Meet in Nottingham helps you discover why holding your event in the right city is so important.
We live in an unprecedented and exciting era. Never in our history have we all had access to so much information at our fingertips, the possibilities are endless! However, for the discerning event planner, the data deluge brings an endless barrage of information overload.
Indeed, this article is yet another piece of media vying for your precious attention. Some say that event planners have never had it so easy, we say you’ve never had it so hard. With so many destinations making compelling cases, deciding where to host your next event is a challenge. Fear not though, there’s an antidote to this mind-bending amount of information. The trick is in rediscovering your why. Knowing why gives you a north star to steer by, cutting through the endless noise. It’s the reason we event organisers put in those long hours chasing the high of hosting a spectacular event!
So, allow us to help you rediscover your why. Nottinghamshire, with its varied and world class venue offering, unbeatable green credentials, and strong industry specialisms in sport, academia, and life sciences, is the perfect choice to help you cut through the noise and deliver world-class events in a superb accessible location.
Sustainability
For many of us, sustainability has become one of the key factors in our decision- making process. With many event planners driven by a strong mission to tread lightly on the Earth with their events and conferences, Nottinghamshire flexes its strong green credentials as the destination of choice.
On a mission to become the UK’s first carbon neutral city by 2028, Nottingham as a city has reduced its emissions by 41% since the year 2002. An early adopter of EV technology, the city has seen £15 million investment into one of the UK’s largest electric bus fleets, and has an award-winning tram network running on 100% renewable power. What’s more, Nottingham’s two universities have been ranked second and third most sustainable in the world by UI Green Metric thanks to their world-class research, rigorous energy efficiency practices, and innovative policies.
Industries
Nottinghamshire is on the cutting edge of industry and innovation, making it a no brainer for those whose raison d’être is to deliver the best industry relevant events.
With Nottingham’s two world class universities, the city is well placed to host a range of academic conferences. Nottingham Trent University was recently awarded The Times and The Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2023, and the University of Nottingham was ranked seventh in the UK for research power in analysis conducted by Times Higher Education.
It’s not just academia where Nottinghamshire excels, the region’s a powerhouse in life sciences, having a renowned history of medical innovation, with the sector employing 91,000 people locally. As one of only five cities to be given partner city status by the Association of British Healthcare Industries, Nottingham has the expertise and credentials to host the very best life science events.
Those seeking to curate the very best in sports conferences and events can rest assured as Nottinghamshire’s sporting pedigree is amongst the best. Home to European Cup winners, historic cricket clubs, a National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont Country Park, and a National Ice Centre, those looking for a destination brimming with sporting culture should look no further.
Venues
Perhaps Nottinghamshire’s strongest asset is its plethora of outstanding venues capable of catering for a variety of larger conferences and events. The biggest is Nottingham’s 10,000-seater Motorpoint Arena Nottingham & National Ice Centre, while the University of Nottingham’s eco- hotel in green biodiverse surroundings has space for up to 1,000 delegates.
For those looking to pioneer events fit for the 21st century, Nottingham Trent University’s Confetti X is a state of the art £5 million complex complete with a 100- seat e-sports venue and all the trappings associated with a state-of-the-art e-sports hub. For contrast, the breathtaking city centre Albert Hall Conference Centre provides an excellent option for those looking for something more traditional, carving a reputation for outstanding food and a traditional silver service.
The city’s newest conferencing and events space is the canal-side Island Quarter. The venue is one of many new developments, breathing new energy and life. The venue which hosts a restaurant by MasterChef: The Professionals Laurence Henry and has proven to be a fan favourite within the city already.
The Trent Conference Centre makes hosting great events a breeze with their great public transport links, ample parking, and capacity to host up to 1,000 delegates. The Nottingham Belfry similarly is an event planners dream, located within a stone’s throw of the M1, this stylish oasis delivers first-rate events for planners in a unique and exciting environment.
Heading out into the wider county, Nottinghamshire’s many stunning and picturesque venues will deliver the wow factor for guests, with the intimate settings of Goosedale set within the rolling countryside, the regal Eastwood Hall nestled in D. H. Lawrence country, or the grandeur of The Renaissance at Kelham Hall offering fantastic flexible spaces not found anywhere else.
In a world where value for money is increasingly important, Nottinghamshire’s affordable prices give it a commercial edge. This combined with its excellent venues, specialised industries and green credentials will help event planners rediscover their why.
And if you’re still feeling a little lost at sea, Nottinghamshire’s official convention and events bureau Meet in Nottingham is ready to help you find the perfect venue and facilities for your next event, all for free with a range of familiarisation itinerary options for you to come and get a flavour of the region.
So, if you’re curious about bringing your next event to the area get in touch with the team at conferences@visit-nottinghamshire. co.uk to see how they can bring your next event to life. Alternatively, head over to the Meet in Nottingham website to rediscover your ‘why?’
Meetinnottingham.co.uk