venews...Issue 7, December 2008

To read the online version of this newsletter, please click here

Welcome to Venews, the latest from Conference Cambridge.

Conference Cambridge is the official venue-finding service for the University of Cambridge and the Colleges. Having used our service we thought you might like to be kept up-to-date with news from our venues and special offers.

Of course if you would prefer not to receive this information, we would be very happy to remove your name from our mailing database, so please do use the unsubscribe facility.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Conference Cambridge!

Conference Cambridge

Christmas Availability!
Just been asked to organise a last minute party? Cross it off your 'to do' list – we've got the answer right here!
Conference Cambridge is on the Move
We're moving to new premises in the heart of the City...
Conference Cambridge wins Gold at MIMA
We scooped the Gold at the Meetings Industry Marketing Awards 2009...
Times Crème Competition Winner
Lucky Laura wins VIP day...
The Conference Cambridge Awards 2009 - Win a College Hamper!
Tell us which of our venues is your favourite and you could win a luxury hamper, packed full of College goodies...
Client Forum
Find out how you can be a part of Conference Cambridge...
Venues
News from our venues
Selwyn College
Brand new accommodation block and JCR nears completion...
Christ's College
More en suite rooms and a theatre re-vamp...
Clare College
The Gillespie Centre - a stunning new sustainable conference facility...
King's College
A vote of 'excellence' for King's catering and conference service...
Murray Edwards College
Clients give Murray Edwards College top marks for quality...
Downing College
Work is progressing well on the unique 'green' Howard Theatre...
Queens' College
A new Head Chef for Queens'...
Emmanuel College
Emma adds more en suite bedrooms...
Churchill College
Special offer on spring conference rates at Churchill College...
Møller Centre
'Venue of the Year' Award and brand new suites...
Conference Cambridge

Still searching for that perfect venue for your Christmas party?

Just been asked to organise a last minute party? Cross it off your 'to do' list - we've got the answer right here! With our 'one stop' service we'll take the legwork out of searching and have you booked up in no time, let our conference and catering managers take the strain then all you have to do is tell your guests the time and the place...

The Cambridge Colleges are always popular venues at this time of year; stunning settings, fine cuisine and a truly unique atmosphere all combine to guarantee that your festive get together will be a memorable occasion. Luckily, we've still got some dates available, so whether you're planning a drinks reception, buffet, private dinner, or a party night call us now on 01223 740578 or complete our online enquiry form on www.conferencecambridge.com and we'll do all we can to help you find the right venue!

Take a look the latest availability below:

Jesus College - Christmas Carvery Lunch in the magnificent Main Hall. Date available: Tuesday 16 December 2008.

Lucy Cavendish College - the beautiful setting of Warburton Hall is on offer, this flexible space can accommodate up to 140 guests for a private party with drinks reception, a festive dinner and dancing. Various dates available: 16-22 December 2008.

Emmanuel College - private dinner in the atmospheric wood-panelled Old Library for up to 100 guests. Dates available: 8,10,15,16 December 2008.

The University Centre - dining alongside the Cam in the Riverside Restaurant, some availability on dates 8-22 December 2008. Or join in with other groups at the Christmas Carvery Dinner Dance – still a few spaces on 19 December 2008.

Madingley Hall - make it a magical Christmas in the elegant surrounding of the Dining Hall, which can accommodate large groups for lunch or dinner between 15 - 18 December 2008.

Murray Edwards College - join with other groups to celebrate in the amazing setting of the Dome Dining Hall, drinks reception, 3 course banquet and dancing 'till 1am - spaces available on Saturday 13 December 2008. There's also some space for a private parties or dinner on 7-11 December and 14-17 December 2008.

Please note availability shown is current at the time of publication only.
 

Conference Cambridge is on the move...

The Conference Cambridge TeamWe're really pleased to announce that Conference Cambridge is moving to new premises in the heart of the City, in what has to be one of the most desirable addresses in Cambridge... King's Parade! We'll be situated on the second floor of number 12 King's Parade, right opposite King's College Chapel, where we'll occupy a suite of rooms. Our thanks go to everyone at Downing College for putting up with us over the past few years and for swiftly facilitating both the refurbishment of our new offices and helping us with the move. At the time of writing we are still awaiting a move date; once we get a date you'll be the first to know!
 

Conference Cambridge wins Gold at MIMA

We're very pleased to announce that we were awarded Gold in the 'Best Use of Budget' category at the annual MIMA (Meetings Industry Marketing Awards) banquet held at The Landmark London in October.

These prestigious awards recognise achievement in marketing throughout the meetings industry. Entries are judged by an independent panel of industry experts and leading buyers. Our award relates to the successful series of Opendoors events that we organised in celebration of our 10th anniversary.

The competition in our category was stiff with the Bronze award going to Nottingham Conferences, Silver to Wyboston Lakes Conference & Training Centres and runner-up was Imago.

Conference Cambridge wins Gold at MIMA
 

Times Crème Competition Winner

Competition winner Laura PlayerThe lucky winner of our recent competition was Laura Player from RNIB based in Peterborough. Laura and her colleague enjoyed a day in Cambridge in November. After a brief visit to Conference Cambridge to collect the prize of a £50 John Lewis voucher they departed on a VIP walking tour of Cambridge, courtesy of Cambridge Tailor-Made Tours; taking in many of our wonderful buildings, including the magnificent King’s College Chapel. The visit ended at the stunning Riverside Restaurant where they both enjoyed a three-course lunch, kindly donated by the University Centre.

We'll be exhibiting at the Times Crème Exhibition again next year from 12-14 May at Olympia, London along with a number of Colleges, so put the date in your diary now... we'll look forward to meeting you!
 

The Conference Cambridge Awards 2009

For the first time in our ten year history we are hosting an Awards Ceremony for our venues and you will do the nominating! This is your chance to let us know which venues you like the best and you could win a Hamper full of College goodies. The Hamper contains a gift from each College, a selection of wine and port, fine bone china, scarf, tie, College prints, CD's, pens and other memorabilia. Tell us your favourites in each of our nine categories, which include: Favourite Venue, Best Welcome, Best Cuisine, just click on the link below to give us your choices - be sure to give us your email address at question 10 to be in with a chance of winning!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=R7mXG_2bjj9Q9B0TZnhQ_2bUSg_3d_3d

The Awards Ceremony will take place in January 2009; the results along with the name of the Hamper winner will be published in the next edition of Venews.
 

Client Forums – your opportunity to tell us what you think!

Conference Cambridge would like to know what you, our clients, think about our service. In 2009 we'll be introducing a client forum, to give you the opportunity to come and meet us and then give us your views, warts and all, on different aspects of our service and our venues. If you would like to register your interest please drop us an email to enquiries@conferencecambridge.com, or give us a call 01223 740578 and we'll give you further details.

 



Venues

Selwyn College

A new building at Selwyn College will provide a further 41 high quality en suite rooms, as well as a JCR in the basement. This significant development will not only define the three courts on the main site and increase facilities to over 100 en suite bedrooms, but will also move the centre of gravity of the College to the north, and re-establish close ties with Cripps, the 'fourth court' across Grange Road. It is anticipated that the building will be completed in April 2009; it is the second phase of a long term development programme, which also includes plans to add more accommodation, a new library and an auditorium. The new bedrooms are available for use by conference guests and visitors during the University’s vacation periods.

To book an event at a Cambridge College complete our online enquiry form on our web site www.conferencecambridge.com or call us on 01223 740578.
 

Christ's College

Christ's College have recently completed a £6.5 million refurbishment to the Lasdun Building (New Court) en suite facilities have been added to 68 bedrooms and the Yusuf Hamied Theatre has also undergone a major refurbishment. The theatre, which seats 120, is now equipped with the very latest in audio-visual facilities, as well as a new public address system, and an efficient air-cooling system. In addition, a new function room area has been created on the lower ground floor, which will be used as a registration and reception area for conferences and other functions.

To book an event at a Cambridge College complete our online enquiry form on our web site www.conferencecambridge.com or call us on 01223 740578.
 

Clare College

Clare CollegeThe new and exciting, highly sustainable conference facilities at Clare College are open for business from February 2009. The Gillespie Centre offers a light, airy design and with flexible meeting rooms, wireless connectivity and modern audio visual facilities. Adjoining the conference space, 34 new executive bedrooms will significantly enhance the accommodation on offer at Clare College.

The Centre is being built to the highest standards of sustainability, using solar thermal panels and a ground source heat pump for efficient heating and cooling. Energy consumption will be kept to a minimum with extensive insulation, and large, solar-coated, south facing windows will limit heat gain in the summer, keeping delegates cool at all times.

To book an event at a Cambridge College complete our online enquiry form on our web site www.conferencecambridge.com or call us on 01223 740578.
 

King's College

King's CollegeA recent survey has rated the King's catering and conferences services as 'excellent'. The survey was conducted over a period of 18 months among event organisers booking the College for events (from small dinner parties in the Saltmarsh Room to corporate and academic dinners in Hall). It asked clients to score factors such as the friendliness of the catering staff, the quality of the food and the efficiency of the organisation. No less than 82% said the service was 'excellent', 12% rated it as 'good', and only 2% as 'fair'. There were no 'poor' ratings.

'This stands as testament to the great commitment of the catering staff', said Catering Manager, Jason Waterfield, 'and I believe these results can only improve. The team are amazing and I am both proud and fortunate to have such a dedicated bunch of individuals to work with'. King's College can host everything from small dinner parties to corporate and academic conferences.

To book an event at a Cambridge College complete our online enquiry form on our web site www.conferencecambridge.com or call us on 01223 740578.
 

Murray Edwards College

Clients at Murray Edwards College give it top marks for quality. All conference guests at Murray Edwards College are encouraged to offer feedback on their overall experience and the College is happy to announce almost all clients say they would use Murray Edwards College again.

The College's Quality Assurance Programme, which was launched in 2006, asks delegates to rate the venue on a number of criteria including service, accommodation, catering, pre-event liaison, audiovisual services and other aspects of performance. A recent report indicates that all clients, since the inception of the scheme, have rated their experience of Murray Edwards as good to excellent in every category.

Andy Milne, Conference & Catering Director at Murray Edwards said: 'The Quality Assurance Questionnaire is a powerful tool, used by all department heads and colleagues to meet or exceed our clients' expectations. These results are simply fantastic and together with our record-breaking year end figures, Murray Edwards College is now amongst the busiest and most successful colleges with commercial conference and catering operations in Cambridge.'

To book an event at a Cambridge College complete our online enquiry form on our web site www.conferencecambridge.com or call us on 01223 740578.
 

Downing College

Work is progressing well at Downing College on the construction its latest addition, the unique Howard Theatre. The building combines the latest technologies with a design that reflects the College's commitment to classicism, as initiated by its first architect William Wilkins, in 1807.

An environmentally sustainable building, the main features of this exciting development include:

  • Stone construction to minimise heat loss and reduce noise pollution
  • Ground source heating and cooling technology
  • Solar panels to generate hot water
  • Tiered and gallery seating for 170.

The Howard Theatre will be used for conferences, concerts and theatrical productions. It will also include dining, reception and breakout rooms for meetings, as well as music and drama rehearsal areas.

To book an event at a Cambridge College complete our online enquiry form on our web site www.conferencecambridge.com or call us on 01223 740578.
 

Queens' College

Shaun CookShaun Cook was appointed as the new Head Chef at Queens' College in September 2008. Shaun's diverse experience includes working for corporate organisations such as Zeneca, catering companies such as Nelson Hind Catering, Michelin starred restaurants and running his own restaurant. In 1999, Shaun set up and ran the successful Earl’s Restaurant in Ampthill, Bedford for 8 years. He also spent some time working in France in the Champagne and Montignac regions in two Michelin starred restaurants. During his various roles, he has cooked for the Queen, M.P.s, Heads of State and Ministers.

He was a runner up in the Roux Brothers Scholarship and in 2007 he was awarded the Palmes Culinaries by the Conseil Culinaire Francais for services to catering.

Shaun said: "I want to bring a restaurant standard of food to all meals served to students, fellows, staff and corporate clients at Queens'."

Shaun describes his style as modern British and he enjoys cooking fish dishes with Asian influences. He is a member of the Chefs Association and has recently returned from trips to France and Portugal where he visited champagne and port houses.

To book an event at a Cambridge College complete our online enquiry form on our web site www.conferencecambridge.com or call us on 01223 740578.
 

Emmanuel College

Emmanuel College is pleased to announce that they have added 14 additional en suite rooms bringing the total number of en suite rooms in College to 31. These rooms are available for use for conferences, summer schools and residential meetings during the University's vacation times.

To book an event at a Cambridge College complete our online enquiry form on our web site www.conferencecambridge.com or call us on 01223 740578.
 

Churchill College

Beat the credit crunch with Churchill College – cut price conference rates are available for bookings for events taking place between 23 March 2009 – 10 April 2009. Day delegate rates are slashed to £29 from £35 and 24 hour rates from £129 to £99, or why not bring a group to stay at only £45 per single en suite B&B. All rates are subject to VAT, just call Churchill direct on 01223 336 233 to book, or visit www.churchillconferences.co.uk for more information.
 

The Møller Centre

The Møller Centre has won the 'Training Venue of the Year' title at one of UK’s most important learning and development events. Competing against many other top conference and meetings venues from across the UK, it clinched the award at the prestigious 'World of Learning 2008' event last week.

New executive bedroom at the Møller CentreOn making the award, the judges commented, 'The Møller Centre demonstrated through external measurement continued development and progression in quality year-on-year through to 2008. It was particularly notable for its well-trained team, which exhibits a clear understanding of clients' briefs and delivery of customer service.'

The World of Learning Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony was attended by more than 450 of the UK's leading learning and development professionals, showcasing how the very best organisations and individuals are supporting the continued professional development of their staff. The award was presented by well-known comedian and satirist Marcus Brigstocke, and accepted by Stuart Websdale, General Manager of The Møller Centre. Stuart commented, 'Through reinvestment and training, we continually work to improve the quality of our facilities and service, and this award is testament to that process. We are very proud to have won.'

The Møller Centre has also recently completed the refurbishment of three new executive bedrooms. These rooms are at the end of the main building and offer generous proportions including a king size bed, large working area, walk-in shower and bath.

Furnished and decorated in contemporary style, these rooms have been called the Svendborg, Larsen and Wegner Suites. These names reflect the Centre's connections with Denmark, through the A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation, and the Danish designers, Henning Larsen and Hans Wegner.

 



Partners

Cambridge Sound

Cambridge SoundIf you are looking for a DJ to provide top quality entertainment for yourself or for your client's event then look no further!

We are the leading mobile disco specialists in the Cambridge area, with the experience to ensure that your event goes with a bang, rather than a fizz, and specialise in all areas of disco entertainment. Whether your requirement is for a wedding DJ, Company disco, new product launch or other entertainment at the end of your event, contact Cambridge Sound and speak to the experts in mobile disco entertainment.

Right from the very start we listen to your requirements, only then do we suggest the right presentation style, sound system and lighting for your important event.

We are members of the National Association of Disc Jockeys, Community Media Association and Radio Academy; we pride ourselves on our reputation and always provide a professional service. Our equipment is regularly PAT safety tested and we carry PLI (public liability insurance) for your peace of mind.

Join our growing list of satisfied clients which include; Major hotels, Cambridge Colleges, local Blue chip companies and national institutions.

Please note that we are not an agency, we provide you with our services directly.

For more information please contact:

Darryl Flinders
Tel: 0780 2535354
Email: darryl@cambridgesound.co.uk
Website: www.cambridgesound.co.uk
 

SomCom Ltd

Som Com Ltd

Conference Websites, for Managing the Submission, Review & Publishing of Conference Presentations.

As web developers we work with many leading not-for-profit professional and academic societies, associations and institutes. We specialise in developing affordable and sustainable custom electronic products and web technology, which enables our clients to generate additional revenue, add value to membership services and reduce administrative overhead...

SomCom custom solutions include, but are not limited to:

  • Online submission, review and publishing of meeting presentation content (abstracts/proceedings)
  • Conference & delegate booking with e-commerce
  • Websites, simple and more complex database driven, e.g. Web 2.0 interactive, professional networking
  • Fully searchable online content with pay per view
  • Multi-media products CD's/DVD - fully searchable that behave like websites
  • Membership databases and e-commerce

About Us

SomCom Ltd is a family owned technology company with over 30 years experience within software development; with it roots within the printing and publishing industry.

Our clients are important to us and we aim to develop long term strategic partnerships with them. We recognise and understand that each client is unique and always has a different set of requirements. SomCom has many years experience providing technology solutions to societies and publishers; this insight and domain expertise ensures that we provide tailored solutions that really deliver.

Here is a sample list of our clients:

BASL, WFH, ESA, ISTH, TVS, BACP, CBA, Remploy, The British Academy, Newcomen Society, Teeside University, Energy Institute, IChemE, World Petroleum Council, ICME, NICEIC, Cambridge University Press, Blackwell Publishers, IMarEST, Informa, BAFS, to name a few...

Contact: Philip Paterson
Telephone: 01608 643302
Fax: 01608 643309
Email: philip.paterson@somcom.co.uk
Website: www.somcom.co.uk
 

Citystay: Serviced Apartments in Cambridge For The Discerning Guest

Citystay luxury apartmentsCitystay offer luxury serviced apartments in the centre of Cambridge. Whether you are on business, wanting an alternative to a hotel, visiting the University, relocating or on a short city stay... Citystay is at your service.

We can offer you stylish accommodation to suit your individual needs, furnished and equipped to a very high standard and we will ensure you have everything you need to feel at home, whether you wish to work, discover Cambridge or simply relax.

Each apartment in Cambridge offers you more space, more flexibility and more privacy than a hotel; luxury fully furnished one and two bedroom serviced apartments offer accommodation in the city centre close to the station, the University, the Colleges and the science park. All have free parking and come fully equipped with free broadband internet access, widescreen digital/sky TV, dressing gown, slippers and a free welcome pack.

Each time someone stays in a Citystay apartment, an orphan in Malawi can stay housed, fed, clothed and educated for one month! (Source: Lifeline fund coordinator April 2008). Citystay are proud to be associated with the Lifeline Fund which achieves marvelous things in Malawi, changing lives from poverty, starvation and despair to lives of joy and hope for the future.


Telephone: 01223 305688
Email: info@citystayuk.com
Website: www.citystayuk.com

 



Events

Cambridge Colleges Culinary Competition 2008

The annual Chefs' CompetitionThe annual College Chefs' Competition took place at Christ's College in October and the jubilant winners were recently presented with their medals at an award ceremony in the Yusuf Hamied Centre. The event aims to showcase the very best of College catering, and this year it attracted more entrants than ever before, with 12 different Colleges represented in the list of winners. The Chefs were invited to enter a choice of seven classes: Cold Starter, Hot Main Course, Hot Vegetarian Main, Cold Sweet and three new classes for 2008, Afternoon Tea Fancies, Front of House Competition and Canapés.

The event is organised by a committee of catering heads from the Colleges with entries judged by an invited panel, which this year included the internationally renowned culinary judge, Peter Griffiths, Director of Salon Culinaire, Richard McGloin, Chair of the University Caterers Organisation, Chris Oakes, Head Chef at Trinity College and John Jackaman from Infusions Ltd. Sponsors of the various classes included, amongst others, Denham Estate, Miko Coffee, Town & Country Fine Foods and Hobart.

Congratulations to the team from Sidney Sussex, who emerged as overall winners; they were awarded the coveted Steward's Cup for the second year in a row for the gaining the highest overall score throughout the competition. Jesus Miguel, from Sidney Sussex was also awarded Best in Show for his main course entry, Denham Estate Venison and Black Pudding. Best Newcomer was awarded to St John's College.



Conference Cambridge NewsDesk videoThe Conference Cambridge NewsDesk has produced video coverage of this event. To view the video, please click on the image opposite.

 

 

 

 



 



Cambridge 800

The University of Cambridge celebrates its 800th anniversary in 2009 and invites you to join in the celebrations. There are numerous events planned throughout the City during 2009 from exhibitions to drama, lectures to sporting events and lots more. The year will begin officially on 17 January 2009, when bells throughout the City centre will ring in this historic milestone. 2009 is a great year to visit Cambridge, so if you're coming along for a conference or meeting, take a look at the 800 web site - www.800.cam.ac.uk to see what's on while you're here!

Cambridge celebrates its 800th anniversary in 2009
 



Videoconferencing Facilitates International Meeting without the Travel

Conference Cambridge was pleased to be involved recently with a collaborative video-conferencing event held by Darwin 2009 and the British Council during the Festival of Ideas.

We were approached by Michael Murphy from the British Council to try and find space for one of the Council's Café Scientifique events... the catch was that some of the guests would be in Johannesburg and the event was within the week! Fortunately we like a challenge and we're not easily beaten in our quest to find the perfect venue; this time the University's Computing Department came up trumps! Their purpose built videoconferencing suite, which is situated on the New Museums site in Pembroke Street proved an ideal location for this series of talks, which aim to provide relaxed settings, where delegates can talk about the latest thought-provoking science ideas.

The studio boasts state-of-the-art hardware videoconferencing equipment, full support for electronic presentations, dedicated windows and Apple computers, support for multi-way conferences, as well as a whole host of other technological features. The room can accommodate up to 36 delegates and comes complete with modular furniture to suit a variety of room layouts. Guests can also enjoy the use of a waiting area and refreshments.

People flocked to hear Robert Foley, Leverhulme Professor of Human Evolution speak about Human Evolution, Past, Present and Future, the venue was packed to the rafters! Robert said, 'The topic, human evolution, is one that elicits a lot of interest from all sorts of directions, from fossils and genetics, to what will happen to the human species, and so it is easy for all to be involved at some level. As a speaker I had to get used to trying to talk in three directions simultaneously - but it seemed to work.'

The talk was then followed by lively transworld discussion with the South African audience in Johannesburg. Miranda Gomperts, Darwin 2009 Programme Director said, 'The facilities and service were excellent. Videoconferencing is an ideal way to circumvent the environmental and financial costs of travel...'

The University's Computing Department can also provide portable equipment, which they can bring and set up in any of our venues – a great solution for overseas participants who can't make the meeting, or to allow delegates at one or more sites to share discussions and talks.

To book an event at a Cambridge College complete our online enquiry form on our web site www.conferencecambridge.com or call us on 01223 740578.
 



Conference Cambridge welcomes Russian visitors

The Events Team at MGIMO University MoscowWay back in September we received an email from the conference team at MGIMO University Moscow; the group were planning a trip to Cambridge to take a look at our conference facilities and see how our Colleges manage both commercial and academic events. We were honoured to have been chosen by the group and pleased that our reputation for excellence in academic conference facilities extends worldwide, so after several postponements, due to visa regulations, we were delighted to welcome three ladies from the MGIMO events office to Cambridge last week.

The picture shows Judith Sloane from Conference Cambridge and Tim Shorey, Conference Manager at Queens' College with the MGIMO Events Team.

Anzehelika Mirzoeva, Director of Events Organisation along with Events Organisers, Karina Chentsova and Tatyana Klepneva spent a whirlwind two days with the Conference Cambridge team before moving on to London for some sightseeing. MGIMO is currently developing its conference facilities and has plans to make them available to a wider audience. At present their facilities are generally used by internal clients for very high profile meetings, dinners and conferences – Margaret Thatcher enjoyed dinner there once and more recently Dimitris Christofiasthe, President of Cyprus, so the group were very interested in how we manage commercial events alongside our academic function.

We organised a packed programme taking in both traditional and modern venues; it gave us an opportunity to showcase not only our facilities, but also Cambridge as a destination. On day one we visited the picturesque St John's College, founded in 1511. St John's is well known for its excellent cuisine, beautiful location and historic rooms, so not surprising that it's one of our busiest conference and meeting venues and our Russian visitors had the opportunity to meet with Bill Brogan, Conference and Conference Manager and Sarah Bridges, Facilities Administrator. With Bill acting as guide he took us on a tour of the College, from peeling and chopping in the kitchens, to the magnificence of the Hall and the atmospheric Wordsworth Room, Bill explained that the College caters for groups from 16 through to 500, and everything in between.

From one grand venue to another - we moved onto to King's College, where we arranged a private tour of the Chapel taking in some of the sights not normally on show to the public. King's College is an iconic Cambridge landmark and it's is also available for corporate events and private dining. Jason Waterfield, Executive Chef and Catering Director welcomed the opportunity to show the group the outstanding facilities at King's and the ladies were overawed at the splendour of the Hall where guests can be treated to the dulcet tones of the famous King's choristers over dinner.

On the second day we took the group to Queens' College where they experienced both the ancient and the modern courts, which span both sides of the River Cam. Tim Shorey, Conference Manager gave an entertaining tour of the facilities, pointing out little curiosities, such as the secret peep hole in the Old Hall, a previously unnoticed bell which was used to summon the butler to the Senior Combination Room and a Queens' flag, which was taken into space by Michael Foale, the first British astronaut to go into space and an eminent Queens' alumni.

After a brief photo opportunity we took the group to Murray Edwards College, to take a look at the ultra modern surroundings of this popular all female College. The Russian ladies were especially interested in Buckingham House, a purpose built conference facility with breakout areas, syndicates, bedrooms and a 140 seat lecture theatre with state-of-the-art AV equipment. Ruth Allwood, Conference Manager explained that some of the rooms have a dual purpose and have been specifically designed to accommodate students during term and conference guests out of term, in one syndicate room a communal kitchen area can be cleverly concealed with a moveable wall to facilitate meetings in the vacation periods. The highlight of the tour was the stunning Dome Dining Room; a grade II listed building with spectacular architecture.

The morning continued with a visit to the Møller Centre, a member of the Conference Centre of Excellence and recently nominated as 'Training Venue of the Year' at the World of Learning Awards. Vicky Masters, Sales Executive gave the group a tour of the Study Centre, a collaborative learning environment where space can be arranged to suit client's needs. The group were looking out for ideas for their new facility in Russia and were particularly impressed with the communal breakout areas offering complimentary WiFi and the magnetic walls of the syndicates, which allow guests easy use of wall space for posters and charts. We took a brief look at the brand new Suites, which the Centre is now promoting. Each of the three suites features king size beds, flat screen TVs, a walk-in wardrobe and fantastic bathrooms offering both a shower and bath.

A short walk from the Møller Centre took us to Churchill Colleges, the largest of our venues it boasts the biggest dining room in Cambridge, which seats up to 400 diners. Jo Vertigan, Director of Hospitality Services explained to our Russian guests that the College is the National and Commonwealth memorial to Sir Winston Churchill and is proud to house the Churchill Archive Centre. Jo had arranged a private tour of the archive and our guests were enthralled when the Archivist produced some special documents relating to the UK's wartime relationship with Russia and a very private photograph of Margaret Thatcher and President Gorbachev. We were then treated to a tour of the vault, which houses some 1 million documents and other valuable items - namely one of Mrs Thatcher's handbags!

We concluded our visit to Churchill with a delicious 'student' lunch in the Hall and a private viewing of some contemporary art, which is so valuable that we can't even name it!

Our Russian visitors told us they'd had a fabulous couple of days; they were able to take away some useful information about how we operate here at Conference Cambridge and in the Colleges, they were awestruck at the beauty of our buildings and the heritage that surrounds us everyday, so here's hoping they can use the Conference Cambridge model in Moscow!

 



Happy Clients

'Very many thanks for taking the trouble of printing out the offers by the colleges and sending them to me. You have been so extraordinarily helpful that, if I there were any medals for this sort of thing, I would nominate you for one! I think I have now all the information needed so that with the help of my two sons and daughters-in-law I should be able to come to a decision. When I have done so you will of course be notified. After that all my wife and I will have to do is to stay alive until 4 August 2009...'
Mr Peter Carpenter, Diamond Wedding Celebration.

'The on-line conference booking form has been quite a lot of help and I would like to thank you once again for your prompt responses to my queries!'
Dr Napoleon Katsos, Research Centre for English & Applied Linguistics, the University of Cambridge, conference accommodation.

'We have found a perfect venue through Conference Cambridge. I will most definitely use you again. It has been so helpful and taken the stress away. Thank you so much.'
Amanda Webb, 70th Birthday Party.

'I have booked Jesus College to stay in. I think your service is wonderful - it makes booking so much easier - we had 6 offers of accommodation.'
Mary Maddison, Parliament Hill Choir, Choral Tour.

 



Please don't hesitate to contact Conference Cambridge with any questions or comments.

T: 01223 740578 | F: 01223 740580 | E: enquiries@conferencecambridge.com