Delivering a Seamless Experience for a Global Network
Lean in Higher Education (Lean HE) is a global community of professionals committed to continuous improvement in the higher education sector. For its milestone 10th anniversary conference, the network selected Cambridge as the host city — a prestigious backdrop for an international event. To ensure its success, the University of Cambridge engaged Opening Doors & Venues (OD&V) to support the local organising committee in planning and delivering this high-profile gathering.

Smooth Integration with the Local Team
OD&V joined the project early in the planning stages, initially helping to establish budgets, attend theme workshops, and take over venue negotiations. Our ability to integrate quickly and smoothly with the existing committee allowed for an efficient and collaborative working relationship. Working closely with the conference lead, we developed clear decision-making structures and launched a targeted marketing campaign — all tailored to the unique character of the event.

A Client-Centred Approach
Recognising that this was the first conference organised by the client team, OD&V made it a priority to build trust and gain a deep understanding of the committee’s goals. By investing time in understanding their vision, we provided more than just event management — we offered reassurance and strategic guidance at every stage. This hands-on partnership was key in helping the committee feel confident and supported throughout the process.

Multi-Venue Logistics, Expertly Handled
The event featured a dynamic programme including keynote speeches, interactive workshops, parallel sessions, and a celebratory gala dinner. A total of three distinct venues across Cambridge were used, each requiring precise coordination. Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the city and strong local networks, OD&V handled all venue logistics with ease — saving the client time and ensuring seamless transitions across the programme.

Post-Event Insight & Impact
The conference was not only a celebration of a decade of the Lean HE network but also a resounding success in terms of execution and delegate experience. Our role didn’t end with the closing session: OD&V attended detailed post-event debriefs, supported budget reconciliation, created and distributed tailored attendance reports, and sent post-event communications to attendees. This final piece of work equipped the organising committee with valuable insights to inform future events.