ICC associated with success after conference wins
THE International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham has won nine new association conferences and expects the events to boost the local economy by more than £8m over the next five years.
This abundance of association business follows the recent restructure of the ICC’s sales department, which saw the introduction of a dedicated associations team.
The new team, which consists of business development director Catherine Newhall-Caiger, account director Linda Best and account manager Jane Ralphs, has a wealth of experience working in the conferencing and events industry and all have specific experience working with association clients.
Newhall-Caiger said: “We are extremely pleased to be announcing so many new conference wins, five of which are clients who have used the ICC before. When clients choose to return to our venue, it is always a brilliant affirmation that we have delivered a successful conference for not only the client, but also for their delegates, exhibitors and speakers.
“Our new team have an in-depth understanding of associations and we know what it takes to make an association conference successful.”
The new wins include the IT Service Management Forum (itSMF UK), UK & Ireland SAP User Group and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Heath – which are all bringing their events to the ICC for the first time.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Heath has confirmed a two year deal with the ICC and will be hosting both its 2014 and 2015 conferences at the venue.
The itSMF two day conference is expected to attract more than 800 visitors.
Meanwhile, following the success of this year’s annual conference, the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) has confirmed it will be returning to the ICC in 2016.
The National Farmers Union (NFU) has agreed a two year contract and will be returning to the ICC for its 2013 and 2014 annual conferences, both of which will see 1,100 delegates attend.
The British Society of Rheumatology, which had already signed up to hosting next year’s annual conference at the ICC, has also now confirmed the 2017 conference will take place at the venue. The event typically attracts more than 1,000 delegates from across the profession, including GPs, consultants and other health professionals.
The British Council for Offices (BCO) is also making a return visit to the ICC after 14 years. Last with the venue in 2000, the BCO conference will take place in May 2014, and will attract 600 delegates from all organisations involved in creating, acquiring or occupying office space including architects, lawyers, surveyors, financial institutions and public agencies.
The Personal Finance Society has confirmed it will return to the ICC for the 3rd successive year next year for its two day meeting which is expected to receive 600+ attendees.
