Client: World Poultry Science Association (UK)
Type of event: Residential conference
Date: July 2017
Venue: Gillespie Centre, Clare College
Date: 3 -5 July 2017
Background
The World Poultry Science Association (WPSA) is a non-profit making organisation with members from both industry and academia. Approximately every three years, the UK branch organises a symposium focusing on a specific area in poultry science, which is followed by the publication of a book containing all the scientific papers presented at the event.
Brief
Lucy Tovey, former council member for WPSA, was on the 2017 organising committee. She says: “Usually the organiser chooses a location which is convenient for them and also ensures good local knowledge. For me, Cambridge was an obvious choice because it offers such a wide range of facilities and I knew it would be an attractive destination for delegates.
“Looking at what we needed, a first-class lecture hall with excellent AV was high on the list and the Riley Auditorium at the Gillespie Centre at Clare College fitted the bill perfectly. The layout of the facilities there also allowed us to use the Garden Room for breakout sessions, outside space for the barbecue on the first evening, the Scholars’ Garden for our drinks reception and the Great Hall for our formal Gala Dinner.
“Another main attraction was that the Gillespie Centre was near to the historic city centre and as a contemporary venue offered state-of-the-art facilities and AV but delegates were still able to enjoy the ambience of a traditional Cambridge College. Parking available nearby at a sports ground was also a real benefit.
Event
“Using different spaces within Clare College provided variety for those attending but also meant everything was in one place. Most delegates chose to stay at the College too. The fact that Clare has its own punting station was a major plus for our social programme.
“This event had a long lead time and so we were able to work with Meet Cambridge in the early stages to shortlist our venues which saved us time and was extremely helpful in making the decision.
“The conference team at Clare really played a part in the choice as they were so friendly, flexible and professional. We also used Meet Cambridge’s Event Management Services, delivered by Suzy Howes & associates ltd. using their team worked so well, they handled all the registration tasks including being there during the event. It meant that as an organiser in a voluntary role, I could focus on other elements of the conference. From the moment we met Suzy we felt confident that we could leave this side of the event to her – she immediately knew what would work and liaised with the College on our behalf.
Feedback
“The event was a great success – people liked the venue and the very high standard of food which many delegates commented on. They loved the punting too! Feedback also showed that everyone appreciated the high level of organisation throughout which means they are more likely to book into events in future years.
“Meet Cambridge was extremely helpful in the early stages with venue selection, providing a list of Professional Conference Organisers from which we selected Suzy and putting us in touch with other local people which also saved us time.”
Take a look at our gallery of images from the event.
Images: Damien Vickers Photography
