A recent survey conducted by the Gallery found that 43% of respondents believe mindfulness enhances ROI by improving focus and retention, while a study by the award-winning charity Create revealed that 93% of Brits view creativity as vital to their wellbeing. These findings were echoed during a recent roundtable hosted by the Gallery, where 10 industry experts explored the role of mindfulness and inspiration in business events. The discussion revealed that mindfulness is most impactful when seamlessly integrated into the event experience, and not treated as an add-on, but brought to life through thoughtful design, natural pauses, and human-focused environments.

With these insights, the National Gallery is leading the way in embedding mindfulness into event agendas, setting a new standard for how business events can support performances, creative thinking and wellbeing.

Rooted in four key pillars: creativity, mindfulness, enrichment, and connection, this collection of new packages offers immersive experiences that go far beyond the traditional event format. Each package includes a tailor-made guided tour by an art historian, taking delegates through works of art which directly resonate with the chosen theme.

The Creativity package, aimed at inspiring innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, is perfect for brainstorms, strategy meetings, launch events and workshops, and takes delegates on an out-of-hours tour highlighting works from such renowned artists as Van Gogh and Turner.

The Mindfulness package, ideal for team-building days or reflective sessions, offers guided meditation within the gallery. Delegates will immerse themselves in the narrative, colours and emotions of a selected painting, encouraging mindfulness and a sense of calm.

The Enrichment package, recommended for conferences, workshops and training sessions, empowers teams with educational, perspective-broadening experiences, taking delegates on an art history journey to bring paintings to life.

Finally, the Connection package is tailored for networking events and away days. It encourages collaboration by exploring selected artworks through interactive discussions, helping delegates connect to art and each other while also reflecting on the relevance of the pieces to current social and cultural issues.

Clare Arouche, Head of Hospitality & Events at the National Gallery said: “We’re so often directed to be ‘inspired’ by every event and venue that we visit, but at the National Gallery we’re dissecting exactly what it means to be truly inspired through both art and events and how that could facilitate business success. These packages consider the core goal of every event held at the National Gallery and scope out the foundations to deliver an environment that gives delegates the tools to broaden their thinking through our iconic art collection.”

Inspiration Packages for events will be available from 10 May 2025 onwards, please contact venue.hire@nationalgallery.org.uk for more information and bookings.

The exhilarating event, held in partnership with the UK’s premier supercar community, Supercar Driver, promises a high-energy day filled with thrilling motoring and motorsport excitement.

Chris co-hosted Top Gear from 2016 to 2022 alongside Freddie Flintoff and Paddy McGuinness. Chris is the go-to for brutally honest, no-holds-barred automotive journalism and he has extensive experience (and talent) in endurance racing, a career which began with winning his first race in a Formula Palmer Audi in 2000 and competing in endurance races such as 24 Hours Nürburgring in 2010 and 2015.

In 2023, Chris released his much-anticipated book Variable Valve Timings and it was announced in 2024 that Chris and Paddy McGuinness will front a brand-new three-part road trip series that sees the duo head to Europe, to look at how our European neighbours grow old gracefully and make their years ahead their best yet which is coming soon to BBC.

Headlining the musical line-up, Indie-Pop icons The Hoosiers will be performing an outdoor set at the luxury five-star hotel in North Yorkshire. The band achieved rapid success hitting No.1 in the UK album charts and generating countless singles including the Top 5 hits “Worried About Ray” and “Goodbye Mr A”. Since then, they have embarked on multiple sold-out tours, as well as gracing stages at the likes of Glastonbury, Isle of Wight Festival and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Supercar Driver’s Supercar Sunday, held annually at Grantley Hall since 2022, is set to be an unmissable day out for car enthusiasts and collectors, complemented by an exclusive live cinema screening of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix action from Silverstone, an engaging discussion with guest speaker Chris Harris as he shares insights into his thrilling career and all things automotive, a barbecue lunch, and a programme of entertainment with The Hoosiers as the pinnacle.

Adam Thorby, Founder of Supercar Driver “Supercar Sunday is a stand-out event in the Supercar calendar, evolving from a simple yet elegant gathering into an extraordinary garden party that’s a firm favourite with our members. We’re thrilled to be partnering with Grantley Hall once again this year to showcase an incredible collection of supercars and hypercars, curated for true enthusiasts to enjoy with the very best entertainment and hospitality”.

A limited number of VIP tickets also include exclusive access to a VIP area, Champagne reception and sit-down three-course lunch.

Paul Boulton, Lifestyle Manager at Grantley Hall, said: “Last year’s event saw more than 1,000 guests descend on the lawns of Grantley Hall for the supercar spectacle, to enjoy a showcase of the finest Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys and more.

“While that’s hard to beat, this year is set to be the best yet and will be complemented perfectly with entertainment from The Hoosiers, who have maintained their appeal across generations with some classic hits that will be sure to have the crowds singing along.”

Both general and VIP tickets are available to purchase, starting from £155.00 per person, with VIP tickets available from £275.00 per person. To find out more and book tickets, visit https://www.grantleyhall.co.uk/whats-on/supercar-sunday-general-ticket/.

Lori brings with her a wealth of experience from a range of events and project management roles, including not-for-profit organisation Mary’s Meals where she worked for six years as Trusts and Partnerships Manager. As an event planner at MCI, Lori also worked on a number of events at the SEC, bringing with her a fully rounded picture of the venue and its market.

“We’re delighted to be expanding our association team, as we continue our focus on using our knowledge and expertise to deliver high-quality events to the association market. Lori is a strong addition to the team and brings more than 10 years of events experience that spans charities, not-for-profit organisations and agencies,” said Kathleen Warden, Director of Conference Sales, SEC.

Lori added, “As a planner I had the great pleasure of working with the SEC and have always been a big fan of the venue. The team has always impressed me and it’s so nice to have come full circle and to now be working at this world class venue.”

Among this year’s national association events taking place at the SEC will be the British Society for Haematology, British Society of Gastroenterology, and British Association of Dermatologists.

The spacious Executive Rooms have been reimagined with comfort, functionality and versatility in mind – perfect for any stay from romantic escapes and golfing getaways, to family staycations, spa retreats or business trips.

This refurbishment isn’t just about aesthetics. Families can now enjoy thoughtful extras such as mini teepees for children, Foxhills-branded colouring books, woodland activity packs and child-sized dressing gowns.

In a nod to innovation and convenience, each room features a Crave tablet with direct access to Foxhills’ AI concierge, CJ the fox. This intuitive technology allows guests to seamlessly book activities or spa treatments, request room service, make dining reservations or arrange a late check-out at the tap of a screen from the comfort of their bedroom.

Further enhancing the hollistic wellness experience, Foxhills has partnered with award-winning skincare brand Proverb as its new amenities provider. Founded by former professional rugby player, Luke Sheriff, and his wife and spa expert, Kirstie Sheriff, Proverb offers performance-led, eco-conscious ‘lifefuelled skincare’ that cares for the mind, body and soul. A brand that aligns perfectly with Foxhills’ ethos: ‘To leave feeling better than when you arrived’, it’s the perfect partner for a country club where sport and active lifestyles are at the fore. Trusted by Olympians and elite athletes, including golfers, Proverb uses clean, natural and organic ingredients to support health, wellbeing and post-exercise recovery.

Mark Thewlis, Hotel Manager at Foxhills, commented: “Understanding our guests’ evolving expectations and seamlessly blending tradition with innovation is at the heart of what we do. This refurbishment not only underscores our commitment to delivering a world-class stay, but also reaffirms our dedication to sustainability, wellness and comfort.”

The room upgrades form part of a wider investment strategy aimed at continually enhancing the resort’s facilities and guest experience. Future plans include a new spa garden, set to launch in 2026. Recent developments have already seen the introduction of padel and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art gym refurbishment, a £2m renovation of the Longcross golf course and TrackMan technology installed at the driving range.

For further information or to make enquiries about booking a stay at Foxhills, please visit http://www.foxhills.co.uk

Congress House has operated as the TUC’s headquarters since 1958, while Congress Centre first began hosting corporate and private events in its 16 multi-purpose spaces in 1999. Over the years, its Congress Hall has been transformed for conferences, award ceremonies, launches, gala dinners and fashion shows, by major brands including Warner Brothers, Microsoft, bareMinerals and Yahoo. The TUC has also utilised its historically significant base for many flagship conferences, rallies and events.  As a sought-after venue for film shoots, Congress Centre has appeared in popular television shows such as Killing Eve and Netflix’s The Crown.

Ruby Chagger, Congress Centre’s Conference & Sales Manager, says: “After more than 25 years delivering world-class events in our iconic building, we’re saddened to have reached the end of this era. It’s been a privilege working with so many leading UK and international organisations, many of which have been loyal clients returning every year for their flagship events. I’d like to personally thank every one of our customers, our entire team for their hard work and dedication to creating incredible events, and the TUC for their long-standing support. We’re very proud of the legacy we’ve created together.”

Congress Centre is no longer taking external hire bookings ahead of its final closure on 30^th June 2025. 

Laura brings with her a wealth of industry experience, having previously worked as an Events Manager at Hospitality Finder and, most recently, at brand experience agency, onepointfive. She joins the growing team, which is headed up by Director of Sales, Lauren Faraday, to drive commercial growth and elevate 60 Great Queen Street’s presence within the market.

A skilled communicator with a tenacious character and a keen eye for identifying client needs, in her new role Laura will work closely with the Director of Sales to support business growth through a focus on sales conversion, building strong client relationships, and engaging in proactive outreach. She will play a key role in identifying new opportunities, nurturing leads, and contributing to the overall success of the commercial sales. Laura will join a well-rounded sales team with a strong understanding of every aspect of the event planning process, including catering, providing the end-user with a more tailored experience.

Laura comments: “60 Great Queen Street is an iconic art deco venue that has already hosted some incredible events. It’s been a fantastic first week joining Lauren and the team, and I’m excited to help grow this dynamic new brand by connecting clients with a space that’s as unique and memorable as the events it hosts.”

Lauren adds: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Laura to our talented team. Since launching the 60 Great Queen Street brand in February for corporate events at Freemasons’ Hall, we’ve had a fantastic response and have already built a strong pipeline. Laura’s experience and dedication will be an invaluable asset, and I look forward to working with her as we grow the brand and reinforce 60 Great Queen Street’s reputation as the go-to destination for business events.”

Able to cater for everything from conferences and product launches to luxury weddings and fashion shows, 60 Great Queen Street combines exceptional versatility and innovative event design, alongside some of the industry’s leading event suppliers, to deliver unique and unforgettable event experiences for the meetings and conferences, weddings, and private events markets.

https://60greatqueenst.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/60-great-queen-street/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/60greatqueenst/

Held in 30 Euston Square’s dynamic Training Centre, the event featured a unique networking format. Attendees moved through three distinct circuits of individual training rooms, engaging in productive, fast-paced conversations with key industry representatives. This format provided the perfect setting for building valuable relationships and uncovering new business opportunities.

Key features

30 Euston Square, with its blend of modern facilities and historic charm, was the ideal venue for the event. The venue offers versatile spaces, including a 300-seat auditorium, contemporary and heritage meeting rooms, private dining areas, and two stately rooms with an adjacent rooftop terrace. These spaces provided a stylish backdrop for networking and collaboration.

Food at the event was provided by Searcys, known for its exceptional catering and commitment to sustainability. Searcys follows sustainability initiatives by sourcing fresh, locally grown ingredients, ensuring that their menu options are both delicious and environmentally responsible.

Attendees enjoyed a networking lunch in the elegant Princes Gate Room and 1st Floor Bridge, where the setting perfectly complemented the high-quality food and added to the overall luxury experience.

Outcomes

The 20/20 Club event at 30 Euston Square reinforced the venue’s reputation as one of London’s premier event spaces. It offered a platform for industry professionals to connect, learn, and discover new trends, all within a beautiful, flexible environment that sets the standard for high-end corporate and private events.

Center Parcs worked with a third-party research company to survey HR decision makers in the UK and gather expert insight into the ways company away days, sales conferences, and training days impact employees and businesses alike.

The results from the survey show that while nearly all (94%) companies agree that work events have positive effects on employees, the biggest benefits come from events held in natural settings.

While over half (53%) of companies reported employees feeling more positive about work following corporate events, this figure shot up to 63% when considering work events held outside.

In a similar way, the study found that although an already significant number of companies (80%) agree that work events improve employee satisfaction, a higher proportion (86%) believe that work events held outdoors bolster employee satisfaction. 

Events in natural settings also fared better at driving productivity, with three quarters of companies agreeing that events improve worker productivity, rising to 84% for events held in natural settings. 

The data also showed that three quarters of companies agree that work events prevent workplace disputes, but a higher number of companies (85%) see the benefit on employee relations following outdoor events.

In addition, natural settings were shown to facilitate relaxation and an increased willingness to share ideas with colleagues. For example, 56% of companies reported that employees felt more relaxed, and 54% reported that employees were more able to bring fresh ideas to their work following a corporate event held outdoors.

As well as improving positivity, satisfaction, productivity, and relations amongst employees, the research also indicated that corporate events help companies directly generate additional revenue, and that outdoors events are especially effective at this.

Results showed that while 69% of companies agree that corporate events contribute directly to their revenue generation strategies, a larger proportion of companies (81%) believed that events held in natural settings directly drive revenue.

Julia Green, Head of Corporate Events at Center Parcs, said: “That events held outdoors are especially effective at boosting morale, helping colleagues connect, and driving business is certainly not a surprise to us, but it’s encouraging to see this backed up by hard data.

“Center Parcs has always championed the power of nature, and we’ve continued to leverage the rich forest surroundings of our venues in Sherwood and Woburn to create relaxing and revitalising corporate experiences that help employees refocus and stay motivated, adding tree-top saunas and forest gong baths to our already diverse offering.

“Stress Awareness Month serves as an important reminder to reflect on the stressors within our lives, which left unchecked can easily build up and lead to burnout, particularly for workers in intense corporate environments.

“What’s more, as businesses grapple with a slew of additional pressures, ranging from a sluggish labour market and welfare reforms, workers will inevitably be feeling some stress, and so bringing employees together has never been more important.”

The survey also revealed that over half (52%) of companies had already held at least one corporate event outdoors with an additional 8% actively planning to hold an outdoor event in 2025.

The study comes following a record year for corporate bookings in 2024 for Center Parcs Conferences & Events, and the release of its inaugural white paper, The Value of Corporate Events, which offers a detailed data-led analysis of the motivations and rewards for hosting work functions.

The full report titled The Value of Corporate Events in an Ever-changing World of Work is available for download here.

Tej Walia, Foxhills Club & Resort’s Managing Director, said: “With interest and bookings from Central London stepping up a gear, it’s clear to see that guests are looking to escape the hustle and bustle and focus on their wellness. Not only is there fantastic brand alignment with Addison Lee, but ultimately this partnership will make it easier for our guests. We’ll be able to offer consistent premium transport that aligns with the experience that we offer here at the resort. We are really trying to look at the bigger picture – how can we deliver an exceptional service from the minute our guests leave their door? We need to take every stress away and allow them to focus on unwinding and enjoying their time with us. It’s all part of making people feel better when they leave than when they arrived.”

Guests were treated to a colourful set-up complete with wildflowers, hay bales, vintage carts, and classic funfair games. Entertainment included a bubble performer, glitter artist, and live acoustic sets from Ultimate Event Dancers & Young Guns, creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere throughout the evening. Searcys presented a Great British Fête summer-themed menu, featuring a vibrant showcase of seasonal cocktails and curated offerings that captured the spirit of the season.

The event offered industry guests a chance to experience how the HAC can be transformed for summer parties, corporate events, and private celebrations. It also highlighted the venue’s focus on creativity, hospitality, and memorable experiences.

Sarah McQueen, Director of Catering and Events at the HAC, said: “The event was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the versatility of our spaces and the service we provide. We were pleased to welcome industry professionals to experience the HAC in a unique setting and showcase the creativity and attention to detail that defines our approach.”