Here’s TTGmice’s weekly round up of MICE developments outside of Asia
Lane End Conference Centre profiles event planners
Recent research undertaken by Lane End Conference Centre in Buckinghamshire, England, revealed that 75 per cent of event bookers do not class themselves as a professional events planner.
From a sample of 122 people who book events with 10 to 500 people on a regular basis at the venue, only 24.6 per cent described themselves as a professional planner.
Given the venue’s training-focused facilities, it is unsurprising that a further 9.8 per cent are professional speakers or trainers while PAs, who have long been recognised as key buyers, make up 21.3 per cent.
The remaining 44.3 per cent are HR professionals, administrators, marketing executives and specialists. There are also more unusual, non-event related professions such as welfare officer, commercial director, charity director and head teacher.
Heni Fourie, director of sales and marketing at Lane End Conference Centre, commented: “The latest research suggests that venues might be targeting the wrong audiences when it comes to event booking. While the focus should remain on targeting professional event planners and bookers, venues need to think outside the box to target a wider group of people, right up to and including senior managers, and even the managing director.”
Prague Congress Centre upgrades
Prague Congress Centre is undergoing renovations, with works scheduled to be completed in time for the ICCA Congress this November.
The venue’s two largest halls – the Congress Hall and Forum Hall – as well as public corridors and foyers will gain fresher interiors. A new information and registration desk will also be added to the main entrance. But the biggest undertaking of the project is the installation of 180 Wi-Fi points and 2,000 data slots throughout the building.
Aleph Rome Hotel now part of Hilton
Following an extensive restoration, Aleph Rome Hotel has reopened as part of the exclusive Curio Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of upper upscale, independent and locally authentic hotels and resorts.
The 1930s property now boasts 88 keys, and is based a short stroll from the legendary Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Villa Borghese and many other key attractions.
Renovation works were focused on blending the hotel’s Roman charms with contemporary features, while preserving its spirit, grandeur and historical treasures, including authentic Cipollino marble.
The hotel welcomes meetings and has a function room that can take 100 guests, as well as a suite that can accommodate up to eight guests should a more intimate setting be required.
