Well Met, the conference office for Leeds Beckett University, is to host the 33rd annual Association of British Choral Directors (ABCD) Convention. It will take place 24–26 August 2018 at Headingley Campus, Leeds.
The convention was last in the city in 2012, and this year brings back a schedule of over 30 events, featuring presenters and exhibitors from across the UK, USA, Lithuania and Ireland. Over 200 visitors are expected to attend.
Bar and barbershop will kick off this weekend of choral community conventions at the Friday night plenary session. Welcome drinks will be followed by slick barbershop singing from award-winning quartet Monkey Magic.
Rachel Greaves, general secretary for the Association, said: “We are happy to be coming back to Leeds and to the team at Well Met. We had positive feedback from delegates and exhibitors in 2012. They liked the site, convenient parking and modern accommodation and everything was within easy walking distance. The session rooms were easy to find, and the exhibition hall works really well for us as there are not many sites now that have that size of open hall.”
The Choral Convention will close what has been an exceptionally busy summer of activity for the Well Met conferencing team. From sports foundation and corporate games, to international language schools and trainee teachers, Well Met has filled a total of 8,928 beds this summer, playing host to over 2,000 delegates.
Clare Vidler, conference manager, Well Met, said: “Summer presents a packed schedule of conferencing, summer schools and conventions and are a key part of our business. Due to the variety of facilities and venues on our estate we can be flexible and tailor our offering to suit the needs of our customers.
“Headingley Campus has an enduring appeal with a variety of organisations due to its accessible location, excellent on-site facilities and beautiful setting and we are always delighted to welcome back repeat visitors.”