We have sat down with Hilary Barraclough our Head of Business Development and Academic Events Services for a chat. So pour yourself a brew and find out why she's still passionate about her role 32 years on...

What can we get you, tea? Coffee?

Hilary: Coffee please with full fat milk, my guilty pleasure.

What did you have for breakfast?

Hilary: I love overnight oats with mixed berries, so easy to make and so satisfying and tasty and keeps me going until lunch time.

How would you explain your job to someone new?

Hilary: My role as Head of Business Development and Academic Services for Lancaster University Conference & Events+, is to promote Lancaster University’s extensive indoor and outdoor facilities to potential external conference organisers, ensuring they have the best possible experience whilst on campus.

I also work with academic and professional services colleagues to understand how we can support and remove barriers in order for them to bring conferences onto campus, within budget and showcasing the best the University has to offer. This includes help with delegate registration, bid proposals, help with event planning and budget advice.

What’s on your to-do list this week?

Hilary: Talking to lots of conference organisers and various customers, whether that be face to face or over teams about potential conferences, meetings and events. I will be doing campus tours too which is a great opportunity to show off our fantastic campus, Forrest Hills and the Lancaster Suite at the castle.

I’m always keen to get feedback on how we can do things better and deliver experiences that are memorable, so if you are interested drop me a line, I will bring the cake!

What gets you up in the morning?

Hilary: I love that every day is different and I consider myself lucky to work in the University Community. I work with some of the best people and I’m proud to have been part of the team for 32 years! I have lots of experience and have met some wonderful people. Every day is school day, there are always new things to learn.

Sustainability is really important to me and I am working on including bus passes for our day delegates. We have just been awarded a Platinum ECOsmart accreditation by Greengage, recognising eco-friendly hotels and conference venues where facilities and services meet high standards of sustainability, brilliant work by everyone involved!

What’s been your best moment at Lancaster so far?

Hilary: I have loved being involved in the planning and delivery of family and community days that the University has hosted over the years. It’s great to see so many people come together with smiles on their faces, it just reinforces what a great place we work.

Some of the conferences I have been involved in delivering have also stood out, as many of the customers return year after year. It’s great to see those familiar happy faces enjoying everything we have to offer.

Who would you like to have a brew with next?

Hilary: With my professional hat on, anyone within the University who would like any support or advice on hosting an event, either on campus, at the Castle or at Forrest Hills!