Venuemasters reflecting on a successful 2017

Venuemasters, the member consortium representing universities and other academic venues is reflecting on another successful year for its members.

2017 has seen the academic venue sector continue to prove itself in the MICE sector showcasing new venues and refurbishments, hosting top-flight events, winning numerous awards and accreditations.

In a series of three articles, Natalie Williamson, Venuemasters General Manager, is sharing with us this year’s high points.

“2017 has been another successful year for our members and we anticipate that 2018 will follow suit. Our member venues continue to provide first class event facilities for the UK’s organisers”.

In Yorkshire, Sheffield Hallam University opened the Hertha Ayrton STEM centre, a stunning space for any event right next to the mainline train station. This follows on the heels of the opening of a restored city landmark, the grade II listed Head Post Office, the new home of the Sheffield Institute of Arts, which has breathed life into the surrounding public area.

Nottingham Conferences acquired De Vere Jubilee Conference Centre on the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus (previously home to National College for Teaching & Leadership). The meeting rooms, as with all other Nottingham Conferences spaces, are available for 22 weeks of the year during Easter, Christmas and Summer vacation periods. The Conference Centre also incorporates a year round 3* hotel with 95 bedrooms and a new soon-to-be launched restaurant and coffee bar, Spokes

King’s College London has acquired the leases for all five of the Bush House buildings. Formerly home to the BBC World Service, the iconic Bush House is one of the most recognised facades of Aldwych architecture. From outside, the building has an imposing presence with its towering pillars and regal, portico sculptures and on the inside the impact on visitors is no less impressive. Vertigo-inducing high ceilings and marble as far as the eye can see help to create a spectacular welcome for guests, whatever their purpose in visiting.

Leeds Beckett University refurbished Cloth Hall Court. Once a major trading centre for the textile industry in Leeds, between the 18^th– 19^thcenturies, the Grade II listed building has undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment and is now a contemporary dedicated conference venue.

For more information about the range of facilities available at academic venues or to make an enquiry please visit venuemasters.com