When considering Barcelona for a corporate event, the first property that so often comes to mind is the splendid Hotel Arts in its great location fronting the Mediterranean alongside the ever-lively Olympic Port.
But perhaps attention should turn more frequently, and especially this summer, to the impressive Rey Juan Carlos property at the top end of the Diagonal Avenue. The Juan Carlos bills itself as the largest 'city resort' in Europe, and you can see what they mean, with accommodation for more than 800, auditorium capacity for 2000 and no fewer than 44 meeting rooms, all surrounded by a magnificent 25,000 m2 sub-tropical garden close to the city centre.
Why this summer? For a limited period the Juan Carlos is offering corporate groups rooms at rates negotiable around the 200 Euro mark for single occupancy - good value for a high quality venue in one of Europe's most frequently selected cities. More details from TMG Events.

Here are just a couple of questions an event organiser might ask of a hotel or meeting venue to ensure that at least some small steps have been taken to reduce the negative environmental impact of the event:

Many hotels and venues are now able to track the origins of all the produce ordered and consumed. Some are able to guarantee that no 'food miles' have been involved. And many properties around the world are themselves taking initiatives to reduce negative impacts. Kimpton Hotels for example have just announced the opening in Los Angeles of their fifth Palomar property which boasts no fewer than 40 eco-friendly features which have been built into daily routines including in-room recycling bins, energy-efficient lighting, water-efficient fixtures and toiletries made from natural ingredients.

The Lucien Barriere chain has announced the reopening of the Majestic,
one of the classic 5-star palaces lining the Croisette at Cannes, following the entire renovation of the lobby and bedrooms.

Boston's Liberty Hotel opened its doors for business in autumn 2007. Once the home of notorious criminals as the Charles Street Jail, it is now an atmospheric 300-room boutique hotel offering great views over the Charles River and flexible meeting space.
Located in the south Boston waterfront district, the 471 Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel is open and doing brisk business in meetings with its 21,000 sq.ft. of conference space. And the Prudential Centre in Boston's fashionable Back Bay area is the location for the $200 million Mandarin Oriental Boston, scheduled for completion this July.
Ask the team at TMG Events for ideas on programme content in Boston.

SOBE has some superb places to stay and an impressive range of bars and restaurants to venture to by night or day and with plenty to go see and do including the Everglades National Park, you won't have time to rest. But then this is a party town after all!

Miami is very accessible from the UK with many airlines flying there. Virgin Atlantic has an upper class seat sale with flights starting at just £1,377 plus tax per person return valid for travel until the end of December. But you must hurry as the sale ends on June 24th.

The question is where to stay? Any organiser's first instinct is to go for one of the large luxury branded properties such as the Ritz Carlton or Loews. Great and reliable as these hotels are, there is an alternative approach especially for a group of fewer than say 100.

TMG Events have had great success recently with the smaller, more intimate and very special boutique properties to be found in SOBE. These included the cutting edge contemporary Shore Club and the Delano on Collins Avenue with their pool gardens stretching to the boardwalk bordering the beach. But our number one choice would be the splendid art deco classic The Tides, slap bang in the centre of the action on Ocean Drive.

The Tides oozes comfort and class and with only 45 meticulously appointed suites all with panoramic ocean views, the right-sized group can take over the whole place. Along with its elegant charm you could not be made to feel more welcome by the extremely helpful and friendly staff that go out of their way to make you feel special rather than just another guest.
There is not much that The Tides has not thought of including a complimentary picnic basket containing sun screen, water, wine and cold towels for you to take down to the beach!

There are several boutique style properties on SOBE that TMG Events would gladly recommend with prices that may even surprise you. There is no better time to go especially for the foreseeable future with the dollar struggling.

For more information on The Tides and South Beach, please contact joanna.bond@tmgevents.com.

Room with a view....
One of London's most distinctive and prestigious landmarks also known as "The Gherkin" has established itself as one of the city's premier event venues. Events are held in the glass dome at the top of the building which houses a two level restaurant and bar with stunning 360 degree views across the capital and beyond.

Walking in the trees....
Kew's brand new structure the Xstrata Treetop Walkway is now open. The 200 metre long walkway will allow visitors to wander through the canopy of many different trees and offers a unique birds-eye view of the vast 300 acres of Kew, as well as the London skyline. An event held at Kew includes access to the Treetop walkway as well as the gardens and glasshouses. The cost of hire goes towards plant conservation and the vital scientific research work at Kew, so your event really will make a difference and help save the planet.

Anything goes....
For the ultimate events destination Harvey Nichols is just the place. The entire store can be made available for after hours private shopping whilst enjoying cocktails and canapés or, for food and wine lovers, the freedom to scoff and quaff in the food market. Harvey Nichols has very flexible and diverse space able to accommodate such events as private dinners in the elegant fifth floor restaurant or parties on the roof terrace overlooking the Knightsbridge skyline.

Mayfair's finest - fit for purpose….
Rocco Forte's Brown's Hotel announces the opening of The Spa at Brown's, offering beauty, grooming and fitness facilities, including a 70 m2 fully equipped fitness centre.
Set in the heart of Mayfair on Albemarle Street, Brown's is one of the most historic hotels in London composed of eleven Georgian townhouses with 117 bedrooms including 15 luxurious suites.
The upgraded conference and banqueting facilities offer six meeting and function rooms accommodating up to 120 and incorporate state of the art technology.

Curtain -up on a brand-new venue…..
This summer why not make the most of the National Theatre's latest offering - The Deck, a super stylish new alfresco events space which combines ultra-chic design with breathtaking views. Located on the highest Thames-facing terrace of the National Theatre on the South Bank, The Deck is open until the autumn and provides a highly original, inspirational setting for corporate entertaining, parties, celebrations, briefings, launches or even barbecues with attitude at altitude for up to 120 standing guests. Some clever engineering means that events can be hosted come rain or shine. The service is attentive and theatrical and your reception could easily be combined with a fascinating backstage tour to provide your guests with a memorable insight into the creative work of the National Theatre.
Ask TMG Events to look into specific dates.