Coventry

Introduction

Coventry is now well established as a major conference and business events destination with the latest industry research (‘British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2009’) ranking it as the 10th most popular destination amongst event organisers, its location making it accessible for not only businesses but also attendees, boosting visitor attendance. To continue that growth, the City has developed a strong and proactive Conference Ambassadors programme encouraging its academics and professionals to bring their congress and conference to Coventry.

With famous landmarks, stunning scenery, superb historic and modern contrasts, Coventry & Warwickshire offers a world of award winning conferencing venues, accommodation and services. It clearly is the perfect destination for large Congresses and Conferences.

Economic and academic specialisms

Coventry is a resilient city with many economic strengths and a strong skills base to take advantage of opportunities for further growth. Renowned for its manufacturing and engineering excellence, Coventry’s revival in the mid 1990s was based on moving towards high-technology activity and is now focusing on new opportunities in the science, medical and environmental sectors.

The University of Warwick is internationally recognised in areas like business and economic development, and medicine. A £400 million master plan in medical research, to be implemented over the next 10 years, will see the university increase its relevance as a research centre, as well as firm up some of its commercial and support services.

In a similar vein Coventry University will also see major investment and development  placing the university at the forefront of Engineering and Design.

Coventry is home to many blue chip companies including E.ON and Jaguar Land Rover. Sporting events have been a success such as the International Children’s Games (2005) and the British Transplant Games (2009). The City has also been sussessful as a football venue for the 2012 Olympic Games and the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Key venue

The IEC at the £113 million Ricoh Arena is a world class destination for business, entertainment and sport and boasting a 15,000 sq m purpose-built conference and exhibition centre and an onsite hotel. The E.ON Lounge is the Midlands largest column- free conference and banqueting suite with spectacular views over the football stadium. Events ranging from exhibitions to indoor concerts are held in the sound proofed Jaguar Exhibition Hall. There are over 50 suites, lounges and executive boxes for smaller organisations. Expansion has recently been completed and allows audiences of up to 10,000 for indoor events and 2 additional halls have been added. Recently Ricoh Arena was runner up in the International Stadium Business awards and received an environmental award for reducing carbon emissions.

Warwick Conferences hosts the widest choice and concentration of event space in the UK with dedicated training and conference centres and 2,000 free car parking spaces on site. There are over 300 meeting rooms for 1,200 delegates supported by award winning catering. Warwick Conferences was awarded silver status by International Association of Conference Centres and Green Star accreditation for environmental policy.

From luxurious to quality value Coventry & Warwickshire has a wide range of accommodation to suit your specifications and pocket. The Ricoh Arena has 71 rooms on site with 1,950 rooms ranging from 4* to budget within a 5 mile radius. 

The University of Warwick training and conference centres have on site 479 en-suite rooms and the Conference Park over 1200 bedrooms (available only during student vacation periods Christmas, Easter & Summer) there are also 2,850 rooms again 4* to budget within a 5 mile radius.

Conveniently location in the centre of Coventry, the Ramada Hotel & Suites provides excellent guest care and facilities in a contemporary development.

Unique venues for gala dinners and receptions

If there’s one thing that both Coventry & Warwickshire are world famous for, it’s the amazing variety of culture and heritage that stems from some of the regions most beautiful, iconic and ancient architecture.

Congress organisers are always looking for that wow factor when delegates look to relax and enjoy the location, and Coventry & Warwickshire ticks all the boxes. We have a wide range of world renowned buildings with stunning backdrops for your dinner or event including Coventry Cathedral & Warwick Castle. There is also the unique St Marys Guildhall in the medieval quarter of Coventry City Centre and the stately Coombe Abbey Hotel.