TUCO 2024
As the leading professional membership body for in-house caterers operating in the higher and further education sector, TUCO plays a key role in promoting excellence and is committed to advancing the learning and development of catering and hospitality teams. Through training and community engagement, it helps to ensure academic institutions can operate efficient, ethical and modern catering services.
OBJECTIVE
The highlight of any given year, the TUCO summer conference brings together those working in the sector to share ideas and best practice, as well as providing an opportunity to connect and network with catering suppliers and gain insight into current industry trends.
Now a well-established event, the 2024 conference came to Exeter in July and more than 400 delegates spent three days (the three hottest days of the year) on campus.
Given the nature of the conference, food and drink features highly on the list of venue criteria. The TUCO location is chosen as much for the provenance of the regions produce, as for the quality of its facilities and services.
EXECUTION
Not afraid of a challenge and with one successful TUCO conference (2016) already under the belt, Event Exeter bravely rose to the gauntlet to create something bigger and better for 2024.
The planning and execution of an event that showcases your venues and teams to your industry peers is a huge challenge in itself. Ensuring that your delegates leave the event with tales worth sharing, is of course a must.
From the off, members of catering and events teams worked alongside event organisers to bring ideas to life and the ‘Tipping Points – sustainability in catering’ conference was born.
Event Space
The initial search for a flexible event space large enough to house an exhibition and live cookery areas, as well as a fully equipped plenary space, provided not only a challenge in terms of the sheer size, but acoustics and lighting too.
The University’s tennis centre, home to six indoor courts in total, has always been a source of intrigue for the team at Event Exeter, but never has anyone pursued its eventing potential.
With some negotiation, creative thinking and clever collaboration, what can only be described as a large-scale tent, was magnificently transformed into a full-scale, self-contained exhibition and event venue. A beauty to behold.
Over the course of the three days, delegates were treated to a programme of workshops, seminars, cookery demonstrations and a supplier exhibition – all within the confines of this wondrously transformed space.
Thoroughly enjoyed working with you in the run up to and particularly live on site.
You were fast to deal with the random things that came up and it meant I could look after the guests & exhibitors promptly to the level we like to.
For me, the best conference we’ve ever done.
Jamie Robbins, Managing Director, H20 Publishing
Catering and social programme
The social programme for TUCO left no stone unturned when it came to entertainment and of course, food and drink. From a ‘Greatest Showman’ themed arrival event, with circus entertainment and catering stalls to a summer festival on the lawns, the event made full use of the campus outdoor event spaces.
The conference culminated with an all-singing all-dancing Roman themed gala dinner in the Great Hall. The perfect platform for our award-winning chefs to pull out all the stops and wow delegates.
With a backdrop featuring the Colosseum, Roman pillars and themed décor, guests were treated to a feast fit for an Emperor, whilst enjoying entertainment from a duo of Roaming Roman waiters.
Organised very well and the food on the last night was awesome!! Probably the best I’ve had at any event.
Jason Howell, Co Founder / Business Development Director, The Real Wrap Co
Results
A roaring success from start to finish, TUCO conference 2025 was a truly showstopping event, creating a huge buzz across the Streatham Campus.
Congratulations on a fantastic event, first class in all areas. Thank you all for your hard work and support over last week, and all the months preceding it.
Mike Haslin, Chief Executive, TUCO
START PLANNING
If you are looking to organise an event, get in touch with our team today.