Behind the scenes at the NRC this week

November 28, 2022November 29, 2022 Carol Smith

Following last week’s large events with 100+ visitors the team the the NRC has a small window to prepare for the ABDO theory exams. This entails clearing all the training kit, tables and chair setups, accounting for all used optical kit, restocking, replenishing, and recycling.

Once the bulk of the NRC is stripped, we vacuum approx. 6,000 square foot in this instance and wipe down all tables and chairs. To put this into perspective we wiped down 70+ tables and 100+ chairs. Carpets are shampooed too depending on spillages of previous event.

The NRC is clean and ready to prep for the next event. The setup for ABDO exams means the entire fourth floor has to be opened up so four partition walls moved then exam tables and chairs for the maximum number of students and table dividers for each table.

We then make sure exam paperwork has arrived and is locked away. The invigilators need an area too, so we set up tables around the fourth-floor area with spare lined and graph paper, pens, calculators, and general stationery too.

We then check the audio capabilities, mics needed for invigilators to get exam registrations across and that the giant screens are all on with the correct time on for everyone to see.

We will help to register the students sitting exams and for most theory exam days there are multiple papers being sat so after each paper we then reset chairs, paper and assist invigilators in any way we can to ensure smooth running of the exam session.

This particular session is Tuesday-Thursday. Friday we then start the process again for audiology exams that are taking place next week. Working at the NRC is not for the faint hearted!

EXCELLENT rating
Based on 26 reviews

We have used the meeting facilities at ABDO on numerous occasions. The staff are extremely warm, welcoming and accommodating (huge shout out to Mat Stringer, nothing is too much trouble). The facilities are excellent and the rooms are always set up exactly as requested. I would have no hesitation in recommending this as a meeting venue.

Yvonne LEA

21/03/2024

The venue is a perfect location, facilities are great with spacious rooms and everything you need for your event. Staff are really helpful and can't do enough for you. Will use again.

Shirley SMITH

29/02/2024

Had an amazing couple of days at the NRC for the FQE practical revision event. Staff were very welcoming, friendly and approachable and I feel a lot better about the upcoming exams. The layout and aesthetics of the building are incredible. However, the highlight of my day was the lush lunch packs that we got for both days, amazing! Special shout out to Matt Stringer who provided me with a goody bag full of left over cakes!

Katie Martin

14/02/2024

Amazing couple of days at the NRC for the practical revision sessions. Staff were incredible, very knowledgeable, friendly and approachable! Invaluable in preparing for my final examinations. Incredible location, design of the building and interior is lovely, and so clean!

emelye c-p

14/02/2024

Superb Venue. Very bright, exceptional Professional Staff, Spacious and Close to Birmingham City Centre.

richard fowler

10/02/2024

Held our first conference here on Monday running five simultaneous streams of education. The venue is great with easy parking but above all, the staff are excellent. Nothing was too much trouble and the day ran flawlessly. Big thanks to Matt and the team.

ian beasley

29/11/2023

I have been a delegate using this centre for the last 4 years, year on year for a variety of reasons and events. Regardless of type of event, reasons for the event, the consensus is it is adaptable for the requirements of the individuals, businesses and sponsors. The location is brilliant. You have several nearby hotels within a 1 mile radius for overnight stay whilst also not being far from various methods of transport including the M6, Birmingham train station, Birmingham Airport and other connecting Motorways such as the M5 and M42. They have several floors available to be tailored to your requirements, with a very modern hot drinks dispensing machine for you and your delegates attending and equally technogically advanced for your needs of your meetings and/or conferences. Mat Stringer and his team are the brains behind the operations and he will go the extra mile to ensure you're welcome and you're set up for the day, even if you're having technical difficulties, he is there. It takes just one phone call or email to have that discussion which will revolutionise how you hold conferences for you and your businesses.

Google “CaptFatNeck” Review

31/10/2023

The NRC is a fantastic place, not only for Opticians. Great meeting space for any working group, easy to access and great views over the city. The staff are super helpful, 5 stars!

Mark Chatham

26/10/2023

We recently hosted a course here and wouldn't have changed a thing. Facilities were exactly what we needed, venue was clean and tidy, staff were lovely and friendly, and nothing was too much trouble at all. Very much looking forward to returning in a few weeks

Jordan Froude

13/10/2023

This place is an amazing resource. The quality and design of the clinic rooms are really professional and they almost feel like a boutique hotel. The attention to detail and service from both Matthew and Rebecca was also exceptional. A great place for learning. Thank you.

Edel Duffy

03/10/2023

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