By Paul Bartlett, Director, Warwick Conferences
Every year, we publish our industry trends report and reflect on the learnings and expected focuses across the industry.
And while last year was no normal year โ and one we will not want repeating anytime soon โ that doesnโt mean we shouldnโt buck the trend, despite it looking a lot different than usual.
Letโs take some time to look ahead to the new year, as we start to plan for the future.
Reflecting on 2020
2020 was a year nobody could predict and like most businesses, we had to adapt. We launched virtual conferencing and hybrid meeting services, which received theย seal of approval from British Mensa. These services helped ensure that planned events, board meetings and international conferences could still go ahead, bringing together communities isolated by the pandemic.
Another important step for us was to support our local community, particularly for the students who faced an extended period away from home. Our team delivered 8,500 boxed meals to bedrooms for students, while the Conference team has managed a number of events to support the University of Warwickโs students during this difficult period. From hosting a pumpkin carving competition, to our chefs hosting a student cook-a-long session, itโs been a heartening experience and one that we are proud to have played a part. And while we missed you over the Christmas period, we delivered 1,750 Christmas meals to students both on- and off-campus.
January is always a month of new beginnings and this year is no different. Lockdown restrictions have meant we have had to unfortunately close our doors for meetings and conference bookings. However, our commitment to supporting businesses is stronger than ever.
Behind the scenes, we have been working on a number of really exciting initiatives to ensure your experience exceeds your expectations when it is safe to return. This year, we have already achieved the prestigious ECOSmart Gold Status by Greengage Solutions. This award is a demonstration of excellent standards of environmental sustainability, achieved thanks to Warwick Conferencesโ commitment to energy and water conservation, waste management and recycling, among others.
We have also been working on an industry-first tool designed to deliver support when creating certain business improvement programmes. Weโre keeping tight-lipped at the moment, but it is a development we are very excited to share with you in 2021 and one we are sure you will love.
Preparing for the future
There have also been some changes to our services during this time. We have continued to adapt our facilities in Scarman and Radcliffe to ensure they are equipped to support virtual technology to allow for hybrid meetings and conferences.
The new executive boardroom is available, while ourย outdoor creative spacesย are primed and ready for springtime meetings. Spending time outdoors is ideal for teams looking to brainstorm, offering a tranquil green space and access to our award-winning services and facilities.
Now is the time for businesses to start to plan a post-pandemic strategy, if this hasnโt already taken place. The Warwick Conferences team will continue to keep its lines open for a chat โ whether about the new developments, advice on planning for the future or for a general catch-up over tea and cake.ย
If you would like to discuss the future, then our lines are open. We look forward to welcoming you back to Warwick Conferences in 2021. For more information, please visitย www.warwickconferences.com.
Since youโre hereโฆ
More than 30,000 readers per month enjoy the content we publish on PA Life. Weโre proud to sit right at the heart of the PA and EA community, providing advice, profiles, How To guides, reviews and more.
Weโd like you to be part of our community too and you can sign up to theย newsletter, which is completely free of charge.
Click here to sign up to our newsletter.
