Centrally located in the UK with convenient access to historic and heritage sites and extensive accommodations to cater to a variety of traveller types, The University of Warwick’s Campus and Commercial Services Group, Warwick Conferences, is ready to host young, culture-trippers to Coventry, the UK’s City of Culture 2021.

Interview with Emma Willis, Business Development Manager

Tell us your story. How did Warwick Conferences get started?
Warwick Conferences is part of the Campus and Commercial Services Group at The University of Warwick. Our purpose is to help the university operate at its size, scale and ambition in an effective and sustainable way. We’re focused on generating profit so that Warwick can invest in achieving its strategic vision and objectives and deliver services that enhance the position of the university. Our profit is invested into teaching, learning and research at the university.

What makes Warwick Conferences different from your competitors?
Our central location in Coventry makes us very accessible, both from other parts of the UK and from abroad. We are situated in the stunning, rich heritage of historic Warwickshire itself and Shakespeare’s country beyond. We have connections with some of the region’s most prominent landmarks, including Warwick Castle, Coventry Cathedral and home of Shakespeare – Stratford-Upon-Avon, enabling us to further enrich the experience of our guests. We are also just 30 minutes away from Britain’s second city, Birmingham, and London can be reached in an hour by train.

Our campus is set in 600 acres of Warwickshire parkland, surrounded by rolling countryside. 

With 1,200 bedrooms across our venues, our scale of accommodation is exceptional, and we have something to suit every need and budget. Our spaces range from boutique hotel-style to simple student study bedrooms.

Our strong links with academic departments at the university mean we create opportunities for student travellers to attend guest lectures, allowing them to experience a prestigious university.

Residents get access to the Sports and Wellness Hub, which has been designed to inspire and motivate students and visitors to lead a more active and healthier lifestyle. There is also Warwick Arts Centre on campus – it is one of the largest multi-platform venues in the UK, delivering an exceptional, diverse and engaging programme of performing and visual arts.

What is your favourite success story from your organisation?
As an already successful organisation, we are fortunate to have 70% repeat business. Within this business mix a small number are established internal and external, national and international summer schools.  

Their academic programme is complemented by our fantastic location. They use any downtime and weekends to explore the campus, local and national attractions

What can we expect to see from Warwick Conferences in the future?
The Warwick Arts Centre which is at the heart of the university campus is currently undergoing a 17.1 million investment to be the region’s leading cultural centre. The completed project will provide an improved and extended building for all our communities and will ensure that audiences experience a first-class venue in which to engage and enjoy arts, culture, entertainment and creative learning.

Additionally, Coventry has been chosen as the UK’s City of Culture 2021. Both during the run-up and during 2021, Coventry will come alive with celebrations, and we will help our guests engage with the local activities.           

How do you work to ensure the health and safety of young travellers involved with Warwick Conferences?
Security is an important aspect of university life. Tactically, we employ high-visibility patrolling, together with using easily recognisable, marked vehicles, with an off-road capability so that officers can get everywhere on campus, regardless of the terrain. Additionally, we operate cycle patrols and can provide rapid responses to fire alarms and first aid emergencies using pedal power to beat the traffic.

All officers are fully-qualified in first aid and defibrillator usage, along with fire safety training to support the safe evacuation of buildings when a fire alarm has been activated. This also includes the evacuation of vulnerable and disabled people, where necessary.

What was your motivation to join WYSE Travel Confederation?
We want to enhance our existing offer of conferences, training and events expanding in to youth travel trade creating a unique Warwick student experience for national and international travellers. We relish this chance to enter into a new industry of youth travel to diversify our business