CORPORATE VENUES
decor and address all the practical elements much more effectively.”
Talk it out When it comes to top tips, our experts emphasise the importance of clear communication with the venue’s staff. “The more specific you can be about what you need, the smoother everything will go,” continues Raton Fernandez. “A tip I always share is to think and talk about past events you’ve planned or attended – what worked, what didn’t and what you’d do differently. It gives the events team a much better understanding of your preferences and helps them bring your particular vision to life.” Claudia Galelli, director of sales and marketing at Clayton Hotel Cambridge, agrees: “In my experience, the best events have come together with strong communication between the organiser and the venue team. No one knows the space better than the people who run it day in and day out. If you’re ever unsure
FOR DAY AND NIGHT University Arms caters to a variety of events with its elegant guest and meeting rooms
Allia Future Business Centres futurebusinesscentre.co.uk Allia specialises in purpose-driven corporate events. Its King’s Hedges conference room accommodates up to 60 attendees, ideal for team away days, training sessions and hybrid workshops, offering flexible layouts, breakout areas and 360° AV tech. The Grade II listed Guildhall Centre brings a touch of gravitas to events, exhibitions and inbound business delegations. It has hosted Reach Cambridge’s summer school, plus events for AV tech provider Audinate and Cambridge Network.
Clayton Hotel Cambridge claytonhotels.com
The Gonville Hotel gonvillehotel.co.uk
Hosting corporate events from large conferences and relaxed networking to team celebrations and formal dinners, Clayton Hotel has meeting rooms that are easily adapted from boardroom set-ups to stylish dining, with high-speed Wi-Fi and built-in AV. A recent memorable event was a corporate dinner for a local company after a full day of meetings, in a private dining space with personalised decor, a three- course menu, wine pairings, custom place cards and AV for speeches.
Well-suited to boutique corporate events with overnight stays, The Gonville Hotel’s venues cater to strategy days, executive board meetings, team-building workshops, networking and product launches. Each space offers flexibility and high-tech AV, with capacities from ten to 120 people. A standout event was a summer leadership retreat; it began with a strategy session, then a picnic-style lunch on Parker’s Piece, a relaxed Q&A and Pimm’s on the terrace as the sun was setting.
22 | BUSINESS EDITION | ISSUE 1
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