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The Venues Collection has launched Connex, a new event space with 18 meeting rooms situated within the grounds of Yarnfield Park, in Staffordshire.Connex is a purpose-built events, meeting and training space with 18 different event spaces spread over two floors and can host between 2 and 500 delegates. Each corridor has its own security door enabling organisers to hire a whole corridor of rooms to create their own private and secure multi room meeting environment.Jo Austin, Sales Director, The Venues Collection said: “Connex is a great addition to our portfolio of meetings spaces and gives our clients access to an exclusive and private facility to conduct confidential training, or simply gather their delegates together for an immersive, distraction-free experience. Staffordshire is a key geographical location for national and international events and so having this new facility is a great addition to our collection.”The building is within the grounds of Yarnfield Park meaning that it can offer ‘exclusive use’ for confidential or focused events or be used in conjunction with the extensive facilities of Yarnfield Park. Catering can be provided either onsite or a short walk away at Yarnfield Park’s restaurant. Guests using Connex can benefit from an exclusive onsite bedroom check in service – removing the need to check in at the main building.The main room can seat up to 500 delegates and is furnished with multiple relay screens and comfortable chairs. Every room has a ‘Click and Share’ presentation screen. Connex also has dedicated outdoor space for up to 120 delegates with BBQ facilities and team building zones, and a business centre. Organisers booking events at Connex have easy access to Yarnfield Park’s 338 onsite bedrooms, leisure facilities, fitness suite, free parking, free Wi-Fi and restaurant. DDR and 24-hour rates are available. For more information go to: https://www.yarnfieldpark.com/connex

The Victory Services Club has become the first venue in the world to be awarded ‘World Class’ status by the Institute of Hospitality’s Hospitality Assured accreditation.The programme assesses organisations in the hospitality sector against a framework for business and service excellence. Scoring is made in nine different categories including customer service, strategy and leadership, employee engagement, service recovery and operations. To achieve World Class status an organisation has to score over 80% in all nine steps of the standard.Mark Field FIH, Operations Director, Victory Services Club said: “We are extremely proud of our team for achieving this truly world class achievement. It’s testament to their dedication and their ongoing contribution to customer service. Every customer is important to us and this approach and responsibility flows through every staff member in every team. We are a charity with all profits going to fund respite breaks for the military and their families; I think this has helped us to attract a team that really cares about what we achieve and how we can serve and deliver world class service to our members and clients.”Max Lawrence FIH, MTMI, Finance and Administration Director of the Institute of Hospitality and Hospitality Assured Assessor said: “What sets the Club apart is their attention to detail and the precision with which they operate. The staff feel really valued and there is a sense of empowerment that runs through the entire team; they feel responsible for their actions and are proud of what they do. This empowerment is crucial to world class service because it enables everyone to respond and feed back any issues and to create positive change. I’ve been assessing the Club for over a decade now and I am continually inspired by their approach and activity. They are constantly innovating and developing their team and this has quite rightly led to this World Class status.”There are only 15 other organisations worldwide to achieve World Class status.

Global Experience Specialists (GES) EMEA Exhibitions has further bolstered its commitment to environmental change by appointing a Head of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Kate Holliday will focus on developing the business’ ground-breaking ESG programme and working to ensure it maintains its position as a leader in the field. The announcement follows Event Sustainability Live (ESL), which GES not only sponsored alongside its co-located sister event, Event Tech Live, but also handled the stand build, feature areas and bespoke designs. The new appointment is just the latest in a number of initiatives that have underlined the regular action taken by the business to create more sustainable events, and with Kate joining, the GES now has an internal and external face for the work it is doing, and the expertise to take it to the next level in 2024. Among the recent developments in GES’ sustainable programme has been its recent partnership with specialist sustainability and social change agency Seismic to address its societal and environmental impact and work to the BCorp framework. Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. “We are delighted to welcome Kate to the business and look forward to seeing how our sustainable programme flourishes under her guidance. Kate brings a huge amount of experience and insight to the role and will help us to continue with the evolution of our many sustainable projects,” said Neil Yeomans, VP of operations, GES EMEA, Exhibitions. “I am excited to have joined GES as Head of ESG, it’s great to be working with a business and a leadership team who are committed to making sustainability core to their operations and business strategies. I am looking forward to collaborating with our suppliers and clients to continue to embed and develop sustainable initiatives for GES and the industry,” added Kate Holliday, Head of ESG, GES EMEA, Exhibitions.

Meet In Wales will be delving into the world of Life Sciences at IBTM this month, when the team introduces its sector specialist and ambassador, Dr Lee Parry. Dr Parry, who is on the faculty of Cardiff University, will be introduced to stage by Meet In Wales’ Head of Business Events, Heledd Williams, before presenting a session entitled Life Lessons from a Life Scientist and getting to grips with how the event industry can support such work.The team’s attendance at the show forms part of Meet In Wales’ highly successful campaign to align its meetings and events strategy with the expertise within the destination and has already seen it highlight the region’s advances in the worlds of semi-conductors and renewables. In fact, at IBTM 2022 the team hosted an entire session dedicated to semi-conductors and their potential impact.For 2023, Meet In Wales will be joining forces with numerous partners at IBTM to showcase what Wales has to offer and highlight the people and the places that make it such a formidable business destination. These include:· ICCWales· Celtic Collection· Meet Cardiff· Venue Cymru· The Vale Resort & Hensol Castle· Orchard Media & Events· Voco St David's Hotel · Cambria DMC @ASA“Our sector-focused campaign has opened people’s eyes to the rich mix of businesses and sectors that call Wales their home,” commented Heledd Williams, Head of Business Events at Meet In Wales. “We’re pleased to be able to bring Dr Parry to IBTM and introduce the world of Life Sciences to a new audience and work with our partners to truly showcase Wales as a meetings destination.”Life Sciences is undoubtedly one of the growing sectors in Wales, with the region hosting academic and corporate communities and research centres that influence scientific knowledge and behaviour around the world. The Welsh Life Sciences industry currently employs more than 12,000 people, in over 260 companies (ranging from SME's and start-ups to large blue chip companies) with an approximate turnover of £2.6bn. With world-leading academic expertise and a central Life Sciences Hub, Wales demonstrates a strong competitive advantage in Medtech, Diagnostics, Wound Healing, Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy and is already creating a world-leading Regenerative Medicine ecosystem, which includes academics, the NHS, Government and centres of excellence. 75% of the life sciences market is export focussed. Welsh companies are supplying their products and services to markets all around the World from Spain and Ireland, to Canada, Brazil, Qatar and Singapore.“I’m delighted to be able to share not just the importance of the Life Sciences sector, but also its place in Wales,” commented Dr Lee Parry. “As a nation, we’re extremely proud of the advances we continue to make in the scientific world and it’s a privilege to be able share that story and encourage event organisers to explore the long-established industry links that exist in the region.”In recent years Wales has transformed its business landscape, having evolved to concentrate on industrial and service-based activities, from technology to Fin Tech, renewables to creativity.

Lime Venue Portfolio has announced the arrival of the stunning Game of Thrones Studio Tour to its portfolio, and another world-renowned attraction to its ever-growing group of venues.Located in Banbridge, Northern Ireland - just 30 minutes from Belfast and 90 minutes from Dublin -the studio was the principal filming destination for the multi-award winning, and highly visual, HBO TV series. The authentic film sets are ideal for creating experience for corporate events, conferences, product launches, incentives, and receptions, with a mixture of thematic behind-the-scenes spaces.Event locations include the Studio Café, The Great Hall of Winterfell, Dragonstone, King’s Landing and Destroyed Throne Room. Organisers can also use the studio’s Boardroom and open-plan Workshop area for creativity or operationally-led smaller meetings, adjacent to the main rooms. There is also a state-of-the-art Screen Room, ideal for presentations, launches and showcases.“For fans of the show, or for those inspired by the amazing sets, this is one of the most visually exciting venues to have launched in recent years,” commented Jo Austin, Sales Director, Lime Venue Portfolio. “It lends itself to high-impact product launches, receptions, and conferences, but it also has some gorgeous workspaces, boardroom-style rooms, and creative areas that will really excite our customers. It’s a great addition to our Irish portfolio.”“We’re thrilled to be working with Lime Venue Portfolio, and to see Game of Thrones Studio Tour opened up to a national audience that will be inspired by our creative and immersive spaces that are like nothing else on earth,” said Sherryl Murphy, Head of Marketing at Game of Thrones Studio Tour.“Food is also a big part of bringing our experiences to life and it’s been great developing and experiencing menus that support delegates’ needs while adding notes of creativity and delight. It’s a great partnership for us and one we’re looking forward to developing.”Lime Venue Portfolio recently launched its Meeting of the Future campaign to understand the future architecture of events. A big part of the research points towards organisers need to create powerful experiences and increased returns through high production, the addition of Game of Thrones Studio Tour will add to these sorts of options for planners.

CHS Birmingham is reflecting on another strong turn out from the exhibition, which took place last week at the ICC Birmingham and once again saw growth in visitor attendance, a larger footprint for the event, and continued enthusiasm from event organisers looking to put on events into 2024. The show’s organisers see the success as a sign of continued positivity within the industry, not just due to its 28% rise in attendance, but because many visitors arrived with RFPs – many in hand – and with an urgency to create new meetings in 2024 and beyond. The optimism was further compounded with news that 77% of visitors were new to the event and would come back next year. “The growth and new visitor numbers should be seen by the industry as a real indication of confidence,” commented Emma Cartmell, CEO & Founder, CHS Birmingham. “We know that there is new talent flooding into the industry, and that there is a renewed belief in the power of meetings and events within business. We saw new faces with an urgency to learn their craft, educate themselves, and create their meetings in partnership with our exhibitors. It’s exactly why this event, and other shows like us, are so popular right now.” As well as the increased number of visitors, the show also saw continued support from the event organising departments of big corporates, including the likes of Deloitte, BASF, Eversheds Sutherland, MTV, PHS Grupo, DHL and Roll-Royce plc. They were joined once again by representatives from across the agency community who continue to enthusiastically support the show. “The show’s success is also a massive endorsement of Birmingham who, through the support of ICC Birmingham and the Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau, gave us unwavering and intelligent support from the outset,” continued Emma. “Our visitors came from across the UK, saw exhibitors from around the world, and got what they needed at CHS Birmingham.” “Hopefully now it sets up a really positive year for our colleagues who also organise events and exhibitions for the industry. We hope this momentum benefits those that take place in Q1 next year and we wish them the very best of luck ahead of our own return to CHS Leeds in April 2024,” concluded Emma.

The British Motor Museum, one of the leading Midlands conference and events venues, is delighted to report that conference business bookings have increased by 50% in the last year. In response to this demand, the Museum has expanded its Conference Sales team, appointing a new Sales Manager, Tawanda Mabhumbo.A seasoned sales and customer service professional, Tawanda joins the team from the hotel industry, having worked as a Meeting and Events Executive for Leonardo and a Senior Groups, Conference and Events Sales Executive for Hilton. This experience enabled her to gain valuable experience in processing event enquiries, event sales and planning, which she intends to put to good use in her new role. A proud graduate of the University of Wolverhampton, Tawanda also holds a Postgraduate degree in International Hospitality Management, giving her vital expertise for the position of Sales Manager.Tawanda commented: “I was inspired to pursue my career at the British Motor Museum not only because the venue is so unique, but it also has a charitable purpose. I wanted to be part of the phenomenal team that ensures the story of the British Motor Museum, and the cars in its collection, endures and enriches future generations to come.”Toby Batchelor, Head of Commerce at the British Motor Museum, commented: “It’s been great to see the success of the Conference Centre over the course of the year, and it’s a testament to the hard work of our Conference Sales team that we’re in this position. We’re delighted that Tawanda has joined us, and we look forward to even more success in 2024.”Set in 65 acres, the impressive external event space is licensed for up to 5,000 visitors making the British Motor Museum a unique environment for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, weddings, events and product launches. For more information on venue hire and conferencing at the British Motor Museum, please contact the Bookings team on 01926 895295 or [email protected]. To find out more about the British Motor Museum, please visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk

The UK based magazine, which covers news from the music, television and film industries has chosen the iconic Roundhouse to host its first ever awards.The live awards take place on Thursday 23rd November, in collaboration with Rémy Martin. Several hundred guests are expected to attend the evening which will see live music performances and 13 very special award winners inducted into the Rolling Stone UK Hall of Fame.Head of events at Roundhouse Rhiân Pressley said: “we’re thrilled to be hosting the first ever Rolling Stone UK awards. It promises to be a very special evening with some brilliant artists. With Roundhouse’s incredible music legacy, we have a similar synergy with the magazine. And that is to celebrate those with talent, who want to break the mould, push the boundaries and succeed in their artistic realm.”The awards will be hosted by comic satirist Munya Chawawa. Prince of Darkness Ozzy Osborne has also confirmed his attendance to receive the ‘Icon Award,’ he said: “thanks very much for this award, it means a lot to me.” Osborne won’t be performing on the night but will give a speech to attendees and VIP’s.Rhiân Pressley continued: “Roundhouse has evolved over the years to be a first-class venue with incredible in-house production, making awards events really spectacular. It is a perfect collaboration.”Rolling Stone magazine was initially founded in San Francisco in 1967 with John Lennon on the front cover. Rolling Stone UK was founded two years ago.www.roundhouse.org.uk

Emirates Old Trafford’s Hilton Garden extension was officially launched on Monday evening by Lancashire and England’s James Anderson OBE. Anderson was joined in the expanded four-star Hilton Garden Inn by over 120 special guests including a number of high profile former and current Lancashire and England players, Club partners, and representatives from the wider Trafford and Greater Manchester area and business community. The new hotel extension has increased the overall capacity to 250 premium bedrooms, including a new top floor of suites. The facility includes two outdoor terraces, and a restaurant and event space - The Edge - which was unveiled during the Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford in July - and was open for Members during Lancashire’s home County Championship matches from July until the end of the season. On the top floor, seven premium suites overlook Emirates Old Trafford and have been named in honour of Lancashire legends, past and present, who have all made a significant impact on the international stage and to date have won just shy of 1,200 international caps. Each suite has a unique look and feel in honour of the player whose name is adorned above the door, as the Club highlights the outstanding achievements of Wasim Akram, Michael Atherton OBE, Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Neil Fairbrother, Farokh Engineer and Sir Clive Lloyd. The event saw the unveiling of a plaque to recognise the completion of the new facility, the culmination of a £75m investment over 15 years and a regeneration and transformation process that has reinvented the stadium into one of the leading multi-purpose venues in the world. Last Thursday, the Hilton Garden Inn extension was awarded the 2023 Best Development or New Facility (over £500k) at the annual Business of Cricket Awards in Bristol. Andy Anson OBE, Lancashire Cricket’s Chair, added: “We were thrilled to open our Hilton Garden Inn extension officially on Monday evening and to welcome so many of the Club’s stakeholders to Emirates Old Trafford. It was great that England’s best-ever bowler, James Anderson was present to unveil our new plaque celebrating the new world class facility. “The project – which completes the £75 million redevelopment at Emirates Old Trafford over the last 15 years - is the culmination of the Club’s diversification strategy to create a multi-purpose stadium where all profits can be invested back into cricket. “I would like to thank the ECB, Trafford Council, Metro Bank, Hilton, Sports Breaks and Corinthian for their continued support, as well as the North-West based Eric Wright group – our construction partner - who have delivered a fantastic final product ahead of schedule.” Wasim Akram said: “This is a massive honour for me. Lancashire has been, and still is, a huge part of my life and I hold the Club close to my heart. “I am honoured that The Wasim Akram Suite will be located in the new hotel extension at Emirates Old Trafford, a stadium which means so much to me and to my family. “I plan to visit Manchester next summer and it will be amazing to see my suite in person and to catch up with lots of old friends that I still have at Lancashire.” The new rooms and suites in the Hilton Garden Inn at Emirates Old Trafford are now officially open for business. Find out more and book your stay now, by visiting: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/manesgi-hilton-garden-inn-manchester-emirates-old-trafford/

Twickenham Stadium, the home of England rugby, has further underlined its sustainability credentials with the receipt of another accreditation, this time from Greengage through its ECOsmart initiative. The venue achieved Gold Standard from ECOsmart, with the accreditation joining other endorsements of the venue’s commitment to sustainable events, including, BS20121, ISO14001, and its own commitment to achieve net zero. Equally, the venue has been a pioneer in sustainable event food, with a ‘Zero waste to landfill policy’ for the last eight years, a commitment to 95% of its food prepared and cooked onsite, using at least 80% British ingredients, and with all cooking oil recycled. “We’ve committed to sustainable events over a very long period of time, but it remains vital that we continue to benchmark our standards and provide evidence to our customers on the quality of what we’re doing,” commented Nils Braude, Managing Director, Twickenham Experience Limited. “This is just the latest example of a highly credible organisation supporting what we do, and we’re delighted to have come in at Gold Level. It’s a tremendous endorsement of our team.” Andrew Perolls, CEO, Greengage, added, “Twickenham Stadium ticked all the boxes when it came to awarding the Gold Standard ECOsmart accreditation. They are a business that is continually reviewing what they are doing with regards to sustainability and challenging themselves internally. They are also a sharing business and have taken great steps to pass on what they learn to other businesses; this is an important part of us all striving for an even more sustainable industry.”