April 2023 - University of Leeds Conferences and Events

MEETinLEEDS, the University’s conference service, has re-branded to University of Leeds Conferences and Events. This exciting change brings the service’s identity closer to the main University brand, allowing it to reap the benefits of the strong recognition that the University has as a world-class institution.

The new brand was first showcased at our Cloth Hall Court venue in the city centre on Monday 24 April, with the hosting of the Conference Hospitality Show (CHS) Leeds’ Welcome Reception. Following this, the team also exhibited at CHS Leeds on Tuesday 25 April. This helped to introduce the new brand to the wider conferences and events industry.

The service’s website, conferencesandevents.leeds.ac.uk, reflects the new re-branding and showcases the great range of venues we have at the University of Leeds. The team can now be reached via a new email inbox conferences@leeds.ac.uk or on 0113 343 6100 for any enquiries or questions.

Take a look at some highlights from the Conference Hospitality Show Leeds Welcome Reception

University of Leeds Conferences and Events controls the majority of out of term time availability of spaces across campus. This ensures that the University is able to host research-led academic conferences and events that are organised to the highest possible standard in line with our strategic commitments. The team also collaborate with local businesses to deliver on-campus events – helping us forge closer relationships with the wider city. Through this work Conferences and Events generate additional income for the University.

The team offers a one-stop solution for all event planning and delivery needs. Their expertise in sales and operational processes ensures that internal and external bookings are supported every step of the way. For internal customers, the competitive rates start from £165 for room hire and just £42.50 per person for day delegate packages. This includes the room, food and event management support. With capacities of up to 2,000 guests, the University’s facilities offer immense potential for events on every scale.

Sam Glenister-Batey – Head of Conferences and Events at the University of Leeds says: “We’ve re-branded as University of Leeds Conferences and Events as I believe that the University’s reputation as a world-leading organisation offers us a real point of difference to competitors in the conferences and events industry.

We were also thrilled to open another exciting addition to our extensive venue portfolio at Cloth Hall Court. Increasingly, planners are looking to source venues that deliver on sustainability and ethical responsibility. Cloth Hall Court – with its prime location, and venue hire revenue directly supporting one of the UK’s leading institutions for higher education, delivers on these objectives. We’re proud to be further contributing to Leeds’ world-class offering for conferences and events.”

Ann Allen, Director of Campus Innovation and Development, said: “This re-branding will allow the team to benefit from the University’s local, national and international renown. Alongside this, the recent opening of Cloth Hall Court represents a fantastic new commercial opportunity for the University. Launching a prestigious conference and events space that is available all year round in the heart of the city will be an important new source of revenue for us. Together, these innovations will help us in achieving both our aims as a Facilities Directorate and the wider University strategy.”

On Monday, University of Leeds Conferences and Events (formerly MEETinLEEDS) officially launched its new city centre venue – Cloth Hall Court. Located on Quebec Street, opposite Leeds Railway Station, the Grade II listed building is a multi-purpose corporate and private events venue for up to 300 delegates.

The launch and re-brand coincide with the University exhibiting at CHS Leeds this week, where a brand-new website has been unveiled to event professionals attending the show. To mark the importance of this event for business tourism in the region, the first event held in the recently refurbished Cloth Hall Court was the CHS Leeds Welcome Reception.

Take a look at some highlights from the Conference Hospitality Show Leeds Welcome Reception

Julie Philips – Chief Operating Officer at CHS Events, says: “We are delighted to be holding this year’s CHS Leeds Welcome Reception at Cloth Hall Court. It is important that our show represents the city and really showcases what Leeds has to offer our visitors who are joining from across the events industry. Cloth Hall Court is an exceptional new venue having received huge investment from the University of Leeds and we can’t think of a better way to showcase it than at our Welcome Reception.”

Cloth Hall Court offers nine versatile event spaces of varying size, situated over four floors. Its rich historical significance for the city’s textiles trade has been preserved and fused with state-of-the-art technical facilities, to accommodate a broad range of in-person and hybrid event formats.

Sam Glenister-Batey – Head of Conferences and Events at the University of Leeds says: “We’re thrilled to launch another exciting addition to our extensive venue portfolio. Increasingly, planners are looking to source venues that deliver on sustainability and ethical responsibility. Cloth Hall Court – with its prime location, and venue hire revenue directly supporting one of the UK’s leading institutions for higher education, delivers on these objectives. We’re proud to be further contributing to Leeds’ world-class offering for conferences and events.”

Claire Heap – Visitor Economy Manager at Conference Leeds adds: “It’s hugely exciting to see the return of Cloth Hall Court to the city’s conference venue portfolio, especially at a time when the city’s meeting and events sector is enjoying significant success. Located in the heart of the city centre, Cloth Hall’s dedicated multi-purpose event spaces will offer event organisers many options for their conferences and events, whilst at the same time offering delegates a chance to enjoy the vibrancy of the city.”

MEETinLEEDS re-brands as University of Leeds Conferences and Events

The University of Leeds re-brands and expands its conferences and events portfolio