Paul Bartlett, Head of Sales at Warwick Conferences, at The Slate
Warwick Conferences, the University’s award-winning conference, meeting and events organisation, hosted 17,719 events across its estate during the 12 months growing its business by 13 per cent - generating even more funding for the world-leading University’s teaching and research.
Investments in the new £5 million The Slate centre and a £6 million refurbishment of Radcliffe helped attract a new array of clients as well as the ability to hold a wider range of events catering from two to 1,200 delegates.
The Slate, which can host conferences, meetings and product launches within its flexible event space of 650 sqm suspended over a lake for up to 400 delegates, was opened 18 months ago and has been a key driver in the improved performance.
The refurbishment of Radcliffe means the complex can host meetings of up to 180 people, and has 154 hotel-standard bedrooms as well as a large restaurant.
Paul Bartlett, Head of Sales at Warwick Conferences, said: “We have had a very good year in what is a tough environment and the work which has taken place on site in the last two years has been a major driver.
“The Slate has been a real game changer as it has allowed us to attract a far wider range of events than we could before – from major conferences through to car launches.
“It has hosted several blue ribband events including the conference where government minister Greg Clark, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, announced that Coventry and Warwickshire will play host to the new UK Battery Industrialisation Centre – an investment of £80 million for the region.
“Other events have ranged from product launches and major professional body conferences, through to gala dinners and company awaydays.
“The fact that the University had the confidence to invest in such a cutting-edge facility has also resonated around the conference and exhibition world and has allowed us to access new clients and we have a very encouraging pipeline for the next few months.”
Warwick Conferences has four venues each with a different style – Scarman, Radcliffe, Arden and The Slate – and in addition to its ability to use space on the University campus as a Conference Park.
It also has 80 small meeting rooms and a suite of creative spaces that redefine the traditional meeting room and inspire innovation.
Bartlett added: “A major focus for the coming year will be to drive up our local and regional client base. We have more than 80 small meeting rooms which are really useful for off-site meetings for companies and organisations, but we have always been associated with our larger venues.”
