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At Calder Conference we take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to provide the services you have requested from us. However, from time to time we would like to contact you with details of other services we provide and/or information which we believe may be of interest to you.

At Calder Conference we take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to provide the services you have requested from us. However, from time to time we would like to contact you with details of other services we provide and/or information which we believe may be of interest to you.

A FEW WORDS OF WISDOM ON ACADEMIC VENUES

Written by: Sue - 30th May 2018

A real cause for pride at Calder is that our reputation over the decades has been founded on the truth that we are a totally independent agency and a source of qualified, impartial advice. Here, we're passing on a few words of wisdom about academic venues, what we've gleaned on how they differ from more familiar options and why - for some clients and events - they might be the correct answer.

We partner with all types of venue: the most prestigious and well-known hotel groups, conference centres and outdoor spaces as well as some academic locations. This category might embrace universities, colleges, technology and science parks, libraries or royal societies and colleges. We're conversant with how clients' perceptions are changing; we note they recognise that this sector is competing sturdily with mainstream business meeting spaces in technology, interior design and accommodation investment. Brains are the business and the brand at academic institutions so it shouldn't be a surprise that this is exactly where you might find truly innovative and unconventional approaches to commercial learning. It's school - but it's not old school.

Here are eight impressions that our clients and delegates have fed back to us on academic venues for conferences, training and events.

The Brains Business - Academic Culture

In the words of one delegate I spoke to regarding different conference experiences: "There's something special about being based in an academic environment for a business purpose. It's as if you absorb something from the studious surroundings that improves your focus and attitude. Often they are set apart from the city in a pleasant enclosure too which can aid concentration. I don't really feel the same in a hotel setting, which I suppose I associate with a social life and leisure time."

The dedicated event manager here may also be an academic professional or be networked with other scholarly people who can offer valuable insights to the planning. They could even be recommended as a keynote speaker in your chosen field.

Distraction Free and Exclusive

Expanding the above point, many clients appreciate when they are not competing with another business or social presence in proximity. Usually there is scope for a zone to feel exclusively theirs. Our partner Warwick Conferences has conducted some interesting research on this point: 

"Three-quarters of conference delegates say they've been disrupted at an event. A third said it was by technology, another third by noise and over a quarter by non-business guests."

They emphasise that in some venues either the business guests or a nearby social gathering might wind up feeling dissatisfied with the experience.

Flexible and Creative

Coupled with exclusivity is flexibility. Without the demand for an environment to accommodate different types of guests simultaneously, there is scope to be really imaginative and freedom to make your own distinctive mark which can lift proceedings up a notch. Warwick Conferences' The Slate venue is a prime illustration. In this single story, 650 sqm open space for up to 400 delegates, there aren't any obstructions; walls can be up or down which is great for exhibitions - you can even drive a car through if on theme for dramatic impact!

Diversity - Ancient Halls to Auditoriums

You might discover relaxed, modern, youthful spaces like in the above image alongside a grand, ancient banqueting hall within the same enclosure. The diversity of buildings, architecture and areas available can be really impressive, from lecture theatres accommodating 400 plus and tiered auditoriums to smaller seminar or syndicate rooms. As world-class centres of learning and culture, here you might find arts centres, galleries and cinemas open for use in your event for an unexpected and memorable touch.

Whether set in appealing parkland or an interesting architectural design-scape, the event will benefit from plenty of leafy nooks or private corners as natural breakout spaces.

Accessible, With Car Parks

The delegate I chatted with said he's never had to struggle for parking at an academic venue and that this ranks highly in his regard compared to more city-bound settings. Welcoming students and visitors from all corners of the UK and the world beyond, academic institutions must be comfortable to reach by road, bus, rail and air even if they manage to conjure an ambience of tranquil retreat.

Reliable Wi-Fi and Technology

If the Wi-Fi and technology regularly let tutors and students down, the whole operation would grind to a halt and be a mockery. In the same way, events guests won't be failed. Technology tends to be a focus of investment and sharp, with even sharper experts from the establishment on hand for smooth delivery.

Campus Culture and Dining

Business and entertainment can still be enjoyed on one site, as with hotels. In fact, the options to explore can be outstanding particularly for overnight delegates. With limited movement from learning sessions to leisure, delegates can visit cutting-edge sports facilities, gyms, tennis courts and pools, for instance, together with art galleries, campus theatres and cinemas.

Besides the event catering - often award-winning these days - there is usually an array of bars and eateries from sophisticated dining and library cafes to quirky grab-and-go stalls, fusion restaurants, cocktail bars and craft beer halls.

Don't Sleep Like A Student

Rooms for overnight guests were once considered a poor relation in this sector compared to hotel pampering. Did you know that academic accommodation will now often be en-suite, with room service, pillow menus and even VIP upgrade packages for added luxury? This really is a game-changer.

Our Academic Partners

Warwick Conferences accommodates all styles and scale of event across five venues: Scarman, Radcliffe, Arden, The Slate and their Conference Park experience. 

Sodexo Prestige Venues and Events partners with us for gatherings at the Solent University of Southampton. Situated in a leafy city centre location, the Spark Building here is ideal for events with the 'wow' factor thanks to the imposing central atrium and The Pod, a suspended meeting room with an open-topped viewing platform. Such attention-grabbing spaces lend themselves to major events and exhibitions but there are also six flexible meeting rooms which transform into a conference suite, lecture theatres and 35 classrooms which metamorphose into breakout spaces.

Academic venues are really making their voice heard amidst the throng of competing smart solutions. This is reflected in the awards they continue to clinch; last November Solent University was named Best Conference Venue at the inaugural Academic Venue Awards and Warwick Conferences was recently presented with the Best Venue Chain or Group award at the National Venue Awards. Impressive assessments!