Medium and small events can find a cost-effective conference
site at some universities
and colleges between semesters. They work well for training events
and seminars, with class rooms and auditoriums that will hold anywhere
from 30 to 1000 guests. They often have built in audiovisual systems,
saving that rental cost. Tables and chairs may be included, or may be
extra. If staffing costs are extra, they can be high, as almost all
universities are unionized and have very strict agreements around the
use of outside staffing (even if they are volunteers). Check to see
if food & beverage needs are required to be met by a university
contracted supplier.
During the summer months, vacant on-campus student housing may be available
to accommodate event attendees. Although they can be a bit on the plain
side, décor wise, these rooms are typically about 1/3 the price
of hotel rooms. Another
plus is that universities
and colleges, especially the more established ones, are often surrounded
by attractive scenery and offer convenient recreational
facilities, such as gyms, pools,
and running trails.
| Ottawa Conventions.com
Event Planning 101
Chapter 2: Location
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