EVENT TEAM EVENT
NEWS Nottingham, where great events happen
NOTTINGHAM
TEAM
EXPERIENCE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
October 2013
Welcome to the October issue of the e-magazine from the Nottingham Event Team. This month hear about Nottingham Event Team and the services we offer, new venues in our portfolio and the latest news from Nottingham. To find out more, contact our team: To find out more, contact our team: conferences@experiencenottinghamshire.com or call +44 (0)115 962 8300. www.nottinghamevents.uk.com Tweet us @eventteamnews #lovenotts
IN NOTTS WE LOVE
TO ENTERTAIN YOU BY
DAY AND NIGHT
1,800 ANNUAL EVENTS. 300+ BARS. CAFES & RESTAURANTS. 80+ TOURIST ATTRACTIONS. 1 BIG ADVENTURE.
Robin Hood Ezekial Bone Tours of Nottingham
NOTTINGHAM
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EXPERIENCE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
10,000 SEAT ARENA. 148 YEARS OF ENTERTAINING YOU. 16 UNIQUE HERITAGE SITE VENUES. 1 BIG NIGHT OUT.
IN NOTTS WE LOVE TO SHOW YOU MORE Experience Nottinghamshire now USE OUR FREE CONVENTION BUREAU TO FIND A UNIQUE VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT. GREAT THINGS HAPPEN BY DAY AND NIGHT IN NOTTS.
www.nottinghamevents.uk.com
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NOTTINGHAM EVENT TEAM OPEN FOR BUSINESS On 6th June we officially launched a new project aimed at boosting the business event sector for the city and county: Nottingham Event Team The project is the result of new funds secured by Experience Nottinghamshire via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with support from Nottingham City Council, University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham Hoteliers Association and the Nottingham Business Improvement District. The official launch took place at St Mary’s Church in the Lace Market where guest speakers included Simon Gidman, head of business tourism for VisitEngland and David Horne, managing director of East Midlands Trains. The Nottingham Event Team project recognises Nottingham’s strengths in delivering major events and enables us to offer a raft of new services for event organisers and delegates.
NOTTINGHAM
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everything from science to health to design, the city is a natural choice for event organisers looking to enhance the experience of their delegates. Already since its launch, the Nottingham Event Team has helped Nottingham achieve an increase of 375% in conference and event bookings, worth more than £1m for the city. Major events coming to Nottingham in 2014 include the GMB Conference in June and the World Baton Twirling Championships in August, bringing in 1500 delegates from 26 countries. Nottingham Event Team has recently showcased Nottingham’s event offer at shows including IMEX Frankfurt 2013 and The Meetings Show in London. In October, the team will be part of the VisitEngland pavilion at IMEX America in Las Vegas. Visit us at the England pavilion, stand number 2416.
Whether for business, association congresses, sport or culture, Nottingham is well placed to deliver major events. The Nottingham Event Team project gives the city a renewed focus on attracting events, and offers organisers a one-stop-shop when it comes to planning. Free services offered by the Nottingham Event Team team include: • • • • • • • •
Venue finding service Educational trips and site inspections Assisted event bidding Online accommodation booking for delegates After-hours programmes for delegates Support to attract event delegates Welcome packs for delegates City transport passes
Offering a diverse array of venues and facilities, and with excellent transport connections by air, rail and road, the county of Nottingham and the surrounding county is a first choice destination for events and conferences. With local expertise on
Official launch at St Mary’s Church
We look forward to welcoming you to Nottingham! 3 Interested in Nottinghamshire for your event? Contact us now: conferences@experiencenottinghamshire.com or call +44 (0)115 962 8300. www.nottinghamevents.uk.com
IMPRESS YOUR AUDIENCE We’re pleased to introduce some great new venues to our portfolio of members. From a state-of-the-art media centre to historic halls, you’re sure to find something perfect for your next event.
KELHAM HALL, NEWARK
THRUMPTON HALL, THRUMPTON
Dating back to 1863, Kelham Hall is a magnificent Victorian house set within 42 acres of gardens and parklands. It is a world-class venue for an array of events from conferences to English and Asian weddings.
The beautiful Thrumpton Hall is perfect for meetings, conferences and corporate events. Smaller meetings can be catered for in the Panelled Hall, Dining Room, Library and Drawing Room for up to 60 guests. There is also ample space for break out rooms. Lunch can be taken either inside or, weather permitting, outside in the beautiful rose garden. Only eight miles from Nottingham, the Hall provides you with the opportunity to host your meeting in one of the most spectacular settings in the area.
The Hall was originally the home of the Manners-Sutton family of Averham. (A family connected to the Dukes of Rutland and Belvoir Castle.) The Hall has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt several times over hundreds of years. Located near the pretty market town of Newark-on-Trent, just over an hour by train from London Kings Cross, the Hall caters for up to 700 guests, and boasts a number of beautifully appointed rooms including The Dome, The Carriage Hall, The Music Room and The Dining Room, ensuring a perfectly matched setting for any event.
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For larger events, the stunning Lakeside Pavilion is light, bright and contemporary and can seat up to 250 guests theatre style or 180 cabaret style. Thrumpton Hall is ten minutes from junction 24 of the M1, five minutes away from East Midlands Parkway train station with direct train links to London, and twenty minutes from East Midlands Airport.
CARRIAGE HALL, PLUMTREE What was once the old Plumtree Station Goods Shed has been restored and converted by the Perkins Family to create a striking and unique function space just 15 minutes from the centre of Nottingham. Whether you are looking for an inspiring setting for a business meeting or somewhere to host a spectacular party, The Carriage Hall offers contemporary style in a striking restoration. Set within its own grounds with wonderful rural views, The Carriage Hall promotes genuine service, outstanding menus and excellent facilities housed within a beautifully furnished building.
KELHAM HOUSE COUNTRY MANOR HOTEL, NEWARK
ANTENNA MEDIA CENTRE, NOTTINGHAM CITY CENTRE
Located near the pretty market town of Newark-on-Trent, Kelham House Hotel offers a newly built conference centre accommodating up to 50 delegates and includes fully integrated AV facilities, high speed free wifi and hard wired internet access in purpose-built, luxury surroundings.
Located in the heart of the Creative Quarter in Nottingham, Antenna has a range of different sized rooms to cater for your needs, along with support from expert technical and hospitality teams. Antenna provides real, hands-on, practical support for your business; from office and studio space to resources, advice, networking opportunities and inspiring events. So, whether you’re looking to expand, diversify, go after bigger and better projects by collaborating with others or simply win new work on your own, Antenna can help.
The hotel also has two meeting rooms to accommodate smaller, private meetings up to 30 delegates. As well as the high quality accommodation in the manor house, there is a fully exclusive environment for team building, residential meetings or courses. Tailored packages allow you to close yourselves off from the rest of the world so you can concentrate on your objectives. The hotel stands in nine acres of beautiful gardens and parkland for delegates to enjoy.
Suiting a variety of needs – from a one-to-one interview to a fully catered board meeting – rooms come with free WIFI, full technical support, an HD display screen or HR projector and a full hospitality service. Rooms can accommodate up to 70 delegates, plus the stylish restaurant area is large enough to host 150 people for that special event.
5 Interested in Nottinghamshire for your event? Contact us now: conferences@experiencenottinghamshire.com or call +44 (0)115 962 8300. www.nottinghamevents.uk.com
we’ve been rather busy £50 million refurbishment investment across our UK hotels There’s been a few things going on at Park Inn by Radisson. We’ve laid enough new carpet to cover the pitch at Wembley twice over. We’ve painted more rooms than a TV make over show. We’ve screwed in over 25,000 energy efficient light bulbs. New bedrooms, bars, lounges and meeting rooms.... you could say we’ve been a little busy. Things have changed at Park Inn by Radisson. Call us to arrange a visit and experience the difference.
parkinn.co.uk
CHARMING MARCO LAUNCHES NEW NOTTINGHAM MENU Celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White made an appearance in Nottingham recently when he visited his Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill in Alea Casino, to launch a new menu. Marco, dubbed the original ‘enfant terrible’, couldn’t have been more charming and spent the whole day entertaining guests, chatting about his career and mingling with staff. The day included a trip to Clarendon College where Marco spent over an hour chatting to the next generation of chefs and cooks providing them with top tips on what it takes to become a leading chef.
Serving a variety of Great British cuisine, the menu is simple and unfussy but of the highest quality.
Chris Latimer, restaurant manager said: “It’s always great to see Marco. Every time he visits there’s a real buzz of excitement. He has such a presence and proves a real inspiration to both the kitchen and front of house teams.
No visit to a Marco Pierre White restaurant would be complete without one of his famous puddings and with Cambridge burnt cream, dark chocolate tart and banana Eton mess on the menu, there is plenty to tantalise the taste buds.
“It was also fantastic for the students to meet the great man himself. Marco is a great advocate when it comes to the next generation of cooks and chefs and is always prepared to give time to those who are passionate about food.
Located in Alea Casino, the new restaurant operates independently from the renowned entertainment venue and its lively atmosphere, exquisite food and delicious cocktails create the perfect venue for any occasion.
“Having come from humble beginnings, Marco is passionate about inspiring students and we hope they will be even more motivated to do well in the future.”
For further information please visit the website or call 0115 8720 602.
Starters include soft shell crab, chicken and black pudding terrine or crispy herb gnocchi, while the mains are just as mouth-watering with pan fried sea bream, belly pork Marco Pollo or 8oz rump steak.
7 Interested in Nottinghamshire for your event? Contact us now: conferences@experiencenottinghamshire.com or call +44 (0)115 962 8300. www.nottinghamevents.uk.com
MODERN NEW MEETING SPACE AT BIOCITY NOTTINGHAM The Meeting Space at BioCity Nottingham is pleased to announce the newly re-modelled Café & Hub Space is available to rent for events. The uber-smart new space on level 4 of the Innovation Centre is ideal for social gatherings, award evenings and presentations. The space is bright and airy with views across the BioCity site and Nottingham. It has been refurbished to a high standard and boasts spotlighting and soft furnishings as well as an integrated AV and projector, reflecting the contemporary and innovative personality of BioCity. The space can accommodate 100 guests in cabaret style and 180 in theatre and there is also space for a drinks reception and buffet. It adds to the portfolio of The Meeting Spaces’ available rooms to hire and fills the gap between the large conference hall seating 200 theatre and the boardroom seating 25.
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Although it was only completed a few months ago the Café & Hub is booking up fast for evening events, so if you would like a tour please contact the conferencing manager Lauren Yates on 0115 912 4290 or l.yates@biocity.co.uk
ARENA HOSPITALITY GETS A FACELIFT The Capital FM Arena Nottingham has been busy making the VIP area more luxurious and inviting to customers this summer, so prepare to be dazzled next time you join them for a hospitality experience. The hospitality entrance on level 4 of the venue has been given a complete makeover with new flooring, toilets, decorative walls and a stylish hospitality welcome desk.
Hospitality starts from just ÂŁ55 per person. Experiences include Premier Seating where you can enjoy seats close to the stage; with this you also receive exclusive access to the Directors Bar so you can enjoy drinks before a show away from the crowds. The Executive Suite Experience offers you and your guests amazing panoramic views of the Arena. You can receive the real star treatment with food and drink packages, waiter service throughout the show and access to the VIP Bar. All experiences include the cost of your event ticket. To find out more about hospitality packages at the Capital FM Arena Nottingham, contact the Hospitality Team on 0843 373 3000 or hospitality@capitalfmarena.com
In addition to updates to the hospitality area entrance, the venue has also recruited a new Head Chef, who will bring his extensive experience in VIP catering to the Arena, offering delicious dishes to offer your corporate guests that something special.
9 Interested in Nottinghamshire for your event? Contact us now: conferences@experiencenottinghamshire.com or call +44 (0)115 962 8300. www.nottinghamevents.uk.com
NEW TEAM ON BOARD AT NOTTINGHAM BELFRY The Nottingham Belfry hotel has reinvigorated its conference and events team, improving further the services available for event organisers booking at this prestigious East Midlands venue. Amy Burditt has been promoted to the role of Conference & Events Office Manager, and Sarah Ellis has been appointed to the role of Conference Coordinator. Sally Holme completes the team as Wedding and Special Events coordinator. The team would be delighted to discuss your requirements should you be looking for an extensive space for an exhibition, conference or corporate dinner. The Nottingham Belfry can accommodate dinners for up to 550 guests and conferences for 700 delegates all in its contemporary purpose built facilities with 120 four star bedrooms on site.
GOLD ACCREDITATION FOR NOTTINGHAM VENUES Two of Nottingham’s leading conference venues have been awarded Gold AIM Accreditation. The Park Plaza Nottingham and Nottingham Conference Centre have both achieved the coveted award, which is administered by the meetings industry association (mia) and endorsed by Visit Britain, Visit England and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers. AIM is awarded to venues that have met or exceeded 50 criteria including customer service, quality of facilities, compliance with codes of conduct and corporate social responsibility. Jane Longhurst, mia chief executive, said: “AIM is a mark of reassurance to meetings buyers; a demonstration that a venue is compliant, competent and capable. When a venue has achieved AIM Gold, buyers know the facilities will be of the highest standard and that they will receive service that is second to none with exceptional catering and hospitality.”
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LET’S MEET… TOM WALDRON-LYNCH General Manager at Park Plaza, Nottingham
Tom started his hospitality career 20 years ago with a diploma in hotel management and has since worked for brands such as Posthouse, Holiday Inn and Hilton. Before arriving at the Park Plaza in February 2012, Tom was general manager of Hellaby Hall hotel in South Yorkshire.
Q: What kind of venues does the hotel offer for events? A. We offer a range of meeting and events space. We host everything from exhibitions, dinners to small meetings. We can cater for up to 180 people for a formal dinner or for 2 people to hold an interview. Many of our meeting rooms offer panoramic views of Nottingham. We regularly host weddings and family parties in addition to the more corporate events.
Q: What do you think makes the hotel unique for hosting business events? A. We have a great location just next to Market Square on Maid Marion Way. We are fortunate to have a very experienced and knowledgeable team that will look after your event. We have a wide variety of food and beverage offers not least of all Chino Latino.
Q: Tell us about the most memorable event you’ve worked on so far? A. Without doubt it has to be hosting the Australian Cricket team when they were here in Nottingham for the Ashes. It was a very busy but exciting time.
Q: The hotel restaurant, Chino Latino, has recently been awarded its first AA Rosette. Tell us a little about the restaurant and what makes it so special? A. Chino’s is unique in Nottingham we offer high end pan Asian food and great cocktails in a relaxed and contemporary environment. We were delighted to be awarded a rosette. It confirmed the high standards of food and service our team provided. We are particularly proud of the large number of local Nottingham people who regularly eat and drink with us.
Q: In your spare time, what are your favourite things to do in Notts? A. We are blessed in Nottingham with a wide variety of activities. I am a big fan of Nottingham Contemporary at the edge of the Lace Market. I enjoy visiting The Jam Cafe in Hockley for lovely bites and drinks. Wollaton Park is a great place for a walk, the Hall has a fascinating history and is worth a visit in its own right.
11 Interested in Nottinghamshire for your event? Contact us now: conferences@experiencenottinghamshire.com or call +44 (0)115 962 8300. www.nottinghamevents.uk.com
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING About Nottinghamshire Considering booking a venue in Nottinghamshire? Here are just a few of the testimonials we receive regularly, from people who book with our venues and use our services to arrange their event.
NOTTINGHAM EVENT TEAM
ALEA CASINO NOTTINGHAM
“I was very impressed by the diversity and high standard of meeting and conference venues which are on offer in Nottingham. In particular Nottingham Conference Centre, with its combination of beautiful Victorian architecture and state-of-the -art meeting rooms, and the East Midlands Conference Centre with the adjacent eco-friendly De Vere Orchard Hotel are venues which would appeal the German market. I thoroughly enjoyed our evening with Robin Hood (alias Ade Andrews), who gave us a lively and fascinating insight into the history of the city.” Kathleen Thompson, VisitEngland
“Just wanted to let you know what a great night we had on Saturday, the organisation and food were excellent, the staff were attentive and the venue was lovely.” Sterling McCall
“The service provided by your organisation was great, all the hotels provided were very useful and the list of local places was great.” Association of Research Managers and Administrators
“Can I thank you and your team at Alea for an excellent day yesterday. The students, industrialist, staff and visitors were highly complementary of Face to Face, the venue , food and service and it helped the students have a worthwhile educational experience. The security guy, croupier and all the staff we came across were very helpful and professional .Many thanks for all their support.” New College Nottingham
ALBERT HALL NOTTINGHAM NATIONAL WATER SPORTS CENTRE “Thank you so much for organising the excellent day we had. Our team gave really great feedback about the white water rafting and it made a noticeable impact on how the team behaved together at our afternoon workshop. The format of the day worked really well and the meeting room was perfect for all our needs. All of the staff were so helpful, particularly Joe and Jon who’s enthusiasm and support made it a great experience.” Karen Smart, Serco Defence
“The event went really well. Pim and his team at the Albert Hall could not have been more friendly, accommodating or helpful. It was perfect for the event.”
CROWNE PLAZA NOTTINGHAM “Great conference and excellent feedback from delegates about hotel staff and nothing was to much of a problem for them. We will recommend the venue again to the organisation for future conferences.”
SACO APARTMENTS NOTTINGHAM “I like that the staff contacted me ahead of time days before I arrived to ensure my stay and address any matters. They were able to provide any taxi services needed. The apartments felt like home away from home. Spacious, clean, and comfortable. Just minutes walk away from the city centre. Perfect place if you like to come and go and enjoy your own privacy without hassle like hotels often do.”
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ALBERT HALL “I would like to say a very big thank you to you and all your team. You all made our conference and social events flow so smoothly. You all gave faultless quality service. The venue, the staff and the wonderful food were all commented on by our delegates in the most favourable manner.”