Firth closes curtain on YIBC

THE Yorkshire International Business Convention will continue in Bridlington but not in Leeds after this year, its organiser has said.

Mike Firth, who has organised YIBC for the last 17 years, said he was bringing the curtain down on the event which has historically been held in Harrogate but is coming to Leeds for 2012.

However, he said YIBC’s sister event in Bridlington would continue.

He said: “The reality is that we’ve got high expectations from the professional community in terms of speakers.

“They want to see leaders but they cost a significant amount and unfortunately there’s not the money around to support that.”

Around 700 people are expected to attend the event, which is being held at MEPC’s Wellington Place scheme in Leeds.

However, this is down on the 1,400 delegates YIBC was getting at its peak in Harrogate, when speakers including former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush senior, first man on the moon Neil Armstrong, and musician Bob Geldof were top draws.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama will be this year’s keynote speaker.

“This year’s event at the wonderful Wellington Place gives me a chance to go out on a high,” Mr Firth added.