National Memorial Arboretum

So, if you’ve had chance to read our Destination Spotlight report then undoubtedly you would have been intrigued by one venue in particular – the National Memorial Arboretum. During our time in Staffordshire it was of the standout venues that we visited, and it certainly was not what we initially expected it to be like.

The 150-acre site was officially opened back in May 2001 and is a year-round centre of remembrance that recognises and honours those who have served in the armed forces, emergency services and civilian organisations through 380 memorials. With that in mind, you would be forgiven in assuming that it would be nothing more than a sad and mournful place. However, that’s where you’re wrong.

Granted, the Arboretum offers a peaceful location to reflect upon those who have gone before us and paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving our country – but it is much, much more than that. Wandering amongst it’s 30,000 trees, you soon realise that this wonderfully tranquil place is far from being in any way a sombre cemetery and is instead more of a living and growing tribute to the human spirit.

Despite all of this, you may still wonder how this venue applies to the events industry, well, we will tell you…Set amidst the 150-acres of maturing woodland landscape, is the beautifully designed events facility known as, Aspects. This wonderfully contemporary building is stunning and yet somehow remains the ideal blank canvas for any kind of event. A perfect place in an incredible location.

Parking: 900 spaces (free for delegates)

Coach / Bus Pick-up Location at hotel: Directly outside the main entrance

Number of floors: 1

Wi-fi: Yes – all free and excellent speed throughout

RESTAURANTS & BARS

The Aspects Lounge is a stylish and modern space that frames stunning views of the Arboretum through huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Superbly furnished and with customisable feature lighting, this would be a perfect location to welcome your delegates or hold a pre-event reception.

Dining can be accommodated in the Oak Suite (more on this shortly), with their accomplished chefs serving up fantastic British food using locally sourced ingredients. Whether its barbecues, canapes, buffets or seated dining they are able to remain flexible and cater to your individual needs.

MEETING / CONFERENCE ROOMS The Arboretum’s extraordinary setting forms the inspirational backdrop to a fantastic dedicated events facility. Designed with flexibility in mind, Aspects is a superb space with 8 meeting rooms and comes equipped with state-of-the-art plug and play AV equipment, feature lighting, integrated PA system, three integrated overhead projectors and digital signage.

Away from Aspects, is the Founders’ Room. Located in the Remembrance Centre, this bright and airy room provides an alternative space for small to medium sized meetings or presentations. Featuring overhead projection, HD screen and integrated sound, it is a super space that would be suitable for up to 64 people in banquet or 80 in theatre style.

Oak Suite
The Oak Suite is the largest room here at Aspects and is able to hold up to 380 in theatre style, 300 in dinner or 180 in cabaret. This stunning space has 4-metre high, floor to ceiling glass windows offering spectacular views of the Arboretum. Flexibility is first and foremost here, as the Oak Suite is able to be split into three smaller rooms with each able to accommodate between 60-120 guests each.

Outside the Oak Suite and spanning its entire length, is a large covered terrace that is just perfect for post-conference drinks receptions or summer BBQs. All in all, the Oak Suite would clearly be a fabulous place for anything from dinners and conferences through to awards or parties. We really loved this room and wouldn’t hesitate to hold an event here in this region

Natural light: Yes
Size: Sq.M: 400sqm
Reception: 500
Theatre: 380
Cabaret: 180
Dinner: 300
Location: Ground floor, Aspects.

AV Equipment included: PA system, three lapel microphones, three hand held microphones, one lectern microphone. Three LCD projectors & screens. Lectern, Staging (6m x 3m). High and low tie lines and rigging points. Solstice wireless presentation system available.

Alder, Chestnut, Hornbeam and Willow
Overlooking Heroes’ Square are four smaller meeting rooms known as; Alder, Chestnut, Hornbeam and Willow. Equipped with HD screens, wireless presentation and video conferencing facilities they can be used individually or joined together. Able to hold between 12-32 guests in boardroom style or 16-80 in theatre style, they are superb spaces that would be perfect for boardroom meetings, smaller conferences or keynote speeches.

Natural light: Yes
Size: Sq.M: 25 – 28 sqm (dependent on room)
Theatre: 16-80
Boardroom: 12-32
Location: Ground floor, Aspects.

AV Equipment included: Yes – each room is equipped with HD Screen, wireless presentation, video conferencing and teleconferencing. When combined together, a dropdown LCD projector and screen is available and it can be synchronised with the HD screens offering additional repeater screens.

For meeting room capacities, layouts and further information please click here:
http://www.thenma.org.uk/media/3472/aspects-brochure-printing.pdf