CHS Group is thrilled to reveal the winners of its glittering 2018 CHS Awards ceremony that took place last week (Thursday 31 May) at The Principal Hotel in Manchester.
Judges were hard pressed to make a decision on some of the winners due to the exceptional quality of the entrants, ranging from internationally recognised brands to UK family attractions, innovative catering companies and academic venues, resulting in double winners in some categories.
Emma Cartmell, Chief Executive Officer at CHS Group said:
“We had a record number of entries and were inundated with nominations from a huge range of organisations big and small – which is testament to the wealth of talent and enthusiasm of the industry.”
“The calibre of nominations this year was exceptional and in a couple of categories, we have awarded double winners because they scored so highly and our judges felt were equally deserving, and were unable to decide on an outright winner.
Chairman of the Judges, Samme Allen, was also impressed by the quality of shortlisted candidates and had her own struggle determining an overall winner for the Chairman’s Award, she said:
“I had a shortlist of three, Well Met at Leeds Beckett University for Best Academic Venue, Manchester Metropolitan University for Best Green / Sustainable Venue and Magna for Best Unusual Event Space, then I slept on it. Twice!”
“In the end, I chose Manchester Metropolitan University as the outright winner of The Chairman’s Award because the sustainable practices across the venue has earned it the accolade of the number one slot in the People and Planet list of universities.
“Its selection of food and beverages that limit damage to the planet and the projects its working on throughout the venue, involving all of its staff, students and delegates to encourage sustainable living as well making it easy for people to reduce, recycle and renew, is exemplary.”
The Awards were judged by an independent panel of over fifty event professionals from leading agencies throughout the UK.
The Winners
Chairman’s Award
- WINNER – Manchester Metropolitan University (Best Green/Sustainable Venue)
Best International Venue
- WINNER – Grand Hotel HUIS TER DUIN
Best Use of Technological Advancements
- WINNER – Horizon Leeds
Industry Personality of the Year (Supplier/Hotel/Venue)
- WINNER – Chris Ford, Accor Hotels
Industry Personality of the Year (Agency)
- WINNER – Nick Milas | Blueline Events
- WINNER – Jo Wilson | Ace Bookings
Best Academic Venue
- WINNER – Well Met at Leeds Beckett University
Best Auditorium
- WINNER – De Vere East Midlands Conference Centre and Orchard Hotel
- HIGHLY COMMENDED – Pullman London St Pancras
Best Onsite Leisure Facilities
- WINNER – Waternook Lakeside Accommodation
- HIGHLY COMMENDED – Center Parcs Conference and Events
Best Independent Venue
- WINNER – Sopwell House
- HIGHLY COMMENDED – The Studio Glasgow
- HIGHLY COMMENDED – Well Met at Leeds Beckett University
Best Venue Communication
- WINNER – Victoria Warehouse
Best Onsite Audio Visual
- WINNER – Horizon Leeds
- HIGHLY COMMENDED – Butlin’s Conference & Events
- HIGHLY COMMENDED – Well Met at Leeds Beckett University
Best Outside Catering Company
- WINNER – Dine Events
Best Green / Sustainable Venue
- WINNER – Manchester Metropolitan University
Best UK Representation of a UK Venue
- WINNER – The Principal York
Best UK Representation of an International Venue / Destination
- WINNER – Conventions Malta
Best Large Conference/Exhibition Space
- WINNER – DoubleTree by Hilton Hull
- WINNER – The Principal Manchester
Best Unusual Event Space
- WINNER – Magna
Best External Event Space
- WINNER – The Jockey Club – Aintree Racecourse
- HIGHLY COMMENDED – The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa
Best Welcome Guest Experience
- WINNER – The Principal York
- HIGHLY COMMENDED – Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Best Bedroom
- WINNER – Oulton Hall Hotel & Spa
Best Launch Event
- WINNER – Manchester Hall
Best Boardroom / Small Meeting Room
- WINNER – The Principal Manchester