absolute answers
absolutely free of charge - how?
We can offer you our booking services for free because we claim a small commission from the venue for any business we place with them. Furthermore, not only does the service come free of charge to you but because of our overall purchasing power, we can often obtain better rates than an individual company approaching the same venue.
can you do a better job than me?
possibly! By using an agent you will be dealing with an experienced consultant who will take the time to understand your objectives and use their network of contacts and reputation to make sure that they come up with the best options for you. If you already have the perfect venue then we will tell you. Our priority is to make sure you have the right venue at the best overall package.
do you cover the whole of the UK?
absolutely – and the rest of the planet too!
do you only deal with hotels?
absolutely not! We talk to anyone and everyone, from galleries, boats and castles, to academic venues, historic houses, and unusual venues. If you want a meeting – we will find the perfect venue to suit your brief.
what if we don’t like the venues you tell us about?
Just tell us. We are here to find you the right venue and we’ll continue to offer alternatives until you are completely happy.
what is our obligation when you hold venues for us?
absolutely none! typically we can make a provisional booking for 7 days and after that we can continue to talk to the venues to ask for an extension if required. There are many factors which influence the final decision making process - so you will never be pressurised into making a commitment which is not right for you.
how can we be sure you are as good as you say you are?
As members of the Hotel Booking Agents Association we are specialists in the sourcing and procurement of accommodation, meetings and events. By using a dedicated venue and hotel booking agent, you are not only assured of up to the minute knowledge of venues and hotels in both the UK and Europe, but also acquire a portfolio of skills and buying power that can only be offered by specialists such as ourselves.
Partnering the HBAA members are over 100 companies representing international chain hotels, UK and European groups and single properties - from training centres to large scale conference and event venues.
The Code of Conduct, by which all Members and Partners must abide by, is ratified by leading corporate decision makers - all of whom use HBAA member agents.
what if I am not familiar with the venues you have suggested?
We can make arrangements for you to visit the venue, as well as book menu tastings and overnight stays. A representative from Absolute can accompany you if that helps.
do we contract with you or the venue?
In the majority of cases it will be direct with the venue. We act as a sales agent for the venue; once you indicate that you would like to proceed with one of our suggestions the venue will then raise the contract in your name.
once the venue is confirmed – what then?
absolutely your decision - if you prefer to deal direct with the venue with regard to the detail of the event that’s fine, or you can continue to liaise through us. Either way, we will still keep in touch with you to ensure that all arrangements are progressing satisfactorily.
who do we pay?
Again, that’s up to you. If you’ve signed a contract with the venue, you’ll usually settle the bill directly. However, Absolute Corporate Events holds an HBAA kitemark approval as a responsible billback provider and offers a billback service. This means we’ll settle accounts on your behalf and provide a single invoice after the event. We’ll always check the final bill to ensure you’ve only been charged for what you contracted to.
what else can you do for me?
absolutely anything within reason really! Our additional services include delegate registration, supplying hostesses, badges, AV support and lighting, as well as team-building activities, dine-out recommendations and theatre tickets. These services will normally incur an additional fee which will be discussed and agreed with you in advance. For more information, see Our Services.
