< Previous20 www.countyconferencing.net ATTRACTIONS Adding a little excitement Depending on the type of event being held, expectations – and the ideal venue – may well change. 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:27 Page 1www.countyconferencing.net 21 ATTRACTIONS While a stately home may make an ideal choice for an AGM, there are more options available when it comes to a staff party or an awards ceremony. If the order of the day is going to be entertainment, it may be wise to start off strong and pick a venue uniquely suited to that. Our regions are packed full of interesting venues, some of which could easily slip under the radar because of how unique they truly are. Wildlife centres, zoos, theatres and adventure parks may not be what immediately comes to 22 Á © Shutterstock / Fer Gregory 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:27 Page 222 www.countyconferencing.net ATTRACTIONS mind when one uses the words `business` and `conference` in the same sentence, but they may also be just what is needed. Staff parties are often seen as stuffy extensions of working life; events that staff show up to more because it is expected than because they are genuinely interested. Why not go a little further and organise a party at a racecourse – horse, car, motorbike or otherwise? Meanwhile, hosting an event at a zoo or wildlife centre may not be what immediately comes to mind, but it’s sure to create a lasting impression. Obviously, this doesn’t mean people are talking surrounded by wild animals. These venues will have comparable conference facilities to sporting venues, stately homes and the most well-equipped business centres. It is just that they offer more on top, something unusual and exciting that may well grasp the imagination of those attending. It doesn’t all have to be action and adventure, however. Museums and theatres have their own facilities, and it’s harder to think of a venue better suited to an awards ceremony than a theatre itself. Casting a projection onto the red curtain will certainly carry more `wow-factor` than doing so on a blank bit of wall between two doors. Venues like this allow companies to think big without spending big. 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:27 Page 3www.countyconferencing.net 23 ATTRACTIONS A unique venue for meetings, conferences & celebrations - putting your event centre stage! ȊHDVLO\WKHPRVWSOHDVDQWHɝFLHQWHQMR\DEOHDQG ZHOORUJDQLVHGYHQXHȋ NYCC Business & Community Services %R[2ɝFH_ZZZVMWXNFRP While catering may not always be available in these venues – though in some it will – there is certainly no lack of entertainment, often saving time and effort on the host’s part. A move away from the familiar is what’s at store here; a twist on the expected that may well surprise and delight. In today’s business world, we’re used to seeing the same old conference centres and it’s more than likely we’ve visited the same rooms for different events multiple times a year. Spicing things up can go a long way to seeing an impression – and that’s something worth considering. © Shutterstock / Kaca Skokanova 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:27 Page 424 www.countyconferencing.net RESIDENTIAL VENUES Award-winning family pub Hammer & Pincers is your first choice for freshly home-cooked food coupled with an extensive range of premium drinks Swineshead Road, Boston, PE21 7JE | Tel: 01205 361323 | Email: wayne.salmon@btconnect.com www.hammerandpincers-boston.co.uk Deliciously Deliciously Lincolnshire Platinum Awarded for outstanding quality and service by award WWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NET More than meets the eye Residential venues have huge experience of hosting events and can make it more than just a meeting More than meets the eye 24-29.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:29 Page 1www.countyconferencing.net 25 RESIDENTIAL VENUES Let us take the strain of organising that next event… The Millfields team are experienced in planning and running all kinds of events. If you have an event in mind or an upcoming special occasion, then contact our team to see how we can help. Providing the perfect setting for Wedding Receptions, Business Meetings, Birthdays, Anniversaries and Wakes. Please call 01472 356068 to arrange an informal meeting. Millfields Hotel, 53 Bargate, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire DN34 5AD T: 01472 356068 E: info@millfieldshotel.co.uk W: www.millfieldshotel.co.uk Companies that want to take their teams away from the same four walls to get them engaged and enthused again can take advantage of the hundreds of quality hotels and venues that exist in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Offering accommodation alongside a conference can often prove to be the difference in convincing employees to attend. The chance to get away from it all and enjoy the luxury and tranquillity of a quality venue is always going to appeal – a pleasing diversion from the norm and, if you’re generous enough to pay for the rooms, something of a perk for staff. Even if you’re not laying on complementary accommodation, delegates can frequently benefit from reduced rates and the opportunity to make use of all the quality facilities. These days, of course, you can’t switch off entirely if you want to succeed in business and many hotels and residential venues have facilities that can often rival some business premises. They’re well used to guests’ demands and WiFi, docking stations and other tools to better facilitate remote working now come as standard. The idea is not to turn the hotel into © Shutterstock / wavebreakmedia 26 Á 24-29.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:29 Page 226 www.countyconferencing.net RESIDENTIAL VENUES simply an extension of the office but a recognition that even if you’re away from the office, you still have obligations to your clients and colleagues. Increased flexibility at the top hotels mean that the days of finding the restaurant closed if you arrive late are long gone – guests’ needs are met at all hours of the day. When you’re finally off duty, the top hotels can provide wonderful relaxation. Many now have top quality fitness facilities including gyms, spas, swimming pools and saunas and the complementary therapies on offer are the perfect solution to the stresses and strains of modern life. If there’s time for delegates to make use of these facilities, they’ll doubtless return to the conference sessions relaxed and refreshed. A top golf course or nearby shopping facilities also ensure a real local flavour instead of confining guests to a hotel which could be absolutely anywhere. These added bonuses are particularly important if you’re requesting delegates stay away from home for a night or two – and regardless of how impressive the venue is, 28 Á © Shutterstock / Inspired By Maps 24-29.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:29 Page 3Meetings & Conference Facilities The Best Western, Oaklands Hall Hotel, Grimsby offers an array of meeting and function spaces perfect for one on one meetings or functions and conferences for up to 200 people. Whether it's a private board meeting requiring absolute discretion, an annual conference for 200 delegates or a canapé and champagne reception for your annual party, here at the Oaklands Hall Hotel, we can cater for your every business need. l Easy access to A18 (M180) and A46 l 15 minutes of Humberside Airport and Grimsby Town rail links l Free wi-fi throughout the Oaklands Hall Hotel, Grimsby l Effective communication – The use of phones in function rooms l Prompt responses to enquires – Our reception team are on hand 24 hours a day l Comprehensive half day, day and 24 hour delegate packages starting from £16 p/p For room hire, delegate rates and more information on catering and availability, please get in touch with a member of our meetings and events team via telephone (01472) 872248 or email meetingsandevents@oaklandshallhotel.co.uk The Oaklands Hall Hotel Barton Street, Laceby, Grimsby, Lincolnshire DN37 7LF Telephone (01472) 872248 www.oaklandshallhotel.co.uk Contact us for further information 01472 872248 24-29.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:29 Page 428 www.countyconferencing.net RESIDENTIAL VENUES EVENTS & VENUE HIRE Situated by the first fairway of the Bracken course at the National Golf Centre, Woodhall Spa – home of the English Golf Union, The Dower House Hotel is an elegant and intimate country house hotel, full of character and charm! The Dower House Hotel is a unique venue to hold an event, or celebrate that special occasion. Whether business or leisure, the attentive service you will receive from the friendly, experienced team at The Dower House Hotel is second to none. • Birthdays • Work Parties • Conferencing • Large Functions • Funerals Manor Estate, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire LN10 6PY. Tel: (01526) 352588 Email: info@the-dowerhousehotel.co.uk Web: www.dowerhousehotel.co.uk some may be reluctant to do so. If that’s the case, one benefit of residential venues is the ability for guests to bring their families with them. You’re certainly not providing a free holiday so it’s unlikely your budget will stretch to providing accommodation for them as well, but at least they will have the opportunity to book additional rooms if desired. Yorkshire and Lincolnshire’s top hotels have huge experience in catering for special events of all kinds and that includes every type of conference and social gathering. The dedicated events team at the venues can look after the logistics while you concentrate on an effective and entertaining programme. © Shutterstock / Rawpixel.com 24-29.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:29 Page 5MGM MUTHU HOTELS MUTHU CLUMBER PARK HOTEL & SPA Nottingham, England HHH Blyth Road, Worksop S80 3PA Tel: 01623 835333 www.clumberparkhotel.com A warm welcome awaits you at Muthu Clumber Park Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the Nottinghamshire countryside, on the outskirts of Clumber Park, only minutes from the beautiful Sherwood Forest, yet still within easy reach of the A1 and M1 motorway networks, combine to make Muthu Clumber Park Hotel and Spa the perfect location for both business and pleasure. The hotel offers a variety of bedroom types, spacious spa and gymnasium, flexible conference facilities, tailor-made weddings, including a licence to host both civil marriages and civil partnerships. Choice of two restaurants, comfortable lounges, free high speed WiFi, quality branded bar and extensive free car parking. With a range of accommodation options available, from bed and breakfast, overnight spa breaks to corporate team building, our dedicated team will do everything to make your stay as enjoyable and memorable as possible. 24-29.qxp_Layout 1 09/05/2019 11:29 Page 6Next >