Conference and Hospitality Show Launches “Hosted Buyer” Programme
The Conference and Hospitality Show 2011 is set to become the only Business Tourism focused exhibition outside of London. Following the recent announcement that EventUK, held annually at the NEC in Birmingham, has been cancelled, the Leeds based Conference & Hospitality Show will take over as regional market leader for 2011 as the only scheduled meetings industry trade exhibition.
Now in its second year, the Conference & Hospitality Show has already proven to be a winner with exhibitors and visitors alike. With more than 70% of previous exhibitors rebooking and new venues coming on board for 2011 – Exhibition Organiser, Emma Cartmell has had to extend space for 2011.
The Conference and Hospitality Show 2011 is being held at Savile’s Hall, the Royal Armouries Leeds on Thursday the 17th March from 9.30pm until 4pm. Visitors can sign up for free and Association buyers can apply to the new Hosted Buyer programme by visiting:
www.conferenceandhospitalityshow.co.uk.
During this year’s planning stages, show organiser Emma Cartmell from Event Management 360 took the decision to increase floor space, adding a Support Services area and launching a Hosted Buyer programme in addition to the popular Demonstration Zone, Hospitality Hour and strong Seminar Programme.
Emma says ‘I’m confident that the Conference & Hospitality Show will continue to grow. The show is just one day, offers free transport from the train station and although it does focus heavily on venues from Leeds, Yorkshire and the North, I believe the seminar programme and interactive zones are a big draw for event organisers from all across the UK’
New exhibitors for 2011 include Otterburn Tower Hotel, Lincolnshire Show Ground and award winning 5-star Rockliffe Hall Hotel, one of the North’s most exciting new hotel developments.
In County Durham on the banks of the River Tees Rockliffe is a privately owned hotel, the former mansion of the family behind the Stockton to Darlington Railway and Barclays Bank. It was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect responsible for the Natural History Museum in London. Boasting 61 spacious guestrooms and suites; two bars, a gourmet restaurant ‘Kenny Atkinson at The Orangery’; 12 meeting and event rooms; an 18-hole championship golf course; a 50,000 square foot spa and wellness centre featuring ILA and Comfort Zone products and treatments and a 20 metre indoor swimming pool, Rockliffe has quickly attracted many top corporate events.
Previous exhibitors are also showcasing recent successes and refurbishments.
De Vere Slaley Hall Hotel in Northumberland, is showcasing its new £5 million refurbishment of the main hotel and public area. Work will start in 2011 on a £750,000 refurbishment of the main Keilder Suite (which accommodates up to 300 delegates). Work will start in Feb 2011 and be completed by the end of March 2011.
Harrogate’s Rudding Park Hotel is returning to the show with another award to display. The hotel has been crowned ‘Number One Hotel in the UK’ for the second year running, triumphing over some of the UK’s finest hotels in the TripAdvisor® Travellers’ Choice Awards 2011.
The prestigious accolade is based solely on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions from travellers gathered on the travel guide website www.tripadvisor.com TM.
Favouring Yorkshire over the capital, world travellers gave Rudding Park its top place in the UK rankings for a second time despite fierce competition from luxury hotels across the UK.
Peter Banks, Managing Director of Rudding Park, said: “Winning the TripAdvisor® ‘Best Hotel in the UK’ award for a second year running is proof that an independent Yorkshire hotel can match and beat the most famous names in British hospitality”.
Nicola Lockwood, Head of Conference Leeds and sponsor of The Conference and Hospitality Show said:
“We have over 50 exhibitors this year who all have something to shout about – whether this is venue refurbishment, new developments or national awards. This is a great testament to the strength of the meetings industry in the North of England. I am sure that visitors to this year’s show cannot fail to be impressed by the sheer pace of development and the passion of the people in our region”.