a four star rating.

Guy Hodge, Operations Manager at Burleigh Court, said: “The whole Burleigh team is immensely proud to retain the prestigious Silver status, which couldn’t have happened without the support and enthusiasm of our expert staff. 

“As in previous years, positive comments about the team give me the greatest sense of satisfaction and pride. They reflect both their highly motivated and upbeat attitudes, which were highlighted by VisitBritain. We’re particularly pleased to have improved on our previous score and will strive to do the same next year.”  

Burleigh Court is located near to junction 23 of the M1 on Loughborough University campus. It has 26 air-conditioned meeting rooms and a total of 225 en-suite bedrooms, with a range of facilities to suit all needs. Other on site features include a well-equipped gym complete with swimming pool, sauna and a spa offering a range of relaxing treatments. 

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

imago Christmas Conference

Hold an event during December with imago and receive a Christmas party for free!

Have you ever thought about combining your conference with a Christmas party? Anyone who holds an event with imago during December 2013 will receive a Christmas party free of charge.*

imago's Christmas Conference package includes: 

• Free Wi-Fi
• Accommodation
• Main meeting room
• Full English breakfast
• Christmas carvery lunch
• Essential audio-visual equipment
• Tea/coffee and refreshments
• Unlimited use of spa and leisure complex
• Christmas party (includes a three-course Christmas dinner and music entertainment)

Price -  Burleigh Court 24 hour delegate rate - from £110 per person (+VAT)
         
Call us on 0845 230 1414 or email info@cceonline.co.uk for more details.

*Subject to availability. Conferences must be held on a Monday-Thursday, with a minimum of 20 delegates. Smaller bookings could result in a shared party on a different evening, depending on availability.

Burleigh Court team deemed best in the business at top industry awards

Burleigh Court, imago’s four star conference centre and hotel at Loughborough University, has taken home not one but four awards at the Meetings & Incentive Travel (M&IT) Awards 2013. Judged on customer feedback and votes, the venue received Gold in the ‘Best Conference and Banqueting Staff’ category which supports its on-going objective of having the most customer service focused team in the business. 

Mhairi Newman, Head Receptionist

Following recognition of its outstanding staff, Burleigh Court also went on to claim Silver in the ‘Best Training Centre’ and ‘Best Academic Venue’ categories in addition to winning a Bronze title for ‘Access Excellence’.  

This is the fourth year running that Loughborough-based imago has taken home a host of trophies at the M&IT Awards and follows a momentous year which saw Burleigh Court celebrate its 21st anniversary and welcome Team GB as part of the official preparation camp for London 2012. 

Kay England, chief executive of imago, said: “We’re extremely proud of the entire Burleigh Court team and this award is testament to the fantastic job they do on a daily basis, from assisting every overnight guest to supporting each delegate who visits us for an event, meeting or conference. Recognition of our dedicated staff proves that we are providing the right level of service to our customers; something that continues to be valuable in a difficult economic climate. 

“The M&IT Awards are particularly important to us as they are voted for by customers, so we’re sincerely thankful for all their support in helping us achieve these fantastic accolades.” 

Conference Centres of Excellence member venues scoop significant golds at M&IT Awards

Four Conference Centres of Excellence member venues took home coveted gold awards at the annual Meetings & Incentive Travel Awards held this week and celebrated in style with their industry colleagues and peers. 

The Meetings & Incentive Travel Industry Awards was held in on Tuesday 19th March, with record attendance and sponsorship levels. More than 1,000 people celebrated the best in the industry at Battersea Evolution in London, with an event hosted by TV broadcaster Kate Silverton.

Conference Centres of Excellence were once again well represented with several member venues shortlisted as finalists in 6 out of the 8 UK conference venue categories. More than 4,200 votes were cast by industry peers to crown the top venues, suppliers and agencies, with a number of nominees scooping awards in more than one category.

Imago Burleigh Court earned gold for Best Conference and Banqueting Staff, The Møller Centre, Cambridge, won the gold award for Best UK Management Training Centre,and Warwick Conferences also had multiple award wins with gold in Best Value For Money Conference Venue (Scarman) and Best Academic Venue (The Conference Park). 

“We are delighted to see our member venues winning these awards, in some cases for several years running” commented Anthony Lishman, Executive Director. “These awards are particularly important in the meetings and event calendar as they measure success from a customer’s perspective and demonstrate consistent quality standards in both service and facilities.” 

The event also raised in excess of £63,000 for its charity partner Save The Children, with both an online auction prior to the awards, and a table raffle on the night of the event. 

Optimise learning outcomes in dedicated training environments

Conference Centres of Excellence, the UK’s largest consortium of dedicated conference and training centres, believes that the effectiveness of training events carried out in dedicated environments is increased by between 10% and 15% compared to non-specialist venues. 

With over 20 years of experience in the training venue sector, Conference Centres of Excellence has explored this belief in ongoing dialogue between the consortium and its 33 members, who include many of the country’s most prominent specialist venues, several of which also offer their own management training courses.

“In a traditional training event held in a specialist venue, we believe that there is a benefit of an additional 10-15% in retained learning –  which is a significant benefit  to people productivity or individual performance back in the work place,” says Anthony Lishman, Executive Director of Conference Centres of Excellence: “For the trainer and for delegates, a dedicated venue brings focus and absence of distraction, services and facilities dedicated to communications, and support staff who understand the challenge  – all of which optimise the learning outcomes, and in turn success of the event.”

Conference Centres of Excellence currently has 33 members, which include many of the country’s most respected providers. All member venues provide facilities and staff dedicated to the process of communications and learning.

Conference Centres of Excellence will be attending the World of Learning Conference and Exhibition, where we can discuss your venue requirements and how our dedicated environments can benefit your training results.

Representatives from three member venues - Wyboston Lakes Executive Centre, imago at Burleigh Court, and Kents Hill Park Conference and Training Centre will also be in attendance.

Wyboston Lakes, imago at Burleigh Court and Kents Hill Park

Click now to register for your free place, and visit us on Stand F130.

Conference Centres of Excellence provides a free, focused venue-finding service for organisers of training events and meetings. The hotline provides ‘one-stop-shop’ guidance on facilities, availability and rates for all member venues. The service can be contacted on 0845 230 1414, email info@cceonline.co.uk. The consortium’s website www.cceonline.co.uk includes extensive information on all members.