Academic Venue Solutions (AVS) is delighted to welcome three new members to its growing network of venues: University of Derby, London Metropolitan University and Swansea University.
The additions bring the total number of new members joining AVS in the to six universities in the last 6 months, reflecting a growing recognition across the higher education sector that collaboration, shared insight and collective innovation are more important than ever.
As universities navigate an increasingly complex landscape, from financial pressures to evolving expectations within the conferences and events market, AVS continues to provide a platform where academic venues can come together, share best practice and support one another in driving sustainable income and innovation. Through its national network, AVS connects venue teams from across the UK, creating opportunities to not only promote their venues to an extremely wide audience but to also to exchange ideas, tackle common challenges and collectively shape the future of academic conferences and events.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome the University of Derby, London Metropolitan University and Swansea University to the AVS family. With so many challenges currently facing the higher education sector, it has never been more important for universities to come together, share experiences and learn from one another. AVS provides that space - a collaborative community where members can openly discuss challenges, celebrate successes and work together to develop new opportunities.”
Rachael Lee, Memberships Director, Academic Venue Solutions
Representatives from the new member universities echoed the importance of collaboration and shared insight across the sector.
Charlotte Alton from the University of Derby said:
“Joining AVS gives us the opportunity to be part of a network of like-minded universities who understand both the opportunities and challenges within the academic venue sector. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are vital as we continue to develop our conference and events offering, and we’re looking forward to learning from fellow members while contributing our own ideas and experiences.”
Alex Winning from London Metropolitan University added:
“AVS provides a valuable platform to not only gain numerous opportunities for events and conferencing but to be able to connect with peers across the sector. By working together and sharing best practice, we can strengthen the visibility and impact of academic venues and create new opportunities for conferences and events within higher education.”
Sarah Clifford from Swansea University said:
“The opportunities that the AVS network bring in terms of both enquiries and networking with other venues has been a deciding factor on joining the AVS Family. At a time when the higher education sector is facing many challenges, the ability to exchange ideas, share insight and collectively shape the future of academic venues is incredibly valuable.”
Membership of AVS supports universities in maximising the commercial potential of their campuses, providing access to industry expertise, national promotion through the Venue Directory, sector insight, networking opportunities and collaborative events.
But beyond the commercial opportunities, it is the strength of the community that continues to attract new members.
“What makes AVS special is the willingness of members to share ideas, support one another and sometimes even bang their heads together to solve problems,” added Rachael. “Together we can unlock innovation and shape the future of academic venues as destinations for conferences, meetings and events.”
As the AVS network continues to grow, so too does the belief that we are stronger - and smarter - when we work together.
