Print Preview : Event UK in a strategic partnership with National Meetings Week and VisitBritain

Event UK in a strategic partnership with National Meetings Week and VisitBritain
Show organisers Confex Group can also unveil a strategic partnership with National Meetings Week and VisitBritain as the two brands look to underline Britain’s growing domestic and international appeal. The partnership will build on the shows’ public facing campaign -The Next Big Thing- which will once again be reaching out across UK destinations to build on last year’s impressive event.

Event UK enters its second year since rebranding away from the National Venue Show, faithfully adhering to its remit as the shop window for UK venues and destinations. With the pound weakening against the dollar and the Euro, it is now widely accepted that 2009 presents a fantastic opportunity to talk value to domestic and international event organisers. The shows partnership with National Meetings Week and the campaign’s organising body, VisitBritain, is set to reinforce this message through an integrated marketing effort as well as a jointly branded show identity.

“We’re looking to present a joined up effort with National Meetings Week and VisitBritain; two organisations whose business is promoting UK venues and destinations,” comments Duncan Reid, Confex Group Director. “Event UK takes place during National Meetings Week and I’m confident this will only reinforce our message to event organisers to look to Britain.”

The show’s national appeal will be further reinforced with the welcome return of The Next Big Thing, Event UK’s search for innovative new corporate entertainment acts. Last year the competition welcomed over 200 entries and gave rock and pop band ‘The Red Bullets’ a valuable break in the corporate market. This year The Next Big Thing takes to the road with regional heats already confirmed in Liverpool, Birmingham and London.

“Through The Next Big Thing we’re looking to present a more public facing marketing campaign as well as an opportunity to take the Event UK brand into the regions and direct to UK event organisers,“ continues Reid. “Last year the competition was a real celebration of UK talent and a showcase for what this industry can offer in terms of entertainment.”

Confex Group is also looking to move Event UK back by a week to allow us to advertise and take advantage of the industry magazines September issues. The show will now take place 22nd - 23rd September, with National Meetings Week taking place 21st -27th September. “We felt that with a tough year ahead for many potential visitors we wanted to maximise our marketing opportunities; by moving backwards a week we allow ourselves extra advertising and editorial exposure in these important titles” concludes Reid. Tatiana Rokou - Wednesday, March 04, 2009