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Have you booked your 2020 conferences yet? Why not come to Devon?

6th November 2019

Categories: Visitor News

I know it’s scary thinking about 2020 being just around the corner, but if you’re getting organised for the coming year, you’ll likely already be looking at venues for your business conferences and exhibitions and if that’s the case, we’re here to make the search a little easier.

Devon is a great place to host your events, not only do you have a huge amount of choice, but there are venues that also offer leisure facilities, have nearby attractions for team building activities and places to stay. Also, with the links to mainline rail, the airport in Exeter and the main road network, it is easy for all your delegates to join you.

One option for you to look at are hotels.

Many of the hotels in Devon have conference rooms and offer bespoke packages that include leisure facilities, equipment, accommodation and food, as well as being based in stunning places, perfect for instilling the motivational atmosphere you need.

Saunton Sands Hotel is a popular choice for those of you wanting to base yourself in North Devon.

Image: Saunton Sands Hotel.

The hotel has a dedicated business team who work with you to make sure that you and your delegates are happy. Aside from the outstanding conference and function suites, the hotel is in a beautiful location and with the award winning beaches that can be found in North Devon, your delegates will have plenty of opportunity to get involved with a number of watersports and other adventure activities.

Similarly, the Royal and Fortescue Hotel in Barnstaple is set in a convenient location with free parking and complimentary WiFi throughout. Choose from a selection of rooms, perfect for larger conferences and seminars as well as smaller, more intimate meetings rooms. Whatever you need, the team at the Royal and Fortescue can create tailor made packages for you which includes menus and overnight accommodation for those that need it, as well as all the equipment you could need.

Highbullen Hotel is a great choice of event venue for those of you who want to go the extra mile for your delegates. Attendees to your event can enjoy the hotels many facilities, including the golf course and the spa, as well as the restaurants and competitive rates at the hotel. The team offer a professional and unobtrusive service, making it a perfect venue for your conference, business meeting or team building. Highbullen can be found just 10 minutes from the North Devon Link Road and less than half an hour from the M5, so it is easily accessible from around the country.

Image: Highbullen

At the other end of the county in Dawlish, which is in the popular English Riviera region, you’ll find Langstone Cliff Hotel. The hotel offers a wealth of facilities for all manner of events with rooms available to accommodate up to 400 guests. Dawlish is an easily accessible town in the south of Devon, with Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and Teignmouth all nearby. The town is also serviced by two train stations, the mainline station at Dawlish Warren and Dawlish Station, which is located less than 2 miles from the hotel.

Image: Langstone Cliff Hotel.

Being a hotel, there are several accommodation options for your delegates, as well as an onsite restaurant and having spectacular sea views, this is an ideal location for anyone wanting to impress.

For a conference venue with a difference but still with the added luxury of accommodation, take a look at the conference packages offered by Yurtcamp Devon. The team are very flexible and are happy to tailor your corporate event to your liking. The site has a function room on site as well as a Giant Norweigan hat Tipi available for hire, perfect for a range of events.

Image: Yurtcamp Devon.

For a truly unique event space, take a look at the National Marine Aquarium who cater for everything from weddings, corporate events and private parties to children’s parties and sleepovers. Aquariums have been proven to have therapeutic properties, making it an ideal location for a calming and relaxing event. Plus, by having an event here you’ll be contributing to the aquarium’s conservation efforts.

Image: National Marine Aquarium.

Alternatively, what about hosting your event in a castle? The team at Pentillie Castle are experienced in hosting a wide variety of events and occasions. Being on the Cornish/Devon border, the castle is easy to get to and offers something very different to corporate guests. The location offers a spectacular change to the usual office facilities and with two corporate spaces to choose from, you can get the right room for your event.

Another inspirational venue is Dartington Hall. This ancient building has plenty to see and do onsite, plus is just a stone’s throw from the quirky town of Totnes with its amazing markets and various attractions. Those of you using the rail network to attend, can even rest assured when travelling to Dartington Hall as delegates are free to use the taxi transfer service from Totnes Rail Station to the estate. Guests can also benefit from rail discounts thanks to GWR’s conference fare scheme, just speak to the team when booking.
Whatever your event, you’ll be well accommodated at Dartington Hall, there are 14 different function rooms, all with WiFi and steeped in history. The estate has plenty of activities onsite perfect for those of you looking for team building opportunities, as well as being well placed for exploring the wider area.

Image: Riviera International Conference Centre.

If you’re someone who wants a purpose built venue, don’t worry, Devon is full of those too. The English Riviera is home to one of the most versatile event venues in the west country, the Riviera International Conference Centre, which is located right on the seafront in Torquay. The centre has excellent facilities making it perfect for corporate events, exhibitions and parties alike. Whatever you need, the experienced team of in house chefs and the conferences many partners will work with you to make sure your event is unique to you. Plus being in Torquay means you are in one of the most popular seaside resorts in the region, you have the use of easily accessible road networks and a mainline rail station with links all over the country.

On the site of Buckfast Abbey is the Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre where there are seven seminar rooms, an exclusive boardroom and a full catering dining room, that can accommodate a range of different sized events. All rooms have advanced audio-visual technology and free WiFi, perfect for demonstrations and presentations.

Image: Exeter University.

In Exeter, the University has a number of corporate packages available, full of state of the art technology and an abundance of knowledge and support, you’ll find it easy to host your event here. The site’s academic atmosphere means its great for getting the most out of your delegates and is conductive to a hard working environment.

Wherever you choose to host your conferences and exhibitions in 2020, you’ll be sure to find the perfect venue in Devon. If you’re looking for more corporate venues, team building activities and more, click here.