Universities look to keep meeting rooms full
Later in November, Beatles fans will come together at the Holiday Inn Downtown Stamford to pay tribute to Bungalow Bill, the tax man and the octopus’ garden.
In late October, the Shippan Point Garden Club paid homage to gardens of the terrestrial variety – at the University of Connecticut Stamford’s campus.
For both venues, the gatherings are providing a bright spot during a year in which the overall meetings industry has been down, and with event planners still trying to wrap their arms around the bookings implications of the coming flu season.
In recent years, colleges and universities have looked to diversify their revenue by increasing the use of their facilities by outside groups, including for business meetings large and small.
While Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, the University of Bridgeport and other local colleges have ample space for meetings, none book events from non-collegiate groups to the degree of UConn Stamford.
Since the campus’ construction more than a decade ago, UConn Stamford has become a frequent host of area business events at its General Re Auditorium, which can accommodate up to 200 people on its main level, plus another 90 people in a balcony.
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