Tag: Venue investments

Recruitment now open for the all new IET London: Savoy Place

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IET Venues are pleased to announce that they are now taking applications for the phased recruitment for their all-new IET London: Savoy Place following its 2-year £30m refurbishment. Starting in March and April 2015, these core roles including Operations Manager, AV Manager, Venue Administrator, Diary & Events Co-ordinator and Business Development Executive will be critical in shaping the final preparations of the building ready for its reopening in October 2015, as well as building the wider team.

IET London: Savoy Place has been home to the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) for over 100 years, as well as serving as the flagship venue within the IET Venues group. The venue plays host to over 70,000 visitors and members a year attending a wide range of conferences and events; most recently ‘Qatar House’ for the London 2012 Olympic Games and the ‘Global Grand Engineering Challenges’ summit with Bill Gates and will.i.am. Since its closure in July 2013, the building has been transformed throughout with flexibility, energy efficiency, cutting-edge IT, AV and wireless connectivity at the core.

Key improvements to the new venue include:

Cutting-edge IT, AV and wireless connectivity throughout

High-end facilities for event filming, live-streaming and production

An enlarged Riverside Suite overlooking the Thames +25% capacity

Brand new second lecture theatre in the centre of the building

Reorganisation of the rooms within the building – ensuring ‘premium space’ occupies the front and the infamous views across the Thames, with offices and secondary space towards the back

2 x state of the art boardrooms with HD video conferencing, relay screens and filming and streaming functionality

The Heritage Library – now converted into a premium meeting and dinner space with 2 private balconies overlooking the Thames

The Faraday Centre – bringing together all member / engineering services into 1 dynamic space including a digital Knowledge Centre, Kelvin Café, Brainstorming Room and large Members’ Lounge

Reconfigured reception / communal areas with 2 new passenger lift shafts to improve customer flow throughout the building

Enhanced accessibility features including a ‘sesame lift’ at the front of the building – enabling the stone steps to retract automatically for wheelchair access

A series of engineering exhibits throughout the building including a digital chandelier in reception, 100 objects which changed the world display, 2 x large video walls and ‘celebrating engineers’ sculptures down each stairwell

 

Current vacancies:

Diary & Events Co-ordinator and Business Development Executive

Interested applicants should contact Clare Davies ([email protected] / 0207 344 5708)

Closing date: 2 February

 

Operations Manager, AV Manager, Venue Administrator

Interested applicants should contact Sean Spencer [email protected]

Closing date: 2 February

QEII Centre unveils spectacular new look at launch event

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The QEII Centre opened its doors to clients, event agencies, buyers and media at its official, invitation-only launch party on Thursday 13th November.

With walls flooded in icy blue lighting, candle-lit lanterns buried in mounds of fluffy white snow and an ice sculpture etched with an iconic Big Ben scene, guests to the QEII Centre were welcomed into a winter wonderland inspired foyer for champagne, served from a twinkling pop-up bar. It was a wow-factor moment for those who hadn’t yet experienced the new-look entrance, now bright and spacious, with raised ceilings, sleek airport style check-in desks, multiple ultra-wide 29-inch screens, a concierge desk, a video wall made up of nine ultra-slim bezel 55-inch screens and the new Sanctuary executive lounge.

True to the wintery theme, two friendly huskies stole much of the limelight, until QEII Centre chief executive Mark Taylor took to the podium to introduce the official launch of a rebranding project 18 months in the making.

The centre then turned up the heat as guests shimmied upstairs into the tropical themed Pickwick Suite to the sizzling sounds of Cuban band Kandela mi Son and the energetic moves of ultra-glam, feather-clad Samba dancers from Brazilian Fantasy.

Cocktails, canapés, delicious bowl food and a dessert station by Leith’s fuelled guests for some action on the sparkly gold dancefloor. Hot dishes served included ‘tequila and lime confit salmon, black bean, coriander rice’ and ‘pumpkin tortellini and roast artichoke velouté’, while desserts included ‘mojito macarons’ and ‘pineapple cake with vanilla buttercream’.

Speaking of The QEII Centre’s re-launch event and the process of evolving this iconic brand, Taylor said:

“It’s a proud moment as we officially launch the spectacular new look we’ve achieved through the first two phases of our £12 million capital investment programme at the QEII Centre. We’ve been ‘quietly evolving’ over the past 18 months and beneath our new look we have been building and strengthening our business to bring to you a centre of excellence. This re-launch event is just one of many milestones in the delivery of our new vision.

“Following a strategic audit we developed our comprehensive building master plan; one that expressly complements the original finishes and strengths of the building’s architecture and provides practical and innovative solutions to improve our visitors’ total experience.

“We’re sexier, trendier and more confident than we’ve ever been before thanks to the installation of cutting-edge technology and luxury fixtures and fittings. The welcome has been reenergised too, with a new concierge team, a bright and spacious new foyer and a more discrete day-to-day security presence. We wanted to break down the barriers to the welcome.

“In branding terms, we have not only rebranded in a contemporary design to reflect our vision going forward, but we have also altered our name to simply ‘QEII Centre’ to reflect the diversity of our event portfolio and capabilities. We’re always a centre for conferences, but also for exhibitions, fashion shows, product launches, banquets, awards presentations and more. A focal point for knowledge and for fine service.

“The QEII was built as a beacon of British excellence, craftsmanship and technology and we are determined to return the centre to its former standing as London’s finest multi-purpose events facility.”

The bold new brand identity is reflective of the change that has taken place within The QEII Centre. Colin Green, creative director at Wildfire, the integrated creative agency responsible for the centre’s new branding, said:

“We wanted to establish the venue as a go-to destination, where clients are continually delighted and expectations are always exceeded; a place to be bold, to challenge perceptions, in the boundless pursuit of perfection. Moving forward the QEII Centre will firmly establish itself as London’s finest specialist events venue, becoming renowned for delivering professional, award-winning events that put the needs of the client at the heart of their philosophy.

“Wildfire are particularly proud of watching this iconic venue begin to realise its true potential. There is further change on the horizon, so watch this space.”

Suppliers to the re-launch event included in-house caterer Leith’s, event management company Wonderland Events, creative communications consultancy Custard Communications, Instagram photobooth creator Social Playground and talented band Kandela mi Son.

Follow news of the venue’s new look on twitter @QEIICentre using hashtag #QEIILookAtMe and on Instagram @qeiicentre

Explore the hireable events spaces available at the centre by visiting www.qeiicentre.london.

 

InterContinental London Westminster becomes Conrad London St James

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The inspired luxury of Conrad Hotels & Resorts has arrived in Westminster, central London, following a franchise agreement with Supreme Hotels LLP. The 256 guest room hotel just joined the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of 23 existing Conrad hotels and resorts worldwide, including Dublin, Dubai, Istanbul, and Portugal. Conrad London St James is located between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace.

John T.A. Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide, said, “Conrad creates inspired experiences for our guests in the world’s gateway cities and most sought after leisure destinations. London continues to be a political, cultural, and economic powerhouse in the world, which makes it a natural destination for international travellers. We look forward to introducing Conrad London St James to the city of London.”

Shiraz Boghani, Chairman of Supreme Hotels LLP, part of the Splendid Hospitality Group, said, “It is supremely exciting to be announcing our second involvement with Hilton Worldwide in as many weeks! The Conrad brand with its focus on individually tailored luxury is perfect for our central London location in Westminster.”

Conrad Hotels & Resorts are known for their luxurious environments that are conducive to connecting with others. Effortlessly blending a historic 19th century building with locally inspired style and design, Conrad London St James is offering the next enhancement in intuitive, personalised service to accommodate the luxury traveller.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said, “London’s attractiveness as a tourism destination grows each year, contributing over £11bn annually to the U.K. economy. With rising international and domestic arrivals, and a thriving business environment, travellers can now experience the Conrad brand in a prime city centre location.”

The six-floor hotel features 256 beautiful rooms, including 42 premium rooms and luxurious suites including a discreet penthouse. All rooms reflect the hotel’s contemporary design, offering king-sized or twin beds, relaxing bathtubs, walk-in showers, free Wi-Fi, a media hub, a dedicated Club Lounge, and the latest in in-room technology.

The hotel’s restaurant reflects the style of its prestigious address, buzzing as an energetic destination to meet for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The bar brings a sense of charm and sophistication to the traditional British pub and offers carefully selected local ales, stylish cocktails, and British wines.

Conrad London St James will include a 24 hour business centre, seven fully equipped Conrad meeting rooms as well as the Whitehall Suite which can accommodate up to 300 guests.

The hotel is poised to become the destination of a new generation of smart luxury travellers for whom life, business and pleasure seamlessly intersect. Conrad London St James will offer the popular Conrad Concierge mobile app, which gives global luxury travellers the ability to customize details of their hotel stay before, during, and after each visit via a smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s pre-selecting bath amenities or checking-in while in-transit from the airport, guests can access a variety of features at any Conrad hotel or resort worldwide by using the app.

Conrad London St James is situated at 28 Broadway, London SW1H 9JS. The hotel is participating in Hilton HHonors®, the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem points for free nights with No Blackout Dates at more than 4,100 hotels worldwide.

You’re invited! REGISTER NOW

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TWC showcase - register now

 

 

RSVP now to secure your attendance at London’s finest event venue showcase, The Westminster Collection’s ‘Destination Westminster 2014’, this year being held at the iconic BAFTA 195 Piccadilly. Famously the home of British film, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly is looking forward to opening its doors to event planners from all across London and beyond for a productive morning of networking, event planning and conversation with 43 of the city’s most celebrated venues, available for corporate or private hire.

Exclusively promoting venues within central London’s City of Westminster – which encompasses Pimlico in the south, to Regent’s Park in the north and from the borders of Kensington in the west, to Covent Garden in the east – guests of this enjoyable breakfast networking event can look forward to discovering luxury hotels, world-renowned conference centres, training facilities, historic institutes and societies, celebrated attractions, galleries, museums and private members clubs.

It’s free to attend. All you need to do is click here to register!

TWC showcase - register now

 

 

For updates follow @Venues_Wminster #DestinationWestminster

QEIICC commences £12m refurbishment on a high with revenue 143% ahead of target

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As extensive refurbishment works gain pace at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC), the iconic meetings and events venue is demonstrating its dependability as an events destination with enquiries tracking 26% up in quarters one and two of 2014 compared with the same period last year. Operating surplus is 143% ahead of the year-to-date target.

Conferences incorporating catering and exhibition space are generating the highest number of enquiries, followed closely by requests for receptions, awards dinners and meetings. A stellar performance across all departments in June 2014 has seen the QEIICC exceed target by 143%, a figure reflective of 98% occupancy. Room hire generated revenue higher than ever achieved in a single month in the venue’s 28-year history.

Similar success is visible with the QEIICC’s in-house audio-visual service ‘Interface’, which has surpassed its budgetary forecast for June, achieving its highest ever revenue in a single month. This reflects an integrated approach to meeting event organisers’ needs, with clients opting to invest in the expert audio-visual consultancy and facilities available on-site.

The QEIICC’s catering partner Leith’s continues to demonstrate excellence in its delivery of on-trend, bespoke food and beverage solutions to discerning clients, seeing concessionary catering revenue increase by 83% in June compared with the same period in 2013. It’s the best performing food and beverage sales month in Leith’s 28-year partnership with the QEIICC. Clients can now look forward to the September launch of the brand new Executive Lounge within the Sanctuary Foyer, a stylish café lounge serving delicious cakes and snacks, light lunches, barista-made coffee and bar service.

Speaking of the QEIICC’s strong performance, chief executive Mark Taylor said: “This excellent team and business performance continues to suggest that the market is maintaining its recovery and we’re feeling very positive. Our client feedback continues to be exceedingly impressive with many positive comments and high satisfaction ratings. Overall client satisfaction for the last quarter was 98%, so I’m delighted not only with the volume of business we’re enjoying, but with the exceptional quality of our delivery too.

“We’re recognising our diversity and our capabilities and our capital investment programme is a clear indication of our move to re-energise and future-proof this iconic meetings and events destination.”

Works commenced on site on 19th July, with the centre set to reopen on 1st September.

QEIICC to close late July for refurb ready for September relaunch

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The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre (QEIICC) is embarking on an extensive refurbishment programme in July to re-establish the centre’s ‘wow factor’. The ambitious programme of capital works will provide aesthetic and visual improvements and enhanced facilities to the building and facility environment.

The works will enhance the customer experience and create a more modern, quality and stylish environment attractive to new and existing clients.

Mark Taylor, chief executive officer, said: “The QEIICC was constructed to an exceedingly high standard, as a beacon of British excellence, design, ingenuity and craftsmanship. All jewels need constant polishing and the QEIICC is no exception. We have worked with specialists to create a master plan focusing on the customer experience to improve the delegate journey through the centre. Client feedback has already been extremely positive and I look forward to welcoming the industry to see the ‘new’ centre in the autumn.”

The refurbishment programme will include:

Sanctuary Foyer: comprehensive refurbishment of the main entrance foyer, reception and registration areas to deliver a modern, high quality and welcoming environment that will wow delegates. Works will cover ceilings, lighting, furniture, floor surfaces, layout and configuration, business centre and the establishment of an executive lounge/cafe.

Connectivity: improved connectivity between the ground floor and 1st floor for Churchill Auditorium focused events, which will involve replacing the staircase and improving the route to the Pickwick Suite (the principle break out area) as well as expanding its overall area and delegate capacity.

Floor surfaces: replacement of all carpeted floor surfaces across the Centre.

Furniture: replacement of the Centre’s conference chairs and conference tables.

The Centre will close during late July and August, with all works being completed by early September 2014.

BAFTA to host collection’s 2014 venue showcase

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We’re delighted to announce that The Westminster Collection’s 2014 venue showcase will this year take place at the celebrated home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, in the David Lean Room which overlooks St James’s Church Garden. The date for your diary is Friday 10th October, 8:00am-11:00am.

Eventbrite - Destination Westminster 2014: London Venue Showcase

The breakfast showcase event, which is free to attend, is an opportunity for anyone in the business of booking corporate and private events, meetings and conferences to spend a morning with the sales and marketing teams at more than 45 of central London’s most iconic venues. The Westminster Collection is renowned for its eclectic portfolio of member venues, which encompass everything from historic institutes and societies, colleges, museums and private members clubs, to luxury hotels, concert halls, modern training venues, churches and Thames river boats.

To register your attendance and for all updates about the showcase programme, special showcase incentives and competitions, please click the link below.

Eventbrite - Destination Westminster 2014: London Venue Showcase

110 Rochester Row increases capacity

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Form an orderly queue! 110 Rochester Row is pleased to announce an increase in its capacity, with the venue now able to host events for up to 180 delegates.

The contemporary space in Victoria combines cutting-edge technology with excellent service to give an all-round conferencing experience. The increase in capacity represents the venue’s continuing commitment to providing high quality events in the heart of London.

Inspired by a number of cultural events taking place across the capital in the coming months, 110 Rochester Row is also offering event organisers a number of exclusive incentives, from free photography to fortune cookies.

Church House secures Venue Verdict Gold

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Church House Conference Centre has scooped the coveted BDRC Venue Verdict Gold Standard once again, in recognition of the Westminster venue’s consistently high quality of customer service. Only a handful of independent venues receive the Gold Standard, making this an exceptional achievement for Church House and its team.

Based entirely on the opinions and experiences of clients, the Venue Verdict Gold Standard is a true mark of quality. This latest accreditation tops off a successful year for Church House, having secured the Gold Standard award every three months through 2013.

The continual feedback from clients via the Venue Verdict Accreditation programme also acts as a foundation for ongoing improvements. During 2013, the venue invested over £146,000 in audio visual technology including web streaming and ‘video on demand’ services using HD broadcast quality equipment.

“Delivering an unbeatable level of customer service has always been our main focus. It’s become a unique selling point for which our venue and dedicated team is renowned. We work hard to ensure that every event is a success, from the moment an event is booked to the time visitors leave. It is an outstanding achievement for us, and highlights the good work we have been doing and will continue to do to achieve the highest standards,” said Robin Parker, general manager at Church House Conference Centre.

Central Hall targets Brits & Chinese with new mobile site

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Central Hall Westminster (CHW), central London’s largest purpose built conference centre, today announced the launch of a specialist business event website built for mobile devices. The new mobile site has been created in response to a 70% rise in traffic from mobile devices to the CHW website.

The site is available in both English and Mandarin to maximise CHW’s growing customer base in the People’s Republic of China. CHW has previously recognised the importance of Chinese business tourism by producing a multi-lingual desktop site and appointing a dedicated account manager for the Chinese market. This commitment was recognised in April 2013 when CHW was awarded the Chinese Tourists Welcoming Award for ‘Best Internet/ Media Campaign by overseas business’.

Paul Southern, managing director of Central Hall, said: “The Chinese award put CHW onto the international map and with a desktop site available in Mandarin, it was crucial that the new mobile site continued to recognise this important market with a multi-lingual function. The statistics that we are seeing from industry research make it clear that mobile web access is increasingly important and cannot be ignored.”

Maria Schuett, marketing manager at Central Hall, added:  “Since the corporate visual ID re-launch in 2012, the CHW brand has gone from strength to strength. Mobile is a natural progression to drive brand integrity and meet the target audience on their terms. Findings, such as those from Distilled Marketing that concluded 57% of users won’t recommend a business if they had a bad mobile experience, show how important mobile usage has become. I am proud that Central Hall supports a progressive marketing strategy and considers a dedicated, user-friendly B2B mobile website a vital marketing platform.”

The new designs were implemented by web design and development agency Applejack, a long-standing partner of CHW. The site includes mobile-specific elements, such as image and content sliders, carousels and virtual tours, all utilising swipe and drag navigation for touch screens. Additionally the text size has been increased and the font changed in places to improve legibility. Easily accessed menus and large buttons aid navigation, providing the user with an optimal viewing experience on multiple mobile platforms.

For more information, visit the new mobile site via mobile devices here: www.c-h-w.com