Kelsey Summerfield - Valor, Meetings and Events Account Manager
Why do you like working at Valor Hospitality?
I love working at Valor, the company are focused on the wellbeing of their employees, or ‘Hotelitarians’ as we like to call them. They invest in their people but also in the hotels. I’m always proud to walk into any of our 34 hotels.
What are your future ambitions in the industry?
I’ll always remain in the industry. It works perfectly with my work/life balance and it is so versatile that you can change course if you want to. There’s an opportunity around every corner. For the future – international travel 100%!
What is special about the meeting space at Valor’s hotels?
Valor has 34 amazing hotels in the UK.
Whether a client wants a BBQ summer party and boat cruise at the Crowne Plaza Stratford upon Avon, a training session in one of our dedicated IHG academies, a rooftop experience at Doubletree by Hilton Leeds or Manchester, or a private yacht charter after a meeting, when staying in our solent hotels – we have it covered.
It’s all about creating refreshingly different events.
What is one of the most memorable events you have been to at Valor?
VALORFEST! An event finale to reward our agency community who place business with us throughout the year. Valorfest 2023 is open now too - www.valorfest.co.uk (I’m not ashamed to plug it).
How have meetings and events at Valor changed post-pandemic?
Meetings and events have absolutely changed post pandemic. Event planners are buying differently, wanting new experiences, craving new ideas and ultimately, wanting to meet face to face. This is not new to 2023, we saw a huge appetite to get together in 2021 and that has not slowed down.
What does MIA Membership mean to Valor?
The MIA is a brilliant member association. The industry insight we get from the association, the networking that it enables like-minded individuals to do and the creativity shown in driving forward change is unparalleled.
Does Valor have any exciting future plans?
Absolutely! As a hotel management company, we are always working on exciting projects around the globe.
Our UK hotels are seeing significant refurbishments taking place and we have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline. There’ll also be 2 new golf resorts joining us in the next 12-18 months, one in St Andrews and one in Portrush, Northern Ireland – so watch this space!