“The idea hovered and shivered delicately, like a soap bubble, and she dared not even look at it directly in case it burst. But she was familiar with the way of ideas, and she let it shimmer, looking away, thinking about something else.”

Phillip Pullman, The Northern Lights

From the smoky myth of the Oxford in Phillip Pullman’s novels to the city’s position as one of the world's foremost hives of academia, Oxford has an undeniable reputation as a breeding ground for ideas. The Saïd Business School offers a state-of-the-art business venue and is the perfect place to create, discuss and pitch your own ideas in this historic city.

Having recently opened a brand new facility that blends the virtual reach with real-life audience engagement. Presenters can engage with attendees joining virtually from across the globe as if they were in the same room. It is the first of its kind in the UK and only the second installation in the world.

Presenter in front of Hive conference wall

Named the Oxford Hub for International Virtual Education (HIVE), the space employs cutting-edge technology and is centred around a high-definition video wall. This virtual conference technology enables talk leaders to engage with up to 84 people at one time in the same way they do in physical auditoriums, with delegates raising hands and asking questions. The video feeds displayed on the wall allow the speaker to calibrate their delivery to the attentiveness and levels of engagement based on the visual cues from their audience.

Hive Conference Wall

The HIVE’s robotics, facial recognition and real-time video communication tools all work together to create an immersive learning and teaching experience. Thanks to HIVE you not only benefit from the local academic atmosphere of Oxford but you're connected to the world so you can give your presentations and seminars a global reach.

Harvard Style Lecture theatre at the Said Business School

There is an increasing demand for state-of-the-art business venues, as new tech like the Hive wall, can enhance and increase effective engagement. This tech is ideal when you need to connect your ideas with delegates and conference guests from across the world. To book the Saïd Business School for your next event, click here

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