Conference News June 2020 | Page 12

12 Venue Tips Where to enjoy the great Welsh outdoors Pictured: Centre of Alternative Technology Pictured: Swansea University Pictured: Adventure Parc Snowdonia CN looks at three venues across Wales which offer epic experiences of the great outdoors As Visit Wales celebrates its Year of the Outdoors, we take a look at three venues that champion the great outdoors and the country’s stunning landscapes. Centre of Alternative Technology Nestled in the stunning UNESCO Dyfi Biosphere in mid Wales, the Centre for Alternative Technology is a world-renowned eco centre that demonstrates practical solutions for a sustainable future and has facilities and services with a huge amount to offer to the world of business events. The venue serves a plant-based and vegetarian menu and grows a lot of its produce on-site and sources other ingredients from local suppliers. The centre, which focuses on its sustainability efforts, has a number of event spaces, which are capable of hosting up to 150 delegates. It has 24 en-suite bedrooms on site, some of which offer stunning views of Wales’ largest National Park, Snowdonia. Adventure Parc Snowdonia Set against the mountains of Snowdonia is Adventure Parc Snowdonia, the UK’s only inland surf lagoon. The outdoor adventure park is split into three zones – Surf Snowdonia; Adrenaline Indoors and Outdoor Adventures, which are all suitable for teambuilding and meetings whatever the weather. Adventure Parc Snowdonia has six event spaces, which offer fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and forests, perfect for smaller-sized meetings and receptions up to 150 delegates. The venue has glamping pods on-site, which can accommodate up to 108 guests. Later in 2020, a 106-bed Hilton Garden Inn will open on the site with a wellbeing spa, corporate conference facilities for up to 230 delegates, and a destination-dining restaurant. Swansea University Swansea University is ranked in the top 4% of universities in the world and is also home to some of the finest conference, meeting and event spaces in Wales. Both its Bay Campus and Singleton Park Campus are located on the south-west coast and incorporate the surrounding beaches into its meeting and events offerings. Events and Hospitality at Swansea University offer an extensive range of meeting and event spaces, suitable for up to 800 delegates, spread across its two beautiful campuses. Swansea University’s Bay Campus, which has its own private beach, is located next to Crymlyn Burrows, a site of special scientific interest. The site can be explored on a bespoke tour organised with Swansea University’s Biodiversity Officer. The university’s beachside locations provide delegates with the opportunity to venture outdoors and reap the benefits of spending time in nature, which includes improving concentration, productivity, creativity, stress relief and learning. www.conference-news.co.uk