FRUITS OF INVESTMENT AT EMCC AND ORCHARD HOTEL

Written by: Sue - 12^th October 2020

Autumn brings positive harvest news from our partner De Vere, the East Midlands Conference Centre (EMCC) and Orchard Hotel where the team is enjoying reaping the fruits of a £2million plus investment.

Set in 330 acres of the University of Nottingham's beautiful landscaped parkland, this venue was always a memorable experience for guests and delegates; major enhancements will be exciting to explore. Many conference venues entice visitors with boasts of tranquil green settings and the promise of escaping into beauty to steal breaths between sessions. This is not an empty promise here: I haven't just visited to browse what's on offer, I have lived in the park. Nottingham was this blogger's university.

I can tell you that if you visit in spring, the cherry blossom explodes for its brief but dramatic reign over the park; in summer you can find shade under a willow on the grassy banks of the lake and unwind to the sound of oars slicing through water; in autumn the park's display will engulf you wherever you lay your eyes and I know that in winter the frost on the lake and trees chimes with the Portland stone of the iconic Trent and Portland buildings.

Leafy nooks and natural breakout spaces surround. As outdoor spaces become even more precious in our post-pandemic world, there is much to be cherished on campus.

Turning Heads

The university's unique history and heritage, along with Nottingham city itself, are woven intrinsically into the new interior design. The venue's atrium has enjoyed a dramatic remodelling and now presents a head-turning collaborative space. Dwelling here is a bust of Jesse Boot who gifted the land to the university from the Boots company. Individual themed pieces have been specially commissioned from a local artist and there are also some visual nods to illustrious past campus visitors.

Space, Safety, Solutions

The meetings and events offering has also enjoyed refreshing touches. Although placed in an historic setting, the EMCC is a modern destination for all business gatherings - from the more intimate huddle, to training, awards and landmark conferences. Alongside sits the charming 202-bed De Vere Orchard Hotel with stylish bedrooms, restaurant, bar and gym for delegate convenience.

Covid secure gatherings are up and running for up to 30 people currently with multiple meeting zones which can be hired out simultaneously for separate, socially distanced groups.

Sustainability At the Core

Inkeeping with the ethos at the Orchard Hotel next door, sustainability is at the core of this redevelopment. The conference centre is now punctuated with water refill stations at key points, thus reducing the need for single-use plastics; a commitment to sourcing local products to help reduce carbon footprint is central to the food offering; in the same spirit all food waste is recycled or composted.

Your Space, Brand, Character

Freedom for the imagination and flexibility in configurations is possible with such an expansive space. Venue customers are invited to brand it in their own style and really bring the building to life thanks to a full digital package which includes giant digital wall, digital signage outside each meeting room, plus digital projection mapping on the Orchard Hotel for true dramatic impact.

Why Academic Venues Inspire

As independent consultants, the Calder team knows the advantages of all venues - from the familiar choices to the more unconventional and distinctive. Venues in academic environments are an intelligent choice for the following reasons:

* learning institutions must offer sharp Wi-Fi on campus - this venue offers free,superfast Wi-Fi with a maximum of 1GB available throughout

* parking is often more convenient than in a city-bound setting - the campus is a retreat

* on-site, ready accommodation for overnight delegates - here in the stylish Orchard Hotel so guests don't have to sleep like students

* campus culture can be absorbed by delegates, enriching their whole   experience as movement from learning to leisure is reduced - Nottingham University boasts a state-of-the-art gym and 25m swimming pool at the David Ross Sports Village, together with squash, badminton courts and even a climbing wall! There are additional outlets and eateries too on campus and all these extras are served in a leafy, lakeland package.

Jesse Boot's wife Florence is said to have urged innovation in the family business, encouraging separate counters for perfume and cosmetics alongside the pharmaceuticals. She was the first to introduce swanky in-store cafes and even libraries. Maybe a touch of the magic entrepeneurial force this business power couple possessed is something else the team at EMCC can promise guests?