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Diane Stallabrass. Conference & Hospitality Sales. Royal Agricultural College. Introduction. Size doesn’t matter. Marketing the Venue. Business Split. What you should expect to know at the end of the presentation. Internal v External. Challenges we face. How we plan to overcome these.
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Diane Stallabrass Conference & Hospitality Sales Royal Agricultural College
Introduction • Size doesn’t matter • Marketing the Venue • Business Split What you should expect to know at the end of the presentation • Internal v External • Challenges we face • How we plan to overcome these
Welcome to the Royal Agricultural College • Established in 1845 • Situated in 25 acres of parkland • A seat of learning but also a Conference & Hospitality Centre
So what do we offer? A range of 30+ meeting rooms • A new build programme • A dedicated business suite
Flexible Space • Modern Audio Visual • Technology • Porters and Technical • Support
Function Rooms Full Professional Catering Free on Site Parking
Dedicated Sales Team • Focus on Flexibility and Personal Service “Thank you so much for your help with organising the Exeter Clergy Conference. Feedback about the venue has been overwhelmingly positive and so many have commented on how friendly and helpful the staff were”. The Revd Canon Andrew Godsall, Diocese of Exeter Conference – September 2012
How do we do it? • Clear and Measurable Targets • Sustained Advertising and Promotional Campaigns • On Line Presence Through the Web • Use of Social Media (Twitter / Linked-in) A Defined Sales and Marketing Strategy • Referrals • Upselling
Where do our clients come from? • Venuemasters • Website – our own and membership of others • Response to Mailshots • Networking Events & Local Business Exhibitions • Profile Raising • Referrals
Awards www.investorsinpeople.co.uk www.customerfirst.org www.excellence.co.uk www.thecotswoldchef.com
Internal v External • 55% Internal • 20% Repeat • 15% New Direct Business • 5% Referrals • 5% Web
Current Challenges • Cut price rates from hotels • New and alternative venues springing up • On-going conflict between academic and external interests • New building works as part of refurbishment programme which can cause disruption on site • Maintaining our profile Global economic downturn and cut backs in public services spend
How to Overcome them? • On-going training and achieving National Awards status Educate academics • Sell our skills through shared services • Good news stories Maintain service levels