Hosting spring conferences at Meet in DCU gives you flexibility, strong transport links, and expert support from a dedicated events team. But a good venue only gets you halfway—planning is what makes a conference work. Here are practical tips to help you get the most from your spring event at Meet in DCU.

1. Spring Fills Fast So Book Early

Spring is a busy time for academic and corporate events. The earlier you book, the more room choice and availability you’ll have.

Top spaces at Meet in DCU:

Room1	Capacity	Layout Options
Mahony Hall	1,200	Theatre
The Gallery	250	Theatre, Cabaret
Seminar Rooms	20–100	Boardroom, Classroom

You can also reserve breakout rooms, catering areas, and private meeting zones.

2. Explore Your Transport Options

Meet in DCU is in Dublin 9, near Drumcondra, Glasnevin, and the M50. It’s easy to reach by:

• Dublin Bus (routes 4, 9, 11, 13, 155)
• Train to Drumcondra Station
• 15-minute drive from Dublin Airport
• On-site parking (limited—advise guests to use public transport)

Add travel info to your invitations and registration emails.

3. Maximise The Campus Atmosphere

You’re not in a hotel—you’re on a buzzing university campus. That means:

• Natural light in most venues
• Green outdoor areas for breaks or networking
• Flexible setups, from formal talks to relaxed workshops
• On-campus cafés for casual meetups

Spring weather makes outdoor options more appealing. Ask the team about outdoor networking or using the plaza for lunch.

4. Plan for Tech and Hybrid Needs

Whether you’re running a fully in-person event or a hybrid one, make tech a priority.

Ask the Meet in DCU team about:

• Projectors, screens, microphones
• Hybrid event support (cameras, streaming)
• High-speed Wi-Fi in all venues
• On-site tech staff on the day

Bring your own USBs, HDMI cables, or spare clickers to avoid last-minute stress.

5. Sort Catering Early

Meet in DCU works with on-site catering teams who provide:

• Morning and afternoon tea/coffee breaks
• Buffet lunches with veggie and vegan options
• Options for dietary needs (gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.)
• Think seasonal: In spring, lighter fare tends to go down better. Think fresh salads, soups, and sandwich platters. You can also request sustainable or low-waste catering if that’s important to your audience.

6. Send a Clear Schedule

People lose focus if timings are vague or inconsistent. A good schedule makes your conference run better and helps people feel more in control of their day.

Include:

• Arrival time and check-in location
• Session times and speakers
• Break and lunch slots
• Optional networking or Q&A slots
• Clear finish time

Stick to your timings on the day. If you’re behind, cut rather than delay.

7. Build in Time for Networking

Don’t cram your schedule. Leave 15–30 minutes between sessions or after lunch to let people talk, connect, or take a breather.

Places that work well for informal networking at Meet in DCU:

• The Helix foyer
• The U (Student Centre)
• Outside the Nursing Building if the weather holds

You could also add a coffee stand or icebreaker activity to prompt conversation.

8.Think About AccessIbility

Spring events bring people of all ages and needs. Make your event accessible:

• Choose venues with step-free access
• Share public transport info and campus maps
• Offer a quiet space if the day is long or intense
• Provide slides or handouts in advance when possible

Let attendees note accessibility needs at registration and follow up before the event.

9. Stay Flexible

Even the best plans need wiggle room. Spring weather in Ireland is unpredictable. A last-minute speaker cancellation might happen. The venue team at Meet in DCU is used to that—talk to them if anything crops up. Having backup plans helps:

• Indoor option for outdoor plans
• Extra chairs or a second breakout space
• Standby staff or student volunteers

10. Follow Up Afterwards

You’ve picked a good venue, run a solid event—don’t let the buzz drop after. Send a short post-event email:

• Thanking attendees
• Sharing slides or recordings
• Linking to a feedback form
• Promoting your next event

This builds engagement and helps your next conference at Meet in DCU run even smoother.

The Bottomline

Hosting spring conferences at Meet in DCU gives you the space, tech, and support to run professional, flexible events. Plan ahead, use the campus to your advantage, and lean on the team for support. A well-prepped event means less stress on the day—and better outcomes for everyone attending.

 

Author Bio: Katie Mcgarr is one of the passionate writers for Meet in DCU, a unique conference venue in Dublin Ireland that is perfect for corporate meetings, conferences, seminars, and events. Writing articles about travel and lifestyle is one thing she finds enjoyable, next to playing the piano.