What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 7 March 2016

Welcome to another week and we are starting the week with Carol's Birthday, so Happy Birthday Carol - she is off exploring the wilds of Essex for most of this week and Janet who celebrated her birthday last week is off in Scotland so we're a bit thin on the ground this week here in the office!

So what else is new? Well, we like to keep up to date with new hotel launches and opening this June, is Australia’s newest, world class venue at the heart of Darling Harbour. Offering uninterrupted water views, the Four Points by Sheraton in Sydney has inspiring waterfront event space and state of the art conference facilities. The 3,700 square metres of flexible meeting and event space, expansive pre-function areas and unique dining options can all be tailored to suit your needs. Then when the day is done, your guests can relax in one of the 892 refurbished guestrooms, or have a little indulgence in the brand new 300 seat restaurant, contemporary bar or Rooftop bar which opens towards the end of the year.

A little closer to home is the Barcelo Emperatriz, Madrid, a hotel that reinterprets the palace aesthetics of 19th century Madrid, and is inspired by the life of Eugenia de Montijo. The new, completely remodelled design of this central hotel matches this cosmopolitan, intellectual and visionary personality, who was the last Spanish empress.

Located in the centre of the Salamanca neighbourhood, next to Paseo de la Castellana and Calle Serrano, this hotel is perfect for business and leisure trips. It is a starting point for discovering one of the most elegant neighbourhoods in Madrid, where the most sophisticated restaurants in the city can be found alongside boutiques selling the most prestigious brands.
The luxurious rooms at the Barceló Emperatriz hotel base their B-Room concept on maximum Barceló standards and quality, completely fitted and decorated with avant-garde furniture that contrasts with classic details, such as the Capitone armchairs. Guests will be surprised to find, in a hotel that is respectful to tradition, cutting-edge technology such as a connectivity panel, Mini Media Hub, which connects the room’s TV with your mobile, tablet or laptop via USB connection or Bluetooth.

The Mutis restaurant is decorated with floral motifs, reflecting the Empress’s love of nature, which creates a warm and relaxed environment. It offers an exquisite buffet breakfast and a select menu that includes the daily Barceló Healthy Gourmet menu: dishes that combine the pleasure of fine dining with healthy eating.

Guests at the hotel will discover a new meaning of luxury with a unique personality, in an exceptional location and with first-class facilities. Whether it is for leisure or business, a visit to a European capital like Madrid, with its wonderful artistic heritage and vibrant cultural agenda, is a fantastic experience. Staying at Barceló Emperatriz for your visit is a unique and unforgettable experience. 

In other news this week we are keen to find out more about the new brand under Hilton, Canopy Hotels. Canopy by Hilton brings a modern boutique hotel experience which guests can enjoy with directed service and thoughtful local choices. 

Beyond simply creating a positive stay, five essential elements define what it means to be a Canopy hotel. Firstly its great neighbourhoods as Canopy is all about being local, through design, food and beverage, art and knowledge. No two Canopy hotels will be the same, and they apparently know that’s what their guests want. Next up is their market-driven approach. Who knows the markets and guests’ needs better than their owners? Together with our owners, they will explore each hotel’s unique potential for destination dining, rooftop bars, social and meeting spaces and swimming pools.  

Comfort and design is next and each Canopy Hotel will take a people-first approach to design.  The energy of their great neighbourhoods flows through the open, welcoming lobby space and this energy gives way to warm, inviting and comfortable “just-right rooms.”  

More included value is also one of their assets as they know guests are willing to pay for a more inclusive approach. So basic Wi-Fi and an artisanal breakfast will be included, along with a local welcome gift and an evening tasting of local beers, wines or spirits to bring the neighbourhood to life. The “positively yours” culture is a new addition and all staff or team members are “enthusiasts” and in the front of the house it’s a whole new approach: one-stop service.

The first Canopy Hotel opens shortly in Reykjavik with further properties set to open in the States in 2017, 2018 and 2019 but no news of any in the UK as yet.

So busy as ever here at Cloud 9 and we look forward to catching up soon! Have a great week! 

hotel that reinterprets the palace aesthetics of 19th century Madrid, and is inspired by the life of Eugenia de Montijo. The new, completely remodelled design of this central hotel matches this cosmopolitan, intellectual and visionary personality, who was the last Spanish empress.

Located in the centre of the Salamanca neighbourhood, next to Paseo de la Castellana and Calle Serrano, this hotel is perfect for business and leisure trips. It is a starting point for discovering one of the most elegant neighbourhoods in Madrid, where the most sophisticated restaurants in the city can be found alongside boutiques selling the most prestigious brands.

The luxurious rooms at the Barceló Emperatriz hotel base their B-Room concept on maximum Barceló standards and quality, completely fitted and decorated with avant-garde furniture that contrasts with classic details, such as the Capitone armchairs. Guests will be surprised to find, in a hotel that is respectful to tradition, cutting-edge technology such as a connectivity panel, Mini Media Hub, which connects the room’s TV with your mobile, tablet or laptop via USB connection or Bluetooth.

The Mutis restaurant is decorated with floral motifs, reflecting the Empress’s love of nature, which creates a warm and relaxed environment. It offers an exquisite buffet breakfast and a select menu that includes the daily Barceló Healthy Gourmet menu: dishes that combine the pleasure of fine dining with healthy eating.

Guests at the hotel will discover a new meaning of luxury with a unique personality, in an exceptional location and with first-class facilities. Whether it is for leisure or business, a visit to a European capital like Madrid, with its wonderful artistic heritage and vibrant cultural agenda, is a fantastic experience. Staying at Barceló Emperatriz for your visit is a unique and unforgettable experience. - See more at: https://www.barcelo.com/barcelohotels/en_gb/hotels/spain/madrid/hotel-barcelo-emperatriz/general-description.aspx#sthash.UCXVpUzu.dpuf

hotel that reinterprets the palace aesthetics of 19th century Madrid, and is inspired by the life of Eugenia de Montijo. The new, completely remodelled design of this central hotel matches this cosmopolitan, intellectual and visionary personality, who was the last Spanish empress.

Located in the centre of the Salamanca neighbourhood, next to Paseo de la Castellana and Calle Serrano, this hotel is perfect for business and leisure trips. It is a starting point for discovering one of the most elegant neighbourhoods in Madrid, where the most sophisticated restaurants in the city can be found alongside boutiques selling the most prestigious brands.

The luxurious rooms at the Barceló Emperatriz hotel base their B-Room concept on maximum Barceló standards and quality, completely fitted and decorated with avant-garde furniture that contrasts with classic details, such as the Capitone armchairs. Guests will be surprised to find, in a hotel that is respectful to tradition, cutting-edge technology such as a connectivity panel, Mini Media Hub, which connects the room’s TV with your mobile, tablet or laptop via USB connection or Bluetooth.

The Mutis restaurant is decorated with floral motifs, reflecting the Empress’s love of nature, which creates a warm and relaxed environment. It offers an exquisite buffet breakfast and a select menu that includes the daily Barceló Healthy Gourmet menu: dishes that combine the pleasure of fine dining with healthy eating.

Guests at the hotel will discover a new meaning of luxury with a unique personality, in an exceptional location and with first-class facilities. Whether it is for leisure or business, a visit to a European capital like Madrid, with its wonderful artistic heritage and vibrant cultural agenda, is a fantastic experience. Staying at Barceló Emperatriz for your visit is a unique and unforgettable experience. - See more at: https://www.barcelo.com/barcelohotels/en_gb/hotels/spain/madrid/hotel-barcelo-emperatriz/general-description.aspx#sthash.UCXVpUzu.dpuf

hotel that reinterprets the palace aesthetics of 19th century Madrid, and is inspired by the life of Eugenia de Montijo. The new, completely remodelled design of this central hotel matches this cosmopolitan, intellectual and visionary personality, who was the last Spanish empress.

Located in the centre of the Salamanca neighbourhood, next to Paseo de la Castellana and Calle Serrano, this hotel is perfect for business and leisure trips. It is a starting point for discovering one of the most elegant neighbourhoods in Madrid, where the most sophisticated restaurants in the city can be found alongside boutiques selling the most prestigious brands.

The luxurious rooms at the Barceló Emperatriz hotel base their B-Room concept on maximum Barceló standards and quality, completely fitted and decorated with avant-garde furniture that contrasts with classic details, such as the Capitone armchairs. Guests will be surprised to find, in a hotel that is respectful to tradition, cutting-edge technology such as a connectivity panel, Mini Media Hub, which connects the room’s TV with your mobile, tablet or laptop via USB connection or Bluetooth.

The Mutis restaurant is decorated with floral motifs, reflecting the Empress’s love of nature, which creates a warm and relaxed environment. It offers an exquisite buffet breakfast and a select menu that includes the daily Barceló Healthy Gourmet menu: dishes that combine the pleasure of fine dining with healthy eating.

Guests at the hotel will discover a new meaning of luxury with a unique personality, in an exceptional location and with first-class facilities. Whether it is for leisure or business, a visit to a European capital like Madrid, with its wonderful artistic heritage and vibrant cultural agenda, is a fantastic experience. Staying at Barceló Emperatriz for your visit is a unique and unforgettable experience. - See more at: https://www.barcelo.com/barcelohotels/en_gb/hotels/spain/madrid/hotel-barcelo-emperatriz/general-description.aspx#sthash.UCXVpUzu.dpuf

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 24 November 2014

Welcome to yet another week at Cloud 9.

As always, it's a busy week ahead. but we thought we'd give you an insight of what exactly Rubina and Shannon got up to in EIBTM last week. For those of you who are true Cloud 9 supporters will already know all about EIBTM, but for those who aren't (!)... 


EIBTM is the leading global event for the meetings and events industry, taking place in the award winning business and tourism destination of Barcelona. The event gathers over 15,000 industry professionals for three days of focused access to a dynamic business environment, thought provoking professional education and business networks. 

EIBTM not only provides networking opportunities during its exhibition hours; After exhibition hours, networking and business go on as meeting professionals connect in different ambiences. 


As hosted buyers, Rubina and Shannon were lucky enough to be spoilt by Accor and Moulden Marketing. After a long, tiring, insightful day Tuesday, Rubina attended the Pullman Skipper party at ’The ‘Le Club’. On arrival they were welcomed with a drinks reception, but once you headed in to the club, you was instantly thrown back in to the 50’s. With everything from a vintage Cadillac to a swing band – Accor got it spot on once again. Even the ladies were treated to a mini hair treatment with some local senoritas giving the girls classic up do’s that fitted with the theme of the party.

We can’t wait to see what the 2015 Accor party has in store!

However on Wednesday after the exhibition, Shannon attended Moulden Marketing's exclusive evening event at Barca del Salamanca where Catalan Tapas, local wines and meat/fish platters were served. 

The evening was attended by around 40 buyers/guests and a number of Moulden Marketing's partner co-hosts which included the likes of ConferenceWise Group, Dublin Convention Bureau, Korea MICE, Accor, Martins Hotels, Camden Court Hotel and many more. Needless to say, we were extremely well looked after and Shannon has now decided to go on an eating strike for the next couple of weeks! 

Additionally, Shannon joined Moulden Marketing on their familiarisation trip to explore the beautiful city of Madrid and what they have to offer for the industry. 

The trip included an overnight stay in the Hotel Auditorium and AC Palacio de Retiro, dining at the La Posada de la Villa, Hotel Santo Mauro and El Corral de la Moreria and activities such as an iPad Challenge around the city, watching the Flamenco Show and site visits of a number of great venues.

To conclude, we'd like to give a massive thank you to both Accor and Moulden Marketing for giving us the opportunity. Also in a result of attending the EIBTM we would highly recommend anyone within the meetings and incentives industry to attend next year, but don't be confused as they have now changed the name to IBTM World.

That's all for this week folks, enjoy!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 17 November 2014

Welcome to another week at Cloud 9 and most of the team are floating around to many different places and events! 

As mentioned in our previous blog, from last week, we told you all about the EIBTM event which is taking place in Barcelona from Tuesday to Thursday! Rubina and Shannon are attending on behalf of Cloud 9 this year, and Shannon has very kindly been invited by Moulden Marketing to join the post-event to Madrid.


In the meantime, Paula is off to the Palace Theatre in Manchester for a showcase of hotels and venues from Leeds Hotels & Venues Association (LHVA) and then to join CHS to watch Northern Ballet's performance of Cinderella. 

Hotels in Leeds is owned by the Leeds Hotel & Venue Association (LHVA), a membership organisation covering a wide cross section of all the best hospitality brands the Leeds city region has to offer. The benefit of booking via our website is that you are dealing direct with the hoteliers and not through a third party website. You will find a range of accommodation from boutique and beautiful to grand and majestic so there really is something for everyone. Leeds Hotels and Venues Association collectively provide everything from 4000 bedrooms, venues for 1200 delegates, unique locations and intimate settings to action packed team- building and incentive programmes.

However, that isn't all from us this week, as last week saw the launch of two of our inaugural award programmes! Firstly, we launched the MMA Student Awards, on behalf of the Birmingham Press Club...

To celebrate the historic 150th Anniversary of the Birmingham Press Club in 2015, a new awards programme has been introduced which recognises the talent of tomorrow in journalism and broadcasting.

Working with all of the leading academic establishments throughout the Midlands, Students are invited to enter the MMA Student Awards 2015,  in order to demonstrate their skills, knowledge and flair in either journalism or broadcasting in any of 11 categories.

Covering everything from Fashion to Food, Social Economics to Sport, the categories have been chosen to allow Students a real platform to showcase their passion for a particular subject matter or topic, irrespective of the outlet they choose to use.

Entries are invited in to the MMA Student Awards on any of the topics listed, completely free of charge, and the subject matter must have been written, filmed, blogged, produced, broadcasted, posted online or photographed between Wednesday 01 January 2014 to Friday 23 January 2015.. 

Ed James, Chairman of the Birmingham Press Club said...

"As the world’s oldest Press Club, it is only fitting that we should recognise the wealth of young and exciting talent that is emerging in the Midlands media sector.

That is why, as part of Birmingham Press Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations, I am delighted to announce that in 2015 we will be launching the Midlands Media Student Awards.

A spin-off from the Midlands Media Awards, now in their 14th year, the Student Awards will recognise the progress and achievements of next-generation media stars developing their skills via the fantastic range of journalism courses now being offered by universities in the region.

In the past, a Students and Newcomers category has always featured as part of the Midlands Media Awards. However, the time is now right for the Press Club to take a further step forward and create a special “Oscars” event for the legions of talent now beginning to make their presence felt in what is becoming an increasingly diverse industry.

The media sector is currently facing enormous challenges and traditional outlets are under immense pressure. But I am sure the vitality and imaginative creativity of today’s students will ensure its continued existence – even though a few years from now the landscape may well have changed again!

My sincere thanks go to universities in the Midlands for supporting our Awards – and may I also say “good luck” to everyone who takes part."

Additionally last week, we launched the CHS Awards on behalf of our good friends from CHS Group. This awards programme provides hotels and venues with a unique opportunity to showcase their facilities, compete in each of the 12 carefully chosen categories and be nominated at the Award Ceremony taking place on Thursday 30 April 2015 at The Queens hotel, Leeds.

With guaranteed exposure to a receptive audience of hosted buyers, an industry seal of approval for a job well done, a great platform for promotional marketing and first rate networking, the Awards are open to any hotel or venue outside of the M25.

Judged in two key stages by leading industry professionals and then by agency decision makers, these Awards, which will be fun, fair and credible, will also offer the perfect environment for entertaining clients and customers alike in a relaxed setting.

There’s no overpriced Black Tie dinner to worry about the cost of either, instead it will be an informal supper, with a snappy ceremony recognising excellence, followed by first rate entertainment.

We are inviting entries so there is no pressure to be a part of the programme, However, The nominees will be announced on 24th March 2015, the day of the Conference and Hospitality Show 2015, giving you something great to shout about on the day!

Increase your brand exposure, have a real platform for PR as part of this exciting and innovative programme.

Emma Cartmell, Director of CHS Group said:

'We’re delighted to launch the CHS awards alongside the Conference and Hospitality Show next year. The awards sit nicely alongside our flagship event that is now established as a show for the meetings and events industry. The awards will give the industry an opportunity to celebrate some of the UK’s most outstanding venues the evening before the show and we’re delighted to be joining forces with Cloud 9 Event Management to deliver the awards with style.'

The CHS Awards 2015... we'll see you there!

So that's all from us this week folks, enjoy!