QHotels Launches New Approach to Conferences
Monday 19th September 2005
QHotels today announced the unveiling of its new conference standards – a new approach and level of service to be adopted by the whole group, following a 7 month research project, involving customers both in the UK and overseas.
The new Total Meetings Package is designed to offer all clients choice and flexibility no matter what size or type of event. Packages are now ALL inclusive with no hidden extra costs, a real benefit when planning any event. Whilst Conference and Event Centres have recognized this previously, this is a first for a 4* deluxe Hotel group.
Conferences and meetings constitutes around 40% of the group’s business and is an area which continually receives positive feedback from customers. However, a lot of what is usually provided has been the norm across the whole industry for many years. QHotels continual motivation to provide a service and quality of offering which is superlative to everything else, meant the company launched an initiative to research the industry in depth, examining other offerings, client wish lists and areas of dissatisfaction. Over a period of 6 months involving research both in the UK and overseas, the findings were analysed and requirements extrapolated to create a new approach and a series of specific product offerings.
Joanne Barratt, the project leader responsible for initiating and developing the whole program, and now General Manager at Chesford Grange, Warwickshire said, “All conferencing requirements have changed dramatically over the past few years, yet so many hotel groups have failed to examine and identify new trends and needs. This isn’t an assumption – this is what our clients feedback continually stated.
Particular attention is placed upon the food offerings for all meetings. Delegates are now looking for fresh, healthier options and these are available in all new menus to reflect current modern eating habits. Fresh fruit platters are included in all meal packages and menus and special dietary requirements have all been considered from fat free to gluten free and also not forgetting vegetarian delegates.”
The layout of the meeting room has also been reviewed, clutter free tables with all stationery available in the room and a constant supply of refreshments is a QHotels standard. The uniqueness of 'Events by QHotels' is the new introduction of an LCD data projector, instead of an overhead projector, within the standard Day Delegate and 24 hour residential conference package, no matter how large or small your event.
Joanne Barratt concluded, “All of the above is now a given for us but in addition we have created a series of tailored packages ranging from the standard to the executive, which include luxuries such as breakfast canapés, hot towels delivered before lunch, complimentary newspapers, fresh fruit, pre-dinner cocktails and even a night cap tray – and of course exemplary service throughout.”
The new Total Meeting Package has been introduced across the portfolio of hotels throughout September and October, with investment in both sales and operational staff. Whilst the investment in the hotels is substantial the investment plan in people is comparable, and consistent service delivery is the key objective.
QHotels have total confidence in their new conference standards and an Event Guarantee ensures all clients can share their confidence with peace of mind. Quite simply – QHotels perform to your expectations, if any issues are not resolved at the time of asking, 20% of the total cost of the event is deducted from the final invoice. Joanne Barratt added "We are completely focussed on making sure that we deliver a great event. We will be very happy if we never use the guarantee, but a straight 20% refund is strong motivation for our whole team to make sure that we get things absolutely right."
