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The West Midlands Growth Company shares with Conference News the region ’ s best conference offerings .
here has never been a more exciting time for the West Midlands . Located in the centre of the country , the region is the beating heart of the UK ’ s events industry . Over the next 18 months , the West Midlands plays host to the UK City of Culture and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games – once-in-a-lifetime opportunities , which will put the region in a great place to bounce back from the economic impact of Covid-19 .
The West Midlands ’ business tourism expertise is well known .
Canalside view of the ICC
The region attracts the highest proportion of business visits in the UK , and the most recent British Meetings & Events Industry Survey ranked Birmingham as the most popular location for conferencing and events outside London . Coventry also appeared in the top 10 favourite conference destinations and Stratford-upon-Avon and Wolverhampton featured in the top 50 .
Steve Knight , senior business tourism manager at the West Midlands Growth Company , tells
Conference News : “ The West Midlands has long been a favourite for event organisers thanks to its central UK location , large number of bed spaces and the breadth and depth of its venues .
“ What sets this region apart is its people . The West Midlands is one of the most innovative and dynamic areas in the world . From our proud industrial heritage inventing the steam engine and first practical bicycle , to the pioneering , present-day work of our universities to help people to live longer , healthier lives , our good-humoured population continues to make its mark .”
Birmingham Birmingham is an established , natural home for meetings and conferences , with a strong track record of delivering unique and entertaining experiences for its business tourists .
Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year , the ICC is one of Europe ’ s premier events venues , with 10 executive meeting rooms and 10 conference rooms . It makes up part of the NEC Group portfolio alongside the Vox and Utilita Arena in Birmingham , and the NEC and Resorts World Arena in nearby Solihull .
Other popular choices across the city include Millennium Point ( up to 500 for a standing reception in Atrium ); Town Hall Symphony Hall ( up to 2,000 theatre style ); thestudio ( 19 meeting rooms accommodating 2-220 guests ); The Belfry ( up to 400 theatre style ); and The Edgbaston Boutique Hotel & Cocktail Lounge ( up to 55 for banquets ).
In 2021 , Birmingham welcomes the launch of the stunning Grand Hotel , following a www . conference-news . co . uk