A FRESH SPACE TO MEET FACE-TO-FACE

As face-to-face alliances are more valuable than ever in this time of reconnection and restoration, we offer a refresher on the scope of venue solutions out there.

Our pedigree at Calder is earned by being a totally independent agency and a font of qualified but impartial advice. It's true that we are renowned for offering deals on all the prestigious, well-known brand hotels as well as the independent and family run, with partnerships allowing us to pass on the benefits to our clients. Their finesse for events has been fine-tuned over many decades. Now, when connections must really count, don't necessarily lunge at the familiar - adventure fully through the whole events landscape.

Academic Venues

Guest feedback suggests something valuable can be gleaned from being based in an academic environment for a business purpose; as if a new focus and diligence can be absorbed from the studious surroundings. Often these venues are set apart from the city in a pleasant enclosure. Hotels are sometimes associated in delegates' perception with a social life and leisure time. Academic settings feel distraction-free.

Research conducted by Warwick Conferences expands: "Three-quarters of conference delegates say they've been disrupted at an event. A third said it was by technology, another third by noise and over a quarter by non-business guests."

We worked with Prestige Venues & Events at Southampton Solent University

Purpose-Built and Exclusive

When an environment doesn't need to accommodate different types of guests simultaneously, there is scope to be really imaginative and freedom to make a distinctive mark which can lift proceedings up a notch. This is our partner etc.venues' arena. They operate nearly 500,000 square feet of space with over 15 venues across London, Birmingham, Manchester and New York. Unlike many competitors, their venues are often designed and built from the ground up rather than repurposed as some hotels are. All is carefully considered and optimised to deliver the best possible meeting, conference and training event experience: the sound-proofing, the acoustics, the level of natural light and the configurations/layouts.

Natural light at etc.venues 11 Portland Street, Manchester 

Serving a business audience with business needs is the whole ethos. The team appreciates not having to consider the spa guests or the golfing guests as hotels may need to, and the result is an offering fully geared towards the event planner.

In all venues the following is echoed:

High ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of natural light

Vibrant colours and ergonomically designed furniture

Sound-proofed walls and ceilings

Striking design and provocative, contemporary art

You won't find dark, stifled or underground here: the spaces recharge, inspire and stimulate attendees.

High ceilings, light, space and vibrancy at etc.venues Chancery Lane, London

A Private Members' Club - Business At The Jockey Club Rooms

First and foremost a private members' club since the 18th century, outside of members-only periods it provides accommodation for business guests and a space for corporate gatherings. An esteemed alternative to a hotel or dedicated conference centre.

Hosted here, through our partnership with Classic British Hotels, are breakfast, lunch, half and full day meetings and events or residentials, supported by 21 bedrooms for the group. Board dinners, presentations, seminars and even team-building days fit smoothly in this exclusive setting.

Show your colours with the special touches at this venue: silver service, crystal chandeliers and master artworks. The committee room features a 75" Plasma Screen, discreetly hidden behind an equestrian masterpiece, as well as a built-in PA system.

Plasma Screen behind an artwork at The Jockey Club Rooms

Head-Turning and Inspirational - Galleries, Museums or Sports Stadium

When the brief is 'wow-factor', a trusted partner over the years is Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events with a unique collection of over 30 special conference and events settings across UK and Ireland. From food, content delivery, to visuals and theming - the whole experience will be memorable and guests will leave with these strong impressions for the journey forward. 

The Wallace Collection - boasting a majestic interior, award-winning dining and the highest quality art wherever you turn, this is a spectacular setting worth showcasing here. In London's heart, this musuem is home to some of the best collections of fine arts in the UK. Perfect for a landmark celebration, this venue is inspiring yet tranquil.

A Dramatic Event Setting At The Wallace Collection

RAF Museum, London - this special space truly encourages clients to let their dreams take flight! The unique, famous aircraft installations here are talking point enough, but the imagination can wing through spacious hangers available to hire, or a beautiful lawned courtyard for an alternative ambience.

Illustrated powerfully in the leading blog image.

We direct the reader’s eye to just a couple of  choices on display, in this blog. For the more formal and business-like, through free and expansive, to the fully flamboyant - when we work with this partner, we're confident we can find the right solution - and it will be time to escape the ordinary.