Boasting 30,000 sq ft of space, The King’s Centre in Oxford can cater to every need from conferences and trade shows to dinners. Jade Burke chats to general manager Michelle Fernandez to discuss why PAs should have the venue on their speed dial
How has business been for the venue over the past 12 months?
It’s been a big year, we have strengthened the team internally, we now provide in-house catering for our clients and we have won some exciting business. We’ve hosted some major events like Venturefest and The Oxfordshire Business Awards, as well as becoming the main exam hub for prestigious universities and colleges.
What kinds of events can you cater for?
We regularly host large-scale events and they really do vary, from sit down meals and theatre style conferences to trade and film sets. Plus, our two largest rooms can accommodate 1,000 people.
What event space can you offer?
The King’s Centre has more than 30,000 sq ft of space available and we pride ourselves on working with clients to make the space work for each of their events. Our venue is a blank canvas – the rooms can be dressed to host most types of functions.
Clients can hire the entire venue, or one of our ten rooms, which have AV equipment, tables and chairs and an in-house technician and chef.
What are the advantages of organising a meeting or an event with you?
Firstly, our event co-ordinator would work closely with you, plus we are also very happy to help promote our client’s public events via our social media channels and contacts. Additionally, we have rooms of varying size, meaning there is always a solution at hand to fit your requirements.
Our location is a big plus. We are just a ten-minute walk from Oxford station and being in the South Midlands, we are well located for events where the guests are travelling from various areas.
“Often PAs have to book meeting rooms last minute and that’s why it’s worth having us on speed dial – we’ve got multiple rooms and are always flexible.”
Do you have any tips for PAs looking to host a private event?
For private meetings, discretion, facilities and location are important. Our staff are highly trained in client service and have a high attention to detail.
For a ticket-only event, we advise clients to hire door staff to manage the guests’ arrival. For events with an expected high number, transport is also an important factor to consider.
Often PAs have to book meeting rooms at the last minute and that’s why it’s worth having us on speed dial – we’ve got multiple rooms and are always as flexible as we can be.
The building is owned by a church. Why is it important to continue working with the church and its charitable events?
The building is owned by Oxfordshire Community Churches, and all of the profits from the centre go into the upkeep of the building and supporting charitable work in the county. I think it’s lovely that by booking events at The King’s Centre, businesses are helping support the community.
What’s next for you guys?
Our medium-term plan is to continue to expand and work towards maximum occupancy for the centre. This involves being very strategic and focused on how we generate new business. We love working with people and helping host events of all shapes and sizes.
