Conference News October 2021 | Page 16

16 Cardiff

A TASTE OF CARDIFF

Conference News explores the power of food in the Welsh capital of Cardiff
ith a compact city and waterfront location , good access , an excellent range of stadia , venues and hotels , and an attractive range of delegate experiences , Cardiff is one of the more popular destinations for business events outside London .
Its heritage and culture are key strengths . Its thriving culture features the Welsh language and there is a growing focus on the culinary arts . Cardiff is fast becoming a thriving food and drink destination , with initiatives across the city aiming to forge a Cardiff ‘ food story ’, featuring independent businesses , locally sourced produce , and accessible street food . Cardiff Market sit at its very heart .
Faye Tanner is the commercial partnership manager at Cardiff Council , and showcasing the city as an events destination has never been more important . “ Bringing business events back to Cardiff from UK and international associations and companies is part of the city ’ s post pandemic recovery plan ,” she says . “ Like everywhere , events don ’ t just bring revenue for city tourism businesses , but help to showcase Cardiff and thereby attract investment as well as delegates and visitors .
“ Cardiff Council ’ s Meet in Cardiff team works alongside the Invest in
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff team to promote the city as a fast growing and dynamic city with a number of high growth industry sectors and sub-sectors and a vibrant collective of start-up businesses .”
Meet in Cardiff has been planning during the pandemic with the development of digital tools and industry support in preparation for the relaunch of business events . Tanner says that Meet in Cardiff has been working with its Cardiff Conference Ambassadors to influence bookers to choose the destination .
“ Meet in Cardiff promotes the destination direct to conference and business event organisers and bookers . The team comprises of local , experienced individuals and provides a range of services to help to produce conference bids , source venues , organise accommodation and arrange suppliers and social programmes . Its services are completely free ,” Tanner adds .
Sustainability Cardiff ’ s local authority follows the seven rules under the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act 2015 ( Welsh Government ), which requires public bodies in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions , to incorporate sustainability into its main agenda . Many event venues and hospitality businesses are following by reviewing their own practices and re-evaluating how they can be more sustainable , specifically in the delivery of food and drink .
One example of a past major event to the city where sustainability was placed front and centre was the Volvo Ocean Race Stop Over . Sustainability was a key theme throughout the event at all levels , including what food and drink was available and how it was packaged . There was no single-use plastic , for example , with only refillable water stations on site .
Clare Brockway , conference services manager explains that at www . conference-news . co . uk