CONF ERENCING
Open for BUSINESS WHETHER YOU WANT A CHANGE OF SCENE, TO PULL TOGETHER COLLEAGUES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE OR SIMPLY TOUCH BASE –THERE’S A LOCAL VENUE FOR YOU
“These sessions can sometimes be the most productive part of attending a conference,” says Judith Sloane, deputy manager at Meet Cambridge. Sometimes, she says, this can even take the form of encouraging small groups to move to a quirky or ‘kitchen table’ setting, which can help to spark ideas. Organisers are also prioritising sustainability, seeking out suppliers whose eco-friendly values are – increasingly – a reflection of their own. At the Allia Future Business Centre, catering can be provided by the on-site café, but there’s also the option of using Wintercomfort, a local social enterprise whose catering arm provides training and employment for homeless people in the local area. Madingley Hall’s Green Impact Platinum Award recognises its commitment to sustainability across the site, from the gardens to the kitchens. “Food, wherever possible, is locally sourced and single-use plastic is kept to a minimum,” says Rebecca Burgess, conference and sales manager. Andrew Bell, conference and hospitality manager at The Granta Centre, says that demand for sustainability is finally gathering momentum as guests’ expectations change. “We have removed all our pre-packed products and introduced a pick-and-mix concept, sweet and savoury snacks – as much or as little as you like,” he says. China cups are used in the conference areas and the aim is to encourage reusable cups everywhere else. “Evolution will catch up,” he thinks. Meet Cambridge, meanwhile, is working with Green Tourism, promoting the message that making eco-friendly choices for events, even small ones, can make a whole world of difference. “There are some fantastic initiatives taking place,” says Judith Sloane. Produce is increasingly sourced locally, and there are more vegetarian and vegan menu options. Many venues now have their own water bottling plants on site, therefore cutting out the need for the dreaded and ubiquitous plastic bottle. u
WORDS BY CHARLOTTE PHILLIPS
O rganisations, regardless of sector, still love get-togethers. Meetings and conferences are big business, totting up awe- inspiring numbers every year. According to one estimate, the conference and events industry supports the equivalent of over half a million full time jobs and has an annual value of over £40 billion. Events continue to be popular because, despite the transformative impact of technology on business communications, nothing beats face-to-face meetings. A change of environment gets people out of their own silos and, very often, into a fresh mindset that can benefit everyone.
Our area does conferences beautifully, combining a stunning location with venues that span the gamut of sizes, styles and facilities, ranging from large, light, purpose-built spaces to historic buildings whose ancient charms make for an imposing – and inspiring – backdrop. With clients ranging from vast multinationals to small, whizzy start-ups, venues are also adept at ensuring that what they offer is evolving in line with clients’ changing priorities. Today’s event organisers increasingly take brilliant technology for granted – it’s a given, remarked on only when it’s absent. Of growing importance is a creative layout that works with hold-the- front-page announcements and ensures keynote speakers get their moment in the sun, and also provides space for formal and informal debate and discussion.
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