Online video is an ever increasing way for internal communicators to engage with their employees. New software can now encode your videos to smaller file sizes, keeping better image quality, so businesses can now convey key internal communications in a more informative, emotional and effective manner.

Video is a great way to immediately engage with your employees in ways you can’t do with written material.Video has great potential to reach people on an emotional level, which also gives you the flexibility to communicate more sensitive or complex communication issues.

Whilst emails and intranet sites can be used to inform employees, this format doesn’t have the engaging power that video offers.
Speaking straight through a camera lens means business leaders are more likely to rally the workforce around their passion, vision and values than ever before.

Your colleagues also have the flexibility to watch the programme at a convenient time, either on their smartphones, at their desks or at home.

Companies have been increasingly using video to share ideas, messages, news and training as well as getting employee voices out there through their internal communications.

Video is a great way to share the passion and enthusiasm from a company’s perspective or employees, talking about the processes they’ve improved or the products they’ve worked on.

In a recent story on the topic, Cisco reports that a UK-based research firm found that 93 percent of internal communications teams see video as an important tool.

If you would like to find out more about online video, DFA Ltd is a Video Production Company with over 20 years experience helping companies communicate with their colleagues. We are a friendly team of people and if you have a question or would just like clarification on a point you may have, just give us a call on 0800 644 0662 and ask for Damon or contact us through our website.

Broughton Hall Estate Yorkshire – The historic Broughton Hall Estate near Skipton, is situated in some of the most stunning countryside in Yorkshire and is set within 3,000 acres of secure and extensive landscaped grounds with great road networks.

The location and venue lends itself to Event Management Companies to think outside the box with so many corporate possibilities available, like golf courses and shooting on your door step to list a few, also offering excusive weddings and private dinners.

Also situated centrally within the restored walled garden is the prestigious, contemporary UTOPIA conference function room. There is also the possibility of hiring the Great Hall with a private viewing of the stately home, with a drinks reception within the Hall accompanied with a marquee of your choice. Using a Marquee gives you flexibility on the number of guests you would like to invite to your event. This can be combined with also using The Great Hall and gardens to give you that unique and distinctive feel.  The Hall, Formal Gardens and Parkland are available for your events, functions, dinners or weddings. Please see pictures.

The Hall has a number of fabulous bedrooms that are being refurbished at the moment and will be available from late July 2012. For smaller business meetings you could hire the hall and use the dining room for a private dinner for up to 10 – 16 people.
Please see pictures.

Team Building & Corporate Events – Team Building possibilities within this area are fantastic due to the location, you will have a huge choice of options and here are just a few ideas. Clay Pigeon Shooting, Dambusters, It’s A Knockout, Giant Scalextric, High and Low Ropes Course, Honda Pilots and Rage Buggies, Off Roading, Rafting, Treasure Hunts and so on! - For more information re Team building ideas contact us directing to find out more.

DFA Productions is an Event Management Company, we can manage your whole event from private dining to a large scale events for 500 guests at Broughton Hall, we also have good contacts within the area for overnight accommodation and all those special requirements you may have. We would recommend The Box Tree as caterers for your event, the famous Michelin Star Restaurant.

The Box Tree is set in an old Yorkshire stone farmhouse cottage which dates back to around 1720 and has been well known for its high standard of food and service for over 40 years. With the extensive award winning wine list and menus to choose from food lovers will be able to create their own unforgettable meal for their memorable day. At DFA Productions we can manage the entire event, and we have over 20 years experience helping companies communicate with their audiences.  We area a friendly team of people experienced in all aspects of Event Management. If you have a question or would just like clarification on a point you may have, just give us a call on 0800 644 0662 and ask for Damon or contact us through our website.

Today, event management companies play an ever-increasing and important part of our business marketing and communication activities.

They can encompass anything from a celebration, to a Sales/Managers conference, product launches, team building and exhibitions – just about anything can now be turned into a conference or event. Events do not only bring a variety of benefits to the host organisations but also to those who participate in them, the audience.

Events however, like many things in life, seem in essence quite simple but are in fact, a little more difficult to actually deliver than most people believe.

Organising and managing, designing and planning, video production, hotel accommodation, venue finding, delegate registration, travel logistics so on.

Also not forgetting the vital part delivering the desired messages that everyone understands, takes a person or organisation with knowledge and experience within this arena.

Those of you who’ve been involved in Conference Event Management will no doubt have discovered that they tend to become all consuming, taxing, frustrating, they miss deadlines and budgets set and sap all your enthusiasm, determination.

Your audience is expecting great things from your event, they a have been talking about it for weeks and the job of the event manager is not for the faint hearted.

I guess nobody said this was going to be easy and I suspect you know that too, but surely there must be an easier more cost effective way!

Our suggestion is to use an experienced Event Management Company, ask if they have worked within your area of expertise, ask for testimonials and numbers of their passed clients for YOU to call. See if they have won any recognised awards, not just for event management but for adding communicational value to an Event!

At DFA Productions we have over 20 years experience helping companies communicate with their audiences, we are a  friendly team of people experienced in all aspects of event management. If you have a question or would just like clarification on a point you may have just give us a call on 0800 644 0662 and ask for Damon or contact us thought our website.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

DFA Productions has just received some fantastic feedback from one of our International clients with bases around Western and Eastern Europe. Quarterly meetings are held in the UK with the audience flying into Heathrow from various locations in Europe.

This time our client asked us to find a venue near Heathrow airport but not actually within the airport itself, they wanted somewhere with some character and elegant surroundings. We therefore looked at Windsor, only 20-30 minutes travel from the airport but in all other respects – a lifetime away!

The brief for the Event was a two day meeting for 40 people, dinner on the evening of arrival and cabaret style seating with front projection for the meeting itself the following day. Our client also requested the hotel must be of high quality, with easy access to all transport links.

DFA Event Management services secured a great deal with the newly opened Macdonald Windsor Hotel, a hotel in the centre of the town set opposite the gates to the magnificent Windsor Castle, surrounded by tea-rooms, restaurants and plenty to see and do. A bonus for our clients was also that there is on-site parking and it is within walking distance of both train stations in Windsor. 

Our client’s feedback was extremely pleasing:

“The staff at the hotel were more than helpful, the conference room was in a great location very close to the reception area of the hotel. In so many places we get put in conference rooms so far away from the main facilities of a hotel that this was a real bonus. 

“The food was pre-ordered from the banqueting menu, it was fresh, exceptionally well presented and extremely tasty! Our bedrooms were very comfortable, with modern little twists and had a contemporary feel. A pleasure to retreat to after a hard day’s meeting. Internal feedback from our company’s staff was 100% positive – very rarely achieved! We would like to thank DFA for introducing us to this hotel and we will definitely be using the Macdonald Windsor Hotel again”.

If you would like any more information about this hotel or any other we would be delighted to hear from you call us free on 0800 644 0662

DFA secured a private function for 26 people guests at the excusive two Michelin Star restaurant of Raymond Blanc’s –  Le Manoir.

DFA was set a challenge from one of our corporate clients to find an exclusive venue for 26 of their corporate executives for the annual Christmas Meal.

The brief – The location had to be in the south of the country, Michelin star restaurant if possible, in luxury surrounding and must have the wow factor.

After a considerable search of the UK we negotiated a package with the world famous Le Manoir our client was delighted we had secured a deal for all the invited executives.

Feedback from our Client 

 “Thank you to DFA for yet again securing us what we requested. It wasn’t easy – we left it quite until the last minute and therefore never expected to get not just what we wanted – but more! It was a delightful venue – the staff were attentive yet unobtrusive, the gastronomy (all ten courses!) was delightful and we thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience.  Thanks to DFA’s thought and attention our guests were even presented with personalised, signed Raymond Blanc recipe books. DFA’s professionalism and detail yet again has given us an unforgettable experience”. 

To find out more contact us directly on 0800 644 0662

DFA Productions has secured a fantastic deal for next year…. RING TO ENQUIRE ON 0800 644 0662

Continued – find out more!

Just to re-cap this hotel is only 15 minutes drive through very arid countryside with only the odd cactus breaking up the ‘moon-landscape’ the first impression we got of the hotel was somewhat ‘imposing’. A large, low story building, with beautifully kept grounds, with turning circle and a large drive-through canopy shading the main entrance and cars from the sun beating down.

Conference and Event Facilities uncover

We go to all depths to ensure the venue suits all your requirements!

The hotel reception

Walking through the glass doors into the main reception area the first thought you have is space.  Ample room for sitting and relaxing, a grand piano for evening recitals, a bar for the end of day gin and tonic and on one side a long reception desk, fully staffed meaning no queue to check in.

Reception area

Special events services

A full menu of special services can be arranged upon advanced request, including private breakfasts, transportation to the airport or city centre, hostess service, car and limousine service, translators, photographers and much more.

Function rooms

The auditorium has a large foyer for registration and a private area outside looking out to the sea, it is equipped with the latest in audiovisual and conference technology, including simultaneous interpretation booths and equipment, video projectors, wireless internet access, electric wall screens, PA systems, video conference equipment, recording and reproduction services, professional lighting and much more. The auditorium can hold 225 people for major presentations.

  

Hesperia Lanzarote Foyer

Hesperia Lanzarote Auditorium

We would recommend this room more for congress meetings rather than sales and management conferences.

The Islas Canaries room is perfect for larger banquets. This room can seat around 230 -250 delegates theatre style using a small to medium size set and staging with rear projection. There are pillars in the room which restricts the audience size and viewing perspective but we have taken this into consideration. The room has blackout facilities and 3 phase 16amp power available all on the ground floor.

Hesperia Lanzarote conference room

The Golf Course

The Costa Teguise Golf Course is set at the foot of an extinct volcano, and the views across the ocean from every hole are captivating. The 18-hole course was designed by John Harris.

Lanzarote’s warm temperature, combined with the course’s matchless setting, allows for a truly enjoyable game. Surrounded by leafy palm trees, extravagant cacti and volcanic landscapes it truly is the place for a leisurely and enjoyable game of golf. (We did not visit the golf course).

The Spa

This was one of the most impressive spas I have come across, ideal for your female delegates that prefer to be pampered rather playing a round of golf.

The Spa

The Hesperia Lanzarote rises majestically from one of the island’s most picturesque spots, right next to the Puerto Calero harbour which is only a 10 minute walk along the sea front, here are some images from around the harbour and additional pictures from the hotel.

Puerto Calero Restaurants

Immerse your delegates in a whole new world of sensations…
With the waves of the Atlantic lapping upon its shores and a fascinating volcanic past, Lanzarote is a magical island characterized by magnificent natural scenery.

Overall the hotel and location for an event of up to around 250 people is fantastic. I would thoroughly recommend this venue for your next event or conference, you will be surprised at the rates we have secured on your behalf possibly making in cheaper than holding your next event in the UK.

As mentioned we have secured a fantastic corporate rate on this hotel for 2012. 

To find out more just call us now on 0800 644 0662 alternatively send an email to thespark@dfaproductions.co.uk or click on our venue finding page on the website and fill in the enquiry form.

We look forward to hearing for you.

Look out for our next Blog on the hotels and conference facilities in the coming weeks.

Map for the Hesperia Lanzarote – Puerto Calero

DFA’S CHOSEN HOTEL FOR EUROPEAN CONFERENCES 2012!!

DFA Productions has secured a fantastic deal for next year…. RING TO ENQUIRE ON 0800 644 0662

Upon landing at Arrecife after a very pleasant flight from the UK we were met by sunshine and warmth – something very welcoming having left rain and fog in the UK only four hours before!

We went straight to the car hire kiosk – not one of those ‘major brands’ (where the queues were 20 people deep) but to a local firm offering good value cars and proceeded to hire one and were on the road within 10 minutes… A very easy task.

After a quick journey of only 15 minutes through very arid countryside with only the odd cactus breaking up the ‘moon-landscape’ the first impression we got of the hotel was somewhat ‘imposing’.  A large, low story building, with beautifully kept grounds, with turning circle and a large drive-through canopy shading the main entrance and cars from the sun beating down.

Walking through the glass doors into the main reception area at the Hesperia Lanzarote your first thought you have is space.  Ample room for sitting and relaxing, a grand piano for evening recitals, a bar for the end of day gin and tonic and on one side a long reception desk, fully staffed meaning no queue to check in.  This process was very organised and easy, the usual passport details and so on – but in comparison to some hotels this was a totally painless task.

We went to our room, a room which was pleasantly laid out incorporating a full run of wardrobes and storage space, a separate bathroom and wc from the main bathroom consisting of twin sinks and plenty of room for dressing.  The bedroom itself consisted of two double beds, TV, minibar, wifi and a balcony. Here we had a fabulous view of the swimming pool and pool bar and a side view out to sea, where at night the lights of the various cruise ships drifted past.

Facilities at the hotel were second to non – there really isn’t anything that you may wish to do – that you can’t! Aqua Aerobics – badminton, squash, tennis, archery, bowling, sailing, diving, and snorkelling – you name it!  There were four pools of varying shapes and sizes; some more suited to adults and to children alike – a sun terrace for those people who really do like the rays.  A pool bar at the bottom pool serves hot and cold snacks and drinks all day – waiter service to your sunbed. Alternatively you can sit on the wooden terrace of the pool bar and enjoy the uninterrupted view out to sea – looking at the sailing boats, motor boats, fishing charters, canoeists and even the odd mega yacht is there for the spotting!

There is plenty of opportunity for eating at the hotel, plenty of restaurants/bars – to suit your fancy. Some more formal, others casual – a buffet serving different nationalities of food every night – or a more formal a la carte restaurant for that special occasion.  Breakfast is probably the most wonderful sight you will ever have seen at that time in the morning.  There is nothing that you could hope for and not find in the breakfast dining room on a daily basis.  The range and choice of beautifully presented, fresh and healthy and fresh and not so healthy food (!) is just astonishing.  Anything you would like cooked for you is not a problem to the number of Chefs on standby, nothing is too much trouble and it’s always service with a smile.  The only problem with the Hesperia breakfast is that it’s virtually impossible to manage to eat any lunch!!

For those who like a change of scenery in the evening, just a short stroll of 10 minutes along the sea front brings you to Puerto Calero main marina

A colourful sight of boats of all different shapes and sizes, masts clanging in the gentle breeze and the magnificent smell of cuisine from every continent of the world! From Italian pasta to Moroccan tagine, Japanese Sushi to French a la carte, and Argentinean steak to Chinese Peking Duck – you name it! Prices are very reasonable no matter really where you eat.

To find out more just call us now on 0800 644 0662

Look out for our next Blog on the Conference facilities coming soon!