Conservative Party conferences to return to Birmingham
The Conservative Party has announced it will be holding three party conferences in Birmingham in the space of five years.
The event has been scheduled for the ICC in Birmingham for 2022, 2024 and 2026.
This year’s conference had been due to take place in the city in October but will now be a virtual event.
The location of the conference has alternated between the ICC and Manchester’s Central since 2008.
Amanda Milling, Conservative Party co-chairman, said: “I’m delighted to announce that we’ll be holding three future conferences in Birmingham.
“Birmingham is key to our plan to level up the entire country and we look forward to our making our relationship with the city stronger than ever.
“Naturally, this announcement is tinged with the disappointment that we can’t hold our full annual conference in the city this year.
“We will continue to work with our partners and look to hold some elements of the traditional Party Conference nearer the time. But we will return for our Party Conference in 2022.”
Paul Thandi, CEO of the NEC Group, said: “We are pleased to agree a deal with the Conservative Party to bring their 2022, 2024 and 2026 conferences to the venue.
“We have had the pleasure of hosting the Conservative Party Conference for six years, which has had great economic impacts for Birmingham, and look forward to welcoming the event’s return in 2022.”
Stephanie Mynett, visitor economy business development manager at the region’s Convention Bureau – which aims to attract visitors, conferences and events to the West Midlands – said: “The Conservative Party’s decision to return to Birmingham for three further annual conferences is fantastic news and a tremendous boost for our business tourism sector. It builds on our Convention Bureau’s great working relationship with the Party, and underlines the Conservatives’ trust in the West Midlands to come together and consistently deliver a successful event.
“Political conferences are a big deal for the region’s hospitality venues. Previous events have generated an estimated economic impact of up to £20 million for Birmingham and the West Midlands, with our meetings spaces, accommodation, restaurants and attractions serving as the backdrop for the country’s top decision makers.
“The spotlight is set to shine on the region more than ever, thanks to unique events including the UK City of Culture 2021 in Coventry and the 2022 Commonwealth Games. This announcement puts the West Midlands in a strong position to boost the economic recovery of the UK’s business tourism industry.”
