Underlining the growing interest in using educational establishments as venues for corporate events, Conference Oxford, the convention bureau for the University and its colleges, has reported an 30% increase in enquiries compared to the same time last year, with half coming from previous clients.

“The results are excellent news for the bureau,” said conference manager Sally Dunsmore. “We are seeing more enquiries than ever before, but most importantly for us, organisers are bringing their business back to Oxford. This shows that we are getting it right and our venues are getting it right.”

The results also show that the level of online enquiries has risen by 30% following a PR campaign around the launch of the organisation’s new website in May.
 
“Oxford University and its colleges offer something for everyone from ultra modern to an historic English landmark,” added Dunsmore. “Conference business brings in more than £22 million per year to Oxford, and we are looking to more than double this figure over the next five years. The high level of enquires coming through the bureau ensures we are well on way to achieving this.”

Conference Oxford recently added two new venues to its roster, taking its membership to 55. The historic Bodleian Library is the main research library for the University of Oxford and is surrounded by stunning 15th century architecture. It offers two rooms: Convocation House, which can hold up to 50 guests, and Divinity School, with a 250-delegate capacity. The second new member is Ripon College Cuddesdon, a residential theological college, training men and women for ordination in the Anglican Church. It is an extremely attractive venue for residential conferences, corporate meetings, seminars and retreats, offering comfortable accommodation and a number of meeting rooms for groups of up to 60.