Association of Colleges contracts

The Association of Colleges (AoC) has announced it has contracted the ICC in Birmingham to host its annual conference and exhibition through to 2022.

As the national voice for further education, sixth form, tertiary and specialist colleges in England, the not-for-profit membership organisation represents colleges that transform 2.2 million lives each year.  AoC represents and promotes the interests of colleges, and provides members with high-quality professional support services, including training, events and recruitment.

The event, attended by on average 1200 delegates, has become a regular feature in the ICC’s calendar, having hosted the event since 2001.  Its aim is to bring its national membership base together to hear from prominent speakers from within and outside the sector, providing fresh insight, with new opportunities to learn and develop practical solutions to the challenges being faced. It also represents a chance to network with sector colleagues and to share successes to develop best practice. 

The 2019 conference and exhibition will be held from 19-20 November at the ICC, using the impressive Hall 1 auditorium the venue’s largest space, Hall 3 and Executive Rooms for fringe events.

Rachel Almeida, Head of Events and Sponsorship at AoC said: “Location is key to this event, as we’re supporting colleges from across the country, so they need somewhere that’s easily accessible.  The size of the space is also of paramount importance, and that is why we’ve continued to use the ICC.  The venue offers the space for both the conference and exhibition elements of our event, enough for delegates to move around with ease whilst offering a self-contained, community feel.  It’s very difficult to provide this style of environment, but the space at the ICC does this perfectly and has the flexibility to meet our changing needs year on year.”

Linda Best, Association Account Director at the ICC said: “We really enjoy working with the AoC team, so to continue our partnership for a further three years is fantastic news!  Our experience of hosting this congress for the past 18 years and the continuity in providing the best team, provides us with an opportunity to continuously go above and beyond for our customers.  We help them to create an environment that’s fit for purpose, so they feel safe in our hands.”

For more information on hosting an event at the ICC, please contact [email protected] or call +44(0)121 644 5025.