In the latest instalment of our events industry executive interview series we spoke to Nicola Wood (pictured), Head of Sales at BWH Hotels, about the need for flexibility and personalisation when it comes to meeting rooms, the growing move towards sustainable solutions, the importance of instant online booking systems and more…
Tell us about your company, products and services.
BWH Hotels may seem a new name to many of you, but we have actually been in the UK for 50 plus years. If I was to say Best Western you would all know who we were. The name BWH Hotels was formed after the acquisition of World Hotels. BWH Hotels now have a wide portfolio of global brands and all our properties are independently owned and operated, meaning clients get much more opportunity to personalise their experiences.
We’re always looking for new ways to improve and expand on our offering, for example we recently launched Instant Book – a platform that allows you to book simple meetings (of 30 or less delegates) online, in an instant! But we’re not just about making meetings easy – we offer something out of the ordinary. With a mix of amazing locations and inspiring spaces, our carefully curated collection of hotels really do pack a punch.
What have been the biggest challenges the Events industry has faced over the past 12 months?
I’m sure everyone has heard it all before, but for us the lack of staffing across the venues is still causing problems – gone are the days where a GM was office based, now they may be cleaning a bedroom or turning meeting rooms around.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
Clients want flexibility and opportunity to personalise events and meetings more – face to face time with clients/teams have become invaluable over the last few years and personalisation has become huge.
What is the biggest priority for the Events industry this year?
Sustainability and the ever-growing trend to becoming more sustainable. I just came back from the States, we were at a conference for 2500 people and everything was single use plastics. I’m pleased that the UK seem to be ahead of the curb with this, but there is so much more we can do.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this coming year?
Instant Booking for small meetings. Time is off the essence for PAs/EAs and even agents, being able to book simple meetings online is definitely the way we all need to move forward. Fortunately for us, we already have over 100 venues in the UK offering this facility.
You go to the bar at the Event Organisers Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
Very boring, but for me you can’t beat a classic G&T or a glass of cold Sancerre.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
Every day is different, you never know what challenge or joy is going to come in
And what’s the most challenging?
Probably the same thing, like in any role you could have something scheduled, and something comes in which just needs your attention, and things get put on the back burner
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Do not to take things personally
Succession or Stranger Things? Neither I’m a rom-com kind of girl, so Emily in Paris for sure.
