meetings international

meetings international No. 56 2013 2013 No. 56 meetings international
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Produced by
Meetings International Publishing
P.O. Box 224
SE-271 25 Ystad, Sweden
Editorial Office +46 8 612 42 20
Commercial Office +46 8 612 42 96
info@meetingsinternational.se
www.meetingsinternational.se
Printed at
Trydells Tryckeri
How important is the Swedish/Scandi-
navian market to you?
– Very important! In the past five
years, inbound tourism to Britain
from the Nordic countries has grown
by 44% and is a significant market for
England. Around 2.2 million from the
region visit Britain annually, spending
£1.22bn in 2011. Sweden, Norway and
Denmark all sit in the top 15 in terms
of overall visitor numbers to England.
What is your strategy for England?
– VisitEngland, the national
tourist board, is expanding its inter-
national network to focus on bringing
more business events to England over
the next 10 years. The organisation is
building on its presence overseas to
cover Scandinavia and work on behalf
of the tourist board’s destination part-
ners in England and offer advice and
support for international meetings
and events.
– Our business tourism strategy to
focus on certain industries in Scan-
dinavia is determined by England’s
key economic sectors and provides a
compelling draw for companies and
associations to hold their conference,
congresses, incentives and other
events in England.
Many Scandinavians have been to
London many times but maybe not to
Liverpool, Bath, Bristol, Birmingham,
Brighton, Newcastle and Nottingham.
How do you want to change this?
– London will always be very
popular but more and more organ-
isations in Scandinavia are today
looking closely at regional cities like
Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle,
Birmingham, Oxford, Cambridge,
Nottingham, Hull or Bristol as con-
ference and meeting destinations of
excellence to experience new cities
and to benefit from the excellence
of our research and universities.
Raising awareness of the opportuni-
ties, attending international shows,
organising familiarisation visits and
connecting key contacts in various
industries is the core of our activity to
reverse this tendency.
Football clubs like Man United, Man
City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal
are extremely well known in Sweden.
What is not equally known is the fact
that these clubs and stadiums like
Wembley are very good for meetings,
events and incentives. How do you
develop this?
– Most sports venues offer excel-
lent corporate hospitality packages
and their reputation world-wide
means venues deliver first class
facilities and service and unbeat-
able cuisine for delegates. Sports
venues are part of England’s strong
selling points and work closely with
Conventions Bureaus to package
offers for delegates, on match days or
non-match days. Football or cricket
grounds, stadiums, or race courses
convey a unique and inspiring feeling
and enhance team spirit for meetings
and incentives. We have dedicated
four pages of this special supplement
to incentive and corporate hospitality
ideas to inspire you.
The same goes for English Universi-
ties. Great meeting venues and great
education possibilities.
– The combination of state of the
art facilities, an often unique setting,
successful ambassador programmes
and effective marketing ensure that
England’s universities are very high
on the list as prospective venues for
leading international events.
Any secret meetings venues that
should get attention in Scandinavian
countries?
– England provides an array of
diverse and spectacular properties
throughout the country offering event
and meeting planners amazing social
programme possibilities and pre-post
conference choice.
– England itself I would say is one
of the best kept secrets for providing
that ‘wow’ factor for Scandinavians.
There is a great selection of stately
homes, historic castles and palaces,
sports venues and visitor attractions
that are capable of delivering a pres-
tigious event with first class facilities
and suppliers. We have dedicated a
section of this supplement to unique
venues to inspire our audience!
Visit our website at
www.visitengland.com/business
For more information on oppor-
tunities and offers in England for
corporate events, incentives or
motivational experiences, meetings
and conferences contact VisitEngland
Northern Europe office,
lesley.williamson@visitengland.org
lesley
williamson
—
Meetings International meets
VisitEngland’s representative
in Northern Europe
interview
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1. Hull
2. East Yorkshire
3. Isles of Scilly
4. Isle of Wight
5. Manchester
6. Bath
7. Cumbria
8. Birmingham
9. Brighton
10. Bristol
11. Liverpool
12. Newcastle
13. Nottingham
14. Oxford
15. Cambridge
16. London
INTRO
Timetogetmeetings
andeventstotherest
ofEngland
many SWEDES have been to Brighton on language travel
from the 1960s to today’s generation. And, of course,
English music is another way we picked up the language.
Today English is by far the most spoken language out-
side of Swedish. English TV and English humour and
drama hits us right in the heart just like football – and
Swedes get a lot of enjoyment out of the Premier League!
Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Birmingham and
Manchester, in particular, are extremely big in Sweden
as football cities and it has been this way for more than
50 years. Great destinations like Bath, Cumbria, Isle of
Wight, Scilly Islands and the divine drink and city of
Bristol (Cream), where Sweden is probably on the top list
as importers too!
Now what we thought should happen a long time ago
is finally happening. We are looking outside the tradi-
tional places like London and to the places we visited as
youth when we eagerly wanted to learn English. Direct
flights today connect Copenhagen, Oslo, Gothenburg, and
Stockholm to cities, towns and islands. Now it’s about golf
trips, incentives, combinations of business meetings and
pleasure, not least congresses and conferences.
Enjoy and be inspired by this supplement.
Here are innovative, original , creative and unique
ideas and destinations for your delegates and guests’ next
meetings and events in England. Welcome to the England
you may have never visited before. What if it’s where your
future begins?
Roger Kellerman
Publisher Meetings International
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4 | | 5
There are few destinations that can
offer conference organisers a range
of great value venues in such varied
locations; from the waterfront city of
Hull and the rugged East Yorkshire
Heritage coastline to the tranquil
rolling Yorkshire Wolds. The blend
of city, coast and countryside isn’t
Hull & East Yorkshire’s only draw;
organisers looking for industry links
won’t be disappointed. Situated on the
4th largest trading estuary in Europe,
Hull has a rich maritime history
and today the docks still form part
of the busiest ports complex in the
UK. Through Hull’s port and logistics
industry, an important chemical
sector has grown, with a thriving
super-cluster of world scale chemicals
and energy operations working out of
the region.
Hull and the Humber region is
currently positioning itself as the
UK’s Energy Estuary with sustain-
able energy being a key priority.
Designated by the UK government
as a ‘Centre for Offshore Renewable
Energy’, Hull plays an important role
in the nation’s advances in renewable
energy and research on tidal techno
logies, biomass and biofuels.
As home to healthcare giants
Smith & Nephew and Reckitt
Benckiser, and to a new £70m
Oncology and Haematology Centre,
Hull has strong foundations in the
fields of medical research and health-
care, compounded by the University
of Hull’s new research facilities which
were recently unveiled.
In recent years, Hull & East
Yorkshire has grown in popularity as
a meetings destination with delegates
from over 40 countries visiting to
attend a variety of conferences, from
major medical meetings to the Bram
Stoker Centenary Conference.
In Hull, organisers will find an
array of venues to suit all types of
events. The new home of Hull Truck
Theatre provides state of the art con-
ference facilities for up to 440 dele-
gates. For a more traditional offering,
Hull Guildhall is one of the north’s
most impressive venues and an ideal
location for conferences and formal
dinners. This prestigious building
offers hospitality within an historic
setting and has provided the backdrop
for both the Association of Surgeons
in Training and the International
Sustainable Development Research
conferences’ gala dinners.
For residential events the city’s
largest hotel, the Mercure Royal, is
ideal; the Victorian Grade II listed
building provides flexible meeting
rooms for up to 400 delegates and
communal spaces with contemporary
elegant décor.
As well as its research facilities, the
University of Hull also provides the
ideal environment for conferences
with its well appointed meeting rooms
and theatres for up to 500 delegates.
Halfway between London and Edinburgh on England’s
East coast, Hull and East Yorkshire is the hidden gem in
Yorkshire’s crown. This dynamic and fast changing city, set
in the beautiful rolling tranquil countryside of the Yorkshire
Wolds boasts an array of venues, a vibrant marina and
excellent meeting facilities. Just a 30 minute drive from
Humberside International Airport which has introduced
direct flights from Copenhagen and with direct links from
London, Manchester, Birmingham and Newcastle airport,
Hull is a rising star on the meeting and conference scene.
Hull&East
Yorkshire
The Deep

hull & east yorkshire | 76 | hull & east yorkshire
The University recently hosted the
British Sedimentological Associa-
tion AGM, the Sustainable Control of
Offshore Wind Turbines Workshop
and the Landscape-scale Palaeoeco
logy Conference, to name just a few.
Away from the hustle and bustle,
take your pick of exclusive venues in
rural settings. The North Sea Offshore
Wind Conference chose the Hallmark,
a four star hotel which offers afforda-
ble luxury and fantastic views of the
Humber Bridge. The KP, perfect for
away days, is a new development set
in 200 acres with a stunning glass-
house offering views of its beautiful
parkland golf course. Just across the
magnificent Humber Bridge is the lux-
urious 4 star Forest Pines Hotel and
Golf Resort; after a day conferencing
in the purpose built Events Centre,
delegates can relax in the spa or take
on the 27-hole golf course with its
challenging fairways and greens that
unroll through ancient woods and
wild heathland.
For those events that want to
give their international delegates a
traditional English experience, East
Yorkshire has a lot to offer. Beverley
Tickton Grange, a beautiful Grade II
listed Georgian country house, offers
everything a successful conference
needs, plus an award winning restau-
rant. Delegates from across Europe
attending the VERSO conference expe-
rienced the medieval splendour of
castellated manor house Cave Castle
Hotel & Country Club. The hotel is set
within 150 acres of rolling countryside
and as well as conference facilities,
offers spa and leisure facilities, golf
course and fishing lake.
Along the East Yorkshire coastline
you will find the traditional beach
resort of Bridlington, home to The
Spa; a fantastic seafront venue seating
up to 1,700 delegates. Since its £20m
refurbishment, The Spa has hosted
numerous conferences and events,
including the annual Yorkshire Inter-
national Business Convention. To
compliment the remarkably restored
1930s Art Deco Ballroom and Edward-
ian Theatre are new and refurbished
rooms, many with magnificent views
of the beach, sea and promenade.
Unique local activities include per-
sonalised confectionary making and
boat trips to see 200,000 nesting
seabirds at nearby Bempton Cliffs.
Every great conference needs to
offer its delegates some unique down
time and Hull & East Yorkshire has a
vibrant mix of culture, shopping and
nightlife that makes mixing business
with pleasure effortless. Hull has eight
free museums to explore, including
Just across the magnificent Humber Bridge you will find
the luxurious 4 star Forest Pines Hotel and Golf Resort
The Humber Bridge
The KP
Hull Marina

hull & east yorkshire | 98 | hull & east yorkshire
the Maritime Museum and the award
winning Ferens Art Gallery, both ven-
ues offer drinks reception facilities
with a difference.
For retail therapy check out
independent stores, high street names
and the uniquely located shopping
centre built on stilts over an historic
former dock. On Hull’s doorstep lie
the Yorkshire Wolds; inspiration for
some of artist David Hockney’s major
work and offering an abundance of
activities, the beautiful countryside
is perfect for exploring on foot, car,
cycle, or even horseback. Alterna-
tively, delegates can spend a thrilling
time watching the ‘sport of kings’ at
Beverley Racecourse, also ideal for
events and corporate hospitality.
Many conference organisers have
impressed delegates with an exclusive
evening at the iconic award winning
visitor attraction The Deep, home to
one of the world’s deepest aquariums.
The Observatory is ideal for drinks
receptions and the Endless Oceans
Gallery, with its breathtaking views of
some of the resident 3,500 fish, sharks
and rays, is a spectacular setting for
gala dinners.
If you are looking for sporting
action then head to the KC Stadium
home to Premier League football club
Hull City and Super League rugby
team Hull FC. The KC Stadium offers a
range of corporate hospitality pack-
ages as well as a suite of 9 conference
rooms and 28 boxes. Alternatively
catch an exhilarating Hull Stingrays
Ice hockey match at Hull Arena,
which doubles as a perfect venue for
concerts, trade shows and exhibitions.
Finding the right venue and
event support is easy in Hull &
East Yorkshire with the convention
bureau’s dedicated, experienced and
knowledgeable team there to assist
you.
Hull & East Yorkshire Conferences
offer a full range of free services
including: finding you the ideal venue
and providing rates and availability
for your specific event; negotiating
hotel rates and creating a bespoke
online accommodation booking
website to enable your delegates to
book with ease. The team also offer
Residential Event Support, a scheme
to invest back into events, this could
cover your local transport costs or
contribute to a drinks reception or
dinner.
Contact the team and they can help
you hold the perfect event in Hull &
East Yorkshire.
Hull & East Yorkshire Conferences
conference.bureau@vhey.co.uk
www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com/
conference
+44 (0) 1482 391535
Professor Dettmar, conference
organiser and Managing Director
of ‘Technostics’
The HEY Conferences team
recently assisted Professor Peter W
Dettmar, who organised a conference
in Hull for 300 leading healthcare
professionals from around the world
the on Reflux disease and its conse-
quences.
Professor Dettmar said “Nothing
seemed too much trouble for the team
at Hull & East Yorkshire Conferences.
There is no way we could have run a
conference of this size without the
help of HEY Conferences and we will
certainly be using them for future
events in the city.”
Ed Fitzgerald, Conference
Organiser and Past President
of Association of Surgeons in
Training (ASiT)
“The Association of Surgeons in
Training chose Hull & East Yorkshire
as our annual Conference destination
for a number of reasons.
The most important factor in this
was the HEY Conferences team. From
a clear and informative bid, through to
organising tours of potential venues,
we were impressed by their support,
local knowledge and enthusiasm for
hosting our Conference. We needed
a team that could support and work
with us and we found that in Hull and
East Yorkshire.
However, that alone would not
have been sufficient without suitable
venues, and we found in Hull and East
Yorkshire the venues that perfectly
suited our medium-sized event.
Add into this the excellent value
offered by venues and local hotels,
the central UK location together
with good transport links and we
were convinced that Hull and East
Yorkshire was the right place for us.”
The most important factor in this
was the HEY Conferences team
Bridlington Hall Ferens Art Gallery
The HEY Conferences team

Incentive Islands | 1110 | Incentive Islands
The Isles of Scilly, nestled off the coast of Cornwall are like
nowhere else in England. The stunning archipelago of small islands
offers the discerning business traveller outstanding beauty, uncrowded
and unspoilt scenery. While the Isles of Scilly are an easy journey from
the south-west coast of England, they also appear a world apart, making
them ideal for outdoor team events, team development retreats and a
more unusual incentive travel destination.
IslesofScilly
Islandstotreasure
The adventure begins when you
arrive by small plane or by boat. You
immediately sense you have dis-
covered something very special as
you glimpse this cluster of low-lying
islands amid a turquoise lagoon, some
fringed by rocks, other by white sandy
beaches. Reminiscent of the Carib-
bean and yet only 30 miles from the
coast of Cornwall.
The Scilly adventure continues as
you hop from island to island by boat,
experiencing many natural wonders
– basking sharks, seals, dolphins, and
rare birds.
Just over 2000 people live here on
the 5 inhabited islands. Above all the
islands give you the space and free-
dom to do everything.
Here is our top outdoor adventures
for incentives on the Isles of Scilly.
1. Snorkel through kelp forests and
swim with seals
2. Harness the elements of the ocean
in a yacht, dinghy, windsurf or
kitesurf
3. Enjoy discovering the islands on
boat
4. Ride the shores on horseback,
along St Mary’s sandy beaches
5. Dive into azure waters and explore
the sea life and shipwrecks that
scatter the ocean floor
6. Scale granite outcrops and dis-
cover the many unique places to
rock climb on Scilly, right next to
the turquoise ocean
7. Kayak to sheltered bays, passing
seals, dolphins, basking sharks and
even leather back turtles as you go
8. Tee off on the most southerly
nine hole golf course in the UK on
St Mary’s
9. Visit Scilly’s very own vineyard for
a unique tasting experience
10. Explore St Mary’s on bike
11. Head out for a rustic carriage ride
Magical, peaceful and unforgettable,
Scilly is the ideal setting for incentive
reward travel, unusual management
meetings and motivational experi-
ences for a program that achieves
bottom line results.
Unspoilt countryside, milesofgolden
beachesanddramaticcliffsarejustsomeofthe
delightstodiscoverontheIsleofWight.Well
knownasthelocationofQueenVictoria’shome,
OsborneHouse,theisland’shistoryincludes
dinosaurs,Romans,inventorsandrockheroes.
If you are looking for team outdoor
activities, the Isle of Wight has it all.
The stunning coastline and warm
climate mean that this Isle of the per-
fect playground for corporate incen-
tives and teambuilding activities;
Plus , the Isle of Wight is easily
accessible – with two Wight Ferry
routes linking the island to the main-
land.
Day one
The Isle of Wight is the ideal desti-
nation for sailing challenges to fully
appreciate the variety of the land-
scapes and coastline. The offshore
waters of the Channel and the Solent
provide excellent conditions for
sailing for leisurely sight-seeing tours
to sailing tuition and more “hands
on” sailing experiences! Great fun and
great team building, sailing a yacht
to the Isle of Wight with experienced
skippers.
Explore secluded coves with rock
pools, picturesque bays and long
expanses of virgin sand.
Head to Compton Bay on the south
coast and explore the cliffs to find
relics of a pre historic age.
Let’s also not forget that the Isle
of Wight is one of the richest places
in Europe for Dinosaur heritage and
fossils, and continuing erosion has
made these cliffs a treasure trove for
dinosaur hunters. There are a num-
ber of walks and hunts available with
professional guides to discover it.
Day two
To experience the joy of steam head
to Havenstreet and the Isle of Wight
Steam Railway which passes through
five miles of unspoiled Island country-
side between Wootton, Havenstreet,
Ashey and Smallbrook, recapturing
the days of the branch line railway.
Cook your own steak on a hot
volcanic brick at Yarmouth’s On the
Rocks or let Michelin Star chef Robert
Thompson show-off his skills at The
Hambrough in Ventnor. For a relaxed
vibe and top food head to Seven in
Brighstone, or make your way to Stee-
phill Cove near Ventnor for a delicious
freshly-caught crab pasty.
Want more? Cowes is an interna-
tional sailing hot spot whilst the long
beaches and rolling hills are perfect
for watersports and paragliding. Half
a day Kayak trips are a great way to
tour the Isle’s stunning coastline.
If you’re after something a little
more extreme, you can try your hand
at tree climbing, paragliding, or sail-
ing with knowledgeable guides
The Isle of Wight also has a num-
ber of golf courses, many of which are
set against picturesque backdrops,
making it the perfect place for a golf
tournament.
No trip to the island is complete
without a visit to Queen Victoria’s
favourite home, Osbourne House.The
memory of Britain’s longest serv-
ing monarch lives on at the house,
designed by Prince Albert as the
Queen’s countryside retreat. Take a
tour of Osbourne House for a glimpse
a royal family life the explore the Vic-
torian Walled Garden and Osbourne
Parkland.
For incentive programmes includ-
ing meeting facilities, Agency or con-
vention bureau contacts, get in touch
with the VisitEngland team.
48hoursin
TheIsleofWight

12 | | 13
Sussex
The county of Sussex is one of Eng-
land’s oldest counties and contains
spectacular scenery and a host of
picturesque English towns and vil-
lages. This region absorbs Londoners
looking to escape over the weekend
and can offer an array of interesting
activities. The vibrant nightlife and
shingle shores of Brighton and tradi-
tional seaside retreat of Eastbourne
are popular locations. Others opt for
the medieval streets of Rye or the
historic Battle, where in the year
1066, William the Conqueror first
engaged the Saxons. On the outskirts
of these towns you will find green
countryside, winding country lanes
and breath-taking views of the South
Downs National Park.
Experiences
A motor track day at Goodwood gives
drivers of every level the opportunity
to tear around the race track testing
their skills to the limit.
Viscount Cowdray’s estate in the
idyllic South Downs is recognised as
the home of British Polo. A spectacu-
lar experience with a history stretch-
ing back some 100 years.
Explore
Royal Pavilion at Brighton
Dating to 1787, the Royal Pavilion at
Brighton is an extraordinarily unique
building which served as a pleasure
palace for George IV. The distinctive
landmark now houses fascinating
collections as a museum and library.
Arundel Castle — Housing over
1000 years of history, Arundel Castle
is one of the longest inhabited country
houses in England. Overlooking the
River Arun in West Sussex, it houses
many of its original features, some
dating back to 1068.
Stay
The Grand in Brighton
Opulent splendour, world class
service and pure relaxation in an
iconic Victorian building gloriously
positioned on one of the most famous
seafronts in the world.
South Lodge in Horsham
A five star luxury country house hotel
nestled in perfect harmony amongst
acres of picturesque woodland and
parkland.
England can provide a wealth of ideas for companies looking to
reward and encourage staff. Our destinations can offer places and
experiences that can bring the ‘wow’ factor reaction event organ-
isers want. If you want incentives that will bring people together
and share an experience they will never forget, here are a few
options available in England’s beautiful south.
Incentives The Cotswolds
Popular with both the English and
international visitors, the area is well
known for outstanding areas of nature
with water meadows, sleepy ancient
limestone villages and gentle hillsides
(the Wolds). The region is widely
known for being ‘typically English’
where time has seemingly stood still
for 300 years. Treasure hunts, clas-
sic cars trails are popular incentive
activities with the beautiful backdrop
of the Wolds.
Experiences
Afternoon cream tea
in Jane Austin’s Bath
Set in the second floor of a Georgian
Townhouse, relax amidst period decor
and enjoy this most English of pleas-
antries in the UNESCO World Heritage
City that Jane Austin called home.
Clay pigeon Shooting
One of the most popular outdoor
activities in the UK, guests enjoy
expert tuition before different clay
stands and fun competitions.
Explore
Longleat House
Not only the country’s premier Safari
Park but one of the best examples of
high Elizabethan architecture hous-
ing a treasure trove of antiquities
including the bloodied silk waistcoat
worn by King Charles I at his execu-
tion in 1649.
Blenheim Palace
This World Heritage Site offers a
range of incentive activities including
a popular James Bond programme,
allowing guests to be engulfed in to
the world of espionage and martinis!
Stay
The Royal Crescent — A stay at
Bath’s Royal Crescent luxury hotel
and spa provides guests with a truly
elegant experience amidst the Geor-
gian grandeur of the world’s most
famous crescent.
Ellenborough Park — Nestled in
the heart of the Cotswolds, this hotel
provides a refined accommodation
experience featuring 60 individually
designed rooms, an Indian-themed
spa, oak panelled dinning rooms and
heated outdoor pool set in the sublime
English countryside.
Hampshire
Famous writers such as Jane Austen
and Thomas Hardy have taken inspi-
ration from this region. Hampshire
encompasses the South Downs and
the New Forest National Parks as well
as the Isle of Wight (a favourite of
Queen Victoria). Most people will rec-
ognise the vibrant cities of Southamp-
ton and Portsmouth and know little of
the tiny villages and thatched cottages
untouched by industrial invasion and
maritime trade of the past.
Experience
Sailing day on The Solent
and around the Isle of Wight
A country with a history shaped by
the waves, England is surrounded
by miles of breath-taking coastline.
Spend a day sailing on of its most
famous stretches around the historic
Isle of Wight.
Dinner at the sea fortress
Spitbank Fort, Portsmouth
There can be few unique locations in
the world than this sea-fort, designed
to repel Napoleonic invasion, now
offering the height of luxury accom-
modation as a hotel and private
island.
Explore
Winchester — Just under an hour
from London, England’s capitol and
you’ll arrive in its old capital and a
place suffused with ancient history
and fascinating heritage such as King
Arthur’s legendary Round Table.
The Mary Rose Museum — Follow-
ing a £27 million pound investment
Mary Rose Museum opened its doors
to visitors on Friday 31st May 2013.
This 16th century warship, flagship of
Henry VIII, is a unique and spellbind-
ing visitor experience.
Stay
Chewton Glen New Forest
This five star luxury hotel located
minutes from the sea and perched on
the edge of the New Forest National
Park, offers sublime accommodation
in the form of its stunning country
manor house and incredible tree-
house options.
Rhinefield House New Forest
This luxuriant hotel blends Tudor
and Gothic architecture in the heart
of the New Forest, an ancient space
created by William I in about 1079 as a
private hunting ground. Eccentric and
romantic, the hotel exudes charm and
tranquillity.
For information, programmes or
enquiries contact Hannah Longman,
Business Visits and Events Sales Man-
ager, VisitEngland:
hannah.longman@visitengland.org

14 | | 15
10 Manchester SENT
Manchester
Manchester is one of England’s coolest
cities. This once industrial city has reinvented
itself as a truly contemporary metropolis.
A beguiling combination of historical impor
tance, award-winning architecture, rich
culture and the inimitable spirit of its people
make Manchester a popular destination of
choice for event planners.
Whilst probably most famous around
the world for its football and musi-
cal exports, Manchester has now
established itself as a dynamic and
forward-thinking business tourism
destination and the sector is currently
worth over £822m per annum to the
city-region.
The city’s success is largely the
result of heavy investment in the
area known as Petersfield, an area of
historic importance for Manchester
which has always been the city’s pri-
mary meeting point. Today, the area is
home to the city’s flagship conference
venue, Manchester Central, as well
as over 2,500 hotel beds within a five
minute walk of hotels such as Hilton
Manchester Deansgate, the Midland
Hotel and the Radisson Blu Edward-
ian Hotel to name a few.
The concentration of these facili-
ties within a relatively compact area
has made Manchester city centre an
appealing option for conference and
event organisers so it’s no surprise
that Manchester continues to be a
regular host city for major events
such as the highly coveted UK political
party conferences, as well as a string
of high profile meetings such as the
upcoming International Conference
on Urban Health 2014.
Manchester Airport is not only
one of the biggest in the country, but
also one of the best – 20 minutes from
the city centre and serving over 200
domestic and international destina-
tions. With quick arrival processing
times delegates can be checking in to
their hotel within 45 minutes of land-
ing. Meanwhile if travelling up from
London, trains run every 20 minutes
and take just over two hours, bringing
Manchester closer to the Capital than
ever before.
And once in the city, delegates have
no problems getting around. With a
compact city centre, Manchester is
very walkable; however, if delegates
are in a rush the city’s public trans-
port system is excellent.
Of course, ongoing investment is
crucial for the success of the busi-
ness tourism industry and there are
currently a number of projects adding

meetings international No. 56 2013
16 | manchester
significantly to the diversity of Man-
chester’s dynamic conference offer.
These include the National Football
Museum, a great new space for drink
receptions for up to 500 and Emir-
ates Old Trafford which has recently
completed it’s long-term renovation
project with the opening of the Pavil-
ion at The Point.
Manchester United FC’s Old
Trafford is legendary and never fails
to inspire delegates who can meet in
one of their 24 suites or 155 flexible
rooms. For a truly unique and memo-
rable experience, Old Trafford boasts
incentive activities such as Museum
and Stadium Tours and Matchday VIP
Hospitality. The venue is also one of
the first in the UK to achieve ISO20121
Sustainable Event Certification – a
success replicated by Manchester
Central, a venue which holds sustain-
ability very highly, with it’s roof top
garden and integrated electric car
charging points. Manchester Central
is also one of the first venues in the UK
to offer free wifi to all visiting dele-
gates and exhibitors.
Equally the Neo-gothic Manches-
ter Town Hall, the award-winning
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
and the magnificently restored The
Monastery are just three other busi-
ness tourism big hitters in the city.
The University of Manchester has
recently completed the first phase of
a £60m project to open a new hotel,
conference venue, and executive
education centre at Manchester
Business School – the UK’s largest
campus-based business and manage-
ment school.
Manchester’s impressive business
product wouldn’t be complete without
its conference team who are interna-
tionally recognised as one of the UK’s
leading convention bureaus. They are
specialised in event bidding, planning,
marketing and client support. They
offer a single point of contact for
conference planners – meaning that a
dedicated professional will be on hand
from conference conception to com-
pletion. They can also help manage
every event need, including: securing
key speakers and civic receptions;
liaising with other city stakeholders to
deliver services such as city dressing
and security. All in all, they provide
key services any organiser would
expect from a leading convention city.
For more information about
conferences in Manchester:
www.visitmanchester.com/conference
Or contact:
Anthony Cassidy,
International Sales Manager
+44 161 238 4509
anthony.cassidy@visitmanchester.com
Twitter: @mcr_conf
Manchester Central
Where Manchester meets the world.
The convention centre in the heart of the city,
with meeting spaces for 40 to over 10,000 delegates,
Manchester Central is ready to welcome your
next event.
Visit www.manchestercentral.co.uk or contact Lisa Carter
on +44 (0)161 827 8738 to find out why Manchester Central
is the perfect venue for your next event.
www.manchestercentral.co.uk

18 | | 19
Manchester is world-renowned as
a leading sports destination, and since
the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the
city took its rightful place as the UK’s
Capital of Sport.
Manchester has two of the World’s
most famous football teams with
Manchester United and the newly
challenging Manchester City. The
city has the exciting and inspirational
National Football Museum, which
brings together a wide range of fantas-
tic football history.
Manchester is always looking to
the future and brand new ways to
develop sport in their city. With the
construction of their brand new BMX
track, Manchester is now the home of
the National Cycling Centre.
The historic Old Trafford Cricket
Ground redevelopment is now
complete, and looks to combine its
unrivalled heritage with state-of-art
facilities. It’s rebranded as Emirates
Old Trafford.
If you’re looking to inspire your
team in business, where better than a
venue that produces high-performing
players, year in, year out? A confer-
ence venue like the football ground
Old Trafford can lend greatness to
events of all kinds. Whether you want
to stage an AGM for 1,100 or a meeting
for just 11, you will find the conference
facilities, the expertise and the people
in place to deliver a memorable event.
In this unique venue there is the
opportunity to be able to create and
deliver an event that’s truly inspi-
rational, whether it’s a meeting, an
incentive trip, a roadshow, a spectacu-
lar product launch or the best Christ-
mas party ever.
You will find 24 large suites –
some with panoramic views of the
Theatre of Dreams’ pitch – so why
not set the scene for greatness? 155
further syndicate rooms offer many
opportunities. All are serviced by
the experienced events management
team. Manchester United is an acces-
sible and ideal venue for meetings and
exhibitions of all kinds.
Manchester provides the perfect
venue for a sports themed incentive
group or a business meeting starting
or ending with a great match maybe
even between the city’s two rival
teams! Maybe ending up with a dinner
at the footballers favourite – Rosso
owned by Manchester United player
Rio Ferdinand. The restaurant is
housed in a 114-year-old; Grade II
listed building, conveniently located
on King Street. The venue is steeped
in history, and really is something to
behold with dramatic marble domes,
exquisite architecture and high
impact interior design. It’s not just a
restaurant - it’s a destination for fine
food, great atmosphere and fabulous
cocktails.
Manchester
TheCapital
ofSports

20 |
Meeting venues Bath has numerous
meeting spaces available within the city and
beyond, from intimate rooms in luxury hotels
to purpose built facilities; they provide an ideal
working environment for board meetings or
impressing clients.
The Royal Crescent Hotel
The Hotel is situated within the cen-
tre of the Grade l listed, architectural
masterpiece – The Royal Crescent,
Bath. The 45 individually designed
and luxurious bedrooms, elegant
sitting rooms and award-winning
restaurant are all set within one acre
of beautiful gardens. If you’re seeking
a very special venue in which to host
an important business meeting or
conference, then look no further than
the stunning private rooms of the
Royal Crescent.
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
Lucknam Park is the ideal conference
venue to hold business meetings
near Bath. Discreet yet accessible.
Secluded yet connected. A distrac-
tion-free setting for the best busi-
ness brainstorms. With four elegant
meeting rooms, Lucknam Park is the
perfect environment for top level
discussions and meetings.
Beechfield House Hotel
Beechfield House is a gem of a country
house hotel set in eight acres of beau-
tiful grounds. Specialising in breakfast
seminars, doctors meetings, product
launches, sales team meetings. Day
delegate, half day delegate and room
hire rates available. Exclusive use is
offered for those occasions when total
privacy is required. A full range of
team building activities is also availa-
ble on site.
Hall & Woodhouse
Hall & Woodhouse is a spectacular
bar and restaurant from the 235 year
old, Dorset brewers of Badger ales.
Located in the heart of Bath at 1 Old
King Street – a former auction house
– the venue is simply stunning. If you
are looking to hold an event large or
small in Bath, Hall & Woodhouse is an
ideal venue – the Pavilion (our private
dining and meeting room) is light and
airy.
bath
| 21
Incentive activities Everyone deserves
a little down time. Bath offers an unrivalled
range of activities and attractions – partner
programmes, incentives and adventurous
team building experiences are all easily
arranged.
Food & Drink
Work up an appetite on a cookery
course at the Bertinet Kitchen and
sample your own creations over a
tasty lunch. Experience a High tea gin
tasting session at Circo – one of Bath’s
best cocktail bars. Learn the basics of
what goes into making gin such a won-
derful and interesting drink. Com-
bined with a high tea that includes
gin and tonic flavoured cupcakes, and
other treats, it’s the perfect setting for
group parties and corporate groups.
Quoins Organic Vineyard offer
specialised tasting tours for groups
and include the history of the vine-
yard and an explanation of the organic
management methods that are fol-
lowed on the vineyard.
Unique settings
Have a private tour of Number 1 Royal
Crescent – a beautifully restored
Georgian home. Explore how the
Georgians lived with a private tour
and finish in the traditional Georgian
kitchen where you will sample food
from this era with an interesting over-
view from a food historian.
For a unique gala dinner try an
evening of entertainment around the
Roman Baths. As darkness falls, the
ruins of this vast Roman building are
an awesome sight. By the light of flick-
ering torches, your guests can walk
on 2000 year old pavements as they
drink in the atmosphere over a glass
of champagne. Guests can then follow
on to the Pump Room for a grand
dinner. Liven up your event by hiring
your very own costumed character
including a Roman soldier, noble-
woman or a stonemason to interact
with guests over drinks. Sit back and
enjoy the stunning sound of one of
Bath Abbey’s choirs with a private
recital, exclusively for your group.
Sports & Adventure
Hire your own private box at Bath
Rugby and enjoy watching this profes-
sional union club in action. Find out
more about this exciting game and the
players themselves by organising a
‘meet the player’ session at half time.
Take a walk on the wild side with a
visit to Longleat House & Safari Park
and get up close with the animals with
a champagne safari package.
For more information:
Amy Barber, Sales Executive
amy_barber@bathtourism.co.uk
www.visitbath.co.uk

| 2322 |
Cumbria
andtheLake
District
Here are a few ideas for your
perfect management meeting or
meetcentive in the Lake District:
Lunch
At the established Michelin Star
restaurant, L’Enclume, situated in
the historic village of Cartmel. The
restaurant prides itself on pushing the
boundaries of cooking using the finest
locally sourced ingredients.
Stay
Check in at the Holbeck Ghyll in
Windermere. One of the most lux-
urious hotels in the Lake District
complete with health spa, Miche-
lin-starred restaurant and endless
views of Lake Windermere.
Meet
Take a trip around ‘England’s most
beautiful lake and enjoy the scenery
on one of the Ullswater ‘Steamers’
while exchanging ideas and holding
an informal meeting. Celebrating
over 150 years of sailing on the lake,
Ullswater Steamers have a vessel
that was originally launched back in
1877. The vessels create the perfect
opportunity to combine creativity and
relaxation with views of the natural
fells and mountain surroundings.
Dinner
Horse & Farrier Inn (Threkeld nr
Keswick). An excellent reputation for
good food and welcoming hospitality.
www.horse&farrier.com
Visit
Europes largest earth covered build-
ing and award-winning attraction of
Rheged – named after Cumbria’s
Celtic Kingdom. The attraction
includes a cinema screen the size of
6 double decker buses, work by local
artists and a well stocked food hall.
Kayaking
Where Mountains Meet
Kayaking (Bassenthwaite Lake)
Experience kayaking with experi-
enced and qualified professionals.
www.wheremountainsmeet.co.uk/
choosing/kayaking.html

Walking
R & L Adventurers
A half-day walking tour catered to
your individual needs.
www.walk-climb-paddle.co.uk
The Lake District, in the heart of the county of Cumbria is one of
Europe’s most magnificent natural parks. A landscape of spectacular
lakes and peaks, the Lake District provides a unique setting for a
memorable incentive. A host of Michelin star and beautiful country
house hotels and boutique hotels within an hour reach from
Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle Airport.
Dinner
Kirkstile Inn (Loweswater) was
awarded the prestigious CAMRA Pub
of the Year for West Cumbria and
Western Lake District for 2005, 2004
and 2003 and Cumberland News
Country Pub of the Year in 2003.
www.kirkstile.com
Gorge/Ghyll Scrambling
Adventure 21 (Keswick) are a well
known outdoor adventure activities
provider, who specialize in providing
outdoor adventure activities and
outdoor pursuits in the UK. Keep the
gorge scramble as wet or as dry as
you like as you follow one of many
streams, becks and gorges.
www.adventure21.co.uk
Sailing
Platty Plus (Derwentwater, Keswick)
Based at the Ladore landing, on the
edge of Derwentwater, Platty Plus
offer watersports tuition and equip-
ment hire. They have a range of boats
for sailing. www.plattyplus.co.uk
Horse riding
Rookin House farm (Troutbeck,
Penrith) is an established adventure
venue and has been offering a wide
variety of outdoor activities for over
20 years. With over 35 horses, great
facilities and beautiful countryside to
explore, the equestrian centre offers
something for riders of all abilities.
www.rookinhouse.co.uk
Canoeing
Derwent Water Marina (Keswick)
If you want to go sailing, windsurfing
or canoeing in the Lake District a
warm and friendly welcome awaits
you at Derwent Water Marina.
www.derwentwatermarina.co.uk
Cycling
Whitehaven Harbour to Cleator
Moor Square (Whitehaven)
This route starts from the Marina
Harbour Side and is the start also of
the C2C to the north east coast. After
leaving the Whitehaven Market area
the route follows the old railway route
to Cleator Moor’s Phoenix Bridge
which leads to the Town Square. A
medium rated route of 5m/8km, that
will take approximately one hour.
www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk/routes
www.golakes.co.uk
www.golakes.co.uk

24 |
There’s a world class calendar of
events overflowing with corporate
hospitality options, from thrill-
ing sporting occasions such as
Wimbledon to great social gatherings
like the Chelsea Flower Show and
Henley Regatta.
Look no further than the 2012
London Olympic and Paralympic
Games for an example of England’s
singular ability to orchestrate events
on an epic stage.
All of this is backed up with a level
of accommodation second to none, an
efficient transport network and world
class support services.
Here are a few ideas designed to
inspire, impress and enjoy whether
you’re with colleagues, clients or
rewarding your staff.
Bristol Balloon Fiesta
The biggest balloon festival in Europe,
Bristol witnesses hundreds of hot
air balloons invade the sky, while in
the arena below, a range of events
including motorcycle stunts and live
music create a trulya memorable day.
Popular Night Glow balloon flights,
which attract thousands of spectators
from around the globe, light up the
night with additional firework dis-
plays to end the evening. Guests can
experience this from the comfort of
their own first-class marquees with
perfect views of the action.
Horseracing
For centuries, horseracing has been
a popular activity of the English and
its royal family. There’s an astonish-
ing collection of different options at
Royal Ascot when the racing com-
petes for centre stage with guests and
their high sense of fashion. This is
true VIP hospitality, with champagne
receptions, five course lunches and
access to Royal Enclosures for the
privileged few.
British Grand Prix
Silverstone is one of the leading mot-
orsports venues and offers a number
of action packed days for corporate
entertaining. The highlight of the year
is the British Grand Prix and hospi-
tality packages allow limited passes to
the famous Paddock and Pitt Lanes.
Suites can be hired with prime view of
Formula One’s top drivers in action.
Premier League Football
As you’d expect from the most famous
league in the world, there’s a full
squad of hospitality packages availa-
ble at England’s stadiums.
Manchester United has pre and
post-match packages available at Old
Trafford which include a meal and
the chance to chat with a past ‘Red
Legend’.
English
Hospitality
—There is nowhere on earth that can provide
the warm welcome and charismatic hospitality
of England. Brimming with an exciting array of
events such the cultural highs of Shakespeare
and the opera, to the exciting racing of Ascot
and Formula 1 Grand Prix, England can produce
something to suit and entertain everyone.
| 25
Liverpool provide Executive Boxes
with unrivalled views and exquisite
food whilst key clients can watch the
match drama unfold at Anfield.
The Executive Boxes at Emirates
Stadium are amongst the best in
world football. The private dining
experience, teamed with state-of-the-
art facilities, replicate the quality and
flair that Arsenal is renowned for.
Golf
England’s ‘Golf Coast’ is home to 19
of the most challenging and naturally
beautiful golf courses and described
as the finest stretch of Championship
Golf in the world. Within its bound-
aries, from Cumbria to Chester, this
beguiling piece of coastline can offer
three Open Championship venues.
The collection includes Royal Birk-
dale, Royal Lytham & St Annes and
Royal Liverpool to name just a few.
Up to 75 guests can take part in a
splendid VIP Day at the historic Royal
Lytham course on the Lancashire
coast. The ultimate day out for golfers,
the undoubted highlight is the oppor-
tunity to play an 18-hole competition
on the Championship course, the
famous setting for ten British Opens
and two Ryder Cups.
Airshows
The Imperial War Museum Dux-
ford is a beautifully preserved Battle
of Britain airfield, and the backdrop
to some stunning displays of cho-
reographed aviation. The Duxford
Airshows take place in July and
September and are the perfect activity
for those looking to remember in 2014
the anniversary of the start of World
War I. Guest can enjoy the private use
of a marquee and outdoor enclosure
and watch the action unfold above
them.
Chelsea Flower Show
Every year, the Chelsea Flower Show
bursts into bloom, heralding the start
of the summer season and the perfect
way to entertain clients. Hospitality
packages can include private tours
around the Royal Chelsea Hospi-
tal and an invite to the Chairman’s
evening champagne receptions.
Wimbledon
The capital hosts one of the greatest
sporting events in the tennis calen-
dar and was lucky enough to see a
British champion win Wimbledon in
2013. Top hospitality tickets to see
the world’s supreme tennis players
include a four-course lunch and
champagne overlooking the famous
Centre Court action. Don’t forget it
is traditional at this vibrant event is to
sample the delightful English straw-
berries and cream.

26 | | 27
Birmingham’s geographical position
at the centre of the national motor-
way system and at the heart of the UK
rail network provides outstanding
connectivity to and from all major
destinations in the country. The city
is connected to more than 400 million
people across Europe, including direct
routes to Stockholm and Gothenburg
from Birmingham Airport. There are
a further six routes from Birmingham
to Scandinavia, including direct flights
to Copenhagen and Billund in Den-
mark, and indirect journeys to Oslo,
Bergen and Kristiansund in Norway
and Helsinki in Finland.
With more than 36,000 hotel beds
across the city region, a world-class
range of facilities and an ambitious
ongoing investment and development
programme, Birmingham is a pre-
mier international visitor and events
destination.
The city can lay claim to four of the
world’s finest exhibition, conference
and event venues – part of the NEC
Group. These include the National
Exhibition Centre (NEC), which has
welcomed over 60 million visitors
to its 20 interconnected halls since
opening in 1976. The International
Convention Centre (ICC) annually
hosts more than 350 events and over
300,000 delegates to its 10 flexible
conference halls and 10 executive
meeting rooms. The LG Arena creates
an outstanding entertainment expe-
rience for more than 15,000 visitors,
while the National Indoor Arena (NIA)
is currently undergoing a £26 million
transformation to include a new glass-
fronted façade and Front of House
Showcase straight from the city’s
historic canals.
Birmingham and the wider region
can also boast a range of academic
venues, including venuebirmingham
at the University of Birmingham,
Conference Aston and Warwick Con-
ferences. The Town Hall, Ikon Gallery,
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
and The Public are a selection of the
cultural venues that can add an extra
something to a conference or event.
Birmingham’s great sporting venues
include Villa Park and St Andrew’s,
home to Aston Villa and Birmingham
City. Key developments which prom-
ise to enhance Birmingham and the
wider region’s business tourism prod-
uct in the coming years include the
£189 million Library of Birmingham,
a major new cultural destination. A
£1.3 billion transport package is well
underway to open up the city region
to an even greater audience, making it
even easier for international industry
professionals to use Birmingham for
their events. This includes the £600
million Birmingham New Street train
station redevelopment and Birming-
ham Airport’s £65 million runway
extension.
As well as Birmingham’s unrivalled
business tourism scene, the city can
also offer its visitors an eclectic mix-
ture of things to do when a meeting
takes a break or comes to an end.
Over the past decade Birmingham’s
food scene has seen the city transform
itself into the ultimate dining desti-
nation. Birmingham has more Miche-
lin-starred restaurants than any other
English city outside London. From
the iconic Selfridges building to the
Jewellery Quarter district of the city,
from where an incredible 40% of all
UK jewellery originates, Birmingham
is one of the shopping capitals of
Europe.
Birmingham’s arts scene includes
the stunning Symphony Hall, with its
resident orchestra the CBSO (City of
Birmingham Symphony Orchestra).
The region’s exciting history has also
left visitors with a number of exciting
attractions to discover, including
Cadbury World, the National Trust
Back to Backs and the Black Country
Living Museum.
Having maintained its position as the top UK events destination
outside London in the fourth annual British Meetings & Events
Industry Survey 2012/13 (bmeis), Birmingham remains a popular
choice for organisers across the country and beyond.
Birmingham
Caralyn Overs
Business Development Manager
caralyn.overs@marketingbirmingham.com
www.meetbirmingham.com

28 | | 29
Brighton
&Hove
Heralded as Britain’s coolest seaside city, Brighton
has a lot to live up to but rarely disappoints. It’s where
kitsch meets cosmopolitan café culture and bohemian
spirit seeps from the beachfront promenade back to
grand Regency crescents, through city parks, and into
the stunning countryside of the Sussex Downs.
The city’s conference offering is a
world class mix of heritage and contem-
porary venues: from the historic Dome
Concert Hall and the beautiful Royal
Pavilion to the new award winning Ameri-
can Express Community Stadium and the
recently refreshed Brighton Centre which
can accommodate up to 5,000 delegates.
The ‘grand dames’ of Brighton’s sea-
front, the Hilton Brighton Metropole and
the Grand Hotel, have undergone signifi-
cant refurbishment work recently and the
improvements to bedrooms and confer-
ence spaces have further strengthened
the city’s delegate offering. Changes at
the Metropole include a sea facing Cham-
pagne and cigar terrace, while the Grand’s
multi-million pound overhaul includes a
new seafood restaurant and luxury spa.
Brighton is just under an hour away
by train from London Victoria and a half
hour from Gatwick airport, making it
an easy option travel-wise. The city is
compact and getting around on foot is a
practical option. The streets are awash
with chic eateries and art galleries and
The Lanes and North Laine area boasts
over 500 independent retailers selling
everything from exclusive antiques to
inspirational art, designer homeware
and vintage fashion; all within a half mile
radius.
Culture vultures will enjoy exploring
Brighton’s most famous landmark, the
iconic Royal Pavilion. Over 8 million vis-
itors a year flock to wonder at its Indian
styled exterior and chinoiserie interior;
home to the original party prince, Prince
Regent. The Pavilion is available for
private hire for meetings and drinks
receptions and is the venue of choice for
a deluxe away day or exclusive dinner.
The addition of an outdoor ice rink – from
November to January makes it an ideal
spot for seasonal fun and a special Christ-
mas experience.
www.visitbrighton.com
darren.johnson@visitbrighton.com
— 55 minutes from London
— Meeting facilities from
5 – 5000 people
— Thriving independent retail
and restaurant culture
— A ‘Delegate Deals’ card,
offering discounts at over
50 outlets across the city,
is available for all meetings
attendees
— www.visitbrighton.com/conferences
dedicated convention bureau team
for all your meeting needs

30 |
bristol
Bristol’s rich maritime heritage and
lively harbourside scene draw hundreds
of thousands of people to the city each
year. It is also a leading green city,
recently awarded the status of
European Green Capital 2015.
| 31
A wide range of unique, inspiring
and sustainably-run venues make
the most of the maritime and green
credentials of Bristol and there is
somewhere to suit conferences and
meetings of any size or theme that will
really get the ideas flowing.
One of the newest venues to try is
M Shed, an historic building and new
kind of museum on the Dockside. The
stories and experiences of local people
are featured here, meaning there’s no
better space for a meeting or confer-
ence if you’re after a flavour of the
‘real’ Bristol.
A short stroll along the water’s
edge reveals Brunel’s ss Great Britain
‘the ship that changed the World’
lovingly restored and returned to the
place where she was built. A stimulat-
ing venue for reminding meeting and
conference delegates that anything is
possible! It’s also an impressive and
unique venue for gala dinners and
memorable evening events.
Anyone not content with taking
their meeting or conference onto
the water can take it right under the
surface, by hosting at Bristol Aquar-
ium for the ultimate undersea safari.
Equally special are the conference
facilities in At-Bristol, Millennium
Square; an interactive science centre
with more than 300 exhibits to touch
and explore, the perfect way to break
the ice and get minds racing.
Watershed, an established inde-
pendent organisation, has very special
facilities including three cinemas, a
vibrant café bar overlooking the water
and excellent event and conference
spaces. For beds and conference facil-
ities in one place, The Bristol Hotel
and Radisson Blu Bristol are ideally
located near the floating harbour.
The Mercure Brigstow is a short stroll
along the river and all have profes-
sional, well-equipped and adaptable
conference facilities.
First-class dinner venues for
groups include the award-winning
Bordeaux Quay on the harbourside.
It uses fresh, local and seasonal ingre-
dients and is the UK’s first eco restau-
rant to achieve a gold rating under the
Soil Association’s sustainable catering
scheme. Meanwhile, the ever-popu-
lar Glassboat offers diners stunning
views in every direction and delicious
food whilst they people-watch.
Thornbusy castle, just out-
side Bristol, sits at the edge of the
Cotswolds and offers a unique and
magical experience. It is the only
Tudor Castle to open as a luxury hotel
with award winning cuisine open as a
luxury hotel in England and is a great
incentive destination with activities
on offer such as falconry, archery,
croquet and duck herding available
on site. Meeting facilities, tour of the
productive vineyard and afternoon
tea on option!
Getting to the city couldn’t be eas-
ier. Bristol has its own international
airport with direct flights to a range
of destinations including Amsterdam
and Copenhagen. It is also accessible
by train from Bristol Temple Meads
Railway station, where there are
regular direct train services between
London, Birmingham, Manchester,
Scotland and Wales and special rail
conference rates are available from
First Great Western. Bristol sits
between the M4 and M5, making it
easily reached by road from London
and the rest of the UK.
Find out more at:
www.visitbristol.co.uk/conference
Contact Shelley Bishop,
Destination Conference Manager
conference@destinationbristol.co.uk

32 |
Key Liverpool conferencing venues
ACC Liverpool – Comprising the BT
Convention Centre and Echo Arena,
the venue as a whole offers a variety
of spaces for meetings or conferences
including a 1,350 seat auditorium,
7,125m2 of exhibition space and
11,000 capacity arena. It is the only
directly interconnected arena and
convention centre in Europe and will
be opening a brand new Exhibition
Centre in spring 2015. Since opening
in 2008, ACC Liverpool has contrib-
uted £610m to the local economy and
has won numerous awards, the most
recent being Best UK Conference Cen-
tre at this year’s MIT awards
Aintree Racecourse – Con-
ference suites are able to host 600 del-
egates, many overlooking the iconic
racecourse itself, and the venue also
boasts up to 3700sq metres of exhi-
bition space. Aintree Racecourse is
home to numerous event rooms, 1,800
complimentary car parking spaces
and free Wi-Fi, and can arrange
behind the scenes stadium tours, or
talks from jockeys, trainers and own-
ers as part of events.
New hotels in the City Region
Liverpool has welcomed 22 brand
new hotels and serviced apartments,
collectively adding 2,970 bedrooms to
the region, with a total of 7500 rooms.
New venues in the City Region
The city is also home to a number
of new meetings and events ven-
ues, including: Exhibition Centre
Liverpool – opening in spring 2015,
the ACC Liverpool will unveil its brand
new 8,100m² Exhibition Centre. This
makes them the only purpose-built
interconnected Arena, Convention
Liverpool’s venues and hotels, the cornerstone of the
business tourism offer, are supported by an impressive
collection of museums and attractions, restaurants and
cafes, shopping and nightlife.
liverpool
| 33
Centre and Exhibition Centre in
Europe. A hotel will also open on site
Camp and Furnace – a selection
of quirky, industrial-style spaces,
Camp and Furnace is one of the
city’s more unusual events spaces.
The venue offers a Lobby Bar, eatery
and a 9,000sqft Furnace event space
complete with birch trees and period
industrial features.
The £72million Museum of
Liverpool – situated on the city’s
iconic Waterfront – is the largest new-
ly-built national museum in Britain
for over a century and is the world’s
first national museum devoted to the
history of a regional city. Operated by
National Museums Liverpool (NML),
it opened in July 2011 and can host
events for up to 1,000 with views over
the River Mersey.
Selection of Liverpool’s tourist
attractions
Albert Dock – One of the UK’s most
significant maritime cities, Liverpool
is home to a number of famous docks
including Albert Dock. A tourist
attraction in its own right, it houses
venues including Tate Liverpool, The
Beatles Story, Maritime Museum
as well as two hotels and numerous
restaurants and bars.
The Cavern Club – The Cavern
Club is the world famous venue where
The Beatles played in the early 1960s,
and the list of artists who have played
this unique venue since then reads like
a who’s who of popular music. Today it
is still a thriving music destination and
one of Liverpool’s top tourist attrac-
tions. The Cavern Club can be hired
for any event, from a small gathering
in one of the VIP areas to a sit down
dinner or more informal gathering.
Alma de Cuba – Alma de Cuba is
a fantastic restaurant and bar situ-
ated in the former St Peter’s Catholic
Church. The first church in Liverpool
to be turned into a social venue, it now
hosts regular Cuban inspired events,
meetings, networking and weddings.
Spaces include the restaurant floor lit
by hundreds of candles and magnifi-
cent chandeliers and views of the alter,
the Lady Chapel which is now stocked
with a selection of specialist rums or
the main Alter with the 200 year old
alter itself forming the space’s dra-
matic centrepiece.
Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
– Gothic in design, Liverpool Cathe-
dral is the largest Anglican Cathedral
in Britain and fifth largest in the
world. It was designed by architect Sir
Giles Gilbert Scott – who was also the
designer of the London red telephone
box. The Tower Experience takes visi-
tors to the very top of the cathedral for
a bird’s eye view of the city region. The
scale and beauty of the building makes
it perfect for meetings, conferences,
receptions and private dining for large
scale civic events, exhibitions and gala
dinners.
The Beatles Story – One of the
city’s most popular attractions, The
Beatles Story charts the rise of one
of the city’s greatest musical exports.
The venue includes an authentic
re-creation of Mathew Street in 1960s
Liverpool including a replica of the
original Cavern Club, a Going Solo gal-
lery, interactive Discovery Zone and
Special Exhibition space. The Beatles
Story can also be hired for private
events, drinks receptions and dinners.
England’s golf coast – South-
port forms the centre of England’s
golf coast, being home to the highest
concentration of championship links
courses. The world-famous Royal
Birkdale course has held The Open
nine times. Less than an hour’s drive
away to the North lies Royal Lytham St
Annes, home to the 2012 British Open
Championships and to the South,
Royal Liverpool on the scenic Wirral
peninsula, which is to host The Open
in 2014. Together these world-re-
nowned venues have hosted the Open
Championship no fewer than 30 times.
Widely regarded as England’s golfing
capital, delegates visiting the Liverpool
City Region may like to take the short
journey to the Wirral to enjoy a day on
the green, golf lessons or soak up the
resort atmosphere of Southport.
www.liverpoolconventionbureau.com

34 | | 35
Located at the heart of North East
England, Newcastle and Gateshead
are stitched together by seven unique
bridges that cross the River Tyne to
form the remarkable conference des-
tination, NewcastleGateshead.
Our huge choice of exciting urban
and rural venues mixed with pas-
sionate professionals providing great
support services are no co-incidence,
it’s in the nature to achieve and help
others to do the same. Be it a meeting
for ten or a conference for thousands,
NewcastleGateshead provides a per-
fect backdrop to help make your event
a huge success.
You’ve probably already heard
of the great shopping, entertaining
nightlife and passion for sport. Add
these to the legendary friendliness
and welcome of the Geordie peo-
ple, and we’ve created a refreshing
destination with a certain charisma
and an inner spirit which makes you
instantly feel at ease.
NewcastleGateshead has all the
access links you’d expect from a major
European city so wherever your
delegates are from they can be here
in no time. If flying, take your pick –
Emirates, British Airways, KLM, Air
France, Jet2, easyJet and Lufthansa
all fly into our international airport.
And with trains arriving from all
corners (including London in under
three hours) and the A1(M) motorway
passing right through our twin cities,
you won’t struggle to get here.
Once here, transport and help is on
hand night and day so you and your
delegates don’t need to worry about
getting around. This is mainly thanks
to the reliable Metro trains and a
compact and walkable city centre. If
you ever do get stuck, the best maps
are in the minds of the locals who love
to help.
The best networking doesn’t
always happen in a meeting room. You
often get that moment of inspiration
and meet the most interesting people
when you’re sitting back relaxing,
enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a
bar or restaurant or getting out and
about visiting the sights.
It’s important to let your hair
down, and your delegates will find it
hard not to have fun and unwind in
NewcastleGateshead, a place where
living life to the full is part of our
makeup. There’s something happen-
ing every day, from world-class music
and concerts, carnivals and perfor-
mances to sporting events that stir
the soul. Old and new, our permanent
fixtures, including our ancient city
walls and castle keep and the water-
front bars and galleries in the famous
Quayside area, are attractions in
themselves.
Where we have come from is just as
interesting as where we are now, and
evidence of this is not hard to find.
Hadrian’s Wall is a stunning ‘neck-
lace’ of Roman wall and forts across
the North of England, and along with
Durham Castle and Cathedral forms
a pair of World Heritage sites right on
our doorstep. A walk down the elegant
Grey Street or along our castle-filled
coastline will set your delegates’ imag-
inations alight and keep them talking
for years to come. No wonder 82%* of
delegates would like to return.
NewcastleGateshead Convention
Bureau Delegate Survey: 82% of
recent delegates to NewcastleGates-
head said they would like to return for
a leisure break.
www.newcastlegateshead.com/
conferences
Newcastle
Gateshead
Choose a place where stunning architecture and 2,000
years of history meet world-class facilities, where fantastic
travel links meet a compact destination that’s sure to leave
a lasting impression; a warm welcome awaits.

36 | | 37
Nottingham, centrally located in the heart
of England, is a city with a renewed focus on
major events. With a reinvigorated conven-
tion bureau, Nottingham Event Team, offering
a range of free services for event organisers,
holding your meeting, conference or event
here couldn’t be easier.
Nottingham
Nottingham prides itself on being
an event city – from major sporting
events and cultural festivals, to inter-
national conferences and the best in
live entertainment.
Known around the world as the
home of Robin Hood, Nottingham
today is a destination for culture,
heritage, shopping, sport and the arts.
Located in the heart of England and
well connected by transport, the city
offers professional business event
services and a wide range of venues
– from a 10,000 seat arena to unique
heritage sites, providing opportuni-
ties for inspirational events.
Offering a diverse array of venues
and facilities, and with excellent
transport connections by air, rail and
road, the county of Nottinghamshire
is a first choice destination for events
and conferences.
With local expertise on everything
from science to health to design,
the city is a natural choice for event
organisers looking to enhance the
experience of their delegates.
Nottingham is known interna-
tionally as a leading Science city and
a Green city, and key industry sectors
include pharmaceuticals, biotechnol-
ogy and creative industries such as
fashion and textiles, gaming, film and
design. The city’s investment in a new
Creative Quarter recognises this as a
major growth industry.
The city is home to two universi-
ties, the University of Nottingham and
Nottingham Trent University, which
between them excel in the fields of
biotechnology, medicine, low carbon
technologies, business and law, digital
media, manufacturing, art and game
design.
Home to world famous sporting
facilities such as Trent Bridge cricket
ground and the National Ice Centre,
Nottingham is also rich in culture
with renowned galleries, theatres and
museums. Business event organisers
can enjoy a variety of venues, many
of which are within the compact city
centre, from the historic grandeur of
Nottingham Castle and the Galleries
of Justice Museum, to contempo-
rary venues such as the Nottingham
Conference Centre and East Midlands
Conference Centre. Newark Show-
ground, just north of the city, caters
for up to 3,000 delegates, and is just
over an hour by train from London.
When it comes to deciding exactly
where in the county would be best for
you, the free venue location service,
operated by the Nottingham Event
Team, offers a no-stress solution for
event organisers with specific venue
requirements or for those who are
after some inspired ideas to suit the
vision of their meeting, conference or
event.
From the intrigue of hosting an
event in the city’s former law courts
to the exhilaration of taking your
delegates white water rafting at the
National Water Sports Centre, to
experiencing the legend of Robin
Hood first hand – you can breathe cre-
ativity into your event in Nottingham.
The compact nature of the city
centre itself means event organisers
can make use of more than one venue
during their event, with delegates
enjoying the easy option of walking
from their accommodation to the
event venues and activities.
Nottingham Event Team is ded-
icated to making your next event a
success. For more information on the
services offered and how to create a
legendary event in Nottingham, visit:
www.nottinghamevents.uk.com or
email conferences@experiencenotting-
hamshire.com

| 3938 | Nottingham
Galleries of Justice Museum
For something different, why not hold
your next event or meeting in the UK’s
most haunted building? The Galleries
of Justice Museum in Nottingham
is renowned for its supernatural
goings-on, but is also an impressive
building full of history and intriguing
stories.
Located in the thriving Lace Mar-
ket district, this unique and histori-
cally rich site is the perfect venue for
all formal and informal events. With
Victorian courtrooms, a banqueting
hall, meeting rooms, and a Geor-
gian prison, the Galleries of Justice
Museum is an outstanding venue for
every occasion, ideal for meetings,
conferences, celebrations and wed-
ding receptions. Our unforgettable
after-dark events make it an excellent
venue for a unique team-building
event.
There are several spaces to choose
from including the awe-inspiring
Civil Courtroom – an area suited for
lectures, seminars or mock trials;
our prestigious Grand Jury Room -
perfect for large corporate events,
dinners, parties, authentic Sheriff’s
Banquets and Murder Mysteries and
for small, intimate groups there is
our Magistrates’ Suite and Advocates’
Suite – ideal for relaxed, formal or
informal meetings. Bespoke events
are this venue’s speciality!
The Galleries of Justice Museum
can accommodate up to 140 guests,
and is ideally located in Nottingham
within walking distance of the city’s
major hotels, restaurants and other
attractions. While here, visitors can
meet the ‘Villainous Sheriff’ of Not-
tingham, learn about the city’s past of
crime and punishment, and visit the
permanent Robin Hood exhibition.
www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk
National Water Sports Centre
The National Water Sports Centre in
Nottinghamshire is uniquely placed
to offer a variety of high-end activities
that can incorporate adventure on
land or water. Whether you’re looking
for team building exercises in magnif-
icent green spaces, on moving water
or a mix of both, the staff at the centre
can help your team to enjoy a day
that’s both memorable and unique.
Each event and day out is care-
fully geared towards the goals of your
group. One size does not fit all, so the
event planners will work with you
to personally tailor a team building
activity to benefit your particular
group. Activities will be based on the
size of your group and your objectives
to help you get the most from the
experience and achieve results.
From white water rafting to water
skiing, raft building to canoeing,
segway rides and a military adventure
course, there is something for every-
one if you’d like an active day out for
your team.
The centre offers five conference
rooms, onsite accommodation, cater-
ing and a bar, so after a day of high-en-
ergy activities you can unwind, re-cap
or simply relax with colleagues.
The National Water Sports Centre
is a beautiful location just ten minutes
from Nottingham city centre.
www.nwscnotts.com/corporate
Accessing England from Sweden
is easy. Five airports with daily
scheduled flights (Stockholm Arlanda,
Stockholm Skavsta, Gothenburg
Landvetter, Gothenburg City, Malmo
Airport and Umea) to London
Heathrow, London Stansted, London
Gatwick, London City, Manchester,
Birmingham, Liverpool and
Newcastle.
Accessing England from Denmark
is also direct by plane and DFDS also
offer a ferry route. Four airports
with daily scheduled flights (Aalberg,
Aarhus, Billund and Copenhagen)
to London Heathrow, London
Stansted, London Gatwick, London
City, Manchester, Birmingham,
Bristol, Liverpool, Humberside and
Newcastle. One ferry port at Esbjerg
with four ferries a week to Harwich.
Accessing England from Norway is
also direct by plane. Ten airports with
daily scheduled flights (Oslo, Bergen,
Stavanger, Trondheim, Kristiansand,
Moss, Sandefjord, Tromso, Alesund
and Haugesund) to London Heathrow,
London Gatwick, London Stansted,
Manchester, Newcastle and Liverpool.
Nottingham:outofthebox
Accessibility
fromScandinaviatoEngland

40 |
Spa
retreats
After a hard day at work England has the best
solution to wind down and relax. With world
class facilities in tranquil locations across the
country, here is a selection of some of England’s
finest spa retreats for our busy business visitors.
| 41
Coworth Park, Berkshire
Eco-friendly
—
The award-winning eco-luxury Spa
at Coworth Park is decorated with
natural and organic materials, flooded
throughout with natural daylight and
offering stunning parkland views. The
spa features eight tranquil treatment
rooms including two double suites, a
manicure and pedicure suite, relax-
ation room, The Spatisserie, indoor
pool and outdoor sun terrace. Most
recently, the spa has introduced
luxury spa brand Valmont’s ‘Vitality
of the Glaciers’ revitalising facial to
its repertoire of indulgent spa treat-
ments for guests, available now.
www.dorchestercollection.com/en/
ascot/coworth-park
Chewton Glen, Hampshire
Unique venue
—
The Spa at Chewton Glen offers the
ultimate in relaxation and luxury.
Recently voted the ‘Best UK Spa to
Recharge’, the specialist team ensures
you enjoy the wonderful ambience
and experience a full range of innova-
tive treatments, including the special
Treehouse selection up in the Tree-
house Suites. Dedicated to personal-
ised service, wellness and exceptional
spa experiences, all delivered in the
environment of a world class retreat.
www.chewtonglen.com/tree-house-
suites
Thermae Spa, Bath
Natural waters
—
Set in the UNESCO World Heritage
city of Bath you can enjoy England’s
natural thermal waters as the Celts
and Romans once did over 2000 years
ago. Relax in the natural mineral rich
waters and choose from a range of spa
treatments designed to ease body and
mind. Guest can gaze at the beautiful
views of the city in the quiet roof top
pool high above.
www.thermaebathspa.com/the-spa
The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall
Sea breeze
—
The Scarlet in Cornwall has luxury
tented rooms lit by lanterns for a spa.
The relaxation area has cocoon-like
pods swinging from the ceiling where
you can drift away following your
treatment. There is a big soft relax-
ation space where you can relax and
listen to the waves crashing on the
Cornwall beach below.
www.scarlethotel.co.uk
TURKISH BATHS HEALTH SPA
Royal Baths, Harrogate
—
A stunningly renovated Victorian
baths, include a collection of steam
rooms, saunas and plunge pools, while
treatments range from facials, wraps
and mud envelopments to reflexology,
reiki and massage.
www.turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk
Bovey Castle, Devon
Historical venue
—
Once the former home of the Viscount
of Hambleden , with the Dartmoor
National Park on the doorstep, Bovey
Castle is perfect for those who want to
hide away from the bustle of modern
life. The large indoor swimming pool
in the orangery opens onto a stunning
sun terrace with views of the moor-
land. www.boveycastle.com
Malmaison, Newcastle
Modern
—
Le petit spa at the Newcastle Malmai-
son Hotel is the perfect place to wave
a white flag and bid an office retreat
to a world of calming therapies and
peaceful treatments. Be whisked away
to your personal space haven at the
modern Quayside with views of the
city’s iconic bridges.
www.malmaison.com/locations/
newcastle
Cedar Court Grand, York
City sanctuary
—
The spa at The Grand is set in the
hotel’s atmospheric vaults where the
North Eastern Railway company once
stowed the company money. Today,
the secluded venue is the perfect geta-
way in the city centre of York with the
historic vault doors making the ideal
soundproofing for guests to shut out
the stress and escape the rush.
www.cedarcourtgrand.co.uk

42 |
Unique
venues
England provides an array of diverse
and spectacular properties throughout the
country offering event planners amazing
social programme possibilities and
pre-post conference choice.
England is one of the best kept secrets
for providing that ‘wow’ factor for
event planners. There is a great selec-
tion of stately homes, historic castles
and palaces, sports venues and visitor
attractions that are capable of deliver-
ing a prestigious event with first class
facilities and suppliers.
Below are a few highlights worth
considering to make an event truly
memorable.
Historic
Many event planners are unaware
that England’s historic venues are
open to business events. Blenheim
Palace, a masterpiece of English
Baroque architecture and a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, can offer meeting
and conferencing space to seat up to
250 people. The Palace State Apart-
ments make an ideal setting for pri-
vate dining and drinks receptions and
guests can combine the event with an
informative tour of the palace.
Built nearly 1000 years ago, Leeds
Castle was originally the site of a
Saxon Manor and the favourite palace
of King Henry VIII. Situated in the
middle of the moat with 500 acres of
parkland and gardens, this venue is
the perfect place for private and cor-
porate events. The castle also has 22
bedrooms offering delegates a unique
overnight experience and a range of
outdoor pursuits.
Queens College at Cambridge Uni-
versity has been a centre of learning
for 550 years and sits astride the River
Cam with the legendary Mathematical
Bridge. The magnificent Old Hall is
the original dining hall used by fellows
and students. With a rich decorated
interior this venue offers a won-
derful atmospheric background for
luncheons, formal dinners and drink
receptions.
| 43
Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral is
the largest cathedral in the UK. The
awesome scale and beauty, matched
with dedicated events and excellent
catering provide a totally unique
venue, for all kinds of events – private
dining in the Western Room as well as
large-scale gatherings, for up to 2000,
are possible.
Due to open on 31st May, the
Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth’s
historic dockyards showcases Henry
VIII’s sailing vessel. The wardroom
with a private balcony is the perfect
boardroom setting with a capacity
to seat 18 people and the Admiral’s
Galley can hold 100 for dinners and
meetings. All corporate events will
have access to HMS Victory and HM
Naval base.
Sporting
England is well known for interna-
tional sporting events and many of the
host venues can host business events.
Old Trafford is home to Man-
chester United football club and a
first-class venue that will impress
delegates with 24 purpose-built event
suites and first-class flexible hos-
pitality packages. Tours can also be
arranged as part of the experience.
The famous Twickenham Stadium
– which will host the Rugby World
Cup final in 2015 – holds 25 dedicated
conference and event rooms in addi-
tion to offering packages including a
tour of the historic stadium and free
entry into the World Rugby Museum.
There’s nowhere
quite like England
There are some venues that you will
have difficulty finding anywhere else
in the world. For example, Alnwick
Gardens and Treehouse is a stunning
attraction used as part of the film
location for Harry Potter. Whether a
reception for 800 people or dinner for
500 people, the Pavilion offers beauti-
ful space overlooking the captivating
garden and the water displays of the
Grand Cascade. The Treehouse is one
of the most unique restaurants to be
found anywhere in the world.
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park is an exciting, entirely new area
opening this July in the heart of east
London. Featuring 35km of pathway
snaking you past the UK’s most excit-
ing playground, 91,000 square metres
of brand new commercial space, 8,000
new homes and five new neighbour-
hoods, the site of the London 2012
Games will be towered over by an
enormous 114 metre artwork in the
spiralling shape of the ArcelorMittal
Orbit, offering incredible views over
the London skyline and providing a
drinks reception for up to 300 dele-
gates.
England’s world-famous venues
at the Eden Project in Cornwall are
unique and the perfect place for an
inspirational event that feels miles
from anywhere. This award-winning
venue can hold events overlooking
or even inside the amazing Rainfor-
est and Mediterranean Biomes and
introduce seasonal activities to the
programme such as ice skating or den
building.
For information on unique meetings
and gala venues, contact:
Hannah Longman, Business Visits
Events Sales Manager, VisitEngland
hannah.longman@visitengland.org

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