Cameron Roberts speaks to Michael Williams , managing director , Blackpool Entertainment Company Limited , about how corporate events impact communities

vents do not exist in a vacuum ; hosting a large-scale conference has an impact on the surrounding area as well as supporting businesses beyond the organiser . This is why events are uniquely placed to aid in the recovery of economies .

Blackpool Winter Gardens hosted the Conservative Party Spring Conference , an event which brought together the senior leadership of the UK Conservative party . The undertaking was not only a unique experience for those at the venue , but was also an opportunity to highlight how an event can raise the profile of a local area .

Events at scale

Speaking with Michael Williams ,

managing director , Blackpool Entertainment Company Limited , he detailed how the Conservative Party Spring Conference presented a unique challenge for the venue . Beyond that of a run-of-the-mill corporate event , the conference had a detailed planning process influenced by external forces .

Williams said : “ For something like the Conservative Party Spring Conference , they take over the whole venue , including the new Congress and Exhibition Centre . I think the most unique thing when you ’ re hosting a political conference is the security , the protection of the prime minister and the delegates that are attending the event .”

This process included taking over the venue in the weeks prior to the actual event , making it difficult for event staff to plan onsite . Williams said : “ The search operation starts weeks ahead of the event , and as we get closer to the event we go into complete lockdown . My team is obviously not allowed in the building as well . The police and the army take over the place , it ’ s a massive search operation .”

“ If a third of people are coming into Blackpool for any event , or conference or an exhibition , then they ’ ll be staying over as well ”

Michael Williams

The PM at the Conservative conference

The event itself hosted over 2,000 delegates , putting Blackpool in the spotlight on the national stage . This gave the local community the chance to shine and imprint the town in the minds of the delegates .

Local produce

That local spirit to show off the best of Blackpool was highlighted by Williams , who talked about how the venue “ has great relationships with all of the other businesses in Blackpool .” This showcases , in a