For many years the conference management agent Calder and the team at Central Hall Westminster have enjoyed a very good working relationship.
We have been up to visit the team in Leeds on numerous occasions but it we felt that it was time they deserved a trip to London -after all there is no better way to introduce the team to our amazing conference, meeting and events space than a personal visit.
We joined forces with the nearby 4* hotel, the Doubletree by Hilton London Westminster, who provided accommodation for all our Calder guests. Elaine De Paola, the hotel’s Director of Sales, who also attended the weekend said: ‘Doubletree by Hilton London Westminster were delighted to host Calder Conferences in conjunction with Central Hall Westminster. Calder have a long-standing working relationship with both venues and this was the first time we pulled our resources and showed them how we can work together. This working collaboration between the venue and hotel provider makes it a one stop shop for any large residential event in the Westminster area.’
Throughout out the trip, together with Elaine and Melissa Low (Revenue Manager) from the Doubletree, we all spent time exploring Central Hall Westminster’s versatile conference and events space. Our AV service providers, White Light, setup a showcase light and sound demonstration in the Great Hall, our flagship space. Alex from White Light was on hand to explain what can be achieved to great effect in such a historical building. KUDOS, catering service partner also provided some delicious drinks and treats for the group.
To get around we provided the team each with an Oyster Card, this also doubled as a lovely memento of their trip and one that was small enough to easily carry home. It was the oyster card that transported us to the highlight of the weekend, we all went to see Motown: The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre. We all loved the performance which was rounded off with a delicious meal at the trendy Bone Daddies restaurant in the new Nova Food Victoria -the new destination that’s just minutes from the railway station.
The weekend was so much fun and a real success – we really enjoyed meeting and spending time with the team, so much so that they nearly missed their train back to Leeds, although you could also blame the roadworks causing traffic problems on our journey to Kings Cross. We made it to the station in the nick of time – 13:57 for a 14:02 departure. Being the seasoned Londoners that we are, we managed to heave everyone’s luggage and all the relevant people onto the train with seconds to spare – there’s, nothing like an exciting nail-biting ending to a pleasurable weekend.
