Aberdeen Conference Centre

Aberdeen, one of the UK’s most northerly cities, does not suffer from its relative isolation. Instead, it has profited from its off-shore oil resources and earnt itself a reputation for great business sense, says Daniel Neilson

ABERDEEN’S entrepreneurial spirit runs deeply through its history. Britain’s oldest enterprise was set up in the city in 1136, and almost a millennium later business success in the Granite City shows no sign of diminishing.

Of all its many monikers, it is the ‘Energy Capital of Europe’ or ‘Houston of the North’ that really captures the attention of many working travellers. Thanks to its abundant off-shore oil deposits Aberdeen has become an established business centre with a rich range of conference centres, hotels and great transport links.

Coupled with its reputation for a thriving cosmopolitan nightlife and centre for scientific achievement, the city is an inspired choice for enterprise tourism no matter what the industry. And if that’s not pull enough, Aberdeen is at the beginning of the Malt Whisky Trail.

Wow Factor
Name: Mercure Ardoe House
Address: South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen, AB12 5Y
Tel: 01224 867355
Email: H6626@accor.com
Web: www.mercure.com

Set in an imposing 19th Century mansion, Mercure Ardoe House Hotel and Spa offers sublime luxury combined with modern conference facilities that will impress even the most stalwart business associates. Taking its cue from the Royal Family’s Balmoral Castle a few miles upstream, the 500 capacity venue mixes grand Victorian lavishness – think carved staircases and huge fireplaces – with nine meeting rooms catering for an array of options. And after a hard day’s work the spa provides an irresistible lure. It goes some way to justifying its claim to be the finest business venue of its kind in the North of Scotland.

Quirky Venue
Name: Codona’s
Address: Queens Links, The Beach, Aberdeen, AB24 5ED
Tel: 01224 597675
Email: sales@codonas.com
Web: www.codonas.com

Is a lunch time bungee jump eccentric enough? How about a team building exercise on super dodgems? Or meetings on the adventure golf course? Codona’s amusement park could present you with the most unique and talked about conferences of the year. From the Miami Beach bar and diner staff can cater for a bewildering number of requirements, including product launches, corporate family fun days and exhibitions, while their chefs can prepare anything from six course gourmet meals to ranch-style barbeques. The only problem could be finding enough to time to sneak off to the rollercoaster again.

New Kid On the Block
Name: Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre
Address: Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8BL
Tel: 01224 824824
Email: aecc@aecc.co.uk
Web: www.aecc.co.uk

The jewel in Aberdeen’s business crown is the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Originally opened in 1985, it was transformed in a £18m facelift in 2003 and can now hold conferences and events for up to 2000. The 7,320 square metres of exhibition space can be broken down into any size while providing breakout rooms ideal for round table discussions. An additional 20 meeting rooms of varying sizes are also available. The operations team are onstantly on hand to help with event design, organisational issues and registration services, while the technical team can assist with any query about their top-quality sound and visual equipment. All reasons why the AECC was recently been awarded ‘12th Best Congress Centre in the World’ in the AIPC’s Apex Award. 

Money No Object
Name: Marcliffe Hotel and Spa
Address: North Deeside Road, Pitfodels, Aberdeen, AB15 9YA
Tel: 01224 861000
Email: info@marcliffe.com
Web: www.marcliffe.com

With Tony Blair and the Sultan of Brunei appearing in their guest book, north-east Scotland's most luxurious hotel has been building a formidable reputation since Mikhail Gorbachev opened it in 1993. Only nine miles from Aberdeen Airport and three from the city, this privately owned five-star hotel is one impressive place for conferences and meetings. The six banqueting rooms can be individually themed and have satellite conferencing capabilities. The hotel itself has 42 individual guestrooms with stunning views over its 11 acre wooded grounds, a bright conservatory restaurant with a substantial wine list and a characterful bar in the Old Drawing Room. Finally, relax with a spot of salmon fishing in the River Dee or a round at the affiliated Royal Aberdeen Golf Course.

On a Shoestring
Name: University of Aberdeen
Address: Conference and Event Office, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX
Tel: 01224 272664
Email: conf.events@abdn.ac.uk
Web: www.abdn.ac.uk/hospitality

Founded more than 500 years ago, the University of Aberdeen owns some of the most atmospheric buildings in the city. Set in the Granite City’s ancient quarter, it has been holding conferences for more than 100 years. Particularly popular for large meetings and sit-down dinners is the grandiose baronial Elphinstone Hall. The nearby Kings College Conference Centre is a purpose built site with modern amenities and was chosen for the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 2002. And a restored townhouse designed for smaller seminars and meetings adds to a triumvirate of unique venues, all available at very competitive rates. There are also 65 en suite rooms available year-round, bolstered by a further 1,000 rooms in summer when the students head home.

Wired Up
Name: Aberdeen Marriott
Address: Overton Circle-Dyce,
Aberdeen, AB21 7AZ
Tel: 01224 770011
Email: sarah-jane.stephen@marriotthotels.com
Web: www.marriott.com/ABZAP

As one would expect from this well regarded hotel chain, the property's modern conference suites offer some of the most state-of-the-art  equipment in the city, all set up by the boffins at Marriott Communication Systems. Every conceivable gismo and gadget is available to help your meetings run smoothly. Its theatre style meeting room has a capacity of 300 in 406 square metres of space. The boardroom can hold 35 people and has video conferencing options. A wifi network is available throughout. The hotel is located just three miles from Aberdeen Airport and a short train or car journey from the city centre.

Small But Perfectly Formed
Name: Fyvie Castle
Address: Fyvie Castle, Turriff, AB53 8JS
Tel: 0844 4932182
Email: functions@nts.org.uk
Web: www.nts.org.uk/Functions/Venues

Dating back to the 13th Century (yep, you read right), the Fyvie Castle is set among opulent Victorian-designed parklands and its own private loch. The fairytale castle is steeped in history, myth and legend. The oak-panelled Drawing Room with red silk walls can seat 50 dinner guests and the Great Gallery, with its own working pipe organ no less, up to 120. For a break from business head into the glass-roofed racquets court for a spot of bowling or tennis; this area can also accommodate 110 for a dinner dance. It is run by the National Trust for Scotland who have nine other stunning properties near Aberdeen. 

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