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Autumn - Winter 2007
Ask the expert - 11/10/2007
You ask the questions - We give the answers
This section of Conferencing Weekly relies on you the reader to interact with us, ever wondered how the conference industry works? Do you know room layout plans? Where to source caterers? How to provide entertainment? Simply, send us your questions and one of our panel of experienced Conference Agents will supply the answers.
Q: Are conference delegate rates on the increase?
P Duncan (Aerox Ast)
A: If you take London as an isolated area then it is.
West ,Central and City conference venue postcodes have strong demand and get highest rates.
Where a venue has high demand on its beds it will usually blow budgets when they couple bed rate and day rate together with further complications of high charges for breakout rooms. We have regular West End business at £215 + VAT for single occupancy bedroom plus £70 inc VAT for day rates with £500 per day for Breakout rooms
Around the UK there is more variation on rates with some more than OK venues taking 24 hour rates at £100 inc VAT 24 hour rates. This is in many cases what the market want to pay and with tidy bedrooms, well lit meeting space, simple well cooked food and lakes of tea and coffee and parking on site why not!
Q: Are any large country houses and hotels suitable for conferences?
J Johnson (Johnson Wainrights Int)
A: Still a winner with many people for conferences of 30-40 delegates. Most obtain £180 24 hour rates and there are usually nice grounds for teambuilding by experts. Character bedrooms are popular but don’t hold your breath for the latest WiFi and best AV in meeting space. Food and drink will be fine and if the venue is offered that fits your numbers its virtual Exclusive use without the cost that ensues from requesting it.
Q: What is the difference between a conference centre and a conference venue?
A Brierley (Undisclosed)
A: Free parking in most cases, fully loaded meeting space included in the hire charges.
Lots of breakout rooms, Simple predictable food with coffee on tap.
Some are in very nice grounds and teambuilding can be very good value.
All charges plus VAT of course . expect £150 – 160 + VAT
Speak to an expert advisor now:
To speak to a Morris Conferencing expert advisor now, please call 0870 1624909, or visit their website at, http://www.uk-conference-venues.co.uk
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