Incentive & Motivation

Data from VisitBritain’s provisional International Passenger Survey for 2011 points towards a positive period of growth for business visits since 2009. The research reports growth 6% higher in 2011 than in 2010, surpassing the growth experienced in holiday travel.

The provisional inbound business visits for 2011 are 23.5% of all inbound visits compared with 22.8% in 2010.

“This is really positive news for the industry and with the huge amount of event activity and corporate hospitality surrounding the Olympic & Paralympic Games, we’re confident this growth will continue,” comments Michael Hirst, Chairman of the Business Visits & Events Partnership and spokesperson for the Britainfor Events campaign.

He continues, “This striking performance, even beating the growth in holiday visits, has been achieved against a backdrop of the industry increasing its own marketing initiatives, including the Britain For events campaign, following the withdrawal of VisitBritain from promoting the business visit sector earlier in the year.”

“The report has some really positive signs for the future of the business tourism industry and underlines the massive contribution these visits make to theUK’s visitor economy.”

As the Birmingham Convention Bureau celebrates its 30^th birthday at Confex this March, Meet Birmingham, the official business tourism programme for the city, gives 30 reasons to consider holding conferences, meetings and events in the West Midlands this year and beyond…

1. Birmingham is the number one events destination outside London, according to the British Meetings & Events Industry Survey 2011/12 (BMEIS).

 2. There are two rail mainlines running directly from Birmingham into London, including the new Chiltern Railways Mainline, offering journey times from 90 minutes, increased capacity and free Wi-Fi in every carriage.

3. Birmingham has three Michelin-starred restaurants – Purnell’s, Simpsons and Turners – more than any other city inEngland outsideLondon.

4. Being located at the heart of the country, more than 90% of the market is within a four hour journey ofBirmingham.

5. Birmingham is the home of sport in this country, hosting more national, European and world sporting championships than any other UK city. Premier League ever-present Aston Villa are just one of five British football clubs to have won the European Cup.

6. The city has over six thousand hotel bedrooms within walking distance of the city centre.

7.  venuebirmingham, located at the University of Birmingham, offers the classical setting of Winterbourne House set in seven acres of botanical gardens, the majestic splendour of The Great Hall and, new for 2012, the newBramallMusicBuilding.

8.  By the end of 2012, Birmingham will have hosted eight party political events in the past five years, more than any other city. The Conservative Party returns in October to use the city’s conferencing facilities following their visit in 2010 which saw more than 14,000 delegates generating a massive £47 million economic boom for the region.

9. The new Hotel La Tour, opening in March, will have 174 bedrooms and suites, as well as a dedicated conference floor of nine meeting and conference rooms for up to 120 guests.

10.  As part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is the first UK venue to host the Ten Drawings by Leonardo da Vinci exhibition. Over 31,000 visitors had seen the exhibition within its first month.

11. Historic Warwick’s 11^th century castle hosts small and intimate to grand and gracious events in its spectacular surroundings, with the Great Hall and State Rooms providing the most majestic setting for dinners and receptions.

12. Birmingham’s facilities will host both the United States Track and Field team and the Jamaican athletics team, containing Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell, ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games.

13. The £13mEastsideCityPark representsBirmingham’s firstnew city centre park for more than 125 years. It will be completed in the latter part of 2012.

14. The Government’s recent approval of HS2 will allow for a rail network providing capacity for up to 14 trains per hour betweenLondon andBirmingham. HS2 trains will have up to 1,100 seats per train, running at 225mph.

15. New Street Station is undergoing a £600 million refurbishment, transforming it into a 21^st century gateway, with more space, better facilities and improved accessibility for passengers.  By 2015, all work will be complete on this stunning transformation, which will also include a new 250,000 sq ft John Lewis department store.

16. Based in Birmingham, delegates are perfectly placed to explore the historic towns surrounding the city, including Stratford-upon-Avon, home to William Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where the celebrated English writer grew up in the 16^th century.

17. There are over 47,000 seats available every day for performances in the city – that’s an incredible 17 million seats a year.

18. Birmingham Airport’s proposed £65 million runway extension promises to allow for more long haul flights, enabling around 18 million people to use its facilities.

19. Birmingham has been voted 19^th in the “45 places to go in 2012” by the New York Times, thanks to the city’s foodie credentials.

20. Birmingham boasts over 1,000 shops within a 20 minute walk, including Bullring, The Mailbox and over 400 specialist retailers and workshops in its unique Jewellery Quarter.

21. One of Birmingham’s largest conference centres, The ICC is also celebrating an anniversary this year – its 21^st birthday, following its opening in 1991.

22. The Belfry, the home of golf in the UK with three fantastic courses including the world famous Brabazon Course, offers up to 22 function rooms catering for up to 400 people and boasts a hotel on site with 324 rooms – perfect for events of all sizes.

23. Birmingham sits at the hub of the UK’s extensive road network. When arriving in the city centre, there are more than 23,500 well signed parking spaces to choose from.

24. Conference Aston, based on the University of Aston’s campus has 24 purpose built meeting rooms to choose from, as well as 162 stylish ensuite three and four star standard bedrooms available all year round.

25. Edgbaston Stadium has consolidated its status as one of the leading venues in international cricket following a redevelopment which has seen ground capacity expanded to 25,000. Its new Conference and Banqueting Suite caters for up to 700 people offering a unique view over the Edgbaston pitch.

26. Being based in Birmingham creates the perfect opportunity to venture to the surrounding areas of the Black Country. A must-visit location is the Black Country Living Museum – the 26-acre urban heritage park is a living tribute to the traditional skills and enterprise of the people and industry of this area.

27. There are 27 different cuisines to choose from across 200Birmingham city centre restaurants.

28. The city and wider region can lay claim to more than 28,600 available bed spaces, from luxury hotels and apartments to boutique hotels and budget accommodation.

29. One of the city’s most high-profile political events in recent years came on 29^th April 2010 when theUniversity ofBirmingham’s Great Hall was the location for the final televised Prime Ministerial Debate, broadcast by the BBC.

30. For 30 years, the Birmingham Convention Bureau has been providing invaluable advice and event support to conference and event organisers of shapes and sizes. Here’s to another 30!

High profile members of the UK events industry will meet with members of parliament at a closed-door dinner as part of the Britain for Events campaign on 2^nd February 2012.

 Attending the dinner will be 25 industry representatives, joined by five MPs, including Nick de Bois, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Events. The MP’s expected to be present include Bob Blackman MP (Harrow East), Bob Stewart MP (Beckenham), Steve Brine MP (Winchester & Chandlers Ford) and Tom Greatrex MP (Rutherglen & Hamilton West). There will also be attendance from Lady Cobham (Visit England) and Lord Triesman, underlining the collective interest from both houses of parliament.

 The dinner will be co-chaired by Nick de Bois MP and Michael Hirst, Chair of the Business Visits & Events Partnership, with the intention of creating closer partnership between government and industry to increase the UK event industry’s international competitiveness.

 Other confirmed attendees include Fay Sharpe, Managing Director – Sales & Marketing, Zibrant; Leigh Jagger, Chief Executive Officer, Banks Sadler; Kevin Murphy, Chief Executive, ExCeL London; Jonny Sullens, Portfolio Director, Confex Group; Ben Goedegebuure, Director of Sales, SECC; and Jane Longhurst, Chief Executive, MIA.

John Penrose MP, Minister for Tourism, will attend the opening day of International Confex and the International Outdoor Events Exhibition (IOEX) following the collective efforts of theBritainfor Events campaign, International Confex, the All Party Parliamentary Group and Visit England.

 The Minister will attend a networking event before touring the exhibition to gain further insight into theUKevents industry. His attendance follows work done by the industry to gain government support forUKevents and the Minister’s growing interest in the sector and what it can achieve for the growth of UK tourism.

 Talking on behalf of the Britain for Events campaign, Michael Hirst, Chair of the Business Visits & Events Partnership commented, “This is a really significant endorsement of theUKevents industry and a sign of its growth on the government agenda.”

 “As the UK’s premier events exhibition, the lack of senior government attendance in the past has been disappointing, so it’s great news that John Penrose has given up his valuable time to attend,” Hirst concludes.

 “This is a tremendous endorsement of the show and we’re delighted to welcome the Minster to Confex this year,” comments Jonny Sullens, Portfolio Director, Confex Group. “There is no better place for government to witness the professionalism, creativity and all round quality of the UK events industry.”

 International Confex will take place 6-8^th March 2012 with John Penrose MP scheduled to attend on the afternoon of the 6^th March.

A new report circulated amongst Members of Parliament outlines ways in which the UK events industry can work together with national and local government to increase Britain’s competitiveness internationally, and provide a boost to the economy.

 The report highlights opportunities for growth in the UK Events Industry and speculates that with the right support the industry could grow dramatically from its existing £36.1 billion, to £42.2 billion in 2015 and £48.4 billion in 2020. 

 The report, presented to the All Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) and other Members of Parliament, including some Private Parliamentary Secretaries to Ministers, was compiled jointly by the Events Industry Forum and the Business Visits & Events Partnership.

 The report also demonstrates the major growth opportunity theUKevents industry could play for UK plc, and to protect the estimated 25,000 companies that rely on it.

 Outlined within the document are several strategic aims of the UK events industry and  specific roles industry, parliament, local government and national government must play in making Britain more internationally competitive. The report acknowledges theUKindustry’s ‘hard earned global reputation’ and the need to continue to makeBritainmore competitive in the face of fiercer international competition.

 “This is not just about coming cap in hand to government, but about a collaborative effort to work together,” comments Nick de Bois, MP. “Events inBritainrepresent a major opportunity for growth for UK plc and a chance to underline our place as a centre for global business.”

 On top of the economic value of the industry, the report also focuses on the ‘invisible benefits’ of meetings and events, supportingUKexport and positioning the UK as the centre of international business, intelligence and knowledge sharing. It also underlines the vital role events play in bringing together ‘global leaders and thinkers to discuss, debate, learn and share’                                                                                                       

Phil Mist, representing the Event Industry Forum who provide the secretariat to the APPG said, “With the countdown to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games and The Queen’s Jubilee well under way, the UK events industry will undoubtedly again show the world that organising major outdoor and sporting events is one of our specialities, and because of our expertise, the UK economy as a whole will benefit accordingly”.

Michael Hirst, Chairman of the Business Visits & Events Partnership added, “This report comes at a crucial time for the UK economy as the government considers its growth agenda. The UK events sector is well set to play a pivotal role in facilitating economic growth and added employment by showcasing Britain as a world class destination for international conferences and trade shows, as well a staging its great sporting and cultural events and festivals”.

This year’s Britainfor Events campaign will launch at The Deck on the 27^th October, delegates are encouraged to register early to attend the event as space is limited.

 Conference and events enquiries fromAmericahave overtaken those from Europe for the first time, according to statistics released from Chelsea Football Club and the Mayor’s official convention bureau London & Partners.

 The UK is experiencing more inbound business enquiries from theUSthan ever before. During this year the west London Club has seen a 10% increase in enquiries for events, conferences and meetings from theUScompared with 2010. Seasonal and matchday hospitality enquiries from the US have also been steadily rising since the 2008-9 football season and are currently up 6% based on figures from last year. This year alone the club has played host to a growing number of American owned companies and those with head offices based in America.

This is supported by statistics from London& Partners who yyear to date has seen a 19% increase on sales leads coming into London from the USA.  The promotional agency’s 2011 figures show that not only is corporate and association business enquiries from the USA higher in value than those from Europe, but that more American business has converted than European for the first time.

 The news comes after an extremely successful period at the debut of IMEX America this month, which saw Chelsea FC exhibit on the London & Partners stand. Enquiries forLondonwere extremely high during the three day show, which saw Chelsea FC alone take hospitality enquiries worth over £120,000.

 Simon Hunter, Head of Venue at Chelsea FC, comments: “With our central location and range of facilities Chelsea FC is a popular choice for delegates and conference bookers from theUS. Not only can we cater for huge events, but we also offer accommodation, Marco Pierre White restaurants, a health club, spa and music venue all in one location which makes booking and hosting an event with us exceptionally easy. IMEX America has allowed us to further expand into this market and promote ourLondonsuburb”.

 Chris FJ Lynn, London & Partners Sales & Marketing Director, North America & Emerging Markets added: “We are aware just how important the North American business market is for London and we’re always keen to work with partners such as Chelsea FC to highlight all the unique events and activities which are on offer in the UK’s capital. With the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games less than a year away our focus is on how those business travellers can harness the buzz and excitement around London both now and in the future.

Nick de Bois MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events, will launch the Britain for Events campaign on 27^th October 2011 alongside industry thought leaders representing the UK meetings and events industry.

 The launch will take place at ‘The Deck’, at the National Theatre, where de Bois will lay out where government and the industry can work together to increase the UK’s competitiveness in attracting large scale events. The event will also see the unveiling of this years’Britainfor Events campaign and how it will support the industry in achieving this objective.

“This is a vitally important campaign in promoting theUKevents industry,” commented Nick de Bois, MP for Enfield North. “This is an industry that represents a huge opportunity for growth within the economy and to increase our competitiveness internationally.”

The launch event will take place from 6pm – 8pm on 27^th October 2011 and invitations have been extended to MPs on the APPG for Events, as well as members of the Culture, Media & Sports Select Committee and the Business & Enterprise Select Committee. The industry will also be represented though Partners and Supporters of the campaign including the Business Visits & Events Partnership and its member associations.

 Michael Hirst OBE, Chair of the Business Visits & Events Partnership commented: “As an industry we are right to seek a higher profile on the political agenda as we represent an area of huge growth for the economy. We’re delighted that Nick de Bois and his All Party Political Parliamentary Group are taking our case to the very highest levels of government and are so supportive of the Britain For Events campaign.”

To register your attendance at the event please RSVP by 14th October to info@britainforevents.co.uk

 ENDS