Annual Report - Stevenage Leisure

C O N F E R E N C E / B U S I N E S S E V E N T S
The conferencing department at the Stevenage Arts
and Leisure Centre enjoyed another impressive
year in 2010-11. A unique venue, with excellent
transport links and advanced technical capabilities,
the Arts and Leisure Centre boasts three
conference suites, a Main Hall, Bowls Hall, Theatre,
and Restaurant- all of which are available for private
hire, meaning we have the ability and capacity to
cater for functions of almost any size, and to the
highest possible standards.
The Main Hall, the most versatile of the spaces, played host to a
number of high-level events including the annual dinner and awards
ceremonies from Veolia Water and MBDA. The BBC chose the
facility to film an episode of its flagship programme ‘Question Time’,
whilst Tesco transformed it into a replica of the television set for
‘Tesco Does Strictly Come Dancing’, with Tesco employees being
paired with professional dancers in aid of charity. Return visitors
included Rock Challenge, which features children from across the
country, and the London and Southern Region Annual Brass Bands
Championships, which utilises every spare corner of the building.
Regular bookings came in the form of ACCA examinations, Weight
Watchers, the National Blood Service, Stevenage Homes Limited,
and Stevenage Borough Council. Community groups such as The
Girl Guides and local church groups also used the building frequently.
Unique events such as The Archant Business Expo and the Archant
Wedding Fair saw the Main Hall transformed into an exhibition
hall, attracting stallholders coming from across the region. Youth
Connexions held a Careers Fair for local young people, The
Stevenage Community Trust held a celebrity lunch and fundraiser at
Christmas, and the Town Twinning Gala was once again held here on
behalf of Stevenage Borough Council. The council also held election
counts at the centre as part of the General and Local Government
Elections, and the venue was also once again home to the Mayor’s
Community Reception.
The Ovations Restaurant enjoyed success in the form of a new
menu together with a number of wedding, birthday, anniversary and
christening functions and also the Stevenage Labour Party’s annual
dinner dance. Christmas Parties and Jazz Lunches also proved to be
in demand.
22 Annual Report 2010/11