International Delegation Inspired By Academic Ambience
Client: The HP Cambridge EdTech Fellowship
Type of event: Four-Day Conference
Venues: King's College and St John's College
The HP Cambridge EdTech Fellowship is a programme and alumni network for policymakers and organisation leaders to gain knowledge and skills to lead impactful education technology transformations in education systems across the world.
As part of a nine-month programme, in February 2024, it held a four-day in-person Academy in Cambridge attended by 15 senior stakeholders from the Gulf region. Previous cohorts have included delegations from sub-Saharan Africa in 2023, with future plans for groups from Asia and Central Europe.
College venues
Daytime sessions which comprised sharing knowledge, training workshops and networking were held at King’s College and an introductory welcome dinner was also hosted in the College’s Saltmarsh Rooms which offer beautiful view of King’s College Chapel.
A gala dinner, attended by additional guests, took place in the Wordsworth Room at St John’s College, a 450-year-old room that was home to the poet William Wordsworth during his undergraduate years in the 1780s; it is mentioned in his autobiographical poem, "The Prelude.".
Roisin Walker, Assistant Project Manager at Cambridge Partnership for Education, part of Cambridge University Press and Assessment, organised the event. She says: “It was important that we were able to create a special and memorable face-to-face conference and hosting it in a Cambridge College was a key factor in helping us to achieve this.
Historic heritage
“We needed a peaceful environment where the delegates could think deeply, exchange freely and feel inspired by being part of a rich historic heritage.
“The teams at both King’s and St John’s really went the extra mile, particularly since plans were constantly changing. They accommodated our requests calmly and flexibly, responding to dietary requirements for Halal meat and the availability of a separate Prayer Room.
Experiencing Cambridge
“Dinners at the Colleges were very atmospheric and memorable, with rooms laid out formally with tablecloths and candles to create a wonderful ambience. From the Saltmarsh Room we could see the famous King’s College Chapel which really set the scene for the evening. We also did two walking tours of the city centre, one led by Cantab Tours so everyone could make the most of being in Cambridge.
“In terms of the service Meet Cambridge provided, I found the venue-finding very helpful. It was a challenging search as the parameters kept changing but it was useful to have support in establishing suitability and availability.
“Overall, it was a very successful Academy and holding it in a traditional Cambridge College was a key element in making it both memorable and enjoyable for all those attending. We had positive delegate feedback too which demonstrated that everyone appreciated the special surroundings and unique Cambridge experience.”
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