6 Academic Venues
Hail delegate , Well Met
“ Well Met markets a trinity of services ”
ell Met Conferencing at Leeds Beckett University is an AIM Gold Accredited facility , with four academic spaces : The Rose Bowl , James Graham , Leslie Silver and Cloth Hall Court . Well Met markets a trinity of services : smart conferencing , hospitality and accommodation . Cloth Hall Court , the newest of the four conferencing facilities , fully opens in the heart of Leeds in summer 2017 and will have 10 rooms taking inspiration from the textile industry and include Merchants Hall , Herringbone Suite and Seamstress Boardroom . The space will be able to accommodate 300 delegates and offers onsite VIP parking . Teach First delegates will be some of the first in when they return to the city in July 2017 for the Summer Institute . There is an introductory offer for organisers including free use of the facilities in July , and half price rates throughout August 2017 . T & Cs apply .
Well Met offers six ways the academic venue model in Leeds stands out : 1 . Access to academic experts in their field . Organisers have the option to use the University ’ s ‘ find an expert ’ function . One example was Chris Hudson from the School of Health & Community Studies at Leeds Beckett , who spoke at the annual Great Ambassador Networking Group ( GANG ) event in 2016 . 2 . Less expensive than many venues . With day delegate rates starting at £ 15 + VAT and on-site value accommodation from £ 36 per night , Well Met is a value option and offers a three-star AA accredited Carnegie Village and the Grade II listed Sugarwell Court . 3 . Architectural variety and history . Well Met offers both city centre facilities , as well as venues in the leafy suburbs and also the historic James Graham building . 4 . Versatile spaces with high spec AV included . 5 . A dedicated event management team . 6 . Accreditation . Well Met was the first University in the UK to receive Gold Accredited in Meetings ( AIM ) certification from the Meetings Industry Association .
In-house : the value option
Shane Simmons , marketing and sales coordinator at ConferenceHertfordshire , is based at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield , and says the new economic background means universities have much to offer , not least because of their pioneering facilities . Venues should focus on value , competitiveness and developing the experience , Simmons believes . “ Steering away from traditional destinations to create lasting experiences for delegates has been an important factor identified from organisers ,” he adds . “ Hatfield particularly has rich heritage with the aviation industry and the close proximity to London has enhanced the appeal .” Simmons notes 2016 saw the introduction of an online bed and breakfast booking system , including for large scale conferences . Rising tuition fees mean the facilities become a key decision factor for students , he adds , which has created , in turn , more valued commercial products for organisers . “ We are continually committed to adding value ,” adds Simmons , “ this year offering organisers in-house solutions to take the stress out of organising . Everything from transport to registration and payment processes .” Investment in the University includes in new spaces such as the Art Gallery , Mezzanine , Law Court building , Hutton Hub and Chapman Lounge , while the conferencehertfordshire . co . uk site offers useful tips for organisers also . www . conference-news . co . uk