35 Interview |
||||
|
perceived as a business events destination .
“ Reflecting on the past 18 months and the challenges the industry has faced , and continues to overcome , the UK business events industry has consistently shown , on a global scale , its resilience and collaboration , working together to ensure it is ready to safely welcome back visitors ,” says Black .
The UK is also being recognised for its ability to adapt . “ With in-person meetings and events restricted in 2020 , destinations , venues and agencies across the UK were at the forefront in enhancing their hybrid and virtual event technology , not only offering planners alternative ways to stay connected and to do business , but crucially keeping our outstanding international events offer front-of-mind ,” he adds .
For instance , in June , the UK hosted the G7 Summit in Cornwall and , most recently , COP26 in Glasgow , which are “ two globally significant events that focus on key challenges of our time ”, says Black . On top of this , the UK will soon play host to a summit of Foreign and Development Ministers from the G7 in Liverpool . “ These activities highlight that the UK is ready to meet again , demonstrating our ability to host large-scale , world-class business events ,” he beams .
Key markets Whilst this support is bound to drive more business events to the UK , what markets are our focus ? “ We want to ensure that the UK business events industry feels supported to secure international business , working closely with our destinations , venues and suppliers to aid them as they get back to what they do best ,” says Black .
As the industry bounces back
|
from the pandemic , VisitBritain ’ s business events team will engage in all global markets , but with a specific focus on Europe and North America , Black tells me .
Furthermore , from 15-17 February 2022 , VisitBritain will be holding its flagship MICE event : MeetGB Virtual .
“ This event aims to provide a flexible opportunity for UK suppliers and buyers domestically and internationally , helping them to reconnect and create crucial business opportunities whilst supporting the MICE industry build back demand for live events ,” he states .
Looking ahead As we look towards the future , we can expect to see some new developments coming to the UK business events industry . To name a few , the UK will host HM The Queen ’ s Platinum Jubilee , the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and UNBOXED : Creativity in the UK 2022 , “ all of which are major
|
“ The UK business events industry provides a vital platform to promote the UK on a global scale .” |
events which will be significant global tourism draws ,” says Black .
Additionally , there are innovative infrastructure developments taking place , adds Black . For example , NewcastleGateshead has experienced major technological investment and , as a result , it has been named ‘ The UK ’ s Smartest City ’.
“ We are also witnessing major investment into expanding our business events product offering . The new £ 260m convention centre , Gateshead Quays , will be opening in 2023 ; ExCeL London will be expanding to include a further 25,000sqm of venue space and the NEC Group are set to create 14,000sqm of new outdoor event space as part of its Birmingham campus redevelopment ,” explains Black .
With so many events , investments and developments coming to the UK business events industry , we are well on track to becoming the ‘ World ’ s Meeting Place ’. CN
|