Welcome to our final blog of 2025! As the year draws to a close, the tobook team has been anything but quiet. December has been a whirlwind of activity – from securing a new two-year accommodation deal, locking in our 2026 calendar of events, onboarding new clients, and adding even more fantastic venues to tobook recommends.
Meetings, Showrounds & Good Food (Always a Win)
Karen and Helen kicked things off by hosting a client meeting at Village Hotel Solihull which brought productive discussions followed by a delicious lunch with Sarah Jow, Director of Sales, and Account Manager Nick Tipper. Business really does feel better when good food is involved.
Meanwhile, James and Josh headed to the Clayton Hotel Birmingham, where they met Marium Sayed for a full hotel showround and a deep dive into what makes the property tick.
We also enjoyed a lovely catch-up with Gemma Fletcher from Kaleidoscope Hotels, chatting through the latest developments and exciting additions across her hotel portfolio.
MIA Connect: Learning, Laughs & Mulled Wine
Karen attended the MIA Connect event at Wyboston Lakes, which delivered festive vibes in abundance. The evening featured an indulgent buffet (hot dogs, turkey and gammon rolls, pigs in blankets, mac ’n’ cheese, and irresistible desserts) all enjoyed at Sandpiper Bay’s Drift Inn, complete with fire pits and mulled wine.
The following day began with an Agent Forum, hosted by Shonalie, CEO of MIA, exploring how client activity has evolved post-COVID. With many corporate teams now working remotely or in hybrid models, discussions focused on how this shift is shaping meetings and team-building events.
The day continued with a fantastic mix of learning and fun:
- Taskmaster-style challenges with Martin Stephens from Off Limits
- Sustainability insights from Louise Watson, showcasing how Wyboston Lakes is leading the way into 2026
- An inspiring story from Shaun Winney of Paddy & Scott’s Coffee, sharing their journey from concept to ethical coffee farming including building schools and supporting children in coffee-growing communities
The event wrapped up with a lively Ask the Agent session, where venues put agents on the spot (always guaranteed to spark great debate!).
New Discoveries & Stunning Venues
Helen and Karen also met with Barry and Martin from eventsplus, who are supporting the wonderful Location House in Knowle, near Solihull, and what a find it is! This beautifully restored property sits in acres of countryside, just minutes from the M42 and Birmingham International Airport. Perfect for exclusive-use day meetings, photo shoots, family gatherings, and weddings, Location House effortlessly blends period charm with modern luxury.
To round off the month, James and Karen enjoyed a presentation of the Farncombe Estate with Georgina Forsythe. Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, these three stunning properties offer everything from exclusive-use stays to personal retreats – all with exceptional dining, outdoor activities, and the warmest of welcomes.
If you’d like to hear more about any of the venues the team visited this December, or if you’re simply looking for advice on a future event, please get in touch at enquiries@tobook.co.uk. We’d love to help.
Here’s to an exciting 2026!
