A major new initiative is being launched today (July 26) to raise awareness of the £22 billion-a-year contribution the meetings and events industry makes to the UK economy every year.
Britain for Events 2010 will feature a string of activities designed to show the nation how the sector is overcoming the tough economic climate to support 530,000 jobs both directly and indirectly. (1)
The wide ranging programme being launched by the events industry under the stewardship of VisitBritain will feature several months of activities culminating in a focus week from 18th – 25th October 2010. This will see an MPs Forum at The House of Commons, the Event UK exhibition on 21 – 22 September at NEC Birmingham where hundreds of exhibitors including destinations, venues and suppliers will advise customers on how to run their own events. Visit Britain’s corporate partners, British Airways and the Premier League will also be participating in the campaign.
Britain for Events 2010 is the new identity for the campaign which was previously known as National Meetings & Events Week. The change of slogan is designed to mark the 10th anniversary of the campaign and emphasise that the promotional effort and activities now extend over a longer period than ever before, and not just seven days.
“We’re looking to raise our game yet again – and not just because we have reached our landmark 10th anniversary,” said Simon Mills, coordinator and Head of Business Visits and Events & Partner Marketing, VisitBritain. “By adopting the new Britain for Events 2010 branding we’re looking to use the vast reach of VisitBritain, its international network and corporate partners.”
Last year the campaign reached over 17 million people globally through its online activity and VisitBritain is convinced there is massive potential to be even more successful this time.
Mills also aims to use the campaign as a platform to encourage more inbound business travellers to visit the UK. “The events industry is in a unique position to encourage more business visits into the UK. Even without the current favourable exchange rate we’re a destination that offers exceptional venue and we’re building on our reputation as a nation that delivers on events business.”
