In a first for the English regions, Birmingham is taking the lead to strengthen its global events
city status at IMEX next month [April].
Birmingham Convention Bureau (BCB), which is operated by Marketing Birmingham and with
additional funding and support from Advantage West Midlands, is taking the bold move at the
prestigious Frankfurt exhibition to showcase the city as a leading events destination. BCB will be joined by the International Convention Centre (ICC) and CVOne.
While other English cities are represented at the three day exhibition alongside VisitBritain,
Birmingham will be the first city outside London to have a stand alone presence, reflecting the
importance of the events industry to the regional economy and the confidence of Marketing
Birmingham in the city’s ability to attract international acclaim.
Ian Taylor, Commercial Director at Marketing Birmingham explained: “IMEX is an important date in the calendar for the industry, with attendees visiting exhibitors on an appointment basis. This means that before we arrive we have a full diary of hosted buyers and corporate visitors who specifically wish to find out more about Birmingham.
“In research that we commissioned last year, it was revealed that the events industry in the West Midlands is worth a staggering £6bn to the regional economy and £2.3bn in Birmingham alone. It is therefore clearly essential that we continue to grow this area and attract more high profile events to the city, creating more employment opportunities and increasing income for our hotels, restaurants, bars, attractions and transport operators, as well as grabbing the attention of the media to facilitate in improving perceptions of Birmingham.
“Birmingham is one of Europe’s busiest meeting points and by securing major high profile events such as the Conservative Party Conference, BBC Sports Personality of the Year and the European Athletics Indoor Championships, people are really starting to sit up and take notice.
“We need to build on this quickly and IMEX gives us the perfect opportunity to get in front of
serious event organisers and showcase what Birmingham has to offer.”
Nick Waight, managing director, convention centres, The NEC Group, said: “The International
Convention Centre, Birmingham provides the perfect conference venue for delegates from around the world located in the centre of the cosmopolitan city of Birmingham, it offers excellent transport links, superb dining, amazing culture, fantastic shopping and a diverse range of exciting visitor attractions within the city and further a field.
“We have hosted a range of prestigious international conferences including The World Baptists Congress, The G8 Summit, International Congress of Thrombosis and Haemostasis and The International Early Psychosis Congress.
“As the UK's leading conference centre, The ICC, Birmingham offers conference organisers,
delegates and exhibitors a first class experience in a purpose built facility with a professional
dedicated team of people who are truly passionate about their business and the quality of service that is delivered.
“The ICC’s presence on the Birmingham stand at IMEX can only boost the reputation of what is already a world-class business destination, in the heart of one of the UK’s most vibrant and active cities.”
As well as promoting the modern venues and facilities in the city at IMEX, BCB will also
demonstrate the rich culture of Birmingham with live jewellery making displays throughout the
show from manufacturers based in the historic Jewellery Quarter, where 40% of the UK’s
jewellery is produced.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Charlotte Beeching, External Affairs Manager, Marketing Birmingham
Tel: 0121 202 5143 or email us.
Download 020-Birmingham_at_IMEX_en (.pdf 16.15 KB)
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