Cambridge:
learning
something
new
3
Academic Venues
Kelly Vickers, director of Meet Cambridge, talks to CN about how events business
to the area helps fund research in a variety of fields
cademic
venues are the
original
multi-purpose, flexible
spaces. They are often
centrally located,
equipped with modern
AV and are used to
dealing with large
groups of people.
Lecture theatres and
seminar rooms are
readily available in
commercial venues
too, so what is it about
academic venues that
sees them remaining a
popular choice?
Kelly Vickers, director
of Meet Cambridge, the
official venue-finding
service of the city, says:
“Our view is that, in
Cambridge at least,
organisers who opt to
choose one of the
Colleges or other
spaces do so because
hosting an event here
opens the door to
opportunities outside
of the actual event
itself.
“Of course, we have
the facilities, the tech
and an incredible range
of stunning venues set
in perfectly manicured
gardens, but
Cambridge’s academic
venues also offer a
range of possibilities to
help organisers achieve
their event objectives,
to create impact and to
leave a legacy, long
after the auditorium
lights have dimmed.”
Tap into expertise
Cambridge’s academic
venues are at the very
heart of world-changing
research, which means
that the organisers and
delegates have the
opportunity not only to
tap into academic
expertise within the
universities, but also in
the surrounding tech
and science hubs.
Facilitating and
creating the right
conditions for
collaboration and
knowledge transfer is
second nature in an
academic venue and
the possibilities are
endless. From
engaging with student
groups to local
industry, there are the
connections to make
that possible, which in
turn can enable
organisers to amplify
their messages and
reach a wider
audience.
Contribution
Vickers adds:
“Organisers may not
realise that simply by
hosting an event at one
of our academic
venues, they are
contributing directly to
education, as in most
cases, the profit from
their event goes
straight back into the
venues’ core function,
learning and teaching.
And while this might
not be a visible
advantage, even the
smallest of events will
undoubtedly have a
positive impact and
leave a legacy.
“However, we know
that generating impact
and leaving a legacy
can’t always be left to
serendipity. Organisers
hosting an event in
Cambridge have the
choice of a wealth of
rooms and spaces,
experiences and
activities – from
hosting a networking
session in a famous
university museum to a
gala dinner in a Tudor
dining hall.
“With planning,
excellent content and
an engaged audience,
it’s easy to create the
conditions that allow
the sparks to happen
and who knows where
that might lead…”
Learn more about Cambridge at
www.meet-cambridge.com
www.conference-news.co.uk