BT signs up for name deal at new centre

Dec 13 2007 by Tony McDonough, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL’S new waterfront conference centre is being named after communications giant BT in a sponsorship deal.

The BT Convention Centre, part of the £146m Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool (ACC) complex, is set to transform Liverpool into a leading conference destination and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the city.

The centre has already confirmed dozens of events, including the Liberal Democrats’ spring conference and the Royal College of Nursing annual meeting.

BT, which is also an official Capital of Culture sponsor, has pledged to bring more high-profile events to the centre.

Convention Centre general manager Jacquie Rogers said attracting a blue-chip sponsor such as BT was a coup for the venue and would boost its nationwide profile.

She said: “We are delighted that BT is coming on board.

“The facility will be equipped with the very latest technology for users, making it among the best- equipped centres in Europe.

“This deal will deliver real value to both parties in terms of new business opportunities and national and international profile.”

The centre boasts 1,350 seats, 18 meeting rooms and more than 7,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The neighbouring 10,600-seat Echo Arena, named after the Daily Post’s sister paper, will open in January, 2008, for the Capital of Culture opening ceremony.

The BT Convention Centre will be fitted out with communications technology supplied by Liverpool Direct, BT’s joint venture company with Liverpool City Council, including full wireless coverage and facilities for digital TV and electronic signage. The value of the five-year sponsorship deal is undisclosed.

Rob McVicker, BT’s chief operations officer for Liverpool Direct, said: “BT is delighted to further its relationship with Liverpool.

“We will also be providing great technology, such as WiFi connectivity and a Vocera wireless telephone system.”

The centre is already attracting widespread industry interest even before it opens. It was named second-best in the country in a “mystery shopper” poll in Meetings and Incentive Travel magazine, higher than Birmingham’s NEC, and all the major London venues.

ACC Liverpool chief executive Bob Prattey said: “Today’s news comes just weeks before the Echo Arena stages the opening event for Capital of Culture next year so we’re set for a fantastic few weeks for ACC Liverpool and the city of Liverpool in general.”

alistairhoughton