12 Academic Venues
ICCA Case Study: Imago Venues
Loughborough-based academic venue gets a good analysis
he International Conference of Conversations Analysis( ICCA) is a quadrennial conference organised in partnership with the International Society for Conversation Analysis. Recently, it has been held in Copenhagen, Helsinki, Manheim and Los Angeles. The event sees experts in linguistics and sociology come together to discuss the language we use and the way we interact. For 2018, the organisers wanted an accessible event in terms of location due to the association’ s increasingly global audience. They needed a range of quality accommodation, facilities capable of hosting over 550 delegates for the plenary, plus breakout spaces for up to 12 concurrent sessions. It was also essential the conference take place in an academic venue with a reputation as a centre of excellence in the field of Conversation Analysis. With professor Paul Drew acting as ambassador and lead organiser, Loughborough University and its Imago Venues portfolio was the perfect solution. Prof Drew’ s involvement meant that someone with a huge amount of passion and subject knowledge was taking the reins for an event incorporating more than 500 sessions across six days. To support him through the logistical elements of the event, Imago Venues also provided comprehensive event management services. They supported Drew throughout the entire event journey – from planning and logistics through to execution and event finances. Most importantly, however, the Imago Venues team brought a creative approach that saw previously formal dinners turned into networking BBQs, creative theming and an app that was accessed more than 20,000 times during the event. Reflecting on the event, Prof Drew commented that Imago understands the needs of an organiser, while their position as part of the wider Loughborough University landscape provides a much-needed insight into the world of academia – factors which were also key to Imago Venues winning a National Venue Award earlier in the year in the academic venue category.“ I cannot speak too highly of the service Imago provided. Delegates who had been to all, or some, of the previous conferences agreed that this was outstandingly the best. The credit for this success goes to Loughborough University’ s facilities and infrastructure and Imago’ s brilliant management – all world-class,” said Drew The event was the largest ever with only 17 % of attendees from the UK, a fact that truly demonstrated Loughborough accessibility as delegates came from US( 14 %), Finland( 12 %), Japan( 8 %), Sweden( 7 %), Germany( 7 %) as well as China, Costa Rica and South Africa. Imago’ s support, sais Drew, say the event generate a significant surplus, which will benefit both the University and ISCA. This demonstrates the value and opportunities available to those looking to use an academic venue with a real understanding of events for their next conference. www. conference-news. co. uk