AYMTM Events Insider

What's hot and happening in the corporate events industry. New openings, great ideas, invitations, offers ... and the inside track from the award winning team

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Raffles Hotels & Resorts adds a second European hotel …

Raffles Istanbul – opens 1 September 2014

The focus of Istanbul is changing and a new district is emerging.

The new Raffles Istanbul sits at the intersection of the city’s most important arteries, connected to the Bazaars of old and linked to the new retail experience of the Zorlu Center - a hub for fashion, food and the arts on the European shore in Beşiktaş..

Located for easy access to both airports in Istanbul,  Raffles Istanbul  has 181 spacious  guest rooms including 49 suites, with panoramic views through its floor to ceiling windows and private balconies looking above the Bosphorus, the Prince Islands and the historic peninsula.  Contemporary design provides a sumptuous, world class space. Seven Restaurants and bars bring the very best of the world. 

Raffles Istanbul offers a new venue for  incentives, board meetings, product launches and special events of all kinds.  With its own heated helipad and car parking available on site as well. The Raffles Ballroom, with a separate entrance if required, accommodates 1,200 people and has direct vehicle access too. In addition there are 7 private meeting rooms, 1 boardroom and outdoor space. All meeting rooms come equipped with the best facilities, including the latest audio visual devices and characterized by exemplary and thoughtful Raffles service.

In partnership with FRHI Hotels & Resorts, AYMTM can offer special introductory and winter rates. Please contact for more information.

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Reward and Recognition .... a simple thank you doesn’t cost a lot

Were you aware that most employees leave their job because they don’t feel appreciated, rather than for salary reasons?  As a nation, managers within the UK are notorious at forgetting to say thank you.

We have recently developed a number of employee reward and recognition programmes which helps employees and more importantly managers, to say thank you with monetary and non-monetary reward nominations.

rewardandrecognise is our online recognition programme can incorporate any/all of the following elements:

Peer to peer nominations

Manager to Peer function

Team based nominations

Customer nominations

Long service awards

Hall of fame

Budget control

Manager approvals

Vast reward choice

Portal to communicate messages

Personalised branding

On-line and paper based

Management reporting suite

If you think your employee reward and recognition could be improved, then our business development team would be delighted to speak with you further. Just ask for Julie on 0845 217 2187 or email [email protected]

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Opening 6th May 2014, the Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, will occupy levels 34 to 52 of Renzo Piano’s iconic building.

AYMTM was recently granted an exclusive ‘hard hat’ preview to this latest addition to London's luxury hotel scene. A soft opening with 59 rooms, main restaurant and…

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Special Group Offer - Quinta do Lago

Hotel Quinta do Lago in the Algarve has received 35 nominations and won several prestigious World Travel Awards. It offers an intimate, elegant and tranquil location for high profile events at any time of the year. The proximity to several golf courses affords you the opportunity to organise your own tournaments or just enjoy some rounds of golf alongside your business events.

The hotel is located close to Faro international airport in a superb location near the Ria Formosa lagoons and its beach.

The hotel, in conjunction with AYMYM, is offering exclusive special rates for groups confirmed by end of May 2014 and travelled before February 2015. The special rates include complimentary wi fi, breakfast and group welcome drink.

The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

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Where less is more .... beach incentives are back!

Sunshine remains one of the biggest travel motivators, and the events team at AYMTM has seen an increasing trend for Winter sunshine and pure sun, sea and sand programmes .... with an emphasis on relaxation!

The team recently delivered a top class incentive for telecoms high achievers to Mexico's favourite pleasure playground, Cancun. Guests enjoyed a “top class” stay at the 5 star Le Blanc Spa Resort plus many memorable experiences including swimming with dolphins, zip lining through an eco-park and dancing ‘till dawn in night club heaven, Coco Bongo. With 98.6% guest feedback rating the trip as excellent and best ever, it was a truly remarkable incentive.

Another client welcomed our idea for one of the ultimate, get away from it all, beach destinations - the Maldives. Following several years of events with action-packed programmes, a winning combination of free time, exquisite dinners and optional activities, including deep sea fishing, champagne cruises and water sports, ensured exceptional feedback.

The programme was hosted at the highly acclaimed Constance Halaveli, a short 25 minute sea plane transfer from the capital Malé

With precision planning the team created bespoke programmes for guests, enabling them to relax and savour the beautiful resort hotel as well as enjoy the top class programme elements.

British Airways offers direct non-stop flights to both Cancun and Malé and the team has a wealth of experience in sourcing the perfect event retreat and designing the best destination experience.

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A Stylish Scottish Hogmanay Incentive

For a leading automotive client, the ultimate Scottish experience captured their imagination and beat off exotic ideas to far flung corners of the globe.  

"A top class incentive doesn’t always have to be long haul, it’s amazing how many great things are on your doorstep that are never fully explored" reported our Director of Marketing, Graham James. "The guests had a brilliant time, and with less money spent on travel we were able to create a truly magical ground programme"

Celebrating Hogmanay in January, programme highlights included a Segway safari, fly fishing, sea plane flight and whisky distillery tour (taste and blend your own!), A surprise reveal of traditional evening attire – full kilt for gents and sashes for ladies – led to the group travelling to Stirling Castle where they enjoyed an exclusive Hogmanay dinner in the magnificent Great Hall with the customary toasting of the haggis and the parading of a 12 piece pipe band through the castle grounds at midnight.

The event was hosted at Cameron House - but the AYMTM team has a wealth of experience of venues around Scotland from five star hotels to private castle retreats.

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Opening 6th May 2014, the Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, will occupy levels 34 to 52 of the Shard, Renzo Piano’s iconic building.

AYMTM were recently granted an exclusive ‘hard hat’ preview to Londons newest addition to the luxury hotel scene. A soft opening with 59 rooms, main restaurant and...

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The Sporting Life

Royal Ascot, Wimbledon and the Open Golf Championship have all come and gone, but there's still plenty of sporting action ahead and the team at AYMTM can make sure you don't miss out.

Whether with customers or staff, time spent together at a prestigious sporting occasion is time well spent - to make new contacts and strengthen existing relationships, or to motivate, recognise and reward performance. 

So if you fancy messing about on the water at Cowes Week; following England on the road to Rio at the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers, or having a flutter at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe - give us a call and we'll make sure you and your guests are at the heart of the action.

Why AYMTM? We have extensive resources and experience with both traditional and bespoke hospitality. Depending on budget, we can tailor packages to suit and will offer little enhancements and touches for a truly unique and memorable experience. We buy direct .... ensuring both quality and value are not compromised.

For a full sporting calendar, please contact the team. [email protected]

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Engaging Entertainment .... Getting it Right

Choosing the right entertainment is critical to the success of any event and the team at AYMTM can help you find the perfect solution.

You need to be sure that your entertainers are professional and effective, as well as providing excellent value for money. We have the experience and expertise to not only advise you on appropriate artists for your event, but also to manage all of their requirements - from arranging the pre-event briefing to making sure their transport arrives in good time and their dressing room is stocked with their favourite mineral water. 

Already this year we've staged a sensational West End musical theatre show at a prestigious London venue; amazed 'seen-it-all before' conference delegates with a uniquely different comedy mind-reader, and kept many a dance floor full with our favourite contemporary bands and DJs. Coming up we've got a rousing rockaoke session, thought-provoking guest speakers and lots more. 

So whether you're looking for opera or origami, caricaturists or comedians, magic or mime - the team at AYMTM will find the right entertainment to bring your event to life and create long-lasting memories for your guests.

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A Mermaid Special - Summer Value

The Mermaid is an events and conference centre in the City of London – newly refurbished and bursting at the seams with inspirational and adaptable rooms ready to stage your event.

Over the years, The Mermaid has hosted a wide range of organisations and produced a variety of events from exhibitions, conferences and product launches to fashion shows, after-premiere parties and spectacular gala dinners

Some of the clients who have used The Mermaid include KPMG, BBC, Accenture, IAB and Sainsbury’s.

The Mermaid includes:

Flexible rooms – from a 600 seat auditorium to meeting rooms overlooking the Thames

Stunning location – in the heart of the city with views of the Tate Modern and The Shard

Great travel connections – direct footpath from the new and ultra modern Blackfriars Station and an easy walk from many other tube stations

Their sensational Sizzling Summer Offer includes:

Room hire

Screen & Projector

Lectern & Microphone, PA System & Basic Wi-Fi

Arrival Tea, Coffee & Biscuits

Mid-morning Refreshments of Tea & Coffee

Working Lunch

Afternoon Tea – Scones, Fresh Cream & Strawberries

Cost £45 per person (ex VAT) for meetings 1st August - 15th September 2013. Terms apply.

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Our Recent Event to .... South Africa

For an adventurous bunch of high performers from a leading automotive brand, a 'new' travel experience was paramount to satisfy a seasoned group of travellers. With only three nights in a destination and a long haul requirement, we set our sights on all things South to avoid unnecessary jet lag going East or West.

South Africa remains one of the most spectacular incentive and meeting destinations. Its private game reserves are some of the finest in the world. We selected a world class lodge called Phinda Private Reserve. Spectacularly located in the KwaZulu Natal region, Phinda offers the promise of 'Big 5' safari combined with luxurious lodge facilities. In addition, it is one of the few safari locations that can be combined with a beach day. The Indian Ocean is just a few hours drive away. Phinda offers four key lodges with their own individual style from 6 - 25 rooms in each.

The high achievers rated the incentive destination "the best trip to date" . Surprise bush breakfasts and dinners, thrilling game drives, African entertainment and a luxurious setting, a South African safari experience provides an exceptional incentive or wild meeting location.

Access to Phinda from the UK is direct non stop to Johannesburg connecting to light aircraft charter flights directly into the lodge's private airstrip. If budget doesn't allow charter flights, guests can connect to a schedule service to Richards Bay followed by a short drive to the lodges.

The events team at AYMTM has extensive experience of Southern and Eastern Africa destinations including South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Tanzania.

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New London EDITION - Special Group Offer

  Located in central London’s Fitzrovia, The London EDITION brings together the integrity and character of a historic building with a simple, sophisticated design to create a seamless blend of charisma and ease. With 173 rooms, restaurant, two bars, event space and an inviting lobby, the hotel offers a dynamic social hub where guests and visitors can work, relax and experience all the benefits of a home away from home.

The new brand is conceived by Ian Schrager in a partnership with Marriott International. It combines the personal, intimate, individualized and unique lodging experience that Ian Schrager is known for, with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott. This delicate balancing act will encompass, for the very first time, not only great design and true innovation, but also great personal, friendly, modern service as well as outstanding, one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings... "all under one roof". The authenticity and originality that Ian Schrager brings to this new Brand, coupled with the global reach of Marriott, results in a truly distinct product that sets itself apart from anything else currently in the marketplace.

AYMTM in conjunction with The London EDITION has a special opening groups offer for meetings and incentives.

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New BA Flight to China

Discover the Sichuan capital with a British Airways flight to Chengdu. With three flights per week from London Heathrow to Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), it’s even easier to discover why Chengdu has become one of China’s most important cities for business.

Whether travelling on business or pleasure, Chengdu offers a wide array of attractions set against a famously laid back attitude to life . Explore the many tea houses and bars with their flavoursome and aromatic cuisine; visit the Giant Panda sanctuaries, or explore some of China’s most historic temples.

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Christmas Parties back in fashion

Nearly 70 per cent of companies are not aware of the tax relief associated with holding a Christmas party for employees, according to a recent survey.

An office Christmas party is one of the most tax efficient ways of rewarding staff, with £150 tax allowance per person and no national insurance contributions. But despite the lack of knowledge around the available incentives, Christmas party bookings are in fact on the rise.

A party specialist notes a return to larger scale ‘all company’ parties, as opposed to smaller departmental functions: “The number of large booking enquiries we’ve received is up on the previous two years, which would suggest that while value for money naturally continues to be an important factor, employers are recognising the need to build relationships and create a sense of community across their organisations.”

Nearly half of companies surveyed said it was ‘extremely important’ for them to hold an office Christmas party, citing boosting staff morale, bringing the whole company together and rewarding staff for their hard work as the three main reasons. Extract from Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine - June 2013

AYMTM offers an award winning events team to tailor your Christmas event. From budget conscious ideas to festive extravaganzas, we have the ideas and resources to find the perfect solution.

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Dining at The Shard

The team are excited to discover two new dining venues which are creating a buzz on the London restaurant scene. Hong Kong restaurant group Aqua is taking over the 31st and 33rd floors of the Shard. On the 33rd floor is Hutong, a contemporary Chinese restaurant modelled on the Hong Kong restaurant of the same name and specialising in food from northern China.

On the 31st floor is Aqua Shard, a British restaurant. A three-storey high atrium bar will serve British cocktails with an emphasis on gin and tea. Both venues are now open and offer private dining facilities for special events.

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Meetings in Style - The Vineyard

With a good location just off the M4 corridor and only 45 minutes from Heathrow, The Vineyard offers a convenient and easy location for meetings in Berkshire. They have four meeting rooms, each offering flexible space and a functional design.

Stay the night in 5 star luxury, and wake up refreshed and inspired. They offer traditional bedrooms and contemporary suites, complete with generous marble bathrooms, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep ready to start the working day. An award winning spa, rated one of the best in the UK, provides the perfect place to unwind after your day meeting in Berkshire.

Because they know that everyone needs a little motivation now and again, the hotel have put together an exclusive range of activities to inspire and stimulate the mind, including wine cellar tours and chocolate making with Executive Chef, Daniel Galmiche.  Nearby there are unique experiences for you and your team, such as a trip to Highclere Castle (location of Downton Abbey), a hot air balloon ride or a race track day at Silverstone.

To round off your meeting in Berkshire, why not offer your clients or team a little Vineyard keepsake such as a Peter Michael wine, a chef’s jacket or Daniel Galmiche’s French Brasserie Cookbook.

The hotel in partnership with AYMTM have some excellent promotional rates for events booked by end of February.

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New Opening in Amsterdam

A new opening caught the eyes of our event team.

Amsterdam distinguishes itself by its rich, versatile and free character. In the bustling heart of this fascinating melting pot of various lifestyles, customs, traditions and heritage, the new Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht hotel has opened its doors. Marvellously set on the Prinsengracht - Prince’s Canal - part of the city’s iconic ring of canals, the 122-room hotel is surrounded by the unique cultural scene and spirit of the lively Jordaan district and adjacent “Nine Streets”.

For business and social events, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht offers 400 square metres (4,305 square feet) of meeting space comprised of three boardrooms and the Andaz Studio, catering for everything from a formal boardroom meeting to an intuitive cocktail reception. The dynamic Andaz Studio meeting space is designed to engage and energise guests as if you were entertaining them in your own home.  All meeting rooms are equipped with the latest technology and are ideally suited for presentations, exhibitions, fashion shows and cultural events.