LIVERPOOL’S new waterfront conference centre has been named the best event venue in the UK – before any delegates have even entered the building.
Judges bestowed the accolade on ACC Liverpool, which comprises the BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena, at the International Confex conference, held each February at Earls Court, in London.
It is a huge coup for the team behind the BT Convention Centre – where the £164m Liverpool conferences will be held – ahead of the very first delegates being welcomed this month.
More than 15,000 people, including event organisers and buyers from across the globe, attend International Confex each year to compare and select new venues and services, making it the biggest convention of its kind in Europe.
The judges said of ACC Liverpool: “This is a venue that has grabbed headlines since the turn of the year. It is a 21st- century green, sustainable venue – a shining example of best practice.
“This is a venue worthy of the claim: Capital of Conference.”
Jacquie Rogers, BT Convention Centre general manager, said: ‘To be named Best UK Venue in our inaugural year really is overwhelming.
“The accolade is a reflection, not just of our magnificent, cutting-edge building, but also the phenomenal efforts of the convention centre team working behind the scenes.
“We have attracted some of the highest-profile organisations in the country to the BT Convention Centre – from the Liberal Democrats to the Royal College of Nursing and the British Chambers of Commerce.
“What’s even more encouraging is that organisations aren’t just booking for 2008 during Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture – the TUC is just one example of an organisation which we’ll be hosting in 2009. If ever there was proof of the legacy of this year, then ACC Liverpool is it.”
ACC Liverpool also won the accolade of Best Marketing Campaign at Confex. This was for pre-show teaser campaign called Let The Show Begin – which used a combination of digital media and other innovative touches including the presence of a magician at the event, who entertained potential clients.
The BT Convention Centre will host the majority of ACC Liverpool’s conferences and houses 1,350 seats, a 3,725 sq metre multi-purpose hall and 18 further meeting rooms.
Total exhibition space is in excess of 7,000 sq metres. The adjoining Echo Arena Liverpool has 10,600 seats and hosts major entertainment and sporting events.
lizawilliams
