Despite online communicative channels becoming increasingly efficient, there remains a sizeable proportion of businesses which continue to hire conference space. Bookers may argue that face-to-face meetings prove more appropriate for discussing sensitive information, allow for a greater ability to gauge body language, and are more conducive to gathering collective feedback. Equally, the cultural landscapes surrounding city hotels help to satisfy our inner, psychological journeys, prompting employees to be more productive within the company. Recent International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) rankings for 2016 place London, Barcelona and Paris, together with Vienna and Berlin in the top 5 destinations chosen by the modern day events organiser for their events. We take a look at 3 of these destinations and what sets them apart, and where you should as a prospective booker begin with a search for conference rooms in such a competitive, noisy market.
London is home to well in excess of a thousand hotels, made accessible by superior infrastructure. The city’s 5 airports include Heathrow, which is understood to have the highest footfall of any airport in Europe, and is a simple commute by tube to The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel. Offering a capacity of up to 2,000 delegate’s theatre style in its ballroom fitted with extensive audio-visual equipment, including pin spot lighting and ceiling projectors, the hotel is a desirable proposition for corporate events. For more informal meetings The Park Plaza also provides suites to accommodate as few as 30 delegates. When considering the fact that in March 2017 London was ranked top of the Global Financial Centres Index, and how the city rose 14 places up the ICCA rankings to 5th within 4 short years, it is plain to see how attractive the nation’s capital is. However, the draw towards London cannot be explained by statistics alone. There is a healthy ratio of green space to urbanised area, which is advantageous for family and friends joining the conference trip. All 625 acres of Hyde Park are situated near the establishment and serve as the perfect spot to admire the beauty of the city. Culture and history abound on the doorstep and compliment the comprehensive and hi tech conference facilities on offer.
Barcelona is a vibrant city and boasts a range of conference hotels including the Crowne Plaza and, notably, The Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel, which represents the greatest opportunity for business clients. The hotel’s 18 lounges host upwards of 1,000 delegates for tailor-made, internally managed conferences. The city’s warm Mediterranean climate proves ideal for holding summer functions on the site’s gardens, which are located only a short drive to the iconic Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB). The city is steeped in immense artistic heritage and with the Espronceda Center for Art & Culture housed approximately 8 kilometres from the hotel, this destination affords its residents the opportunity to gain a truer appreciation of Barcelona’s history.
With over 1400 hotels in the city, visitors are spoilt for choice when selecting a suitable venue in Paris. The Marriott Rive Gauche, which is conveniently attached to its well-renowned Conference Center, complete with 55 event suites covering 52000 square feet of newly refurbished floor space is an attractive proposition for events. The premises have been nominated for France’s Leading Conference Hotel Awards over the past 10 consecutive years, winning on 2 occasions. The positioning of the building is ideal for those who wish to dine out on the cuisine for which the city is famous. Just over a kilometre away, Restaurant Le Duc serve locally caught seafood while L’assiette offer a similarly authentic Parisian bistro experience. Drawing comparison to London, the city’s transportation network is extremely streamlined, with Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris Orly, and Beauvais-Tillé all operating to ensure a comfortable and reliable journey.
Should you be looking to short list one of the destinations above or elsewhere give us a shout and we can take the hassle out of your venue finding.
