OXFORDSHIRE'S 1ST SHOWCASE WAS - " Absolutely brilliant" - "Very enterprising" 4 Oct 2009
OXFORDSHIRE BUNKERED DOWN FOR BUSINESS IN THE CABINET WAR ROOMS
As ‘the green shoots of recovery’ give corporate business a boost, Destination Oxford made a head start on Thursday 1st October at The Cabinet War Rooms in London.
Destination Oxford, Oxford and Oxfordshire’s official conference and meetings agency, hosted a Showcase of key Partners’ venues and services in the historic underground complex from which Churchill directed the Second World War.
Corporate clients and meetings buyers in the London area met teams from top venues and services in the city, as well as prime country locations such as Blenheim Palace, Oxford Barcelo, Heythrop Park and London Oxford Airport.
A prize draw added yet further excitement with fabulous prizes such as a 20 minute scenic helicopter flight over Oxford and the Cotswolds. Buyer reaction included the comments “absolutely brilliant” and “very enterprising”, and Partners have unanimously voted to make it an annual event.
SO WATCH THIS SPACE FOR NEWS OF SHOWCASE 2010........... more...
Bucking the Trend: Good News from Destination Oxford 7 Apr 2009
£1 million of business - and counting!
Destination Oxford, the official conference and meetings venue-finding agency for Oxford and Oxfordshire, is celebrating its million-pound milestone - with the prospect of more good news to come.
Hoteliers, conference centres, transport providers, local authorities and service suppliers who gathered at Blenheim Palace for Destination Oxford's annual Partner's Evening, heard that the agency has now secured more than £1 million of business for the county since it was established just over three years ago.
Bucking the trend of economic gloom, Julie Archer, managing agent of Destination Oxford, painted a positive picture of Oxford and Oxfordshire's conference and meetings business in 2009 / 2010.
"Working together as Destination Oxford brings partners' vital benefits when times are tough", says Julie. "Whilst the recession has brought some changes in business patterns, our joint marketing activities are generating an encouraging outlook for the year ahead."
The agency reported that the current level of enquiries is holding up well, compared with previous years, with a slight increase in the proportion of enquiries coming from UK businesses sourcing venues for smaller-scale events.
Vigorous marketing at international shows and exhibitions, backed by a new, more multi-lingual website, has enabled Destination Oxford to maximize the opportunity presented by favourable exchange rates. Enquiries from overseas buyers are on the increase, with the USA, France, Germany, China and South Africa featuring most strongly in website visits.
Looking ahead, 2009 will also see some new and innovative activities designed to boost business in the UK conference and meetings market. In a pioneering move, Destination Oxford and it's partners will be inviting key London buyers to a special Oxfordshire Showcase of their venues and services, to be hosted in central London later this year. more...
Destination Oxford launches International Website. 24 Nov 2008
Destination Oxford, the free conference and meetings venue finding service for Oxford and Oxfordshire, has just launched a dynamic, international version of its website.
The website which has been completely redesigned, now carries key information presented in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Chinese.
"While national and local clients keep our team here at Destination Oxford very busy," says Managing Agent Julie Archer, "our international marketing activity is raising the profile of Oxford and Oxfordshire further a-field. The new facilities incorporated in the website are a first response to increasing interest from growing markets overseas."
The interactiv ewebsite enables potential clients to enter details of their conference and meetings requirements and to browse Oxford and Oxfordshire's impressive portfolio of venues which meets the needs of all business occasions, both great and small.
Venues range in style from historic Blenheim Palace to a state-of-the-art Eco Conference Centre and the first-class hotels and conference facilities located in the heart of Oxford itself. Destination Oxford is also able to call on the unique facilities of Oxford's ancient colleges to tailor make packages to meet every client's brief.
Destination Oxford's supporting services, which are proving increasingly popular with organisers, are also highlighted on the website. These cover all aspects of conference planning and delivery including coach transfers, equipment hire, bedpoke prgrammes and activities and full event management if required. more...
Phew what a scorcher! 29 May 2008
Our familiarisation trips just seem to get better and better each time we host, despite this trip being only the second one in Destination Oxford's history! We are pleased to report that the weekend was a huge success and an enjoyable, if not tiring way to enjoy the hottest weekend of the year so far!
On Friday guests checked into their host hotels, The Oxford Belfry, Milton Hill House, Cotswold Lodge, Barcelo Oxford Hotel and the Oxford Spires Four Pillars before being transported to the glorious Blenheim Palace for a tour and a superb meal.
The Orangery at the Palace was a fabulous setting to enjoy the sunset and to be able to mingle amongst one another and make new acquaintances.
Following drinks we were guided into the Marlborough Room for a delicious 3 course meal provided by the Palace's in-house catering team, Sodexho Prestige, with John Hoy, Chief Executive of Blenheim Palace welcoming all. The evening ended on such a high, with most guests relaxed, and the odd few a bit hesitant of what lay ahead the following day!
Guests arrived at Cotswold Lodge Hotel bright and early on the Saturday morning, in eager anticipation of the Urban Orienteering challenge, which was hosted by Jane Read of City Challenge UK. This event is an alternative team building activity which enabled guests to get familiarised with the city whilst still having fun!
A tour and lunch at the glorious Victorian Keble College came as respite after a frantic 2 hours running around the city in 27 degree heat! We were privileged enough to have taken lunch in the grand dining hall which certainly offered that 'wow' factor, and the food was delicious too!
After a couple of hours of well earned rest at their host hotels, guests were then transported to the Oxford Belfry Hotel for the final dinner of the weekend. Cocktails on arrival were served on the terrace, with guests once again being able to enjoy the warm evening. 'Indigo Trio' were kind enough to come and provide the entertainment for the dinner, playing subtle jazz music in the background, several guests were even brave enough to take to the floor!
By 11pm, when taxis were due, I could sense that many were ready for a good nights sleep and looking forward to the free time they had on the Sunday to explore the city at their leisure. I have no doubts that by this time they deserved it!!
Why not come and join us for our planned Autumn Familiarisation Trip. Please email charlotte@destination-oxford.com to express an interest in attending and to be put on the mailing list for invitations.
"The whole weekend was really well orgnised and we were looked after extremely well, with a varied content and interesting options."
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for a wonderful event."
Lovely food and drinks,I felt quite spoilt! Pleasant company of staff involved."
"Lunch at Keble was exceptional and really sold the venue to me, I am already thinking what events I could take there!" more...
Spring Familiarisation Trip 26 Feb 2008
Are you looking to bring your next event to a city steeped in history and tradition? Have you always wanted to visit the Dreaming Spires of Oxford? If your answer to these questions is yes, then be our guest......
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
Friday 9th May 2008
Check in at chosen hotel
Drinks reception in the Marlborough Room at Blenheim Palace
Dinner in the Magnificent Orangery at Blenheim Palace
Saturday 10th May 2008
City Challenge Urban Orienteering Activity - please wear suitable footwear!
Tour and lunch at Keble College
Drinks and Dinner
Sunday 11th May 2008
Pre-arranged site inspections
Depart at leisure
If you are interested in attending the trip, then please contact Charlotte on +44 (0) 1608 731802 or email charlotte@destination-oxford.com before Friday 21st March 2008.
Please could you also complete the questionnaire at http://www.destination-oxford.com/springfamtrip
We look forward to welcoming you to Oxford. more...
Client Activities 7 Jan 2008
Destination Oxford are on hand to organise activities to run alongside your busy conference, whether it be a team building exercise or a tour of the city.
Please see below for some samples:
Take a punt on the River Cherwell.
Punting is an old-established Oxford tradition, Visitors love to test their skills in these flat-bottomed boats, using only a pole to try and manoeuvre! This is a wonderful way to spend a dreamy summer's afternoon, or the perfect way to take a break during a busy conference.
The Cherwell Boathouse, located on a peaceful and scenic stretch of the River Cherwell offers punts for hire by the hour to accommodate individuals or groups.
Falconry Displays at Fallowfields Country House Hotel
Oxfordshire's country hotels provide scenery and seclusion with the attractions of the city still close at hand. Set in 12 acres of beautiful gardens, the privately owned Fallowfields Conutry House Hotel is noted for its fine dining, comfortable surroundings and attentive personal touch. Excellent facilities available to conference delegates include a rather special outdoor activity: a falconry session, in which you can take a lesson,learn about the falconer's art or simply enjoy watching the birds fly.
City Challenge UK - Oxford Style!
City Challenge UK is a leading specialist in team development. The company is noted for its innovative and creative approach , which uses some of the UK and Europe's most inspiring cities as virtual classrooms.
Here in Oxford, teams get out and about among the historic buildings of the ancient University and Colleges to learn and develop their leadership, teambuilding, communication and other vital workplace skills.
Teams of between 10 and 200 peopple can take up the challenge in a specially tailored programme of stimulating, hands on activity that gives everyone a fully-integrated role.
Raise the spirits on the Oxford Ghost Trail!
Join Bill Spectre on a walking tour of Oxfordshire ghosts - if you dare! Don;t be frightened, your costumed guide is actually a professional actor, who uses all his skills and special illusions to bring his ghostly subjects alive.
Follow him through the darkening streets and alleyways of ancient Oxford, as he tells some terrible tales and conjures up the spirits that never sleep amongst these famous dreaming spires.
Malmaison Oxford
Malmaison Oxford strikes just the right note at the end of your ghostly tour. The only former UK prison to be converted into a hotel, Malmaison has caused a stir around the world for its bold architecture and stunning, contemporary style. This is just the place to host a wine tasting or amixology evening to round off a hard days work in the conference hall or a light-hearted evening tour.
Please note that these are only offered as a sample of activities that are available to you. Please contact Destination Oxford for further details and costings. more...
Secure your Oxford Invitation at Confex 18 Dec 2007
Destination Oxford, the conference and meetings venue-finding service for Oxford and Oxfordshire, will be making their second appearance at Confex since launcing the one-stop-shop service for all conference requirements in 2005.
Clients visiting the Destination Oxford stand will be first in line to register for what is sure to prove a very popular event.
In addition to meeting the Destination Oxford team, and exploring options offered by prestigious venues, tailor-made packages and other supporting and management services, corporate clients may also sign up for the second Oxford "Fam Trip", planned for May 2008 on an Alice in Wonderland Theme.
The event will build on the highly successful formula pioneered by this years October Fam Trip, which won warm praise from all the twenty-one companies who took part.
Although the final itinerary has yet to be confirmed, the weekend will be loosely based around the following:
On Friday guests can check in at leisure to their host hotels, in and around the city centre. From here, they will be escorted to an evening reception with champagne, canapes and music followed by dinner with an entertaining speaker. (Colin Dexter, creator of Inspector Morse and Oxford resident, did the honours in October with his usual panache.) An action-packed Saturday will kick off with everyone exploring the historic heart of the city in the Oxford Orienteering Challenge, to be followed by a visit to Christ Church and lunch at Blenheim Palace, to show off the Palace and it's conference facilities.
Saturday culminates in the highly enjoyable Alice in Wonderland experience - a memorable evening with a reception, dinner and entertainments all meticulously planned and wittily executed on Oxford's own Alice theme.
To put your name down for the trip, just seek out Julie Archer and her team at Confex on stand number B654. We look forward to meeting you in February. more...
Creation Theatre Company - Winter Production 1 Nov 2007
Creation Theatre Company produces innovative, exciting and accessible theatre in unusual locations. In 2007 alone, Creaition welcomed 50,000 people to its shows, events and workshops.
"Creation Theatre always hits the mark." - The Guardian
The beautiful antiwue Mirror Tent (Spiegeltent) with its velvet canopies, mirrored roof and ornate pillars and booths provides the perfect setting for the winter production of "Tales from the Brothers Grimm" at the BMW Group Plant Oxford. Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood and Rumpelstiltskin will take you on a mad cap caper through your favourite fairy stories in this enchanting production for all ages to enjoy.
Special offers and packages are available for groups of 10 or more, as well as a selection of fantastic crepes, drinks and refreshments from Cafe M Creperie, on site at the Mirror Tent,
"Creation Theatre Company is the Jewel in the Crown of the Oxford arts." - BBC Online
The production dates are 21st November 2007- 12th January 2008. Titkcet prices range from £8.50 - £21.50. more...
Fam Trip Success! 23 Oct 2007
Following our recent familiarisation trip for corporate event organisers and their colleagues, partners and the like we are delighted to report that it was not only a great success but indeed an enjoyable way to spend a weekend.
Our guests checked into their host hotels, The Macdonald Randolph, The Oxford Belfry, The Paramount Oxford, The Cotswold Lodge and the Thames Four Pillars at their leisure, and were then transported to Blackwell's, Europe's largest book store for a drinks reception. This was closely followed by champagne and delicious canapes with the accompaniment of a wonderful pianist from Trinity College at the prestigious Randolph Hotel. Dinner was held in the Lancaster room and the charming, charismatic Colin Dexter delivered a fascinating and witty after dinner speech.
Guests returned to the Randolph bright and early on the Saturday morning, in eager anticipation of the Urban Orienteering Challenge, which was hosted by Jane Read of City Challenge UK. This was an enjoyable alternative team building activity which enabled guests to familiarise themselves with Oxford whilst still having fun! A tour of the magnificent Christchurch College followed, then an open top bus trip to Blenheim Palace. Guests enjoyed a tasty luncheon in the Marlborough room and were then taken on a tour of the Palace and grounds, getting a real insight into the Palace's history and heritage.
After a short rest, guests were transported to the Oxford Belfry Hotel for an Alice in Wonderland themed experience! The White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter greeted guests during the drinks reception where creative cocktails were served, and then ushered everyone through to the Orangery which was tastefully decorated with the help of One Stop Events in Bracknell, in red and black with giant playing cards and an 'EAT ME' cake. A tasty themed menu was put together by the hotel's chef, where he took inspiration from different chapters of the story. Entertainment was provided by a local band, 'Indigo Trio' who played 'The Stick', a 10 stringed guitar like instrument.
A prize draw using traditional playing cards was arranged by the hotel with the winner receiving a complimentary weekend spa break.
There was an excellent atmosphere at the dinner with everyone being able to relax and unwind after a rather exhausting day!!
So why not join us for our next familiarisation trip planned for Spring 2008. Please email charlotte@destination-oxford.com to express an interest and to be put onto the mailing list.
"It was a great opportunity to see what Oxford can offer as a destination and I would have no hesitation in recommending Oxford in the future".
"The fam trip was well organised and is one of the best that I have been to".
"An excellent and very enjoyable weekend. Fantastically organised and executed. Very nice friendly professional staff from Destination Oxford, and the staff at each of the host venues were all very welcoming." more...
Destination Oxford Familiarisation Trip 6 Aug 2007
Please see below for the sample itinerary for the planned Autumn Familiarisation Trip over the weekend of the 5th and 6th of October 2007.
Friday 5th October:
Check in at chosen hotel
Drinks Reception at the world famous Blackwell's bookshop, amongst 3 miles of books!
Dinner at the prestigious Randolph Hotel, the setting for many of the Inspector Morse stories.
Saturday 6th October:
City Challenge 'Urban Orienteering Exercise' Please bring comfortable shoes!
Tour around the beautiful Christchurch College
Luncheon at the magnificent Blenheim Palace
Dinner and Drinks
Sunday 7th October:
Vouchers available for Oxford Tourist Attractions.
Depart at leisure.
Plus many more surprises and events along the way! more...
Double Honours For Destination Oxford 3 Oct 2006
Destination Oxford, Oxford & Oxfordshire’s official conference, meetings and incentives service, is celebrating a double success in the coveted Meetings Industry Marketing Awards (MIMA) and the tourism industry’s prestigious Tourism ExSEellence Awards.
The team at Destination Oxford was the winner of the 2006 MIMA Award for the Best Use of Budget. Awarding the trophy at a gala dinner at London’s Grosvenor Square Hotel, the panel of industry experts and leading buyers praised Managing Agent Julie Archer and her team for the effective and innovative approach to marketing which had earned such a successful return on a “realistic” marketing budget.
Three days later, the agency learned that its tailor-made venue finding service and conference and meetings support services had been won a further accolade in the 2006 Tourism ExSEllence Awards. The standard of the service provided by Destination Oxford was singled out for High Commendation, beating off competition from conference venues and other agencies throughout the whole of Southern and South East England.
Managing Agent Julie Archer, who worked with Oxford City Council to set up Destination Oxford in 2005, says that clients and partners will be delighted with the awards. “Destination Oxford boosts business for our partners’ venues around the county by pooling, and maximising, a small percentage of their marketing budgets”, said Julie. “Just like our conference clients, our partners like to know that their money is buying them the best. Our award for Tourism ExSEllence is a superb advertisement for Destination Oxford’s client services – and a great way of keeping us all on our toes!” more...
Client Services 19 May 2006
Destination Oxford continues to expand its range of services to facilitate your conference, meeting or event. We welcome the most recent additions to our partnership: more...
Welcome to our new website 12 Sep 2005
Just launched our new website is packed with venue, attraction and supplier details allowing you to create an enquiry on-line. We then handle the enquiry for you providing a tailor made proposal. more...