Venue:

Imperial College London, 58 Prince's Gate, Exhibition Road, South Kensington

Reviewer:

Teresa Way, Executive Administrator, British American Tobacco, Smoking Tobacco & Cigars UK

En route to conduct a review of the conference facilities at Imperial College London, I took the short walk from South Kensington tube station along Exhibition Road. Having had many years' experience of site visits to hotels and dedicated conference venues, I was intrigued to see how Imperial's facilities would compare. I was not to be disappointed.

I was greeted by Paul Hudson, marketing manager of Imperial's conference facility, Conference Link. Paul explained that as students become more discerning, they now regard en suite bedrooms and modern classrooms as pre-requisites for campus life. In order to recoup refurbishment costs and overheads, universities are developing their conference facilities and hiring out student rooms during the Easter and summer holidays. At Imperial, a high percentage of bookings also take place in the evenings after students have vacated the lecture halls.

My first port of call was Mark Vernon, the conference general manager. Mark talked me through the organisation chart and I was surprised to learn that he has over thirty staff, ranging from marketing executives to porters. Each team-member plays an important part to ensure the smooth-running of Conference Link.

During our discussions it became apparent that Imperial has a great deal to offer. Clients range from language schools looking for value- for-money accommodation and 'no frills' lecture space, to blue chip companies seeking prestigious boardroom and dining facilities. Many of the staff at Conference Link come from hotel backgrounds so they understand what PAs are looking for, namely good value, friendly and efficient service and attention to detail. Reading through the Conference Link literature I noted that the South Kensington facilities boast "diversity, capacity, flexibility and affordability in an unbeatable locality". Having visited the campus I agree with these claims wholeheartedly.

In addition to its typical bookings, Imperial College has also hosted more unusual events. Queen's Lawn, with its magnificent bell tower, has been used as a backdrop for a fashion show, and Cirque du Soleil hired the vast main entrance and reception area for an opening-night cocktail party.

A tour of the campus and its vast range of facilities followed. Too extensive to cover here, I will focus on just some aspects of what Imperial has to offer.

The Great Hall, one of the impressive lecture theatres, was the venue for an episode of the BBC Question Time programme earlier this year. It can accommodate 750 and is ideal for product launches, conferences, training courses and seminars. Should smaller meeting rooms be required, there are over 200 to choose from. Imperial has excellent catering facilities and the large refectory can be used for bigger groups. Day delegate rates are from only £31per person.

At the other end of the scale is 170 Queen's Gate, one of London's best kept secrets. The ground floor of this magnificent Grade II listed building, which was completed in 1889, is ideal for that special board meeting or reception. The entrance hall has an impressive cupola reigning supreme over a splendid fireplace, above which is a small mahogany-spindled balcony. Whether you require light refreshments, buffets or fine dining, 170 provides a range of hospitality options. For receptions, The Dining Room is suitable for up to 50 guests, and the Council Room up to 100; or 25 and 64 guests respectively for silver-service dinners.

These rooms are complemented by the light and airy Solar Room, with access to the charming, and surprisingly peaceful, walled garden. The Council Room can be hired for £650 per day, or £340 per half day, and I was amazed to hear that the day delegate rate is only £57.

Although accommodation is not available at 170, Conference Link's Hotel Booking Service can offer 3 and 4 star hotel accommodation at up to 35% off standard rack rates, subject to availability.

After a cooling drink in the Solar Room, I enjoyed a splendid meal at 170. The menu was enticing and well-balanced and when my chosen dishes arrived they were flavoursome and beautifully presented. A crisp white wine from the extensive list was a perfect accompaniment. I noted from the wine list that the College Wine Committee meet four times per year to taste and select the wines. The result is a well-rounded list with prices to suit every pocket. I was pleased to see a good balance between new world versus classic Bordeaux and gutsy Chianti wines.

After lunch I was taken on the last lap of the campus and at this point congratulated myself on opting for low, comfortable heels! The tour led us through large tree-lined quadrangles, which provide welcome breathing space for the students. I also noticed that disabled access is available throughout the campus.

Beit Hall, situated next to the Albert Hall and open during the Easter and summer vacations, has over 200 twin/single en suite rooms. The light airy and clean rooms are available at very favourable rates. They are ideal for accommodating large groups and are an excellent option for non-profit making organisations or charities working to tight budgets.

In summary, Conference Link can also offer:

• Luggage minding and dedicated check-in facilities for large groups
• Theatre box office facilities
• Excursion bookings
• Extensive campus facilities such as college shops, cafés and food outlets
• State-of-the-art audio visual facilities
• A conference co-ordinator as single point of contact

Whatever your requirement or budget, Imperial College will have something to suit. Whether it's a product launch, an event with 'wow' factor, or a sales meeting requiring breakout facilities, Imperial can cope admirably. They have the space, the vision and the enthusiasm. You'll be amazed at the facilities Conference Link has to offer and if you'll pardon the pun, using "Imperial" measurements they certainly know how to fit a quart into a pint pot!