Events industry gathers in support of IFB
Representatives from across the events industry gathered this week to support the International Festival for Business with a two day programme (1-2 July) of meetings, events and networking within the festival’s host city of Liverpool.
Liverpool Convention Bureau, Liverpool Football Club and the Concerto Group at the Liver Building, provided the hospitality for the delegation, with ACC Liverpool creating a networking and hospitality hub exclusive to members of the UK events industry. Participants were also treated to a familiarisation tour of Liverpool as part of the collaborative industry wide endorsement.
Michael Foreman, Head of External Relations for ABPCO, who leads the Event Industry Collaborative Initiatives committee, commented: "The International Festival for Business is a classic case of how an event can spur business growth and economic benefit across multiple industries. Liverpool proved itself a warm, hospitable and dynamic host and the entire delegation were impressed with the quality of facilities, and dedication from the city."
In speeches to the delegation, ACC Liverpool Chief Executive Bob Prattey and Director of Marketing Liverpool Chris Brown both underlined the importance of a collaborative approach from the events industry to showcase its influence in business and its benefit to destinations.
Michael Foreman concluded: "The benefits of doing this provides the opportunity to build relationships between our associations as well as leverage our collective influence in various forums right up to the highest level. Working in collaborative ways with associations and their members is no doubt a catalyst to drive new business, growth and economic impact."
Chris Brown added: “We have a strong partnership approach in the City that has enabled us to host over 300 business events through the International Festival for Business but we fully recognise that our future success will be determined by how we further develop collaboration across partners, the associations and their members. This gathering in Liverpool has been a great step forward.”
Organisations on the delegation included the BVEP, ABPCO, HBAA, EVCOM, ISES, MPI and Britain for Events, with over 90 professionals meeting for the evening reception in the Liver Buildings, hosted by Concerto Group.
The success of the inaugural IFB has been rewarded with immediate payback after Chancellor George Osborne committed funding for a 2016 edition of the event that will once again be held in Liverpool.