Kent for Business | Conference County Whether a town centre hotel, a rural retreat or something just that bit different, Kent has the ideal conference venue. F rom castles and country houses to hop farms and hotels, Kent offers some of the finest conference and training venues at a fraction of the price of neighbouring London. Venues start just 12 miles from the capital and stretch through-out the county to the coastal resorts, only 40 minutes from Calais. The award-winning Kent Conference Bureau offers event organisers and conference buyers a swift, professional and efficient service based on excellent knowledge of the county and its venues. Having developed a professional and personal relationship with all the venues, the bureau offers free impartial and practical advice, providing information on rates and availability within 24 working hours. A focal point in the historic port of Sandwich for hundreds of years, The Bell Hotel has undergone a £2m refurbishment programme to create a venue that unlocks the townÕs hospitality potential. Facilities now include a refitted restaurant and high quality conference facilities. www.bellhotelsandwich.co.uk Ward Room, University of Greenwich Boys Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in Ashford. A 17th century Grade II property retaining many original features, the hotel provides free Wi-Fi throughout. Also the 3 acres of beautiful gardens provide the perfect space for team building and company fun days. www.boyshall.co.uk Calverley House Business & Conference Centre is a newly refurbished facility in Tunbridge Wells. Flexible configurations provide a range of conference, meeting and seminar space for up to 200 delegates. Additional rooms include a luxury boardroom. Tel. 01892 704000 The Maidstone Hilton Hotel, located at J7 of the M20 and just 45 minutes from Gatwick airport, boasts 8 meeting rooms for up to 200 delegates and a well-equipped health club with pool and gym. During 2008, upgrades of £750,000 were invested in the hotel ensuring facilities of the highest standards for a wide range of business events. www.hilton.co.uk/maidstone The award-winning Pines Calyx, surrounded by six acres of gardens,