Conference News Supplements Academic Venues Supplement | Page 18

18 Academic Venues Budget and backing Joanna Goddard, head of sales and marketing, Leicester Conferences, on how the consortium of venues can help support your event hy choose an academic venue? Universities up and down the country operate some of the very best venues in hospitality. Each offering innovative and creative spaces, including purpose-built conference centres and hotels. Academic venues have been around for many years, many being located in the most architecturally superb historic buildings, spread across a city campus or set within acres of beautiful rural land. However, they have now become a sought-after venue option due to their key locations, flexible meeting and bedroom options. Let’s not forget that academic venues were designed to allow ‘meeting and teaching’ and therefore boast cutting-edge audio-visual equipment with highly specialised teams, dedicated to the success of each and every event. Investment in innovation Universities commit a large amount of money to investing in their facilities, which in turn allows for new and innovative spaces to be available for conferences and meetings. Their ethos on investment, keeping things fresh, modern and on trend meaning that delegates take advantage and enjoy state-of-the-art facilities. Trendy, innovative, creative and often cutting-edge design, facilities within Universities are some of the best that can be found in the UK. 2018 saw a 3.8% growth in demand for this type of space, as organisers are getting more creative with venues and themes. Unique meeting facilities leave a long-lasting impression on clients which make for memorable events. This is why College Court is creating innovative spaces to encourage creative thinking in a relaxed environment, with the help of “on brand” coloured lighting and SMART technology. Budget and backing One of the key factors when planning an event is budget. Utilising an academic venue offers a flexible approach to pricing. With an increased profile over the last few years they do not compromise on other areas. An increased number of academic venues across the country are scooping national awards for their facilities, service, catering and Utilising an academic venue offers a flexible approach to pricing. www.conference-news.co.uk accommodation. Many organisations are conscious of their corporate responsibilities and using an academic venue is a sure way to make a difference. With profits being re invested it contributes to improving our education system, facilities and fund future projects and research. Leicester Conferences is a clear example of excellence offering a range of inspiring spaces, all offering something different. With a wide portfolio including College Court, Stamford Court, Oadby Village and Leicester Campus it plays home to over 3,000 events every year.