Godiva Award win for the Ricoh
The chief executive of the Ricoh Arena believes the venue is helping to lead the city out of the recession after being named the best conference venue at the Godiva Awards.

Chief executive Daniel Gidney collected the award on behalf of the multi-purpose venue at the glittering ceremony at the Warwick Arts Centre.

This follows on from the Ricoh being shortlisted for venue of the year at the Association of Event Organisers Excellence Awards 2009 alongside Wembley, Manchester United and the O2.

Daniel said he was delighted the Ricoh had scooped a prize for attracting regional, national and international conferences to the city.

“We feel we have raised the bar in the standard of conference facilities in the city over the last four years and I am confident we are going to help lead Coventry out of the recession,” he said.

“The economic climate has been challenging for everyone in the industry but we have continued to attract a whole host of niche and blue-chip clients to hold exhibitions, conferences and gala dinners here.

“There is a general buzz about the Ricoh Arena because there is often not just one conference going on but several due to the number of suites and meeting rooms that we have available.

“Since we are a multi-purpose venue, we have a great deal of added value that we can offer to conference organisers whether that is taking clients to concerts, sporting fixtures or the on-site casino.

“Although we have state-of-the-art facilities, awards such as this wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and dedication of the entire team.

“From the sales team and event planners to the catering and logistical staff, I would like to say ‘well done’ because this award is a superb endorsement of their efforts on a daily basis.”

The Ricoh was also runner-up in the best hotel category for its 71 Rooms & Silk Suites hotel.