At Key Locations we have just introduced the Request for Meetings system from ABC Connection. This system will enhance our venue selection for our clients. The system will be used in conjunction with our extensive in house databases to further improve our outstanding knowledge and experience. ABC Connection released the following press release on 26th October 2009. (London, 26 October 2009). "Key Locations, the Windsor-based conference, meeting and event specialist, has implemented the online Request for Meetings system from ABC Connection to streamline its venue search and enquiry process. Key Locations now has access to ABC Connection’s state-of-the-art database containing detailed descriptions , images, maps and floor plans of thousands of hotel and venue properties to meet virtually any client’s needs. The integrated system enables the Key Locations team to take detailed briefs, compile a shortlist of the most suitable properties and issue online enquiries thus ensuring a rapid response to clients’ requirements. Elisabeth Barton, Director and Founder of Key Locations said, “A number of hotels and venues we regularly deal with are customers of ABC Connection’s content management services and they had suggested we look at their RfM solution. We are very impressed with the scope and quality of the information available on the database. The new search and enquiry system is really easy to use. It will save us a lot of time and effort in sourcing and recommending the best venue choices for each individual client, and the informative proposals we can create will give us that competitive edge.” ABC Connection’s database includes the widest range of options for conferences, meetings and events, ranging from grand sporting venues and specialist sites to city centre hotels and intimate local properties". For more information contact Key Locations or ABC Connections at www.abcconnection.com

Do you want to save money on holding your event in Europe? Many companies are unaware that in many cases the EU VAT for venue and stand hire, hotel expenditure and travel costs may be recoverable, through the EU VAT refund scheme. Local VAT rates range from 15 to 25 per cent which would have a considerable impact on your bottom line. One way to claim back this money is to engage a VAT specialist, to submit your claim. For more information, please contact Key Locations on 01753 833773.

Ramada Jarvis are offering 8 hour conference packages from £29 and 24 hour conference packages from £99 at some of their 40 locations in the UK, under their Summit Conferences brand. The package with these rates includes for example a working lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments and a selection of stationery items. Free high-speed internet access in all meeting rooms, free WIFI access in all lounges, free car parking and leisure facilities where available, are some of the additional benefits.

De Vere Venue's has won a number of accolades for the Steam Bake and Grill concept, including one of the 'coolest restaurants in the UK', awarded by Prestige Events. With an open 'theatre' kitchen and duck, forno and tandoori ovens as well as a char grill and a steamer, this concept is now available in 10 of the 30 De Vere Venue properties. If you are looking for a team building challenge for up to 24 , why not try the Steam Bake and Thrill, where up to 24 delegates can take part, splitting into 2 teams to plan and cook a two course meal. Each team under the direction of a chef mentor.

Have you considered holding your conference, event or meeting at a UK university? Many of the leading UK universities now have dedicated, versatile, modern and sophisticated conference facilities. Furthermore many have quality hotel facilities on site. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Key Locations on 01753 833773.

One Wimpole Street has become the first venue to be accredited BS8901 Sustainable Events certified. This purpose built, centrally located venue is situated less than three minutes from Oxford Circus and Bond Street Tube Stations. Rates at this venue are being held at the 2008 level until September 2010.

Malmaison Hotel group offers a hotel with a twist. From a Greek Orthodox Church in Glasgow to a fabulously remodelled prison in Oxford as well as hotels in Belfast, Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool, amongst others. There are now 12 hotels within the group, with more planned in the future. Furthermore Malmaison recently won a top award at the Business Travellers Awards 2009.

The Hilton Group has introduces an improved "one in five offer" at over 180 hotels throughout the UK, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. When five people attend a meeting, one attendee's meeting fee is free. In addition to this when five attendee's stay overnight at a hotel, one guest room is free. This offer is available for any multiple of 5 up to and including 100, which would result in 20 guests going free. This offer is available for all meeting which are booked and confirmed by 4th December, for meetings up to 31st March 2010.

Looking for a conference and events space with a difference? Why not consider the new conference facilities at the Porsche Experience near Silverstone Race Circuit in Northamptonshire. The conference room can seat up to 150 theatre style and the atrium can also seat 150. Additional facilities include a boardroom for 30 and a 19 seat cinema, as well as the roof terrace area, which offers stunning views of the Silverstone circuit and can accomodate up to 100 people for a reception. Track activities can be incorporated into business events, including car control courses or handling exercises in a Porsche 911.