23 Nottingham
VERE
will continue to be demand for outdoor spaces , which the venue does not lack .
Virtual and hybrid The great reset button has been pressed with clients more educated than ever before about virtual and hybrid events . However , this doesn ’ t have to be viewed as a competitor to live events , but rather a complement . Judging by the available AV and technology installed at East Midlands Conference Centre , they are ready to go .
“ We have always invested in technology as the majority of our rooms , especially the larger space , has built-in AV . We also have our own in-house tech team , which is why our clients return to us again and again ,” Melissa tells me .
“ After our recent refurbishment we have also added a 4x3 video wall in our main reception and all rooms now offer the latest click share technology and video conferencing . In-between lockdowns we worked with a large beauty brand and turned one of our rooms into a TV studio to help deliver their virtual event , which would have been delivered to 4,000 delegates .
“ Based on the current feedback we ’ re seeing , our clients want to come back together in person to network , which one of the key parts of running an event and resume face to face events , but also offer a
The light and airy atrium
SPECS AT A GLANCE :
EVENT SPACES : 25 THEATRE : 1,000 BANQUET : 588 DINNER DANCE : 528 CABARET : 360 CLASSROOM : 280 U-SHAPE : 46 BOARDROOM : 46 BEDROOMS 202 hybrid options for delegates who are unable to travel , even with restrictions easing .”
Bookings increase Melissa tells me that both East Midlands Conference Centre and the Orchard Hotel are seeing an increase in bookings , and that really is refreshing to hear . I ask her how the venue sees its role in the wider region to bring business to the area . “ We work closely with our local convention bureau , Visit Nottinghamshire , to bring national and international events to the region ,” she says . “ This will continue , especially after the refurbishment , and with us being the largest venue within the region . Then there is sport , which is a big bonus for our venue , and we are seeing more growth in this area .”
How are bookings shaping up as we emerge from the pandemic , are contracts being signed , and what has changed in terms of customer demands , I ask . “ Enquiry levels have increased significantly since the latest Government announcement , and this is continuing with each update .
“ Those that were holding off on signing contracts are now signing , so we are seeing positive steps and confidence return . We are also offering flexibility around our cancellation fees as customers want to see this .”
That they do . While no one can deny any business should look after itself , the main concern among event buyers is the threat of further restrictions , therefore terms and conditions must remain reasonably flexible .
What does the next 12 months look like , I ask . “ Challenging , yet we are optimistic ,” says Melissa . “ The enquiry levels are very strong and 2022 is also looking good . However , we don ’ t envisage levels to be back up until around the end of next year . But we are on the road back , and that is really positive .”
De Vere ’ s East Midland Conference Centre is a great venue . www . conference-news . co . uk