ICC lands four global deals to boost Birmingham’s conference economy
Birmingham’s International Convention Centre has secured a boost for the city’s conference sector by landing four major event deals.
The four international associations will stage their annual events in the city between August 2018 and August 2020.
The first will be the 12th European Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials in 2018. This will be followed by the 2019 CIRP General Assembly for The International Academy for Production Engineering, The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists in 2019 and finally, the annual meeting and the 21st Congress of the International Society for Burns in 2020.
James Elston, sales director of the ICC, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming so many international associations to Birmingham. The city is in the process of a huge transformation which will be coming to fruition in the next couple of years, and over 2,600 delegates visiting these conferences will get to take advantage of everything our thriving city has to offer.
“As the ICC is at the heart of the Birmingham with plenty to see and do right on its doorstep plus fantastic transport links by road, rail and air, we have complete confidence that the organisers and delegates will enjoy their time here.”
The ICC works in partnership with Meet Birmingham to promote the city as an ideal host venue for such events. Much of the groundwork is done through an Ambassador programme comprising industry leaders and association members.
Linda Best, association account director for the ICC, who was instrumental in securing the four contracts, said: “The Birmingham Ambassadors are passionate advocates for the city, with their support, we can really showcase Birmingham as the global events destination it deserves to be.”
Dr Simon Elliott, Consultant Forensic Toxicologist and managing director at Forensics Ltd, played a pivotal role in bringing TIAFT 2019 to the ICC.
He said: “I have no doubt we have chosen the right venue. I am very proud to have played a part in bringing our 57th Annual meeting to our wonderful city and I truly believe my colleagues who will travel from all corners of the globe will enjoy their time in Birmingham.”
Having a succession of international conferences in the city will also have a positive impact on both the local economy and its inward investment potential.
Emma Gray, director of marketing and communications for Meet Birmingham, said: “As the UK’s most popular conferencing destination outside the capital, Birmingham has a wealth of expertise across many different fields and sectors.
“The fact that so many international associations are choosing to bring their events here is testament to how much the city is currently thriving following an ongoing period of investment.
“These latest wins (also) demonstrate the importance of our Birmingham Ambassadors programme – an initiative bringing together the city’s leading academic figures with the private sector – and its role in attracting key conferences to the region.”
