The thing about people who organize events is, they LOVE organising events. To have had a period of time where we couldn’t has been quite challenging for the team. We’ve remained upbeat, we’ve helped a lot of other colleagues, but still, in the back of our heads, has been the nagging desire to get cracking with some of what we’re good at.
So, it’s been brilliant to work with the National Citizen Service for six weeks over summer, collaborating to make their student experience as positive as it can be, and all in our lovely new Grosvenor Building. Beth Lincoln (Manchester Met Conference Coordinator) organised the event:
"After another year of lockdowns, it’s been absolutely fantastic to be able to breathe life into the new Grosvenor Building over the summer holidays. It’s been amazing not only for our team, but for the teams who work in the building regularly, to get to grips with how we can plan events in the space.
The building has an array of brilliant spaces for events, including light and airy classrooms, modern IT suites and open, large social spaces; not forgetting the opportunity to get some fresh air up on the 3rd floor balcony (which I may claim as my new office!). It’s amazing to have the Conference Office cooperating fully as a team again, and working with our many colleagues ‘in person’ across the University."
Why run an event at Manchester Met?
The National Citizen Service (NCS) work with 16 and 17 year olds, and who come for blocks of two weeks to learn life skills and change ‘No you can’t, into No You Can!’, and Grosvenor is the perfect location for them. Leon Carroll, the service manager for NCS, said this about working with us:
"We wanted to use Manchester Met to support the aspirational process that supports youth development and integration, highlighting that everyone can succeed as part of our NCS programme. It has been outstanding choice. We have received supportive and friendly advice in the planning and preparation of our six-week programme at MMU. The events team have been there to support the delivery of the event and the site team have been outstanding, showcasing professional facilities, clean and COVID secure spaces has really put us at ease. We have been made to feel part of the MMU team while holding our own event which has supported some respected VIPs, and again the team at MMU have supported us all the way and helped out where required.
I can’t thank the team at MMU enough for their support and help in ensuring our event has been professional and enjoyable."
Sustainable Events: Social Responsibility
The event has also given the Conference Team the chance to integrate their Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. The National Citizen Service asked us to introduce students to the work of Big Change MCR (who we support through our day delegate rate) and then perhaps use BCM in their work on community action.
Leon invited James to talk to groups on a weekly basis to tell them about Big Change, which has then led to them raising money and raising the profile of the project:
"This is what we want our events to be about. Clearly we’re a commercial enterprise, but if we can work with our clients to add value to their events, and help them to help communities in Manchester, that’s a sustainable circle that works for everyone, and we’re very proud to be a part of it."
– James Charnock (Sales and Marketing Officer).
To find out more about the NCS, click here: https://wearencs.com/
To find out more about Big Change MCR, click here: https://streetsupport.net/manchester/bigchangemcr/
To find out more about us, click here: https://venues.mmu.ac.uk