Do you know which are the largest venues in the UK? Can you explain the difference between "private", "designer" and "boutique" hotels? Are you protected in the eyes of the law if you book your conference venue online? In this issue of ON! Office Networks we answer all these questions and more, in our fact-packed edition focusing on working with venues.

Thirty years ago, the conference industry didn't exist. Now it's a blossoming sector, and one which PAs work in on a regular basis. Conference expert Tony Rogers takes a look at how things have changed since those early days

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There's no excuse for organising a dull event! The UK is bursting with fabulous venues, from castles to race tracks, from galleries to manor houses, and from luxury yachts to historic trains. We asked business journalist John Hancock to tempt you with some inspired options

Want to become an expert in events? Fancy becoming more confident about conference organising? Perhaps a career as a professional conference organiser is beckoning? Whatever the reason, you need to check out our invaluable round-up of training courses for event managers and conference co-ordinators…

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Do you run your corporate events - or do they run you? If you're not in control, says PA Theresa Mabbutt, you're in danger. An experienced event organiser, she reveals her secrets for success

Easy! Event organisers have never had it so good. A multitude of methods is now open to you - from online offerings to glossy guidebooks, and from expert exhibitions to professional partners. Business journalist Norman Flack has been doing some leg-work for you

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If you think smaller, private hotels are only suited to leisure guests and tourists, think again! We grilled Henry Togna, owner of 22 Jermyn Street in the heart of London's West End, about the facilities on offer to business guests at such premises, and his answers were full of surprises. Broadband access, secretarial support, meeting room, prestigious surroundings… sounds too good for your boss!

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It's fast and easy - but what are the pitfalls? Business journalist Sara Goodwins has been weighing up the pros and cons of virtual venue bookings. Here's what she discovered…

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Ever dreamt of spending your life swanning around luxury hotels being pampered? Editor Penny Cottee met someone who does it for a living - undercover AA hotel inspector, Gillian Scott. They had a hush-hush chat about bouncing on beds, bribes, and breakfasts (cooked of course)

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There are times when only the biggest is good enough. Like when you have to organise a gala ball for 750 guests, or a product launch for 1,000 people. We put the British tourism experts, VisitBritain, to the test, and asked them to name the venues with the largest event space in the UK, together with some major capacity hotels. Here's what they recommend…

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Five lucky ON! Office Networks readers will soon be perusing the excellent new "Business Hotel Guide" from the AA. Aimed at those who book hotels for business guests - that's you! - it not only features over 2,000 business hotels up and down the country, but 700 golf courses, too.

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