Corporate Hospitality at Leeds CastleCall 01622 767855,email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk, or visit leeds-castle.com. Please quote CFX/12Surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, Leeds Castle is the ideal setting forresidential and day conferences, meetings, corporate hospitality and banqueting..42 Bedrooms (20 in the Castle).On-site catering & fine dining.Audio visual & Wi-Fi.Four historic venues.24 hour & day delegate rates. Capacity from 10 to 180. Team building. 9-hole golf course.Free parkingConference News half pg Confex issue:Layout 1 1/17/2012 16:08 Page 1Visit us at Confex on stand B820Your Event, Your WayAt Four Pillars Hotels, we understand that there is no such thing as a standard event. So we've created Meetings Four You - a meetings, conferences and events offering that can be tailored to suit you.Take, for instance, our meetings by the hour option - perfect when you simply need a meeting room that's fully-equipped and convenient, but without breaking the bank. Start with the basic package then add whatever you like from our range of optional extras.With venues in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds ranging from a contemporary lakeside resort to a property in a prime Oxford city location, there is bound to be something to suit your taste and budget.For more information, visit www.meetingsfouryou.co.ukor call 0845 600 70 71

February 2012 . www.conference-news.co.uk . 57 COASTAL VENUEScampaigns this will continue."Interest generated by the refurbishment to the Winter Gardens and also investments into other facilities in the town has shown a marked increase in business returning and new enquiries," she adds.Being a seaside resort, however, provides a mixed reaction among potential event organisers. "Medium-sized conferences with an average spend are keen to receive quotes but often corporate enquiries with higher budgets take more communication. Due to their perceptions, they are often suprised by what we can provide and the service we offer," says Tythe-McCallum.BrightonOne of Blackpool's main competitors, Brighton, too, has reported conference enquiries up in 2011 compared to 2010. Visit Brighton's Convention Bureau Manager, Julia Gallagher, tells CN: "Enquiries in 2011 were up 12 per cent on 2010 and in 2011 we converted business with an economic benefit of over £60m to the city."Gallagher adds: "Anecdotally, organisers report a 15 per cent increase in delegate numbers when they chose to hold their conference in Brighton."A succession of new event spaces and venues have opened in Brighton in recent months or are set to open in 2012. The Hilton Brighton Metropole has now completed its bedroom refurbishment, resulting in 140 renovated rooms encompassing the whole front section of the hotel. The hotel will also expand its events spaces with the creation of the Park Suites and an additional three syndicate spaces, allowing events to be held in a separate, self contained area. The total renovation at the hotel, including continuation of the external renovation, amounts to £4m in 2011 alone.The Grand Brighton has completed a £300,000 refurbishment of its largest events space, the Empress Suite, which can cater up to 800 delegates.One of Brighton's most iconic Regency boutique hotels, Blanch House, has recently re-opened after an extensive refurbishment programme and it is now under new ownership. The Grade II Listed property is suitable for conferences, training and private dining for up to 40 delegates in the new Belle Époque suite. Hotel du Vin has invested £150,000 in its 49 bedrooms, and the Brighton Dome, completed a £200,000 refurbishment of its Foyer and Mezzanine bar. The revamped Foyer is available for private hire for up to 800 delegates. A highly anticipated development in the city is the continued investment in the Brighton Centre. One of the largest purpose-built conference and exhibition spaces in the south of England, the beach-front venue is currently undertaking an extensive redevelopment of all facilities. Due to re-launch early 2012, the venue will include a new glass façade, extended foyer area, modernised interiors, and a meeting space with panoramic views of the famous seafront.Gallagher said: "We are excited about the prospects for 2012. We have a high volume of enquiries on our books and we're working with some very high profi le clients."Big conference wins for the town include the LibDems Annual Conference on 22 to 26 September which will be held at the Brighton Centre and is expected to attract 7,500 delegates and the 48th British Accounting and Finance Association Annual Conference on 17 to 19 April for 350 delegates and held at the Hilton Brighton Metropole.WalesThe seaside resort of Llandudno in Wales is a popular destination with association clients because of its compact nature and modern facilities. "I think there can be a concern with some buyers that resort towns are looking tired," says Llandudno events venue, Venue Cymru's Conference and Events Manager Adrian La Trobe."Llandudno remains as fresh and unspoilt as it was when the town was fi rst Top: Visit Brighton says organisers report a 15 per cent rise in delegate numbers when they hold events in the town. Below: Llandudno, Wales