Summer 2020 came and went. And then summer 2021 did the same. No in-person conferences and events. No guests filling UCLA’s walkways, event spaces and on-campus residences. No delivery vans filled with delicious meals ready to be sent out, set up and served. In summer 2022, that all changes, much to the delight of the entire UCLA Conferences & Catering team.
“From a business perspective, the pandemic was particularly devastating for those working in the hospitality and events industry,” said Samantha Chan, “but we are now starting to bounce back.”
This summer, residential conferences at UCLA are making a nice and steady rebound to what they were pre-pandemic, said Chan. “This is definitely encouraging and shows that the industry is starting to bounce back.”
In a traditional year, summer conference season begins just days after UCLA’s undergraduate students complete the academic year and ends just before the start of the new school year in September.
“During this time our team is going non-stop,” said Chan, adding that summer conferences provide a unique experience for organizations and their guests while generating funds that help off-set on-campus housing costs for UCLA students.
This summer, groups of varying sizes will be descending on UCLA for meetings and conferences ranging from as little as two-night stays to longer visits of more than six weeks. One unique feature that attracts event planners to UCLA is the option for guests to stay in overnight accommodations right on the UCLA campus, making it convenient and fun. Incredible food is also a draw for conference and meeting goers who get first-hand experience with the best college dining program in the nation.
“We’re truly a year-round operation, and we’re excited to welcome our groups back for another great summer.”