How Senate House set the stage for the Festival of Higher Education 2024

Produced and developed by the University of London in partnership with Wonkhe, the Festival once again proved itself as an essential platform for critical reflection, debate, and collaboration across the sector. 

David Ferguson, Head of Communications and Events at the University of London, reflected on the experience: 

“As a University, we were thrilled to be working in partnership with the fantastic Wonkhe team to present the second Festival of Higher Education at Senate House. There is a synergy in our approaches to delivering events like this – focusing on the sector's most pressing issues and creating a platform for colleagues to come together in a timely and supportive way. With great feedback from last year and a blueprint to build on, we hoped to create an even better experience for everyone involved.” 

Senate House: a versatile venue 

Senate House is renowned for its Art Deco design and central London location, and its adaptability made it an ideal choice for the Festival of Higher Education. 

The building’s variety of spaces allowed the event to flow seamlessly across its two days, accommodating keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities in different settings tailored to each activity. 

Organising an event of this scale requires meticulous planning and a collaborative spirit. David explained how the University’s teams worked together to bring the Festival to fruition: 

“The first thing we do is sit down with the team to talk through what the event is, what we want the event to feel like for those who are attending, and how we can give them a fantastic experience when they visit Senate House. The conferencing team makes suggestions about different ways we can use the spaces and rooms within Senate House to bring our vision to life.” 

The venue’s largest room, Beveridge Hall, was used for keynote sessions and panel discussions, with seating ‘in the round’ ensuring all delegates had a perfect view of the action. Smaller spaces, including the impressive wood-panelled Senate Room, allowed for more focused workshops and debates – while Macmillan Hall became a buzzing hub for attendees to enjoy refreshments and network between sessions. 

The flexibility of Senate House’s spaces ensured each part of the programme had a setting with the right ambiance, creating a seamless experience for delegates. 

Catering with a personal touch 

Catering played a central role in enhancing the attendee experience. Lunch was served on both days, and guests were treated to high-quality, thoughtfully prepared meals, with options to suit a range of dietary requirements. On the evening of Day 1, a drinks reception gave attendees a chance to unwind and mingle in the beautiful surroundings of Crush Hall. 

A highlight of the event was the branded bento boxes, which attendees could take home as a unique memento of their experience. 

David shared an insight into the planning process: 

“We work with the catering team to discuss menus, and the team designs concepts and dishes based on feedback, with a chance to have a tasting session beforehand to agree on dishes – that was a great hour or two of work!” 

In addition to creating a memorable experience for guests, sustainability is a central focus for both University of London Venues and our catering partner, Gather & Gather. This commitment was reflected in the Festival menu, which highlighted seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. 

Space for reflection, debate and collaboration 

The Festival of Higher Education itself was a resounding success, with its programme addressing critical themes such as public perceptions of universities, international student policies, and skills development for the future. 

Senate House’s versatile spaces, combined with excellent catering and seamless organisation, ensured that attendees could focus on what mattered most: meaningful discussions and collaboration. 

By blending Grade II-listed architecture with state-of-the-art facilities, our venue meets the practical requirements of a modern conference while creating an atmosphere of gravitas and character. 

Host your event at Senate House 

The success of the 2024 Festival of Higher Education highlights the importance of choosing the right setting for your event. Senate House’s ability to adapt to the needs of different sessions, combined with its central location and expert support teams, makes it a standout choice for conferences, workshops, and networking events of all sizes. 

As David notes, “It’s great to work with different teams who bring different ideas on how the space is used, and things we can do to create a great experience.” 

Ready to discuss your next event at Senate House? We’d love to hear from you – contact the Venues team today.