Budgets are tightening in the conference and meetings market despite the fact that the sector continues to grow. In a world of increased connectivity the desire and need to meet is at an all-time-high.
But doing it with the bottom line in mind is what is making alternative venues, like universities and colleges, a very real and viable option to big-city facilities. Corporates are seeking more “bang for their buck” and universities and colleges can deliver in spades.
Realising this, universities, colleges and some ancillary companies are jumping on the bandwagon, aiming to capitalise on the expected growth.
One organisation that has seen the potential is Campus Living Villages (CLV) Smart Stays, which was officially launched in June this year.
CLV Smart Stays is dedicated to sourcing and providing unique student  accommodation, with rates starting at just $85 per person per night.
CLV Smart Stays’ property at Sydney University Village now has accommodation available between November and February. The apartment-style living comprises sleek, clean, stylishly furnished studios and five-bedroom apartments.
Facilities include a secure on-site business centre, conference venue and function rooms, café, bar and bistro, plus internet facilities, laundry services and 24-hour security.
What CLV Smart Stays says is significant about Sydney University Village is access to the excellent sporting facilities at the adjacent university. Annual clients include the National Rugby League Rookie Camp, Australian Youth Olympics, Reserve Bank of Australia, Engineers Australia and the American Institute of Foreign Study.
NRL Toyota Cup manager and former rugby league player, Michael Buettner, is quick to praise his organisation’s stay at Sydney University Village.
 LEFT: The Great Hall, part of the University of Sydney Venue Collection.
Photo courtesy of The University of Sydney.
“Sydney University Village was a great location for the NRL to conduct our annual rookie camp,” he said.
“The great value for money, the fantastic service and the ability to accommodate groups of all shapes and sizes is an attractive offer to people organising a conference group.”
Elsewhere, CLV Smart Stays offers this style of accommodation in more than eight locations across Australia and New Zealand including North Ryde, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, and two properties in Christchurch.
CLV Smart Stays can provide a flexible range of conference facilities on-site and also through its conferencing venue partners at neighbouring universities. From boardroom meetings and special events to large-scale conferences requiring state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, staff are committed to ensuring they deliver the meeting clients require at an affordable price.
Visit www.clvsmartstays.com.au for further details.
To better service its clients and continue delivering quality venues at affordable prices, the University of Sydney and the University of Sydney Union have formed a joint venture to create The University of Sydney Venue Collection (USVC).
This venture will provide a streamlined venue booking service for all venues at The University of Sydney as well as professional catering and events management services.
Both University Venues and The Venue Collection have a reputation for best practice and the highest standards of venue and events management. This merger will strengthen the scope of their business services.
Located just minutes from the CBD, the University of Sydney is set on 72 hectares of immaculate landscaped grounds and tree covered parkland. The campus is a subtle amalgam of century-old sandstone and innovative and contemporary architecture with a range of unique, diverse and historical venues. By choosing to use The University of Sydney Venue Collection’s services clients are supporting the University of Sydney Union and the exceptional student experience that is unique to the University of Sydney.
The University of Sydney Venue Collection is gold licensed and HACCP accredited, thereby meeting the highest catering standards.
For more information visit www.univenues.com.au or contact The University of Sydney Venue Collection on (02) 9563 6245.
One of the strongest performers in the universities and colleges sector is the MGSM Executive Hotel & Conference Centre in North Ryde, about 20 minutes from the Sydney CBD.
This facility has been providing savvy meeting planners with a great option to hold their meetings away from the big city lights, and stay on-site as well. The modern purpose-built centre offers state-of-the-art teaching facilities, executive style accommodation with bushland views of the lake, and great dining and recreational facilities.
Conference facilities have been designed to enhance the successful conduct of any meeting, conference or corporate function, featuring state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, internet access, computer laboratory, and the flexibility in service to meet all of a client’s needs. Facilities include:
• Amphitheatres with equipment for computer-aided presentations
• Computer laboratory
• Internet access
• 33 dedicated syndicate/break-out rooms
• Video-conferencing options
• Flat floor conference rooms (for between eight and 150 people)
• A full range of audio-visual equipment including large screen images
Visit www.hotel.mgsm.com.au for further details.
Murdoch University will use 15 per cent GreenPower, thereby achieving the highest percentage use of nationally accredited renewable energy of any university in the country.
Murdoch Vice Chancellor, Professor John Yovich, says the university is purchasing GreenPower from Synergy sourced from wind farms in Albany and Emu Downs, with the contract starting on December 1.
Murdoch’s initiative will prevent at least 3500 tonnes of CO2 (or 3.5million kgs) being released into the atmosphere each year – equivalent to the emissions generated by the electricity consumption of 500 households.
Professor Yovich said Murdoch was also working with Synergy to investigate ways to further reduce its energy usage and emissions. The university is considering the possible use of photovoltaic solar panels on its buildings to generate power onsite.
“Murdoch University has a longstanding reputation as a leader in renewable energy research and development, and in teaching energy studies,” Professor Yovich said.
“We are now taking the lead to go even greener. We hope Murdoch University’s commitment to reducing emissions with this high quality renewable energy program will encourage other large organisations to follow suit.”
Professor Yovich said the university had taken the initiative to reduce its emissions s everal years ahead of anticipated mandatory reporting for universities as part of its overall strategy to “green” its operations. It already undertakes voluntary reporting through the national Greenhouse Challenge Program.
Synergy managing director, Jim Mitchell, congratulated Murdoch for its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
“Murdoch is a dynamic and progressive university, and its agreement to purchase accredited renewable energy reflects its future focus,” Mr Mitchell said.
Professor Yovich said that in addition to its 15 per cent GreenPower deal, Murdoch University has also worked hard to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in electricity usage on its South Street Campus during WA’s energy crisis in June and July.
“The larger the energy users signing up for GreenPower, the greater the demand for accredited renewable energy will be. We are committed to helping stimulate further investment in WA’s renewable energy sources,” he said.
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