12 Academic Venues
ICCA Case Study : Imago Venues
Loughborough-based academic venue gets a good analysis
he International Conference of Conversations Analysis ( ICCA ) is a quadrennial conference organised in partnership with the International Society for Conversation Analysis . Recently , it has been held in Copenhagen , Helsinki , Manheim and Los Angeles . The event sees experts in linguistics and sociology come together to discuss the language we use and the way we interact . For 2018 , the organisers wanted an accessible event in terms of location due to the association ’ s increasingly global audience . They needed a range of quality accommodation , facilities capable of hosting over 550 delegates for the plenary , plus breakout spaces for up to 12 concurrent sessions . It was also essential the conference take place in an academic venue with a reputation as a centre of excellence in the field of Conversation Analysis . With professor Paul Drew acting as ambassador and lead organiser , Loughborough University and its Imago Venues portfolio was the perfect solution . Prof Drew ’ s involvement meant that someone with a huge amount of passion and subject knowledge was taking the reins for an event incorporating more than 500 sessions across six days . To support him through the logistical elements of the event , Imago Venues also provided comprehensive event management services . They supported Drew throughout the entire event journey – from planning and logistics through to execution and event finances . Most importantly , however , the Imago Venues team brought a creative approach that saw previously formal dinners turned into networking BBQs , creative theming and an app that was accessed more than 20,000 times during the event . Reflecting on the event , Prof Drew commented that Imago understands the needs of an organiser , while their position as part of the wider Loughborough University landscape provides a much-needed insight into the world of academia – factors which were also key to Imago Venues winning a National Venue Award earlier in the year in the academic venue category . “ I cannot speak too highly of the service Imago provided . Delegates who had been to all , or some , of the previous conferences agreed that this was outstandingly the best . The credit for this success goes to Loughborough University ’ s facilities and infrastructure and Imago ’ s brilliant management – all world-class ,” said Drew The event was the largest ever with only 17 % of attendees from the UK , a fact that truly demonstrated Loughborough accessibility as delegates came from US ( 14 %), Finland ( 12 %), Japan ( 8 %), Sweden ( 7 %), Germany ( 7 %) as well as China , Costa Rica and South Africa . Imago ’ s support , sais Drew , say the event generate a significant surplus , which will benefit both the University and ISCA . This demonstrates the value and opportunities available to those looking to use an academic venue with a real understanding of events for their next conference . www . conference-news . co . uk