Hotel Designs

Madison Events, a company specialised in events for the hotel industry, was responsible for presenting the results of the fifth edition of Hospec’12. From 6-9 November, hotel executives, architects and interior designers came together at Mazagan Beach Resort in Casablanca, along with equipment manufacturers and vendors, to conduct business directly, without intermediaries. The event was “extremely positive due to the added value it brings to the participants”, commented Juan Prados, Managing Director of Madison Events.Over two intense days, nearly 150 participants from a great diversity of origins – Spain, the
United States, Portugal, Italy, Great Britain, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, Africa, the
Middle East, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands and Norway – had the opportunity to arrange short, yet highly productive, personal meetings to gain firsthand knowledge of the respective offer and demand of specifiers and suppliers. Once again, the Hospec format was applauded by all at the close of this year’s edition.

The presence of professionals such as architects, designers and interior designers, was one of the focal points that attracted the interest of participants, in addition to the level of hotel companies participating and the quality of their projects. The chance to also gain firsthand knowledge of the latest, most suitable, FF&E products and materials should not be forgotten.

“The majority of manufacturers and suppliers attending benefited from the generous specifier/supplier ratio achieved this year, and were able to arrange more than 15 meetings, and up to 25 in some cases”, explained Juan Prados, who added: “”in the current economic climate, we understand that we offer added value which differentiates us”.

At Hospec’12, in addition to professional meetings as the main event, there was also a conference day with the participation of Bruno Viterbo, Development Director at
Champalimaud Design. He spoke of the importance of design when structuring any hotel project and taking different factors into account. Ramón Cortes, Director of Interior Design at G56, spoke of artistic works as fundamental to decorate hotel spaces, and Daniel Frey, Chief Executive at Green Growth, focused on the most sustainable solutions for any project.

The programme was enhanced by different networking activities and leisure time for the attendees to enjoy the facilities at the Mazagan Beach Resort. Similarly, on the last night, the participants at Hospec’12 delighted in a Moroccan-style atmospheric farewell dinner with gastronomy and local performances.

The presence at Hospec’12 of the most important specialised media in the contract sector and hotel industry should be highlighted, as well as the collaboration of InfinityInner, the largest exclusive community of professionals in interior design, architecture, design and Contract.

The planned dates for next year’s edition of Hospec are 1-4 October 2013

HOSPEC OPERATIONS 2013 – 19-22 February 2013
The Hospec organisation is now preparing Hospec Operations to be held on 19, 20, 21 and 22 February 2013 in the emblematic hotel Meliá Villaitana Wellness Resort, in Benidorm
(Alicante). The same Hospec working format will be used but, given the operational nature of the event, in addition to hotel procurement directors, the event will be attended by procurement directors from large catering groups, facility services and purchasing groups in the hospitality industry.

It is the first time that Hospec has been split into two independent events, due to interest in distinguishing between the different types of equipment and procurement from the very beginning of any hotel project.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has recently announced its Four Points® by Sheraton brand will open its first hotel in Edmundston, New Brunswick. Four Points by Sheraton Edmundston will open in July 2013 in an ideal location at the centre of downtown Edmundston. The former Clarion hotel will undergo an extensive $2.5 million renovation prior to flying the Four Points flag. With 160 hotels open worldwide and the second largest pipeline among all Starwood brands, Four Points offers a “best for business” proposition for travellers seeking great hotels at great rates.Four Points by Sheraton Edmundston will offer 102 fully renovated guest rooms, 671 square feet of meeting space, a heated indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness centre and full-service dining. The hotel is attached to the Edmundston Convention Centre with 14,000 square feet available for meetings and special events and to the Carrefour Assomption facility that includes commercial space, shopping centre and offices. Walking distance to numerous shops and restaurants, Four Points by Sheraton Edmundston is convenient to the University of Moncton – Edmundston campus, Centre Brunswick Mall, Regional Sports Complex and Saint Basile Arena.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s fastest growing full-service brand, and the New Tropicana Las Vegas today announced a strategic franchise agreement that marks the return of Hilton Worldwide to the Las Vegas Strip after an almost 14-year absence. Under the terms of the franchise agreement, Tropicana Las Vegas will continue to own and operate all 1,600 guest rooms in the 35-acre resort, which recently completed a US$200 million comprehensive transformation.When the hotel becomes the Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton in January 2013, guests will be able to earn and redeem Hilton HHonors points and airline miles at the award-winning Strip resort, which features four restaurants, a spa, a nightclub and beach club, an entertainment complex, and a state-of-the-art conference centre and exhibition hall.

“We are thrilled to be affiliated with such a first-class organisation that shares our customer-centric values, and we are honored that DoubleTree by Hilton selected us to represent their marquee brand on the Las Vegas Strip,” said Tropicana Las Vegas CEO Alex Yemenidjian.

“After careful consideration, we selected the Tropicana Las Vegas to represent the DoubleTree by Hilton brand on the Las Vegas Strip, not only because of the beautiful transformation of the resort, but also because of its unparalleled commitment to guest service,” said Rob Palleschi, global head of DoubleTree by Hilton. “We are proud that, with the addition of Tropicana Las Vegas to our portfolio, Hilton Worldwide will continue to build upon its rich history in Las Vegas, and Hilton HHonors members will have a new home on the Strip.”

DoubleTree by Hilton is renowned for its award-winning CARE culture and for its unique chocolate chip cookie welcome.

The Rezidor Hotel Group today announced an agreement to exit from seven lease agreements in France by the end of the year.

The hotels comprise a total of nearly 700 rooms and are mainly operated under the Park Inn by Radisson brand. They are located in secondary locations and have proven consistently unprofitable for Rezidor. To exit from the leases, Rezidor agreed to a payment to the owner, Hibernia France, of MEUR 11.5 in 2012. The exits will positively affect Rezidor’s EBITDA by approximately MEUR 2 annually. In addition, Rezidor will hand over responsibility for future capital expenditures.

The seven hotels will remain under their existing brands and will be operated by Rezidor for the next few years under management agreements. Should Hibernia France sell the properties, the management agreements will be terminated thereafter. The decision to exit these hotels was made after determining that the hotels’ financial situations were unlikely to turnaround and their positioning and locations are not commensurate with the future direction of the brands.

Rezidor remains committed to the French market and continues to operate two other Park Inn properties in France (in Paris and Nice), have a third hotel opening in Lille in Q4 2012, and will add other strategic locations in the coming years. The company’s other core brand, Radisson Blu with 16 hotels, is the largest upscale brand in France in terms of number of hotels.

“This very important asset management deal is in line with our Route 2015 goal to lift Rezidor’s EBITDA margin by 6-8 percentage points by 2015. It is of fundamental importance to the group to further optimise our portfolio of leased hotels, secure more profitable income streams in the years ahead, and reduce the leverage of the company”, says Knut Kleiven, Deputy President and CFO at Rezidor.

The affected hotels are:
Park Inn by Radisson Arcachon
Park Inn by Radisson Macon
Park Inn by Radisson Orange
Park Inn by Radisson Nancy
Park Inn by Radisson Lyon Ouest
Radisson Blu Hotel, Aix-Les-Bain
Les Loges du Park (unbranded)

The information here is that which Rezidor Hotel Group AB has willingly chosen to make public or that which it is obliged to make public according to the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act.

Just 70 days before the grand opening of the second angelo hotel in Munich, Vienna International Hotels & Resorts celebrated the occasion on 25 October 2012 with more than 200 guests and offered a look behind the scenes of the future design hotel. When it opens, the 4-star angelo Hotel Munich Westpark will create 60 new jobs. The success story goes on: In addition to the existing angelo Hotel on Leuchtenbergring, work is proceeding at full throttle to complete the second angelo Hotel Munich at Westpark. Some 200 curious guests celebrated the construction of the second angelo in the hotel’s future conference area. The stage was truly unique, with the conference area converted into a party location which could not have been more contrasting: raw concrete walls and floors met coherent lighting concepts, and the construction site was temporarily draped in a designer dress. Jazz music, a flying buffet and delicious delicacies from the grill, along with speeches by Vienna International board member Martin H. Lachout and General Manager Marcel Koburger, made the guests even more curious and excited about the coming grand opening. Showrooms, tours and projections gave the visitors a foretaste of what the hotel will look like 70 days from now.

“We have prepared ourselves for many guests in the future, from city tourists to business travellers, companies and event agencies, and we are looking forward to opening another hotel in Munich,” says Dr. Andreas Karsten, CEO of Vienna International Hotelmanagement AG. “Until then, we will create another 60 jobs in addition to the existing team of dedicated employees.”

“We are especially pleased that the entire real estate development on the property was so positively received by the market,” says Münchner Grund board member Thomas Maier. All 26 flats for owner occupation were sold before the completion of construction and tenants have already been found for most of the office space. “We are also extremely confident that the angelo Hotel Munich Westpark will cover the urgent need for high-quality accommodation and conference space in the south of Munich.”

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The doors of London’s Café Royal will reopen as a contemporary, luxury hotel on 5 December 2012, marking the first phase of its long-awaited return to the capital. The revival of this legendary institution will be the culmination of a four-year transformation under the direction of David Chipperfield Architects and will see Café Royal join The Conservatorium as the second hotel of The Set.Featuring 159 rooms and suites (including six historic suites), an array of dining venues, a private members club, high-tech meeting rooms and a Holistic Wellbeing Centre, Café Royal bears every trait of a 21st century luxury hotel. However, the sensitive restoration of the rooms by Donald Insall Associates, seamlessly weaving together original 1865 details with contemporary design, also pays homage to the architectural heritage of the building. It is in this meticulous fusion of the traditional and the modern – an inherent characteristic of The Set Hotels – where Café Royal finds its niche.

The first phase of Café Royal’s opening will include rooms and suites, the Ten Room, the exquisitely restored Grill and Domino Rooms, The Bar and a contemporary café – all under the direction of Executive Chef, Andrew Turner. Quick to follow by March 2013, will be the rest of the building, welcoming the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, and the remaining suites of historical significance.

Jestico + Whiles’ latest luxury hotel scheme has opened its doors. The practice was responsible for the architecture and interior design of the 24-key Adria Hotel in London, working alongside Urban Velvet on behalf of a private client.Situated in Queen’s Gate in the heart of South Kensington, the Adria is housed in a Grade II listed Victorian townhouse. Originally built in 1870s as two individual houses, the building – which was merged into a single building in the 1940s but which had fallen into disrepair – has been completely restored and brought back to its original beauty. The fabric of the building has been carefully considered with remnants of the original retained and others recreated.

The interior design is inspired by the elegance of the mid-1950s, when fine tailoring and service were the epitome of luxury. The designers researched the quality of fabrics, materials and furniture of this period extensively to inform the choice of fixtures and fittings at the hotel. The 24 bedrooms and suites, as well as the public areas, feature a number of handmade, bespoke elements made either to the designers’ design, such as the screen printed wallpaper and fabrics, or in close collaboration with them, as with a number of custom made chandeliers and light fittings.

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DoubleTree by Hilton has announced the opening of its first hotel in Croatia, located in a prime position in the business district of the historic capital city, Zagreb. The upscale and contemporary hotel welcomes guests with a full-service guest offering and legendary warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival, as well as featuring new destination restaurant OXBO Urban Bar & Grill led by renowned Croatian chef, Tomislav Niksic.

Guests will be greeted with a welcoming and modern lobby, and benefit from characteristic qualities found at every DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, including a delicious warm chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in, an array of upscale amenities and guest services, the rewards of the Hilton HHonorsâ guest loyalty programme, and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community.

OXBO Urban Bar and Grill opens at DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb under the culinary leadership of renowned Croatian chef, Tomislav Niksic. The destination restaurant offers a contemporary menu with popular international dishes and strong emphasis on local Croatian cuisine. Interiors feature high and low seating, countertop dining and an open theatre kitchen with fire grill which uses the freshest, natural ingredients and features a showcase market table displaying seasonal produce and herbs.

Featuring 152 guest rooms and suites all with floor to ceiling glass windows, DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb has a variety of accommodation that meet the needs of every kind of traveller. Bedrooms offer guests a comfortable and modern retreat complete with a sitting area; complimentary high-speed internet access; flat-screen, satellite TV; ironing board; mini-bar; refreshing Crabtree & Evelyn Citron® bath and body products; and in-room tea and coffee making service.

For meetings, conferences and events, DoubleTree by Hilton Zagreb offers more than 4,140 square feet of flexible meeting space, featuring the Mimosa Ballroom, which seats up to 250 delegates theatre style, a boardroom and a further three meeting rooms with capacity for up to 300 guests. Business travellers and conference guests benefit from a complimentary, 24-7 business centre, concierge services, state-of-the-art technology and a location in the heart of the business district.

Architectural practice Webb Gray is returning to its Black Country roots after securing a hotel project in the area where it all started for the company nearly a century ago.

The practice, which was established in Dudley in 1919 but relocated to Birmingham in 2005, has been appointed by developers Stoford to design a 63-bedroom Premier Inn hotel on the Castle Gate Business Park, Dudley. The £3.5 million project is set to 25 create new jobs, support local businesses and boost tourism.Planning permission was granted by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council earlier this year for the three-storey hotel, along with a café and 60 parking spaces on the land, which is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The 28-week project is due to be completed in May 2013.

John Bates, head of acquisitions for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants in the UK and Ireland, said: “Premier Inn is expanding aggressively across the UK as we keep up with strong demand for our high-quality, affordable product and search out new exciting locations for our customers.

“Castlegate Business Park is an ideal location for a new Premier Inn hotel, with great road access and many restaurants and entertainment facilities nearby for our customers.”

Premier Inn is the UK and Ireland’s biggest and fastest growing hotel company. Owned by global hotel, coffee shop and restaurant company Whitbread PLC, Premier Inn has more than 49,000 Premier Inn bedrooms across 630 hotels nationwide and offers quality accommodation at affordable hotel prices.

Louvre Hotels Group, Europe’s second largest hotel group, has announced the signature of a partnership with the Ecole Internationale Supérieure de Savignac as part of its Corporate University, “U” (pronounced You), launched in September 2012. Ranked N°1 in Hospitality Management MBAs in France, 3rd in Europe after the famous Swiss colleges at Lausanne and Glion (Source: Capital, February 2011) and in the top 10 of the highly respected SMBG ranking, Savignac is one of the leading centres for initial training for the hotel, restaurant, tourism and event management industries, with a total of 356 students in 2012.

Under this unique partnership with Savignac, the Corporate University of Louvre Hotels Group, “U”, will offer the certified training course “Louvre Hotels Group Business & Service Management Certificate” to a dozen selected hotel managers from November 2012.

This extended course reflects Louvre Hotels Group’s ambition to turn to training so as to support its rapid development in France and around the world, whilst providing specific responses for each area of the profession. The “Louvre Hotels Group Business & Service Management Certificate” seeks to improve access to strategic positions for hotel managers in larger establishments, head office functions, group-wide projects and international postings. This certified training is also a means of encouraging internal promotion and developing the talent on which the Group will rely in the future.

The “Louvre Hotels Group Business & Service Management Certificate” will cover a number of targeted themes to help prepare high-potential hotel managers for greater responsibility, including financial management, commercial management, yield management, management of cultural diversity and performance through innovation, which is a key and inherent notion in the values of the Louvre Hotels Group and its Corporate University “U”.

The training will take the form of six seminars run by top speakers, many of them drawn from the Ecole de Savignac. It will last for 304 hours, or 38 days over the course of a year.

Pierre-Frédéric Roulot, Chairman of Louvre Hotels Group, said at a press conference: “We are delighted in this partnership with the prestigious Ecole de Savignac, which will provide our hotel managers with high-quality training so that they can take on greater responsibility and, in their turn, ensure the future development of the Group and all its staff.”

Gérard Landat, Head of the Council of Ecole de Savignac, added: “This agreement with Louvre Hotels Group is particularly important for the Ecole de Savignac, marking our first move into continuous professional development.”

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) has recently announced the signing of the first EVEN™ Hotels property which will be located in New York City, with ownership group CWC, Inc. The IHG managed hotel will be located at 219 E 44th Street in the heart of midtown Manhattan, and will be a flagship property for the brand. The hotel will be a new build scheduled to open in late 2014. The hotel will feature 23 guestroom floors and 230 guestrooms, dedicated meeting areas, and indoor and outdoor exercise and eating spaces for an impressive 87,000 square feet in total space. “This is another important first for IHG. By developing our portfolio of preferred brands in line with emerging consumer preferences, we are meeting the needs of a new type of guest who’s looking for hotels with an intrinsic focus on wellness in terms of food, work, exercise and rest,” said Richard Solomons, chief executive officer, IHG. “New York City is an ideal location, being one of the most health-minded cities in the U.S. – so it will provide the EVEN Hotels brand with the right exposure to its target guest, the healthier-minded traveler.”

With over 50.9 million visitors in 2011 alone, New York City is one of the strongest markets for the EVEN Hotels’ target guest, and perfectly complements the 4 priority areas of the EVEN Hotels experience – eat, work, exercise and rest. New York City was ranked one of the top 50 healthiest cities in the U.S. in 2012, and it’s no surprise with more than 1,700 parks, playgrounds, and recreation facilities across the five boroughs providing multiple opportunities for exercise. New York City has also led the charge on changes aimed at a healthier city experience including: banning the sale of sugary drinks over 16 oz., posting all calorie counts on menus and menu boards and banning the use of artificial trans-fats in foods.

“New York City is a key part of EVEN Hotels’ distribution strategy and provides strong market exposure to healthier minded people both living and traveling to New York City, looking for a holistic wellness hotel experience,” said Kirk Kinsell, president, the Americas, IHG. “We are excited about the start of this new owner relationship with CWC Inc. as it brings together IHG’s branding and management expertise with CWC Inc.’s strong presence in the New York City real estate market.”

EVEN Hotels meets the large and growing customer demand for a healthier travel experience and is another industry first for IHG. EVEN Hotels uniquely provides solutions for all aspects of travelers’ wellness needs in the areas of food, work, exercise and rest – no other brand can do this under one roof. Joining IHG’s existing seven hotel brands, EVEN Hotels will be a key pillar in IHG’s portfolio of preferred brands and in the long term, a key driver in market share growth in the U.S.

IHG expects to sign 100 EVEN Hotels in the U.S. in the next 5 years under managed and franchised agreements in key markets including New York, Washington D.C. and San Francisco. IHG plans to announce additional locations over the next few months and to open the first EVEN hotel later on in 2013.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of the newest Luxury Collection Resort, Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, Koh Samui, in January 2013. Exquisitely nestled in a stunning cove overlooking the Gulf of Siam near Chaweng Beach, Vana Belle, Koh Samui is a private haven of luxury offering an enchanting getaway and memorable experiences. Escape into luxury Accommodations
The first Luxury Collection property on Koh Samui, Vana Belle offers 80 magnificent accommodations, with a selection of stunning guest suites and villas, with sizes ranging from 86 square meters to 211 square meters. With architecture and detailing reflecting the indigenous rich local culture, all of the stylish guest suites and villas feature views of the tropical gardens or the cerulean waters.

Exceptional Locale
Located 80 kilometers off of Thailand’s southern coast, Koh Samui is an unspoiled corner of the globe, known for its borderless ivory beaches and sparkling turquoise waters. Perched on a quiet, serene bay at the southern end of Chaweng Beach, and not far from Samui International Airport, Vana Belle, Koh Samui offers convenient access to the island’s remarkable recreation and cultural treasures.

Epicurean Excellence
Thai cuisine and other flavors of the region are showcased at the resort’s 2 restaurants and lobby lounge. The resort’s signature restaurant, Kiree, is a contemporary indoor/outdoor venue with ocean views that serves breakfast and dinner daily. Enjoy an international breakfast buffet with live cooking stations or experience a new savory journey with epicurean influences of Southern Thai dishes exclusively created by the Executive Chef, Dario Congera.

Panali is Vana Belle’s poolside restaurant, serving Italian and international favorites for lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy daily fresh picked seafood for barbeque, pizzas, paninis and many more.

The intimate Lobby Lounge is an open air bar overlooking a grove of palm trees, endless open sky parallel to the Gulf of Thailand. It’s the perfect setting to take in the views while sipping hand-made drinks and selections from an extensive whisky menu along with delectable nibbles from the kitchen.

Spa Indulgence
Get away from the boiling sun and enter a realm of refined sanctuary of peaceful and subtle luxury. Vana Spa is designed to rejuvenate body and spirit with a menu of locally-inspired experiences and signature treatments selections.

Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) announces the signing of a Sales and Purchase Agreement between Great Eagle Group, parent company of LHG and 400 Fifth Realty LLC which is owned by Bi&Di Real Estate SpA – incorporated in Varese, Italy – to acquire The Setai Fifth Avenue hotel located at 400 Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan, New York. The hotel is scheduled to join the Langham portfolio in January 2013. To be rebranded as Langham Place, the hotel will epitomise luxury living in the 21st century in Manhattan, New York with its contemporary accommodation, stylish design and stimulating art. The hotel’s modern and elegant design is a perfect fit with the Langham Place brand and provides a great opportunity for the Group to introduce our sense of stimulating hospitality to New York.

This strategic purchase signals the Group’s plans for long-term expansion in key gateway cities in the United States. Currently, The Langham hotels are located in Boston, Pasadena Los Angeles, and Chicago (opening Third Quarter of 2013).

Twelve at Hengshan – A Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai – opening November 29 2012

Located in one of Shanghai’s most historic districts – China’s former French Concession, Twelve at Hengshan, a Luxury Collection Hotel opens 29 November 2012.With architecture by Mario Botta – famed for the iconic San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and interiors by cult hospitality design duo Yabu Pushelberg, this residential style 171-room retreat will be home to a ‘Secret Garden’ courtyard – a traditional Chinese garden oasis within the heart of the hotel.

Along with two signature restaurants, a luxury day spa and an indoor heated pool, Twlelve at Hengshan will offer a luxurious retreat from the hustle and bustle from the city dubbed as the Pearl of the Orient.

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort offers an exclusive retreat, amidst spacious open-air terrace, outdoor rooftop pool and unrivalled panoramic views of the ocean. The resort will introduce 203 guest rooms and suites featuring a spacious private balcony of the ocean scenery, including a two-story oceanic view Presidential Suite with contemporary approach of Balinese interior, as well as the latest in-room technology and Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed.Travelers can enjoy Sheraton’s signature restaurant – Feast with its vibrant open-kitchen, located alongside Beachwalk, or indulge with Bene a light-hearted Italian trattoria with stunning ocean view. The Lounge offers inspired collection of eclectic offerings with the simplicity of tapas, or finely concocted drinks.

To keep travelers fit and energized, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort introduces Sheraton Fitness by Core Performance with lifestyle designed training programs, Shine Spa for Sheraton that will rejuvenate guests with signature treatments blending from the East to the West with local Balinese touches and Color Your Plate a simple three colors approach to a healthy food program.

With a total of over 1,300 square meters, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort offers 9 flexible event spaces, including one ballroom that is divisible. All event facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, broadband or wireless high-speed Internet Access and assisted by a team of professionals. Travelers can stay connected with the exclusive Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft that provides a connectivity hub, with complimentary WIFI and Personal Computer stations.

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is connected to Bali’s latest shopping destination – Beachwalk, a hub of retail, dining and entertainment that sits right in front of the Kuta’s beach, or better known as surfer’s paradise. Centrally located at the heart of Pantai Kuta and just 5 kilometers away from Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), the resort’s elevated position from level 2 and above presents the best ocean and beach view.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and its destination sensation brand, Aloft Hotels, has recently announced the signing of Aloft St. Petersburg. The opening of Aloft St. Petersburg in 2015 will mark the debut of Starwood’s Aloft Hotels brand in Russia. Owned by Remstroyintour LLC and Ludmila Kudryavtseva, Aloft St. Petersburg will be located in an emerging business district within close proximity to galleries, restaurants and green spaces, and will offer an entirely new approach to hospitality in the city of St. Petersburg. This deal was announced earlier today at a press conference in Moscow with Starwood President & CEO Frits van Paasschen and Roeland Vos, President of the company’s Europe, Africa and Middle East (EAME) Division.

Situated in the northern part of the city overlooking the Neva River, Aloft St. Petersburg will offer atmospheric public spaces where guests can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mixSM lounge and w xyzSM bar.

All 200 loft-like guest rooms will feature the brand’s signature high ceilings, oversized windows and an ultra-comfortable platform bed as well as large walk-in showers with complimentary Bliss Spa® products. Guests will be able to re-energise in the re:chargeSM fitness centre and grab a bite to eat at re:fuel by AloftSM, a one-stop, 24-hour grab-and-go food and beverage area, offering sweet, savoury and healthy food, snacks and drinks. For work meetings, training courses and presentations, the hotel’s two board rooms will be equipped with the latest generation of audio-visual hardware.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has announced the opening of The Westin Snowmass Resort following an extensive, multi-million dollar renovation to reposition the prestigious, slope-side property as a Westin. Formerly known as the Silvertree Hotel & Conference Center, the resort fully refurbished all guest rooms and public areas in order to implement the full suite of Westin signature amenities, designed to rejuvenate and inspire wellbeing. Owned by a joint venture between Starwood Capital Group and Wasserman Real Estate, The Westin Snowmass Resort is ideally situated in the heart of Snowmass Village, adjacent to the slopes of Snowmass – one of Colorado’s most sought-after ski mountains.The Westin Snowmass Resort features 254 rooms including 18 suites, all with spectacular slope-side views. The resort’s brand-new restaurant – The Snowmass Kitchen – offers all-day dining with convenient ski-in/ski-out access. Guests will enjoy the world-class spa facility and brand-new WestinWORKOUT® fitness centre overlooking Snowmass Village, as well as the two new hot tubs at the resort’s pool. The newly landscaped outdoor space is ideal for outdoor events. The 20,000 square-foot conference centre was fully renovated and re-opened on June 1, 2012.

Overlooking the slopes of Snowmass, The Westin Snowmass Resort is walking distance to the shops and restaurants of Snowmass Village and is convenient to three other ski areas – Aspen, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. The Snowmass/Aspen area is also a leading destination for summer vacationers, offering a host of activities such as white-water rafting, championship golf courses, horseback riding, hot air balloon rides and hiking.

The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. Upon entering the lobby, guests begin to breathe more easily as they are greeted with soothing elements like relaxed lighting, natural botanicals and stimulating music. All guestrooms feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed with lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Another industry first, the Heavenly® Bath creates an invigorating spa-like experience, enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. In-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space offer travellers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Marriott International has announced plans to open a new 200-room Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Santiago in the fourth quarter of 2014, under an agreement with Falabella Group, the largest retailer in South America, with operations in Chile, Argentina, Peru and Colombia. Situated immediately adjacent to the existing 280-room Santiago Marriott in the Las Condes business district filled with restaurants, bars and shops, the Courtyard will offers easy access to all of Santiago and some of the best views of the Andes Mountains.

In addition to 200 guest rooms and suites, the hotel will feature the brand’s refreshing business lobby, a casual dining restaurant, 3,000 square feet of meeting space and recreational facilities include a swimming pool and a fitness centre.

Marriott International is currently represented in Chile by the 280-room Santiago Marriott Hotel and the 205-room The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago. Marriott will open the 181-room Renaissance Santiago Hotel in 2013.

The new Spa development, Y Spa, at Wyboston Lakes, opened its beautiful new doors on 3rd November 2012. Wyboston Lakes is the UK’s largest privately owned single site specialist conference, management training, hotel and leisure destination; located on a private 350 acre rural estate located between Cambridge and Milton Keynes.The project investment totalled just over £3 million; the Spa covers 8,000sq ft of internal space and a Spa Garden on the Wyboston Lakes Hotel site and took just over 7 months to build and complete.

Y Spa’s total philosophy is about health, wellness and rejuvenation with many of those things relying on pleasure. So, for example, the Y Spa Café serves sparkling wines, draught lager, cupcakes and brownies as well as seriously tasty low fat options, something to ignite the taste buds and allow you and your friends to feel totally indulged!

As part of Wyboston Lakes’ drive to expand their leisure facilities, Syntax, leading international design architects were brought in to create a dramatic new spa. Syntax has created world class spas around the globe such as Chiva-Som, Champneys, One Spa, Elemis and Molton Brown.

Syntax Project Designer, Russell King, gives us an insight into the design, “What is different about Y Spa, which guests will hopefully appreciate, is the acute attention to detail throughout the space. Small but thoughtful touches like personalised slipper units, luxurious comb-out units, and costume kit bags help to make guests feel special. The quality of the thermal area is unrivalled anywhere in the UK and is a real tribute to Wyboston Lakes’ ambition with this project which we were privileged to help them create”.

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The surge in popularity for period dramas, such as Downton Abbey and The Paradise, has provided damask wallpaper and fabrics with a growing popularity. Although the ornate and decorative pattern lends itself to the opulence of a bygone era, we are seeing a resurgence of these designs.While some designers are creating contemporary fabrics and designs that will be out of fashion within the year it is heart-warming to see that many are looking at our heritage and reworking the classics. It seems in times of austerity what you know is always a better bet than taking a risk.

Byron wallpaper by Cole & Son is a perfect example, a damask design in soft metallic colours overlaid with an amazing peacock design. Similarly Tivoli Damask, which combines rich reds and burgundy overlaid with an almost hand drawn damask design in gold.

For those who want a totally different look, fabricsandpapers.com have Preston Damask, a hand printed wide width wallpaper that can be printed in a colour of your choice, from vibrant orange to the softest aqua. Osborne and Little’s stylised damask Fernery is a beautiful example of a contemporary take on this traditional style.

We have noticed a huge surge in the popularity of our gaufraged velvets, sumptuous silks, and damask curtain fabrics. In the old days these would have been used for furniture, curtains and walling – where wallpaper was not available, the walls of the grand houses would be upholstered with fabric – and now are used in our homes to add glamour and sophistication to formalise a more relaxed environment, or just to complement a beautiful inherited antique.

Most of the designs used in traditional damasks today are copies of those woven centuries ago in Italy, Spain and France. Though damask weaving was not an English art, the English decorators of the 18th century used large quantities of Italian damasks, both for furniture coverings and upholstered onto the walls. Damask wallpapers mimic the look (and sometimes the texture) of damask fabrics in which the pattern is intensified by the weave running opposite that of the background.

By exploring www.fabricsandpapers.com, the leading online retailer for curtain fabrics, upholstery fabrics and designer wallpaper, customers can create their own schemes and request wallpaper samples from over 6,000 carefully selected wallpapers and fabrics. A dedicated design team is on hand at the end of a telephone line (01273 495500) to discuss customers’ individual requirements and offer help and advice.

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the opening of Fairmont Makati on December 3, marking the brand’s entry into the Philippines. Ideally situated in one of the 17 cities comprising Metro Manila – one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia – Fairmont Makati joins a growing portfolio of Fairmont hotels in the Asia Pacific region, including the recently opened Fairmont Jaipur in India and Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel.Fairmont Makati offers 280 spacious deluxe rooms and suites, including Fairmont Gold, the hotel’s exclusive hotel within a hotel. Conceived by leading architects Arquitectonica and interior designers Bent Severin International, the modern architecture features sophisticated style alongside the rich, cultural characteristics of Filipino design. Making use of abundant local materials such as coco-twig white resin, crushed mahogany seeds (embedded in the walls) and abaca laminated glass, a warm, neutral palette boasts colourful accents and detail finishes like pearl in-lay handles on mahogany wood. A focal point of each guestroom is the floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the bustling city.

The tower housing Fairmont Makati also is home to Raffles Makati, a 32-room, all-suite hotel, and Raffles Residences, featuring 237 one- to four-bedroom residences for both short and long- term stays. Raffles is a sister brand under the parent company Fairmont Raffles Hotels International.

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Four British hotels are set to open their doors as part of the Mercure portfolio within the next four months, further expanding the growing Mercure hotel collection and increasing the brand’s footprint to 75 hotels in the UK.Located in London, Scotland, Milton Keynes and Darlington, the latest franchise agreements will add 394 rooms to the Mercure network and will create over 120 jobs across the regions.

Commenting on the expansion, Jonathan Sheard, Managing Director of Operations, MGallery and Mercure Hotels UK and Ireland said: “We are delighted to welcome our new partner hotels to the Mercure network in the UK. Each hotel has its own unique story and represents an exciting new destination for business and leisure travellers alike.

“We’re committed to significantly growing our Mercure hotel portfolio by 2015 and this will largely be driven through our growing franchise development in the UK. We are delighted to welcome these four new hotel partners, all of which are a natural fit for the Mercure brand.

“By joining with our business, our franchise partners will be able to boost their hotels’ existing exposure through the use of our brand name and benefit from our existing expertise, powerful global distribution networks and committed sales force.”

First to open is the Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel, which launched last week, followed closely by the Mercure London Greenwich Hotel and the Mercure Eddleston Barony Castle Hotel and Spa in Scotland later this month (October). The Mercure Milton Keynes Abbey Hill will launch in January 2013.

Originally built as a coaching inn in the early 1600s and rebuilt in 1893, the King’s Head Hotel underwent a major £8 million refurbishment programme after a blaze caused severe damage to the hotel in 2008. Now complete, the refurbished hotel located in the heart of the historic market town features 83 bedrooms, conference and banqueting suites, à la carte restaurant – Carriages No. One – and cocktail bar, Carriages. The re-opening of the renowned hotel will create approximately 50 jobs in the region.

Following a major conversion of the 1930’s Maurice Drummond House in Greenwich, the Mercure London Greenwich hotel will offer 145 bedrooms over 10 storeys. The hotel conversion project has witnessed an additional two storeys added at roof level and complete internal refurbishment, along with minor landscaping. The original building won RIBA’s London Architectural Medal in 1946 and the independently owned hotel offers exceptional views of London. The opening of the hotel will create up to 70 jobs in the local area.

With a rich history, the 4* Barony Castle Hotel and Spa in Eddleston, 17 miles south of Edinburgh, is set to become the first castle within the Mercure portfolio. Featuring 78 bedrooms, the hotel has undergone a £400,000 refurbishment programme, transforming it from a three start to a four star Mercure hotel, since signing the Accor franchise agreement. The hotel was recently awarded The Great Polish Map of Scotland listed status by Historic Scotland. The Map represents an important part of Barony Castle’s history, which saw Barony Castle and grounds used by Polish military forces based in Scotland during the Second World War.

In addition, the Abbey Hill Hotel in Milton Keynes, which is one of the first purpose built hotels in Milton Keynes, is undergoing a full transformation prior to its re-launch in January 2013. Once complete, the city-centre hotel will boast 88 bedrooms, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and newly designed and furnished public spaces.

Dach & Sons is a cool new speakeasy style bar and 70-cover restaurant in Hampstead, the third venue to be opened by Fluid Movement, the team behind Purl and Worship Street Whistling Shop. This is their first venue to offer food, a selection of premium gourmet burgers, hot dogs and sliders, to complement their extensive selection of avant-garde cocktails, craft beers and whiskies. The design is New York-style with a clever combination of distressed timbers, white coursed-brick butcher’s shop tiles, bare bulb light fittings and a whole slug of vintage industrial furniture throughout the bar and restaurant areas, sourced from contract furniture supplier Andy Thornton.

The main dining area features heavy duty factory refectory tables, which feature steel bases legs and tops in a distressed painted finish, which each feature six bolt-on swing seats. Andy Thornton also supplied industrial-style pub tables, console tables, unique factory bar stools with worn tan leather seats and French cafe chairs in green.

Upstairs is a mini version of their hugely successful classic cocktail bar Purl in Marylebone. Here Andy Thornton supplied industrial-style bar stools, featuring steel frames in a satin pewter finish with polished timber seats. These perfectly complement the mock Tudor panelled bar front and embossed gold painted ceiling.

An ex BBC broadcasting centre, which has just undergone a huge £4 million restoration project under new ownership, will be officially re-opening at the end of the month as a new luxurious hotel.The Wood Norton, which is situated in the heart of Worcestershire, just a few miles from the Cotswolds, and Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon, will be hosting an exclusive complimentary champagne reception. The event will mark the end of a magnificent refurbishment project, which has seen the building transform from an old BBC broadcasting centre into a stunning 50-room lavish hotel and restaurant.

Oliver Cooke, general manager of The Wood Norton, says: “We’re absolutely thrilled with the results. The building looks fantastic, and will make for a great place for holiday makers and business professionals to eat and stay.”

He continues: “The building is steeped in history, having been built originally as a hunting lodge for European Royalty in 1897. It’s since been the home of the BBC for over 60 years, and we’re now looking to create our own piece of history by turning it into a fantastic get-away.”

The BBC bought the site in 1939 to establish an emergency broadcasting centre away from London. It became one of the largest broadcasting centres in Europe with an average output of 1,300 programmes a week. When the war was over, Wood Norton became the BBC’s engineering training centre.

The official re-opening will be taking place on Thursday 29th November. Peter Luff Member of Parliament for Mid Worcestershire, along with the local Mayors (Mayor of Evesham, Cllr Robert W Raphael and the Mayor of Pershore, Cllr Charles Tucker) will be in attendance, along with members of the BBC, business professionals and local residents. On the night, Oliver and his team will be providing hotel tours. Whilst in the main dining room, guests will have the opportunity to sample tasters from the new menu.

Throughout the evening there will also be a live jazz band, plus head chef Gary Wheeler will be providing live demonstrations and talking through the hotel’s food offerings.

Oliver concludes: “We’ve got a fantastic, experienced, friendly team in place. And we’re looking forward to introducing ourselves to the world! Bring on the 29th – The Wood Norton doors will be officially open!”

Hilton Worldwide has recently announced the opening of its first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Phuket, Thailand. The 250-room DoubleTree Resort by Hilton – Surin Beach is located on the west coast of the island on Surin Beach, which is approximately 24km from Phuket International Airport.Formerly the Courtyard by Marriott, the rebranded, four-story DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket – Surin Beach sits strategically between Phuket International Airport and Patong, the island’s popular tourist centre. The resort offers over 80 suites and has three food and beverage outlets which include Asia Alive, an all-day dining restaurant, The Boardwalk, a pool bar serving snacks, and a food and beverage retail outlet, The Food Store. There will also be four meetings rooms as well as a business centre, fitness club, outdoor lagoon-style pools, water slides and a kids club.

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket – Surin Beach will have all the qualities currently found at the brand’s more than 310 DoubleTree by Hilton locations in 23 countries around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme; and a unique and caring team commitment to giving back to the local community.

Phuket is one of Asia’s leading leisure destinations and is famous for its white sandy beaches, pristine waters, inland mountains and renowned Thai hospitality. The island has been a well established destination for over 30 years and continues to grow at a strong rate. Surin is situated on the west coast of Phuket and is one of the most sought-after destinations due to its fine white sandy beaches and turquoise water. Surin Beach is popular with both tourists and Thais for its large selection of beach restaurants ranging from the popular Catch Beach Club to local beachside restaurants.

Hilton Worldwide currently manages six properties in Thailand including Conrad Bangkok, Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Hilton Pattaya, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa and Conrad Koh Samui, and will open Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok and DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok in 2013.

Accor will take over the Radisson Resort Gold Coast from 18th December and re-brand the hotel to Mercure Gold Coast Resort. The hotel is Accor’s 200th in Australia, achieved just over 21 years after launching its first hotel in Australia.

Accor was appointed managers of the resort by GC Hotel Management.The resort boasts a prime location in the Gold Coast’s “Green Belt”, within easy driving distance of the Gold Coast’s legendary beaches, as well as the Springbrook – Mt Tamborine rainforest area. With the recent opening of a new extension of the freeway, the resort is just over 20 minutes to Gold Coast’s airport, less than an hour from Brisbane and within easy driving distance of Gold Coast’s theme parks, Metricon Stadium, Skilled Park and the Robina business centre.

The resort is affiliated with five championship golf courses, including the adjacent world-class Palm Meadows course, which has hosted a wide range of international tournaments over the last 25 years.

Guests have access to the hotel’s extensive resort facilities, including a day spa, driving range, two outdoor pools, four floodlit tennis courts, a fully equipped gymnasium, sauna and an outdoor spa.

The resort is particularly well designed for conferences, events, incentives, weddings and other functions, with a capacity for up to 700 delegates. Facilities include 10 versatile conference rooms and three outdoor venues.

Announcing the new contract, Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath, said it was a fitting hotel to celebrate such a major milestone for the group.

“For Accor it is a very strategic new addition to the network, both because it represents a significant landmark for Accor’s expansion in Australia, and also because it adds to the group’s portfolio in the Gold Coast,” he said.

“The addition of the Mercure Resort will allow us to cater for growing demand in the mid-market, especially for conferences, events and groups.”

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel groups worldwide and a member of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, today opens the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nantes directed by General Manager Cyril Casabo. The company’s youngest French flagship is housed in the former Court of Justice (Palais de Justice) – an elegant building that was constructed in 1851 and served as the Nantes Law Court until 2000. The First Class hotel’s design maintains many former features, and combines them with a contemporary style. Guests can enjoy 142 modern rooms, dine in the former court room, use state-of-the-art conference facilities, and relax in the deluxe spa. The city of Nantes is one of the most attractive and dynamic places in the Western part of France, and a cultural haven of history and modern art. Nantes is located on the river Loire and in the historic province of Brittany, and is the birthplace of legendary writer Jules Verne. The Radisson Blu Hotel awaits its guests in the heart of the city centre – within walking distance of a variety of attractions including La Cité-Nantes Events Centre and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. The train station is less than 2 kilometers away from the hotel, the airport 10 kilometers.

Architect Jacques Cholet (DTACC) and interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel have created a true jewel. Behind the classic facade, the 142 modern guest rooms (among them 15 junior suites and 5 suites) feature brown tones and white furniture exclusively designed for the hotel, decorative art iconographies that remind of masterpieces shown in museums of Nantes, spacious bathrooms, and Radisson Blu signature services like free high speed internet access.

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Leading global hotel operator Marriott International, Inc. is on track to double its portfolio in Europe from 40,000 rooms to 80,000 rooms by 2015. Marriott is fuelling much of its growth in Europe with a strong focus on new development in Russia & CIS and today announced it will grow its existing portfolio in the region by more than 50 percent to more than 30 hotels open by 2015.Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe, speaking from the Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference in Moscow today said, “Over the past 15 years we have developed a strong presence in Russia and CIS and are excited about the continued growth opportunities throughout the region for our expanding portfolio of brands.”

McPherson added, “Russia also represents a tremendous opportunity for the travel sector. One of the world’s fastest growing outbound travel markets, the country is now Marriott’s fourth largest source market for travel in Europe fuelled by a rising middle class with growing discretionary income. And with the robust growth here, we expect to see strong demand for travel in to Russia as well for both business and leisure travellers alike.”

Marriott International currently operates 19 hotels in Russia & CIS across six lodging brands and has committed to opening an additional 11 hotels over the next three years including the:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Krasnodar Marriott Hotel, Russia
• Tsaghkadzor Marriott Hotel, Armenia
• Baku Marriott Amburan Beach Resort, Azerbaijan
• Renaissance Kiev Hotel, Ukraine
• Marriott Krasnaya Polyana Hotel, Russia
• JW Marriott Sochi Golf Resort, Russia
• Courtyard by Marriott Sochi Plaza Hotel, Russia
• Krasnoyarsk Marriott Hotel, Russia
• Voronezh Marriott Hotel, Russia
• Moscow Marriott Novy Arbat Hotel, Russia

Highlighting Marriott International’s commitment to the Russia & CIS market, Carlton Ervin, chief development officer for Marriott in Europe said, “We are very focused on our development here and have augmented our development resources to enable us to meet our ambitious growth objectives for Russia and CIS. We see particular opportunity in the capital cities for our luxury and lifestyle brands including The Ritz-Carlton, EDITION and Autograph Collection, as well as great potential in the mid-tier segment for our Courtyard by Marriott brand in regional cities across Russia. ”

The variety of choice can be a key asset of any brand, creating infinite design opportunities only limited by imagination but the success of design, whether in a hotel or a home, relies upon the importance of understanding the qualities of the materials it works with, on a practical as well as aesthetic level.For Laufen, this has never been more prevalent than now with wellness options available in solid surface, steel, acrylic and ceramic.

2012 saw the launch of Laufen’s first solid surface bathtub, as part of its new Palomba Collection. Solid surface has many advantages for the hotel bathroom, chief among them being the possibility to carry our repairs should any surface defects arise and its low sound transmission, so guests won’t disturb neighbouring rooms when it’s time to take a bath.

Ilker Hussein, Manager Global Projects at Laufen, comments: “Laufen is the only global manufacturer that is able to manufacture baths and shower trays from steel, solid surface and acrylic and ceramic – and there is a place for each of them, and a key benefit for each of them.“

However, it is not just wellness products – it is Laufen’s superior knowledge of crafting bathroom pieces from ceramic that has led to its huge success on a global level. The company is pioneering a new ceramic material, which results in ceramic pieces being up to 40 per cent lighter than fine fireclay, and with a brilliant white finish minus the normal yellowish tinge which is common with ceramic products. This new material allows much finer and sharper edges to be created and blurs the aesthetic lines between ceramic and solid surfaces.

However, the implications of this go well beyond aesthetic with a positive environmental impact due to lower weight of distribution alongside easier installation.

Ilker continues: “Washbasins are often the main focus of the hotel bathroom and by recently starting to offer solid surfacing for a seamless finish or ceramic basins that can be cut to fit in any space Laufen gives hotel designers total freedom of creativity.”

For hotel bathroom washbasins, however, ceramic still has the edge over solid surface in terms of practicality, in many instances, not least as it offers very high scratch, chemical and heat resistance. Ceramic can also be used to introduce individuality to the bathroom by adding colour, as it can be manufactured in various colour finishes including white, white matt, warm grey, black and matt black.

All in all, Laufen’s ability to craft fine bathroom pieces from a wide range of materials brings a whole new finesse to the hotel bathroom, at a time when contemporary design being pushed to its limits. Visit Laufen at London Sleep 2012, Stand G21 + G23, on 21-22 November 2012 to explore and discuss the material possibilities.