Partnership, collaboration and inspiring confidence were just some of the key themes emerging from The Business of Events Wales held this week at the newly-opened International Convention Centre Wales in Newport.
A packed audience comprising Welsh venues, products, hotels, destinations and event planners heard from a wide range of expert speakers who presented on topics as diverse as developing a business events sector strategy to the emerging opportunities to further build Wales as a business events destination.
Michael Hirst OBE, Chair of the Events Industry Board said: “The Business of Events Wales provides a perfect opportunity for collaboration amongst Welsh businesses and with government at all levels. Wales is uniquely placed in the UK to increase its market share of business events both nationally and internationally. It’s an exciting time for the country and I’m hearing more and more positive feedback about both the warmth of the Welsh welcome and Wales’ desire to bring even more business into all parts of the destination.”
Heledd Williams, Head of Business Events at Welsh Government, urged the audience to help communicate the extensive range of venues and services that make Wales’ business events offering so unique. She said: “Our job is to be storytellers – to tell the world why Wales is a great destination for all kinds of events. We need to be bold, confident and proud of not just our landscapes, culture and heritage but also the innovation, expertise and cutting-edge research that is shaping the perception of Wales as a great place to do business. There is a huge opportunity to grow business events in Wales and we are grabbing it with both hands.”
Delegates were also given the opportunity to look around the recently-opened ICC Wales which hosted more than 8,000 delegates during its opening two weeks, including visitors to the three-day UK Space Conference.
Speaking at The Business of Events Wales, Ian Edwards, CEO of Celtic Manor Resort and ICC Wales said: “ICC Wales has rapidly become known for its unique incorporation of the outdoors with stunning woodland views, natural daylight throughout the venue and outdoor meeting areas. Our spectacular new convention centre is a game-changer for Wales and establishes the whole country as a true destination for business events. This is Wales’ venue and we want everyone to feel at home here, from taxi drivers and the local community to international event strategists.”
The Business of Events Wales was preceded by a stakeholder dinner hosted at ICC Wales. Guests included Eluned Morgan, Welsh Government Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language, Sir Terry Matthews, owner of the Celtic Manor Resort and industry influencers from both within Wales and from the rest of the UK.
The Business of Events is a not for profit series of independent cross sector events designed to engage, support and promote the UK events industry.
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For further information please contact;
Hollie Luxford
Account Manager
01892 617904
Andra Miclaus
Account Executive
01892 617908
About The Business of Events
The Business of Events is a series of independent cross sector events designed to engage, support and promote the UK events industry, supported by the UK Events Industry Board and the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Events Industry. It will see senior industry professionals from across the UK and Europe join for a series of discussions and informative sessions, designed to engage, inform and support the UK events sector.
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