Tuesday 3 September 2013

15, 8th and Top 10


It's hard to believe that this month, Conference Cambridge will be 15 years old; I've been here for 11 of those years and the business is totally transformed from my first day. We're now a team of 5 and the volume and value of enquiries we handle has more than doubled. 

And, before someone gets there before me .. so has my marketing budget (thankfully!).

So what's next?

With the very exciting first flight of Darwin Airways from Cambridge Airport this week and our IMEX America plans, which are well underway for the October show, we're truly going global with our marketing efforts. 

VisitEngland have been busy stand designing and time-tabling - we’re looking forward to sharing a pod with Visit Manchester on our trip to Las Vegas – and who knows, we might even be able to squeeze in a trip to the Grand Canyon between our scheduled appointments!

We take enquiries from all over the world and over the recent summer months we have welcomed summer schools, visiting fellows and specialists from every field imaginable from every corner.

According to VisitEngland’s International Passenger Survey, Cambridge ranked 8th in 2012 in the Top Towns for ‘inbound staying visitors’ (and has consistently placed 7th-10th over the last 10 years), with business visitors coming mainly from the Netherlands, USA, France, Germany & Poland. 

But you only have to step out of our office to look and hear the diversity of our visitors.... so, what is it about Cambridge that gives it that quintessential appeal and makes it a top location for business events? 

We’d love to hear what you think!

How many other destinations can offer state of the art meeting facilities and candle-lit dinners like this?




 Here are our Top Ten Reasons to come to Cambridge:

1. Cambridge is not just a conference destination; it offers visitors a completely unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

2. Great access - less than an hour from London Stansted, London King’s Cross, St Pancras International, Harwich and super links with several international airports plus Cambridge International Airport, which now offers flights to several European hub airports – straight into the heart of the City.

3. Cambridge is a beautifully compact City and is easy to get around; so using two venues in close proximity is a great option for larger events.

4. A calm, comfortable, distraction free location, where your delegates can focus on the meeting agenda and then enjoy immaculate gardens or quiet cloisters that are perfect for relaxing or networking.

5. Cambridge has the venues, the outside space, the ambience, the technical ability, the people, the culture, the imagination and 800 years of experience to bring any event to life.

6. The quintessential English destination, our world-famous Colleges offer ancient courts and halls alongside contemporary purpose-built centres brimming with the latest technology.

7. Tread in the steps of our famed alumni – from Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin to Stephen Hawking, William Wordsworth, Samuel Pepys to Stephen Fry and Prince Charles and Jeremy Paxman to David Mitchell.

8. Historically, international events hosted in Cambridge attract greater delegate numbers than other destinations 

9. Interesting landmarks, museums and galleries give delegates the opportunity to enjoy a rich and varied social programme too.

10. Our portfolio offers a choice of architecturally stunning venues, with something to suit every taste and budget. 



* Photo shows the 16th century College Hall located in First Court of Magdalene College. Originally, the monastic refectory, it seats up to 100 people for dining, has a small gallery and is beautifully decorated with the heraldic arms of Queen Anne. The Hall has a special atmosphere particularly when dining in the evening by candlelight.