UConn 2000 buildings attract more conferences to campus

When Sally Reis and Joe Renzulli hosted the annual Confratute conference for educators of the gifted and talented some 28 years ago, UConn was a different place.

“The facilities were really rundown,” says Reis, professor and head of educational psychology.

“Now,” she says, “people come here and say, ‘This campus is incredible’.”

The air-conditioned Rome Ballroom, the South Campus residence halls, and dozens of other new spaces have made a big difference, Reis says. “Because of the new facilities, our conference participants say they are recommending UConn to their most gifted and talented students.”

Bob Seguin, general manager of conference services, says the UConn 2000 infrastructure program has been an important factor in increasing the number of conferences at the University.

“More faculty are excited about the new and renovated facilities and want to showcase the campus to their colleagues from other institutions,” he says. “I’ve definitely seen a difference in recent years in the number of meetings and conferences that are held here.”

Seguin helps plan and implement events ranging from small academic programs for faculty and staff and meetings for non-profit organizations to sports camps and large international conferences.

The new buildings and renovated facilities have attracted increasing numbers of summer residential events, he says: “The Nathan Hale Inn, air-conditioned residence halls, state-of-the-art meeting rooms, Rome Commons, and the chemistry and business buildings have been big draws. Before we had Rome Ballroom, all we had was the Student Union Ballroom. We were quite limited.”

If a group is too large for the Nathan Hale Inn during the summer, the extra guests are housed in what Seguin calls “premium spaces” – South Campus and Hilltop Suites. Charter Oak Suites usually house those enrolled in summer school or participating in small academic-based programs. “Before UConn 2000,” Seguin says, “many groups were reluctant to stay in Storrs in the summer without air conditioning.

He says the new Student Union will be an asset: “There will be a new ballroom, new meeting space, and new dining opportunities right in the middle of campus.”

Deborah Huntsman, executive director for professional studies in the College of Continuing Studies, says hosting conferences used to be very challenging. “Now, it’s a pleasure to host them here.

“The Rome Ballroom is of the quality and size of hotels in any major metropolitan city, and it’s always in demand. If a group wants to be sure for summer dates, we have to schedule a year in advance,” Huntsman says.