Open Air Business June/July 2018

How does your decision to offer these
spaces reflect the core ethos of your
venue?
We keep on top of trend changes within
the industry and in particular with what
modern event buyers are looking for. More
and more they seem to be attracted to
flexible, quirky space which fits in with
us perfectly. We push the boundaries
and offer something different, something
for everyone and every eventuality. The
quirkier the better - we like to offer the
unusual.
What research into the market did you
do before selecting your structures?
We looked around the marketplace for
suitable structures to decide on what
we wanted. We always go through Open
Air Business too to see what’s new and
fresh. We bought from local suppliers
that we’ve worked with for many
years. For the smaller dome we bought
through www.trudomes.com, and the
larger one was sourced through www.
contemporaryeventstructures.com
How did you find and vet your suppliers?
We’ve worked with both companies
for some years and trust their expert
judgement. They know our ethos and the
way we work so understand completely
what we want to offer.
How have event planners and business
clients responded to these alternative
spaces?
Really well; the smaller dome is beside
our restaurant terrace at the moment
and creates a talking point for everyone
who visits. The acoustics are outstanding
and if you stand dead centre it’s like you
have a microphone attached, it really
is quite bizarre. It’s fabulous and funky
and corporates love its flexibility. The Big
Dome is really impressive and has added
the space and flexibility to enhance any
product launch, exhibition, conference or
event. Bookings are picking up pace and
it is proving popular for exhibitions and
product launches.
Are the domes available all year round?
The smaller dome structure is up for
Spring, Summer and Autumn on a
hardstanding base with the cover being
put on as required. This is to avoid damage
in high winds. The larger dome is only put
up when booked and only for the duration
of the event. With the space we have at
our fingertips we don’t tend to put it in the
same place twice so no damage is caused
to the grassed areas.
In terms of maintenance and storage,
how have you managed this?
The domes have a purpose built trailer and
are wrapped in a protective covering and
carefully put away in our warehouse.
Are you planning anything else unusual?
We are developing an idea which further
enhances our festival themed event
offering. ‘Pixie Pods’ are the new brainchild
of owner and MD Stephen Hammon. He
designs everything on site himself and the
Pixie Pods will be the newest addition.
They are old aircraft storage domes which
he is converting to be sleeping quarters
for two to four people that can be moved
around the site to suit the event. He is
converting the first one at the moment so
we will keep you posted.
Our shepherd huts are also causing a
stir with people chomping at the bit to
buy them. They are predominantly used
as corporate accommodation in addition
to the rooms in Old Hall House – our 4*
16th Century B&B – the glamping pods
and log cabin. They were again designed
by our MD, and boast en-suite shower/WC
facilities. Each one is designed differently
but to a very high spec.
DETAILS
The Heart of England Conference and
Events Centre
Meriden Rd, Fillongley
Coventry CV7 8DX
01676 540333
sales@heartofengland.co.uk
www.heartcorporate.co.uk
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