IT’S SHORTLIST TIME!
The excitement levels at AVS HQ?
Somewhere between “Watching the finale of Celebrity Traitors” and “Wi-Fi working first try.”
We are thrilled to announce the shortlist for the 2025 AVS Annual Conference Awards — celebrating the people, teams, ideas, and venues who are raising the bar for our sector.
And wow… this year’s submissions are next-level. 🚀
First up is the ‘Bold Moves in Marketing’ award
For the campaigns that didn’t play it safe – they played it smart, brave, and brilliantly.
Shortlisted:
- Katie Sanders – University of Leeds Conferences & Events
(Think data-driven strategy + storytelling = chef’s kiss.) - Event Exeter – University of Exeter
(A bold rebrand and a campaign that made “Just Right!” feel… well… just right.)
Outstanding Innovation in Conference Experience
For the conference experiences that didn’t just run smoothly – they redefined what’s possible.
Shortlisted:
- University of Leeds – Scenarios Forum 2025
A full “Sustainable Conference Living Lab.” - Event Exeter – Breaking Convention 2025
When you turn a campus into an immersive festival of ideas and art
Rising Star Award
This one’s for the individuals who are already shaping the future of our industry – with ambition, courage, and unstoppable energy.
Shortlisted:
- Carolyn Clark – Glasgow Caledonian University
- Gabby Beetham – University of Leeds
- Saffie Buckley – Manchester Metropolitan University
- Carol Summerfield – Keele University
- Andrew Rowley – University of St Andrews
- Veronica Vuma – University of Hertfordshire
⚡ Six incredible people. Six different journeys. One constant: talent + momentum.
And finally, it’s the big one…..Our Venue of the Year Award – Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
For the venues where collaboration goes beyond processes… and becomes a superpower. 🦸♀️🦸♂️
Shortlisted:
- Nottingham Venues
- University of Leeds – Campus
- University of Leeds – Cloth Hall Court
- University of Edinburgh – The Lookout, Edinburgh Futures Institute
- Warwick Conferences
- Northumbria University
- University of Hertfordshire – Fielder Conference Centre
👏 A massive THANK YOU to everyone who entered this year. Our shortlists turned out to be bigger than expected due to the amazing talent we have!
Your creativity, collaboration, innovation and heart showcase what makes the academic venue sector so special.
Winners will be revealed at the AVS Annual Conference & Awards, Ashorne Hill, 4–5 December.
✨ Expect cheering.
✨ Expect hugs.
✨ Possibly expect tears. (From us. Definitely from us.)
🎟️ If you haven’t booked your place yet, now’s your moment:
👉 https://lnkd.in/e5JrSmKv
Let’s do what our sector does best — learn, connect, celebrate… and make some noise!
#AVSConference2025 #WeAreAcademicVenues #AwardShortlist