Beginning in January 2001, Dallas-based HQ Global Workplaces andBAA plc will open the United Kingdom's first stand-alone airportconference center. The 8,000-sf center includes 18 conference roomsand a touchdown area for down time between meetings or flights. Thehigh-tech "on the road" center will feature videoconferencingcapabilities, administrative support and travel and cateringservices.

HQ Global and BAA are making plans for other centers atinternational hubs in BAA's 15-airport network. Heathrow will comeon line in 2002. HQ has 470 flexible office locations in 17countries for traveling executives, outfitted with state-of-the-artIT necessities and skilled staff.

BAA's US airports are Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Harrisburg andNewark. The airport operator recently has gained the nod of NewYork City to partner in the long-term operation, management anddevelopment of JFK and La Guardia airports. BAA's portfolioencompasses more than 30 million sf of non-retail property.