The Learning and Teaching Spaces Managers Group (LTSMG) has announced its annual three day conference will take place at Loughborough University, November 14-16 – insisting it will be the biggest and best yet.
The LTSMG – a not-for-profit volunteer run group – was formed exclusively to help AV professionals working in the education sector to communicate and share knowledge and ideas with fellow colleagues.
Over the past 12-months, under the leadership of Jonathan Owen, who took up the position as chairman last March, the group has undergone a major internal restructure in order to become a more professionally run and managed organisation equipped to facilitate growth he and his team believe it capable of.
During this period, membership numbers (membership is free) have surpassed 300 for the first time, with some universities represented from as far afield as Hong Kong, Australia and even Malta.
The transformation has also seen the launch of a new website, increased activity on social media and enhanced revenue opportunities from sponsorship of its conferences.
“I’m immensely proud of the progress we’ve made over the past 12-months,” said Owen. “As we’ve grown, so has demand,” explained Owen.
“The LTSMG conferences were always run on a relatively small scale and didn’t have much room to become anything bigger”
Under the previous regime, LTSMG conferences would take place over a single day once a year (sometimes once every two years), and was financed by around six sponsors who would provide presentations and keynotes to those in attendance.
By contrast, under Owen and his team’s leadership the most recent LTSMG conference (held at the University of Hertfordshire) took place over three days and included around 22 sponsors
All revenues from sponsorship were used to pay for the venue, plus accommodation and food and drink for around 50 of the 70 members attending the whole three day event. Members are free to attend on specific days rather than take up the entire three day package.
“We now sell out within a few days, and that’s why we’ll be opening it up for day delegates this year. That’s something we really want to ramp up this year.”
He continued: “The LTSMG conferences were always previously run on a relatively small scale and didn’t have much room to become anything bigger. We now have things in place to really push the boundaries. It’s a lot of hard work but the results and feedback show that it was the right thing to do.”
Owen, told AVTE he and his team are busy arranging the next instalment – which will be open to members attending for just the day (this not requiring the total all inclusive package) – insisting it will surpass all held before it.
“I can’t reveal exact details at this stage, but I absolutely encourage anyone working in the education space to come and join us – it’s set to be our biggest and best yet!
Membership for the LTSMG is free of charge, as is attending its various events held throughout the year.
If you’re currently working in the education sector and would like to join the LTSMG, visit www.ltsmg.co.uk
An extended interview with Jonathan Owen and fellow member of the LTSMG executive team, Adam Harvey, will feature in the next edition of AV Technology Europe magazine – out next week. To receive your free copy, sign up by clicking here.
