City News

Sales staff from the Ricoh Arena in Coventry will be flying to Spain next month (November) to showcase the venue at one of Europe’s leading exhibitions for event organisers.

EIBTM 2007 is expected to attract over 6,000 visitors who organise conferences, events, business travel and meetings to the purpose-built Fira Gran Via, Montjuic 2, venue in Barcelona between November 27 to 29.

Head of Sales Julie Graham and Business Development Manager Shona Betts will be promoting the Ricoh’s state-of-the-art conference and exhibition facilities to encourage more European visitors to Coventry when they share a stand with Marketing Birmingham.

Julie said it was the first time the Ricoh Arena had attended EIBTM as the venue aimed to attract more international business by promoting the International Events Centre (IEC) at the Ricoh Arena.

She said: “Visitors from across the world attend this three-day exhibition in Barcelona to find out more about products and services which can benefit their business.

“We firmly believe Coventry has the potential to establish itself as an exciting events destination with the array of conference and exhibition suites available at the Ricoh Arena along with the tourist attractions in the region.

“We will be handing out our new IEC brochure as the next part of our business plan to attract more visitors from the UK and Europe.

“Ninety-five countries will be represented at EIBTM and it is vital that we spread the message about our fantastic facilities to key people in the European-wide events industry.

“The Ricoh has enticed visitors to Coventry who had not previously visited the city which has had spin-off benefits to tourist attractions as well and this is a platform that we are keen to build on.”

Julie said the Ricoh’s versatility was a proven winner within the competitive industry.

“Event organisers always praise our flexibility since they now require more than modern conference and exhibition facilities,” she added.

“Our key marketing tool is our flexibility since guests can attend a trade exhibition or conference, meet clients for a meal or drinks in the Singers Bar and Bistro, stay overnight in our hotel and watch Coventry City, enjoy a concert or head to the Isle Casino.

“This is a great opportunity to network with decision makers at such a prestigious event as EIBTM and we are hopeful it will lead to more business.”