As we settle into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on 2024 and all that it had in stall for us as a Conferences and Events team. We recently sat down as a team and took a moment to reflect on some event highlights from the year.
Internal Networking Events
We have organised and hosted our first full year of internal networking events. Working with departments from across the University to promote the great work they do and bringing colleagues together to grow their network.
UK University Search Fair
We welcomed the UK University Search Fair back to the Kent Sports Centre again this year. The event brings together hundreds of potential students from across the county.
Kent and Medway Business Summit
The annual premier business event brought together businesses, local authorities and academics to tackle key issues in the region. Guests were able to join a variety of sessions from key note talks and panel discussions to workshops and roundtable discussions.
AI Industry Forum
The AI Industry Forum brought together over 100 businesses and academics on our Canterbury campus in June. Facilitated by the AI and Data Analytics Group and held at the School of Computing, the Forum created a space for attendees to make connections and exchange insights. The groups had the chance to generate new projects ideas for how specific industries could respond to challenges and opportunities posed by AI.
Attending The Meetings Show and PA Show
We exhibited at The Meetings Show at the ExCeL in June and the PA Show Autumn in October. The event gave us the opportunity to meet and network with event professionals from across the industry.
VRA International Rally
In July, we welcomed over 300 Vulcan riders to our Canterbury campus for their 2024 VRA International Rally. Hosted in our Kent Indoor Tennis and Events Arena, they stayed in our Park Wood accommodation and enjoyed a group ride out to the Hythe, New Romney and Dymchurch Railway during their stay.
CUBO Living Black Conference
As partners with CUBO, we hosted the Living Black at University Conference in October. The event focused on engaging with equity, helping universities closing the awarding gap, build a relationship of trust with Black students and provide them with a home where they are safe and can belong.
Welcoming Emma to our team
Emma joined our team as an Events Administrator in November and handles the administration for our B&B accommodation and general event enquiries. Over the last few months she’s been managing our festive afternoon tea and smaller event bookings, gaining experience across the board.
Joining sustainability led projects with the University
Over the course of the year, our team joined various sustainability based initiatives across the University of Kent. From gleaning apples with students in Kent and volunteering at the Kent Community Oasis Garden to hedgehog friendly litter picking.
We’re looking forward to working with a range of clients in 2025 to plan, organise and host their events and conferences at the University of Kent.