Molson Coors (UK), the global family brewer, hosted its 2010 national conference in Liverpool because of a recommendation from… a number of local cab drivers.Event organiser Jon Coventry who works for Involve UK chose ACC Liverpool, home to the BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, as the host venue for the brewer’s annual international conference because he was so impressed by his taxi driver’s enthusiasm for the city.
Jon said: “I visited Liverpool a number of times before choosing the venue and was struck by how friendly everyone in the city was. It really makes a difference to the experience delegates have when they visit a city.
“The various taxi drivers who drove me around during my stay in Liverpool made a huge impression on me. They waxed lyrical about the city and really were true ambassadors. Whilst they weren’t the principal reasons we chose Liverpool and the BT Convention Centre they were certainly one of the contributory ones.”
Jacquie Rogers, General Manager, BT Convention Centre, said: “When potential customers and delegates arrive in the city everyone they meet is an ambassador for the city. It’s great to hear that people in the city have gone to great lengths to discuss the range of facilities that ACC Liverpool can provide, and are proud of the impact it has on the local economy.”
The one day conference comprised a number of presentations including the chance to show how beer is a natural partner for a wide range of interesting food styles. Caterers Heathcotes sampled the beers a few weeks before the event and created a menu of food to perfectly complement the different beer flavours.
In November last year the BT Convention Centre teamed up with Liverpool Convention Bureau to host a ‘knowledge’ event, aimed at local taxi drivers, concierges and hotel and restaurant staff in the city so that they would be able to sell Liverpool to visitors.
It is the second time that the venue has benefited following a sales pitch from a local cabbie. Last year a taxi driver was given an Ambassador Award by ACC Liverpool for promoting the venue. The award was introduced to recognise excellence in customer service by front facing staff across Liverpool.
