Publicis Media choose Elveden Forest for its Annual Trading Conference

Why did you choose Center Parcs Elveden Forest?

The venue is within a two-hour drive of London with a good combination of accommodation, conference space and team building activities.

What appealed to you most about staying in the new Treehouses?

First and foremost, they were beautiful with fantastic facilities. However, as there were a number of us the biggest plus point was the fact they were secluded and we were able to make the most of the facilities. The luxurious feel really added a sense of occasion. The social areas in the Treehouses worked really well.

What were your core goals and objectives?

To deliver our trading strategy to the wider team going forward into 2017. To mix and get to know colleagues from other parts of the business a little better.

Which team building activities did you choose and how did these go?

Target Archery, Adventure Golf and Aqua Sana Spa. Everyone seemed to have fun – it was good spending time doing something other than work, and it gave people an opportunity to discuss the previous days’ conference in a more relaxed environment

Any aspects that proved challenging? If so, how were they overcome?

The day of the conference was beautiful 30-degree weather. People were keen to get out, so made their presentations quicker. This meant our refreshment break timings were changed at the last minute, and the staff were really helpful. In addition, we changed the location of our pre-drinks to the terrace on both nights, so we could enjoy the unseasonal weather, which the staff were more than accommodating to.

Any consideration given to corporate social responsibility issues, such as recycling, car-sharing or carbon off-setting?

Yes – we provided a coach so that the majority of delegates did not have to drive.

What feedback did you receive from the guests?

The delegates thoroughly enjoyed the whole conference from the content presented to the use of all the Center Parcs facilities. There was a really good balance of working hard and free time and delegates enjoyed getting around on the bicycles and enjoying the fresh air. It made a change to working in central London and you could see the team relaxing over the two days we were at Elveden Forest. Everyone was really impressed, and many of whom hadn’t been to a Center Parcs before, said their opinions had changed, and they were more likely to book for a family holiday.  

Client comment: We would definitely recommend Elveden Forest for a corporate event. The staff were efficient and no request seemed too much – and we did ask for a couple of things that were not your run of the mill! The accommodation was luxurious and everything happened as planned. The dinners that we held made use of the mezzanine levels and balconies in the restaurants and were great for pre-dinner socialising.