Choosing the Venue for TCUK25
James Bartley
Published 8th June 2025
When I started looking for a venue for TCUK25 back in February, I knew that I wasn’t just booking conference rooms. TCUK is such a great opportunity for us to connect with each other, and that meant the space had to do more than host talks and workshops; it had to support conversation, connection, and comfort throughout the event.
This meant that the focus was firmly on making sure the space set the right atmosphere. We needed somewhere where you can have a quick chat between sessions or a longer moment with someone over coffee. I was thinking about comfy corners, informal seating, and spaces that would feel safe and welcoming to everyone. As much as we needed room for formal sessions, it was the social side that I kept coming back to.
The space had to support conversation, connection, and comfort throughout the event.
From a shortlist of seven venues, I visited three. I’m grateful for the brilliant help I had along the way, from both a venue co-ordinator as well as a friend in events who helped me ask the right questions and spot the finer details. It took longer than expected and involved a few journeys, but I hope that this effort shows in the choice we’ve made.
The practical needs were always clear: transport links, accessibility, flexible spaces. But equally important were the intangibles. I didn’t want anything that felt too grand or intimidating; it also couldn’t be dingy or dated. The space had to signal care and professionalism without feeling formal for the sake of it.
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Some of the venues surprised me with how enthusiastic and helpful they were, including offering food and overnight stays to help us get a real feel for the space. Others were oddly far less responsive. I’m not someone who’s easily won over by perks, but I do notice when people genuinely want to work with us.
After all these considerations, the team narrowed it down to two venues. Both had good layouts, plenty of light, a clear focus on safety and accessibility, and teams who were responsive and generous with their time. In the end, the Radisson Blu at East Midlands Airport won out. It has the central social space I wanted, with the meeting rooms radiating off it, and the team there really made me feel confident that they understand how to run conferences well.
I’m really happy with the venue. It’s bright and accessible, with nearby bathrooms, quiet breakout areas, and helpful staff. And for those staying overnight, the hotel has the usual facilities that some might find welcome after a full day of sessions or to get their morning started.
That moment of reconnection is such an important part of TCUK for me.
What I’m most looking forward to is sitting in the sunlight, on a comfy chair, catching up with people I haven’t seen in person for at least two years. That moment of reconnection is such an important part of TCUK for me, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way. This venue gives us the space to make those moments happen.
Take part in TCUK25
The call for proposals is now open. Find full details under the Call for Proposals section of the TCUK page.