Conference News Supplements Meet the Midlands Supplement | Page 10

10
Meet the Midlands
From the
Dark Age
to the
Digital Age
Ron Terry, general manager of Coombe Abbey
Hotel, outlines the venue’s transformation into
a top Midlands events destination
volution is a key word
for Coombe Abbey
Hotel for 2020 and
beyond as we continue
to see change within the events
industry.
But, as we keep an eye on the
future, it is also a time to look back
and reflect as this year we celebrate
25 years since Coombe Abbey first
opened its doors as a hotel.
Since that official launch back in
1995, we have had to develop, adapt
and progress to make sure we are at
the forefront of a competitive market
within the Midlands and the rest of
the country.
We feel that it is important for
Coombe Abbey, and all venues, to do
that as the world of conferencing and
events is ever-evolving, with the
wants and needs of organisers
always moving forward.
When we first opened as a hotel,
there was no conferencing facilities
at all. The focus was very much on an
exclusive stay and fine dining, with
just 63 bedchambers.
Over the years we have driven the
business forward, doubling the
number of bedrooms and always
upgrading and improving facilities
and introducing the permanent
marquee six years ago to increase
capacity.
In addition to the marquee, we
have 10 event/conference rooms
that can accommodate a wide range
of events.
Now the traditional is not enough
and conference organisers are
looking for an “experience”. In fact,
one of our recent conference
bookers had the job title of
Experience Officer, so it is something
that is very much in demand.
We hear the word experience a lot
at the moment, with conference
organisers wanting something
unique and interesting to draw
people in so Coombe Abbey as a
hotel is certainly an experience in
itself. Founded in 1150 AD, it is a
former monastery, royal residence
and also had an involvement in the
infamous Gunpowder Plot.
The introduction of tree-top
obstacle course, Go Ape, to the site
has also been a huge bonus for us.
It adds a completely new level for
corporate packages, providing that
extra wow factor and “experience”.
Our Medieval Banquets also fit into
this experience category, as this can
“It is definitely
a case of
conference
organisers
wanting
something
that is not the
norm and we
will continue to
adapt and
change to suit
this.”
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be included in corporate packages
and include actors providing live
entertainment and a four-course
feast.
But we have to be conscious that
as an industry as we move more
towards these experiences, the focus
shouldn’t be lost on all the finer
details.
That is why we feel you have to be
concentrating on other areas as well,
and other buzz words at the moment
are sustainability, wellbeing and
technology.
Last year we had the massive task
of upgrading our Wi-Fi system to
make it more efficient for all guests
and visitors, along with improving our
phone system and introducing
service buttons, which are all
definitely an attractive prospect for
organisers. The phone system is
Wi-Fi enabled and we also invested
in new AV equipment.
As a company we want our clients
to know we are doing more, and that
is why we have paid particular
attention to sustainability and our
corporate social responsibility with a
variety of initiatives.
It is definitely a case of conference
organisers wanting something that is
not the norm and we will continue to
adapt and change to suit this.
We have many exciting plans in the
pipeline; watch this space.
Above:
Coombe Abbey Hotel