NEC targets record year for exhibitions business
Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre is targeting a record breaking year in terms of its exhibitions business.
The venue achieved a record 2016 with 156 events hosted. With a 99% retention rate for its major shows it is now looking for an even more successful year in 2017.
At the mid-point of the year, the venue said it was on track to beat last year’s performance, aided by several major contracts, including This Morning Live, which it said demonstrated the appeal of the venue.
In addition to new launches, the NEC team said it had secured business from organisers looking to relocate their events.
Richard Mann, Market Development Director for the NEC, said: “One of the most pleasing things about our new business wins is that they demonstrate our ability to deliver an audience across all sectors, whether trade or consumer.
“We are welcoming tech-based trade events like Channel Live in ICT, major consumer brands like Destination Star Trek relocating from London, plus new launches such as Commercial Kitchen. We then have the return to the NEC of shows like IPEX, and, of course, the big new adventure experience Dinosaurs in the Wild.”
The growth in business has seen the NEC expand its own team.
Promotions have been given to New Business Development Manager David Gallagher and Account Executive Louise Cash, who now take the roles Senior Business Development Manager and Account Manager respectively, and a further two new Account Executives – Hannah Jones and Helaena Aston, have also joined the team.
Exhibition Sales Director, Janine Smith, said: “It has been a fantastic time for the Venue Sales team. We have been in the very exciting position that not only are we promoting within the team but we are generating so much activity we have grown the team to continue this momentum.
“As a business, we are committed to talent development with the team and I am absolutely thrilled that both David and Louise have been recognised for their hard work. We are also very pleased to recruit two exceptionally talented Account Executives who bring with them fantastic experience.
“With so many great shows already with the venue, and with the additional resource we now have on the team, we are completely focused on pushing for even more activity.”
