Conference & Meetings World Issue 123 | Page 8

News

GLOBAL SNAPSHOT

AMERICAS
Las Vegas plans for a decade of F1 Officials in Las Vegas are looking to host Formula 1 Grand Prix for the next 10 years , well past the current three-year deal .
F1 returns to Vegas , 18 November 2023 , with a street race including over the iconic Strip . In ten years , F1 could bring an estimated economic impact exceeding $ 1bn to the region . “ We have a three-year contract with Formula 1 , but we anticipate a lifetime in partnership ,” said James Gibson , the Clark County commissioner .
EUROPE
US meetings space provider Convene acquires UK ’ s etc . venues
Convene has become the largest single provider of premium meeting and event venues in the UK and US with the acquisition of etc . venues , a UK leader in urban day conferencing . The acquisition adds 16 locations to Convene ’ s portfolio . Convene values the combined entities at $ 800m .
The Financial Times valued the deal in the region of £ 200m . Convene ’ s existing investors participated in the financing for this acquisition , including the Hudson ’ s Bay Company , Ares Management Corporation , RXR , Revolution Capital , and Gencom .
EUROPE Poland sets up new convention bureau in Silesia As its business travel sector continues to grow , Poland ’ s Silesian Voivodeship ( province ) – via the Silesian Tourist Organisation – has set up a convention bureau . Silesia , in southern Poland , is characterised by its diverse tourism potential , high-quality infrastructure , and good connectivity . The authorities have understood that realising the potential for business events requires formalised support by way of a CVB . Eighteen consortium members signed up with the new CVB at its inaugural conference in Chorzów .
EUROPE
Consultation launched for new Gateshead Quays conference centre
Revised plans for a £ 330m ( US $ 363.9m ) development with a conference centre , in the north east of England , on Gateshead ’ s Quayside , have been revealed . Proposals by developers Ask : PATRIZIA were presented on 9 February and feature a new arena with a 12,500-capacity and a new linear park located on a 4.6-hectare site . If plans are approved by the council , the development could generate a £ 137m uplift in economic output per annum throughout the construction period .
6 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 123