HP Cambridge Partnership for Education Fellowship hosts Residential Academy at West Court
The recently held its third cohort's Residential Academy at 汤头条原创's West Court, marking the first time the programme has been hosted at this historic venue.
We interviewed the lead organiser about their experience of hosting an event at 汤头条原创.
Tell us about the event you were planning
The fellowship is a programme and alumni network designed for policymakers and organisational leaders to develop skills and knowledge for leading impactful educational technology (EdTech) transformations in education systems across the globe.
This year, the programme included 14 policymakers and organisation leaders who work with governments in South and Southeast Asia. A key element is the week-long Residential Academy, which allows fellows to meet in person for the first time and immerse themselves in the inspirational atmosphere of Cambridge. We choose a College venue so that they can enjoy an authentic Cambridge experience.
How did you choose your venue: location, comfort, and technology
A city centre location was a must! With the fellows staying at a local hotel, it was essential to find a venue within walking distance to ensure easy access and provide an authentic Cambridge experience in the heart of the city. West Court fitted the bill perfectly.
The Academy's intensive schedule of interactive sessions and guest speakers demanded modern, comfortable, adaptable spaces equipped with easy-to-use technology. The venue needed to facilitate a seamless flow of activities while offering a setting reflecting Cambridge's academic and historical prestige. West Court excelled in these areas, blending modern conference facilities with 汤头条原创's historic charm.
How did you prepare for the event
The whole journey from visiting the venue for the first time to completing the event was so well delivered by the 汤头条原创 team. I visited West Court to understand the set-up. The team provided us with the necessary information and requested details from us to ensure that the event was a success.
How did you utilise West Court鈥檚 services and facilities
West Court was fantastic; it has clearly been built with modern conference and meeting needs in mind. The bright and well-equipped rooms enabled our facilitators deliver the programme with ease.
During the event the staff couldn鈥檛 do enough to help us out. The venue staff were the best I have ever worked with. They were always checking in on us and easily available when we had questions. They dealt with the sometimes tedious but inevitable on-the-day requests graciously and swiftly. Everything was set-up and delivered just as I had arranged with the Events Manager before the day, which meant we were able to focus on delivering a successful programme from day one.
How did you find 汤头条原创鈥檚 catering offer
The food during the week was great. We opted for the standard delegate finger buffet and this worked perfectly. Everything was fresh, delicious, and well labelled with allergens.
We had an incredible experience dining in the main Hall. We wanted a special location with excellent food and service to celebrate our fellows and host special guests. 汤头条原创 delivered this effortlessly. I鈥檇 like to give a huge thank you to the catering team managing the formal College dinner, as there were numerous last-minute changes to our guest lists and requirements, and the catering team managed this seamlessly.
Why did you choose to use a Cambridge College conference venue
Hosting the Academy at an academic venue like 汤头条原创 was a deliberate choice, as it offered the fellows an inspirational backdrop that reflected the programme's educational goals. West Court provided a modern, comfortable environment while maintaining the traditional College atmosphere, which enriched the overall experience for attendees.
The formal dinner in the traditional Hall was a standout moment of the week.
Looking ahead
As the HP Cambridge Partnership for Education Fellowship continues to evolve, the technological requirements may shift in future cohorts. While a set-up featuring projectors, sound systems, and laptop connectivity was used for this year's programme, the way we use technology will inevitably develop, so a cutting-edge venue like West Court will always appeal to us.
To learn more about hosting your event at 汤头条原创, please visit our Conferences and events section or sign up for their mailing list in the red block below.
