Incentive & Motivation

Liverpool Convention Bureau is backing an initiative for all hotels in the city to offer free Wi-Fi for delegates in hotel bedrooms.

The scheme, initiated by leading hoteliers in Liverpool, aims to make the destination even more attractive to associations, conferences and residential events. It is targeting all hotels within Liverpool and the wider City Region.

Many hotels already offer complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas and nearly all have some form of paid for Wi-Fi service in guest bedrooms. But now the destination management agency for the city, along with business leaders, is supporting the drive to encourage all hotels and serviced apartments across the Liverpool City Region to make this a free service in all guest bedrooms.

The initiative, led by the Liverpool Hoteliers Association and supported by The Mersey Partnership’s Visitor Economy Committee (VEC), is the brainchild of Robert Nadler, Chief Executive of hotel group base2stay Limited and a member of the VEC.

Robert Nadler comments: “To drive business for the Visitor Economy, we need to be constantly thinking ahead, just as Liverpool has always done. Wi-Fi has gone from being an optional extra to an essential utility, especially for business travellers. The VEC is working closely with business leaders to encourage as many hotels as possible across the City Region to join the scheme, which will further illustrate that the city is one of the leading convention and tourist destinations in the UK”.

Carol O’Reilly, Liverpool Convention Bureau Manager, adds: “This is a hugely popular initiative and one which has our full support. Delegates more than ever rely on smartphones, tablet devices and laptops during conferences and meetings. We feel that the Liverpool City Region, with its diverse venues, attractions and hotel options, is well placed to become the first destination to offer fee Wi-Fi as standard in all guest bedrooms”.

The proposal aims to attract more mid-week corporate and conference clients as well as large scale conference and congress delegates. A total of 25 hotels across Liverpool City Region have already signed up to the initiative, including independent hotels and international hotel brands.

House of Fraser for Business has entered the e-gifts arena with the launch of its eagerly awaited e-gift card.  House of Fraser’s e-gift card has the same functionality as a plastic gift card, but is sent in PDF format via email so can be printed and spent in any one of our 61 stores nationwide, or online at www.houseoffraser.co.uk

 Commenting John Dove, House of Fraser Business Incentives Manager said, “The ability to deliver rewards and incentives via e-mail significantly cuts costs and administration for corporate customers who currently use conventional gift cards for staff and customer campaigns.  Businesses want to simplify all processes, and that includes staff and customer reward and recognition.  E-gift cards are flexible, quick, easy to administer and reward the recipient instantly.”

 In conclusion John added, “We expect substantial demand for our e-gift cards which can be loaded with any value from £5.  By using e-gift cards customers can avoid the significant post, pack and fulfilment costs associated with conventional gift cards, and the immediacy of the reward makes it all the more memorable.”

 House of Fraser is a leading multi-channel retailer offering a diverse range of brands and products for men, women and children, including fashion, beauty, technology and home.  House of Fraser for Business is a specialist provider of incentives and rewards, supplying gift cards, vouchers and e-gift card products to corporate users primarily across the UK and Republic of Ireland who use them for sales incentives, employee rewards, customer loyalty, promotions, flexible and voluntary benefits, Christmas rewards and insurance replacement.

 Barbados’ award winning ACCRA Beach Hotel and Spa has this week unveiled the results of its $1.5 million refurbishment. Encompassing the entire East Wing of the resort, the refurbishment incorporated the overhaul of all the guest rooms and suites with new furniture, soft furnishings, lighting and the installation of new plasma screen televisions. All plumbing and electrics to the East Wing have also been replaced, allowing for the inclusion of wireless internet access to the whole resort.

 This extensive refurbishment follows the revamp of the Penthouse Suites earlier this year, and the brand new pool deck which was completed in the summer of 2011.

 Actively targeting the UK meetings and incentive market, the team behind the four star Accra Beach Hotel & Spa have also confirmed plans to redevelop their meeting and events facilities later this year. The remodel will encompass all 6,500sq. ft. of their meeting and events space, which incorporates four large meeting and events venues and a dedicated boardroom.

 “Both the size and the locale of the Accra Beach Hotel & Spa make it an attractive option for meeting and event planners considering Barbados. The resort spans over 3.5 acres with 224 professionally appointed guest rooms and suites, 6,500 sq. ft. of dedicated meeting and events space, a spa and fitness centre and five restaurants and bars,” commented Jon Martineau, the resorts General Manager.

 “During 2012, we are very much committing to the UK meetings and incentive market, and our objective is to ensure that as Barbados continues to grow as a MICE destination for theUK, the Accra Beach Hotel & Spa continues to lead the way in terms of service and facilities on theIsland,” Martineau concluded.

Unique Venues of London (UVL) has announced six new members will join its collection of dynamic events spaces, effective from this month. The most diverse consortium in the city, UVL’s new members includeKewPalace, the National Portrait Gallery, Twickenham Stadium, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the Wellcome Collection and the Whitechapel Gallery, bringing UVL to a total of 78 members.

Together this enables UVL to offer event organisers and planners several new gallery spaces, royal residences, substantially more outdoor space and another world class stadium in addition to the existing portfolio of museums, iconic buildings and attractions.

A few highlights of the new venues include:

Kew Palace

The most intimate of royal residences,KewPalacehas been a favourite entertainment venue for King’s and Queen’s for centuries, most recently for the celebration of HM Queen Elizabeth’s 80th birthday. Guests can hold events and meetings in its royal splendour including George III’s Dining Room for up to 30 guests, and receptions in the Dining Room, Queen’s Garden, King’s Breakfast Room or King’s Library.KewPalacealso offers tours of the palace including areas not open to the public, as well as tours of the Elizabethan undercroft, housing an extensive display of art drawn from the Royal Collection, including silver and paintings, all with unique links to the building and the Georgian Royal Family.

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery houses the finest collection of portraits in the world, offering a unique insight into the men and women who have shaped British culture from the Middle Ages to the present day. The venue can hold events, meetings and dinners in a range of spaces and galleries over three floors including the Ondaatje Wing Theatre and the rooftop Portrait Restaurant with its unparalleled views overTrafalgar Squareand theLondonskyline. Guests can also experience guided tours of the Gallery, including work across all mediums, from painting and sculpture to photography and video of sitters ranging from Elizabeth I to David Beckham.

Twickenham Stadium

The Home of England Rugby and the National Stadium, Twickenham Stadium brings its unique retractable tiered auditorium along with many other flexible events spaces to UVL. Along with stadium tours, the venue can also host drinks receptions in the player’s tunnel or pitch side, pitch side barbeques for up to 300 guests and even dinner in theEnglandchanging rooms for up to 55 people, hosted by a player.

Royal Hospital Chelsea

Founded in 1682 by King Charles II, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is home to the iconic Chelsea Pensioners. Considered to be one of Sir Christopher Wren’s finest works in brick, the venue offers a 66 acre estate suitable for a whole range of events, teambuilding activities and private tours of theRoyalHospitalled by a Chelsea Pensioner guide. The venue includes numerous indoor and outdoor events spaces such as the Great Hall, State Apartments, Wren Chapel andSouthRanelaghGardens.

Wellcome Collection

Welcome Collection offers inspiring gallery spaces for drinks receptions, historical dining in the surrounds of the Wellcome Library’s reading room, as well as a conference centre with the state of the art Henry Wellcome Auditorium at its heart. Delegates can include tours of the exhibitions and permanent galleries within their meetings and events.

Whitechapel Gallery

Founded in 1901, the Grade II* Arts & Crafts building is a benchmark for contemporary art and a world-class venue for entertaining. For over a century the Gallery has premiered internationally acclaimed artists from modern masters such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Frida Kahlo to contemporaries such as Sophie Calle, Lucian Freud, Gilbert & George and Mark Wallinger. Neighbouring the city and located on the edge of the Olympic site, the gallery offers 3,600 sq. m of event space in 13 spaces, including nine galleries, two studios and a purpose-built auditorium suitable for events with up to 500 delegates. The Whitechapel Gallery also provides guided tours and the chance to ‘name an exhibition’.

Moya Maxwell, Chairman of UVL comments: “2012 promises to be an exciting time forLondonand UVL and we are delighted to welcome these new members. Each offers something truly unusual and ensures that the consortium continues to representLondon’s unique history, architecture and heritage – everything that makes the capital a fantastic destination for events. UVL continues to offer venues with a unique and historic connection toLondon, remaining the perfect complement during the Olympic Games period and beyond”.

The new members will be represented in UVL’s new pocket sized brochure available from February. UVL will be promoting all 78 members at the UK Venue Show, 1-2 February, stand number V120. To see all existing UVL members log on to www.uniquevenuesoflondon.co.uk

Protravel, travel promotions solutions provider, has launched a number of inspirational promotional packages for brands looking to capitalise on the romance of Valentine’s Day.

Although only weeks away, there is still time for brands to run promotions by utilising these packages, which can be set up and managed quickly and easily, enabling them to associate themselves with Valentine’s Day and take full advantage of the excitement that surrounds it.

 Among the prize destinations on offer are:

 Reykjavik

Prizewinners can snuggle up to that special someone and experience the magic of an Arctic winter including ice-skating in the Laugardalur Valley, or riding Viking horses across mountain-fringed lava fields before relaxing in the hot springs of the Blue Lagoon.  With a massage, drink at the Kaffi Reykjavik ice bar and a lobster dinner at theportofStokkseyri, followed by the experience of the Northern Lights, it is a romantic and memorable prize.

Moscow

It’s the most enchanting time of year inMoscow, where an ice-chilled vodka will be served while the lucky winners watch the snowflakes settle on St Basil’s Cathedral and the cobbles ofRed Square.  They can then experience the legendary Bolshoi Ballet or take to the ice inGorkyParkand then dine at the owner’s table in one of the hippest restaurants in town – Vanil. The prize includes three nights’ accommodation at the boutique hotel The Golden Apple.

Paris

The beautiful city ofParisis well known as a romantic destination and prizewinners can head to theMontmartre’s wall of I Love Yous and read some 1000 declarations of love in 300 languages. With experiences on offer including a bike ride through the dreamy Bois de Boulogne, skating hand in hand at Montparnasse, a champagne hot air balloon flight, and dinner at the beautiful Jules Verne restaurant located up theEiffelTower, it is the perfect prize for Valentine’s promotions.

Barcelona

Barcelonais the ideal destination to escape to for a romantic break from the normal routine and prizewinners will have the opportunity to enjoy two nights at the magnificent H1898 hotel in a beautiful suite including daily breakfast, as well as a first class massage and a personal shopping experience.  Also included is the chance to view Barcelona’s striking coastline while enjoying a glass of champagne on the deck of a sailboat, and to enjoy a sumptuous meal at the delightful Montiel restaurant which offers creative cuisine and is located near thePicassoMuseum

Samantha McLean, Head of Protravel, said: “Although we are just weeks away from Valentine’s Day there is still time for brands to put in place travel promotions that will make them stand out during this period. These packages all have that something special that will help them to do just that. Alternatively, we can create a truly bespoke travel promotion to meet any specific brand requirements.”

Protravel, travel and leisure solution supplier,  has revealed a range of new travel prizes for 2012 which are ideal for brands looking to run a promotion with a real wow factor.

Samantha McLean, Head of Protravel, said: “We are regularly asked for out of the ordinary travel prizes that offer something unusual and exciting and so we are constantly looking for new, innovative ideas that tap into current trends. Although consumers are still keeping a tight rein on their spending, time and time again we hear that holidays are something that they are truly reluctant to give up.  With this in mind, aspirational travel is the ideal promotional prize for brands looking for ways to achieve stand out and maintain and increase their share of the market.”   

“Of course it is imperative to match the prize to the target audience and among the new hotels due to open in 2012 there are options available to suit all from couples and groups to families, but here are some of those that have real impact and will succeed in attracting the attention of consumers, from holidays in space to underwater nightclubs,” she continues.

-       Unique and luxurious Tree House Suites at Chewton Glen are due to open by late Summer 2012.  With floor to ceiling glass the Suites will appear to float across a wooded valley and boast panoramic forest views.

-       Guests at Niyama, the brand new visionary resort by Per Aquum in the Maldives, will be able to combine the tranquil beauty of the islands with a sense of fun as it’s home to the world’s first underwater nightclub, as well as an off-shore ‘floating restaurant.’

-       For something truly extraordinary, the Space Hotel will be launching their first guests into their orbiting hotel in 2012 some 280 miles above Earth!  Visitors to the Galactic Suite Space Resort can look forward seeing the sun rise 15 times a day and travelling around the world every 80 minutes.

-       The new Art of Animation Resort at Walt Disney World Florida will open its first wing in 2012 with suites designed after Finding Nemo, Cars and The Lion King and 864 rooms inspired by The Little Mermaid.  With imaginative amenities including three sparkling swimming pools and four playful courtyards – one for each film- it offers a wonderful experience for the whole family.

-       The first Nobu Hotel is opening in Las Vegas next year in the converted Centurion Tower at Caesars Palace following a multi-million dollar refit.  Featuring the cuisine of celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the 180 room hotel will feature all natural materials and the signature Japanese design principles seen in Nobu’s restaurants.

www.protraveluk.co.uk

Smartbox is to launch a new consultancy service for brands and agencies that want to develop personalised promotional rewards and incentives.

This move reflects the increasing personalisation of promotional marketing as it evolves from mass communication to one-to-one contact with customers via email and social networking websites.

Available through Smartbox Business Solutions, the new service will enable brands and agencies to offer consumers a personal choice from hundreds of different options – instead of a ‘one size fits all’ fixed reward. Recipients will be able to claim the promotional gift that most appeals to their tastes and interests.

Ilona Kogutiuk, head of Smartbox Business Solutions, says: “With marketers having to become more innovative than ever, we aim to provide personalised purchase incentives and loyalty rewards for brands that are increasingly endeavouring to engage with consumers on a one-to-one basis.”

She adds: “This emphasis on personalisation is why Smartbox has become the international leader in the gift experience market. Each themed Smartbox allows recipients to choose something they themselves have always wanted to do – so the experience becomes much more personal, relevant and memorable. When offered as a promotional gift, this kind of personalisation can add value to a brand and establish a powerful emotional link with the customer.”

Later this year, Smartbox will unveil an enhanced range of partners, locations and experiences.

The flexibility of Smartbox’s personalised incentives means they are compatible with any type of brand, and are suitable for almost any target audience.

Despite the huge number of options available to each recipient, the brand offering a Smartbox incentive still only pays the cost of a single reward.