London tops conference league in C&IT's inaugural Hot List

Susie Harwood , 30 September 2009

London is the destination of choice for conferences and meetings, winning the coveted gold award in the Best Conference Destination category in C&IT's inaugural Hot List.

The winners were revealed at a party at Axis at One Aldwych in London last night, attended by 120 event planners, plus representatives from the winning destinations and suppliers.

Despite long-haul incentive travel taking a hit during the downturn, event planners voted in their droves for South Africa's chicest city, awarding Cape Town gold for Best Incentive Destination, with Dubai and New York taking silver and bronze respectively.

When it comes to venues, Ritz-Carlton's chic Catalan retreat Hotel Arts Barcelona is at the top of its game, scooping gold in both the Best Overseas Conference Hotel, and Best Overseas Incentive Hotel categories.

Closer to home, Excel London took gold in the Best Conference Centre category, while country estate Chewton Glen was voted Best UK Incentive Hotel and Welsh retreat Celtic Manor took gold in the Best UK Conference Hotel category.

The C&IT Hot List was launched this year to celebrate the best destinations, venues and suppliers for events, as voted for by C&IT readers. Hundreds of event planners selected their favourites across 12 categories, with a Gold, Silver and Bronze place awarded in each.

See the full list of winners

See photos from the launch party