Delegates in Blackpool for the Conservative Party Spring Conference very real way , how events at scale can truly benefit local economies beyond the events value chain .
“ After a conference finishes at lunchtime . If delegates bring their families , they can go to the piers . They can go to the opera house here at the Winter Gardens , or go to the Grand Theatre . I think the wraparound offer that we have in Blackpool is ideal .”
It ’ s not just conferences coming to the venue externally which is a measure for success for Winter Gardens Blackpool . Local business utilise the venue for meetings and corporate events . Having this resource on their doorsteps , I wanted to know how highly Williams prioritised using the space for local corporate events .
He said : “ We measure local corporate events as one of our KPIs . Our corporate bookings tend to be split a third , a third and a third . A third is local , another is drive time of two hours , from just the border of Yorkshire to Lancaster .”
He did , however , point out that much of the benefit to the local community does come from external events . He said : “ I think it ’ s a good split , because that then for the local economy , 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 .”
Enhanced experiences
Making corporate events memorable is more than just a great venue ; it ’ s about linking the content of the event to experiences alongside the event itself . For many events this comes in the form of shared activities within an organisation .
Blackpool is perhaps best known for its attractions , meaning it ’ s somewhat uniquely placed to offer an experience to a delegate . Williams spoke about how Winter Gardens Blackpool shines a light on local businesses to improve a delegate experience .
He said : “ During the Conservative Party Conference , at the top of the tower , there ’ s a new bar that was rented out a couple of nights for private parties , so delegates could go and have drinks with a 360-degree view , 519ft in the air .
“ Some delegates wanted to go and ride the Big One at the pleasure beach , so we spoke to the beach , and we facilitated that . Or if they just wanted to book a table in a restaurant , we could arrange all of that . We do work very closely with the local community to enhance that experience .” CN www . conference-news . co . uk